5 Jeans for Spring & How to Wear 'Em

From the super-flared to the super-skinny to everything in between, pretty much every style of denim is in right now! The good news? You already have most of these styles in your wardrobe. Here are some ideas for how to rock five denim trends for spring 2011!

1. Flares: Flares are back in style in a big way! In fact, the bigger the better when it comes to the size of the “bell.” Rock this exaggerated look with a jacket and some heels which will elongate your legs and look really on-trend!
Jeans: Gap (photos 1 & 3), $15
Jeans: True Religion/Jasmine Sola (photo 2), $145

Just like J:
1. Gap New Wide Leg Trouser Jeans, $55.60
2. American Eagle Vintage Flare Jean, $34.95
3. Express Flare Leg Stella Regular Fit Jean, $79.90

2. Skinny: Just because flares ruled the runways doesn’t mean you should throw out your skinny jeans just yet! They are the best type of jeans to wear under boots, and you can always transition them to spring by pairing ‘em with a colorful cardigan and cute pumps.
Jeans: Gap (photos 1 & 3), $44
Jeans: American Eagle (photo 2), $33

Just like J:
1. Gap Always Skinny Jeans (Saturated Dark Wash),$69.50
2. Old Navy The Diva Skinny Jeans, $29.50
3. American Eagle Skinny Jean, $44.95

3. Bootcut: Not into skinny jeans or flares? Bootcut jeans are universally flattering and look great with pretty much any outfit. Keep a pair on hand for days when you want to be both comfy and stylish.
Jeans: Hudson/Filene’s Basement, $70

Just like J:
1. Gap Perfect Boot Jeans, $69.50
2. American Eagle Slim Boot Jean, $29.95
3. Hudson Signature Boot Cut Jeans, $187 at Shopbop

4. White: White is one of the hottest trends for spring—white dresses, white shirts and, yes, white denim. Don’t be shy about wearing these before Memorial Day—pair your white denim with a navy blazer or a heavy cardigan to take you through spring!
Jeans: Gap, $30

Just like J:
1. Gap Cropped Skinny Trouser Jeans, $59.50
2. Express Bootcut Stella Regular Fit Jean, $69.90

5. Colors: Spring is always a colorful season, but this year especially we’ll be seeing lots of bright colors in stores and on the runway. Step up your denim collection with some gray, black or red skinny jeans!
Jeans: Gap, $35
Jeans: Gap, $15
Jeans: Gap, $35

Just like J:
1. Gap Always Skinny Jeans (Patch Pocket, Black Wash), $79.50
2. Forever 21 Stretchy Denim Capri in Red, $17.80
3. Urban Outfitters BDG Cigarette Jean, $54 

Tell me: What’s your favorite style of jeans? What styles will you be trying this spring?

[This is a guest post for Shecky's.com. To see the post on their website click here.]

Today's Everyday Fashion: No Regrets

I have an annoying habit of "saving the best for last." As a child I would save my best candy or Crayon and then ultimately wound up never getting to use them. I wish I could say I've outgrown this tendency, but I did the same thing with this outfit! I wanted to save it for a cold day in Orlando and instead I missed the boat altogether. :-( There's always next winter, right?

Styling tip: Please, by all means, learn from my mistake! Don't save that amazing outfit, wear it now! If there's another occasion down the line, just wear it again. I promise I won't tell. ;-)

Inspiration photo: J.Crew
Jacket: LOFT, $50
Shirt: J.Crew, $17
Belt: Urban Outfitters, $20
Cargos: TJ Maxx, $17
Boots: Aldo, $75
Purse: Juicy Couture/Neiman Marcus, $115
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5
Faux fur collar (right): H&M, $15

Today's Everyday Fashion: Kiss it Goodbye

Good news ladies - Punxsutawney Phil didn't see his shadow this year, which means spring is right around the corner! We are certainly feeling it in Florida already. It's beautiful, in the 80's and I'm guessing we've seen the last of the cold weather. I have a few more winter outfits I'll be sharing though, today's included. Red pants were all over New York Fashion Week last week, so I was inspired to pull these out for one more winter look before pairing them with some sandals this spring.

Tell me - what is your favorite season for fashion?

Inspiration photo: Zara.com
Blazer: Gap, $70
Shirt: Gap, $14
Pants: Gap, $15
Boots: Forever 21, $33
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5

Fabulous Finds

Anyone else drooling on their computer right now? Thanks to ShopNBC, I sure am! I recently discovered on their website that fine jewelry (meaning real, 14k gold pieces that last a lifetime) don't have to be expensive, and yes they can be stylish too. And now I want themmmmm. I mean, there comes a time in every girl's life where she needs some fine jewelry, right? (*hint, hint* to the hubs if you are reading this!) I shared my favorite picks with you in the picture above. Check out the gold jewelry from ShopNBC and tell me, which one is your favorite?

14K Gold Hammered & Diamond Cut Ricami Reconstituted Turquoise Ring, $118.62
14K Gold Smoky Quartz Drop Hoop Earrings, $108.12
7.75" or 8.5" Multi-Strand Celebration Bangle Bracelet, $104.00
14K Gold Electroform Cameo Pendant, $149.92
14K Gold 7.5" Faceted Onyx Bracelet, $269.98
14K Gold 7" Electroform Snake Bangle Bracelet, $348.58
14K Rose Gold / White Agate or Yellow Gold / Turquoise Glitter Earrings, $137.12
14K Gold Diamond Cut Overlay & Faceted Gem Pendant, $99.18 

Today's Everyday Fashion: If at First You Don't Succeed

Let's be honest here. Sometimes you get an outfit idea, you're really excited about it, and then you put it on and it sucks. It happens to the best of us. Today's outfit was a process so I thought I'd share my past FAIL and how I learned from it:

Left: FAIL I put this outfit together a couple months ago but something was "off." I eventually realized that a. the sweater flaring out over either side of the pencil skirt was making my hips look really wide, b. the sweater looked sloppy unbuttoned and c. in general this vest was way too long for this skirt (the hemline is only a few inches longer than the vest).

Right: PASS This outfit is having the exact opposite effect as the one on the left. I look long and slim vs. short and stumpy, the buttoned vest is having a slimming effect on my waist and the length of the vest looks stylish, not cumbersome. Today's lesson: if at first you don't succeed, try, try again!

Occasion: I wore the look on the right to a Facebook coaching session with some small business owners earlier this week.
Sweater vest: Forever 21, $22
Shirt: Banana Republic, $15
Jeans: Gap, $15
Belt: Gap, $10
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5
Shoes: Restricted/Endless.com, $39

Flashback Friday: Black Skinny Jeans

Today's Flashback Friday is going to blow your mind.  Even I'm a bit shocked at how versatile black skinny jeans can be! They work with black shoes, brown shoes, gray shoes, nude shoes, leopard print, polka dots, denim shirts, gold sequins.... does it get any better than that? My other favorite thing about these jeans - you can hardly tell they are jeans. You could wear them to work and totally pull them off as dress pants. Go ahead, I won't tell. ;-)

Which look is your favorite? Which looks would you wear to work?

[click the picture to make it larger!]

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Winning Recipe

Some people follow recipes to make dinner, I follow recipes to make outfits. Today's inspiration photo is from Zara and it's a bit like a recipe in my eyes. Add one cinnamon skirt + buttercream cardigan + a dash of a belt? Anyone else seeing what I'm seeing? All joking aside, today I have some meetings for my social media gig and needed a look that is professional but stylish, and comfortable to boot. Ding, ding, ding we have a winning recipe! :-)

Styling tip: Look for inspiration everywhere. Today's photo is from the regular merchandise pages of Zara (not the fancy lookbooks they create, which are also full of inspiration). Whenever you get inspired or think of an outfit idea be sure write it down. Then consult your list the next time you need a new outfit in a snap!

Occasion: Business meetings
Photo left: Zara.com
Cardigan: Banana Republic, $14
Shirt: Banana Republic, $17
Skirt: J.Crew, $45
Belt: Gap, $10
Shoes: BCBG/Ross, $23
Watch: Michael Kors, Christmas present
Necklace: Banana Republic, $18

J's Everyday Fashion - THE SHOW!

I have some crazy-exciting news! J's Everyday Fashion is partnering with Izon Orlando to produce a makeover show based on this blog!! Thirteen lucky ladies will receive a makeover from yours truly, and the best part - everyone can watch from home. Why this rocks my world:

- I get to help 13 women face-to-face, which is right in line with my mission statement for this blog.
- I'm planning to choose women with different body types and ages, so I can share tips and tricks that apply to many different women.
- The show will be available to watch online, so no matter where you live you can join in on the fun.

Details: the pilot episode will air in a few months. After that, I will be opening up a search for anyone who wants to be on the show. (For now, I ask that you please hold off on emailing me to apply.) I'll be sharing updates as the pilot progresses and of course will let you know when the show premieres and the search begins.

A huge thanks to all of you who read my blog - you are the ones making this show possible and I'm so excited to share fashion tips with you in a new way!

xoxo,
J.

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Safety Zone

Last week I was asked to speak at a women's networking event. The catch: the event was happening in only a couple hours! I said yes and then (*gulp*) I realized I needed to prepare something to say and find a cute outfit. I started to try on every item in my closet and then it hit me - this kind of occasion calls for the safety zone. What is the safety zone? Well, for me that's when you put on all of your favorite pieces and then you feel nice and safe. :-) It did the trick. I felt free to concentrate on my speech and wasn't worried about my outfit because these are some of my most-loved pieces! What is your safety zone outfit?

Why this works: A navy blazer and collared shirt are pretty formal. I paired them with ripped jeans to add a fun vibe to my outfit and keep it from looking too buttoned-up!

Occasion: Speaking engagement
Blazer: Gap, $70
Shirt: H&M, $13
Brooch: Banana Republic, $15
Belt: H&M, $20
Jeans: American Eagle, $33
Shoes: Restricted/Endless.com, $39
Watch: Michael Kors, Christmas present
Bracelets: Banana Republic, $10-15

A huge thanks to Tiffany for snapping this photo and sending it to me! :-)

About the event: Orlando Women's Network (OWN) is a monthly meet-up for professionals in Orlando. I spoke about how to market your small business, including lots of tips for Facebook, Twitter and marketing online. About 15 women were in attendance, it was great to meet everyone! Check out this link if you're interested in attending the next meeting.

Today's Everyday Fashion: A Touch of Red

In a conservative office, a full-fledged pink and red outfit will just not fly on Valentine's Day. Still want to show your V-day spirit? Go with a pop of red and a fun printed blouse, and keep the rest of your outfit professional. A wink to the holiday of love, without going to far!

Why this works: Do you have a high-waisted skirt like this one? Layering a thick, elastic belt tricks the eye, making the rise of skirt seem lower and creating a defined waist. (ps. In the left photo my belt was down a little lower than it should have been, whoops!) ;-)

On a personal note - what are you guys up to for Valentine's Day?! Would love to hear how you are celebrating!

Occasion: Work
Blazer (left): Express
Shirt: TJ Maxx, $15
Skirt: Banana Republic, $40
Belt: Forever 21, $5
Shoes: Calvin Klein/Filene's Basement, $70
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5

Valentine's Day Giveaway!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! To show how much we appreciate you guys, J's Everyday Fashion and The Unique Closet have a *sweet* giveaway for you today! :-) The winner will receive the item of their choice from the Unique Closet. To enter:

1. Leave a comment below with a link to your favorite item (include your email address if you'd like to be contacted when you win)

2. Create a free account with The Unique Closet

3. Follow this blog (via the "Follow" button in the right-hand column)

A winner will be chosen on 2/16 at midnight. Good luck and have a great V-day!

xoxo,

J.

WE HAVE A WINNER! Congrats Michelle!

 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Do as I Say, Not as I Do

At first glance, my inspiration photo and I look nothing alike. But this photo is 100% responsible for the color combination in today's outfit. I'm not even sure I like her outfit, but I loved the unexpected pop of turquoise, which I brought in with a cardigan. I needed something I could wear to church, but also go sit outside for a soccer game this afternoon, and this color inspiration was the boost I needed to come up with something fun and funky! Today's lesson: think outside the box, and use inspiration photos to come up with your own funky combos!

Occasion: Church and soccer game
Photo left: WhoWhatWear.com 
Cardigan: Banana Republic, $35
Shirt: Zara, $13
Belt: H&M, $20
Cargos: Sanctuary Surplus/Nordstrom Rack, $40
Boots: Bakers, $95
Watch: Michael Kors, Christmas present

What to Wear for Valentine's Day!

Occasion #1: Fancy date in a warm climate. Go totally girlie and wear head-to-toe pink!

Occasion #2: Fancy date in a cold climate. A classic red dress is the ultimate Valentine's Day outfit. Wear it with some tights, boots and a black jacket for added warmth!

Occasion #3: Work. Add a touch of pink with a silk blouse paired with work-appropriate neutrals.

Occasion #4: Classroom. Does your V-day involve hosting a classroom full of kiddos? Try a festive purple cardigan paired with denim and comfortable pumps.

Occasion #5: Not celebrating. You hate Valentine's Day and want to rebel. Show your wild side in leopard print and loud pants.

(From left to right)

Flashback Friday: Mustard Cardigan

This week's Flashback Friday is featuring one of my favorite items in my closet right now - the mustard cardigan! Who knew a cardigan this colorful could be so versatile? It's equally at home in a girlie look, an office look, and a winter look! Tell me - which look is your favorite? And what items would you like to see featured for Flashback Friday?

Today's Everyday Fashion: Winter Wishes

I don't really miss the ice, snow and cold up north - but I do sometimes wish I could wear awesome outfits like this one! (maybe we'll get a cold streak soon?) My outfit is based loosely on this page from Lucky magazine. I didn't copy any one outfit specifically, but instead pulled out a bunch of  monochromatic pieces from my closet until I found a combo that worked. It's funny, I love color but I also love super-neutral looks like this one. What's your preference - are you team color or team monochromatic?

Photo left: Lucky magazine
Sweater: Gap, $50
Shirt: H&M, $13
Fur collar: H&M, $15
Jeans: Gap, $35
Boots: Forever 21, $33
Purse: Juicy Couture/Macy's

Fabulous Find

Lace popped up as a huge trend for Fall 2010 and is still going strong! I've always loved Lauren Conrad's look (left), and have been craving a lace dress for spring so I had to give this dress a try. Only $34.50 from Charlotte Russe, I can't wait to for it to arrive so I can try it with a brown leather belt and shoes!

2/16 update: I just tried on the dress and it's way too short. :-( (I'm 5'7" and size 2 and ordered a S.) It fits beautifully otherwise, it's form-fitting like Lauren's look, but it's just way too short so it's going back!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Opposites Attract

J.Crew has mastered the art of pairing things that at first glance don't seem to "go." A velvet blazer is super-feminine, a denim-shirt is masculine, but together they make perfect harmony. I had my doubts, but when I tried this combo I immediately thought "J.Crew, you creative buggers you. Of course a denim shirt and velvet blazer go together!"

Why this works: Mixing masculine and feminine styles, while it may seem counter-intuitive at first, is one of the quickest way to look chic. Give it a try this week! Not quite up for the challenge? Try wearing a denim shirt in place of a collared shirt for work. Add a sparkly necklace and watch those compliments start rolling in. :-)

Occasion: Work
Photo left: J.Crew
Velvet blazer: H&M
Denim shirt: Gap, $14
Necklace: JcPenney, $20
Skirt: Banana Republic, $40
Belt: Express
Pumps: Calvin Klein/Filene's Basement, $70

Today's Everyday Fashion: Sequins for Work

Why this works: If your office is super-conservative, sequins might not fly. But in a creative office, a touch of sequins like this is perfectly acceptable. Keep the rest of your outfit professional (a blazer and some dress pants should do the trick) to show that you still mean business, and you're good to go! 

Occasion: Work
Photo left: Ann Taylor Facebook page
Jacket: Banana Republic, $75
Shirt: Arden B, $25
Pants: Gap, old
Belt: Limited, $15
Necklace: Banana Republic, $20
Watch: Michael Kors, Christmas present
Shoes: BCBG/Ross, $23

Today's shoes are from my new favorite store: Ross. I ventured in there the other day to look for some black pumps and couldn't believe the prices! I bought the shoes I'm wearing today for $23. They are BCBG, the same style below left (except mine are nude patent) that are going for $89 on Heels.com. I also bought the Steve Maddens on the right for $19.99 (except mine are black patent), and they are going for $79 on Shoemall.com. See what I mean? The prices are crazy. What are your favorite hidden gems for great deals on shoes?

Today's Everyday Fashion: Color is My Favorite

"Mmmm, color." Some people really enjoy food. For me, colors are the most delicious thing in the whole world. I enjoy nothing more than creating new color combos like today's look! (Does this make me crazy?) Similar to my orange/yellow Olivia Palermo post last week, this combo works because all the colors come from the same "family." What are some of your favorite/unique color combos to wear?

Photo left: Lucky magazine
Cardigan: Express (5 years old)
Shirt: Gap, $30
Skirt: J.Crew, $45
Belt: H&M, $20
Boots: Bakers, $95
Necklace: Stella & Dot, c/o Lori McMinn

Win a Pair of Whooga Boots!

Being caught in the snow without proper footwear is a definite fashion don't! Thankfully there's Whooga, a UK company that makes amazingly cozy Ugg boots in all sorts of styles and colors. The best part: you can win your very own pair! Simply sign up for their email list here (contest is open to all countries) for a chance to win. Don't want to wait? Get 10% off your purchase with code 1441JSEVRDAY through 2/13.