6 Ways to Get Inspired

When it comes to fashion, one of the biggest mistakes women make is spending too much time shopping and not enough time in their own closets. Yes, your closet may feel like the farthest thing from a magical place, but I assure you that with a little time and effort you can find some hidden gems you didn’t even know you had! (And you will save mucho dinero!)

There are many ways to get the creative process going, but one of my favorites is by using inspiration photos from celebs and fave sites. Here are six types of inspiration and some tips to get you started!

[This is a guest post previously seen on Shecky's and Fitnessista.]

1. Celebrities: Thanks to the internet and magazines, pictures of celebrities are everywhere! Don’t get discouraged by the fact that their clothes cost thousands of dollars though. You can often find look-alikes for much, much less at Forever 21 or ASOS.com.

In this look: I re-created a Blake Lively look using almost-identical pieces found at Forever 21 and TJ Maxx for less than $200 total.

Inspiration photo: FabSugar.com 
Faux leather jacket: Forever 21, $40
Dress: Forever 21, $30
Tights: Hue/TJ Maxx, $6
Boots: Cynthia Rowley/TJ Maxx, $85
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5

Just like J:
1. Charlotte Russe Pretty Petals One-Shoulder Dress, $29.99
2. Forever 21 Textured Leatherette Jacket, $39.80

2. Retail: Retail catalogs and lookbooks are an endless source of inspiration. My favorites are J.Crew and Shopbop, and other retailers like Banana Republic and Talbots often post cute outfits on their sites too. Or, sign up for emails for great ideas sent right to your inbox.

In this look: I didn’t copy the J.Crew outfit exactly, but rather used the overall theme to come up with something from my closet. The picture was a starting point (a spark!) to get the wheels turning.

Inspiration photo: J.Crew
Shirt: Urban Outfitters, $20
Lavender skirt: Urban Outfitters, $17
Belt: Gap, $3
Necklace: Banana Republic, $30
Shoes: Banana Republic, $50

Just like J:
1. Spiegel Tulip Pencil Skirt, SALE $29
2. Ann Taylor Long Sleeve Tee with Puff Sleeves, $44

3. Magazine layouts: Magazines may use expensive clothing for their layouts, but basic outfits like these can often be found sitting in your closet, just waiting to be put together.

In this look: I took the preppy theme of this ensemble and ran with it, adding a scarf and brooch for an extra flare. Don’t be afraid to insert your own personality into looks, even when you are re-creating something!

Inspiration photo: InStyle magazine
Sweater: Gap, $20
Shirt: H&M, $13
Pants: Gap, $15
Brooch: Banana Republic, $15
Shoes: Endless.com/Restricted, $39
Purse: Juicy Couture
Watch: Michael Kors, Christmas present
Scarf: The Vintage Scarf

Just Like J:
1. Charlotte Russe Birdseye Crop Trouser, $26.50
2. American Apparel Chiffon Oversized Button-Up, $58

4. Other People: Everyone copies other people’s outfits, just not everyone admits it! Get ideas from everyday people or what bloggers are wearing.

In this look: The foundation of my outfit is the same (shorts, shirt, blazer), but when it came to accessories, I didn’t have a perfect match so I just used what I had. Point is, don’t stress about the details—work with what you’ve got.

Inspiration photo: Chicisimo.com
Jacket: Express, really old
Shirt: J.Crew, $40
Necklace: Banana Republic, $35
Short: Forever 21, $22
Shoes: Guess/Marshalls, $30

Just Like J:
1. Forever 21 Drawstring Knit Shorts, $14.80
2. LOFT Handkerchief Hem Ruffle Shell, $49.50

5. Runway: Runway looks are the hardest to re-create, but sometimes you’ll find a gem that translates to real-life, such as this Rachel Roy look.

In this look: Choose ensembles that utilize colors you already have handy. Recreating this look was a cinch, because I had these same navy-turquoise-camel/orange colors hanging in my closet!

Inspiration photo: Rachel Roy
Cardigan: Gap, $18
Shirt: Express, really old
Navy skirt: Limited, $25
Shoes: Restricted/Endless.com, $39
Watch: Michael Kors, Christmas present
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Earrings: Forever 21, $8

Just Like J:
1. Gap Ribbed Waist Cardigan, $24.99-$39.99
2. The Limited Navy Plainweave Pencil Skirt, $59.90

  

6. Store Displays: Store mannequin caught your eye? Take a picture with your phone so you’ll remember what it looks like later! 

In this photo: I snapped this photo of a store mannequin, and then hunted through my closet. Not only does the photo serve as inspiration, but it’s also a reminder of an outfit idea that I may have otherwise forgotten!

Inspiration photo: Taken with my phone 
Jacket: Gap, $25
Shirt: Banana Republic, $18
Belt: American Eagle, $5
Skirt: Limited, $50
Shoes: H&M
Earrings: Forever 21, $8
Watch: Michael Kors, Christmas present 

Just like J:
1. LOFT Watercolor Floral Print Pencil Skirt, $69.50
2. American Eagle Military Shirt Jacket, $49.50

What are your favorite ways to get inspired?

Today's Everyday Fashion: Creature of Habit

I'm a creature of habit. I buy from the same stores, eat from the same restaurants, do the same workouts. If I didn't push myself to consider other options, I would probably have a closet full of nothing but Banana Republic and Forever 21. That's partly why I have loved blogging so much - it has pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me try new things and I have to say I'm loving it!

I'm curious to here how you guys approach shopping, Am I the only one who sticks to the same routine? Do you only shop only at a few favorite stores, or do you like finding new places to shop?

Occasion: Casual Friday
Inspiration photo: LOFT
Navy cardigan: Gap, $15
Shirt: J.Crew, $25
Belt: H&M, $20
Necklace: Banana Republic, $30
Jeans: Gap, $44
Shoes: Restricted/Endless.com, $39
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelet: Forever 21, $10

ps. Doing a little Stella & Dot giveaway on my Facebook page! You can enter here.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Hippie Chic

I am totally loving the hippie chic feel of today's outfit. It makes me want to run off and attend a music festival and/or buy a tie-dye shirt. I mean, how fabulous is the model's Farah Fawcett hairdo? I may have matched her tassels and jacket, but that hair is hawt.

Styling tips: Tunics make great bathing suit cover-ups, but they can also make a really cute outfit when paired with denim and a jacket. Try re-purposing your summer tunics into a cute look for running errands!

Inspiration photo: Arden B
Leather jacket: Banana Republic, $150
Shirt: c/o MJR Sales, $12
Jeans: True Religion/Boston boutique, $145
Belt: H&M, $20
Shoes: Chinese Laundry/DSW, $40
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8

Today's Everyday Fashion: Secrets of Shopping at Banana Republic

Since everyone has been asking how I get such great deals at Banana Republic, and much of today's outfit is from there, I am spilling my deal-scoring secrets today! My tips:

1. Buy in-store. Proceed with caution when shopping online. 95% of the time, the price is much higher online, even if you have a coupon. Almost all of my great deals were found in the store. 
2. Don't miss the day-after-Christmas sale. This sale is amazing, I never miss it. This is where I scored many of my crazy good deals including the nude pumps I wear all the time for $20, a silk shirt for $15, a dress for $50. By far the best way to get a great deal.
3. Look for the "sale" signs that are NOT in the sale section. That means there are too many left to fit in the sale section, and are often the lowest prices in the store. 
4.  "Figure out the retail cycle." I do this with tons of stores I visit, but I try to figure out where they are in the process of putting out new stuff and marking down old stuff. The day when new merchandise hits stores is usually when they mark things down crazy low. Such as yesterday's pants. When I visited the store, they had just put out new stock so ALL the sale pants were marked down to $14.
5. Try to predict future markdowns when there are multiples. I had my eye on a purple cardigan for a couple weeks. They had 20 left in my size that were $30. I took a gamble, came back the next week, and they were marked down to $15. Score!
6. Sign up for the credit card. Most retail credit cards are a waste of time, but Banana/Gap gives you awesome rewards and coupons. This is another way I stay so savvy about shopping at those stores.
7. Explore your options. Find something amazing in the sale section, but it's not your size? You can have them ship you the correct size from another store. If you have the credit card the shipping is free. If not they charge you for shipping but could still be worth it if you found a great deal.
8. Acknowledge regional differences. I lived in Boston for 4 years, and while I was able to score the occasional $10 shirt, it seems like there are much better deals here in Orlando. All the more reason to go shopping while you are on vacation!
9. Stay smart about outlet shopping. Clothing at the Banana Republic Outlet (and many other retail outlet stores including J.Crew) are made specifically for the outlet stores and are NOT the same quality or style. They are often made by a totally different company, and even if the item looks identical the material is different. I'm not cautioning you from outlet shopping altogether, but I think it's important to be a smart consumer and know what you are paying for!

Occasion: Work
Inspiration photo: J.Crew
Cardigan: LOFT, $20
Shirt: Banana Republic, $17
Belt: Banana Republic, $30
Skirt: Banana Republic, $35
Shoes: Chinese Laundry/Piperlime, $34
Necklace: Banana Republic, $20
Charm: c/o Stella & Dot, $19
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelet: Forever 21, $10

I'm coming to Austin, TX!

I'm so excited to announce that I'm coming to Austin, TX to answer all your style questions in person! Join me at this free shopping event on May 7th from 3-6pm. Click here for details and to RSVP. I can't wait to meet all my Texas ladies in person! :-)

When: Saturday May 7,  3-6pm
Where: Staybridge Suites Austin Northwest
What: Free shopping event with me as your personal stylist

ps. If you are a blogger in the Austin area, please join our blogging seminar the morning of Saturday, May 7th. For details and to register for this free but extremely limited event, go here.

Today's Everyday Fashion: That's So Anthropologie

My first thought after creating this look was "that is so Anthropologie!" And then it occurred to me that the inspiration photo is from Anthrolopologie, so I guess, mission accomplished then? (The blond might be highlights, but I assure you that the ditziness is real, people).

Styling tips: This look is "bright around the edges." The base is really neutral - khaki bottoms, ivory top - with tons of color added in the rest of the pieces. What basics do you have at home that could be turned into a colorful outfit with a few bright accessories?

Occasion: Work
Inspiration photo: Anthropologie
Cardigan: H&M, $18
Shirt: Forever 21, $22
Necklace: Forever 21, $8 (recent)
Belt: American Eagle, $15
Pants: Banana Republic, $14
Shoes: Bandolino/TJ Maxx, $25

My March Budget

It may still be spring, but hot weather is already upon us in Central Florida and I'm craving pink (as seen here in my Spring Shopping Guide) and items I can wear when the temperatures are on the rise. Here's what I bought with my $100 March budget:

1. Hot pink linen shorts to satisfy my craving for pink. Perfect for hot summer days. (Forever 21, $15)
2. Hot pink shirt to further satisfy my craving for pink. Planning to pair this with white jeans and turquoise jewelry. (Banana Republic, $30, I used coupons)
3. Orange dress because I don't own a ton of dresses. I also love that it's a blank slate that can be dressed up or down. (Forever 21, $18)
4. Sparkly bracelets because I'm addicted to jewelry. And spikes. (Forever 21, $20)
5. Rainbow dress because I don't own a ton of dresses and I love rainbows. Perfect for a soccer game and/or margaritas with the girls. (Forever 21, $20)

Grand Total = $103

On my wish list:
1. Jean shorts that are long enough to wear with heels. (American Eagle, $30)
2. A colorful necklace that will go great with the orange dress above. (JcPenney, $25)

A note about my budget: You may have noticed that in several places I disclose that my monthly clothing budget is $250/month. That was my budget for many years while I was working full-time. Since my job ended in October, my budget has fluctuated, but it's usually between $100-150. I also sometimes accept free clothing from companies, but I try to keep those items within a total monthly budget. I don't make money from this blog, so the money I save on clothes each month is one way I'm able to keep J's Everyday Fashion going! :-)

Today's Everyday Fashion: Once Upon a Time

Once upon a time I started a blog called J's Everyday Fashion... and when I started that blog, I was kind of a really bad dresser. Okay, so I might be exaggerating a little bit but I still feel like I've come a long way in the 11 months I've been blogging. Take today's outfit - when I first started blogging I couldn't imagine more than one use for this shirt. But now I can think outside the box and see that the sky is really the limit.

Styling tips: If fashion doesn't come naturally to you, please don't give up! I'm living proof that style can be learned. Fashion, like with so many things in life, takes practice. It is a journey, and there will always be mistakes along the way. Learn from those fashion mistakes, and things you shouldn't have purchased, and use those experiences to become a better dresser in the future! If I can do it, you can too. ;-)

Occasion: Work
Inspiration photo: Forever 21
Shirt: Limited, $25
Skirt: Banana Republic, $40
Belt: H&M, $20
Shoes: Restricted/Endless.com, $40
Earrings: Forever 21, $8
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelet: Forever 21, $10

Today's Everyday Fashion: Blogger Dinner

Anyone who knows me knows that I love meeting people, and I love to network. That's why I often organize blogger meet-ups in Orlando! Thursday night about 10 ladies and I met up for dinner and this is what I wore. (If you are a lady blogger in Orlando and want to join us, please shoot me an email!)

Styling tip: If you have a shirt you love, but it's too long on you, you can try "fixing" it like I did here. This top is gorgeous in person (may just be my favorite top of all time), but it comes down to my knees only in the front. After about 4 tries I came up with a belt trick to make it work! I belted it around my waist, and then pulled the material up to create a little pouf. The fabric is really sheer so it didn't add too much bulk, and it kept me from looking silly with a shirt down to my knees!

Occasion: Blogger dinner
Shirt: c/o Saivana
Jeans: Gap, $35
Belt: Limited, $10
Shoes: Chinese Laundry/Piperlime, $34
Earrings: Banana Republic, $15
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Gold bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Colorful bracelet: Stella & Dot, won in a raffle

Today's Everyday Fashion: Party Like a Rockstar

Partying like a rockstar tonight? How about a dress that's super-sexy and yet as comfy as pajamas? I rest my case. :-)  I love the "slouchy" style of this dress (and all the clothes by Lamixx, an independent designer on Etsy). I've got plans to also pair this dress with brown and turquoise this summer and if I ever get pregnant I figure this could be one adorable maternity shirt. I am headed out tonight with the girls (karaoke might be in my future) - so tell me:  

Would you rock Nicky Hilton's/my look for a night out? What's your typical going out attire?

Occasion: Partying like a rockstar
Inspiration photo: FabSugar.com
Dress: c/o Lamixx, $35 (I'm wearing a size M)
Faux leather jacket (left): Forever 21, $40
Clutch: Urban Outfitters, $30
Necklace: LOFT, $20
Shoes: Carlos Santana/DSW, $33

Flashback Friday: Black and Brown

[click the photo to view it larger] I'm switching it up this week for Flashback Friday! Instead of showing you one item multiple ways, I'm showing you how I wore black and brown together 14 different ways! Some styling tips: 

- The key to mixing black and brown is using a brown tone that is light and has a gold undertone. Chocolate brown is not enough of a contrast, but cognac works well.
- Animal prints such as leopard naturally contain both black and brown and can be an easy starting point for mixing the two colors in an outfit.
- If you are wearing black bottoms, try adding a brown belt and shoes like I did with many of the looks above. It's an easy switch that makes a huge difference!

Do you wear black and brown together? Which look is your favorite?

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Mascot

I'm declaring this outfit the "mascot" for J's Everyday Fashion. Why? Because it's the same color blue and it's zebra print, just like I use in my blog header! <--- I'm probably a nerd for noticing this, but this is how my brain works. :-)

Styling tips: I love how the blue belt really makes this outfit. If you are already wearing belts, take it up a notch and try a colorful belt for fun! Bright colors look great with black and white neutrals like these.

Inspiration photo: Nordstrom
Dress: Moda, c/o MJR Sales.com, $27 (check out the MJR Sales $50 giveaway in the next blog post!)
Cardigan: H&M, $18
Belt: American Eagle, $15
Shoes: Steve Madden/Ross, $20
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5

Win a $50 Gift Certificate to MJR Sales! [now closed]

You guys know how much I love MJR Sales from this post a few weeks ago! That's why I'm so excited to be giving away a $50 gift certificate to one lucky reader. MJR Sales is a website full of discounted designer clothing - it's a mix between TJ Maxx (because the clothes are brand-name) and eBay (because items are listed separately and some have small defects). You seriously can't beat their prices - $5-10 for Victoria's Secret bathing suits, $50 for leather bags, Colin Stuart shoes, and tons of amazing tank tops and for $5. With this certificate you can get a whole new summer wardrobe!

Also, shop now and receive 10% off your order with code JSFASHION10 through Sunday, 4/10.

To enter the giveaway:
1. Follow this blog via the "Follow" button in the right-hand column.
2. Become a fan of the MJR Sales Facebook page
2. Visit MJR Sales.com and leave a comment below with an item you'd like to buy!

Winner will be chosen on Monday at noon. Good luck!



We have a winner... congrats to Shawnna!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Flower Child

I love a floral tops. 1. When you're in a hurry, you can just throw one on with jeans and instantly look cute! 2. When the weather is rainy and yucky, it cheers up your day. Yesterday was both of these things. I was in a hurry (when am I ever not?), rushing to get to some meetings in the rain. I started with this floral shirt and decided to go 70's flower child and pair it with some flared jeans. Voila - instant outfit! :-)

Styling tip: This shirt has a shirred waistband and is already cinched at the waist. I added a belt over it purely for decoration/to dress it up a bit! Also, I'm a huge fan of using a beige cami underneath shirts instead of one that is stark white. This creme-colored is not as dark as my skin color but is also not as contrasting as white, which can make a huge difference in an outfit.

Occasion: Meetings
Shirt: c/o The Unique Closet, $34
Tank: Express, really old
Jeans: Gap, $14
Belt: H&M, $20
Shoes: Chinese Laundry/DSW, $40
Necklace: Banana Republic, $20
Charm: c/o Stella & Dot, $19
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8

6 Ways to Wear Spring Scarves

Scarves are the ultimate accessory. You can fold them, tie them and wear them however you want! The possibilities are endless, so there’s no reason to let them sit in your closet. Here are six fresh ways to wear scarves for spring!

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

Scarf as a belt: Some outfits don’t look quite right with a scarf around the neck, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use one to add a pop of color to your outfit. Loop a thin scarf through the belt loops of your skirt or pants, and the compliments are sure to start rolling in.

Scarf: Banana Republic, $3
Blazer: Gap, $70
Shirt: Express
Skirt: Banana Republic, $40
Shoes: Banana Republic, $50

Just like J:
1. Ann Taylor LOFT Diamond Mosaic Skinny Scarf, $29.50
2. The Vintage Scarf Vintage Multi Purple Sheer Long Neck Scarf, $14.99

Scarf Under Your Belt: This scarf trick works best on top of a simple foundation, such as a solid colored dress or a monochromatic shirt and skirt. The scarf adds dimension, interest and a pop of color to your outfit, and the belt keeps it all in place. It’s a match made in heaven.

Shirt: Banana Republic, $35
Skirt: Banana Republic, $35
Scarf: Banana Republic, $30
Belt: Gap, $10
Shoes: DSW/Chinese Laundry, $40
Necklace: Banana Republic

Just Like J:
1. Old Navy Women’s Abstract-Floral Jersey Scarf, $10
2. The Limited Palm Leaf Scarf,  $26.90
3. Ann Taylor LOFT Summer Watercolor Floral Scarf, $34.50

Scarf Around the Neck: There are tons of different ways to wear a scarf around your neck, but this is the “cowgirl tie.” To get this look, simply tie the ends of the scarf at the back of your neck. Use a colorful scarf, like the one pictured here, to dress up a plain white t-shirt and pencil skirt at the office this spring.

Scarf: Gap, $10
T-shirt: Gap, $10
Navy skirt: Limited, $25
Shoes: Chinese Laundry/DSW, $40

Just Like J:
1. Ann Taylor Modern Resist Silk Scarf, $48

Scarf on Purse: Is the weather too hot to wear a scarf around your neck this spring? Try adding one to your look by tying it onto your purse. The scarf adds a certain chicness to any outfit and personalizes the purse.

Sweater: Gap, $20
Shirt: H&M, $13
Pants: Gap, $15
Brooch: Banana Republic, $15
Shoes: Endless.com/Restricted, $39
Purse: Juicy Couture
Watch: Michael Kors
Scarf: The Vintage Scarf, $19.99

Just Like J:
1. The Vintage Scarf Vintage Red And Gold Lion Head Crest And Tassel Square Scarf, $21.99
2. The Vintage Scarf Vintage Bright Pink Orange And Grey Geometric Print Neck Scarf, $16.99

Scarf as a Tie: A second way to wear a scarf around your neck is to knot it in the front. I like to refer to this as the women’s version of a necktie. Pair this version with a collared shirt, but leave out the pencil skirt to avoid being mistaken for a flight attendant. Shorts or pants and some modern heels work well instead!

Shirt: Abercrombie, $20
Scarf: The Limited
Shorts: Forever 21, $20
Belt: Gap, $10
Shoes: Piperlime/Chinese Laundry, $34

Just Like J:
1. ASOS Oasis Animal Print Scarf, $28.69
2. The Vintage Scarf New York & Company Black And White Stripe 100% Silk Long Neck Scarf, $12.99

Scarf as a Shirt: When the weather is hot, opt for a breezy scarf worn as a shirt. This look requires a bust that’s on the small side, and a strapless bra or bandeau top is recommended in case of any wardrobe malfunctions. Simply tie the scarf (tightly!) in a knot around your back for a chic cover-up at the beach or on a hot spring day.

Scarf (worn as shirt): The Vintage Scarf, $19.99
Belt: H&M, $20
Shorts: American Eagle, $25
Sandals: Bakers, $40

Just Like J:
1. The Vintage Scarf Vintage Berkshire Black Red Gold Jeweled Print Square Scarf, $21.99
2. The Vintage Scarf Vintage Cejon Accessories Red White And Blue Print Square Scarf, $14.99

GIRL TALK TIME: Will you be wearing any scarves this spring? Do you own a lot of scarves? What do you think is the coolest way to wear one?

Today's Everyday Fashion: Take Two

This is a J's Everyday Fashion first! I've used this inspiration photo before, and I'm using it again! The first time I created a casual look (photo below), and today is a dressier look for work. Both times, I stuck to a palette of periwinkle, olive, khaki and mustard. But for this second outfit, I switched the colors around and did an olive skirt instead of an olive jacket.

Styling tip: Find a color combo that you love in your closet? Chances are you might be able to achieve a similar look with the same palette like I did here. Try switching around the colors in your favorite outfit to come up with something totally new!

Occasion: Work
Inspiration photo: J.Crew
Jacket (left): Banana Republic, $35
Shirt: Banana Republic, $35
Belt: Gap, $10
Skirt: Banana Republic, $50
Shoes: Bandolino/TJ Maxx, $25
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8

Today's Everyday Fashion: Cupcakes and Cotton Candy

I just couldn't resist the confectionery power of this top. It reminds me of cupcakes, cotton candy, ballerinas and so many happy things. That's why when we had a "cold" streak last week, I immediately pulled this out of my closet. A friend and her husband were in town, so we met them for dinner and ice cream on Monday night. It was pouring rain, hence the curly hair, but this outfit proved to be perfectly comfy for the occasion!

Styling tips: The many layers of this shirt adds bulk to my frame, so I added a belt to help create a waist. I also kept my pants slim to balance out the volume up top.

Occasion: Double-date
Shirt: TJ Maxx, $15 (recent)
Belt: Gap, $10
Jeans: American Eagle, $33 (recent)
Shoes: Banana Republic, $22
Necklace: Banana Republic, $15
Charm: c/o Stella & Dot Tara Anderson, $19

Jewelry tip: Check out this 3-charm pack from Stella & Dot (below). The charms hook on to any existing necklace, immediately giving them a little makeover. The pack is on sale right now for $19, which is a heck of a deal since you are basically getting three (awesome) necklaces! I'll be wearing these charms often, so thought I would pass along this deal while it's still available! :-)

Today's Everyday Fashion: Earth Tones

It's Sunday so we are headed to church + a soccer game. I've got the usual problem of figuring out how to be appropriate at church, and how to stay cool at the soccer game. I decided to go for a breezy sundress for the game (right) and a leather jacket to cover up for church (left). I'm totally digging this outfit because I love earth tones (with olive being an all-time favorite of mine) and this outfit is full of 'em!

Occasion: Church, soccer game
Dress: c/o Varga Store, $44
Belt: came with the dress
Leather jacket: Banana Republic, $150
Shoes: Guess/DSW, $20 (recent)
Necklace: c/o Stella & Dot Stylist Lori McMinn

Today's Everyday Fashion: Pretty Plaid

I love plaid, but I can't help but envision lumberjacks when thinking about plaid, and lumberjacks aren't pretty. So what's a girl to do? I took a page out of Harper's Bazaar book (literally) and decided to make my own pretty plaid look. The leather jacket and jeans may be "rough" but the diamond necklace and pointy pumps don't get much more girlie.

Styling tips: Try adding some feminine accessories to create your own pretty plaid look!

Inspiration photo: Harper's Bazaar
Jacket: Forever 21, $40
Shirt: Forever 21, $18
Necklace: LOFT, $20
Jeans: American Eagle, $33
Shoes: Calvin Klein/Filene's Basement, $70
Watch: Michael Kors watch, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8

"Street to Style with J"

I'm so excited to share this article I wrote and styled for the current issue of Brink Magazine! We pulled guys off the street and gave them makeovers. This was my first time styling men, so let me know how you think I did! :-)

[click on the page to read it/view it larger]