Today's Everyday Fashion: Stole My Sleeves

Someone stole my sleeves! :-) I'm kidding, but I keep referring to this new "vest" as my blazer with no sleeves. I love the cargo pockets, and I honestly think that a blazer without sleeves is a genius way to look dressed up when you live in hot, steamy Florida. What are your thoughts on sleeveless blazers? Would you wear one?

Occasion: Work
Inspiration photo: Reader submitted
Vest: Banana Republic, $35 (purchased in the store last week - I tweeted about the 40% off sale the day I bought it! Follow me for up-to-the-minute updates: @jevrydayfashion)
Cami: Forever 21, $3
Skirt: Banana Republic, $35
Belt: Banana Republic, $30
Brooch: Banana Republic, $20
Shoes: H&M, $30
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelet: Forever 21, $10

ps. I'm the guest curator for 20 Best Twenty this month! They asked me to come up with a list of 20 things I can't live without in May, and my list includes some really inspiring websites and fun stuff so I thought I'd share! :-)

Today's Everyday Fashion: Bold Move

It was bound to happen. Mustard is my favorite color these days, so I was always eventually going to pair this magenta skirt with it. I wore it with yellow shoes last week, but today's outfit is more of the color-blocking trend that I'm currently obsessed with. :-)

Styling tips: Do you have a bright colored bottom? Don't go safe up top. Give color-blocking a try and pair it with a bright colored top!

Occasion: Work
Inspiration photo: DVF
Shirt: Gap, $30
Skirt: Limited, $35
Belt: Limited, $15
Shoes: Aldo, $50
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Necklace: Banana Republic, $20
Charm: c/o Stella & Dot, $19

Today's Everyday Fashion: Office Dress Codes

Every time I post an office look I wonder what you guys wear to work. Dress codes vary so widely between offices, it's difficult to generalize what outfits might work for you. If you job is at an ad agency or magazine, it's likely that your dress code is very lax and today's look is too formal. If you work at a bank or attorney's office, then it's likely that today's outfit is a bit too risque. I've come up with a few guidelines that I think are universal for office jobs (sort of the "bare minimum" of what everyone should be doing). Feel free to weigh in on guidelines that you follow in the comment section, I'm interested to hear your thoughts!

J's office guidelines:
- Don't go strapless. I think that no matter how casual your office, if you work in an actual office building, it's not acceptable to wear a strapless dress or top. Go sleeveless - but the smallest I would go is a thick strap like in today's shirt.
- Don't go short. No matter how casual things are, I think it's best to keep things 2-3 inches above your knees, at the most. Shorts may be in style, but I wouldn't wear them to work unless they follow this rule, so most likely you'll need to go with a bermuda-style short.
- Pass on sleepwear. When it comes to sweatpants and hoodies - leave 'em at home. I think a v-neck t-shirt can be great for work, but I would tuck it into a pencil skirt, or dress it up with a statement necklace. I also think you can incorporate a sweater with a hood into your outfit, but again it should be dressed up with a collared shirt or another appropriate work piece. Overall, don't go so casual that you might be mistaken for 1. not caring about your job, or 2. that you are sleeping on the job!
- Get creative. Today's look is an example of how you can stay within these "modesty" guidelines, but still have fun! If you work in a creative environment, you can wear jeans, and fun details like a leopard shirt or spiked shoes. Don't feel like you have to give up on style and flare altogether. You should feel free to show plenty of personality, just keep it classy! ;-)

Inspiration photo: Who What Wear
Shirt: Express, $35
Belt: Forever 21, $5
Skirt: Express, really old
Shoes: Steve Madden/Ross, $20
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Earrings: c/o Mikel Maia

Today's Everyday Fashion: Confectionery Creation

This look makes me want to eat cupcakes and drink pink champagne! I love the soft femininity, and yet it's professional enough for work. Sprinkles, anyone? :-)

Styling tips: One of my favorite thing about J.Crew looks is their continual use of over-sized, crystal jewelry. Don't be afraid to pile on some gorgeous necklaces with any look for an instant update to your outfit!

Occasion: Work
Inspiration photo: J.Crew
Sweater: New York & Company, $22
Shirt: Banana Republic, $18
Skirt: Banana Republic, $50
Belt: Banana Republic, $10
Necklace: Banana Republic, $25
Shoes: Banana Republic, $22

Win a Handbag from Mimi Boutique! [now closed]

Looking for unique handbags at a great price? My new secret weapon is Mimi Boutique, a website full of awesome handbags and accessories for women on a budget.  And right now you can win one of these fabulous handbags! The winner will have their choice of the Ricky, Noemy, Freida or Bronson in any color. Simply leave a comment to enter and we'll randomly select a winner on Sunday! Good luck

To enter:
1. Keep in touch with Mimi Boutique by "liking" their Facebook page and following them on Twitter
2. Leave a comment below!

We have a winner... congrats Diana!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Stripe Swap

You know that saying "If it isn't broken, don't fix it"? I think that applies in fashion too. I loved pairing this black and ivory striped shirt with brown, as seen previously in this outfit. So today I did a similar look with just enough changes to make this outfit feel brand new! 

Styling tip: Don't feel like you have to re-invent the wheel everytime you get dressed. Take an idea you love - such as a black and white print paired with brown, or a unique color combo, and change a couple of accessories to give you the feeling of a new outfit all together.

Cardigan: Gap, $18
Shirt: TJ Maxx, $13
Belt: H&M, $20
Jeans (left): Gap, $15
Shorts (right): American Eagle, $30
Necklace: Forever 21, $8
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Shoes: c/o Chinese Laundry

Today's Everyday Fashion: Orange Crush

I have a crush on the color orange lately. When I was a kid, it was always my least favorite. I didn't like orange markers, and I didn't like orange popsicles. But I'm loving all the citrus hues shown on the runway recently, and I've come to learn that orange is an excellent color for my skin tone. And now I can't get enough! :-)

Styling tips: Are there colors you've been afraid to try? This summer, make it your goal to try on at least one new color that you may or may not love on the hanger. If it doesn't work out, no harm done. If it does, you might find yourself with a new favorite color just like me!

Occasion: Errands
Shirt: Moda, c/o MJR Sales, $24
Jeans (left): Gap, $35
Shorts (right): American Eagle, $25
Belt: H&M, $20
Shoes: c/o Chinese Laundry
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Necklace: Banana Republic, $20
Charm: c/o Stella & Dot, $19

Flashback Friday: Nude Shoes

[Click the photo to view it larger.] Nude shoes are an awesome staple to have in your closet. They elongate your legs, and are perfect for those "what shoes am I going to wear?!" moments because they go with absolutely anything. I also love-lace up shoes, so I certainly couldn't pass on these nude lace-ups when I saw them last year. :-) They were my "it" shoe last summer, but I still love them to death and plan on wearing them this summer too!

Do you love nude shoes? Which look in today's post is your favorite?

Shopping tip: Want these shoes? Google the style name "Chinese Laundry Lucky Strike" - tons of websites still have them.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Double Trouble

Can too much of a good thing be a bad thing? Today is the first time that I'm wearing two belts layered on top of each other. I love the idea and think it can be tres chic (I do love my belts) but tell me - Would you wear two belts at the same time?
Shirt: c/o Elegantees, $10
Skirt: J.Crew, $45
Red belt: Forever 21, $5
Brown belt: Limited, $15
Shoes: Delicious/Shoe Carnival, $10
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Earrings: c/o Mikel Maia (see close-up below!)

Mikel Maia earrings

10,000 Facebook Fans!

[Click the photo to view it larger.] This, my friends, is why I love Facebook! Look at all these beautiful ladies!! When I first started blogging last May, I imagined a community of everyday women who would talk fashion and share their questions and ideas. I am so proud to see that community flourishing on my Facebook page and today I reached 10,000 fans!! (Yay!) I use Facebook as my #1 blogging platform because I love that fans can upload their photos (I want to see what you are wearing too!), share coupons, links to their fantastic finds and everyone can weigh in on fashion questions. THANK YOU to all of my fans here and on Facebook - I love talking fashion with you everyday! :-)

Today's Everyday Fashion: Mixing Prints

Oh, creativity. As a left-brain individual, it sometimes alludes me. And then at other times, it comes in a rush and takes me by surprise. Today's outfit is a result of the latter. I took my inspiration photo and I ran with it! I added a leopard belt and some yellow shoes. Dare i say it's even more creative than my inspiration photo? (or at least, daring) ;-) Turns out us left-brain folks can still churn out some fun stuff!

Styling tips: Mixing prints is all the rage right now, and leopard and polka dots is one easy way to do this. Try add a leopard accessory like shoes or a belt to your polka dot pieces for a fun twist!

Inspiration photo: Hypeed magazine
Shirt: J.Crew, $45
Skirt: Limited, $35
Belt: Urban Outfitters, $20
Shoes: Bandolino/TJ Maxx, $25
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Necklace: Banana Republic, $20
Charm: c/o Stella & Dot, $19

Today's Everyday Fashion: Celebrity vs. Real Life

Today's look is a bit of an experiment. Rhianna looks hot, but does her outfit work on an everyday girl? I used items from my closet to come up with a similar look but I'm not completely sold. What do you think - does Rhianna's look work in real life? What would you change about our outfits to make it work for you?

Inspiration photo: People.com
Blazer: Banana Republic, $75
Shirt: Forever 21, $16
Skirt: Urban Outfitters, $25
Shoes: c/o Chinese Laundry

I personally like the blazer and graphic tee portion of today's look, but I think I would be more comfortable in some skinny jeans and lace-up shoes like the look I created below!

Blazer: Victoria's Secret, c/o MJRSales, $35
Shirt: Forever 21, $16
Belt: Forever 21, $8
Jeans: Gap, $35
Shoes: Macy's/Mia, $28
Watch: Michael Kors
Bracelet: Forever 21, $10

Today's Everyday Fashion: Wine, Women & Shoes

On Saturday I got to attend one of the coolest events I've ever been to - Wine, Women & Shoes. This ab fab event was full of ladies dressed to the nines, men holding platters of shoes, free-flowing wine and hors d'oeuvres, and boutiques selling shoes and accessories. The event also included a silent auction, a live auction, a raffle with a $6,000 prize, and a fashion show. The best part? One hundred percent of the proceeds benefited Second Harvest Food Bank to fight hunger right here in Central Florida. I arrived wearing my new Varga Store dress and my favorite blue shoes (I figured it was the perfect occasion to dust them off, no?). I spent the day interviewing guests and event organizers for a video for IzonOrlando. I had a blast learning all about how this event came about and can't wait to share the video with you in a couple weeks! As for Wine, Women & Shoes - I already can't wait until they are back in Orlando next year! (To see when they are coming to your city, click here.)

Occasion: Wine, Women & Shoes event
Dress: c/o Varga Store, $84
Shoes: Urbanog.com, $21
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Earrings: Forever 21, $8

Silent auction items up for grabs

Coralia Leets jewelry

Shoe guys serving platters of accessories

Interviewing Elaine Honig, founder of Wine, Women & Shoes

Interviewing Leslye Gale from Magic 107.7

A model walking the runway

Ashely was my photographer and looked so cute I wanted to share her outfit! I love her dress and bag. :-)

Today's Everyday Fashion: My First Episode!

Thursday was such an exciting day! We shot the first episode of J's Everyday Fashion - The Show! My first "style seeker" was Colleen, who is a Yelp Community Manager and needs outfits for her unique job. She also has a habit of wearing only dresses, so I made it my mission to teach her how to wear separates by the end of the day. We did a closet consultation, went shopping at Stella Luca (where I'm standing in the photo) and then back to her house to make tons of new outfits with the items we bought. It was amazing to see my vision come to life and I'm so grateful to IzonOrlando for believing in that vision. The episode should be available to watch online in a few weeks so stay tuned!

Occasion: Shooting J's Everyday Fashion - The Show
Dress: Forever 21, $16
Belt: Gap, $40
Necklace: H&M, $15
Watch: Michael Kors
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Shoes: c/o Chinese Laundry (I was on my feet for 9 hours, and these were SO comfortable!)

Close-ups of my new shoes

Flashback Friday: Tribal Skirt

[Click the photo to view it larger.] At first glance, there are a limited number of things you can wear with a patterned skirt (Limited, $30 from July 2010). I think most people's first instinct is to wear the most obvious solid color on top (in this case, black) and leave it at that. But a patterned skirt can be way more versatile than you think! I love the idea of pairing a black and ivory skirt with browns and olive, mustard and red, pops of turquoise or even an attempt at mixing prints (last photo). I also think this skirt would look great with a bright blue cardigan (a la this look). Which look is your favorite? What are your favorite colors to pair with black and white/ivory?

Shopping tips: Looking for a similar skirt? Try this one from The Limited. Leave your finds in the comment section and I'll add them to the post!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Name Your Spice Girl

Last week I admitted to being a creature of habit - shopping at the same stores, eating the same food. Many of you indicated you were the same way, which was nice because then I felt a little more normal. :-) I also noticed that I favor certain trends though. I love military (today's look), equestrian, preppy and girlie. I'll try anything once, but it's less likely you'll see me in punk, vintage, sporty or glamorous. Of course, these are just labels and the best compliment I think you can get is that you just look like yourself! That said, I would love to hear what your favorite types of style are. Are you military, boho, equestrian, preppy, girlie, punk, vintage, sporty, glamorous or all of the above? Another way to ask this question: which Spice Girl are you? [I always wanted to be Posh.]

Occasion: Work
Inspiration photo: J.Crew
Shirt: Forever 21, $18
Skirt: Banana Republic, $35
Belt: Bakers, $5
Shoes: Aldo, $50
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Earrings: c/o Pop of Chic, $12

Today's Everyday Fashion: Miami Vice

When I see a white blazer, I can't help but think of Miami Vice. I've never seen the show, but I do know that a guy named Don Johnson wore one all the time. Over the past year I've been seeing them everywhere and they always look so chic though! I spotted this one on MJR Sales for a great price so I decided to give it a try and I already love it! I think that worn the right way a white blazer can be chic, not cheesy. Tell me - are you a fan of white blazers? Do you think they are cheesy or chic?

Inspiration photo: Lucky magazine
Blazer: Famous Catalog c/o MJR Sales.com, $35
Shirt: American Eagle, $15
Jeans: American Eagle, $33
Shoes: Steve Madden/Ross, $20
Necklace: Banana Republic, $20
Charm: c/o Stella & Dot, $19
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelet: Forever 21, $10

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Look That Started It All

This is the first inspiration photo I ever saved on my computer. It was at least 2-3 years ago and I remember thinking "I could never look as chic as this woman." It's amazing how much a person can learn about shopping and putting together outfits in just a couple years! I love today's outfit but this is also a proud moment for me. If I can do this stuff guys, then I know you can too! :-)

Occasion: Work
Inspiration photo: J.Crew
Shirt: Limited, $30
Skirt: LOFT, $55 (recent)
Belt: H&M, $20
Necklace: Banana Republic, $40
Shoes: Bandolino/TJ Maxx, $25
Watches: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8

Orlando peeps - I wanted to let you know about a great local event that I'm looking forward to attending this Saturday, April 23rd from 2 to 6 p.m.! It's called Wine Women & Shoes, and it's a fundraising event hosted by the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. The day includes hors d’oeuvres prepared by Chef Jean Louis, wine from Napa Valley, shopping from national and local boutiques, a live silent auction and a live fashion show. One hundred percent of the ticket proceeds go toward fighting hunger in Central Florida. For more information and to purchase a ticket go here. Hope to see ya there!

Today's Everyday Fashion: A Cafe in Paris

Can you picture it? A cafe in Paris, sitting on the sidewalk, enjoying a Cafe au lait... I've never been to France, but I can totally see this outfit fitting into that picture! This navy and ivory skirt has always been a favorite of mine (I got it last summer at H&M), so I was thrilled when I found this inspiration photo. I love the idea of mixing the nautical skirt with a military-inspired shirt.

Shopping tips: Looking for a similar striped skirt? The Limited has one in stores right now (it recently sold out online). There's also this one from Piperlime, and this one from Bloomingdale's.

Inspiration photo: Madewell.com
Shirt: Gap, $10
Navy and ivory skirt: H&M, $30
Belt: American Eagle/Filene's Basement, $5
Charm on chain: c/o Stella & Dot, $19
Shoes: H&M, $40

Today's Everyday Fashion: What to Wear on Easter Sunday

There's just something about Easter that makes me want to wear a dress covered in flowers. It could be the memories I have as a kid of wearing a new Easter dress each year and loving every second of it. This Easter is no exception - I'm already looking forward to wearing this floral dress I scored on MJRSales.com a couple weeks ago. (I love that it has a corset!) Below I've also shared some other options from my closet that I think would make the perfect Easter Sunday attire. Tell me - what are you wearing on Easter Sunday? 

Shopping tips: If you are still looking for a dress like this and live near a Ross, head there now! I stopped in yesterday and they have a dress event going on right now which means TONS of gorgeous dresses for great prices. I also saw dresses at Macy's and TJ Maxx. I would love to see your Easter outfits, please feel free to post them to my Facebook page!

Occasion: Easter Sunday (church + family dinner)
Dress: Moda c/o MJR Sales, $20
Cardigan: Banana Republic, $12
Shoes: Guess/DSW, $20
Necklace: Banana Republic, $20
Charm: c/o Stella & Dot, $19

Some additional Easter dress options:

Dresses are from Banana Republic, Banana Republic and Filene's Basement