Today's Everyday Fashion: Using Inspiration Photos

I get a lot of questions about my "process" for finding and using inspiration photos to create outfits, so today I'm going to spill the beans! Here are my top tips/some things you may not know:

1. I am collecting inspiration photos ALL the time. It doesn't matter if I don't have a single item in my closet that looks remotely like the photo. If I'm drooling over it, I still save it anyway. But I mostly look for things that will teach me how to wear what I already own.
2. I don't search for inspiration photos - I just check my email (usually from retailers and fashion websites) and most of my inspiration is right there in my inbox! I subscribe to WhoWhatWear, FabSugar and Refinery29 to name a few.
3. If I start to notice a theme in the photos I am saving - such as red pants, or a cobalt blue top - then I add that to my shopping list. It can take me months to find that item, but those items are always on my mind while I am shopping.
4.When I need some inspiration for getting dressed, or if I am taking photos for the blog (I do it one chunk every week), then I go through and look at all my inspiration photos. I drag a bunch to my desk top that are potential outfits and then head to my closet to start creating!
5. When re-creating an outfit, I start with whatever most closely matches the photo. But then I put the photo down and start making changes. Sometimes closely matching the photo just doesn't look right, and I really like adding a personal spin, which can look even better than your inspiration!
6. Sometimes I try to re-create something and it's a huge disaster. Happens to the best of us.
7. I don't use inspiration photos because I think it's cute, I use them because I actually need them. I'm not the most creative crayon in the box, and with so much inspiration out there, why not use it? There is no shame in that (read more "If Copying is Wrong, I Don't Want to be Right")
8. If I can do it, you can do it. Trust me. :-)

About today's inspiration: I've had this photo of Victoria Beckham for at least a year. While going through old inspiration photos this weekend and realized that i finally (a year later) had the pieces to re-create it! Sometimes it can take awhile to all come together, but I love this blue-blue-blue look and am so happy I kept the photo just in case. ;-p

Inspiration photo: FabSugar
Shirt: c/o Shop McAuley's, $44
Navy skirt: Limited, $25
Shoes: Urban Originals, $21
Earrings: Forever 21, $8
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8

Today's Everyday Fashion: Symmetry

I'm a very chronological thinker and I like things to be symmetrical.  Which is why inspiration photos such as these blow my mathematical mind. It never would have occurred to me to wear a rolled scarf and a necklace together! It may not be perfectly symmetrical, but it sure is cute.

Tell me - are you a symmetry nut like me? Would you wear a rolled scarf and a necklace together?

Occasion: Church and errands (yesterday)
Inspiration photo: The Limited
Shirt: Gap, $30
Scarf: Banana Republic, $30
Necklace: Forever 21, $8
Olive skirt: H&M, $20
Shoes: Guess/DSW, $21
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8

Shop J's Closet Update: B. Moss

Bright colors

I'm so glad everyone has been enjoying Shop J's Closet so far, because today I want to highlight a brand that you may have noticed there, B. Moss. B. Moss is an online women's clothing store that provides high quality clothing at the best prices. (They have been around since 1939, so they are clearly doing something right!) Two of my favorite things about their website? All of the bright colors (photo above) and fun prints (photo below). You can shop for B. Moss clothing on their website, or on Shop J's Closet. Check it out!

Fun prints  Top row: 1. Cotton Jacquard Belted Dress, $34.50 2. Short Sleeve Gathered Knit Top, $20 3. Cap Sleeve Pleated Knit Top, $24 4. Scoop Neck Jacquard Belted Dress, $34.50 Bottom row: 1. Bateau Neck Printed Cotton Dress, $41.40 2. Five Tier Printed Tailor Georgette Skirt, $20 3. Double Tier Scoop Neck Blouse, $16.99 4. Printed Cotton Sateen Tailor Skirt, $20

Today's Everyday Fashion: The $5 Dress

I am totally in love with this inspiration photo from Harper's Bazaar. It makes me want to glue a starfish to a bandana, hop on a bike, and ride around town! ;-) Instead, I pulled out my $5 dress from last summer and dressed it up to get the same effect (sans bike).

Styling tips: I guarantee that anything in your closet can feel new again with just a little thinking outside the box! Pair last summer's items with unexpected accessories to double your closet and ditch the "I have nothing to wear feeling" we all get when the seasons change!

Inspiration photo: Harper's Bazaar
Dress: H&M, $5 (last summer)
Cardigan: Banana Republic, $14
Belt: H&M, $5
Shoes: Chinese Laundry/DSW, $27 (last summer)
Necklace: c/o Stella & Dot

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Alternate

When I brainstormed outfits for my trip to Kansas last week, this is one of the outfits I came up with for my "Shop with J" event. I wound up going with the mustard cardigan instead (which is good because it was chilly that day!) but I love the versatility of these shorts and being able to wear something tucked in, or a shirt un-tucked like I did here.

Styling tips: This is my third time wearing this polka dot shirt and while the 3 looks have been pretty different they do have one thing in common - a red belt! It's true that I am a bit obsessed with belts, but in this case I really like the pop of color, and it also shows the shape of my waist under all those ruffles. The thing to remember about belts: they are good for both adding color AND creating shapes!

Inspiration photo: Gap
Shirt: Forever 21, $18
Belt: Forever 21, $5
Shorts: c/o The Unique Closet, $34
Watch: Micheal Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Shoes: Steve Madden c/o MJR Sales, $40
Necklace: c/o Stella & Dot

Today's Everyday Fashion: Pink and Red

If you try one crazy color combo this summer, I vote for red and pink! I am loving it so much and have been seeing it everywhere (this dress at H&M is the same color as my shirt and skirt). I always say "never listen to fashion rules" and this is case in point. Just a few years ago wearing red and pink together would have made people gag but now it is tres chic! Will you try wearing pink and red together?

Occasion: Blogger dinner (see picture below!)
Inspiration photo: Pixie Market
Shirt: Banana Republic, $30
Skirt: Forever 21, $16
Belt: Abercrombie, really old
Necklace: Forever 21, $8
Purse: Juicy Couture/Neiman Marcus, $115
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Shoes: c/o Chinese Laundry

Lady bloggers!

My New Website!

I'm so excited to announce my new website: Shop J's Closet, a place for J's Everyday Fashion fans to shop together! On this budget-friendly shopping website you will find:

• Items in my closet
• Items that are very similar to items in my closet
• Items that I would like to own
• The opportunity to leave comments on items – we can talk, you can ask me questions, and even share the items with your friends

I love that I will be able to share all my favorite picks from across the Internet with you in one, organized place! I also love that everything you buy will directly support J's Everyday Fashion and keep this content free, frequent and ad-free! (Many of the items on the site are affiliate programs, so I will be earning a commission. If it’s something you would buy anyway, I would love your support!) I can't wait to get started shopping with you!

Love,
J.

ps. Shop J's Closet is a work in progress and I plan to add new merchandise on an almost-daily basis. If you have suggestions for improvements to the site, and/or some items you would like me to add please email me at jseverydayfashion@gmail.com or comment below!

Flashback Friday: Graphic Tees

[Click the photo to view it larger.] Okay, okay... so it's a day early for Flashback Friday, but it has been a couple of weeks since I've done one, and I'm still recovering from my "vacation" so here it is! I have always loved graphic tees. I wore them tons in high school, a lot in college, and then I stopped. I felt like they were to immature, so for awhile I didn't wear them at all. But then I realized it's really all in how you wear them, because now I believe that they can look quite sophisticated!

Styling tips: I love graphic tees under blazers (a la Kate Moss), and I also love adding a random pop of color with a graphic tee that exists no where else in your outfit. A third way to wear them is to match a graphic tee to another color in your outfit so that both pieces really pop. Do you wear graphic tees? How do you style them?

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Morning News

Last weekend I had my most challenging fashion question EVER. While I was in Kansas, Fox news got in touch and wanted me to come for an interview on their morning show. An amazing opportunity, but I didn't bring a single thing that was appropriate!! I groaned out loud when I thought of all the perfect dresses and shoes at home in Orlando that would work, but of course I packed very casual for my trip so all I had was short shorts, too short dresses, and casual shoes. And get this: I only had 5 minutes of time to spare for a shopping trip to the mall. So how did I wind up with this outfit? Instead of wasting time running through the mall on a goose chase, I came up with a plan! I figured that these were the dressiest shoes I brought, I had 3 cardigans with me, along with some fun belts and necklaces. I essentially decided that a white dress would be the perfect fill-in-the blank piece, and after a quick internet search I headed to American Eagle. I asked a manager for help and within 5 minutes I was in this dress for only $20! (This dress is very similar if you are looking for one.) Not my ideal outfit for the news, but it did the trick. And now I have a cute white dress to boot.  :-)

What was your craziest fashion emergency and how did you solve it?

Occasion: Fox 4 morning news interview
Dress: American Eagle, $20
Belt: Gap, $40
Cardigan: Gap, $18
Necklace: H&M, $14
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Shoes: c/o Chinese Laundry

Today's Everyday Fashion: Home Again

I'm completely exhausted. I had a blast in Kansas doing both personal and business stuff, and now it feels great to be home! This was my outfit for the plane ride(s). Totally comfy, totally chic and perfect for the 90 degree weather on both ends of my flight! What is your ideal plane attire?

Occasion: Flying home
Shirt: Nordstrom Rack, $10
Jeans: Gap, $30
Belt: H&M, $20
Shoes: Chinese Laundry/DSW, $27
Necklace: c/o Stella & Dot
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8

ps. Don't miss it - tomorrow (Wednesday) night I will be selling tons of my clothes for cheap! Everything is first come, first serve and the items will be post on my Facebook page with instructions at 7pm ET.

Interview on Fox 4 Kansas City

 

A couple days ago I got an exciting email - a producer at Fox 4 in Kansas City read that I was in town, and wanted to have me on their morning show! I made my debut bright and early this morning, and you can watch whole thing by clicking the video above. I'll be posting about my outfit later this week - let's just say that I had 5 minutes to find something at the mall and I have never shopped so fast in my life. :-) Hope you enjoy the video!

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Family Function

My nephew's graduation party was yesterday (Sunday) and this is what I wore! My sister lives in the country so I knew there would be plenty of running around. I wound up spending almost the whole day four wheeling with my nephews (including what they like to call "mud road") so this type of casual, I can get dirty, but still look cute outfit was perfect. I had an absolute blast with my family and already can't wait to come back and see them again!

Styling tips: If you have a very casual occasion where you might get dirty, wear some simple shorts and a tank but punch things up with a fun color combo like I did here. I also added a couple of necklaces that added interest but wouldn't get in the way. I am loving these two Stella & Dot necklaces worn together (and an added bonus, they are both on sale for Memorial weekend). I think you can still look cute while playing in the mud. :-)

Occasion: Family function
Sweater (left): J.Crew, $28
Shirt: Moda c/o MJR Sales, $6
Shorts: Gap, $25
Shoes: Guess/DSW, $21
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Gold necklace: c/o Stella & Dot
Turquoise necklace: c/o Stella & Dot

I love wearing these necklaces together

Four wheeling with my nephew

Today's Everyday Fashion: High School Reunion

I had WAY too much fun at my high school reunion last night! I went to a private Christian high school in Kansas and our class of 33 was like growing up in a family of 32 brothers and sisters. :-) I was SO excited to see everyone - some of my good friends I see quite often but others I hadn't seen in 10 years! I had an amazing time and was so glad to be able to make it back for the event.

About my outfit: I completely packed wrong for the weather in Kansas!! When I checked the weather before I left, it said it would be 90 degrees so a simple dress was my top choice. The weather turned out to be a lot cooler and was rainy all day though, so I would have preferred to be in jeans and a jacket. I also didn't love the cardigan with this dress, but sometimes you just have to roll with what you brought. Today's outfit post is proof that even fashionistas like me have off days! :-)

Occasion: My high school reunion
Dress: c/o MJR Sales, $17
Belt: Gap, $40
Cardigan: Gap, $18
Necklace: Forever 21, $8
Shoes: c/o Chinese Laundry
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8

My high school class

ps. If you live in the Kansas City area - I'll be on Fox 4 tomorrow (Monday) morning! Tune in at 8:20am to see me!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Shop with J for a Day

I'm so excited for the "Shop with J for a Day" event in Kansas today! I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone and doing one of my favorite activities - shopping!! There are going to be so many awesome things to browse from The Unique Closet, It's In the Bag and Stella & Dot and most of it you can only buy online so this will be a great opportunity to see everything in person. Details on the event are below - hope to see you later!

About my outfit: I'm wearing my new The Unique Closet shorts that will be available at today's event! For this outfit idea, I copied this past outfit and simply switched out the pants for shorts, and changed the shoes. I love using ideas from past outfits to come up with something new!

Occasion: Shop with J for a Day in KS
Sweater: H&M, $18
Shirt: Forever 21, $22
Shorts: c/o The Unique Closet, $34
Belt: American Eagle, $15
Necklace: Forever 21, $8
Shoes: c/o Chinese Laundry

What: a free shopping event presented by The Unique Closet! You can stop by anytime between 11am-3pm to browse tons of affordable clothes, jewelry and handbags. I will be there to help you put together outfits and answer style questions. (You can watch a video from my Austin event to get an idea of what it will be like.)

When: Saturday, May 28, 11am-3pm

Where: Holiday Inn & Suites
10920 Nall Avenue
Overland Park, KS

Happy Birthday! Win $100 to LOFT [now closed]

J's Everyday Fashion turns ONE year old today! To celebrate, and say thank you for being the most amazing fans on the planet, I'm giving you a couple of well-deserved birthday presents. Not one, but two readers will receive $100 gift cards to the LOFT! (I really wish I could win this one!) Winner will be selected at random and announced on Thursday, June 2nd. Disclaimer: LOFT is not sponsoring this giveaway, they simply gifted me these gift cards to give to you.

To enter:
1. The only requirement to enter is to leave a comment below. I also encourage you to "like" the LOFT Facebook page though - that's how the winner will be announced and you don't want to miss your name being called!

Extra credit:
1. Tweet about the giveaway and tag me (@jevrydayfashion) for one extra entry!
2. Post about the giveaway on Facebook and tag my Facewbook page for an extra entry!

Good luck - and *thank you* for making this such an awesome year! xoxo, - J.

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Fashion Show

The first half of yesterday was spent running around in the yellow and blue look I posted. The night was spent in this ensemble, going out to dinner with my friend Alison, and then attending a fashion show put on by my friend Layne. I had an awesome time catching up with Alison, enjoying a yummy dinner at Kona Grill and of course, Layne's fashion show was tons of fun and the best part - it raised money for breast cancer research! (check out her photography website)

About my outfit: It was so nice being able to wear a blazer and not sweat to death! (File under: annoying things Florida people say about the weather.) I took advantage of the cooler Kansas temps to wear my white blazer - this time pairing it with browns and a double-necklace look I stole from Gwenyth Paltrow. It was really comfy and fit the occasion!

Occasion: Dinner and a fashion show in KS
Inspiration photo: FabSugar
Blazer: c/o MJR Sales
T-shirt: Gap, $10
Jeans: American Eagle, $33
Belt: H&M, $20
Shoes: c/o Chinese Laundry
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Long necklace: Banana Republic, $20
Short necklace: c/o Stella & Dot

Sassy models on the runway

Me and Alison

First Episode of My Show!!!

It's here! It's here! It's finally here! (CLICK HERE to watch.) About 6 months ago, I started doing free personal shopping trips in the Orlando area. I would always think "wouldn't it be cool to capture these experiences and post them on the blog?" That turned into an idea for a makeover show, and while I never thought in a million years it would happen this fast - here it is!! A HUGE thank you to IzonOrlando for believing in my vision and helping me bring it to life. The next steps are to shoot 12 more episodes this summer (I'll be doing a city-wide search for women to be on the show), and after that I hope to take J's Everyday Fashion national!

I can't wait to hear what you think - please leave your comments below, and if you like the video share it with your friends. (the more views we get, the better chance we have of making the show a regular thing!) Also, please keep in mind that this is a pilot - it was a learning experience for all of us so there are already some big improvements we have in mind for the next episode. Let me know what you'd like to see in future though!

Today's Everyday Fashion: LearnVest

Today's inspiration comes from my most unusual source yet... a financial website! This is a stock photo from LearnVest, which just goes to prove that you can find inspiration anywhere. I mean, how cute is that belt she is wearing? Today is my first day in Kansas and I have lunch plans, plus I'm visiting a few friends and their kiddos. This outfit is super-comfy but still really fun! I'm looking forward to spending the day catching up with friends.

Occasion: Lunch and visiting friends in KS
Inspiration photo: LearnVest
Cardigan: Express, really old
Shirt: LOFT, $20
Belt: Gap, $40
Shorts: Gap, $25
Shoes: Guess/DSW, $21
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Necklace: c/o Stella & Dot

And speaking of LearnVest... they recently published my "6 clothing items you can repurpose now" article on their website (woo hoo)! You can see it here!

Today's Everyday Fashion: New Hair

If fashion is my strong point, then doing hair is my absolute weakness. My hair is crazy thick, slightly wavy and I have no idea how to manage it. There, I said it. (acknowledgement is the first step, yes?) I like to reach for the stars in most areas of my life, but when it comes to hair, I pretty much do the bare minimum. I need help. Lucky for me, I have found a hairdresser that is willing to teach me and I hope (fingers crossed!) help me really improve my hair. Check out the before and after pictures below - I'm loving the new color she did! (Now I just need to learn how to style it.) If you live in Central FL be sure to check her out, she works in both Kissimmee and Clermont.

About my outfit: I am headed to Kansas today and this is what I'm wearing on the plane! It's both a personal trip (I'm from there) and business (I'm doing a "Shop with J for a Day" event on Saturday). I'll be posting all my outfits as the week goes on. I have my high school reunion, a family function, a sorority function, a shopping event and much more so stay tuned!

Occasion: Air travel
Shirt: Banana Republic, $45
Jeans: American Eagle, $33
Belt: H&M, $20
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Purse: Juicy Couture/Neiman Marcus Last Call, $115
Necklace: c/o Stella & Dot

New hair color - Before & after

Today's Everyday Fashion: It's All Good

You may not always agree with my fashion choices. Which is okay, because I think fashion is just about the most subjective thing on the whole planet! (For example - I love today's inspiration photo but there is no way I could rock nerd glasses and oxfords without feeling uncomfortable.) Instead of knocking each other for our fashion decisions though (hello tabloids and your constant criticism of celebrities, I'm talking to YOU), I think we should celebrate our differences. (Nerd glasses look great on her! I may not wear them, but I would never tell someone else not to wear them!!) I answer tons of style questions everyday, and the first episode of my makeover show is coming out this week, but during all that advice you won't hear me say something negative. Telling you what not to wear is none of my business.  I will give you positive suggestions for what to wear if you ask me, but I usually back my advice up with "at the end of the day it's about what you like to wear. Feel free to not listen to me." ;-p

I think this idea of knocking people for what they are wearing is SO widespread that it's tough not to do it. But I'm on a mission to make fashion a positive thing, at least in this corner of the universe. We should all follow dress codes (for church and work) and to some extent, social norms, but otherwise don't be scared to wear what you want. What some may consider gaudy you may love. What some may consider boring you may love. And that's okay with me! (I hope it's okay with you too.)

Inspiration photo: Atlantic Pacific
Shirt: Forever 21, $18
Vest: Banana Republic, $35
Skirt: Forever 21, $16
Belt: American Eagle/Filene's Basement, $5
Shoes: Bandolino/TJ Maxx, $22
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Earrings: c/o Mikel Maia