Today's Everyday Fashion: The Biggest Fish

Last week I talked about wearing a scarf and a necklace together in this outfit post, and today I'm using a similar trick, a la the Ann Taylor inspiration photo! It's a slightly different version with the scarf open, and I have to say I'm diggin' it. The other thing I love about this work look: the entire thing cost $100!!! A couple items I've had for years, and I used coupons and shopped sales (as usual). I also got the shoes at one of my favorite bargain stores - Ross. Don't you love it when you realize your entire outfit cost $100, or $50 or even $20?! Leave your best budget-outfit stories to see who has earned bragging rights. :-)

Inspiration photo: Ann Taylor
Occasion: Work
Cardigan: Express, $20 (really old)
Shirt: Forever 21, $5
Scarf: Banana Republic, $6
Belt: Express, came with a dress
Skirt: Banana Republic, $35
Necklace: Express, $15 (really old)
Shoes: Steve Madden via Ross, $20
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

Today's Everyday Fashion: Hot Momma

Kate Hudson is one hot momma in today's inspiration photo. She may have a bit of an unrealistic lifestyle for many of us, but I am still hoping to rock outfits like these (and have her gams) after I have babies someday. I may even carry around a toy as an accessory/paparazzi shield like she is. ;-)

Styling tips: I love the idea of an all-white outfit with a fun or neutral colored jacket over it. One thing that is tricky about it though: you can't take the jacket off or you will look like you are painting someone's house. So check the weather and plan accordingly!  I also bet you won't believe me, but I've had this jacket for at least 5 years. I thought I was over it and almost sold it recently. That is, until I saw Kate wearing one and had a change of heart. Fashion is fickle.

Inspiration photo: FabSugar
Jacket: The Limited, really old
T-shirt: Gap, $10
Belt: H&M, $20
Shorts: American Eagle, $25
Necklace: Banana Republic, $20
Shoes: Steve Madden "Riddgge" c/o MJR Sales, $40

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Comfort Zone

This is one of those looks that I will throw on to wear pretty much anywhere - to run errands, have a lunch meeting, or even a casual dinner. It includes so many of my favorite items from my closet - white jeans, a turquoise necklace, and my favorite wedges.  It's an outfit I definitely feel the most comfortable in, especially when I'm not in the mood for a complex or "loud" outfit. Tell me - what do you wear on days when you're just not feeling fashionable?

Occasion: Versatile. Errands, dinner, pretty much anywhere!
Shirt: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales, $14 (you can buy it for $34.50 at Victoria's Secret here)
Necklace: H&M, $14 (recent)
Jeans: Gap, $35
Belt: H&M, $20
Purse: Juicy Couture/Neiman Marcus, $115
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Shoes: c/o Chinese Laundry

Today's Everyday Fashion: Mixed Messages

Last week I did Flashback Friday a day early, and this week I'm going to do it a day late. (whoopsie!) I totally forgot Friday was coming up and didn't prepare, so instead I'm showing you what I'm actually wearing today. It's the last day for us to use our Disney passes so we are spending the late afternoon/night at the parks. I'm going to show those kiddos that even adults can rock hot pink shorts. :-)

Styling tips: When it comes to color right now, throw the rules right out the window. The most unexpected combos that may seem like they may clash can be some of the best. Such as pink and red like I talked about last week, or orange and pink in today's look. If you have been wanting to try some fun colors, now is the time to try!

Inspiration photo: J. Crew
Occasion: Disney
Cardigan: Gap, $18
Shirt: Banana Republic, $18
Belt: Gap, $10
Shorts: Forever 21, $18
Shoes: Chinese Laundry/DSW, $27
Necklace: c/o Stella & Dot, $55
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $78

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Cold Shoulder

Today, I am giving you the cold shoulder. And crossing an item off my fashion to-do list - because this is my first one-sleeve dress! I've always loved this type of dress and have been seeing them in stores a lot lately so I was excited to try this one out (and as an added bonus, it was perfect for re-creating these People.com looks I've had saved forever). What's your take on one-sleeve dresses? Do you love 'em or leave 'em?

Inspiration photo: People.com
Dress: c/o Shop Ruche, $39.99 (comes in a bunch of other colors!)
Belt: Limited, $10
Blazer: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales, $35
Fringe necklace: Banana Republic, $13
Pink necklace: J.Crew, $40
Clutch: Juicy Couture/TJ Maxx, $70
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Shoes: BCBG/Ross, $20

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Purse Challenge

Call me crazy, but I don't like purses! I know it goes against every fiber of my fashion-loving being, but I have always viewed them as a place to store things, and I use the same one everyday, even if it doesn't go great with my outfit (the horror!). So, I decided to challenge myself this year! If purses are my weakness, then I am going to work on it. My biggest obstacle though - budget. I can't bring myself to carry a faux leather purse (no judgment if you do - that is purely a personal preference), which means I have to lay down at least $150-400 if I want a new purse. And I don't have that kind of cash.

So... lucky for me (and you!) I stumbled upon the holy grail of purses. It's called "It's in the Bag" and they have something I've never seen before - purses in the $50-100 range that are real leather. SIKE. They are totally not real leather, but I can't tell the difference!! I don't know how they do it, but it pretty much rocks my world. I have a feeling that my closet (and outfit posts) will never be the same. We are staring a new era on J's Everyday Fashion, mark my words ladies...

About this outfit: I love the idea of wearing a graphic tee and a pencil skirt like this! I also adore the hat, but I always feel funny in hats (unless I'm on the beach) so I showed it with and without. And the purse... oh the purse! I love that it adds a pop of color to the outfit and is actually part of the outfit and not just a place to store stuff. I can already feel my fashion horizons expanding. :-) 

What is your take on purses - love 'em or hate 'em? Would you wear the hat with this outfit - and if so, where?

Also comes in turquoise & black!

Inspiration photo: Madewell
Shirt: Zara, $13
Skirt: LOFT, $55
Belt: Banana Republic, $30
Shoes: Chinese Laundry/Piperlime, $34
Hat: Banana Republic, $20
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $78

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