Today's Everyday Fashion: California Girl

/





































I tweeted the other day: "There is way more to life than fashion, but you also can't go through life without getting dressed." Leave the house without clothes = you will get arrested. :-) That said, we've all had those days when you are running around and need to just throw something on. My strategy is to save time by not doing my hair, putting on a trusty pair of denim shorts or jeans, and a fun t-shirt. I added these beach-y necklaces and off I went! Not the most glamorous or put-together I've ever looked, but "California-girl casual" is one of my favorite types of outfits, and definitely my go-to when I'm in a rush. What is your strategy for getting dressed quickly?

Occasion: Running errands
Shirt: H&M, $10 (recent)
Shorts: American Eagle, $25
Belt: H&M, $20
Shoes: Chinese Laundry/DSW, $27
Necklaces: American Eagle, $5 each
Purse: Juicy Couture/Neiman Marcus Last Call, $115
White bracelet: c/o Pop of Chic
Gold bracelets: Forever 21, $8

Flashback Friday: Colorful Cardigans

/
Blues and greens

[Click the photos to view them larger.] Today I'm paying tribute to one of my all-time favorite pieces: the colorful cardigan. They come in so many wonderful shades, and I love the effect you get when combining them with other vibrant colors. Nothing transforms a look quite like a colorful cardigan!

Tell me - what do you love about cardigans? Which colors are your favorite?

Purples and pinks

Yellows and greens

My cardigans (from left to right, by row):
1. Turquoise - H&M, $18
2. Muted turquoise - Banana Republic, $35
3. Royal blue - Express, $20
4. Electric blue - H&M, $18
5. Purple - Banana Republic, $12
6. Pink - New York & Company, $22
7. Blush - LOFT, $15
8. Mustard - H&M, $18
9. Pumpkin - Banana Republic
10. Pale yellow - Banana Republic, $14
11. Pea green - LOFT, $20

Today's Everyday Fashion: A New Trick

/





































Some trends are not for me. I like maxi dresses, but for some reason maxi skirts make me feel really tall, awkward and like I'm a school teacher on a prairie. They look great on other women but I'm just not ready to commit to buying one. I recently had a lightbulb moment though - what if I just convert a maxi dress into a skirt? (Taking my own advice from this post.) So I gave it a try! I added a silky collared shirt over my new maxi dress. I tied the ends in a knot, and then tucked them up to create a shirt that was the perfect length (bonus: knotting your shirt like this is also a big trend right now). I think it's a cute look that will be perfect for wearing this maxi dress in the fall, and makes it appropriate for work! Have you ever tried this trick with your maxi dresses?

Dress: c/o The Unique Closet, $46 - Check out the product videos they recently added to their website - you might recognize the model! ;-p
Belt: Gap, $10 (recent)
Shirt (right): Gap, $10
Necklace: c/o Stella & Dot, $55
Charm: c/o Stella & Dot, $19
Shoes: Steve Madden Riddgge c/o MJR Sales, $40
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $70

Today's Everyday Fashion: Green with Envy

/





































When I saw this DVF photo I was green with envy. So much so, that I decided to pull some green items out of my own closet and make my own green look. I love how colorful it is, and yet all the colors blend together and look almost muted. (Anyone seeing what I'm seeing?) What are some of your favorite unexpected color combos this summer?

I'm also asking for a quick favor today - would you consider becoming an official "follower" of the blog by clicking the "Follow" button in the right-hand column? I hate when people ask just to ask (and I'm honestly way less concerned with how many fans I have, than how much you guys like the content!), but would be really, really helpful for a couple projects I'm working on to have a higher # in that box. Thanks for your help ladies! ;-)

Inspiration photo: Diane von Furstenberg
Occasion: Work
Cardigan: H&M, $18
Shirt: Gap, $32
Skirt: LOFT, $55
Belt: Gap, $3
Shoes: Banana Republic, $50
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Earrings: c/o Mikel Maia

Photo Shoot with Layne Haley

/

My friend Layne Haley is a genius. We went to high school together and I've been following her photography career for the past two years. She takes amazing pictures - everything from the usual weddings and engagements, to creative fashion and boudoir. Words can't really express how talented she is - so I will just show you. I was lucky to have her take some pictures while I was in Kansas, and she totally blew me away. It's hard to get a picture of me not smiling my big goofy grin that's not completely *awkward*, and I would have to say that she totally nailed it. :-)

To book a session with Layne email her at LAYNE@LAYNEHALEY.COM. Also become a fan of her Facebook page and website for more photos!






























Today's Everyday Fashion: The New Staple

/





































I have to admit that when I first spotted this white blazer, I hesitated to buy it. I was seeing them everywhere and loving them on celebrities, but I just wasn't sure if I would be able to style it correctly/pull it off. Fast forward to month later and this is now a staple in my wardrobe! Just try and get me to not post an outfit with it for a week, I dare you. :-) What items have you been reluctant to buy, but wound up loving?

Inspiration photo: Shopbop
Occasion: Work
Blazer: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales, $35
Shirt: Banana Republic, $17
Skirt: J.Crew, $48
Shoes: Aldo, $50
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 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:

Bottom row:

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?