Today's Everyday Fashion: Art in Translation

Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend! Mine got off to a rough start, but ended on a high note. I had mole surgery on Friday and was not expecting recovery to be so complicated. The doctor axed our plans to go to the beach, and the four stitches in my armpit made for some serious pain and I haven't been able to move my right arm much. Why am I telling you this? 1. To remind everyone to have a mole screening if you haven't lately! I made an appointment thinking I was being silly, but it turns out that two moles needed to be removed, and one of them was pretty serious. (Note: My moles were not at all related to being in the sun. I have very dark skin naturally and I use SPF, but melanoma can be genetic, etc. and can happen to ANYONE, even if you are very careful about being in the sun.) Please don't miss this important check up no matter who you are! 2. I have such limited use of my arm, it's really hard to get dressed, so just a heads up that I might not be posting outfits for a couple days until I heal. (Boo.)

About my outfit: I absolutely love the idea of using art and/or a general color story for inspiration for an outfit. This page of Lucky magazine was just so pretty, I knew had to save it, and it inspired this outfit. I did more of a brown color (versus the gray) with my green and yellow, but I love their pairing as well. Tell me - where is the most random place you have gotten fashion inspiration from?

Inspiration photo: Lucky magazine
Shirt: Banana Republic, $35
Necklace: Charlotte Russe, $9
Belt: H&M, $20
Shorts: Gap, $25
Shoes: c/o Chinese Laundry

Today's Everyday Fashion: July 4th

Happy 4th of July! (a little early) I love red, white and blue so it's not hard for me to show patriotism on my favorite holiday! This year I decided to focus on stripes and created two looks to choose from. I will most likely wear the top one tomorrow, but I love them both. I'm taking the day off from blogging to enjoy the holiday with my family and friends, so I want to see what YOU are wearing for July 4th. Please link to your outfits in the comments section, or upload them to my Facebook page! Happy Independence Day!

Inspiration photo: Zappos (reader submitted)
Skirt: H&M, $35
Shirt: H&M, $18 (recent)
Belt: Forever 21, $5
Shoes: Steve Madden Riddgge c/o MJR Sales, $40
Necklace: Stella & Dot

Inspiration photo: FabSugar
Shirt: Moda c/o MJR Sales, $12
Shorts: Gap, $22
Belt: Forever 21, $5
Purse: Juicy Couture via Macy's
Shoes: Banana Republic, $25
Necklace: Stella & Dot
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8

Today's Everyday Fashion: Fantasy or Real Life?

This outfit may look familiar (it's very similar to what I wore for my photo shoot with Layne Haley  here). A photo shoot is fantasy though, and I want to talk about how an outfit like this could work for real life. I like to say that you shouldn't leave the house in an outfit that could fit in at a costume party - and I think this look might be pushing those boundaries. On the other hand, though, 70's is such a huge trend and I have seen girls wearing headbands like this and they always look ah-dorable. Tell me what you think - does this work in real life? Would you wear a headband like this and where would you wear it?

Occasion: Music festival?
Inspiration photo: Express
Shirt: c/o MJR Sales, $14
Shorts: American Eagle, $25
Necklace: H&M, $8
Belt: Aberrombie, really old
Shoes: c/o Chinese Laundry
Headband: A 50 cent piece of leather from a craft store

Today's Everyday Fashion: The "It" Dress

Ladies, meet my new favorite dress. There are three areas in which I score a dress - fit, color and wearability. This dress scores a perfect 30 for me! Fit gets a 10 out of 10. The pleating and slight ruching is amazing and gives the illusion of curves while also covering up any lumps and bumps. Color also gets a 10 because this is a favorite color of mine and it works well with my skin tone. And finally, wearability - while most dresses are only for day OR night, this dress gets a 10 because it is equally at home for a wedding, a dinner date, a girls night out, a networking event (where I wore it on Wednesday night), a daytime event and even church. A crazy amount of places you could wear this dress - and trust me, you will see me wearing it again at some point! Good clothes are too good to let them just sit in your closet after all. :-)

Tell me - based on what characteristics do you score your dresses/clothes? Do you have a dress in your closet that seems to fit many different occasions?

Occasion: Women's networking event
Dress: C. Luce c/o McAuley's
Belt: Limited, $15
Shoes: BCBG via Ross, $20
Necklace: JcPenney, $9
Purse: Juicy Couture via Macy's

Today's Everyday Fashion: That's My Style

You guys know I like to dabble in all types of styles, but if I had to pick just one it would be something like this. Very Tory Burch, very preppy, a bit tribal. This is pretty much "me" in an outfit. :-) I will be running all over town today wearing this - I have a couple of meetings and some errands. I liked both pairs of shoes with this outfit so I decided to show both. I'll start the day in wedges and if my feet get tired I'll switch to flats!

Tell me - how do you know when something is "your style"? 

Occasion: Meetings and errands
Shirt: Moda c/o MJR Sales, $16
Necklace: c/o Shop It Beverly Hills, $31.99
Shorts: Gap, $22
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $78
Shoes (left): Steve Madden Riddgge c/o MJR Sales, $40
Shoes (right): Rampage via Endless.com, $20

Win an Item of Your Choice From Elegantees! [now closed]

I'm so excited to be doing a giving away with Elegantees, a luxury tee shirt company whose mission is to fight sex trafficking! Three lucky readers will win any Elegantees item of their choice by entering the giveaway below, and right now everyone is a winner because you will receive a coupon for 25% off your purchase when you enter. To enter the giveaway simply provide your email address in the box below to sign up for Elegantees emails. Three winners will be selected randomly on Wednesday, July 6th, and everyone will receive the coupon code. Good luck!

About Elegantees

Katie Behnke is a clothing designer from Iowa, currently in New York City working on her brand Elegantees, which is exactly what she’s dreamed to do since youth! She says, “The joy of my heart is the source of my anger – sex trafficking. As my company continues to grow and once the investors are paid back, I’ll donate 100% of the dividends to the fight against sex trafficking.” Currently, she’s prospering connections with some factories in Peru and Nepal that are transforming the community, some rescuing sex trafficked victims and giving them sewing skills, and some giving employment to those at “red light risk.” Whenever you purchase the affordable Elegantees, you are helping the mission of this company. 

We have three winners! They will be notified via email. Thanks for entering!

 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Take My Picture

One of the most interesting things I've learned from blogging is how different something can look in a photo. I found this skirt at Ross recently for $8 and was so excited because a. $8 is a steal, and b. I thought it was really flattering. That's until I took a photo... You may or may not agree that this skirt is unflattering on me, but the point is that it looks totally different in a photo than it did when I looked at it in the mirror!! Not at all what I was expecting and I ultimately decided to return it. What I'm hoping we can learn from today's fail outfit:

1. Try taking a photo. Blogging has changed me forever - I will run home and take photos of my new purchases to make sure they fit well, probably for the rest of my life. Don't feel silly about doing this - especially if you are unsure of the fit on something, or if it's an important event such as engagement photos.

2. Return unwanted items. I am a big fan of returning something if you decide you don't love it. Of course, making smart choices while you're shopping is the better strategy, but if you don't wear something within the first 20 days or so, then I say don't be shy about returning it!

Tell me - Do you ever return items to the store? Have you ever had a clothing item look totally different in a photo than what you were expecting?

Cardigan: Gap (returned it)
Skirt: Ross, $8 (returned it)
Shirt: J.Crew, $20
Belt: Gap, $10 (recent)
Shoes: Guess via DSW, $20
Necklaces: c/o Stella & Dot

Today's Everyday Fashion: Perfect Harmony

I love it when seemingly random colors come together and form the perfect pairing. It's almost like music notes making a song. Ingredients are just ingredients until you use them to make something beautiful! In my head, these colors - electric blue, lime green, seafoam and mustard - should not go together. But they work for some reason. My hypothesis? Colors from the same "family" (blues/greens/yellows) make the perfect outfit. Try selecting one side of the color wheel to make an unexpected but harmonious outfit that works for you!

Occasion: Work
Inspiration photo: Found in my Closet
Cardigan: H&M, $18
Shirt: J.Crew, $25 (similar)
Belt: Gap, $10
Skirt: Banana Republic, $40
Shoes: Bandolino via TJ Maxx, $25 (similar)
Necklace: Charlotte Russe, $9

Today's Everyday Fashion: Kim Kardashian

I know a lot of you really like Kim Kardashian's style and it's easy to see why. She always looks very put together and unlike some celebs who are a bit much with their style (Lady Gaga, Rhianna), the Kardashians have very accessible style. Most of their stuff is easy to re-create, such as this look today. I absolutely loved the combination of Kim's red skirt, blush pink shirt and utility belt and so I had to give it a try using items from my own closet! Tell me - who are your favorite celebrity style icons? What celeb closet would you want to raid?

Inspiration photo: Lucky
Shirt: J.Crew, $40
Skirt: Forever 21, $16
Belt (worn backwards): Banana Republic, $35
Necklace: c/o Stella & Dot
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Shoes: Steve Madden Riddgge c/o MJR Sales, $40

A Peek Inside My Closet

Where the magic happens

My closet may not be all that sexy, or beautiful or even all that organized, but I know many of you have expressed an interest in seeing it, so I finally decided to satisfy your curiosity! I thougt a video would be the easiest way to explain what everything is. It's about 2 minutes long and I give you the full tour. (The only thing I left out: all those shoe boxes up top are empty. I just like to hang onto them since we have the room, but all of my shoes are actually down below.) I'm excited to hear what you think - is my closet much smaller than what you would have guessed? Anything else surprise you about it? How do you organize your own closet?

My section of the closet

Wall of necklaces

Today's Everyday Fashion: Arts and Crafts

I like to call this my "arts and crafts" necklace set. I'm loving the combination so much, I will be repeating it many times this summer with other outfits. I think it is also the name of a trend, and it reminds me of the friendship bracelets that are coming back into style full-force. This necklace is mostly made of cloth, with electric blue rhinestones. It totally looks like something you would make during arts and crafts, and makes me feel like I'm at summer camp all over again! (happy sigh)

My take: I really try not to play favorites with my outfits, but this might be my favorite! (at least for the time being) It's rare when I find an outfit, with flats, that I can wear in the 100 degree heat and still be stylish! How do you stay stylish in the summer heat? Are you a fan of the "arts and crafts" trend?

Inspiration photo: Rachel Roy SS2011 via FabSugar
Occasion: Errands/shopping
Shirt: TJ Maxx, $15 (recent)
Skirt: Forever 21, $15
Shoes: Express, $15 (recent)
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $78
Bib necklace: JcPenney, $15 (recent)
Feather necklaces: American Eagle, $5/each

ps. If you are a blogger check out this great online conference that I'm really excited to be a part of! I will speaking on Saturday, July 9th about "how to market your blog." You can buy tickets here, and read the full agenda here.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Neoprene

Believe it or not - neoprene, the stuff you find in wetsuits, has been a big trend on runways for the past few seasons. I have always been oddly fascinated with this trend. There's something about it that I find really appealing, maybe the reference to scuba diving reminds me of the ocean which equals happy times? Either way, I've really been wanting to give it a try. I scaled it way back (obviously) and focused on colors (seafoam and the pop of orange) and fabric (this skirt has a total wetsuit vibe if you've seen it in person) to create a neoprene-inspired look for work! Tell me - do you like the neoprene trend? Have you ever tried to wear it in everyday life?

Inspiration photo: Cynthia Rowley for Roxy
Occasion: Work
Blazer: Banana Republic, $35
T-shirt: Forever 21, $8
Necklace: Charlotte Russe, $9
Skirt: LOFT, $55
Shoes: Aldo, $50

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Same But Different

I am all about choices lately because today I'm showing you another way you can take an idea (hot pink + black/ivory print + turquoise) and make it work in different ways! On the left we have a fun and funky look for work, and on the right we have a casual outfit that uses the same color combo, but totally flips things around. Try doing this in your own wardrobe - take a color combo you love and use it for work and play. Or use this idea when you see something you want to copy, but need to flip-flop the top and bottom to use what you already have!

ps. Thanks for all the encouragement about my hair yesterday -- you guys really are the best. I still maintain that I look like fuzzhead, so these will be the last couple pics with my au natural hair for awhile. :-)

Left
Cardigan: Express, really old
Shirt: Banana Republic, $15
Necklace: H&M, $14 (recent)
Skirt: Limited, $30
Shoes: Steve Madden at Ross, $20

Right
Shirt: TJ Maxx, $13
Shorts: Forever 21, $15
Necklace: H&M, $14 (recent)
Shoes: Macy's, $13

Today's Everyday Fashion: Multiple Choice

I totally forgot I had this shirt. Or rather, I haven't worn it in so long, it kind of faded into the back of my closet. This inspiration photo reminded me so much of it though, I had to pull it out of the back of the closet to replicate this outfit. I went with a standard re-creation in the middle photo - but on the far right I'm showing how you can use what you have to make it work. Do you have a similar shirt, but pants only in a different color? Switch it up. Fashion isn't just a one-answer, it's multiple choice!

What are some of you "make it work" moments? Which color pants do you prefer? I like the outfit in the middle, with the hair on the right. (I can't stand my hair in it's natural, wavy state!)

Inspiration photo: Ann Taylor
Shirt: Banana Republic, $45
Cargos (left): TJ Maxx, $17
Cargos (right): Nordstrom Rack, $40
Necklace: Banana Republic, $20
Belt (right): Gap, $10
Shoes (left): Chinese Laundry at DSW, $40
Shoes (right): Chinese Laundry at Piperlime, $34
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8

4 Ways to Wear a Statement Necklace

Accessories are a great and inexpensive way to change up an outfit, and nothing has a more dramatic effect than a statement necklace. They first appeared in retail stores a few years ago, but their continued popularity is proof that they are here to stay! Not sure how to wear them? Here are four ideas for styling statement necklaces with what you already own.

1. With an open neckline. Open necklines such as v-necks are very flattering to many body types, but what should you do with all that empty space? Fill it up with some gorgeous jewelry, of course! A statement necklace adds texture, detail and even color to an open-neck look.

Necklace (left) Stella & Dot, $89
Necklace (center) Aldo, $20
Necklace (right) Stella & Dot, $198

Just like J:
1. Hive & Honey Wood Bead Drop Necklace, $42 at Piperlime
2. Stella & Dot Casablanca Bib Necklace, $89
3. Stella & Dot Metropolitan Mixed Necklace, $198

2. Over a collared shirt.  Do you feel boring in your collared shirts at work? Add a statement necklace around the outside of the collar to spice up your base and add sparkle and texture. You can think of it as a gorgeous necktie for girls!
Necklace (left) Stella & Dot, borrowed
Necklace (center) J.Crew, $45
Necklace (right) JCPenney, $20

Just like J:
1. Worthington Trend Stone Necklace, $14.99 at JCPenney
2. Hive & Honey Mixed Metal Knot Necklace, $25.99 at Piperlime
3. Stella & Dot Musette Necklace, $79

3. With a high neckline. High necklines like turtlenecks and bateaus make great foundations for a statement necklace. Layer one over your shirt or dress to create a fun color combo and make your necklace really pop.
Necklace (left) Stella & Dot, $198
Necklace (center) Stella & Dot, borrowed
Necklace (right) JCPenney, $9

Just like J:
1. Mixit Pearl Flower Necklace, $24.99 at JCPenney
2. Stella & Dot Charlotte Statement Necklace, $89
3. Zad Gold Tone Metal Bib Necklace, $31.99 at ShopItLA on ebay
 

4. With embellishments. It may seem like too much at first, but statement necklaces actually look great paired with other embellishments like ruffled collars or sequin tops. Give it a try today!
 Necklace (left) Banana Republic, $35
Necklace (center) Banana Republic, $30
Necklace (right) Banana Republic, $25

Just like J:
1. Mixit Shaky Motif Necklace, $24.99 at JCPenney
2. Tasha ‘Electra’ Jeweled Bib, $48 at Nordstrom

[This is a guest post for Shecky's.com. You can see this article on their website here.]

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Magic Trick

You might describe me as part stylist, part magician. I am always thinking of ways to re-use what I already have, but this look is a J's Everyday Fashion first because I'm wearing this sweater backwards! I'm actually not totally feeling this one - I love it from the front, but I'm not confident about the back. (And really, confidence in what you are wearing is 99% of your outfit.) That said - would you have the confidence to pull off this look? Would you ever wear a top backwards?

Inspiration photo: Coach
Occasion: Work
Sweater: Moda c/o MJR Sales, $24
Skirt: Limited, $35
Belt: American Eagle, $15
Shoes: BCBG/Ross, $21
Purse: Juicy Couture/Macy's
Short necklace: c/o Stella & Dot
Charm: c/o Stella & Dot

Free Fashion Advice + Be In an Episode of My Show!

Ever wish I could come to your closet and help you make outfits? Well, now I can! :-)  My style makeover show (also named J's Everyday Fashion) is searching for women in need of fashion help in the Orlando area! Women are encouraged to submit themselves for consideration, and those selected will receive a free closet consultation and personal shopping session from yours truly, and appear in an episode of the show. To view the pilot episode, click here.

Submissions are being accepted now. We are searching for twelve local women to be in twelve episodes being shot in Orlando from September to November. Episodes will air approximately one month after they are taped. To be considered, applicants must submit an email to everydaymakeovershow@gmail.com. Details/eligibility are as follows:

- We would love to see a video! Videos should be 30 seconds to 2 minutes long and uploaded to YouTube with the keyword "izonorlando." High production value is not important – just introduce yourself and tell us why you should receive help on our show! (Note: video entries will become the property of IzonOrlando.)
- If you do not have the technology to create a video, then feel free to just send text and photos. Please explain the areas you would like to improve in, and tell us where you usually like to shop. You do not need a super-dramatic story! This show is for real, everyday women who may or may not be stylish, they just have fashion questions and would like free style advice.
- The style seeker must live within 30 miles of downtown Orlando and be willing to let us shoot video in their home. 
- The style seeker will receive free fashion advice, closet consultation and personal shopping. They do not receive clothes, but they also are not required to buy anything.
- Women who have already received free personal shopping from me in the past are more than welcome to apply to be on the show!

About the show

Based on the hit blog J's Everyday Fashion, J and IzonOrlando have teamed up to bring you a style makeover show for the everyday woman. In each episode, J takes one woman on a journey through her closet to identify several ways she can improve what she already owns. Next, they visit local stores to shop for new pieces to complement existing items in the style seeker's closet. Finally, J develops new outfits utilizing a combination of new and old items, ultimately helping the style seeker with several areas of fashion self-improvement by the end of the show! You can view the pilot episode here. 

(If you are a member of the press and would like to receive a full press release please email me at jseverydayfashion@gmail.com.)

J's Everyday Fashion: The Sequin Skirt

I have always loved sequins. As a little girl I had my mom make me a princess costume for Halloween and it was covered in blue sequins. It still holds true for me today - I love the texture, the shine and everything about them. They say "party" to me, and who doesn't want to have a good time everyday!? Thankfully the trends agree with me, because sequins are no longer reserved for New Year's Eve and cocktail parties, they are also okay for daytime and even the workplace (depending on your dress code of course). I have always loved J.Crew's mix of military and sequins, and while it's certainly a bold statement, I would wear this to the office, or to a retail job at the mall. How about you though - would you be bold enough to wear a sequin skirt to your job or a daytime event?

Inspiration photo: J.Crew
Occasion: Work
Shirt: J.Crew, $14
Belt: Bakers, $5
Skirt: New York and Company, $25
Shoes: BCBG/Ross, $21
Necklace: c/o Stella & Dot, $55

Today's Everyday Fashion: I'm on a Boat

I had WAY too much fun yesterday. Our friends Eric & Stacy took us out on their boat to celebrate Eric's birthday. I swear it felt more like my birthday though because it was so much fun!! They live on the Gulf side of Florida, and we spent most of the day in the middle of the ocean in waist-deep perfectly clear water, hunting for sand dollars, conch shells and we even saw a small shark! We also docked and dined at an adorable restaurant for lunch - it really was the perfect day. I meant to take pictures, but when you are having that much fun - you forget! :-)

About my outfits: The first picture is what I wore for our 2-hour drive down to the Gulf. Once we got on the boat, I took off my shorts and added a hat (the cover-up is a bit short, so I wanted extra coverage with the shorts for the road trip). For the swimming parts of the day I sported my new bathing suit from Love Me Chic. I am totally in love with this bathing suit, probably one of the most flattering and comfy I have ever owned!

Occasion: Boating and swimming in the Gulf
Cover-up: TJ Maxx, $17 (this is actually a size L shirt that I converted into a cover-up)
Shorts: Abercrombie, $50
Flip flops: Rainbow, $40
Hat: TJ Maxx, $13
Swim suit: c/o Love Me Chic, $49

Win $1,000 Worth of Goodies from Global Fashion Brands! [now closed]

I'm so excited about this giveaway! One lucky reader will win all 8 of these items - totaling more than $1,000 from Global Fashion Brands! The even better news? Everyone is a winner - because with code JSBLOG you can receive between 20-25% off of more than 14 brands on their website! (when you enter the contest, you will receive coupon details via email) 

To enter the giveaway simply enter your email address in the box below to sign up for Global Fashion Brands emails:

Email

Extra credit:

1.  Share the giveaway with your friends! Post a link to this giveaway on your Facebook page and be sure to tag the Global Fashion Brands Page and J's Everyday Fashion to get credit. (in order to tag, you need to "Like" the pages first, and if the post doesn't show up on our pages you can email me a screenshot to get credit for an additional entry)

2.  Tweet about the giveaway and include the hashtag #GFBgiveaway and the link http://bit.ly/ku1G5j.

A winner will be selected at random on Sunday, June 26th. Good luck and thanks for entering!

Items in this giveaway:

1. Estala Balan skirt, $173

2. Khari dress, $108

3. Lola Paige dress, $50

4. Adolfo Sanchez leggings, $105

5. Gay Boyer pearl necklace, $175

6. Taara Jewelry gold cuff, $25

7. Free Endearment handbag, $275

8. Maleku Jewelry pearl ring, $145

We have a winner... congrats to Kristen!