Today's Everyday Fashion: GalTime TV

Occasion: Shooting a TV segment
Dress: c/o Varga Store, $44
Necklace: J's Stella & Dot Website
Shoes: Banana Republic, $22
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8

This morning I headed to the Daily Buzz studios where I shot my first how-to fashion segment! (You may recall that I've been on the news before, but this is my first time doing a how-to!) We talked about how to conceal four different problem areas, complete with props and photos. I wore my new pale pink Varga dress and my favorite Stella & Dot necklace (part of the new fall line, and absolutely the prettiest statement necklace I've ever seen in my life!).

You can watch the segments tomorrow on the Daily Buzz nationally from 6-7am. Find out where it airs on your local TV by going here. In addition, if you live in Orlando you can also watch the segments on GalTime TV this Saturday at 10am on Central Florida's 27 (WRDQ).

Today's Everyday Fashion: Olsen Style

"Hey look it's one of the Olsen twins. Oh wait, that's J..." Easy mistake guys, happens *all* the time. ;-p Joking aside, I am actually a huge fan of the Olsen's style. I may not understand their constant use of over-sized clothes, but I still find them to be very chic and a huge source of inspiration. I borrowed the general theme of this photo but stuck with silhouettes that work well for me (and what was already hiding in my closet). What surprising celebrities do you take style inspiration from?

Inspiration photo: FabSugar
Hooded sweater: Limited, really old
Shorts: Gap, $15 (recent)
Sunglasses: H&M, $5 (shop for sunglasses at exboutique.com)
Shoes: Diba via Nordstrom Rack, $30 (recent)
Necklace: Stella & Dot (similar)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $79

Printed shorts options

1. Macy's Printed Shorts, $23.99
2. LOFT Printed Shorts, $44.50
3. TopShop Printed Shorts, $66

Today's Everyday Fashion: Color Blocking

My favorite season has always been summer, and you can see it all over my wardrobe. It's full of bright colors and I've always owned more tank tops than sweaters, even when I lived in Boston. I think this is why color blocking never gets old! I plan on taking full advantage of the remaining summer weeks to post as many bright color ensembles as possible! Tell me - what is your favorite season for clothes? Are you savoring summer like me, or can't wait until fall?

Inspiration photo: My Daily Style
Cardigan: H&M, $18
Shirt: Gap, $30
Shorts: Forever 21, $15 (similar and similar and similar)
Belt: Gap, $10
Shoes: Chinese Laundry via DSW, $27
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $56
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

Pink shorts (links are above)

Flashback Friday: The Lace Shirt

Lace may seem like a trend that's not for everyone, but I think it can be really versatile. You can wear lace and be rock-n-roll (adding this to my to-do list), you can wear lace to the office (below), or you can wear lace and be preppy (like in today's look, above)! It's all in how you accessorize.

Tell me - how do you wear lace? Which look is your favorite?

Inspiration photo: Neiman Marcus Cusp
Shirt: Forever 21, $18 (similar and similar and similar)
Shorts: Forever 21, $20
Shoes: Guess via DSW, $20
Necklace: J's Stella & Dot website
Charm: J's Stella & Dot website
Bag: c/o It's in the Bag, $79
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

Today's Everyday Fashion: Crazy Lady

I loved this inspiration photo so much, that I hunted and hunted until I found a colorful belt to complete the look. (I figured I could get more use out of a belt rather than a woven purse like SJP is sporting.) After doing some Google searches, I found an Etsy store called Rogue Retro that sells amazing vintage finds. They had several colorful belts to choose from including this one from Guatemala (there are links to the other belts below). I would up wearing this ensemble to the mall yesterday. I realize it's a tad "colorful" and I got a couple strange looks (red pants and purple shirt? it even sounds crazy), but I still stand by this outfit. As I tweeted recently "life is too short to not wear color," and life is also too short to not wear what you want. I rocked the red pants and purple shirt with a hippie vibe and loved every minute of it! :-)

What celebrity looks are you obsessed with at the moment? Leave a link or share them on my Facebook page!

Inspiration photo: FabSugar
Occasion: Running errands
Shirt: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales, $15
Pants: Gap, $15
Belt: Vintage c/o Rogue Retro, $15 (similar and similar and similar)
Shoes: Diba via Nordstrom Rack, $30
Purse: Juicy Couture via Neiman Marcus Last Call, $115
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Earrings: J's Stella & Dot website

Love these earrings

Today's Everyday Fashion: Wardrobe Staples Every Girl Needs

This may be one of my most-asked questions, but I'm vehemently opposed to "10 items every woman needs" lists. If you see one, please throw it away!!! I think that women are way too different and complex to be lumped into one category. For instance, they almost always contain three items - a black pencil skirt, a white button up and a trench coat - that I hardly ever wear and could most certainly live without. Staples vary so widely depending upon your personal style, occupation, age, body type  and the climate you live in. A lawyer and a nurse's wardrobes could not be more different, nor could a Minnesota woman and a Florida woman. There is only one thing every women needs at any age in my opinion and that's a great pair of jeans.

So what does this mean for you? This may be my most asked question, but unfortunately there is no easy answer. My hope is that by reading my blog and the how-to articles I post, that I can help you figure out exactly what "staples" means to you - and that I can help you develop your own list of 10 things you can't live without. Ultimately though it's about the journey and finding what you love, which requires some trail and error. Tell me - what are your wardrobe staples? Can you think of any other items (besides jeans) that every woman needs?

About the outfit: The blazer is PINK and the skirt is NAVY. (hard to tell in the photo) I dig this inspiration photo but it was a tad too rock-n-roll for my taste. I prefer the sweetness of the nude pumps and looser skirt with this look and while you can see the resemblance to my inspiration, I definitely made it my own!

Inspiration photo: Nasty Gal
Pink blazer: Banana Republic, $35
Shirt: Banana Republic, $18
Navy skirt: H&M, $30 (similar)
Shoes: Banana Republic, $22 (similar and similar)
Necklace: J's Stella & Dot website (similar)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8

Today's Everyday Fashion: Tall Drink of OJ

Doesn't this look make you crave orange juice? I think the expression "tall drink of water" should be changed to "tall drink of OJ." I loved this picture of Leighton Meester on Gossip Girl when a fan posted it on my Facebook page last week, and I've been looking forward to re-creating it ever since. So perfectly sunny, so perfectly citrus - I think it could be the new mascot for Florida oranges! Do you love Gossip Girl? What are your favorite TV shows for style inspiration? (I'm a huge Sex and the City fan, and I also love Fiona's style on Burn Notice.) 

Inspiration photo: FabSugar (reader submitted)
Shirt: Gap, $5 (recent)
Skirt: J.Crew, $45
Shoes: Bandolino via TJ Maxx, $20
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $78
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Necklace: J's Stella & Dot website
Charm: J's Stella & Dot website

On the hunt for yellow shoes? I love both of these pairs! (Bonus: get 15% off with code CL15REG323 through 7/31.)
1. Chinese Laundry Huckster, $100
2. Chinese Laundry Spicy, $59

Today's Everyday Fashion: Pretty as a Tulip

Today's look is a mix of inspiration photos. I got the idea to pair my peach shirt with my pink/purple skirt from photo #3, and the idea to add a green belt from photo #1. Then I added a yellow cardigan and some nude pumps to complete the look. I think I look like a flower - it's almost as if that green belt is a stem! ;-) As I mentioned in Friday's post, cardigans and pencil skirts are my "work uniform", and I feel like I could never tire of coming up with fun color combinations for this particular type of look. What combination do you find yourself coming back to again and again? What is your work uniform?

Inspiration photo: People.com (reader submitted)
Occasion: Work
Cardigan: Banana Republic, $14
Shirt: Limited, $16
Skirt: Limited, $35
Belt: Marshall's, $6 (recent)
Shoes: BCBG via Ross, $20
Watch: Micheal Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Earrings: c/o Mikel Maia

Today's Everyday Fashion: Bare Your Midriff

I love that tying your shirt in a knot is back in style. I have tons of too loose and too long collared shirts that this trick is perfect for. I have to admit that I'm hesitant to show my midriff though, even this high up and only a peek. The key to this outfit is having high-waisted shorts (which is why my shorts are white, that's the only color of high-wasited shorts I have) so that you are only showing a little bit of your skin. I really am curious to hear what you guys think though! Would you dare to show a peek of midriff like in these photos? Should I go for it?

Inspiration photo: Refinery 29
Shirt: J.Crew, $45
Shorts: Gap, $24
Shoes: Diba via Nordstrom Rack, $30 (recent)
Purse: Juicy Couture via Macy's
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Earrings: c/o Mikel Maia

1. Piperlime top, $64
2. Forever 21 top, $15.80
3. Macy's top, $44.99

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Blogger Conference

I'm blogging live today from the Central Florida Blogger Conference! (I literally just snapped this photo.) I'm speaking at two sessions today and public speaking is one of my absolute favorite things so I wasn't nervous. That is... until I showed up and realized that there are at least a hundred people here, and I have to use a microphone. Now I'm nervous. :-) Wish me luck!!

Do you attend blog conferences? What are your favorite conferences you've attended?

Occasion: Speaker at the Central FL Bloggers Conference
Dress: Banana Republic, $60
Cardigan: Gap, $18
Belt: Gap, $10
Shoes: Restricted via Endless.com, $40
Necklace: Aldo, $15
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Turquoise bracelet: Stella & Dot, $69

Speaking about my Facebook strategy

Hanging with other lovely bloggers

 Photos courtesy of MomJovi and Crazy Running Legs! Thanks ladies!

Four Easy Office Style Secrets

Plan ahead - a week's worth of outfits

Getting dressed for work can be monotonous, tedious and even downright frustrating at times. But the good news is that it doesn't have to be! With a little careful planning and some strategic budgeting, you can make your work wardrobe as exciting as your job. (Or add excitement to a job that you don't love!) Here are my top tips for getting dressed for the office:

1. Plan Ahead
I don't know about you, but I'm not much of a morning person and I feel zero creativity when I'm in a rush to get ready for work. That's why I think taking 20 minutes on the weekend to come up with some outfits can be really beneficial. I like to shut the door, put on some music and get in the zone for a little while. You will be surprised at what you can come up with if you just give yourself the space to get creative! Write down the outfits you come up with, create a few extras in case of weather changes, and then throughout the week you can consult your list to find an outfit that works for your day ahead. Can't find anything on your list that you want to wear? Revert back to a favorite outfit you've worn a month or so ago. (It's perfectly fine to repeat outfits at the office!) Planning ahead will save you time (think of the wasted minutes in the morning, trying on everything you own) and make you a better dresser.

J's Picks:
New York and Company Fitted Pencil Skirt with Flared Back, $39.95
Express Studio Stretch Wide Waistband Editor Pant, $59.90
Limited Wide Waistband Pencil Skirt, $59.90

Focus on bottoms

2. Focus on Bottoms
Have you just started a new job, or are entering the work force for the first time? It can be frustrating to know where to begin. My advice is to start with the bottom half. Invest in 5 solid colored bottoms (pants or skirts) and 2-3 pairs of neutral work shoes. You can wear these bottoms and shoes every single week and no one will notice. Once you have those, focus on buying some fun shirts, cardigans, and accessories. These are the less expensive items, and by switching them up with the different bottoms, you wardrobe will look much bigger than it actually is!

J's Picks:
Gap Embroidered Peasant Skirt, $59.95
Ann Taylor Polished Cotton Corseted Skirt, $69.99
Limited Full Pleated Skirt, $69.90

Create a uniform - cardigans and pencil skirts

3. Create a Uniform
Simply your work wardrobe by focusing on a "uniform." Your uniform might be dress pants and blouses, collared shirts and skirts, or full suits. Whatever you love and feel most comfortable in at work can be your uniform. My personal work uniform is pencil skirts and colorful cardigans. Pencil skirts work well for my body type, so I have a drawer full of them in all kinds of colors and prints. I also love the fun colors that cardigans come in, so by mixing and matching them, I have an easy work wardrobe that I love!

J's Picks:
Old Navy Women's V-neck Cardigans, $24.94
Banana Republic Jewel Button Cardigan, $59.90
LOFT Crew Neck Cardigan, $39.50

Have fun

4. Have Fun With It
Your employer wants you to be great at your job, but they also care about your work/life balance. Showing some personality and having fun with your wardrobe says that you still have time to care for yourself and your appearance! Not to mention that wearing something that you feel great in can boost your office self-esteem. Don't be afraid to express yourself through your clothes (within reason) and wear some fun things to work.

J's Picks:
Express Ruffle Front Button Down Blouse, $49.90
Limited Drew Safari Ankle Pant, $69.90
LOFT Tiger Safari Print Woven Skirt, $69.50

This is a guest post for Shecky's.com and The New Professional.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Sweltering Heat

Yesterday the heat was so thick you could cut it with a knife. This is my second summer living in Florida but yesterday's weather was enough to make anyone re-think living here. I had 4 back to back meetings and I wore this outfit - a navy top and red/orange bottom - to navigate my busy day. I managed to stay as cool as possible while still looking somewhat professional (the skirt is too short for the office, but these were casual meetings). Anyone else dying in the heat lately? What are your fashion tips for sweltering hot weather?

Inspiration photo: Milly
Occasion: Meetings
Navy shirt: Banana Republic, $50
Skirt: Forever 21, $16
Shoes: BCBG via Ross, $20
Necklace: eBay via Shop it Beverly Hills, $31
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $78

Today's Everyday Fashion: Red Shoes

What is it about red shoes that make an outfit? Is it the proverbial cherry on top, only it's on the bottom? Or you're an exclamation point and the dot is your red shoes? They are the fire extinguisher of your closet, only they start fires instead of putting them out? Whatever the appeal, I have loved red shoes since I got these 5 years ago. At the time, I had no idea what I would ever wear them with (fashion is a journey, I wasn't always this stylish or confident!). Now I consider red shoes a must and will always keep a pair of red pumps in my closet "in case of emergency." Throw on a pair of red shoes with pretty much anything and you are bound to look chic and sexy! Do you love red shoes? What statement piece do you throw on in a fashion emergency?

Inspiration photo: New York & Company
Shirt: Express, really old
Jeans: Gap, $35
Scarf: H&M, $18
Belt: Forever 21, $8
Shoes: Delicious via Shoe Carnival, $10
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8

ps. If you are a blogger in the Central Florida area - be sure to attend the blogging conference this Saturday! I will be speaking at two of the sessions and hope to see you there! Click here for details.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Exotic Locations

The minute I saw this Lucky Magazine spread, I fell in love. The tribal patterns, the bright colors, the relaxed feel. It made me want to hop on a plane to an exotic destination for vacation! Instead I hopped on over to my closet to see if I couldn't create the same feeling using items I already had. I loved the idea of wearing my green cargos with bright colors, and the idea of pairing a patterned necklace with pattered top. I think this outfit is proof that you don't have to sacrifice on style, no matter how casual the occasion!

Inspiration photo: Lucky
Occasion: Errands
Shirt: Forever 21, $18
Belt: Gap, $10
Pants: Sanctuary Surplus via Nordstrom Rack, $40
Bib necklace: JcPenney, $15 (recent)
Long necklaces: American Eagle, $5 each
Shoes: Express, $15 (recent)
Purse: Juicy Couture via Neiman Marcus, $115

Today's Everyday Fashion: Tory Burch

I may not be able to afford the real thing, but I am a tad obsessed with the Tory Burch aesthetic this summer. When I first spotted these shorts at the Gap, my mind went straight to Tory Burch and the prints she often shows (example: photo left). I drooled over them for months until they finally went on sale to $15 at my local store. I'm still not convinced that print shorts are the best investment for someone on a tight budget, but anything and everything "Tory Burch" is making me happy right now, so I decided to go for it. What designers do you pine over and wish you could afford?

Inspiration photo: Tory Burch
Occasion: Errands and meetings
Shirt: H&M, $18 (recent)
Shorts: Gap, $15 (recent)
Necklace: J's Stella & Dot website
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, $63

Win a Jewelry Set of Your Choice! [now closed]

Today I'm excited to introduce you to a jewelry company called Just Jewelry. They feature adorable jewelry with an amazing price point of $26 and under. One lucky reader will win a jewelry set of their choice (necklace + earrings) from consultant Angie Tyson. Simply follow the instructions below for entering, and be sure to check out the full catalog with all your choices here. (I'm personally a huge fan of the turquoise necklace/yellow shirt combo in the photo above!)

To enter:
1. Become a fan of Angie's Just Jewelry Facebook page.
2. Leave a comment below telling us your favorite piece!

Good luck! The winner will be drawn at random on Monday, July 18th.

Congrats Rachelle!

 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Diving Sticks

I was one of those kids that could swim before I could walk. I grew up exactly one block away from my grandpa, and he had a full-sized underground pool (a real luxury for a Kansas resident), and I was there - all. the. time. I had all my birthday parties at that pool, I spent every waking moment of summer at that pool. To this day, I love pools. What does this have to do with today's outfit? Well, one of my very favorite things as a kid were my diving sticks. Sure, I loved to dive for things, but mostly I was just obsessed with their neon colors. To this day, I always think about those sticks as a fashion influence and today's outfit was inspired by their colorful delight. Do you have any fashion influences from childhood? If so, what are they?

Inspiration photo: Diving Sticks
Occasion: Church
Shirt: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales, $6
Belt: Gap, $10
Skirt: Limited, $35
Necklace: Forever 21, $8
Shoes: Diba via Nordstrom Rack, $30
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $63

Today's Everyday Fashion: Mixed Prints

Why this works: I'm a huge fan of mixing black and brown in outfit (as seen in this post!), but I've been stuck in a rut with only using a yellow-brown/cognac color. That's why I found the taupe brown color they used in the inspiration photo so refreshing! I definitely wanted to give it a try. The taupe color in my sweater ties in the taupe color in my shoes. I also chose a shirt with "light black" print, versus something with a dark black print, making it blend more easily with the brown. The prints are different, but one is very large (shirt), and one is very small (my shoes) so they work nicely together. I piled on some gold jewelry and a matching belt and I am good to go! Have you mixed taupe and black together? What are your tips for wearing two different animal prints at once?

Inspiration photo: Ann Taylor
Shirt: TJ Maxx, $15
Cardigan: Banana Republic, $35
Shorts: Forever 21, $20
Belt: Limited, $10
Shoes: H&M, $13
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Short necklace: J's Stella & Dot website (similar)
Long chain: J's Stella & Dot website (30 inch, gold)
Charm: J's Stella & Dot website

Today's Everyday Fashion: Fire and Ice

Last night I pulled my sorry self out of the house to attend Yelp's big event of the year. The dress code was red and white (fire and ice), so I thought it was the perfect time to pull out my new orangish red Varga dress. I switched out the elastic belt for a brown leather one, added some colorful earrings, and put on some sandals. I never wear flat shoes to events (and felt extremely short!) but I didn't feel comfy wearing heels with the stitches in my knee. Yelp always puts on good events, and I was in good company with my friend Ashley, so it's no surprise that it was a great night!

About the dress: I'm wearing a size S. The fit is insane on this dress (as in, really good!) The color is more vibrant as shown in my photo. The fabric is a tad thin, but with some nude undergarments you are good to go! Overall, I'm a huge fan.

(ps. I know someone is going to comment on how tan I look - but this was a high flash + low lighting situation so it's just the lighting of the photo. *promise*)

Occasion: Yelp event
Dress: c/o Varga, $44
Belt: Gap, $12
Earrings: Forever 21, $6
Shoes: Diba via Nordstrom Rack, $30
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8

May & June Budget

Confession: I don't always spend my monthly allowance within that same month. Sometimes I spend into next month, and sometimes I go a whole month without spending anything at all. It's actually part of my budgeting strategy though. I am a big believer in everyone having a clothing budget, no matter what your income level. But just because you have a set amount of $ to spend in a month doesn't mean you should go out and try to spend that whole amount in any given month. What if you don't find anything you like? Or have zero time to go shopping? In that case, I really think it's better to hold onto your allowance and use it later. 

My budget for May and June were both $100. I skipped shopping in May (it was a busy month for me!) and did all my shopping in June (and went a teensy bit over). Another bonus to this strategy: there were amazing sales in June, so my money went further than it would have in May! Here's what I bought:

1. H&M ivory blouse, $18
2. H&M striped shirt, $10
3. Gap shorts, $24*
4. Limited shirt, $33 (purchased online with a coupon code, price includes shipping)
5. American Eagle dress, $20* 
6.  Gap leather belts, $7 and $12*
7. Gap neon belt, $11*
8. Forever 21 earrings, $6
9. H&M necklace, $13
10. JcPenney necklace, $15
11. H&M flower, $4
12. American Eagle feather necklaces, $5 each*
13. Express sandals, $16*
14. Nordstrom Rack sandals, $30                            Grand Total = $234

*Purchased in the store during a sale. No coupon was used. In-store prices are usually much lower than online prices.