Today's Everyday Fashion: Outfit Evolution

Once upon a time (this summer), I discovered an adorable outfit on a mannequin at J.Crew and snapped a photo of it with my phone. This photo (and SJP) lead me to seek out a similar woven belt which I found at Rogue Retro. I then re-created the J.Crew look sans blazer, and after mulling it over for a couple days, decided that a mustard top and turquoise earrings would be even better. The final result looks hardly anything like my inspiration, but that my friends is all in the evolution of an outfit. :-) Which look is your favorite? Have you ever gone back to "improve" an old outfit?

Inspiration photo: J.Crew mannequin
Shirt (left): TJ Maxx, $15
Shirt (right): Gap, $5
Skirt: Forever 21, $18
Belt: Vintage c/o Rogue Retro, $15
Shoes: c/o Chinese Laundry, $130
Necklace: Stella & Dot
Earrings: My Stella & Dot Website

Red skirt options

1. Urban Outfitters shorts, $29.99
2. Forever 21 skirt, $13.80
3. French Connection skirt at Yoox, $35 (on sale)

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Scarf Belt

I absolutely love this inspiration outfit! Pretty much anything nautical speaks to me, and I'm digging the idea of wearing a silk scarf through your belt loops. I wish I would have left the ends of the scarf loose instead of knotting them, and I also tucked my t-shirt in too tightly, but those are easy enough fixes. :-)  Have you ever worn a scarf through your belt loops? Are you a fan of this trend?

Inspiration photo: Express
Sweater: Banana Republic, $20 (similar)
T-shirt: Forever 21, $8
Scarf: c/o The Vintage Scarf, $20
Shorts: Abercrombie, $50
Shoes: Diba via Nordstrom Rack, $30
Necklaces: Stella & Dot
Short necklace: c/o Catherine Nicole
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8

ps. I need your help! I entered a contest to become a Lucky magazine columnist and win $10,000 (so amazing). The first round is by votes ONLY so I can't win without your help!
1.  CLICK HERE and then click "Vote" at the bottom of the page.
2. It will prompt you to register (free and easy).
3. Then you have to do it again -  click here and click "Vote."

Takes a couple seconds BUT I really appreciate it! Thank you!

Today's Everyday Fashion: eShakti

I'm so excited to share my new favorite store with you guys! It's called eShakti and if you are petite, tall or plus-size then this may just be your new favorite store too. They offer sizes 2-26, and the clothes are made on-demand so when you order you provide details like your height to ensure they will fit correctly. You can also specify the length you want for dresses and skirts such as: above the knee, at the knee, below the knee. When I ordered this skirt (I loved the color!) it came in an "at the knee" length but I requested it "above the knee" with a height of 5'7". It showed up at my house in just a few days! They have some really cute stuff (examples below), but my favorite part is how great of a solution it is for women who have a difficult time finding the right sizes. They have a huge selection and you may never need to go to the tailor again. What are your favorite places for finding unique sizes?

Inspiration photo: Elle magazine
Sweater: Gap, really old
Skirt: c/o eShakti, $39.95 (this link goes to their homepage, search for "Cargo pocket poplin skirt" if you want to view my skirt!)
Belt: Gap, $12
Shoes: Chinese Laundry via DSW, $27
Necklace: Stella & Dot
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8

More of my favorites from eShakti

1. eShakti "Pleated peplum waist dress" $59.95
2. eShakti "Corset style embellished sundress" $69.95
3. eShakti "Pleated front pencil skirt" $44.95
4. eShakti "Tiered cotton poplin skirt" $39.95

Today's Everyday Fashion: Stripes + Floral

I was so excited when I saw this inspiration photo. I had been wanting to pair my orange and pink striped top with a skirt for a work look, but hadn't figured out yet which skirt to pair it with yet. When I saw the photo, this floral skirt immediately popped into my head as such an obvious choice! They are both loud statement pieces but because the colors are so similar it just works somehow. I also love that the t-shirt and wedges dress down the pencil skirt and give it more of a casual vibe. Have you ever tried wearing stripes and floral together?

Inspiration photo: I want to be her
Shirt: H&M, $13
Skirt: J.Crew, $45
Shoes: Steve Madden c/o MJR Sales, $40 (they have two pairs in a size 9!)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Necklaces: Stella & Dot
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8

1. Forever 21 top, $13.80
2. Forever 21 skirt, $14.80
3. Jones New York via Zappos skirt, $52.75

Today's Everyday Fashion: Leopard Love

Leopard is one of those trends that I was surprised to find myself loving last fall. I had never really been much of a fan, but now that I've embraced it I don't want to let go! It reminds me of the time I swore I would never wear skinny jeans. I've learned to never say never with fashion because you just might wind up loving something you once hated! Tell me - what trends have you sworn off in the past but later embraced?

Inspiration photo: Nasty Gal
Shirt: Forever 21, $8
Skirt: Express, $5
Belt: Urban Outfitters, $20
Shoes: H&M, $18
Necklace: Stella & Dot
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8

1. Alloy leopard boots, $19.99
2. Qupid pumps via Tilly's, $16.97
3. Express flats, $34.90

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Improvised Suit

Does this look like a white suit? It's not! The skirt and jacket are from two different stores, two different years and two different materials. They are both white, but the skirt is kind of a rough cotton and the jacket is very smooth. I love mixing up pieces of suits, or creating a new one using pieces you already have. One thing I'm still on the fence about - if my blazer was about 6 inches longer I might be mistaken for a doctor in a lab coat! ;-) I still love the crisp and preppy combination though and I wanted to try it the minute I saw it in Lucky magazine. 

My tips for mixing suits:
- The easiest colors to do this with are going to be navy, white and black. Proceed with caution though  as many blacks are actually different colors. They don't need to be perfect, but close enough that they blend well in most lighting.
- Don't worry about texture. As I've shown with today's look, it's more about the colors going well together, rather than the texture.
- Try wearing two different colors completely - for example a taupe jacket and white skirt, a navy jacket and a white skirt, a taupe jacket and a black skirt. It's a great way to add some interest while still looking professional! Do you wear mixed suits? What are your tips for mixing and matching pieces?

Inspiration photo: Lucky magazine
Blazer: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales, $35
Shirt: Express, really old
Belt: Gap, $12
Skirt: Banana Republic, $35
Shoes: Restricted via Endless.com, $40
Necklace: Stella & Dot
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8

1. Jessica Simpson pump via Lord & Taylor, $27.49
2. Aldo pump via ASOS, $78
3. Chinese Laundry pump, $69.99 (use code CLFREE323 for free shipping through 8/31)

Today's Everyday Fashion: Unlikely Duo

I saw this inspiration photo and loved the color combo of the mustard yellow and purplish gray. I went to my closet and selected the items that were the closest in color - even though they were reversed and even though it seemed like they would never go together. The result is this somewhat quirky combination that I totally love! I normally see this skirt as being very futuristic, something to wear out for a sexy date night, and the shirt is a t-shirt I wear to the grocery story. But something about the blending of the two worlds really appeals to me and takes an ordinary idea into something fun and different! What are some fun, quirky pairings you've discovered in your closet?

Inspiration photo: Shopbop
Shirt: Gap, $5 (recent)
Skirt: Urban Outfitters, $15
Belt: H&M, $20
Shoes: Banana Republic, $50
Necklace: Stella & Dot
Charm: My Stella & Dot website
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8 (similar)

1. J.Crew Shirt, $24.50
2. Urban Outfitters Shirt, $9.99
3. ASOS Shirt, $44.82

Today's Everyday Fashion: It's My Birthday!

I turned 28 yesterday! I celebrated with a girls night out and this is what I wore! My friend Ashely's b-day is 3 days before mine and this is our second year celebrating together. We started the afternoon with a trip to Neiman Marcus where we were treated to a little skincare 101 from the Kate Sommerville counter and a makeup application from Chanel and Armani for our night out. I have never worn that much eye makeup but I loved my makeup artist (it was her b-day too!) and I figured I would try something new. We were later joined by so many lovely ladies, and had a great night out celebrating life!

Occasion: My birthday!
Dress: c/o Varga, $39
Shoes: Steve Madden via Ross, $20
Necklace: JcPenney, $20
Bracelets: Banana Republic and Forever 21

Getting beautiful at Neiman Marcus

Kicking off our night

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Blue Skirt

This skirt was my favorite purchase last summer. I love this shade of blue and had never seen anything quite like it before (thanks to the colorblocking trend this color is everywhere now but that wasn't the case last year!). I wore it for a couple nights out last summer, but I haven't found anything to wear it with this year. I decided to try it with a graphic tee (recently picked up at H&M and not sure if I'm keeping it yet) for a casual look with sandals. I also tried it with fun heels, but I'm still not 100% sure I love either one. Tell me, what would you wear with this blue skirt?

Inspiration photo: Bloomingdale's
Shirt: H&M, $15 (recent)
Skirt: Express, $30
Sandals (left): Diba via Nordstrom Rack, $30
Heels (right): Aldo, $50
Long necklace: Forever 21, $6
Short necklace (right): American Eagle, $5
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8

Flashback Friday: White Skinny Jeans

[Click the photo to view it larger.] White jeans are the ultimate staple for me. I have always loved them - as flares, as bootcut and most recently, my cropped skinnies from Gap ($35, two summers ago). I wore them in college in Kansas, I wore them when I lived in Boston with boots and a coat, and I wear them now in Florida with anything and everything! I've paired them with red shoes, brown boots, gold sandals and nude pumps to name a few, and tops in bright or neutral colors. I think white pants are the ultimate blank canvas and pretty much anything goes! Are white jeans a staple for you?

White jeans options

1. High Gloss Fashion jeans, $45
2. Limited jeans, $74.90
3. Banana Republic jeans, $89.50

Today's Everyday Fashion: Almost My Birthday

Let the birthday celebration begin! The big 2-8 is coming up this Saturday, but I'm starting the fun early tonight with some blogger friends! My mantra for birthdays? Wear what you want! I used to wear a party dress to the office on my birthday. When people would ask why I was so dressed up, I would say "It's my birthday!" (duh) I haven't decided for sure if I'm going to wear this tonight, but whatever it is I guarantee it will be really, really fun because this is my one time a year to totally let loose! Do you dress up on your birthday?

ps. This shirt is way too bulky to tuck in! I appreciate your suggestions but besides not physically being able to tuck, I also kind of prefer the drama of it un-tucked. That is my whole point about it being my b-day - I'm like a little kid who wants to wear their cowboy boots and tutu. The more outrageous, the better because on this day anything goes. :-)

Inspiration photo: Sartorialist
Shirt: TJ Maxx, $17
Skirt: Express, $5
Shoes: Steve Madden via Ross, $20
Necklace: J's Stella & Dot Website
Purse: Juicy Couture via TJ Maxx, $70

1. Topshop shirt, $78
2. Piperlime shirt, $67
3. Forever 21 shirt, $24.80

I Want You to Blog for Me! [now closed]

I'm taking a 2.5 week vacation in September and while I love you guys to death, I can't bring myself to blog while I'm on vacation. But don't fret! I've come up with a plan that will provide you with the same fun and fabulous content you are used to seeing, plus introduce you to 15 amazing, talented women. Here's an example of what it will look like:

I was inspired by Whitney Port's look, so I picked up this H&M striped blazer! I wore it for a casual Friday look at work and got tons of compliments! What do you wear for Casual Fridays?

Inspiration photo: FabSugar
Occasion: Casual Friday
Jacket: H&M $30
Shirt: Banana Republic $13
Jeans: Banana Republic $30
Shoes: Banana Republic $25
Earrings: Anthropologie $22
Bracelet: Banana Republic $15
Rings: Banana Republic $15, J. Crew $12

Check out Ashley's blog at X!  

So, essentially it will look exactly the same as my posts. Only it's you, not me. :-) Here's what I need: 
1. A head-to-toe photo of your FALL outfit (this will be posted in Sept!). The quality needs to be good enough that we can clearly see what you are wearing, including your shoes. You are also welcome to use an outfit that has already been published on your blog or elsewhere.
2. An inspiration photo and the source. I don't care what your process is - you can find this after you come up with the outfit! I found this one by Googling "striped blazer." I will glue your photos together for you.
3. A short blurb about your outfit (2-10 sentences).
4. Where you got everything, and prices if you remember them.
5. If you are blogger, I will add "visit Ashley's blog at X" at the bottom of the post! (X = a link to your blog) 

Submit your photos by August 20th to jseverydayfashion@gmail.com. The posts will go up Sept 5-20th. I will work with you to select a date because I would like you to interact with readers and answer questions on the day of your post! Ashley (one of my BFFs, in the photo above) will be available to delete inappropriate comments (not that I get many) and do any post maintenance while I'm away. 

Can't wait to see what you guys come up with!!!! Please blog for me!! :-)

ps. I chose an open call for guest bloggers versus emailing people individually because I wanted an equal opportunity for everyone! I may not know your blog yet but this is great time to introduce yourself!

UPDATE: I am totally honored (and a bit shocked) at the overwhelming response to this post! I closed this post due to the number of entries I already have, but I will not be making final selections until August 5th, so feel free to email me your ideas before then. Just wanted everyone know that I already have about 50 entries so not everyone will be published. Thanks everyone for helping out and giving me this vacation!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Tory Burch (Again)

Tory Burch: call me.

*Insert Tory Burch reference here.* I promise this is my last Tory-inspired purchase of the summer, but this shirt was too good and I couldn't help myself! I knew I wanted it immediately and so I stalked it for weeks until the price went down. That's just how I roll...

Occasion: Meetings and errands
Shirt: Banana Republic, $25 (recent)
Jeans: Gap, $35
Shoes: Banana Republic, $25
Earrings: Banana Republic, $20
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $62
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8

More Tory wannabes

1. Forever 21 top, $27.80
2. Macy's top, $33.74
3. Zappo's Gabrielle Rocha top, $51

In other news, the folks at Misikko recently sent me a flat iron to review. Not a regular flat iron, but a fancy shcmancy titanium flat iron by HANA. I have to admit that I had trepidations. I am frugal. (Very frugal!) So I struggle with the idea of spending $180 on a straightener. But as much as I hate to admit it, you really get your money's worth when you invest in more expensive hair tools. This new one made my old one feel like I was driving a Ford, and now I'm in a Lamborghini. This is the best hair straightener I have ever used! With my other straightener (by Hot Tools, which I think I spent $50 on), I have to squeeze really hard and go over the same piece of hair at least 3 times. This one - I just lightly touch my hair once and it looks totally different! If your budget allows, I recommend investing in the better hair tools because they really make a difference. (Now clothes on the other hand... $5 t-shirts will always be in style to me!) What hair tools do you recommend?

Best flat iorn ev-ah

Today's Everyday Fashion: Not-So-Simple

Imagine this outfit without accessories - no belt, necklace or purse. Boring, right? This is why I love the "extras" so darn much. It's almost a running joke how much I love belts, and my statement necklace collection is out of control, but it's not without reason! I'm a big believer that a budget-friendly wardrobe is full of these types of items because you can use them again and again to make your closet stretch way farther. Tell me - what is your favorite accessory - jewelry, purses, belts or something else?

Inspiration photo: Milly
Occasion: Work
Shirt: Banana Republic, $20
Skirt: Limited, $25
Belt: Gap, $12
Necklace: Shop It LA, $35
Shoes: Restricted via Endless.com, $40
Purse: It's in the Bag, $62
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

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