Today's Everyday Fashion: Crazy Pants

My friend Ashley recently inherited some seriously psychedelic clothing - electric blue velor, snakeskin prints, a shirt with a deck of cards theme, and these lovely green and blue pants. Lucky for me the pants fit perfectly so Ashley let me take them home with me. :-) The jury is still out on these puppies. At first I laughed hysterically when I saw them (I mean, they do go up to my belly button), but once I put on the long shirt and nude pumps I kind of like it! I am currently obsessed with watching Mad Men and it reminds me of something they would have worn. What do you guys think - are the crazy pants just plain crazy? Would you wear printed pants?

Shirt: J.Crew, $25
Pants: Vintage hand-me-down
Shoes: BCBG via Ross, $20
Earrings: c/o Mikel Maia

You can have your own crazy pants

1. Love Moschino pants via YOOK, $69
2. Topshop pants, $60
3. Forever 21 pants, $17.80

Today's Everyday Fashion: Seasonal Brights

Two different seasons, same color story. The one on the left is a great look for fall or winter. My look is way more informal and way more summer, and would be great for someone with a casual dress code like a teacher. I am totally intrigued by the idea of wearing bright colors in cold weather this year. One of my biggest fashion goals this fall is to do a better job incorporating brights into my cold weather wardrobe. Do you wear bright colors in the winter, or do you reserve them for warmer months only?

Inspiration photo: Essentiel.be
Cardigan: H&M, $18
Shirt: LOFT, $20
Belt: H&M, $20
Skirt: Banana Republic, $35
Shoes: Guess via DSW, $21 (similar)
Earrings: c/o Mikel Maia
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8

Today's Everyday Fashion: All Kinds of Pink

Pink, pink, pink. Bring on the pink! I love doing monochromatic looks with the same color (such as this blue outfit here) and today I thought I would try a summery work look with pink. As a kid I was more likely to play with my G.I. Joe than my Barbie, but I was also a girlie girl who was obsessed with Lisa Frank and insisted that everything I wear be purple and pink. This outfit is something I would have loved as a kid! What did you like to wear as a kid?

Inspiration photo: New York and Company
Shirt: J.Crew, $40
Skirt: Limited, $35
Belt: Gap, $15
Shoes: Delicious via Shoe Carnival, $10
Pink flower: H&M, $4
Earrings: c/o Mikel Maia
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8

Pink skirt options

1. Nordstrom skirt, $68
2. YOOK skirt, $79
3. Limited skirt, 24.99

Today's Everyday Fashion: Perfect Pairing

Cobalt and camel are two of my favorite colors and when you put them together in an outfit I think they are the perfect pairing. Speaking of color you may notice something different in today's picture? :-) I wussed out on going totally brunette at my hair appointment on Saturday, but I did go quite a bit darker (at least for me!) and I am totally loving it. I've been talking about it for ages (I spent a few months as a brunette about 4 years ago and hated it) and I haven't been able to take the plunge since. After seeing the results though, it makes me wonder why I waited so long! Have you ever changed your hair color? Did you like the result?

Inspiration photo: Anthropologie
Cardigan: Gap, $18
Shirt: Forever 21, $22
Skirt: H&M, $30
Belt: Limited, $15
Shoes: Restricted via Endless, $40
Necklace: Stella & Dot
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Earrings: c/o Mikel Maia

Rock my outfit

1. BB Dakota Skirt via High Gloss Fashion, $25
2. Elegantees shirt, $23
3. LOFT cardigan, $34.88

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Jacqueline

I'm excited for today's post for two reasons. First, this olive dress is my new favorite and it only cost $19.99 at Ross! Woo hoo! Second, I did a video for this post. You can watch it below - I review the "Jacqueline," the shorter necklace in this outfit and my top pick from the fall collection from Stella & Dot. I'm thinking of doing more video reviews like these - for shoes, bags, jewelry. Let me know if these would be helpful and if you enjoy them! (This week's video is Stella & Dot focused but they won't always be.) Hope you enjoy!

Occasion: Luncheon for Christian women entrepreneurs (on Friday)
Dress: Spence c/o Ross, $20
Belt: Gap, $14
Long necklace: My Stella & Dot website
Short necklace: My Stella & Dot website
Shoes: Restricted via Endless, $40

ps. As I mention in the video, if you are interested in hosting an online trunk show to earn free Stella & Dot jewelry please email me for details! jseverydayfashion@gmail.com

My July Budget

Click the photo to view it larger

My budget for July was $200. The usual $100, with an extra $100 of birthday money added to it! My main objective in July was to find my favorite Banana pieces on sale, which took up most of my budget (about $105). I also crossed three items off my wish list that I have been hunting for for ages - a camel blazer, a striped cardigan and a cobalt pencil skirt. All of them are fall pieces so they are slightly out of season but the prices were good and sometimes it pays to plan ahead. That leaves the Gap printed shorts and mustard top which were bought on a whim due to their awesome prices! What were your favorite purchases in July?

1. Express camel blazer, $25 (I'm thinking about switching out the buttons on this to gold military ones!)
2.  Gap mustard tee, $5
3.  H&M striped cardigan, $25
4.  Gap printed shorts, $15
5. Limited pencil skirt, $38 (bought in-store during 40% off promo)
6. Banana Republic Ikat skirt, $22 (bought online with coupon)
7. Banana Republic dress, $60
8. Banana Republic embroidered top, $25 (used $10 credit card reward)

Grand total = $205

TV Appearances

Check out these two recent TV style segments I did on concealing different body parts (hips, belly, arms and back). The one above is a segment for national morning show The Daily Buzz and the one below is a segment for local morning show GalTime TV (airs on Channel 27 in Orlando). My outfit details are posted here. Hope you enjoy and feel free to leave your tips for dressing different body parts in the comment section!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Sail Away with Me

I finally bit the bullet and bought a striped cardigan. No idea why this was such an involved purchase for me, but the sweet elbow patches on this one sealed the deal. The result is, in my opinion, the perfect outfit for running errands on a summer day. (That is, if I could get away with wearing long sleeves in Florida without melting!) It's nautical, preppy and comfy. I have a feeling this cardigan is going to be a huge staple for me this fall and it was totally worth the wait. Are striped cardigans a must for you? What purchases have taken you a long time to commit?

Inspiration photo: LOFT
Cardigan: H&M, $25 (recent)
Shirt: Abercrombie, $20
Shorts: Gap, $22
Shoes: Guess via DSW, $21
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $79
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Necklaces: Stella & Dot, Catherine Nicole

Striped cardigan options

1. All Saints cardigan, $65
2. Old Navy cardigan, $39.94
3. Forever 21 cardigan, $12.50
4. Jones New York cardigan, $46.99

Flashback Friday: Red Pumps

Click the photo to view it larger

I professed my love to red shoes in this recent post, so I thought it would be fun to take a look back at all the looks I've done with them so far! Black and white is an easy combo with red, but I also love throwing in mustard, cobalt and even purple for good measure. I usually stick with a red belt, but I've also done black and even brown. I think red shoes can make an outfit, and like a red fire extinguisher you should always have them in case of emergency! Will you be wearing red shoes this fall?

Red pump options

1. Moda Spana via DSW, $49.99
2. 2 Lips via DSW, $49.95
3. Urban Outfitters pumps, $39
4. Mossimo via Target, $29.99

First Episode of My Makeover Show

J’s Everyday Fashion – Season 1. Pilot – “Colleen”

Many of you caught the pilot episode of my makeover show when it was first released in May, but I wanted to upload the video here for those of you who 1. missed it and 2. were experiencing problems watching it online at IzonOrlando. I hope you enjoy! We are still planning to bring you 12 more episodes this fall, all of which you will be able to watch online!

ps. If you are interested in being on the show and receiving free fashion help click here. (We still need women to apply!)

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Procrastinator

Some people procrastinate on school projects, others procrastinate on buying Christmas gifts, but I procrastinate on wearing new items I truly love. That's right - when I really love something like this amazing blue silk top from Limited, it's hard for me to wear it. Why I may never know, but it may have something to do with "saving the best for last" or "not using the good China"? I have procrastinated so badly on wearing this shirt that it is now sold out online (sorry guys) and as this goes to post, I still haven't worn it yet (eek!). I am planning on wearing this outfit to church on Sunday though, so it will finally get the love it deserves. :-) Do you ever procrastinate with new items?

Shirt: Limited, $33
Skirt: Forever 21, $15
Belt: Gap, $10
Shoes (left): BCBG via Ross, $23
Shoes (right): Rampage via Endless, $20
Necklace (left): My Stella & Dot website, $19
Earrings (right): c/o Mikel Maia
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $42

Blue skirt options

1. Delia's skirt, $34.50
2. Limited skirt, $59.99 (I bought this!)
3. ASOS skirt, $34.48
4. Urban Outfitters skirt, $32

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Shorts Suit

I love shorts, so the idea of a shorts suit really.... suits me. ;-) I think this Kardashian looks professional, edgy and sexy all rolled into one. I don't have a true shorts suit, so I gave it a try using some tailored white shorts and a taupe suit blazer. I totally love the end result, there is just one thing I'm unsure about - where in the world do you wear something like this? Work is out of the question (hemlines should be 3-4" inches above the knee at the most), and Kourtney appears to be possibly coming out of a courthouse, but I don't think us common folk could get away with this look in a court of law? What do you guys think - does this work in real life?

Inspiration photo: FabSugar
Blazer: Banana Republic, $75
Shirt: H&M, $13
Shorts: Gap, $22
Shoes: Chinese Laundry via Piperlime, $33
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $79
Necklace: c/o Catherine Nicole, $44
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

1. Express blazer, $98
2. Express shorts, $29.99
3. Macy's shorts, $19.99

Today's Everyday Fashion: Mad Men Style

I keep trying to resist the excitement of fall fashion and hold onto every last drop of summer, but today I'm giving in! I styled one of my soon-to-be-favorite pieces for fall, a leopard trench coat from the folks at Banana Republic, two different ways. They are releasing a Mad Men themed collection this Thursday (August 11th) and I was one of the lucky ladies to receive a preview before they hit stores. Leopard is one of my favorite trends for fall, and luckily this jacket is lightweight enough even for Central Florida. Would you wear a leopard coat? What trends are you most looking forward to this fall?

Inspiration photo: Shopbop
Trench: c/o Banana Republic (in stores August 11th!)
Shirt: Forever 21, $5
Pants: Gap, $16
Shoes: BCBG via Ross, $20
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot website

Inspiration photo: FabSugar
Trench: c/o Banana Republic (in stores August 11th!)
Shirt: Forever 21, $5
Jeans: Gap, $35
Shoes: Calvin Klein via Filene's Basement, $70
Necklace: Stella & Dot

Wrist details

Left bracelet: Forever 21, $10
Middle bracelet: My Stella & Dot website, $49
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift $189

Today's Everyday Fashion: New Favorites

I wore this outfit yesterday for errands and church! For practicality sake I wore it without the cardigan and switched to nude flat sandals. This skirt: This is one of my favorite things I scored during the summer sales. I love a good Ikat print and once it was marked down to $22, I knew I couldn't pass it up. The sizing was way off - I had to go two sizes up -  which is mostly likely why so many of them were left, and why I inadvertently got such a great deal! The necklace: Totally digging my new Catherine Nicole necklace, also currently on sale. I love blue and gold necklaces, but I dig that this one has the pop of color on the sides, versus a pendant in the middle. The 14 karat gold chain has a slightly bronze look to it, and is perfect for layering with other necklaces. I have a feeling I won't be taking it off for months! Further reading: Check out this article from Redbook magazine with five outfit ideas for styling the red version of this skirt. I will be using it for inspiration in the future! :-)

Occasion: Church
Cardigan: H&M, $18
Shirt: Forever 21, $8
Skirt: Banana Republic, $22
Belt: Gap, $12
Shoes: Chinese Laundry via Piperlime, $33
Pendant: Stella & Dot
Chain necklace: c/o Catherine Nicole, $44

1. National Jean Co cardigan, $45
2. Forever 21 Ikat skirt, $17.80
3. Chinese Laundry shoes via Amazon, $68

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)