Today's Everyday Fashion: Pippa Crazed






































Pippa Middleton: you can't look anywhere without seeing a picture of this girl walking down the street! I will admit that I was absolutely entranced by the royal wedding and I think Kate and William are adorable. Pippa's style though? People seem to love it but it's a little safe for my taste. I do really like this look though (I would have just added some jewelry and a belt!) and it gave me the idea to pair my navy dress with a navy and white cardigan, which I'm loving! What do you think of Pippa's style - love it or leave it?

Inspiration photo: FabSugar
Cardigan: Banana Republic, $20
Dress: Forever 21, $22
Shoes: Steve Madden via Ross, $20
Necklace: Boston boutique
Bracelet: Express


1. Forever 21 nautical cardigan, $19.80
2. Ralph Lauren cardigan via Dillard's, $74.62
3. Jones New York cardigan via Zappos, $73.38

Today's Everyday Fashion: Something Different






































The jury is still out on this look. My initial reaction when I saw the inspiration photo was confusion. On one hand, I can see them making fun of her on the Fashion Police, and on the other hand I can see them giving her props for doing something different on the red carpet. I like that it's unique and in general I like the loose top/short bottoms formula, but I also think it might be a little eccentric and outside of my comfort zone.  Call me girlie and predictable but I think I would rather wear a sexy little cocktail dress for a red carpet event. :-) I'm curious to hear what you guys think though - is different good? Would you wear this look on the red carpet or eleswhere?

Inspiration photo: FabSugar
Shirt: H&M, $13
Skirt: Forever 21, $16
Shoes: Santana via DSW, $33
Red necklace: eBay c/o ShopItLA, $35
Black necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $59

Black shoe options

1. Endless black shoes, $35.95
2. Colin Stuart black shoes, $98
3. Carlos Santana via MJR Sales, $17.80

Today's Everyday Fashion: Early Start






































I'm excited about all of the trends I posted about in my fall 2011 shopping guide, but cobalt blue is one of my favorites! I recently added this Limited pencil skirt to my wardrobe and can already tell it will be a major staple this fall and will be part of many looks. That said, why wait until temperatures drop to enjoy your new fall pieces? I decided to get an early start and pair the skirt with peach and orange for a summery work look that I can wear now. Tell me - what fall pieces are you wearing now and how are you wearing them?

Inspiration photo: ASOS
Shirt: Limited, $16
Skirt: Limited, $38 (for cobalt blue skirt options see this post)
Shoes: Aldo, $50
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $62
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Earrings: c/o Mikel Maia

Today's Everyday Fashion: Blue Door Boutique


I've had a sequin t-shirt on my wish list for awhile now. I loved the one Carrie Underwood wore on American Idol (pic above) and I love the idea of wearing my usual uniform (short shorts and a looser shirt) for a night out with a fun twist! I was very excited to order this one from The Blue Door Boutique, an adorable boutique in Georgia that you can also shop online. Their items often sell out within a few days so this top is no longer available, but I ordered a size S and the quality is fantastic - it's a very thick shirt that almost feels like you are wearing the top half of a special occasion dress because of the fancy lining and craftmanship. Are you planning on rocking the sequin shirt trend this year?

Occasion: Girl's night out
Inspiration photo: Carrie Underwood on American Idol (photo via Fox)
Shirt: c/o The Blue Door Boutique, $58
Shorts: Gap, $22
Diamond necklace: LOFT, $20
Rose gold necklace: My Stella & Dot website
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $10 and Banana Republic, $15
Shoes: Guess via Marshall's, $30

Sequin tees

1. Nordstrom sequin tee, $32
2. Express sequin tee, $49.90
3. Delia's sequin tee, $14.99

Today's Everyday Fashion: Ease Into Color






































On Tuesday I talked about wearing three bright colors together, but today's post is for those of you who might be a little more reluctant to try a neon hue! I love the idea of adding a pop of neon pink or green to an otherwise neutral outfit. If you are unsure about trying such a bright color, the best place to start is to wear a bright piece as your one and only color and ease yourself into it! Are you a brights fan, or do you usually stick to less vibrant hues?

Inspiration photo: Redbook
Shirt: Gap, $10
Shorts: Forever 21, $18
Belt: Urban Outfitters, $20
Shoes: c/o Chinese Laundry
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8

Leopard belt options


1. Express leopard belt, $34.90
2. Forever 21 leopard belt, $4.80
3. Macy's belt set, $19.98 for both

Today's Everyday Fashion: WTForever21





































One of the reasons I love blogging so much is for days like these. I recently stumbled upon this crazy trend of wearing a long-sleeve shirt as a skirt and couldn't wait to try it out to see what you guys think! I'm also honored to be guest blogging over at WTForever 21 today. Rachel is sarcastic and hilarious and the premise of her blog is to make fun of the ridiculous items we stumble upon at Forever 21 that make us think WTF. Check out my post on her blog today for my truly sarcastic feelings on this trend (hint: I feel naked and my butt looks huge), and tell me - would you wear a long sleeve shirt as a skirt?

Inspiration photo: Chictopia
Shirt (worn as skirt): Gap, $14
Shirt: Banana Republic, $15
Shoes: Diba via Nordstrom Rack, $30
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $42
Short necklace: JcPenney, $15
Long necklaces: American Eagle, $5/each

Fall 2011 Shopping Guide (Everything Under $100)


It’s that time of year again! It may be blazing hot outside, but fall fashion is already on everyone’s minds. Here are my top 10 trends for fall 2011 (many of which you can start wearing now!) and where to buy them for under $100.



















1. Colorful Skinny Jeans
Colorful skinny jeans work well with bright colors in the summer months, but pair them with neutrals like black boots and camel coats this fall for a fun pop of color.

High Gloss Fashion Bright Blue Skinnies, $29
Forever 21 Premium Denim Colored Skinnies, $22.80
Cheap Monday jeans via YOOX, $45
Mstyle lab jeans via Macy’s, $34






















2. Leopard Pumps
Leopard is still going strong this year, but this fall I’m focusing on adding one important piece to my closet—leopard-print shoes! They look great paired with other trends, like this fall’s standout color, red.

Mossimo Black Versie Pumps via Target, $29.99
Colin Stuart Platform Pump via Victoria’s Secret, $68
Steve Madden “Koool-P” Ballet Flats via Bloomingdales, $90
Express Leopard Pointed-Toe Wedges, $59.90













3. Polka Dots
This fall, polka dots are everywhere. Layer this fun print with other prints or let them take center stage by pairing them with flared jeans or a high-waisted skirt.

Banana Republic Polka dot cardigan, $69.50 
Piperlime Daniel Rainn Polka Dot Top, $64
Delia's Polka Dot Dress, $34.50
Forever 21 Polka Dot Top, $15.80













4. Brooches
Brooches are popping up everywhere this autumn. Take advantage of this versatile statement-maker by dressing up a coat, blazer or sweater with one, or by adding it to a statement necklace.

Chico’s Hanzila Pin, $39
Anne Klein Anchor Pin, $19.99
ASOS Silky Clip, $3.66
ASOS And Mary Vintage Brooch, $17.24
















5. Red
Without a doubt the standout color this season is red. Some skin tones work better with red than others, but anyone can wear the color away from their face with red jeans or even red shoes.

Urban Outfitters BDG Cigarette High-Rise Jean, $58
The Limited Woven Tee with Pocket, $39.90
Victoria’s Secret Pencil Skirt, $49.50
Urban Outfitters Sparkle & Fade Pleated Chiffon Mini Skirt, $49















6. Capes
Sweater capes look great with skinny jeans and boots for fall. Invest in a soft material that will keep you warm and looking stylish all season long.

Nordstrom Casion Button Front Hooded Poncho, $89
Almeria Cape via YOOX, $65
Hive & Honey Cabled Cocoon Poncho via Piperlime, $69
Pure Handknit Spring Fling Poncho via Neiman Marcus, $60




















7. Boat shoes
This fall’s boat shoe trend is one of those rare times when function meets style. Pair them with a cute dress and a trench coat on a rainy day or with some jeans and a cape sweater for running errands.

Sperry Monatauk Leather Boat Shoe via Nordstrom, $89.95
Sperry Original 2-Eye Khaki, $90
Sperry Authentic Original Boat Shoe via Nordstrom, $69.95
Sperry Angelfish Boat Shoe via Nordstrom, $74.95
















8. Cobalt Blue
Another hot color this fall is cobalt blue. So many items are available in this great hue—invest in a blazer, drapeneck dress or a pencil skirt for work, or a casual shirt for weekends.

Aqua Bright Girlfriend Blazer via Bloomingdales, $88
ASOS Kimono Waisted Dress with Belt, $60.34
The Limited Twist-detail Drapeneck Top, $32.90
ASOS Midi Pencil Skirt with Front Split, $60.34















9. Colorblocking
Colorblocking is still a huge trend for fall, and I’m especially loving these geometric shapes in neutral colors that are sure to spice up any fall wardrobe.

J.Crew Perfect-fit colorblock tee, $39.50
Forever 21 Colorblock Dress, $19.80
Limited Colorblock Boxy Tee, $46.90
Ann Taylor Color Block Pencil Skirt, $88












10. Trench Coats
Trench coats are a classic that have been around forever, but this fall choose one in a fun colors like lime green or punchy prints like zebra or leopard.

ASOS Classic Trench, $94.81
Anne Klein Trench Coat, $98.99
Jessica Simpson Zebra Print Crop Trench via Nordstrom $48.90
Nordstrom Gallery Trench Coat, $64.90 

What are your favorite trends for fall 2011?


If Copying is Wrong, I Don't Want to Be Right








































"One cannot be stylish if she copies another." I recently read this somewhere (and have heard this type of sentiment from many people in general) and thought we should discuss. My opinion might be clear - after all, one of the main premises of my blog is to re-create celebrity looks on a budget - but I have never shared why. 

For starters, I think we are all talented at different things - some of us can cook, some of us are good at decorating, some of us are good at fashion. I think there is absolutely no shame in not being good at any of them, and that includes dressing ourselves. I think it's crazy to expect women to be amazing dressers, along with the millions of other things we are required to be good at everyday  - like our jobs, keeping the house clean, having good relationships. We should all give ourselves a little room to breathe, and love ourselves just the way we are, fashion forward or not. In fact, I think it's perfectly acceptable for a woman to NOT be good at fashion, and if that's case, then using the ideas we see in magazines, on blogs, and on other people are one of the best ways we can learn and figure out our own person style, as well as save tons of time getting dressed everyday.

My favorite metaphor for this is using recipes to cook. No one would ever judge you (or at least, I hope not) for using a recipe to make dinner. If you can pull off a complicated recipe and make an amazing meal, you are still very talented cook. You are not without style just because you followed a recipe. Are you a master chef? Maybe not. Chefs create recipes, but not many of us expect to ever be chefs (aka "stylists" as they call in them in the fashion world). I am personally happy with being a really good cook. I take recipes, I add my own twist to them, and I think I create some pretty amazing meals (aka outfits) and that there is absolutely no shame in that. I also encourage you guys to copy my outfits all the time because through this blog I am volunteering to save you some time and do the recipe-creating for you. :-) I'm curious to hear what you guys think. Do you believe that you can you re-create an outfit and still be stylish?

About today's outfit: I loved the idea of wearing a bright color underneath a lace shirt (as seen in Lucky magazine, left) so I decided to give it a try. I used my pink silk Banana Republic shirt (you can see more clearly in this post) to get a similar effect and I have to say I'm digging it! Have you worn bright colors under lace to achieve this look?

Inspiration photo: Lucky magazine
Shirt: Charlotte Russe, $18
Under shirt: Banana Republic, $15
Skirt: LOFT, $55
Belt: American Eagle, $15
Shoes: Bandolino via TJ Maxx, $22
Necklace: Charlotte Russe, $8
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8

Lace shirt options

1. Karen Kane top via Zappos, $88.20
2. Delia's top, $34.50
3. Banana Republic top, $49.50

Today's Everyday Fashion: Triple Color





































As you know, colorblocking has been quite the trend this summer. If you stick to the true definition, it can mean something as simple as wearing a yellow shirt and blue skirt together (you really only need two colors in order to achieve colorblocking). However, I tend to be drawn to outfits with three strong colors like today's look. It is a stronger statement, and definitely very on-trend. Something about the mix of the three (or more) bold colors really appeals to me! Tell me - have you tried wearing three (or more) bold colors together?

Inspiration photo: FabSugar
Cardigan: H&M, $18
Shirt: Banana Republic, $30
Skirt: c/o eShakti, $39.95 (use code JEFASHION0811 for $20 off your eShakti order until 9/15)
Earrings: c/o Mikel Maia
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Shoes: Chinese Laundry via Piperlime, $33

Today's Everyday Fashion: Back In Style






































Sometimes it pays off to be a pack rat. I give you the full run-down of how I decide what to keep and what to toss in this post, but today is an example of how keeping an item that it is good condition, you still love, but just doesn't quite feel in "style" at the moment, can actually come back in style and wind up being beneficial down the road. I've had this cobalt jacket for approximately 4 years, and now that cobalt is a huge trend for fall I couldn't be happier that I held onto it all this time! What pieces have you held onto that came back in style?

Inspiration photo: Zara
Jacket: Target, $40
T-shirt: Forever 21, $8
Skirt: Banana Republic, $35
Belt: Vintage c/o Rogue Retro, $15
Shoes: Bandolino via TJ Maxx, $25
Earrings: c/o Mikel Maia
Watch: Michael Kors, family gfit
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8


1. Bloomingdale's cobalt blazer, $88
2. ASOS white skirt, $51.72
3. Chinese Laundry yellow pumps, $59

Today's Everyday Fashion: Salty






































We all know that even the most fabulous fashionistas don't feel like dressing to the nines all the time, especially when we are tired, not feeling well, or in a rush! We all need outfits that are comfortable and practical, but I believe that even those outfits can be interesting and cute. Today's look is an example. Yesterday I got up at 4am, spent four hours in the car, six hours on our friend's boat in the Gulf, got way too much sun, and I was exhausted. But it was my awesome friend Colleen's birthday party at her house that night and I didn't want to miss it for the world! My hair was probably still a bit salty, but I threw on this really comfy shirt from MJR Sales and balanced out the volume on top by wearing slim shorts and was ready to go! What do you throw on when you aren't feeling your best?

Occasion: Birthday party
Shirt: Moda c/o MJR Sales, $20 (they have two available!)
Shorts: American Eagle, $35
Shoes: Guess via DSW, $21
Purse: Juicy Couture via Neiman Marcus Last Call, $115
Necklaces: Stella & Dot

Today's Everyday Fashion: Red Hot






































You may remember this red dress from this post (and the first episode of my show!). It's the perfect example of how accessories can really change the look of a dress. Add some leopard accents and darker hair and I suddenly feel like a whole new woman. ;-) Other ways to change up a dress:

- Add a shirt and wear it as a skirt.
- Add a skirt and wear it as a shirt.
- Add a scarf - around the waist, the neck, etc.
- Add a blazer or cardigan.
- Add leggings and wear it as a shirt.
- Add a belt and/or switch out the self-tie if it comes with one.
- Add a statement necklace.
- Add a collared shirt or turtleneck underneath.

Of course not every trick works for every dress, and you can also do more than one at the same time! What are your tricks for making your dresses feel new again?

Occasion: Errands
Dress: Forever 21, $16
Belt: Urban Outfitters, $20
Shoes: H&M, $18
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website
Necklace: c/o Catherine Nicole
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: H&M, Forever 21

Red dress options

1. American Eagle dress, $24.99
2. Express dress, $54
3. Urban Outfitters dress, $39.99

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