Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post





























This is a guest post while J is away on vacation. Check out Amanda's blog, Something Old, Something New!

I wore this same nautical striped top with a denim skirt in the spring. I think it transitions well into fall when paired with on-trend bell bottoms.  I found these designer brand jeans at a consinment store for $25! Would you rock 70's-style bell bottom jeans?
Shirt: Forever 21 tunic via The Fairy Circle consignment shop, $7
Jeans: Paper Denim & Cloth via Fairy Circle consignment, $25
Belt: Vintage gold chain via thrift store, $2
Wedges: Pink Studio via Fairy Circle, $12
Purse: Vintage Louis Vuitton speedy gifted to me (was my Mom's from the late 70s/early 80s)

Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post






































This is a guest post while J is away on vacation. Check out Kelly's blog, Kelly Bourland Style!

I had been looking for some red jeans for the fall, and found these fuchsia ones on the clearance rack at TJ Maxx the other day. I thought they would be a fun alternative, and when I saw this outfit in the fall J. Crew lookbook, I was inspired. What denim colors would you dare to wear?

Inspiration photo: J.Crew
Blazer: New York and Co via ebay, $7.99
Striped tank: Burlington Coat Factory, $9.99
Fuchsia Jeans: TJ Maxx, $19.99
Leopard pumps: Garage sale, $3
Gold Watch: eBay, $16.99
Gold bangle bracelets: Gift from mother-in-law

Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post




































This is a guest post while J is away on vacation. Check out Sharon's blog, The Fashion-isha!

This is me at my cousin's wedding. I am a modest fashion blogger and I love the challenge of looking both divine and refined. I was inspired by the flattering asymmetrical styling of a wrap dress and the super chic combo of black and beige. What do you think about this for a modest wedding look?

Inspiration photo: DVF
Dress: Karen Millen, $198
Taupe T-shirt: Kiki Riki, $16
Gold watch: Michael Kors, $250
Beaded Ring: Charlotte Russe, $5
Shoes: Forever 21, $25

Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post




































This is a guest post while J is away on vacation. Everyone give Caitlin a big warm welcome!

I immediately loved the yellow and red combination Michelle Obama is wearing. The cardigan/dress is a classic style, and I really like the idea of a clear belt; it cinches the waist without adding more color. Since I don't have one in my closet, I tried the outfit with a gray belt and shoes. White, black, and brown would also very easily go with the outfit. It was very comfortable, versatile, fun to wear, and it is a good transition from summer to fall. I wore it while on vacation in Italy, however one could wear it to work, dinner, church, etc. - it's a really versatile look!

Inspiration photo: O Magazine
Occasion: Vacation, work, dinner, church
Cardigan: The Limited (birthday gift)
Dress: Promod €40
Belt: C&A €20
Shoes: New Look £20
Bracelets: Bijou Brigitte €5
(*These prices are European because Caitlin lives in Germany!)

Today's Everyday Fashion: Long Day of Travel

Navy/gray/black

This is the first time that I have ever worn leggings (and that includes the 80's). What motivated me to finally get on board with this trend? One veryyyyy long night/day of travel. It occurred to me that leggings and a tunic are essentially pajamas and would be the most comfy thing to sleep in. Add a wool coat and some boots though and you are decent for public. It's kind of an amazing when you think about it (I know, I know, I'm like the last person on earth to realize this). So where am I going in this comfy outfit? Mum is the word until I get back, but let's just say I will be wearing boots and coats the whole time and plan to share all 15 outfits with you when I return! In the meantime, I've arranged for 16 lovely ladies to blog in my place. Hope you enjoy their adorable outfits and blogs, and I'll see you in a couple weeks! Au revoir! xoxo, J.  ps. Please excuse my hair and lack of jewelry in the photo. I promise to be more presentable the next time you see me. ;-)

Occasion: Long day of travel
Navy Jacket: LOFT, $50
Brooch: Banana Republic, $20
Gray Dress: c/o LaMixx, $35 (also seen here)
Black Leggings: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales, $4
Boots: Bakers, $90
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $79














ps. I really need your help with this. I've been considering going back to work full-time, but with your help I can win $100k in this contest, which means at least two more years of blogging and freelancing. :-) You can vote once a day between now and October 31! Go here to vote. Thank you!!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Watermelon Girl






































I love watermelon colors together (coral + lime green) and today's outfit was inspired by just that! Blake Lively is rocking that combo in her Gossip Girl outfit and looks absolutely adorable. I tried a similar combo (printed shirt, orange necklace, green purse) for a day of errands earlier this week and here's how I did it. I especially loved the idea to pair this busy necklace with a printed shirt - probably something I never would have thought of on my own! :-) Do you wear watermelon colors?

Inspiration photo: Gossip Girl via FabSugar
Shirt: LOFT, $20
Shorts: Gap, $22
Shoes: Steve Madden Riddgge c/o MJR Sales, $40
Necklace: ebay c/o ShopItLA, $35
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $42
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Red Skirt






































What is it about red and denim that is so preppy and American? I recently featured this red skirt in my Fall 2011 Shopping Guide, and then was lucky enough to stumble upon the same skirt on MJR Sales for only $17! I balanced out the tight-fitting bottom by wearing it with a loose and boyish top. I love that it makes my straight as a board body look like I have J.Lo curves. :-) The material is very stretchy, which can make it hard to tuck in a shirt like this without it showing through, but I like that it's soft and comfy and it fits true to size (I got a 2, but I think a 4 also could have worked). Red is one of my favorite colors for fall so I have a feeling I will be posting with it often!

Shirt: Gap, $14
Belt: Gap, $40
Skirt: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales, $17
Shoes: Restricted via Endless, $40
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelet: Forever 21, $8
Earrings: c/o Mikel Maia

Today's Everyday Fashion: Striped Shirt, 5 Ways






































I love the mod 60's feel of this inspiration photo! I instantly wanted to do a fun work look with purple, black and white and this is what I came up with. (Style note: I like that the shirt is ivory and the jacket is white, but my gold watch and silver necklace are bugging me a little bit. :-p) It's not yet Friday, but I decided to kick off TGIF a day early and show some other ways I've worn this striped shirt! Which look is your favorite?

Inspiration photo: Alice + Olivia
Blazer: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales, $35
Shirt: TJ Maxx, $15
Skirt: Limited, $35
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website
Shoes: Steve Madden via Ross, $20

Other ways I wore it

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