Today's Everyday Fashion: DailyBuzz Style 9x9

When someone dares me to do something, I pretty much have to take the dare. My uber-competitive tendencies (a la Monica on Friends) could explain why I've been participating in a lot of outfit challenges lately. I did one with TJ Maxx, one with Express, one with LOFT coming up and today's challenge is from the website DailyBuzz Style. They asked a group of bloggers to style an outfit with brightly colored pants for fall. Which was all the motivation I needed to finally pick up some cobalt skinnies (have been on my wish list for awhile) and style a kick-butt outfit with them. Cobalt is definitely one of my favorite colors this fall so I plan to wear them often, and stay tuned to see the how the other blogger's did it on Tuesday! Tell me - are you trying the bright pants trend this fall? Which color will you wear?

Inspiration photo: Piperlime
Blazer: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales, $35 (currently sold out)
Tank: Forever 21, $8
Cobalt skinnies: American Eagle, $35
Shoes: Aldo, $50
Necklace: Westminster Abbey gift shop, $35
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $99
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Earrings: c/o Mikel Maia

Today's Everyday Fashion: Park Avenue Fashion Week

Last Saturday I attended Park Avenue Fashion Week with my fellow blogging friend Jamie and this is what I wore. It was my first time attending the show and I wasn't sure what to expect (Park Avenue is a shopping district in the Orlando area). I also wasn't really in the mood to be dressed crazy (which is typical, right? if you are in the mood to dress fun you have nowhere to go and if you have an occasion to dress fun you have nothing you want to wear?). People were in floor-length wedding gowns, glitzy sequin costumes, little hats, I even saw a fur tube top at one point - it was c-c-c-crazy up in that joint. So by comparison I looked like a nun. :-) Outfit aside, the show featured looks from all of the boutiques on Park Avenue, the music was hot, and it was a pretty impressive production. To see more pictures and to get info for next year go here! (And brace yourselves for my outfit next time, I'm considering wearing a Swan Lake costume next year!)

Shirt: Moda c/o MJR Sales, $24
Skirt: Express, $5 (with coupon, last year)
Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $25
Purse: River Island, $60 (purchased in London)
Necklace: Banana Republic, $20
Bracelets: Banana Republic
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

With Jamie watching the show

Waiting for the show to start

Today's Everyday Fashion: Candy Colors

What struck me about this inspiration photo is the pop of black. Pastels are often viewed as summer or spring colors, but I think her look is perfect for a sunny fall day! Of course, when I went to re-create I totally wussed out and couldn't bring myself to wear black shoes (it looked way funny). Nevertheless I'm loving both versions and wearing this is like walking around covered in candy. And who doesn't like candy? Tell me - do you wear candy colors? Does this look make you crave cotton candy?

Inspiration photo: Hanneli
Sweater: Express, really old
Shirt: Express, really old
Skirt: LOFT, $55
Belt: Joe's Jeans c/o Marshall's, $20
Shoes: Coach via Marshall's, $70
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Earrings: c/o Mikel Maia

1. YOOK green skirt, $25
2. Target pink sweater, $39.99
3. American Apparel green skirt, $36

Today's Everyday Fashion: Repeat Offender

Cobalt and cognac. A combination that I have repeated many times (like here and here) and one that I absolutely love. I wore this to a technology event in Orlando on Tuesday night. (I'm on the planning committee.) A guest at the event asked me where I had gotten my inspiration for my outfit and for once I actually didn't have any specific inspiration in mind! These are colors I often wear together so it was one of the first pairings I thought of when I bought the skirt. Tell me - what are some of your favorite color combinations? Do you like wearing brown and blue together?

Cardigan: Gap, $18
Shirt: Express, $30 (my shirt is from last fall but I think Express is using the same material this year, see below)
Skirt: Limited, $38
Belt: Limited, $15
Shoes: Restricted via Endless, $40
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $99
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

1. Express leopard top, $49.90
2. ASOS cobalt skirt, $36.67
3. ASOS cognac belt, $20.95

Today's Everyday Fashion: Cropped Trousers

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I really don't like dress pants. Last year I discovered one kind that I dig though - the cropped trouser - and they have (somewhat) changed my mind on the topic. I think they are a chic update to the usual wide leg or bootcut dress pant, they remind me of all the pants I saw women wearing in London this fall, and I especially love that they show off your shoes. What do I look for in a cropped trouser?

- Something that hits mid-calf to right above the ankle.
- Something that tapers and gets slightly tighter at the bottom of the pant. (Wide leg crops remind me a bit of coolots!)
- Something in an interesting fabric like these thick gray wool pants, or the green ones from ASOS below.

Do you wear cropped pants? What qualities do you look for in dress pants?

Inspiration photo: Marie a la Mode
Shirt: Express, really old
Pants: Gap, $20
Shoes: Bandolino via TJ Maxx, $25
Necklace: Westminster Abbey gift shop, $35
Purse: Borrowed from a friend

1. Anne Klein cropped trouser, $29.99
2. ASOS cropped trouser, $34.92
3. Nic + Zoe via 6pm cropped trouser, $43.10

Today's Everyday Fashion: My Dream Job

Yesterday I got to experience my dream job. A local school held a wellness day for their teachers (it included nutrition, fitness, makeup sessions, etc.) and I was hired to present on dressing well. I shared tips for answering the most basic question "what do I put on my body each morning?" and gave practical advice for shopping on a budget and coming up with outfits that work in everyday life. As a kid, I dreamed of having a book and doing seminars based on that book. I always imagined that I would be in my 30's or 40's before I accomplished that goal, but yesterday felt like I got a little glimpse of what that could be like and I loved every minute of it! As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Inspiration photo: Ann Taylor
Navy blazer: Gap, $70
Navy shirt: Banana Republic, $50
Scarf: c/o Happy Scarf, $20
Skirt: Banana Republic, $35
Belt: Joe's Jeans c/o Marshall's, $20
Shoes: Restricted via Endless, $40
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $69
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

1. Gomax pumps via Endless, $49.99
2. Mia pump via DSW, $49.95
3. Audrey Brooke pump via DSW, $59.95

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Express Suit

This post brought to you by Express. All opinions are 100% mine.

The challenge: style a suit using items from an Express store in under 15 minutes. Okay, I added on that last part (I was in a hurry that day) but I did recently team up with Express to style a look using pieces from their women's suits collection. My very first suit came from Express. My mom bought it for me when I was in college and I wore it to interviews for my first two professional jobs. (And of course, I still have it!) So needless to say, I am a big Express suit fan. This season, I am especially loving their widespread use of red, camel and tweed (picture below) and my favorite pieces were the ones I'm wearing because of how unique they are! I loved the two-toned blazer, and the cropped, pleated pants reminded me of the pants everyone is wearing in London right now. I couldn't resist pairing them with my favorite scarf top (I have had my eye on it for awhile) and some red pumps for a complete head-to-toe Express look. These pieces would also look great with a sequin shirt underneath and would be the perfect office-to-night look (just remove the jacket!). For a job interview I would add a black collared shirt and some conservative black pumps.

Want your own Express suit? For a limited time, you can enter the Express sweepstakes everyday for a chance to win a $500 suiting makeover! Tell me - what is your favorite kind of suit and why?

Blazer, Pants, Shirt and Shoes - all from Express. The total for everything with a coupon was $230. (Not sure which pieces I'm keeping yet!)

Today's Everyday Fashion: Black Pants Era

This is what I wore for girls night with my BFF on Friday. I've had this navy/dark blue shirt for at least six years (wowzers) but it seemed like the perfect thing to throw on in a hurry with black skinny jeans. Speaking of black jeans... this old shirt got me thinking about what we used to wear in college, and does anyone remember a time when we all wore black pants to go out? Not jeans, not skirts, but always black pants. We would be a like an army of black pants going out to a bar. Kind of hilarious now that I think about it... Tell me, do you still have clothes from college? And do you remember the "black pants" era?

Navy shirt: Boston boutique, really old
Black jeans: Gap, $35
Shoes: Steve Madden via Ross, $20
Purse: Urban Outfitters, $20
Earrings: Banana Republic, $20
Bracelets: Banana Republic, Forever 21

Today's Everyday Fashion: Super Power Stripes

It may look like an ordinary striped shirt, but I'm convinced it has super powers. I originally ordered it thinking I wouldn't wear it that often but boy was I wrong! I wore it twice during my two-week trip to Europe and I still can't put it down. I layered it here with a white undershirt to make it stretch a bit and work with super low-rise cargos (otherwise my midriff would be showing). I also love that this outfit feels very fall and yet I'm still rocking the white blazer. Tell me - do you think stripes have super powers or are you passing on this trend?

Inspiration photo: Polyvore
Blazer: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales, $35 (they currently have 6 in stock)
Striped shirt: Moda c/o MJR Sales, $12
White shirt: Forever 21, $5
Pants: TJ Maxx, $17
Shoes: Michael Kors c/o Marshall's, $50
Necklace: Westminster Abbey gift shop, $35
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $99
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

1. J.Crew striped tee, $42.50
2. Piperlime striped tee, $29.99
2. Banana Republic striped tee, $39.50

Today's Everyday Fashion: Wonder Woman

Sometimes I crave bold colors. I wake up in the morning and can't wait to put on something bright and cheery. Yesterday was a "prime" example of this - I wore this combo out for running errands and then for girl's night sushi. I know that bright colors are not everyone's thing, and I *may* have actually been referred to as Wonder Woman by a bar patron at one point but I don't let that bother me. It was a fun, comfy look and Wonder Woman is one hot superhero if you ask me anyway. ;-) Tell me - do you ever wear primary colors together?

Inspiration photo: Sass and Bide
Shirt: Moda c/o MJR Sales, $16
Skirt: Limited, $38
Belt: Gap, $12
Shoes: c/o Express, $30
Necklace: JcPenney, $15
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $42

Today's Everyday Fashion: Snake Charmer

I've been seeing the snakeskin trend everywhere lately! This inspiration photo is just one of many I have saved that include a shirt like this. I picked mine up from the same donation pile that yesterday's leather skirt came from, and although it's kind of huge on me, I tucked it into a high-waisted skirt and rolled the sleeves so I could give the trend a whirl. Will you be rocking the snakeskin trend this year?

Inspiration photo: Shopbop
Shirt: Handed down from a friend
Skirt: Banana Republic, $50
Belt: Gap, $40
Shoes: Chinese Laundry via DSW, $40
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $99
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelet: My Stella & Dot website

1. Calvin Klein snakeskin shirt via Macy's, $59.99
2. New York & Company snakeskin shirt, $32.95
3. Michael Kors snakeskin shirt via Dillard's, $27.82

Goodwill's Central Florida headquarters

Also - I wore this look out and about yesterday and thought I would share some pictures! First I had a tour of Central Florida's Goodwill headquarters with the VP of Public Relations. I will be writing a story about them for my VISIT FLORIDA gig, but the biggest thing I took away was just a reminder that Goodwill is not only a great place to find a good deal, and a great place to unload your unwanted clothing, but it's also for a good cause (they offer tons of free community programs, funded by the sales of the items in the their stores). After that, I headed to In Style Hair's new location in Baldwin Park to get my hair done. The shiny new salon and spa is gorgeous, smelled delish and I had a great time getting some much-needed maintenance on my hair. I will be posting "after" pics soon!

In Style Hair's new location in Baldwin Park

Today's Everyday Fashion: Colorblocked Heels

First, let's talk shoes. Please say hello to my new shoes. Totally obsessed.  I've been keeping an eye out for idea/inspiration on how to wear two-toned/colorblocked shoes and this photo gave me the idea for today's outfit.

Next, let's talk leather skirts. Remember these crazy pants? Well, this leather skirt was also in the hand-me-down pile and so I snapped it up. It's currently being held together by a safety pin (hidden from sight, but not cute) but leather skirts are very on trend right now, so I think I like it enough to replace the button. Awesome free hand me downs = score!

Finally, I always tie my coats back like this so they stay open. Anyone else do that?

Inspiration photo: This Time Tomorrow
Trench: New York and Company, $50
Leather skirt: Handed down from a friend
Shirt: Express, really old
Necklace: Banana Republic, $13
Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $25

1. White House Colorblocked Pumps, $59.99
2. Dillard's Colorblocked Pumps, $89.99
3. Jessica Simpson Colorblocked Pumps, $89

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Shoes Have It

The preppy look = one of my favorites of all time. Preppy with a side of mustard? Even better. So much so, that I decided to double up on the mustard and go with mustard shoes. This is definitely one of those outfits that could work with 10 different pairs of shoes depending on the occasion.  When it comes to shoes, I think it's really all about the destination, yes? I would wear my brown loafers with this for a day with lots of walking, brown wedges for some walking, and these sassy yellow shoes for a fashion event or lunch with friends. When it comes to an outfit, the shoes have it. How do you decide which shoes to wear with your outfit that day?

Inspiration photo: Scent of Obsession
Navy blazer: Gap, $70
Shirt: Ralph Lauren Outlet, $20
Shorts: Gap, $25
Belt: H&M, $20
Shoes: Bandolino via TJ Maxx, $25
Necklace: Westminster Abbey gift shop, $35
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $99

1. Chinese Laundry mustard pumps, $100
2. Piperlime navy blazer, $69
3. ASOS mustard skirt, $52.38

Today's Everyday Fashion: Chartreuse Crush

I don't know what it is about chartreuse, camel, nude and other earth tones like the ones in today's outfit that I love so much but they totally rock my world. I did a somewhat monochromatic look with them, but then ran with the idea of doing pops of color with accessories. The blue belt was a good start but I thought it needed more zest. An earth tone base with bright pops of color? Sign me up. :-) What do you think - would you wear this color combo?

Inspiration photo: DVF
Shirt: J.Crew, $25
Skirt: J.Crew, $45
Belt: American Eagle, $15
Shoes: Chinese Laundry via Piperlime, $34
Flower: H&M, $4
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $42
Earrings: c/o Mikel Maia

1. ASOS camel skirt, $61.11
2. Limited lime green shirt, $32.84
3. ASOS blue belt, $10.48

Today's Everyday Fashion: What I Wore this Weekend

Friday night movie

This weekend I decided to snap some photos of my last-minute outfits and share what I look like as I'm running out the door. :-) This first look is something I threw on to see a late-night movie on Friday night. I was inspired by Ashley's adorable outfits on the last season of the Bachelorette and wore a loose silk button down with some skinny jeans and heels. The photo below is from Saturday, where I spent all day shopping for furniture in the pouring (buckets!) rain. I don't have galoshes so these shoes were the next best thing for keeping my feet dry and warm. The top is a poncho that I recently picked up at TJ Maxx and has a hood which took the place of an umbrella (faster that way) and pockets in the front. What did you wear this weekend? Tell me in the comments section or upload a photo of your outfit to my Facebook page! (I love seeing what you guys are wearing too!)

Inspiration photo: Bachelorette Ashely (photo via Possesionista)
Occasion: Friday night movie
Shirt: Moda c/o MJR Sales, $24
Belt: Joe's Jeans c/o Marshall's, $20
Jeans: American Eagle, $35
Shoes: Steve Madden "Riddgge" c/o MJR Sales, $40
Purse: River Island, $60 (purchased in London)
Bracelets: Pop of Chic, Stella & Dot

Furniture shopping in the rain

Occasion: Furniture shopping in the rain
Poncho: H.i.p. c/o TJ Maxx, $17 (recent)
Jeans: American Eagle, $35
Boots: Forever 21, $33
Bag: c/o It's in the Bag, $79
Bracelets: Pop of Chic, Stella & Dot
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

Today's Everyday Fashion: BRINK Fashion Show

How I planned it vs. How I wore it

Last Friday I got to participate in a really cool event - BRINK magazine and vitaminwater's uncapped Fashion Show. They picked four local designers to compete in a runway show, and assigned each designer a mentor (a la Tim Gunn). I played mentor to designer Eliza Torres, who totally blew me away with her finished product and ultimately took home the grand prize (woo hoo!). It was a really fun night and I loved seeing the hours of preparation that went into the show beforehand (I was literally dressing models in a bathroom!). For the event I wore this Moda dress from MJR Sales that I've had for awhile but is comfy and felt right for the occasion. I originally considered doing something different and pairing the dress with brown, but at the last minute I switched to black shoes, purse and belt and kept it simple. It was a great night! :-)

Occasion: BRINK vitaminwater uncapped Fashion Show
Dress: Moda c/o MJR Sales, $27 (also seen here)
Belt (left): Joe's Jeans c/o Marshall's, $10
Shoes (left): Restricted via Endless, $40
Purse (left): c/o It's in the Bag, $79 (up for sale here)
Belt (right): Came with another dress
Earrings (right): Boston boutique
Shoes (right): Steve Madden via Ross, $20
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

Kicking off the show

Eliza's models walking the runway

Eliza won!

Photo credits and to see more photos: Central Florida Top 5 and Jim White Photography

Today's Everyday Fashion: Last Drops of Summer

This time of year I feel like singing a ballad to my white jeans. They are one of my favorite items in my closet and I wear them like crazy all summer long. Just because colder weather has arrived, and someone once made a silly rule about Labor Day does not mean I will stop wearing them completely though! (I rocked them in the dead of winter here.) This outfit idea popped into my head while I was on vacation and I wanted to give it a whirl even if summer is (un)officially over. I love the idea of making white pants more fall with the cognac tones and a bit warmer with a blazer. I love this look for casual Friday in the office or a daytime meeting. Tell me - do you wear your white jeans past Labor Day?

Blazer: Express, $25
Shirt: American Eagle, $12
Belt: Joe's Jeans c/o Marshall's, $20
Jeans: Gap, $30
Shoes: Restricted via Endless, $40
Necklace: Topshop, $18 (purchased in London)

1. Target camel blazer, $29.99
2. J.Crew neon t-shirt, $29.50
3. Charlotte Russe turquoise necklace, $9.50

Today's Everyday Fashion: Animal Attraction

I loooove this inspiration photo! I was definitely tempted to run out and buy that paisley cardigan as soon as I saw this outfit. Since I'm low on funds, I decided to give it a go using items I already had. My favorite trend at the moment is animal prints so I paired my leopard cardigan (from last year) with mustard like they did in the photo, and rounded it off with a touch of python in the shoes (from many years ago). I love the idea of mixing these two prints/textures together with the touch of yellow. Definitely a chic look for work that still has plenty of personality. Are you on team leopard this year, team python, or both?

Inspiration photo: The Limited
Cardigan: c/o Banana Republic FL Mall
Shirt: Gap, $30
Skirt: Banana Republic, $40
Belt: Joe's Jeans c/o Marshall's, $20
Python shoes: Boutique 9, $70
Necklace: Banana Republic, $20
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

1. Bluefly leopard cardigan, $59
2. Dillard's leopard cardigan, $59
3. Victoria's Secret leopard cardigan, $63

Today's Everyday Fashion: Booting the Problem

Fall is in the air, and as the weather turns crisp each year I struggle with one question: how do I wear my skirts in the colder months? My go-to shoes are usually a pair of pumps, and while there is always the option to add tights, those won't keep you very warm on a super-chilly day. That's why I immediately loved this idea of wearing slouchy boots with a pencil skirt! It's a little bit Western, still professional (for most work environments, always check your own dress code at work), and the best part is that this look can extend the life of your skirts so you can wear them in the winter! Tell me - do you wear skirts in the winter? What are your favorite tricks for weather-proofing skirts during the colder months?

Inspiration photo: New York & Company
Shirt: Ralph Lauren Outlet, $20
Skirt: Limited, $25
Belt: Gap, $40
Scarf: c/o Happy Scarf
Boots: Bakers, $90 (similar)
Necklace: Westminister Abbey gift shop, $35
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

1. Chinese Laundry leather boots, $120
2. Old Navy navy pencil skirt, $29.50
3. Forever 21 double buckle belt, $8.80

Win $50 to La Posh Style! [now closed]

Anyone else really excited for fall fashion this year? How about a jumpstart to your fall wardrobe? This week I am giving away a $50 gift card to La Posh Style, an adorable and affordable online boutique. Right now they are stocked with tons of yummy fall clothes (the yellow pencil skirt below for $35 is a favorite of mine), and all you have to do to win is:

1. Leave a comment below letting us know which item is your favorite.
2. Become a fan of La Posh Style on Facebook.

One winner will be drawn at random on Tuesday, October 11. Good luck!

We have a winner... congrats Sonja!