Today's Everyday Fashion: Day to Night

I love versatile looks that can go from the office to a night out in a pinch, and this is a great example. With the blazer it could be a great casual Friday look (always check your office dress code), but remove it and you are ready for dinner and drinks. You could also choose a more conservative necklace for day and switch to a statement necklace at night, or even change your shoes to something more party-worthy. Working with a black base (black skinny jeans + black blouse) gives you tons of options that will take you from day to night! What is your favorite way to make the same outfit work for night and day?

Inspiration photo: Piperlime
Blazer: Banana Republic, $75
Shirt: Banana Republic, $35
Jeans: Gap, $35
Shoes: Steve Madden via Ross, $20
Necklaces Banana Republic, $18 and $30
Purse: Urban Outfitters, $30

1. Stella & Dot necklace via my Stylist website, $89
2. Anthropologie necklace, $48
3. Betsy Johnson necklace, $65
4. Max & Chloe necklace, $42

Flashback Friday: Winter 2010

The question on everyone's minds lately: when am I going to start posting winter looks? Well friends, it is still 80 degrees here in Orlando. And I really dislike winter wear. So it might be a few weeks. :-) That's why I decided for this week's Flashback Friday (I'm bringing this feature back! And yes I realize it's Thursday.) to pull out my top 10 favorite looks from last winter to hold you guys over. As I said I have never been a big fan of winter clothes and I spent most of my four years in Boston dressing to survive and not for the sake of fashion. Winter looks are like my backhand in tennis (not my strong point), but this year I plan to tackle them head-on. After all, the whole point of this blog is to prove to you guys that if I can do this stuff, then anyone can! So here's to improving this year and bringing you guys along for the ride!  Which look is your favorite? Do you also dislike winter wear?

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You are invited: Girls Night Shopping Soiree

I'm throwing a little party in December and everyone is invited! Hope you can make it!

Girls Night Shopping Soiree
Come sip free champagne and nosh cupcakes with J from J's Everyday Fashion at In Style Hair Salon on Thursday, Dec. 1 in Orlando! Stop by between 5-8pm for the opportunity to shop Stella & Dot jewelry just in time for holiday gift-giving, have all your style questions answered by J and have the chance to win a raffle for free salon services from In Style Hair!

Who: You and all your girlfriends

When: Thursday,  Dec. 1 from 5-8 pm (stop by anytime)

Where: In Style Hair - a brand new salon and spa located in Baldwin Park!
4926 New Broad St., Orlando, FL 32814

What:

• Stella & Dot jewelry to browse and buy - just in time for holiday gift-giving! Shop now on my website.
• Complimentary cupcakes from YumCup. Unique gourmet flavors with lots of love in each bite! They deliver to all of Central Florida; custom orders are available.
• The opportunity to win free salon services from In Style Hair.
• Complimentary champagne and vitaminwater

Please RSVP here and add your friends to the invite! See ya then!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Rainbow Bright

I like every color individually, but rainbows are my favorite. Why wear one color, when you can wear them all? :-) I often think of rainbows as more of a summer thing, so I immediately liked this inspiration photo and the fact that she is wearing a rainbow shirt in a cold-weather look. Would you sport rainbow prints in the winter, or do you reserve them only for summer?

Inspiration photo: Refinery 29
Blazer: Express, $25
Shirt: Forever 21, $18
Pants: Gap, $15
Belt: H&M, $20
Shoes: Restricted via Endless, $40
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Earrings: c/o Mikel Maia
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $19

1. Trina Turk rainbow top, $66
2. Arden B rainbow top, $29.99
3. Forever 21 rainbow top, $19.80

Today's Everyday Fashion: Pink on Pink

For anyone who reads Vogue, LSD is not a drug. LSD stands for Lauren Santo Domingo, who is one stylish chick. I totally dig this photo of her in pink-on-pink and decided to do a more rugged interpretation with some skinny cargos. I love the idea of piling pink on top of pink, and I'm still happy I "splurged" on this pink blazer at Banana about a year ago. Would you dress in head-to-toe blush pink?

Inspiration photo: Harper's Bazaar
Pink blazer: Banana Republic, $35
Pink shirt: J.Crew, $40
Cargos: TJ Maxx, $17
Shoes: Forever 21, $33
Necklace: My Stella & Dot Website, $228
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

1. Lauren Conrad pink blazer via Kohl's, $52.50
2. Forever 21 pink blazer, $24.80
3. Lauren Conrad pink blazer via Kohl's, $49

Today's Everyday Fashion: Dog Tired

Excuse me while I deviate from fashion talk for a moment for a brief "dear diary" entry: I am dog tired. In the past nine weeks, I have been out of town for seven of them. The other two, I was moving. I haven't had my "routine" (eating/sleeping/working out) since August, haven't watched TV since August, and haven't answered my email since August (sorry if you are waiting to hear from me!! I promise I will write you back). I'm definitely not complaining - I love to travel and feel blessed to have all of those experiences. I'm just so tired. I don't have any travel planned in the next couple weeks and I can't wait to finally answer those emails!! And unpack from moving and do a million other things. Have you ever been out of your routine for a long period of time? How did you cope?

About the outfit: today's look is not all that similar to my inspiration photo but I wanted to include it for two reasons - I like the summer/casual vibe of her look and it gives another idea for wearing a printed skirt. And while the photo is not that similar, it did actually spark the idea for my outfit. I like sharing my creative process with you guys even if my outfit winds up very different. :-)

Inspiration photo: My Daily Style
Blazer: Express, old
Shirt: Limited, $33
Skirt: Banana Republic, $22
Shoes: Carlos Santana via DSW, $33
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Earrings: c/o Mikel Maia

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Neon Sweater

I'm flying back to Orlando today! I recently got this neon sweater on clearance at Gap and was planning to wear the outfit on the left on the plane. The outfit on the right is another way I styled it that would work for plane travel in colder weather. I, however, totally forgot to pack the belt in the photo (remember I said I'm bad at packing?), and my feet are killing me from my bridesmaid shoes so I'm going to have to improvise a new travel outfit. :-) I like to plan my outfits out for trips head-to-toe (saves room on any unnecessary items), but this trip has turned into one improvised outfit after another. When you pack clothes do you pack outfits, or pieces and improvise as you go?

Left
Sweater: Gap, $14
Jeans: American Eagle, $33
Shoes: c/o Express, $33
Belt: Joe's Jeans c/o Marshall's, $20
Purse: It's in the Bag, $99
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $19

Right
Sweater: Gap, $14
Shirt: Gap, $14
Jeans: American Eagle, $30
Shoes: Michael Kors c/o Marshall's, $50
Purse: It's in the Bag, $99
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $19

1. Gap neon sweater, $49.95
2. American Eagle neon sweater, $39.50
3. Amazon.com neon sweater, $33.66

Today's Everyday Fashion: Black and White

I'm keeping this brief because wedding festivities in Atlanta have me busy, busy! :-) This was my dress for the rehearsal dinner last night. I ordered it from the same place/time I got my tribal dress in yesterday's post. I'm always a little nervous ordering clothes online but the fit of this dress is amazing. A tad short (story of my life) but overall I super-love it and plan to wear it to more events in the future! Are you digging the black and white color block trend right now?

Dress: C. Luce c/o McAuley's, $42
Blazer: Express, old
Shoes: Steve Madden via Ross, $20
Necklace: JcPenney, $15

1. C. Luce colorblocked dress, $42
2. BCBG colorblocked skirt, $70
3. Arden B colorblocked shirt, $27.99

Today's Everyday Fashion: Weather Challenged

Well, it's official. I'm the world's worst packer. I always check the weather before I leave and yet somehow end up with a suitcase full of items that are all wrong. Today I am wearing this outfit to the bridesmaid's luncheon for the wedding. It's colder than I expected so I'll be adding navy leggings for some extra warmth. This is a new dress that I am absolutely loving though - anything with a tribal or 70's inspired print is on my wish list for fall! Kind of hard to tell in the picture, but it is really flattering and has kind of a glossy sheen so it could definitely be worn for a night out, or it can be dressed down for a day event like I did here. Tell me - what are your strategies for packing correctly for the weather?

Dress: Aryn K c/o McAuley's, $86
Belt: Gap, $40
Boots: Bakers, $90
Leather jacket: Banana Republic, $150
Earrings: c/o Mikel Maia

1. Chinese Laundry cognac boots, $109.95
2. Steve Madden cognac boots via DSW, $129.95
3. Steve Madden cognac boots via Bloomingdale's, $100

Today's Everyday Fashion: Risk Taker

I like to get dressed up for the airport. Call me crazy, but it's one of the few times in my daily life that I encounter that many people. And I always, without fail, wind up running into someone I know. It can be a business contact, someone who reads my blog, or an ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend (yes, all of those have really happened). So after enough embarrassing moments in a sloppy t-shirt, I have forever vowed to look great when I fly (even on overnight flights to Europe, see here and here). Today I'm going all out though. I'm flying to Atlanta for a friend's wedding (my first bridesmaid experience!) and this is what I'm wearing. Call me a risk-taker but red pants and red shoes seem totally appropriate for the airport, yes? :-) Would you wear this to the airport?

Inspiration photo: Gap
Shirt: Violet and Claire c/o TJ Maxx, $17 (recent)
Pants: Gap, $15
Leather jacket: Banana Republic, $150
Shoes: c/o Express, $33
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $99
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $19

1. American Eagle red skinnies, $45.50
2. Delia's red skinnies, $39.50
3. Tilly's red skinnies, $29.99

Today's Everyday Fashion: The 5-Piece Rule

Be still my nerdy little heart. There is something about this buttoned-up preppy look that I absolutely love! I know I do the pencil skirt/cardigan/belt look often, but here is why: the 5-piece rule. I have no idea how I came up with this idea, but essentially in my head an outfit is not complete unless there are five pieces. That can be shoes, cardigan, skirt, shirt and belt (like today's look) and a statement necklace or a fun purse would also count. I think outfits with less pieces are less visually appealing for some reason. (And is a huge reason why I end up wearing a belt most days, I need my fifth piece of flare!) Art is certainly not scientific and I'm sure I could find plenty of outfits with less than five pieces that are amazing (evening wear being a good example) but on most days I follow this rule when getting dressed. Tell me - do you ever count the number of items in your outfit?

Inspiration photo: Snapped with my phone at J. Crew
Sweater: LOFT, $20
Shirt: Limited, really old
Belt: Urban Outfitters, $20
Skirt: Limited, $38
Shoes: Restricted via Endless, $40
Purse: River Island, $60
Earrings: c/o Mikel Maia
watch: Michael Kors, family gift

1. Nordstrom pea green cardigan, $46.90
2. Banana Republic leopard belt, $49.50
3. Rugby striped shirt, $37.49

Today's Everyday Fashion: It's a Tie

No need to adjust your screen, I am in fact wearing a tie. This is also not a late Halloween costume, it's just me trying out a "trend" to see if it works in real life. I personally think it's not all that different than wearing a statement necklace over your collared shirt, and overall I think it's a cute look for the right occasion (perhaps a casual Friday in a creative office?). Can't wait to hear what you guys think though - do you think bow ties work in real life? Would you wear one?

Inspiration photo: J.Crew Factory
Jacket: Banana Republic, $75
Shirt: Gap, $15
Bow tie: Urban Outfitters, $10
Jeans: American Eagle, $33
Shoes: Calvin Klein via Filene's, $70

1. Charlotte Russe bootcut distressed jeans, $36.99
2. PacSun skinny distressed jeans, $49.50
3. ASOS boyfriend distressed jeans, $80.86



ps. I have moved on to round 2 in the Cheap Sally contest! The prize is $100,000 so I can't tell you how much this means to me - thank you so much for voting! Voting has started over and I need your votes again to move onto to the next round, and then after that it's up to me to "bring home the bacon." Please go here to vote ONCE PER DAY between now and the end of November! Thank you! :-)

Today's Everyday Fashion: Playing Favorites

I try not to play favorites, but this outfit is up there. I recently saw a maroon/mustard/electric blue color combination while I was out and about and it was love at first sight. Maroon is one of my favorite colors for fall, and mustard and electric blue are still going strong in my book. What are your favorite colors to wear this fall?

Cardigan: H&M, $18
Shirt: Limited, $33
Skirt: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales, $14
Shoes: Restricted via Endless, $40
Belt: Joe's Jeans c/o Marshall's, $20
Necklace: Topshop, $20 (purchased in London)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

1. LOFT mustard cardigan, $59.50
2. Nordstrom mustard cardigan, $21.90
3. Nordstrom mustard cardigan, $79

Today's Everyday Fashion: Halloween Part 2

Trick or treat!! I've had a few people ask what I'm dressing up as this year, so thought I would share! This is, in fact, a store-bought costume that required very little creativity. But since I'm from Kansas, it's just way too funny. I also already had it, so it was free. And Bella was begging to go as Toto this year, and I couldn't say no to that fuzzy face. :-) What are you dressing up as this year? I would love to see - share a photo on my Facebook wall!

Dorothy costume: BuyCostumes.com, few years ago
Shoes: c/o Express, $30 (with coupon)
Dog: Bella = my love

Today's Everyday Fashion: Halloween Part 1

I call this look the "naked blazer" or "the Sharon Stone." It started out as a regular outfit post. I figured I had seen enough celebrities and models in catalogs wearing a blazer with nothing underneath, and that I should give the trend a try. But I looked and felt a little silly to be wearing it in real life. Since it's so close to Halloween, I decided to go ahead and share it as a pretty cute Halloween costume idea though. It's easy to do (especially if you aren't into anything too "costumey") and it's a hot look overall (what is it with Halloween and needing to look "hot"?). So I posted it. You can be Sharon Stone for Halloween this year, and tomorrow I'm going to show you what I'm dressing up as! Have you ever worn the "naked blazer" look - in real life or in a costume?

Inspiration photo: Bebe
Blazer: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales, $35 (they have 2 white ones in stock!)
Jeans: Gap, $30
Shoes: Guess via Marshalls, $30
Purse: River Island, $60
Necklace: Banana Republic, $20
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

1. Express white skinny jean, $69.90
2. Banana Republic white skinny jean, $89.50
3. Delia's white skinny jean, $49.50

Today's Everyday Fashion: LOFT Cares

As you may have seen on the LOFT Facebook page yesterday, I participated in a campaign with other bloggers to show how we wear LOFT's BCRF designs to raise awareness for breast cancer this month. I was asked to style this special edition t-shirt and bracelet into an outfit and this is what I came up with! :-) I love the whimsy of wearing a graphic tee dressed up for work and I think these LOFT pieces are a great way to show your support for the ladies in pink this October! (LOFT also asked me to fill out some questions, so I shared them below.) Are you wearing pink in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

Shirt: c/o LOFT
Bracelet: c/o LOFT
Blazer: Express, $25
Skirt: Limited, $35
Belt: Urban Outfitters, $20
Shoes: Restricted via Endless, $40
Purse: River Island, $60 (purchased in London)

1)      What “links” you to this cause? I don't think there is a single woman out there who isn't affected by breast cancer - either directly or by someone they know. Most recently, my friend's mother was diagnosed and is currently undergoing treatment. (We love you Margie!*)

2)      What “links” you to all other fashion bloggers our there? I feel a common bond of creativity, passion and a love for style with every fashion blogger across the globe. I also find that I immediately hit it off with other bloggers when I meet them in person! We love to talk!

3)      What “links” you to your girlfriends? I am blessed to call some of the most amazing, beautiful women as my close friends. I think what links us is our shared zest for life, a love for the same activities (such as running or fashion) and a loyalty that withstands even the toughest obstacles in life.

4)      How would you incorporate this feel good item into your everyday wardrobe? A graphic tee with a touch of sequins is perfect with denim shorts for running errands, and you can also dress it up with a pencil skirt and blazer for work like I did here. The bracelet is a piece you can wear everywhere, and I love the touch of pink that serves as a reminder of the cause it supports!

5)      Describe your personal style. I will try anything once, but overall I tend to dress very feminine and colorful. I like more of a classic/preppy look for work, and for casual occasions I love boho touches like turquoise jewelry and frayed denim.

*Margie was given the all-clear two weeks ago! She beat cancer! Woo hoo!  

1. Nordstrom pencil skirt, $44.90
2. LOFT Cares t-shirt, $39.50
3. LOFT Cares bracelet, $34.50

Today's Everyday Fashion: Neon Winter

I love the idea of making neon work for winter, because I love neon (anyone remember neon slap bracelets?) and I never want it to end. I totally dig the idea of using a neon belt as one big pop of color in an otherwise dark outfit like Marc Jacobs did on the runway. I'm pretty sure my belt glows in the dark, which is kind of amazing and I'm adding this to the list of reason why I love belts. That little piece of patent leather totally changes the look of the outfit! Tell me - will you be wearing neon this winter?

Inspiration photo: Marc by Marc Jacobs Resort 2012
Blazer: Express, really old
Shirt: c/o Shop McAuley's, $44 (sold out)
Belt: Gap, $10
Jeans: Gap, $35
Shoes: Calvin Klein via Filene's Basement, $70
Bracelets: Banana Republic, Forever 21
Earrings: Forever 21, $8

1. Dillard's cobalt and sequin shirt, $29
2. Alloy cobalt shirt, $16.90
3. Macy's cobalt shirt, $26.99

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Work Polo

Today's post is not sexy or glamorous but it does answer a practical question most of us have faced at one time - what do I wear with my "required" shirt? And by required shirt I mean - volunteering and wearing the official shirt, wearing a team shirt to an event, or being asked by your employer to wear a shirt. I recently attended the Women's Conference in Jacksonville for my VISIT FLORIDA job, and was asked to wear my VISIT FLORIDA polo both days. I could have slapped on jeans but I decided to have fun with it and dress it up a little bit. (As the saying goes, "You never know when you will meet the President!") The first day I had fun with color, pairing it with a printed skirt and my favorite mustard shoes. The second day, I kept the bottom neutral but added fun pops of color with my accessories.

One of my most common questions I receive is "I want to wear the team jersey but how do I dress it up?" My response is always to make the rest of your outfit as girlie as possible. Wear some slim-fitting jeans or a skirt that shows off your figure. Tuck in the jersey if possible and wear a belt. Add some statement earrings and heels. The one masculine piece (the jersey) will look great next to all the feminine pieces! Tell me - what are your tips and ideas for wearing a company or team shirt?

ps. Check out the results of the DailyBuzz Style challenge and see how the other 8 bloggers wore their brightly colored pants here!

In front of the VISIT FLORIDA booth

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Sequin Suit

I've had this suit from Banana Republic for almost two years and I've never worn the two pieces together. The blazer and skirt might look familiar on their own - I've worn each on the blog quite a few times. But together? Never. At least not until I spotted this inspiration photo from Ann Taylor. I loved the idea of a monochromatic suit with a bit of sparkle to break things up. Add a dash of the python trend I'm digging right now (via shoes I've had for ages - proof that if you hold onto something long enough, it will come back in style!), and you have a great work look that can easily transition to night. Have you ever mixed suits and sequins?

Inspiration photo: Ann Taylor
Suit jacket: Banana Republic, $75
Suit skirt: Banana Republic, $40
Shirt: Arden B, really old
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website
Shoes: Boutique 9, $70

1. Express sequin-front tank, $39.90
2. Anne Klein taupe suit via Macy's, $153.99
3. Stella & Dot Jacqueline Necklace (via my Stylist website), $228