My November Budget

It has been a hot minute since I did my last budget post. (July, in case anyone is counting. You can see all my budget posts archived here.) This long absence can be blamed on the fact that I did not have time to go shopping for several months! I didn't necessarily miss shopping, but what I did notice is more of a "I have nothing to wear attitude" coming from me. I definitely don't think you need a lot of money to dress well, and I definitely don't think you need to be buying new things all the time, but at the same time I think that a new item here and there is a bit like a breath of fresh air into your closet and can be totally healthy. At least for me it is, and new items tends to boost my creativity. (Anyone with me on this?)

So, here's what I bought:
1. American Eagle plaid shirt, $24 (Black Friday online purchase)
2. American Eagle sweater, $30 (Black Friday online purchase)
3. American Eagle cobalt jeans, $37
4. Gap neon sweater, $17
5. Old Navy emerald top, $11 (with $20 Groupon)
6. Steve Madden Tanngoo boots from Endless, $47
7. Express pleated skirt, $18 (Black Friday purchase)
8. Urban Originals shoes, $24 (Black Friday online purchase)
9. Urban Originals shoes, $22 (Black Friday online purchase)
       Grand Total = $230 (since I hadn't shopped in several months, I gave myself more than the usual
                                          $100/month budget)


Why I bought these items:
Items #1, 2 and 6 were my attempt to winterize my wardrobe a bit more, which was a big goal for me this month. I've been looking for boots exactly like #6 for awhile and was thrilled when I finally found them last week! Item #7 was a spur-of-the-moment Black Friday purchase. I've had a pleated skirt on my wish list for some time, and I couldn't pass up that price! Items #3, 4 and 5 are my never-ending quest to add color to my wardrobe. These tones are a bit more wintery and should work in all seasons. Finally, the shoes... items #8-9. These were a total splurge. I regret it slightly (the green ones are not that great in person), but I love the lime colored ones and with the right outfit I'm sure they will be fab. Definitely didn't "need" those shoes though. ;-)

Win $150 to JewelMint!

 

Have you guys heard about JewelMint yet? Uber-cool girl Kate Bosworth teamed up with friend and hot Hollywood stylist Cher Coulter to bring us everyday girls the ultimate in affordable luxury. Their member-only jewelry club features pieces like the ones above at a price point of only $29.99! (And right now if you use code JFASH50, you can get 50% off one item for first time JewelMint customers. Expires 12/31.)

Other cool things about this site:
- It takes you through a fashion "quiz" to make jewelry suggestions for you based on your fashion personality profile and style. 
- There are new personalized jewelry designs to check out every month.
-You get access to exclusive jewelry designs by Kate Bosworth just by becoming a member.

Want to win $150 in credits to JewelMint? Simply follow these two easy steps:
1. Click here to create a free JewelMint account.
2. Leave a comment below letting us know which piece is your favorite. 

That's it! Come back on 12/23 and we will announce a winner. Good luck!

We have a winner!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Imitation

I snapped this photo on the way out the door last weekend. I was in a hurry (hence my still-wet hair), so I used this photo to come up with something to wear quickly. I love her jacket and hope to own one like it someday (looks designer to me, which of course equals big $$$). In the meantime, I will be sporting my look-alike cardigan. I added a tie-neck sheer shirt (hard to see in the picture), and at the last minute, a feather brooch for some whimsy!

Inspiration photo: I Want to Be Her
Sweater: Banana Republic, $20
Shirt: H&M, $18 (purchased in London)
Jeans: American Eagle, $33
Shoes: Calvin Klein from Filene's Basement, $70
Purse: Juicy Couture from Macy's, $250
Plume brooch: My Stella & Dot website, $34

1. Old Navy preppy cardigan, $25
2. Plume brooch via my Stella & Dot website, $34
3. Forever 21 preppy cardigan, $22.80

Today's Everyday Fashion: Out of Season

I have a slight obsession with the color emerald right now, so when I spotted this dress at Nordstrom Rack last week it was speaking to me from across the room. I didn't even try it on, I just went for it. I did have one hesitation though - it seemed more like a summer/spring dress, and I usually try to not buy things too out of season unless I can make use of them now. (It can be a great money saving strategy, but I've been burned in the past.) That's when I remembered that my new boots were in the mail (you will be seeing these a lot!) and would look super-cute. Problem solved, and this type of dressing is perfect for the weather we are having right now. What's your rule of thumb when buying items out of season?

Dress: Fishbowl c/o Nordstrom Rack, $23 (recent)
Belt: Gap, $40
Leather jacket: Banana Republic, $150
Necklace: Westminster Abbey gift shop, $35
Boots: "Grifter" c/o Chinese Laundry, $149
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

1. Zappos ruffle emerald dress, $58
2. Dillard's ruffle emerald dress, $39
3. Dillard's pleated emerald dress, $82.80 (on sale)

Today's Everyday Fashion: Everything is All-White

Whenever I think of "holiday"style, white is the last thing that comes to mind. That's partly why I love today's look so much. It's unique and would definitely stand out at a holiday party and yet it still looks very "holiday" with the lace, fur and black details. My only complaint about this outfit? It kind of reminds me of Colonel Sanders a little bit... which made me laugh out loud. But I still love this outfit and would wear it in a heartbeat. Just call me "Colonel J." ;-) Would you wear a winter white look during the holidays?

Inspiration photo: Bergdorf
Shirt: Charlotte Russe, $18
Pants: Gap, old
Shoes: Calvin Klein from Filene's Basement, $70
Fur scarf: Limited, $25
Bracelets: Forever 21 and Banana Republic

1. Delia's lace shirt, $34.50
2. Victoria's Secret lace shirt, $49.50
3. LOFT lace shirt, $39.50

Today's Everyday Fashion: Wool Pants

If my memory serves me correctly, I've had these pants since high school. Which was a long time ago. (whoa momma) They are still holding up well though, and I love the fit (they have flap back pockets) so no reason to get rid of them in my book! (To see my post on what to keep and what to toss, go here.) I saw this poster on the wall at Banana Republic and absolutely loved it. My other favorite stores for snapping photos are definitely J.Crew and Express. What retail stores inspire you the most?

Inspiration photo: Banana Republic (snapped with my phone)
Cardigan: H&M, $20
Shirt: Forever 21, $22
Belt: Forever 21, $5
Pants: American Eagle, really old
Shoes: c/o Express, $33
Earrings: Forever 21

Today's Everyday Fashion: Sweater Tights

This is my first-ever attempt at wearing sweater tights! I was expecting them to be way comfier than regular tights, but to be honest, they weren't. Not sure if it's just these particular tights, but they were actually more itchy and also kind of fit funny. I still think sweater tights are a great way to winterize an outfit though, and with a coat/gloves/hat this would be perfect outfit for a chilly day. How do you wear sweater tights?

Inspiration photo: Banana Republic
Jacket: Target, $30 (old)
Shirt: Limited (old)
Skirt: J.Crew, $45
Belt: H&M, $20
Gray sweater tights: Chinese Laundry c/o Marshall's, $5 (recent)
Boots: Bakers, $90

Today's Everyday Fashion: Mad Men Party

Cigarette is fake *whew*

Last night I co-hosted a Mad Men themed holiday party and this is what I wore! I went for full costume mode, and ordered this dress and brooch (an exact replica of Joan's!) specifically for the party. Add a bouffant, some serious eyeliner and a fake cigarette and I was in full character. It was a great night!! Are you a Mad Men fan? What's your favorite theme for a party?

Dress: c/o Shabby Apple, $92 ("Moon River" under the All that Jazz section. This dress runs big, I ordered an XS.)
Belt: Urban Outfitters, $20
Shoes: Restricted from Endless, $40
Vintage starburst brooch: c/o Catherine Nicole, $30
Headband and fake cigarette: borrowed

Eat your heart out, Don Draper.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Fair Isle Sweater

I've been lu-ving the Fair Isle sweater trend this year, and I finally took the plunge and bought one online on Black Friday! It's cozy, it's cute and it's a bit whimsical. I plan to wear this outfit for ice skating once it gets a bit colder here in Florida. Will you be picking up a Fair Isle sweater this year?

Sweater: American Eagle, $30 (recent)
Jeans: Gap, $15
Belt: H&M, $20
Boots: Forever 21, $33
Hat: Nine West from Macy's
Purse: Juicy Couture from Neiman Marcus Last Call, $118

1. American Eagle fair isle sweater, $49.99
2. Forever 21 fair isle sweater, $22.80

3. American Eagle fair isle sweater, $29.70 (comes in 4 colors)

Today's Everyday Fashion: Win an LG DoublePlay [closed]

This post brought to you by LG DoublePlay™. All opinions are 100% mine.

True story: I was talking to my cell phone provider one day when they informed me that i was eligible for a phone upgrade. Since my current phone (an old Droid that someone gave me second-hand) is falling apart, I decided then and there that it was time for a new phone! The very next day, I was offered a brand-new LG DoublePlay™ to review and figured it was fate and that I should go for it. :-) An added bonus - they gave me two so I can give one away to a reader, yay! 

The most unique feature about this phone is definitely the double-screen action. It takes some getting used to when you are typing, however, I do like that you can be doing two things at once! For example, if a website it taking awhile to load, you can write a text message on the screen below. Super-cool. It also comes with a fancy 5 megapixel camera (I'm hoping this will improve the pictures I post on Twitter), group texting options like Cloud Text and Group Text, and is exclusively available at T-mobile. I don't know about you guys, but I always on my phone (pretty much every minute I'm away from my computer!) writing emails, jotting down notes, and tweeting like a crazy (I tweet more when I'm away than I do from my computer). Do you use social media on your phone? How do you think an LG DoublePlay™ would change the way you interact? Just leave a comment below to be automatically entered into the giveaway!

Today's outfit

Blazer: Victoria's Secret, c/o MJR Sales, $35

Shirt: Ralph Lauren outlet, $20

Jeans: Vigoss  c/o Nordstrom Rack, $35

Shoes: Delicious from Shoe Carnival, $10 

Purse: River Island, $60

Watch: Michael Kors

Grace is our winner, congrats!!

Today's Everyday Fashion: How Now Brown Cow

On my recent hunt for mustard skinny jeans, I stumbled upon a great find at TJ Maxx. These camel jeans were only $15, and I have a feeling I will be getting ton of use out of them this fall/winter (they are, after all, one of my favorite colors!). The first look I came up with is a monochromatic brown look. I used a faux fur collar as a scarf to add volume and texture, and pinned the ends together with a turquoise brooch. Mustard jeans have alluded me for the moment, but I hope to find some soon! What color skinny jeans are you on the hunt for right now? 

Sweater: H&M, old
Faux fur collar: H&M, $15
Jeans: TJ Maxx, $15 (recent)
Belt: H&M, $20
Shoes: Restricted from Endless, $40
Brooch: Stella & Dot

1. Forever 21 brown skinnies, $24.80
2. Forever 21 camel skinnies, $19.50
3. Free People camel cords, $68

Today's Everyday Fashion: Plaid Escape

I have newfound love for plaid this winter, and this Shopbop pic is one of my favorite inspirations of all time. Talk about looking chic while camping, geesh! I decided to give it my own spin for everyday wear. I think the key to not look like you are actually going camping is adding some girlie details, such as a sparkly necklace or heels. I would also wear this outfit with the boots from this post! Are you loving plaid this fall/winter? 

Inspiration photo: Shopbop
Shirt: American Eagle, $24 (recent)
Vest: Forever 21, $22
Cargos: Sanctuary Surplus from Nordstrom Rack, $40
Belt: H&M, $20
Necklace: JcPenney, $15

Shoes: c/o Express, $33

1. American Eagle plaid top, $39.50
2. Forever 21 plaid top, $17.80
3. American Eagle plaid top, $39.50

Whimsical Inspiration

Alexander McQueen

I am always saving pictures on my computer, so today I thought I'd share some of the "whimsical" (more artsy) pictures I have saved. These pictures take my breath away and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do! Outfit pictures will resume tomorrow. xoxo, J.

Vogue

Chanel

Etsy

Unfortunately I do not know all of the sources for these photos - if you know of a source please just let me know and I'm happy to add a link! Thank you!

Making a Statement

Dear Readers,

There has been 

a lot

 of speculation about why I haven't been wearing my wedding rings in my outfit photos since August. While I don't believe it's appropriate to get into details (especially since the blog doesn't really concern my private life), we have decided to issue a statement (J.Lo and Marc Anthony style!) to quiet any rumors;

"After five happy years of knowing each other, we have decided to amicably split. We remain close friends to this day, and are excited to see what the future holds for each of us! Thank you for your support and concern, and for respecting our privacy during this transition."

- J. & M.

If you choose to comment or talk about this situation publicly, please remember that this is a situation that does not only involve me, but another person and their entire family and we all need to be super-respectful of their privacy, as well as mine. Also feel free to email me privately if that seems more appropriate (

jseverydayfashion@gmail.com

). As a Christian who never in a million years thought I would ever be the "d word," this is not my favorite life situation I've ever been in. But going through this process over the past 8 months has taught me more about life, judging others, judging yourself and what it truly means to follow Jesus than I could ever express. I also look back on my 5 years with M. as a very happy time, and wouldn't trade a minute of it. Thanks for all your support over the past year and a half of blogging, and now let's raise a glass and cheers to lives full of happiness and love for all of us! 

xoxo,

J.

Stafford & Matt's Wedding

Thought I would share some pictures of the wedding I was in last month! I had an absolute blast at this wedding. It was my first time being a bridesmaid but if this is how wedding weekends usually go, sign me up because I had the best time ever. That's right, I am available to be in your wedding, even if we've never met. I have absolutely nothing to offer in return other than a wedding gift and being really fun to hang out with.

Joking aside, I could not be happier for Stafford and Matt! It was a great weekend and you can see more photos from the wedding here.

 

At the end of the night, they handed out sunglasses, glow sticks and grilled cheese sandwiches. Epic weekend!!

Stella & Dot Online Trunk Show

Event success!

As you know, I hosted a Stella & Dot shopping soiree here in Orlando this week. Well, I decided to extend that trunk show online so everyone can participate from home! It's easy. Just go to my personal Stella & Dot website and make your selections. At checkout, look for a green box that says "Find Your Hostess." Type in my name "Jeanette Scott" and select me (it's under "Jeanette Scott Thwing"). That's it! The show ends Dec. 16 but you can purchase anytime using my link. Stella & Dot makes the perfect Christmas gift. In fact, my entire Christmas wish list is Stella & Dot. Here's is what I'm hoping Santa will bring me, and what I already own and love!

My Christmas Wish List:

1. Gigantic pendant with a 70's vibe, I'm in love. (Leona Pendant Necklace, $98)
2. An elastic bracelet full of sassy spikes. (Renegade Cluster Bracelet, $59)
3. I die. Totally obsessed with this cocktail ring. (Aurora Cocktail Ring, $49)
4. A must-have to wear daily with my gold watch. (Pyramid Double Wrap Bracelet, $59)

My Current Must-Haves:

1. The ultimate cocktail necklace. I love that it's gold and silver. (Metropolitan Mixed Chain Necklace, $198)
2. The ultimate layering piece. I wear this with other long chains. (La Coco Chain, $69)
3. The prettiest piece of jewelry I've ever been lucky enough to wear. (Jacqueline Necklace, $171 on sale!!)
4. I wear this every single day with my watch! (Serpent Bangle, $49)

***All links go to my personal Stella & Dot website, where I earn commission.
ps. If you are interested in hosting your own online trunk show to earn free jewelry let me know!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Periwinkle Please

I was running super-late yesterday and I threw this outfit together for lunch with a friend. Generally, I come up with outfits one of three ways:

1. I am craving a particular color or print (like leopard) that day, and just have to go for it.
2. I have a practical aspect of my day that determines a starting point - such as what shoes to wear - and then I plan the rest of the outfit around that piece.
3. I look through inspiration photos to come up with something out of left field.

Today's look was a result of #1. I was craving periwinkle from the moment I woke up, and just couldn't leave the house without putting it in my outfit somehow. Thankfully, I still have this sweater from more than two years ago, so I pulled it out of the back of my closet. I then promptly went to town adding some other favorite colors like a chartreuse shirt (also pretty old) and a green statement necklace. What's your process for selecting what to wear in the morning?

Sweater: Gap, really old
Shirt: J.Crew, $25
Necklace: Banana Republic, $40
Jeans: Vigoss c/o Nordstrom Rack, $35 (recent)
Shoes: Bandolino via TJ Maxx, $25
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $99

1. Ann Taylor periwinkle cardigan, $78
2. Stella & Dot jade necklace, $118 (via my personal Stylist website)
3. Aldo mustard pump, $54.98 (on sale)

Flashback Friday: Mustard Shirt

Click to view larger

"Thanks to you, I am now becoming obsessed with mustard - and I'm not talking about the kind I put on a sandwich!"- Carolyn, a Facebook fan. Well Carolyn, that might be due in part to me posting 10 looks with this mustard shirt (Gap, $30) in a year's time. It's almost embarrassing how much I wear/post outfits with it - I was afraid you guys might have started to notice? At any rate, here's a look back at all the combinations I've done with this shirt - starting with the winter/fall looks on top and the more summery looks down below. I've paired mustard with just about everything from neon brights to muted shades of brown. It truly is an "anything goes" kind of color. Do you love mustard? Which look is your favorite?

1. LOFT mustard shirt, $29.50
2. Rachel Roy mustard blouse, $79
3. Christian Michaels via Zappos mustard blouse, $39.99

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Shopping Event

I'm hosting a shopping soiree at a local salon today and this is what I'm wearing! If you live in the Orlando area, I would love to have you join me at In Style Hair to shop Stella & Dot jewelry, a free raffle, and all the pink champagne and cupcakes you can eat! Go here for details.

About my outfit: I'm rocking not one, but two new purchases today! I've had a pleated skirt on my wish list for months, and picked up this polka dot one on Black Friday. My other new purchase is the shirt which I also recently wore with jeans and sandals for errands. Finally, it's hard to see in the picture but I'm wearing my Stella & Dot Jacqueline necklace backwards, so you can see the chain detail (it's totally rockstar that way). Are you wearing the pleated skirt trend this fall?

About my camera: I took your advice and went for no flash with my new camera. I like that you can see the details in my outfit, but it's driving me nuts how dark the wall is behind me.... *sigh* I guess it's back to the drawing board (or my old camera). Any suggestions? :-(

Shirt: c/o LOFT, $30 (recent)
Skirt: Express, $18 (recent)
Belt: H&M, $4
Shoes: Boutique 9, $70
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $171 (on sale!)

1. ASOS pleated skirt, $40.91
2. ModCloth pleated skirt, $42.99
3. Kohl's Lauren Conrad pleated skirt, $40

Win Two Pairs of Earrings from VDazzled Jewelry! [closed]

The holiday season is upon us, so what better time than now to do a giveaway for some gorgeous earrings? Perfect for gift-giving, this week you have the chance to win TWO pairs of earrings of your choice from VDazzled Jewelry. This Etsy retailer has more than 100 earrings to choose from and even lets you create custom pairs using gold, silver or black wire. Plus if you shop now through Dec. 14 you can get 10% off with code JEVERYDAY10.

To enter:
1. Keep in touch with VDazzled Jewelry by "liking" their Facebook page.
2. Leave a comment below letting us know which pair is your favorite.


I will randomly select a winner on Tuesday. Good luck!

Congrats Chelsie!