Today's Everyday Fashion: Cobalt Love

Cobalt has always been one of my favorite colors (I was obsessed with the ocean as a child, so all those tropical fish could have something to do with it). But now that it's everywhere in stores, I find myself having major cobalt envy. I have several cobalt pieces in my closet already (okay, six, including these pants) but I'm not sure it will ever be enough. Call it what you want, but I'm in love. :-) If you had to pick one color in the whole rainbow as your favorite, what would it be? 

Inspiration photo: My Daily Style
Blazer: Banana Republic, $75
Shirt: Ralph Lauren outlet, $20
Pants: American Eagle, $35
Belt: Banana Republic
Shoes: Bandolino from TJ Maxx, $22
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

1. American Eagle cobalt skinnies, $44.50 (same ones I'm wearing)
2. LOFT cobalt cropped skinnies, $62.99
3. Limited cobalt skinnies, $74.90

December/January Budget

Click to view larger

I went on a shopping SPREE yesterday. My biggest shopping trip to date, I spent my $100 budget for both December and January in one chunk, plus the $100 I planned to spend in the day-after-Christmas sales (I wound up spending zero that day). It turns out that the after-New-Year sale was much better than the day-after-Christmas sale, so I will plan accordingly for next year! Here's what I bought:

1. Limited shrunken velvet blazer, $60
2. H&M pink blazer, $37
3. Old Navy polka dot shirt, $20
4. Old Navy plaid shirt, $14
5. Banana Republic leopard pumps, $60
6. TJ Maxx jeans, $17
7. Limited pleated skirt, $25
8. Old Navy emerald belt, $13
9. Banana Republic earrings, $10
10. Banana Republic bracelet, $10
11. Stella & Dot necklace, $62

Grand Total = $328

1. This was a bit of a splurge for me, but I've been stalking this blazer for months, and it was the last one in the store. I love the schoolboy charm, and I will have it for years.
2. This hot pink blazer will be amazing for summer but I also have some ideas for wearing it in winter. It's also super-comfy.
3. Polka dots are my favorite trend for spring, so I'm getting a head start with this adorable shirt.
4. I'm craving plaid lately and love the simple pattern on this one to wear under blazers and sweaters.
5. Another "splurge", I have been hunting for leopard pumps for over a year and finally bit the bullet. These are mohair and just high enough of a heel, but not so high that they make the leopard look cheesy. Love 'em.
6. I found these jeans in Kansas and absolutely love them.
7. I'm loving pleated skirts; they are such a refreshing silhouette to my closet!
8. An emerald green belt is another item I've been hunting for for a long time, so I snapped this up as soon as I saw it!
9. I had similar earrings from Urban Outfitters that just broke so these are a replacement, and a great price to boot.
10. I've been on the hunt for more bracelets to wear with my watch and again the price on this one was too good to pass up.
11. I got a discount on this Stella & Dot necklace from doing my trunk show, but it still cost me a pretty penny. Absolutely adore this it though. Love the boho feel and it instantly dresses up a casual outfit!

I also bought these items with a c/o gift card:
1. Express blazer, $55
2. Express scarf, $15
3. Express hat, $12

Did you find any amazing deals in the after-holiday sales?

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Log Cabin

This was a back-up outfit I packed for Kansas. Or at least, I kind of packed it, because I didn't have room in my suitcase for the navy coat (I used a carry-on for 6 days of winter clothes, it was a tight fit to say the least). I love this look though because it combines three of my favorite winter trends - Fair Isle sweaters, red pants and faux fur collars. It also makes me feel like sipping hot cocoa in a log cabin, which is nice. (Caddy Shack reference, high-five if you got it.) What are your favorite cozy winter trends?

Inspiration photo: American Eagle
Sweater: American Eagle, $30
Coat: LOFT, $50
Faux fur collar: H&M, $15
Pants: Gap, $20
Belt: H&M, $20
Boots: Steve Madden Tanngoo from Endless, $47

1. Forever 21 Fair Isle sweater, $22.80
2. Urban Outfitters red corduroy pants, $54
3. Forever 21 navy wool coat, $44.80

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Wookie

I ordered this faux fur vest more than a month ago, but haven't had the guts to wear it yet. On the one hand, I think it's adorable, I love the faux fur trend, and I like that it makes my new darker hair look even darker. On the other hand, I kind of feel like a wookie. (insert wookie noise here) That's why I'm taking it to the streets to see what you guys think - do you think faux fur vests are a yay or a nay?

Faux fur vest: Rezrekshn c/o MJR Sales, $35
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $98
Shirt: c/o LOFT, $20
Pants: Hwy Jeans c/o TJ Maxx, $15
Boots: Steve Madden Tanngoo from Endless, $47

1. Dillard's faux fur vest, $89
2. Kohl's faux fur vest, $40
3. Victoria's Secret faux fur vest, $59.99

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Animal Sweater

Animal sweaters are a cheeky trend that I've been wanting to try, so when I spotted this sweater recently it was love at first sight! This outfit is also part of my third and final challenge with Ross. I competed in three style challenges in December and made a video for each. (I was not asked to post the outfit on my blog as part of the challenge, but just thought it would be fun to share! You can watch the videos and be sure to "like" them while you are there! Video 1, Video 2, Video 3) Besides the fun animal sweater in today's look, I'm also a huge fan of wearing white jeans during the winter. Paired with knee-high boots and a coat, I think they are totally appropriate and can be a refreshing change from your usual blue jean. Do you wear white jeans in the winter? And are you on board with the animal sweater trend?

Sweater: Tommy Hilfiger c/o Ross, $25 (borrowed)
Jeans: Ross, $17 (borrowed)
Boots: Grifter c/o Chinese Laundry, $149
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Stella & Dot

1. Tommy Hilfiger sweater from Macy's, $59.99
2. Urban Outfitters sweater, $89
3. Urban Outfitters sweater, $39

Today's Everyday Fashion: New Years Eve

Happy New Year everyone! This is what I  threw on last night to ring in the New Year at home! Hope you all had a fun and safe night.

Shirt: c/o The Blue Door Boutique
Jeans: TJ Maxx, $17 (recent - bought them in Kansas!)
Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $17
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $136 (this necklace is on sale!)
Bracelets: Banana Republic
Cocktail ring: Bakers

New Years Eve Options

Sequins - click to view larger

Let the countdown to 2012 begin! I have low-key plans tonight and I'm still not sure what I'm going to wear, so I thought I would share some of my past looks that could work for New Years Eve for various climates and venues. The top row is some of my favorite looks with sparkle (sequins) and the bottom row is all about black jeans (first three) and black tights (last three). I personally can't wait to ring in the New Year and get 2012 started! I'll be sharing some of my resolutions over the next week - do you have any New Year's resolutions? What are you doing to ring in the New Year?

Black jeans & tights - click to view larger

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Long Journey

Sweater is brown, dress is gray, leggings are navy

A few things:
- I promise I will stop posting outfits with these boots for awhile. I only packed one carry-on suitcase, so I didn't have much room for variety in the footwear department this week!
- This was my outfit for the flight home yesterday. I added lots of layers - the sweater in the middle is super-thick and warm - to adjust for the changing climates as I traveled.
- It turns out that leggings are also a great idea for ice skating! I made an impromptu trip with my nephews before I hopped on a plane and was loving my stretchy pants. I almost bit it at one point and essentially did the splits. Stretchy pants are good for the splits.
- I still have no idea what I'm wearing for New Year's Eve. You?

Coat: Banana Republic, $130
Faux fur collar: H&M, $15
Dress: c/o Lamixx, $36
Sweater: Gap, old
Leggings: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales, $4
Boots: Grifter c/o Chinese Laundry, $149
Necklace: Stella & Dot
Purse: Juicy Couture from Neiman Marcus Last Call, $115

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Traveling Salesman

I was a busy girl yesterday. It was my last free day in town, and I spent it driving all over Kansas City visiting friends at work, at Starbucks, etc. It was just like a traveling salesman, only way more fun. :-) I wore this outfit - a chunky sweater coat I've had for years, with my new Stella & Dot pendant I've dubbed my Flava Flav necklace because of it's size. This type of look is definitely my "casual uniform." I sub in shorts and sandals in the summer and different pendants, but I pretty much always turn to neutral outfits like these when I'm running errands. What is your casual uniform in the winter?

Sweater: Gap, old
Shirt: LOFT, $30
Jeans: Vigoss c/o Nordstrom Rack, $35
Boots: Grifter c/o Chinese Laundry, $149
Purse: Juicy Couture from Neiman Marcus, $115
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $98

1. Gap sweater coat, $44.99
2. Limited faux fur cardigan, $39.99
3. LOFT open cardigan, $59.50

Today's Everyday Fashion: Outfit Challenge

I just can't resist a good outfit challenge! LOFT recently asked several bloggers including yours truly to style a winter look from their new arrivals and this is what I came up with. (I was not asked to post my look on the blog, but just thought it would be fun to share!) I took it as an opportunity to do something cold-weather for you guys since I live in Florida and don't own a ton of sweaters. (I borrowed/returned the pieces to take this picture, and will be using my gift card for other items that catch my eye throughout the year.) When I styled this look I was immediately drawn to the yellow in the skirt and shirt. They are great pieces that can be used during the warmer weather months, but also work for colder weather with tights and this thick sweater coat. I also like this look because it can easily transition from day to night and would work for many different situations. What winter occasions do you find it hardest to dress for? 

Cardigan, sweater and skirt: LOFT, borrowed (see below for links)
Tights: Hue from TJ Maxx, $5
Shoes: Steve Madden from Ross, $20

My outfit

1. LOFT yellow pencil skirt, $69.50
2. LOFT snakeskin sweater, $49.99
3. LOFT faux fur cardigan, $99.99

Today's Everyday Fashion: Snake Bitten

I've been bitten by the love for snake print. I inherited this shirt from a friend this summer and loved it so much that I picked up another one at the LOFT recently (about a month ago). I'm also totally smitten with the inspiration photo. Her use of snake print among other brown neutrals looks great and I decided to give it a try for a cold-weather look while I'm in Kansas. Have you hopped on board the snake print trend yet?


Also - did you guys find anything good in the sales yesterday? I walked away mostly empty-handed, but picked up this shirt for $20 and this skirt for $35 from Ann Taylor! (score!)

Inspiration photo: The Show
Shirt: c/o LOFT, $20
Skirt: J.Crew, $45
Belt: H&M, $20
Tights: Hue c/o Marshall's, $5
Boots: Grifter c/o Chinese Laundry, $149
Necklace: Stella & Dot
Purse: Juicy Couture from Neiman Marcus Last Call, $115

1. Victoria's Secret python shirt, $44.50
2. Aryn K. python shirt from Dillard's, $47.40
3. Victoria's Secret python shirt, $49.50

Today's Everyday Fashion: My Favorite Shopping Day

Today is my favorite shopping day of the year! I will be up bright and early hitting a couple malls and searching for the insane deals I always find on the day after Christmas. I'll be tweeting sale info and what I find so follow me on Twitter for updates! This outfit is not my shopping outfit, but this is what I wore out on Christmas night last night. I'm loving the colder weather in Kansas right now and couldn't wait to give this plaid cape and my new boots a try! They were perfect for the occasion and kept me nice and warm. :-)

Plaid cape: c/o Happy Scarf, $84
Sweater: H&M, $15
Jeans: Vigoss c/o Nordstrom Rack, $35
Belt: H&M, $20
Necklace: Stella & Dot
Leather bracelet: my Stella & Dot website, $59
Serpent bracelet: my Stella & Dot website, $49
Boots: Grifter c/o Chinese Laundry, $149
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

My wrist bling

1. Michael Kors watch via Macy's, $250
2. Leather bracelet via my Stella & Dot website, $59
3. Serpent bracelet via my Stella & Dot website, $49

Today's Everyday Fashion: Merry Christmas!

I totally went there. I'm wearing red pants and red plaid to celebrate Christmas this year. I am headed home to Kansas today and this is what I'm wearing on the plane and to a family get-together immediately after I get off the plane. I'm hoping it will be comfy enough for a longggg day and yet show my Christmas spirit at the same time (there's still time to get on Santa's "good" list, after all). What are you wearing on Christmas this year?

Sweater: Gap, old
Shirt: American Eagle, $24 (recent)
Pants: Gap, $20
Belt: H&M, $20
Boots: Steve Madden Tanngoo from Endless, $47
Necklace: Stella & Dot

1. Forever 21 plaid shirt, $13.50
2. American Eagle red jeans, $44.50
3. Steve Madden Tanngoo boots, $60.99 (same ones I'm wearing)

Today's Everyday Fashion: Merry Christmas Eve

Last night I attended Christmas Eve service at my church and this is what I wore! (I won't be in town for "real" Christmas Eve, so I had to celebrate a little early.) When I think of holidays, the first two things that pop into my head are the color red and sparkle. I first tossed around the idea of wearing my red blazer, but it was a bit too hot for blazers last night, so I settled on this red pencil skirt instead. I added just a touch of sparkle with the shirt and kept the rest neutral with a gray-ish cardigan and pumps. If I lived in a colder climate, I would have added some gray tights like these from the Limited and a winter coat. Every church is different (when I lived in Boston this would have felt a bit too loud in my more conservative church), but I think this could be a great holiday look for many different occasions. What are you planning to wear on Christmas Eve?

Cardigan: Banana Republic, $30
Shirt: c/o Marshall's, $15 (recent)
Belt: Limited, $15
Skirt: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales, $17
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5
Shoes: Banana Republic, $50
Bracelets: Banana Republic

1. Express high waist red pencil skirt, $59.90
2. Victoria's Secret red pencil skirt, $49.50
3. Express red pencil skirt, $47.94

Today's Everyday Fashion: More Yellow

That's right folks... I added yet another yellow sweater to my closet. I just couldn't resist. Even though I have lots of mustard pieces in my closet already, almost all my sweaters are v-neck so I found the crewneck refreshing and the buttons down the back a cute detail. I was rushing out the door last week and threw on this yellow/brown/yellow look that was inspired by an old J.Crew picture. My favorite colors and prints this winter are definitely emerald, mustard, plaid and leopard - what are yours?

Inspiration photo: J.Crew
Sweater: LOFT, $17 (purchased in the store, the price online is higher)
Pants: Hwy Jeans c/o TJ Maxx, $15
Belt: H&M, $20
Shoes: Bandolino from TJ Maxx, $22
Purse: River Island, $60
Watch necklace: Westminster Abbey gift shop, $35
Chain necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $69

1. LOFT mustard sweater, $39 (same one I'm wearing)
2. Shopbop brown jeans, $135
3. Urban Outfitters yellow pumps, $39

NYE Shopping Under $90

New Year's Eve has always been my favorite holiday. Blame it on the excuse to get dressed up and wear something sparkly, but I love the festive feeling in the air and the excitement of a new year ahead! Here are my top shopping picks to wear for NYE and other holiday occasions:

Black
You can never go wrong with a LBD for a nighttime occasion. Add some spice by selecting a black dress with an unusual hemline, plenty of sparkle or texture like jacquard.

1. ModCloth Shimmering Skyline Dress, $64.99
2. Express Surplice-Top Sequin Dress, $89.60
3. Piperlime Aryn K sequin mini dress, $59.99
4. ASOS Paprika Jacquard Bandeau Dress, $40.91

Metallic
What better night than NYE to bust out the sparkles? Try a metallic dress in silver or gold to show your holiday cheer for toasting at midnight.

1. Macy's Sequin Hearts Split Sleeve Batwing Sequin Mini, $79
2. New York & Company chiffon & sequin dress, $64.97
3. Piperlime Tinely Road sequin tank dress, $51.99
4. Alloy Karen sequin dress, $49.99

Sleeves

Not only are sleeves a chic trend this holiday season, but they are also very practical! Stay nice and warm in one of these beauties to ring in the New Year.

1. ModCloth Sparking Toast dress, $63.99

2. Victoria's Secret metallic dress, $49.99

3. Victoria's Secret ruched crew neck dress, $49.50

4. ASOS Body-Conscious Dress with Jewel Front, $39.09

Festive Tops
Celebrating somewhere cold? Opt for a sparkly shirt which can be paired with warm jeans, boots and a heavy jacket. An added bonus: you can wear these tops again when it's warm with a skirt or shorts.

1. Piperlime Collective Concepts Sequin Applique Top, $43.99
2. Love 21 Sequin 3/4 Sleeve Top, $35.80
3. Victoria's Secret The Sexy Cardi Sweater, $59.50
4. Limited All-over Sequin Top, $49.90

What are you wearing on New Year's Eve?


This is a guest post for Shecky's. See it on their website here.

Win a $20 gift card to Sephora!

This post brought to you by Gift Card Weekend. All opinions are 100% mine.

Hey ladies - want to win a $20 gift card to Sephora? Well, you're in luck because 'Gilbert the Gift Card Machine' is giving away more than 100 gift cards a week between now and Jan. 6! (I don't generally post this much about giveaways, but during the holidays who couldn't use the extra cash?)

It's really easy to enter:

- "like" Gift Card Weekend on Facebook and you will be automatically entered.

- For every friend you influence to "like" the Facebook page, you will get an extra entry.

Why are they giving away these gift cards? Because they want to spread the news about Gift Card Weekend, a really cool way to make your gift cards go even further. The once-a-year event is a time when participating retail partners have featured offers for gift cards redeemed between January 6-8, 2012. So essentially you can increase the value of your gift by purchasing gift cards from these retail partners and then redeeming the card during Gift Card Weekend. Participating companies include JcPenney, Regal Cinema, Subway, Sephora, Applebee's, Bass Pro Shops, Adidas, Buca di Beppo, Lowe's, Spa Finder, Marriott and Giant Eagle.

Do you guys tend to buy a lot of gift cards during the holidays? I'm a huge fan of the both giving and receiving them myself! They are easy to ship and perfect for the hard-to-buy for person - do you agree?

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Plaid Jacket

I am head over heels for this plaid jacket. The best part: it was free. As in, it's been sitting in my closet for close to 6 years and I recently re-discovered it! I'm back in love with plaid this winter so it feels like I'm getting a brand new jacket. I put it with my new boots for a preppy-with-a-hint-of-equestrian look. I'm all about trying new trends, but my favorite outfits have to be more classic ones like these. Will you be wearing a plaid jacket (new or old) this year?

Plaid jacket: Express, old
Shirt: H&M, $20 (recent, purchased in London)
Skirt: J.Crew, $45
Belt: H&M, $20
Tights: Hue c/o Marshalls, $5
Boots: Grifter c/o Chinese Laundry, $149

1. Lucky brand plaid jacket, $59.99
2. Urban Outfitters plaid jacket, $59.99 (on sale)
3. ModCloth plaid blazer, $95.99

Today's Everyday Fashion: Emerald Green

I'm completely gaga for the color emerald right now! Last week I snapped this picture on the way out the door to a somewhat formal business meeting. I came up with this outfit the old-fashioned way -- I knew I wanted to wear the shirt and necklace together, so I held up different cardigans and skirts until I found a combo that worked. I've always been a huge fan of this Tory Burch ensemble, however, and it reminds me of this look so I thought I'd include it in today's post! Are you loving the emerald green trend right now?

Inspiration photo: FabSugar
Cardigan: Express, old
Shirt: Old Navy, $11 (recent)
Skirt: Limited, $35
Necklace: H&M, $15
Shoes: Bandolino from TJ Maxx, $22
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $99
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

1. Forever 21 emerald shirt, $17.80
2. Old Navy emerald shirt, $29.94
3. Forever 21 emerald shirt, $12.50

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Sequin Jacket

Last night I had a little impromptu dinner with the girls and this is what I wore! The sequin jacket came in the mail yesterday afternoon and it was love at first sight. It's slightly sweet (reminds me of Chanel tweed jackets with the frayed edges) and slightly rock-n-roll. I'm looking forward to finding more ways to wear it, but I went for a mini skirt and a simple silk shirt last night since it was so warm. Hair went half-up in an attempt to conceal my roots (I'm overdue for a touch-up) and away I went! It was a fun night.

Sequin jacket: Express c/o MJR Sales, $39 (tons in stock)
Shirt: Banana Republic, $35
Necklace: Banana Republic, $30
Skirt: Express, $5
Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $25
Purse: Urban Outfitters, $30