Today's Everyday Fashion: Bold Move







































This week I attended a VIP reception. Since the event was from 6-8pm on a Tuesday, I assumed the dress code would be more office than cocktails (it was) and I decided to go with a pencil skirt. I threw this outfit together in a few minutes before heading out the door - knowing full well it was a bold move with all the color, but owning every ounce of it. Most people, as it turns out, were in suits and I was definitely a bright color (although not the only one) in a sea of black. I just love bold colors, and even though I was in the minority that night this look is one of my favorites! Are you comfortable rocking color when everyone else is wearing black? Or do you prefer to blend in more?

Sweater: LOFT, $17
Skirt: Limited, $35
Shoes: Banana Republic, $60
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $228
Purse: Calvin Klein from TJ Maxx, $120
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website, $49
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49


1. Anne Klein cobalt skirt, $79
2. Express cobalt skirt, $69.90
3. Target cobalt skirt, $17.99

Today's Everyday Fashion: Kate Moss







































Oh Kate Moss, I absolutely love your style. I'm a sucker for a monochromatic pastel look, and this outfit is one of my favorites of hers. I didn't literally use it for inspiration like I've done in the past, but I do love both looks and think that her style may have snuck into my subconscious while I was creating my outfit. She has more of a blue tone going on, while mine is more pink/brown, but there are some similar qualities that I'm diggin'. Who are your style icons? (Besides Kate, I also love Jennifer Aniston and SJP.)

Left photo: InStyle
Shirt: Moda c/o MJR Sales, $24
Pants: Hwy Jeans c/o TJ Maxx, $18
Belt: Urban Outfitters, $20
Purse: Calvin Klein from TJ Maxx, $120
Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $17
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $136
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website, $49 and $59
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49


1. Heidi Klum for New Balance silk shirt, $45.57
2. Nordstrom silk shirt, $88
3. Victoria's Secret silk shirt, $69.50

Today's Everyday Fashion: LoveMode







































Anyone else luh-ving polka dots lately? I recently picked up this little number from a website called LoveMode. I fell in love with this dress + I wanted to give the website a try so I could share my experience with you guys. The dress fit and quality is similar to Forever 21. I'm wearing a medium and it's still pretty short on me, so I would recommend sizing up. This particular dress comes in tons of different colors - both solids and polka dots - and had adjustable straps and a zipper up the front. I dressed it up for fall (wore the one on the right, since it's too hot for tights), but it will also be a fun dress with some sandals for summer! Let's take a poll. Which print is your favorite right now - polka dots, stripes or leopard?

Dress: c/o LoveMode, $20
Navy cardigan: Gap, $20
Navy tights: c/o We Love Colors, $12
Belt: Gap, $40
Boots: Grifter c/o Chinese Laundry, $149
Necklace: Stella & Dot
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website, $49 and $59
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49

1. J.Crew multi-strap belt, $55
2. GUESS double buckle belt, $68
3. Need Supply Co. rhonda belt, $60

Today's Everyday Fashion: Shopping Inspiration







































This inspiration photo has been haunting me for months. I couldn't afford the actual dress, but I knew I had to find a look-alike. I recently spotted one online and it was exactly how I hoped it would be when it arrived. It's a semi-thick sweater dress in a dreamy camel color, with seams that give it a slight ruching. I paired it with my new Stella & Dot necklace for a friend's birthday celebration on Saturday night (and snapped this photo on the way out), and I plan on wearing it later with boots and leggings for a more casual look. Have you ever been inspired by a magazine ad to buy a similar item?

Inspiration photo: Shopbop
Dress: Moda c/o MJR Sales, $21 (search term: Moda Ruched Crewneck Dress)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $228
Shoes: Restricted from Endless, $40
Purse: Juicy Couture via TJ Maxx, $70
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Banana Republic, $20 and My Stella & Dot website, $49


1. Arden B black ruched dress, $59
2. eDressMe gray ruched dress, $56
3. Forever 21 black ruched dress, $27.80

Today's Everyday Fashion: Double Dots







































I'm working on a fun project right now and this is what I wore to my "gig" on Friday. These shoes are comfy enough to be on my feet all day, and I wanted something playful and fashion-forward. The skirt is shiny, so I paired it with a matte chiffon material. I had on a brown patent belt first, but then decided that leopard is way more fun! Leopard is also a type of polka dot pattern, but on a larger scale so it felt like the perfect touch of whimsy. This skirt is a recent find and I love that the pleats give me some shape/curve to my boyish body type. Are you into mixing prints such as leopard and polka dots? What types of skirts work well for your body type?

Shirt: Old Navy, $20 (recent)
Skirt: Banana Republic, $15 (recent)
Belt: Urban Outfitters, $20
Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $17
Necklace: Stella & Dot
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelet: My Stella & Dot website, $49


1. New York & Company pink pencil skirt, $34.95
2. Urban Outfitters pink pleated skirt, $49
3. Victoria's Secret pink pencil skirt, $49.50

My Beauty + Hair Story

My eyes: one is brown, one is green!

Blogging about fashion, I get tons of style questions. A close second is definitely questions about my makeup and hair though. I'm often asked about my beauty routine and why I usually wear my hair down, so today I decided to spill the beans! (Along the same lines of this post: "My Fitness Story") I think some of these facts may surprise you, and I have even been known to share a couple of the more shocking ones as entertainment at parties (j/k). I love feminine dresses, shoes, and clothes of every kind. But when it comes to beauty and hair, I  have always felt like a bit of a Plain Jane, and I think I might be missing a girlie gene. For example:
  • I've never painted my fingernails. 
  • I've never done anything to my eyebrows like waxing, plucking, etc. 
  • I've had one pedicure and hated it. (My toes are always painted, but I do it myself.)
  • I've never had a facial or a massage.
  • I wore fake eyelashes once in my life, and didn't love it. (Applied by a pro, but they hurt.)
  • I've used the same type of eyeliner since 8th grade.
  • My makeup routine takes less than 5 minutes, and I never change it unless I'm going out at night or appearing on TV. (Watch the video here.)
  • I've never used self-tanner or spray tan. (I also don't use tanning beds, and I'm very strict about SPF, especially since I live in Florida. That skin color you see is all natural!)
  • My hair is naturally wavy and super-thick. Most days I just wash it, throw it up, and never even blow dry it. (You can see an example of how I wear it below, but I try not to take blog pics that way b/c it might scare the children.) 
  • If I actually do get around to blow drying and straightening, I leave my hair down. Partly because I like it down, partly because I don't know how to do it, and partly because it's so thick it gives me headaches when I wear it up for too long.
  • I've been adding highlights since 10th grade, after an unfortunate at-home coloring experiment, and have been a "slave" to highlights ever since. I'm currently trying to grow them out in hopes of a more natural look!
My usual 'do

My philosophy on beauty + fashion: So, what's the conclusion? I feel somewhat inadequate in this area of life, and sometimes I wish I was better at hair and makeup, or even just had more of an interest in it (I never read that section of the magazine!). A lot of you expressed interest in seeing a different hairstyle on me in a recent outfit post (and have done so in the past), and I really wish sometimes that I was at least a little better at doing hair! If you have tips for "baby steps" in this area, or links to hair tutorials for super-thick hair, please leave them below! (But also keep in mind that I do all my pictures at the same time, so there isn't a lot of time to switch hair in between.)

That said, while I always believe in improvement and experimenting, I'm also comfortable with keeping my look the same! There is some part of me that is terrified of looking like Snooki, and I really prefer to stick to what works. (I tried a smokey eye once and didn't like the pictures afterwards.) I have always felt that keeping my hair and makeup neutral, feels the most like "me" and creates a blank canvas for my clothes. I feel confident with 5 minutes of makeup, and that anything else (like fancy hair or colorful makeup) is a distraction, and takes away from whatever natural beauty I may have been blessed with (rather than enhancing it, which is how I think makeup should be and how I try to apply it). I never want to look overdone, especially since I'm often wearing crazy outfits, and I feel like "plain" hair and makeup balances it out, and I prefer to play it safe. Or maybe I'm just making excuses for being lazy. One of the two. ;-)

Your philosophy on beauty + fashion: So let's hear it ladies. I'm dying to know your personal philosophies. Am I in a rut, or do you think sticking to what works is a good plan? How do you blend beauty + fashion? Do you focus more on one or the other? Do you think crazy clothes need crazy makeup to balance them out, or do you believe that neutral makeup helps the outfit pop?

Please share your beauty stories and tips below! :-) 

You may also like this post: "My Fitness Story."

Today's Everyday Fashion: Navy + Black







































Why is navy so hard to photograph? Hopefully you guys can see, but my coat is navy and everything else is black. That's the same combo Gwyneth Paltrow is wearing and I am a huge fan. I almost always wear brown tones, but the middle look is exactly what I would wear in NYC if you transported me there right now! This is my third outfit with this hat and by far my favorite! I would not be shy about wearing this look around NYC or even Orlando (if it ever got cold enough, that is!). Would you wear the middle look? Do you rock navy + black?

Inspiration photo: Who What Wear
Navy coat: Via c/o MJR Sales, $55
Black sweater: Express, old
Black jeans: Gap, $35
Black boots: Cynthia Rowley from TJ Maxx, $85
Hat: c/o Express, $12
Earrings: Banana Republic, $10
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49


1. Kohl's black military coat, $99.60 (on sale)
2. Anne Klein black military coat, $99 (on sale)
3. Zappos black military coat, $110 (on sale)

Flashback Friday: Five Winning Color Combos

Spring fashion is right around the corner and I've got color on the brain! It's no secret that I am a color obsessed, so I decided to come up with a little cheat-sheet for you guys. Here are 5 of my favorite color combinations that you can replicate at home! Check it out and tell me -

which color combos are your favorite? least favorite?

(

Click any of the photos to view them larger.)

This is a guest post for Julep. See it

here

. And if you like today's post - please share it!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Professor Plum







































Anyone else a fan of the game Clue growing up? Professor Plum popped into my head when I saw this outfit and now I have a jonesin' to play. Professor Plum was, of course, my favorite since purple was my favorite color as a kid. I also liked Miss Scarlett since she seemed like one rad chick, and nowadays Colonel Mustard would rank highly since I'm so obsessed with that color. I love the cool tones of this outfit though, and mixing purple and gray in general. Purple is great because you can wear it with both warm tones (red, pink) and cool tones (blue, gray) and today is a great example of the cool tones. How do you rock the color purple?

Inspiration photo: FabSugar
Blazer: Banana Republic, $75
T-shirt: Forever 21, $8
Jeans: c/o Ross, $13
Boots: Aldo, $50
Earrings: Banana Republic, $10
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49
Right bracelets: Banana Republic
Left bracelet: My Stella & Dot website, $59


1. Lord & Taylor plum jeans, $36.74
2. Delia's plum jeans, $39.50
3. Forever 21 plum jeans, $15.50 (comes in 8 different colors!)

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Switch Up







































I had a meeting to attend yesterday and was feeling zero creativity. Thankfully, I had this lil' outfit recipe saved to my desktop and was able to put together a similar outfit in a flash. I tried the black shirt but it was way too harsh of a contrast, most likely because my necklace hangs down a lot farther than hers. I started going through my closet for shirt alternatives, and ultimately settled on a quirky printed top, which felt like a win and put a smile on my face. :-) Red pants have definitely become a staple for me lately, but I'm dying to know - are you rocking red pants yet?!

Inspiration photo: Arden B
Jacket: Banana Republic, $35
Shirt: LOFT, $20
Pants: Gap, $20
Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $17
Purse: Calvin Klein from TJ Maxx, $120
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49
Necklace: c/o Shop It LA, $38


1. Bebe red pants, $65.99
2. Charlotte Russe red jeans, $29.99
3. American Eagle red jeans, $44.50

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Experiment







































Shorts with tights - a fashion experiment I've been wanting to try for awhile now. The end result? I'll let you you guys be the judge. On the one hand, I feel like a fearless fashionista in this look, and tights with shorts is pretty practical when you live in a cold climate. On the other, I felt a bit like I was wearing a costume. Not sure this particular look is "me" and I wouldn't feel comfy wearing it out the door, but I will definitely be trying shorts with tights again so stay tuned for round two. Shorts with tights - do you say yay or nay?

Inspiration photo: FabSugar
Shirt: H&M, old
Scarf: c/o Ross, $13
Shorts: c/o The Unique Closet, $30
Tights: Hue from TJ Maxx, $5
Boots: Cynthia Rowley from TJ Maxx, $85
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

Today's Everyday Fashion: Neon Blazer







































I. love. this. blazer. Not only is it the perfect shade of neon pink, but it's also the most comfortable blazer I own. (It's a stretchy knit, but holds its shape, unlike most knit blazers I've seen.) For my first time wearing it, I got a little inspiration from Olivia Palermo for a night out with my friends! (minus the random green shoes) It was the perfect way to dress up for a chilly night out in Orlando. Pink blazers - on your wish list, rocking it now, or not for you?

Inspiration photo: People.com
Blazer: H&M, $37 (recent)
Shirt: Forever 21, $8
Jeans: Gap, $35
Shoes: Steve Madden from Ross, $15
Necklace: JcPenney, $15
Purse: Urban Outfitters, $30
Bracelets: Forever 21, Banana

Love these girls



1. Forever 21 pink blazer, $27.80
2. Forever 21 pink blazer, $27.80
3. Forever 21 pink blazer, $27.80

Today's Everyday Fashion: Boutique Opening







































It would be an understatement to say that I'm always running late. I have the worst habit of looking at my clock and realizing I need to leave in 10 minutes, haven't done my makeup or picked out an outfit yet! Total fail. Thankfully I have the world's shortest makeup routine (5 minutes, time me!) and in these cases I throw on a dress like this one with some simple shoes and accessories and it's an instant outfit. That's how I wound up wearing this on Thursday night for the opening of Charyli in Winter Park, which I attended for my VISIT FLORIDA gig. (Full story and more pics will be posted on my VF Facebook page tomorrow!) I was kind of on the fence about this dress at first, and maybe it's just because I'm a Leo, but I'm totally lovin' it now. It's comfy and I love the shape. What would you wear to a boutique opening? How do you get dressed in a pinch?

Dress: c/o Marshalls, $25 (also seen in this post)
Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $17
Purse: Calvin Klein from TJ Maxx, $120
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $59 (with sold-out charm)
Right bracelet: Banana Republic, $20
Left bracelet: My Stella & website, $49
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Two of my favorite people































1. Brigitte Bailey leopard dress, $50.99
2. ASOS leopard dress, $50.13
3. Neiman Marcus Last Call leopard dress, $62.50

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Details







































Chain necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $41
Simple necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $59 (with sold-out charm)
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Serpent bracelet (left): My Stella & Dot website, $49
Green bracelet (right): My Stella & Dot website, $59
Watch bracelet (right): Banana Republic, $10






Shirt: Ann Taylor c/o LOFT, $20
Jeans: TJ Maxx, $18
Shoes: Banana Republic, $60
Purse: River Island, $60





























Sometimes an outfit is all about the details! I wore this last Saturday. I had an event to attend on a sunny afternoon and was in the mood for jeans and a simple, loose top. (I had planned to run home and change before going out for a friend's b-day and wound up not having time, sooooo... this look also doubled as a night-out look!) It's fairly simple, but I love the details on this shirt, and with a couple necklaces and my usual wrist bling, I was happy. And speaking of wrist bling - I'm personally not a fan of the trend of wearing 50 bracelets per wrist, but a couple bracelets here and there is right up my alley. What kind of wrist bling are you rocking these days? The more the merrier, or keep it simple?

Today's Everyday Fashion: Bundled Up








































Here's the thing about coats: when I lived in Boston, I thought of them as a method of survival, not as part of my outfit. But today I'm challenging that thought, and looking back I wish I would have worn more outfits like today's! The coat is part of the "look", especially if you were able to wear it open like I show it here. This photo inspired me to give it a try and I'm glad I did! Tell me - do incorporate coats into your outfits, or simply use them for warmth?

Inspiration photo: Refinery29
Coat: Banana Republic, $150
Faux fur collar: H&M, $15
Shirt: c/o The Unique Closet, $34 (old)
Pants: Sanctuary Surplus from Nordstrom Rack, $40
Shoes: c/o Express, $30
Belt: H&M, $20
Necklace: Stella & Dot


1. ASOS faux fur collar, $14.32
2. Ann Taylor faux fur stole, $49.99
3. ASOS faux fur snood, $26.86

Today's Everyday Fashion: Casual Glam







































I want mustard jeans/pants soooo bad, and this Intermix photo is totally to blame. I'm obsessed with her outfit and am hoping to find some pants just like hers. (I would call the pants I'm wearing camel.) I tried on the LOFT pair (#1 below) recently and loved them, but I think I like the color of the Urban Outfitters pair (#2) just a tad bit more, so we'll see. Until then, I gave this outfit a shot and loved it! This outfit is an odd mix of casual (the t-shirt) and glam (the sequin jacket) but in my opinion, it just works! I would wear this to dinner with friends, or to work if I worked at a magazine. ;-) Do you like mixing casual and glam pieces? Which mustard pants do you like best?

Inspiration photo: Intermix
Jacket: Express c/o MJR Sales, $25 (all sizes in stock!)
T-shirt: Gap, $10
Pants: Hwy Jeans c/o TJ Maxx, $18
Shoes: Banana Republic, $60
Belt: Urban Outfitters, $20
Right bracelet: Banana Republic, $10
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Left bracelet: My Stella & Dot website, $49


1. LOFT mustard corduroys, $59.50
2. Urban Outfitters mustard jeans, $29.99
3. Forever 21 camel skinnies, $19.50

Buy a PINK Bra, Get a Free Tank!

This post brought to you by PINK. All opinions are 100% mine.
SP112_BP_1.31_SlubTank_NS_012-NS.jpg (2 documents, 2 total pages)
I know you guys are just dying to know what I wear under my clothes, so today I'm spilling the beans. ;-) I am personally a huge fan of the PINK line at Victoria's Secret. The bras are casual enough to wear everyday, super-comfy and padded without going totally overboard. They just recently came out with a new style that I'm excited to try - the Total Sweetheart Bra. And right now when you buy one in stores or online between Jan. 26 and Feb. 2 you get a free racerback tank with it! (woo hoo)

So what is new and exciting about this bra? I've got to say it's the wide range of colors and prints that it comes in (everything from leopard print, lace print to brights). You can let the cute straps show, or you can easily covert the straps to fit under a racerback tank (hence the giveaway), making it a very versatile buy. It comes in eleven different colors, and sizes 32A-B, 34A-D, and 36B-D.

Want to see more? Check out the Victoria's Secret Bra 101 (bra guide), as well as the PINK video below, and tell me - what do you love about the PINK bras at Victoria's Secret? Which one is your favorite and why?

 
Visit Sponsor's Site

Today's Everyday Fashion: Favorites







































I snapped these photos as I left for church on Sunday. I can't help but love this outfit. These colors (seafoam + mustard + turquoise) make me sooo happy, and every piece in this outfit is a favorite of mine. I'm also pretty stoked about my new purse. Purse are a big purchase for me (I usually only buy 1-2 a year), and I've been looking for one for a few months now. It's a light brown, buttery soft leather bag with gold hardware I found on clearance last week at TJ Maxx. I needed something simple to wear with loud outfits and it was love at first sight. What is your purse buying strategy? Do you go bold or simple? How many do you usually buy a year?

Sweater: LOFT, $17
Skirt: LOFT, $55
Necklace: H&M, $15
Shoes: Bandolino from TJ Maxx, $22
Purse: Calvin Klein from TJ Maxx, $120 (recent)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Leather bracelet: My Stella & Dot website, $59
Watch bracelet: Banana Republic, $10
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49


1. Limited turquoise necklace, $39.90
2. Coldwater Creek turquoise necklace, $39.95
3. Stella & Dot serenity necklace, $198 (via my Stylist website)

If Fashion Mistakes Are Wrong, I Don't Want to Be Right






























I’m a perfectionist, and mistakes grate on my every last nerve. Oh just imagine how carefree and wonderful life would be if I could go through each day, never making any mistakes! But who am I kidding? I make them all the time. I loose my temper, I forget things, I’m messy, and yes (the horror!) I make fashion mistakes.

Here’s the thing about that, though: I’m pretty sure you guys make fashion mistakes too. So that’s why when I came up with the idea of a fashion blog, I went against every perfectionist bone in my body and thought it would be fun if it were a place to experiment. I have a lot to learn when it comes to fashion, so why not share that journey with a bunch of strangers? (seemed logical at the time…)

And now that I’m 1.5 years into that journey I can say with absolute resolve that fashion mistakes are a must! They are absolutely necessary to learn, grow, and ultimately how you become a better dresser! I know it’s uncomfortable to take a fashion risk, and try something new, but it’s honestly the #1 thing I can do to encourage you to become more stylish.

Still not loving the idea of making mistakes? Well, at the end of the day, no matter how ah-mazing your outfit is, or how safe it is, I guarantee(!!) that someone will hate it. You will never be able to please everyone, so why are you trying? There are a few exceptions to this rule (you need to be respectful of church and work dress codes, and nudity is not okay), but other than that - if you want to wear it, then wear it! Confidence is everything and if you love what you are wearing, then that is all you need to know. Don’t listen to what anyone else says, and really it’s none of our business what you are wearing anyway. I tend to preface any fashion advice I give with “you don’t have to listen to me, if you really love it, then wear it!”

I recently read a piece of blogging advice that said “make it your best outfit post ever, or don’t post it at all.” Works for some people, but that is the exact opposite of what I’m trying to do here! I could bring you the most perfectly curated blog full of amazing pictures, but there are thousands of people doing that already. I refuse! Call me the Julia Child of the blogging world, but I don’t come from high fashion, don’t particularly care to, and along the way, I will likely drop a lot of chickens on the floor while I’m cooking. For some people, that makes them uncomfortable, and they would rather see a blog that presents a more perfect image. I hope that some of you will find that part of J's Everyday Fashion inspirational though, and will dive in and drop some of your own chickens along the way with me. ;-)

How do you feel about making fashion mistakes? Do you agree that they are a “must” for becoming a better dresser, or do you try to avoid them at all costs? And seriously, how funny are some of my outfit fails?!

Check out the totally re-vamped “What is J’s Everyday Fashion?” tab to see my full list of 10 Fashion Commandments.

You may also like this post: “If Copying is Wrong, I Don’t Want to Be Right”

Today's Everyday Fashion: Easy Recipe







































Navy blazer + stripes + pink + leopard = cute outfit. Today's look is an "outfit recipe" that is pretty easy to re-create if you ask me! If you have these elements in your closet (in any combination), I definitely encourage you to give it a try. I love how J.Crew put a spin on some preppy classics to come up with this winning combo. Are you a fan of this outfit recipe/ have you tried it before?

Inspiration photo: J.Crew
Blazer: Gap, $75
Shirt: Moda c/o MJR Sales, $10
Skirt: Banana Republic, $15 (recent)
Pumps: Banana Republic, $60 (recent)
Purse: River Island, $60
Necklace: Stella & Dot
Right hand bracelet: Banana Republic, $10 (recent)
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49

1. Urban Outfitters pink pleated mini, $49
2. Old Navy pink jeggings, $34.94
3. Zappos hot pink jeans, $44.99