Today's Everyday Fashion: Fail

It's been a hot minute since I posted an outfit fail, so today I'm breaking the streak. I think you can learn just as much from your style successes as you can the outfits that don't work, and it's also my goal to bring you a realistic style experience on this blog and failure is a part of that. (Read more in this post.) I tried this outfit on in my room and instantly knew it was a no-go. My shorts are a size too big (I sold them in my closet sale this week), and for this outfit to "pass" I would make two changes - switch the shorts to a skirt and change the shape of the necklace (I love the one below). I totally dig this color scheme though, so I may have to try again! What changes would you make to this outfit?

Inspiration photo: Net-a-Porter

Shirt: J.Crew, $45 (similar dots, similar stripes)

Shorts: Forever 21, sold them (similar shorts)

Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $27

Necklace: H&M, $4

1. Aldo shoes, $41.99

2. Ann Taylor necklace, $59.99
3. Calvin Klein skirt, $49.99

Today's Everyday Fashion: Shoot Day

Last week I shot another episode of my makeover show and this is what I wore! Claudia is mom to an 18-month-old and does real estate from home. Her budget was $50, and in this episode we focused on cleaning out her closet + making new outfits with what she already had. (You'll be able to watch the whole thing in late August, but for now go here to watch other episodes of my show!) This outfit proved to be colorful and funky, and yet comfy for a long day. If someone went through your closet what things would you want help with?   

Shirt: Limited, $32 sold out

Skirt: c/o LOFT, $30

Shoes: Steve Madden Riddgge c/o MJR Sales, $40 (similar)

Earrings: My Stella & Dot website, $49

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49
Left bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32
Right bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $39

1. Piperlime skirt, $29.99

2. Charlotte Russe skirt, $22.99

3. Forever 21 skirt, $19.80

4. LOFT skirt, $49.50

5. Nordstrom skirt, $39.90

With my producer Will Rodriguez, owner of IzonOrlando and a producer for TLC

I tackled Claudia's closet!

Claudia and I chatting

Review: Amour Boutique

Today I'm taking a break from my own clothes to do a little trying-on session with Amour Boutique! Check out the captions to find out which item I loved the most and tell me - which one is your favorite?

(Above) I am all about the neon trend and this dress was my favorite piece! I went for a loose silhouette and nighttime accessories in this photo, but I also think you could pair it with brown, or even flat sandals for a less dressy occasion.

Highlighter shift dress, $39

This nautical dress was my second-favorite piece because of how versatile it is! It looks great here with Amour's brown sandals and colorful accessories for summer, but I also love the idea of wearing it with brown boots and a navy blazer in the winter.

Striped dress, $42

Brown sandals, $24 

Amour Boutique stocks tons of basic shirts like these in great colors. I paired the pink one with mint skinny jeans from Amour and dressed it up with heels. The look on the right is showing you just how versatile these tops can be though - it looks just as great with shorts and flats!

Pink shirt, $34 (left)

Mint jeans, $34 (left)

Mint shirt, $34 (right)

Brown sandals, $24 (right)

I love this paisley dress! I added a skinny belt and chunky necklace, but you could also throw it over a bathing suit or add some statement earrings instead of the necklace. A cardigan, tights and boots would complete the look for fall.  

Printed dress, $56

Brown sandals, $24

Everything I'm wearing from the boutique was borrowed (not my own), and is a size Small. This post is brought to you by Amour Boutique, however all editorial choices and opinions are my own. ;-)

Shop My Closet with Threadflip!

Twenty-five items from my closet are now up for sale! Go here to shop them. I'm extra excited about this sale for two reasons:

1. I'm using Threadflip, an awesome new website where you can consign your clothes and shop amazing deals on gently used items.

2. All proceeds from this sale are going towards the fundraising I'm doing for Africa! (I'm headed to Sierra Leone with my church to serve in an orphanage for two weeks. Details here.)

So, let's talk about Threadflip. I've been asked many, many times to name a website where people can consign their clothes other than eBay and I never had an answer until now! Threadflip is an awesome (and prettier) alternative, and the experience reminds me a bit of Pinterest (see examples above). It is much like shopping at a boutique, only the prices are discounted and the clothing is brand-name. And if you decide to consign your clothes, Threadflip includes shipping in the price so once your item sells they send the shipping label and box for you to just drop in the mail. I love how easy they make it!! Check out my profile to shop the items I have up for sale, put your own items up for sale, or just to browse. Thanks for shopping!

This post is brought to you by Threadflip. The sponsorship fee + all proceeds from the sale of my items are benefitting children in Sierra Leone. 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Sandals At Work

I love heels and I wear them a lot, but let's face it - some days flats are a must. I don't usually wear close-toe flats; my size 9.5 feet are awkwardly long, and I think I look like a capital "L" (they look great on other people though!). I do, however, love the look of flat sandals like the ones I'm wearing here with a pencil skirt. I wore this outfit to shop with not one but two clients in the same day last week. I wanted to look professional, but I also did more than 8 hours of shopping, so comfort was key. Not all sandals are made to be worn at work though. Three things to look for:

1. Material. I would stick with either patent (shiny) leather, metallic or real leather. Anything too inexpensive (like brown leatherette) is not going to be dressy enough to wear with a pencil skirt.
2. Shape. I think a thong between the toe is fine, but the shoe needs to have a substantial shape to it, meaning a strap around the ankle, or in general a lot more shoe than a flip-flop would have.
3. Heel. I am a huge fan of shoes like these with a slight wedge. Not only do they look more dressed up than totally flat shoes, but I think they are more comfortable, too.

Do you wear sandals at work? How do you determine if they are appropriate?

Cardigan: Limited, $18

Shirt: Limited, $22

Skirt: J.Crew, $45

Belt: Gap, $10

Shoes: Nine West/DSW, $60 (same shoes)

Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $79

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49
Left bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32
Right bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $39

1. Forever 21 cardigan, $19.80
2. Urban Outfitters cardigan, $44
3. Lands End cardigan, $18.99

Today's Everyday Fashion: Pool Hues

This inspiration photo made me nostalgic for the countless days spent at my grandpa's pool as a kid, so I tried to re-create that same feeling using items in my own closet. The result very much reminds me of the pool (I can almost smell the chlorine!), and is a colorful ensemble to wear to work or church. How would you wear pool hues?

ps. I'm never buying a pencil skirt from H&M again. I die for this color, but no amount of ironing will ever fix how it looks after one wash. Hoping to replace it with the Limited option below when it goes on sale!

Inspiration photo: Jonathan Saunders

Cardigan: H&M, $18 (similar)

Shirt: Forever 21, $8 (similar)

Skirt: H&M, $18

Belt: Gap, $10 (similar)

Shoes: c/o Amour Boutique, $30 (similar, similar, similar)

Necklace: c/o Colorblock Shop, $36 (similar, similar)

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

Ring: My Stella & Dot website $49
Left bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32
Right bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $39

1. Nordstrom skirt, $24.97 sold out

2. Piperlime skirt, $29.99

3. Limited skirt, $59.90

4. Charlotte Russe skirt, $7.49

5. Urban Outfitters skirt, $29.99

ps. Mark your calendars! I'm selling some items from my closet tomorrow night, Thursday, July 12 at 8pm EST! I won't be using my Facebook page like I've done in past sales, though. I'm using a new website, Threadflip. Simply come back here tomorrow at 8pm and a link to the sale will be posted!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Second Spin

Does this outfit look familiar? I did a similar outfit in April (here) with a striped boatneck shirt and yellow belt, but I loved this new take on it so much, I decided it was worth a second spin. I like this look for two reasons - one, I'm a huge fan of dressing up a casual t-shirt to wear with a pencil skirt to work. And two, I like the added visual interest with the layered cardigan and big yellow necklace. This one feels a little more Anthropologie than the other look, and after a few months I think it deserves a repeat! Would stripes + polka dots ever fly in your office?

Inspiration photo: Piperlime

Cardigan: H&M, $25

T-shirt: Gap, $10 (similar)

Skirt: Banana Republic, $50 (similar, similar)

Shoes: Bandolino/TJ Maxx, $22 (similar, similar)

Belt: Gap, $10

Necklace: c/o Ily Couture, $49

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

Rings: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $49
Left bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32
Right bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $39

1. Nordstrom cardigan, $51.90

2. Gap cardigan, $39.95

3. Mango cardigan, $34.95

Today's Everyday Fashion: Aviators

I re-created this (gorgeous) blush and green outfit all the way to down to the aviators (even though I feel a tad silly wearing sunglasses in a blog post!). I also wanted to ask the same question I posed on Twitter - where do you shop for sunglasses and how much do you spend per pair? I have two pair - these were $50 from Banana, and I have a $5 pair from H&M. I want to up my sunglasses game and am not sure where to start, so I'm looking forward to your comments. Also, a heads up that Stella & Dot just released the new fall line which means tons of stuff on sale (woo hoo!). See below for my favorite deals.

Inspiration: Pinterest

Shirt: TJ Maxx, $17 (similar, similar, similar)

Jeans: Lauren Conrad c/o Kohl's, $34 (similar, similar)

Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $136 (org. $228)

Purse: Express, $20

Sunglasses: Banana Republic, $50 (similar)

Shoes: c/o Chinese Laundry, $130

Turquoise cuff: Banana Republic, $10

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $49
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32 and $59

My favorite sale items!

1. Azure Earrings, $63.20 (org. $79)

2. Renegade Spike Earrings, $23.20 (org. $29)

3. Serpent Bangle, $34.30 (org. $49)

4. Pyramid Double-Wrap Bracelet, $41.30 (org. $59)

5. La Coco Curb Chain, $66.75 (org. $89)

6. Leona pendant, $58.80 (org. $98)

7. Jacqueline necklace, $136.80 (org. $228)

I own all of these pieces except #2, and links go to my personal Stella & Dot website where I earn commission. That's not why I'm sharing them though. I just enjoy a good bargain. ;-)

Today's Everyday Fashion: Hot Night

This is what I wore out last night! It was a hot, hot night and after spending the day in creative mode, I just wanted an easy dress to throw on. This mint number is a favorite from this winter (see how I wore it here and here), and I kept it simple with some shoes and jewelry in the same color scheme. How would you wear a mint dress? 

Dress: Forever 21, $20

Necklace: Charlotte Russe, $9 (similar, similar)

Purse: Juicy Couture/TJ Maxx, $69

Shoes: H&M, $35 (similar, similar)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $49
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32 and $59

1. Mango open-back dress, $47.99

2. Urban Outfitters dress, $44

3. Zappos dress, $46.99

4. ASOS dress, $34.80

5. Forever 21 dress, $32.80

S\are on faceboo

Today's Everyday Fashion: Ily Couture [now closed]

Say hello to my new favorite weekend outfit. I'm loving stripes lately and I've had "yellow statement necklace" on my wish list for ages. I was psyched to discover Ily Couture, an adorable online jewelry store that sells this necklace in 14 different colors. What's even more exciting is that you can win one of these necklaces - in the color of your choice - in just three easy steps!

1. Comment below to put your name in the pot.

2. Follow Ily Couture's blog here.
3. Keep in touch with them either on Twitter or Facebook.

That's it! I will pick a winner at random on Sunday, July 15th. Good luck! 

Win a free necklace!

Shirt: c/o Conversation Pieces, $14 (get free shipping with code JSHIP)

Cardigan: H&M, $18 (similar, similar)

Shorts: Gap, $35

Necklace: c/o Ily Couture, $49

Shoes: Diba/Nordstrom Rack, $40 (similar, similar)

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $49
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32 and $59

Today's Everyday Fashion: Chocolate Mint

With the holiday falling on a Wednesday, it's been a strange work week. I know I'm feeling very TGIF, and what better way to make the day go by faster than with a work outfit you are excited to wear. ;-) This mint color has been a favorite of mine for ages and I love it paired with the chocolate-ly tones. I also think this look is a great baby step to adding more color to a closet full of neutrals. What do you wear on Fridays to work?

Cardigan: Limited, $18

Shirt: Banana Republic, old

Skirt: Limited, $20 (similar, similar)

Necklace: Charlotte Russe, $9 (similar, similar)

Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $17 (similar, similar)

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $49
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32 and $59

1. Forever 21 cardigan, $19.80
2. Urban Outfitters cardigan, $44
3. Lands End cardigan, $18.99

Today's Everyday Fashion: Color Story

My color inspiration (shop it)

I'm still in a patriotic spirit from 4th of July festivities yesterday, so I'm sharing a red and blue work look today. Primary colors are something I have worn over and over again (see examples here), but I was inspired by the color story of the striped top above to add light orange into the mix. Would you wear this color combination to work?

Shirt: Forever 21, $12

Cardigan: H&M, $18 (similar)

Belt: Forever 21, $5 (similar)

Skirt: Limited, $25

Shoes: BCBG/Ross, $20

Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $79

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $49

Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32 and $59

1. Charlotte Russe skirt, $16.99

2. Anne Klein skirt, $36.08

3. Kohl's skirt, $40

Today's Everyday Fashion: July 4th

July 4th is my favorite holiday. I love everything about it - fireworks, summertime, BBQs, and it's also the unofficial kick-off to my birthday month. ;-) I am spending the day at the pool with the girls, and later today I'm headed to a BBQ in this outfit. It will be h-o-t, which means red, white and blue clothes I can sweat in, and minimal jewelry. I would love to see what you are wearing, so please feel free to share pictures in the comments and on Facebook. Have a fun and safe holiday!

Shirt: Gap, $9*

Shorts: Rewind c/o Kohl's, $12

Necklace: Banana Republic, $14 (similar, similar)

Shoes: Diba/Nordstrom Rack, $40 (similar, similar)

* price was $19 off the rack, I used a $10 Gap reward to get the $9 price

1. Charlotte Russe shorts, $22.99

2. Love 21 shorts, $19.80

3. Express shorts, $29.99

Today's Everyday Fashion: Patriotic Moments

In honor of Independence Day tomorrow, I decided to take a look back at some patriotic moments over the past two years. I love wearing red, white and blue, and no matter how you are celebrating, there are plenty of outfit ideas here to get you started (although, the bottom outfits were intended to be tongue-in-cheek!). I will likely start my day at the pool in my most patriotic swim suit pictured below, and end it watching fireworks in my new Gap blue and white Ikat tank (see it here) and some red shorts. Which look is your favorite, and what are you wearing on July 4th?

1. Urban Outfitters tank, $29

2. Forever 21 tank, $12.80

3. Ralph Lauren bikini, $120

4. Piperlime tank, $49

5. Arden B tunic, $17

6. Forever 21 shirt, $17.80

7. Urban Outfitters skirt, $9.99

8. Topshop flag shorts, $68

9. Old Navy skirt, $17.50

Today's Everyday Fashion: Green Jeans

I had a team potluck for Africa last weekend and this is what I wore. The rain brought cooler weather, so I took advantage of being able to wear a blazer and jeans. I love the idea of putting cobalt stripes and emerald together via this inspiration photo, but decided to tone it down a bit with neutral shoes and jacket. I originally bought a green pencil skirt from Express, but decided I would get a lot more use out of green jeans. These jeans are my fifth pair of colored jeans (I also have cobalt, plum, pink and lavender), and I still want to add yellow and turquoise to my closet. How many pairs of colored jeans do you own, and how long do you think this trend will last?

Inspiration photo: Refinery29
Shirt: Gap, $3*
Blazer: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales, $35 (similar, similar)
Jeans: LC c/o Kohl's, $34
Wedges: Guess/DSW, $30 (similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot website, $49
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: Banana Republic, $5
Left bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32
Right bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and Kohl's $9
*The price off the rack was $8, and I got it for $3 by using a Gap reward.

1. Anne Klein petite jeans, $54.99
2. Calvin Klein jeans, $39.99
3. Paul Frank jeans, $65

Today's Everyday Fashion: Neon Chevron

It was a very hot day and night in Orlando yesterday! I work this outfit for dinner and some low-key socializing. I've had this dress for a few weeks and was saving it for the right Saturday night (last week was too rainy). The dress is way more neon/glowing than the picture would lead you to believe, and I also see myself wearing it with flats to run errands around town. Neon + chevron, would you wear it?

Dress: Lily Rose c/o Kohl's, $27

Belt: Forever 21, $2 (similar)

Shoes: c/o Amour Boutique, $30

Purse: c/o LOFT, $28 (similar)

Earrings: c/o InPink, $34

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: My Stella & Dot website $49
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32 and $59

1. Michael Antonio wedge, $29.09
2. Michael Antonio pumps, $24.99
3. Michael Antonio pumps, $49
4. Steve Madden flats, $44.99
5. Michael Antonio flats, $29.95

Instagram

Today's Everyday Fashion: Bowling

I went bowling last night and this is what I wore! I wanted to be comfy but still wear something fun, so I turned to my favorite formula of long-sleeve shirt and shorts, with a color combo inspired by this J.Crew photo. (I also rolled my sleeves into a proper three-quarter sleeve cuff before I left.) I may have been the worst bowler on my team but at least I brought my A game in the outfit department. ;-) What would you wear to go bowling?  

Inspiration photo: J. Crew

Shirt: J.Crew, $45 (same shirt)

Shorts: Gap, $35

Belt: H&M, $18

Shoes: Guess/DSW, $30 (similar)

Necklace: Banana Republic, $14

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: My Stella & Dot website $49
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32 and $59

1. ASOS shirt, $42.43 

2. ModCloth shirt, $37.99

3. Forever 21 shirt, $17.80

1. Mango necklace, $16.99

2. Bloomingdale's necklace, $48

3. Piperlime necklace, $17.99

Today's Everyday Fashion: Blank Slate

So out of character, but I really wanted to wear my new camel pencil skirt with a basic white shirt! I call these palette cleansing looks. I used to rotate my more adventurous looks at work with something simple to give everyone's eyes a break (lol). A blank slate also means an opportunity for some fun with accessories, and while a clutch is not usually part of a work outfit, it's an easy thing to throw in your work bag and add to your outfit for happy hour. How do you accessorize blank slate outfits?

Shirt: Gap, old (similar)

Skirt: Limited, $20

Belt: H&M, $18

Purse: c/o Charisma Boutique, $49

Shoes: Restricted/Endless, $40 (similar, similar)

Necklace: H&M, $14

Ring: Banana Republic, $5

Turquoise cuff: Banana Republic, $10

Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website, $59 and $49

1. Aldo clutch, $38

2. Banana Republic skirt, $24.99

3. J.Crew necklace, $150

Just had to share this fun Tim Tebow picture from the Jockey event last week! (Please excuse my hair, it was raining buckets.)

Wrist bling that day: Watch, bracelets one, two, three, four and five

Today's Everyday Fashion: Mixing Prints

You may have noticed in yesterday's budget post that I bought a lot of prints. That's because my favorite trend right now is mixing prints, and I simply don't have that many in my closet! I wouldn't normally pick this shirt off the rack, but it's neutral with a small print and I knew it would be perfect for mixing patterns. I paired it with an older polka dot skirt and a neon necklace a la the inspiration photo, but I'm also showing you the "safe" version below, with black pumps and small earrings. I wore this outfit yesterday for meetings, and I went with the aqua shoes and an aqua necklace not pictured (kind of a halfway point between the two). I love the idea of the neon necklace but I like the inspiration photo or one of the ones I link to below better. Which way would you wear it?

Inspiration photo: Sass and Bide - Pinterest
Shirt: Limited, $15

Skirt: Banana Republic, $50

Necklace: H&M, $4 (similar, similar, similar)

Shoes: H&M, $35 (similar, similar)

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $49
Left bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32
Right bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $39

1. Piperlime skirt, $29.99 (on sale)
2. Need Supply Co. skirt, $49
3. J.Crew skirt, $79 (on sale)

Camera timer caught me talking to my dog. ;-)

The "safe" version. Just me or does my left foot look like a hoof?

My June/July Budget

Here's a look at what I purchased in June. I ordered 1, 4 and 9 online, and the rest I scored here and there after shopping with clients (I always see items I want and then go back and scoop them up!). The items that were on my wish list include: anything print (top row), a mint cardigan, this exact colorblock skirt, and minimalist shoes. The other items (jewelry, the camel skirt, and jean shorts) were not planned, but were great prices and good choices for my closet. No coupons were used other than the Foursquare deal at American Eagle - check in, then show them your phone to get 15% off your purchase.

1. Limited graphic shirt, $32
2. H&M printed top, $25 (similar)
3. Francesca's Closet shirt, $23 (similar, similar)
4. Limited mint print, $22
5. H&M shoes, $35 (similar, similar)
6. H&M spike necklace, $13 (similar)
7. Banana turquoise cuff, $10
8. Limited camel pencil skirt, $20 (similar)
9. Limited colorblock skirt, $39
10. Limited mint cardigan, $18 (similar)
11. American Eagle shorts, $25
12. Not pictured: Banana turquoise ring, $5

= June $267

I decided to dip into my July budget early, while the sales are hot. The two best times of year to shop are after Christmas, and at the end of June (when the seasons switch) so I hit up the mall on Friday with my friend Ashley (the first time I have gone shopping for fun - not work - in months, loved it!). Everything I bought was on my wish list: prints/stripes, anything purple and I've been hunting for a mustard skirt for forever. No coupons were used other than the Gap shirts (bottom row), which were purchased together with a $20 reward (prices without the coupon would have been $19, $8 and $8). Everything else was purchased right off the rack! As I always say, prices are usually way better in stores than online so try to shop in stores if you can. What deals did you score this month? 

1. Limited watercolor top, $15
2. Limited streaks top, $15
3. Limited tribal top, $25
4. J.Crew purple shirt, $45
5. J.Crew mustard pencil, $45
6. Gap Ikat top, $9
7. Gap graphic tee, $3
8. Gap striped tee, $3

= July $160 (so far)

For more info on clothing budgets, please see my post "How to Set a Clothing Budget."