Today's Everyday Fashion: Olivia Palermo Style

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How rude, Olivia Palermo showed up to the party wearing the same outfit as me! Kidding. I am just a nerd re-creating her outfit in my room using pieces I've had in my closet for ages. I love Olivia's look and realized quickly that my Gap t-shirt was a very close match to hers, and the rest of the outfit was a breeze from there. I was surprised how much I liked this outfit in person, so much so that I would totally wear it if I had a rad pool party to attend like she did. Would you wear Olivia's outfit?

Inspiration: InStyle
Shirt: Gap, $3 (same shirt)
Blazer: c/o Express, $55 (similar)
Shorts: Forever 21, old (similar)
Shoes: Urbanog, $21
Purse: Urban Outfitters, $30
Ring: c/o Bakers, $5
Necklace: JcPenney, $15 (similar, similar, similar)


1. rsvp pumps, $44.50
2. Charlotte Russe pumps, $38.50
3. Luichiny pumps, $55.99

Today's Everyday Fashion: Print Crazy

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I went a little crazy buying prints last month and this is one of the tops I picked up. I am extremely picky about prints (as are most people, I think), but this one was an instant thumbs up for me. I like the stark black/white contrast and unique medallion shape. I turned to this inspiration photo for my first outfit, and have a few more ideas up my billowy sleeve (I'm thinking camel and turquoise, for one). What types of prints do you wear? How do you decide which prints to buy?

Inspiration: Song of Style
Shirt: H&M, $25
Jeans: Limited, $40 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: c/o LOFT, $28 (similar)
Shoes: H&M, $35 (similar, similar)
Necklaces: Charlotte Russe $9, H&M $4
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: My Stella & Dot website $49
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32 and $59
1. Forever 21 shirt, $12.80
2. Lord & Taylor shirt, $20.87
3. Forever 21 shirt, $12.80
4. Michael Kors plus size shirt, $36.99
5. Piperlime shirt, $27.99

Today's Everyday Fashion: Polka Dot Shorts

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Tiffani Amber Thiessen, I see your adorable outfit and I raise it one pair of fun polka dot shorts! You know those purchases that are just instant yeses? These shorts were it for me. I actually did a little dance in the dressing room I love them so much, and at less than $20? Pshhh, no brainer. I love mixing polka dots right now, so I decided to use my new shorts in place of the inspiration photo's solid shorts. I added a navy blazer and a brown bag for day, and wound up wearing this to a brief appearance at the most recent Lady Bloggers meet-up last week (I got in a fender bender so I missed most of it, boo). Would you ever wear polka dot shorts?

Inspiration photo: InStyle
Navy blazer: Gap, $75 (similar)
Shirt: LOFT, $20
Shorts: Old Navy, $16.50 - click the "Regular" tab to shop them in nutmeg
Shoes: Restricted/Endless, $40 (similar, similar)
Purse: Emma Fox c/o Ross, $60 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $59
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. Charlotte Russe shirt, $24.99
2. Alloy shirt, $36.90
3. Alloy shirt, $26.90
4. Forever 21 shirt, $15.80
5. Forever 21 shirt, $19.80

Today's Everyday Fashion: Fail

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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

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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

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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!

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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]

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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