Today's Everyday Fashion: Ankle Boots

I snapped these photos on my way to the doctor's office yesterday. Not so much because this outfit is amazing, but because it was a realistic moment - barely any makeup, hair fresh from the shower (no product), and this is what I actually wore (subbed in sandals because it was too steamy for boots, but I really wanted to wear them). I crave hoodies when I'm sick, but this was just as easy and comfy to throw on. I am loving the ankle boots trend for fall, but I also dig them with shorts like in today's outfit. Would you ever wear ankle boots in the summer?

Sweater: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales, $17 (similar, similar, similar)

Shorts: American Eagle, $25

Purse: Juicy Couture/Neiman Marcus Last Call, $120 (similar)

Boots: c/o Chinese Laundry, $150

Necklaces: Banana Republic, My Stella & Dot website $34 with charm $22

Bracelets: Village market in Sierra Leone 

1. Endless ankle boots, $49.99

2. DSW ankle boots, $49.95

3. Endless ankle boots, $59.99

4. Old Navy ankle boots, $34.94

5. Endless ankle boots, $59.95

Today's Everyday Fashion: Mirror Prints

Mirror prints are a runway trend I've been dying to try, so I didn't hesitate to snap up this silky shirt at H&M the minute I saw it. I wore this outfit to shoot a new episode of my makeover show before I left for Africa. I can't wait for H&M to add online shopping in the U.S., but in the meantime I did my best to find some look-alikes for you guys below. Are you a fan of the mirror print trend/would you wear it?

Shirt: H&M, $25

Skirt: H&M, $20 (similar)

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

Necklace: c/o Colorblockshop, $36 (similar, similar)

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: My Stella & Dot website $49
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32 and $59 and $41

1. ASOS top, $33.14 

2. ASOS top, $23.30

3. Anne Klein top, $21.20
4. ASOS dress, $64.62
5. ASOS skirt, $23.20

Today's Everyday Fashion: I'm Back!

My inspiration

I'm home!! I missed you guys so much, but it is also feels strange to be blogging. I left a big chunk of my heart in Sierra Leone and I've been really emotional about the trip since I got back. I spent 2 weeks with no running water, with wet clothes, wet hair and muddy feet (it rained nonstop), and fashion has been the last thing on my mind! :-) The trip was an excellent reminder about how many trivial things I get bogged down with, but it was also a re-commitment to my long-term goals of helping women with fashion and making them feel great about themselves here in the U.S. (more here). I shared a picture of the trip below, and I'll be sending out a longer photo recap to everyone who donated soon. 

So... onto today's post! I took this outfit photo before I left. I loved the clean color palette of the inspiration photo and went for something similar. The leather jacket was a huge splurge for me a couple years ago, but I'm happy I took the plunge. I've purchased leatherette jackets in the past and always wind up giving them away. If you can at all afford it (and find one on sale) then I definitely recommend investing in the real thing because they last longer and get better with age, are softer/more comfortable, and unfortunately some leatherette can look cheap. Would you ever splurge on a leather jacket?

Inspiration photo: FabSugar

Leather jacket: Banana Republic, $150 

Shirt: Gap, $3

Jeans: Gap, $30 (similar, similar)

Belt: Joe's Jeans c/o Marshalls, $20 (same belt)

Shoes: Michael Kors c/o Marshalls, $50 (similar)

Purse: Calvin Klein/TJ Maxx, $120 (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. Nordstrom leather jacket, $198
2. BB Dakota leather jacket, $179
3. Michael Kors leather jacket, $299

I left my heart in Sierra Leone.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post

This is a guest post while J is away. Be sure to check out Sarah's blog, From Coast to Closet!

I wore this for a shopping trip this summer! I love it because it mixes the casual shorts with a more dressy fitted top. Do you like to mix casual and dressy?

Inspiration photo: J.Crew
Top: LOFT, $14.99
Shorts: Gap, $49.95
Shoes: DSW/Nine West, $59.95 (similar)
Belt: J.Crew, $39.99
Bracelet: The Webster/Target, $16.99

1. Calvin Klein shorts, $34.99
2. Forever 21 shorts, $15.80
3.Gabriella Rocha shorts, $25.99

Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post

This is a guest post while J is away. Be sure to check out Caitlin's blog, Pearls and Chandeliers!

I love the idea of mixing a chambray shirt with a leopard skirt. I added a red statement necklace and pumps to add some sass to the look. My favorite thing about the separates in this outfit is that they work well with so many other items in your closet! The mix and match possibilities are endless! So many stores carry chambray shirts and leopard skirts, shorts, and pants now and no matter what you will get a great return on your investment with these pieces. What do you think of this look?

Inspiration: Pinterest
Shirt: H&M, $29.95
Skirt :H&M, $19.95
Necklace: Etsy Shop Basil The Cat. $55
Shoes: Target HollyWood Collection, $29

1. River Island skirt, $33.14
2. Calvin Klein skirt, $49.99
3. ASOS skirt, $19.88

Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post

This is a guest post while J is away. Be sure to check out Louisa's blog, For Chic Sake!

I've always loved navy blazers. They go with virtually any outfit and can be easily dressed up or down. When I saw this picture of Jennifer Aniston strolling along a Paris street, I was totally inspired! Luckily, I already owned all of the pieces and was able to put this look together in just a few minutes! I'd wear this on casual Friday at the office or while running errands around town. Do you own a navy blazer? If so, what is your favorite way to style it?

Inspiration photo: Sociool
Blazer: J.Crew, $198
Shirt: J. Crew, $15
Jeans: American Eagle, $30
Belt: American Eagle, $20 (similar)
Sandals: American Eagle, $25 (similar)
Necklace: Ann Taylor $20, Old
Purse: Michael Kors, $500
Scarf: American Eagle, $25
Sunglasses: J. Lo via TJMaxx, $10

1. Forever 21 blazer, $28.90
2. Delia's blazer, $39.50
3. Dillard's blazer, $49

Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post

This is a guest post while J is away. Be sure to check out Amy's blog, Leopard and Lillies!

When temperatures start to rise outside I think it’s important to have an outfit that can easily transition between boiling summer heat and the freezing indoor air conditioning. The reason why I love wearing maxi skirts is that they are perfect for a hot summer day. Adding the scarf can either be a fun accessory or double as a shawl when the A/C starts to cool down inside.

Inspiration: Pinterest
Skirt: DIY
Top: Alternative Apparel, $20
Scarf: Zara, $35
Shoes: DV Dolce Vita, $60
Sunglasses: Oliver Peoples via Gilt, $60

1. River Island skirt, $22.37
2. Lucy Love skirt, $14.99
3. Mossimo skirt, $17.99

Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post

This is a guest post while J is away. Be sure to check out Tara's blog, Mix and Match Fashion!

I really have been loving gingham lately, and being navy, this J. Crew Factory top goes with so much in my closet! I have already worn it so many ways, but this has to be one of my favorites. I love the color combination in the J. Crew inspiration picture, but wanted to make the look a bit more casual and fun for summer time.

Inspiration: J. Crew
Top: J. Crew Factory, $25
Shorts: J. Crew, $38
Shoes: Banana Republic, $27
Bag: Coach, gift
Belt: LOFT, $12
Jewelry: Stella & Dot

1. Gap shorts, $39.95
2. Love Ady shorts, $17.99
3. J. Crew shorts, $45

Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post

This is a guest post while J is away. Be sure to check out Lindsey's blog, L's Fashion Dish!

Lately I've been seeing celebrites and other fashionistas tying their shirts at the waist. I think it's a great way to bring attention to the smallest part of a woman's body, plus it's cute and summery. So I decided to give it a try myself. I paired my tied chambray shirt with a pencil skirt because while the celebs can pull of showing their toned tummies, I'm not as comfortable with it. Would you wear a tied shirt?

Inspiration: People.com

Chambray shirt: J. Crew, $41

Skirt: J.Crew Factory, $74

Shoes: Zara, $50

Watch: Michael Kors, $225

Bangles: Alex & Ani, $24-$35

1. Forever 21 top, $17.80

2. ASOS top, $24.86

3. Delia's top, $39.50

Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post

This is a guest post while J is away. Be sure to check out Teresa's blog, Delightfully Darling!

I was inspired by the color palette and simplicity of this Gap 2011 Summer outfit and knew that I had a few pieces that just may do the trick. I live in a very warm climate (Tampa, Florida) so it’s very important to stay cool during these hot summer months (pants are not an option most days). While I don’t have a top quite like this Gap version, I knew I could improvise! I added this extremely lightweight tissue fabric scarf to complete the look and give a simple tank and shorts outfit something special. The scarf ties in perfectly with the color pallet and adds visual interest. While it’s not an exact match to my inspiration photo, it goes to show that inspiration photos can be a starting point for creating looks that you may not have known you already had in your closet.

Scarf: TJ Maxx
Tank: Miley Cyrus for Walmart
Shorts: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Hat: Target
Wedges: Ann Taylor, thrifted

1. Modcloth scarf, $7.99
2. American Apparel scarf, $14
3. French Connection scarf, $19.99

Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post

This is a guest post while J is away. Be sure to check out Katie's blog, Hems for Her!

I was inspired by Glee's resident bad girl Diana Aragon to pair a patterned maxi skirt with a casual and brightly colored T-shirt. I love the unexpected combo of the long swishing skirt and the bright punch of a slub-knit T-shirt. It's as comfortable as wearing jeans and a T, but so much more elegant! What's your go-to outfit for comfortable elegance?

Inspiration photo: Diana Aragon
Occasion: Sunday lunch with family
T-shirt: New York and Co., $8
Maxi skirt: Old Navy, $10
Sandals: Wal-Mart, $10
Necklaces: Forever 21, gift
Earrings: Cato's, $5
Belt: Target, came with Mossimo dress

1. Forever 21 maxi skirt, $13.50
2. Bisou Bisou maxi skirt, $25
3. Forever 21 maxi skirt, $17.80

Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post

This is a guest post while J is away. Be sure to check out Alyson's blog, Crushing on Clothes!

In Seattle, summer doesn't exactly mean "HOT". It means occasionally sunny and about 73 on average. However most days, it seems to be overcast, and even rainy (ugh right?!) So since I can't always wear tons of adorable summer outfits, I often have to bring summer to the city with lots of bright color! I saw this outfit and KNEW I had to recreate it because of all the fun colors. The J Crew pants are honestly the most comfortable pants I own, and the jean jacket is mine from 1st grade! It obviously wasn't cropped back then, but it still works! Amazing, huh?! I just loved how there are so many bright colors, but they all work so well together. Don't be afraid of color this summer; just play around and have fun!

Source: OK Magazine (Jessica Alba out in Beverly Hills)
Jean Jacket: Levis, Mine from 1st GRADE! Seriously! :)
Tshirt: Nordstrom, $12
Scarf: Free People, $35
Jeans: J Crew: $80
Toms: Nordstrom, $50
Sunglasses: Target, $10
Handbag: Cambridge Satchel Company online: $150

1. Gap scarf, $19.99
2. Modcloth scarf, $24.99
3. Tilly's scarf, $7.99

Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post

This is a guest post while J is away. Be sure to check out Whitley's blog, The Queen City Style!

For almost two years now, I've held tight to this image ripped from InStyle magazine, aka my style Bible, as it's been pinned front and center to my inspiration board. Olivia Wilde was nothing short of stunning in this sleek and modern Gucci jumpsuit paired with a House of Lavande gold neck plate and strappy sandals. I recently visited a super stylish friend, and to my surprise, she had the very same image pinned to the back of her closet! Furthermore, she was one step ahead of me in recreating the ensemble with the blouse and pants already stowed in her closet. She was kind enough to let me borrow the pieces for the sake of this outfit recreation. The necklace is the stunning Pegasus by Stella & Dot. The red sash, an item I style frequently on the Queen City Style, belonged to my grandmother. I thought I had styled it every which way until now! The Chanel bag is the one splurge item in my wardrobe, and my most prized treasure--YEARS of hard work and saving went into this! The shoes and earrings are Calvin Klein old.

Inspiration photo: InStyle
Occasion: Night out

Blouse: Diane von Furstenberg, borrowed
Pants: Vince, borrowed
Shoes: Calvin Klein, old
Necklace: Stella & Dot, $198
Purse: Chanel
Sash: Vintage, My grandmother's

Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post

This is a guest post while J is away. Be sure to check out Marion's blog, Marion Berry Style!

Hats are everywhere this summer. As someone who has more bad hair days than not, I rejoice in this trend! When I saw this image of Jessica Alba at the airport, I immediately thought about re-creating the look with my new hat I picked up in the men's section at Nordstrom Rack. Paired with a casual scarf, this look is ready to brace the air conditioned interiors of airports, restaurants and malls without looking out of season. Are you wearing hats this summer?

Inspiration photo: People Style
Blazer: Caslon via Nordstrom Rack, $28
Tank: Forever 21, $5
Jeans: Hudson, $198
Scarf: H&M, $8
Hat: Nordstrom Rack, $7
Watch: Michael Kors, $375

1. Forever 21 fedora, $12.80
2. Mudd fedora, $13.99
3. Wet Seal fedora, $10.50

Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post

This is a guest post while J is away. Everyone please give Lauren a warm welcome!

With the start of August comes many things: the beginning of summer’s end (tear), a new school year and, most importantly, the excitement and thrill that football season is almost upon us! Living in the South where football reigns king, you can find me at work on any given Monday or Friday proudly wearing my alma mater’s colors (go Seminoles!) either in celebration of a weekend victory or in anticipation of an upcoming game. With NFL pre-season games beginning in just a couple of weeks and college football kicking off in about a month, I thought that now would be the perfect time to demonstrate a couple of ways you can show your team spirit at the office while still maintaining a look that is professional and work-appropriate. I decided to use a few color combinations that are representative of both NFL and college teams. You can go bold by contrasting both colors on your top and bottom, or you can take the subtle route by using your team’s primary color in your accessories (outfit one). Several of these looks incorporate layers, so you can easily transition them from work to a happy hour by simply shedding the cardigan and/or swapping out the purse with a smaller clutch. How do you show your team spirit at work?

Outfit 1

Inspiration photo: Zimbio.com
Cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft, $55
Tank: Banana Republic Factory Store, $12
Skirt: Ann Taylor, $54
Belt: Target, $11
Shoes: Nine West Outlet, $39
Purse: Coach, family gift
Scarf: Old Navy, $13

Outfit 2

Inspiration photo: NOLA.com
Dress: Antonio Melani/Dillard’s, $64
Belt: Target, $17
Shoes: Nine West Outlet, $39
Purse: Nine West Outlet, $24
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

Outfit 3

Inspiration photo: BleacherReport.com
Cardigan: J. Crew Factory Store, $36
Shirt: Forever 21, $14
Pants: Banana Republic Factory Store, $33
Belt: Target, $11
Shoes: Guess c/o TJ Maxx, $35
Flower Pin: Old Navy, $3

Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post

Hi everyone! I'm so excited to be guest blogging for J while she is on her mission trip to Africa! J's blog is one of the first blogs I started reading before I started mine, and I continue to read it for the great inspirational outfits she puts together! Thanks so much to J for having me blog while she's gone, and thank you guys for reading! Feel free to stop by my blog Twelve by Six and say hello!

I'm constantly on the lookout for inspiring work wear outfits because I work in a professional office where the usual outfits are black, drab, and/or boring. I immediately loved this unconventional look that I came across in a Nordstrom email because it's different but still work-friendly. The rusty orange colored pants are unusual yet classy, and I absolutely loved the silky shirt and nude pumps with it! This outfit is so comfortable and perfect for the hot summer months because of the cropped pants and breezy shirt, and the layered cardigan is perfect for offices that turn the air conditioner to arctic levels. I think the entire outfit will transition well into fall too - the rusty orange color is a great fall tone, and I can easily layer a heavier sweater and scarf and swap in boots for the heels. I usually wear jewelry or accessories with my outfits, but this one seemed so simple and chic on its own that I actually enjoyed letting the clothes speak for themselves!

Inspiration: Nordstrom
Top: Talbots $25 (similar)
Capris: J.Crew $35
Cardigan: J.Crew $49
Heels: Nine West $30 (similar)

1. Lucky Brand capris, $60.99
2. St.John's Bay capris, $20
3. BDG pants, $49

Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post

This is a guest post while J is away. Be sure to check out Sarah's blog, Harper's Shadow!

The crochet/lace shorts look is something I really liked but didn't know if I could pull it off. I feel completely comfortable in this outfit and kind of like hot stuff with the length of the shorts. It will be great for a date night or a night out with the girls. I think with some flats, you could walk around all day in these as well. PLUS I feel the shorts, in particular, have fall/winter potential with a pair of black tights added.

Inspiration: Shopping and Fashion
Top: Club Monaco (similar)
Tank: Target
Shorts: Forever 21, $16
Shoes: Gap, $35

1. Urban Outfitters shorts, $49
2. Patterson J. Kincaid shorts, $44.40
3. Charlotte Russe shorts, $26.99

Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post

This is a guest post while J is away. Be sure to check out Tanvi's blog, www.tanvii.com!

I saw this picture of Rachel Roy and had an uncontrollable need to recreate this outfit. However, since I don't own a chambray shirt I had to get creative with what was in my closet. Unfortunately it started raining unexpectedly the day I wore this so the linen shirt was a big fat fail but still I really like how these two colors look together with bright accessories. I will definitely be repeating this combination again for some other outfit soon!

Picture: Zimbio.com
Shirt: Banana Republic
Necklace: Gift from Mom
Cuff: C&Co.
Clutch:Vintage (India)
Jeans: Zara
Shoes: BCBG via Macy's



1. Forever 21 jeans, $24.80
2. Delia's jeans, $44.50
3. Delia's cropped jeans, $34.50

Today's Everyday Fashion: We go si bak

This is my last post before I leave for Africa tomorrow! ("We go si bak" is goodbye in Krio.) I have 15 ladies lined up to blog while I'm away, and I'm really excited to share their posts with you. My last outfit before I go is something I wore earlier this week to do a closet consultation and run errands. I have cut-out t-shirts in four colors and they are in constant rotation. They are comfy, easy to wash, but have a little something extra than a regular t-shirt. I paired my white one and a necklace from last summer with new shorts, and decided to go all out and wear fun shoes as well. This is an outfit that beats the heat but still has plenty of pizazz. Would you wear printed shorts?

Shirt: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales, $14

Necklace: Zad c/o Shop It Beverly Hills, $29

Shorts: Limited, $30

Shoes: Madden Girl c/o MJR Sales, $20 (similar)

1. Forever 21 shirt, $14.80

2. Urban Outfitters shirt, $19.99

3. DKNY tunic, $35.99

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Case For Yellow

Almost every personal shopping client I've had says the same thing to me: "I don't do yellow." This of course means that I will have them wearing yellow in one form or another by the end of the appointment. :-) It can be tricky for some skin tones, but please don't count this color out completely. Some tips:

- Think of yellow as a close cousin of brown (it's less ominous that way). My shoes are yellow in this picture, for example, but they don't look that different from my brown belt.  

- Wear it away from your face. A yellow belt, shoes, or bottom - all way easier to pull off than a yellow top and I would recommend those pieces to anyone no matter your skin tone.

- Want to take the plunge with a yellow top? Not all shades are created equal. Different yellows work for different skin tones, so try a few on and find one that works for you. Yellows that are mustard and therefore closer to brown are usually the safest bet.

- Yellow is one of my favorite colors because it goes with everything. It is the ultimate pop of color in an outfit and will liven up your closet. 

Do you wear yellow? Why or why not? 

Inspiration: Drowning Equilibriums

Shirt: H&M, $18 (similar, similar, similar)

Skirt: J.Crew, $45 click "Petite" to shop sunflower color

Belt: Gap, $10

Necklace: H&M, $18 (similar)

Shoes: Bandolino/TJ Maxx, $22

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

1. J.Crew skirt, $69.50 click "Petite" to shop this color
2. Piperlime skirt, $29.99
3. Calvin Klein skirt, $49.99