Today's Everyday Fashion: The Leather Skirt

Last year my friend Ashley was given a big bag of vintage hand-me-downs and she offered me this leather skirt. I'm so happy I accepted, especially since leather is such a huge trend this year! (Check out my faux picks under $100 below.) It was the perfect piece for re-creating this street style look that caught my eye. Also, my tops were a good color match, but the cardigan has 3/4 sleeves and the silk shirt is long-sleeve, so it took some finagling to make it work (I bunched up the sleeves a little, and then folded the cuffs over). Are you a fan of the leather trend? Would you wear a leather skirt?

Inspiration photo: Harper's Bazaar

Shirt: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales, $24 (similar, similar, similar)

Leather skirt: hand-me-down

Cardigan: Gap, $18 (similar, similar, similar)

Shoes: Restricted/Endless, $40 (similar)

Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $138

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $69
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59 and $79

1. New York and Co 2. Piperlime 3. Forever 21 4. Shopbop 5. Alloy

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Camp Shirt

I bought this cotton camp shirt in the day-after-Christmas sales two years ago and it has been a great addition to my closet ever since. It goes with just about anything (ex: distressed denim and sandals for a casual look) and camp shirts are definitely one of my biggest staples. A couple years ago I only wore them to work, but now I wear them constantly with shorts and skinny jeans on weekends, too. Do you ever wear button downs casually?

Inspiration photo: J.Crew

Shirt: J.Crew, $14

Skirt: J.Crew, $45 (similar, similar, similar)

Belt: H&M, $6 (similar)

Shoes: Forever 21, $22 (similar, similar)

Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $79
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $69
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59 and $79

1. Victoria's Secret 2. Sierra Trading Post 3. Singer 22 4. J.Crew

New Makeover Show Episode: Meet Erica!

I'm so excited to present a new episode of my makeover show! (Watch it above - click to play. Or watch it on IzonOrlando here.) We've got a fun, new MTV-feel to the show and you are going to love Erica!

Erica lives in Orlando and is a young, married professional with a busy lifestyle. She works from home for an advertising agency and has meetings around town, co-authors the blog Amplified Culture, and is a yoga enthusiast. She had a $400 one-time budget to overhaul her closet, and in July we worked on adding skirts (an item she had previously sworn off), and sizzle pieces such as statement jewelry and fun prints to her closet. You'll see more than 20 outfits in the episode, which is just the start to how many new looks she was able to create using new items combined with what she already had.

I hope you enjoy the new format of the show! (Our goal is to try something different each episode.) Huge props to my producer and editor on this one, they did an awesome job giving it a fun vibe. I also want to give Annette at InStyle Hair in Baldwin Park a shout-out for making my hair look fab. I think you guys are going to love Erica - please watch her story, and check out her outfits below - which look is your favorite?

Outfit 1
Dress: Erica's own (similar)
Cardigan: Limited, $18 (similar)
Necklace: Francesca's Collections, $25 (similar, similar)
Belt: Express, $21 (similar)

Outfit 2
Shirt: Limited, $28 (similar, similar)
Denim shorts: Erica's own
Belt: Express, $21 (similar)
Necklace: H&M, $8 (similar)

Outfit 3
Shirt: Forever 21, $18 (similar)
Skirt: LOFT, $15 (similar)
Necklace: Francesca's Collections, $25 (similar, similar)

Outfit 4

Shirt: Express, $29 (similar)

Skirt: LOFT, $15 (similar)

Outfit 5

Shirt: Express, $29 (similar)

Shorts: Erica's own

Outfit 6

Shirt: Erica's own (similar, similar)

Skirt: Limited, $17 (similar)

Outfit 7

Shirt: Erica's own

Skirt: Limited, $17 (similar)

Outfit 8

Cardigan: H&M, $18 (similar)

Shirt: Erica's own

Skirt: Limited, $17 (similar)

Outfit 9

Shirt: Forever 21, $18 (similar)

Necklace: H&M, $8 (similar)

Jeans: Erica's own (similar)

Outfit 10

Shirt: Limited, $28 (same shirt)

Necklace: Francesca's Collections, $25 (similar, similar)

Jeans: Erica's own (similar)

Outfit 11

Dress: Forever 21, $23 (similar)

Belt: Express, $21 (similar)

Outfit 12

Dress: Forever 21, $23 (similar)

Shirt: Limited, $13 (similar)

Belt: Express, $21 (similar)

Outfit 13

Shirt: Erica's own (similar)

Shorts: Limited, $18 (similar)

Necklace: Limited, $20 (similar)

Outfit 14

Shirt: Limited, $28 (same shirt)

Shorts: Limited, $18 (similar)

Necklace: Francesca's Collections, $25 (similar, similar)

Outfit 15

Shirt: Limited, $28 (same shirt)

Shorts: Limited, $18 (similar)
Necklace: Francesca's Collections, $25 (similar, similar)

All photos by Rob Weeks. Shopping and styling services are provided complimentary to the style seeker. Earnings from Izon posts go to IzonOrlando.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Two Versions

Inspired by the catalog photo, I paired these two colors together from my closet. I wore the top outfit before and after the Macy's event on Friday, and the bottom outfit is a winter version for those of you in cold climates. It's also a good illustration of one of my favorite tricks -  creating the same outfit for different seasons as a shortcut. Which version do you prefer?  Would you wear this color combo?

Inspiration photo: Piperlime

Shirt: J.Crew, $45 --> same shirt I'm wearing but slightly different color; I bought mine on clearance

Skirt: c/o LOFT, $30 (similar, longer)

Shoes: Colin Stuart/MJR Sales, $29 (similar)

Earrings: local boutique (similar)

Purse: c/o Karen Millen, $235 (similar, vegan)

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $69
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59

Blazer: Express, $25 (similar, similar)

Pants: Gap, $20 (similar, similar --> comes in 6 different inseam lengths!)

Boots: Steve Madden/Endless, $47

1. J.Crew 2. Spence 3. Spence

My September Budget

Here's a look at what I bought in September:

1. Victoria's Secret leather jacket, $257

2. H&M dress, $30 (similar F21 skirt, similar dress)

3. H&M racerback tank, $15

4. H&M tweed blazer, $60 (similar, similar, similar, similar)

5. Old Navy sweater, $17 (similar J.Crew, similar Loft)

6. Gap t-shirt, $7

7. H&M belt, $6 (similar)

8. Forever 21 shoes, $22 (similar, similar)

9. Love 21 dress, $20

Grand Total  = $250 (with $50 taken out of the next 3 month's budgets to cover the rest of the jacket)

1. As discussed in this post, I recently splurged on a black leather jacket. The Victoria's Secret version turned out to be hands-down the better choice over the H&M one! The fit was the same, the material is super buttery, and it has a fold-over collar versus the Mandarian collar on the H&M one. To cover the cost, I'm using $80 from this month's budget and $32 from last month's budget (I returned one item), and then will take $50 out of the next 3 months budget. I've always tried to strike a good balance between quantity and quality every month with my budget, but I'm planning to lean more towards quality over quantity in future months. A leather jacket is a great investment for my lifestyle (I wear my camel one to death) and I know I'll have it for years.

2. This was an impulse purchase so I could wear it NYC, but I also think this dress has major staying power throughout the fall and can be styled tons of different ways.

3. I've had my eye on this H&M racerback tank for over a month and decided to bite the bullet. I love a good graphic tee, and this is a category that I don't like to spend a lot on so the price is right.

4. The tweed blazer was another investment piece for me this month! If you have seen this jacket in person, you know it is super-soft, which is rare for tweed. I've had a tweed jacket for going on 7 years that I still absolutely love, but this one is a huge upgrade in quality.

5. I'm loving polka dots so much and I have some styling ideas for this sweater so I decided to keep it.

6. I got this t-shirt for a steal, and the preppy stripes will look great with equestrian boots for fall.

7. I'm a total sucker for this mint color! I did not need another belt, but the color, quality and price sold me.

8. If you gave me 10 guesses where these shoes are from I would never guess Forever 21. I spotted these in NYC and just couldn't pass them up for that price! I love the heel height and color.

9. Another purchase I made in NYC. I loved the color of this dress and the quality is high for Forever 21 (which is the idea behind the Love 21 brand). I'm worried how the material is going to look after washing though, and I'm wishing I would've invested in a dress that will last longer (see #1).

October wish list

Here are some of my favorite items for October! Something about that horse print has stolen my heart, I'm dying for a white peplum top, I'm loving shirt dresses in every color but especially this olive, and I love this lace detail dress although F21 tends to be short on me so I'll look for a similar dress elsewhere. I'd also love these quirky python shoes, a new pair of cognac pumps, a black leather purse and some black motorcycle boots to go with my new jacket! What are you shopping for this month?

1. Kensie dress, $35.99
2. Nordstrom top, $36
3. Gap shirtdress, $59.95
4. Forever 21 dress, $22.80
5. Deena & Ozzy shoes, $59
6. Sam & Libby shoes, $30
7. Marc Jacobs bag, $478
8. Roxy boots, $79

For more information see my post, "How to Set a Clothing Budget."

Macy's Fall Preview Event

Instagram

Yesterday was way too much fun. I co-hosted the Macy's Fall Preview at the Mall at Millennia with Robbie Laughlin. You can watch the first few minutes of the show below, but essentially we commentated on approx. 20 runway looks, hosted a rousing game of "who wore it better" with the audience, and gave away a copy of an InStyle book. Robbie is the best and was so much fun to work with. I shopped the store to pick out this RACHEL Rachel Roy dress to wear, and selected the teal suede t-straps from items the show's stylist had pulled (everything was borrowed and I gave it back).  I feel very blessed to have had such a cool experience (really, someone pinch me) and loved every minute of commentating with Robbie. Thanks to everyone who came to the event!

Dress: RACHEL Rachel Roy
Shoes: Carlos Santana (teal suede color)

With some lovely ladies from the audience

Co-hosting with the wonderful Mr. Robbie Laughlin

With Robbie and the models from the show

Disclosure: This was a paid appearance/gig. I was not asked to post a recap on my blog. 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Leopard Trench

Her fun, printed coat reminded me of my leopard trench hanging in the back of my closet! I flopped the colors so I could wear my new-ish burgundy jeans on the bottom, and I totally dig them paired with this print. I haven't worn this coat much in seasons past but I'm totally jonesin' to wear it this fall. Would you rock a printed trench?

Inspiration: Harper's Bazaar

Jeans: Target, $23

Trench: c/o Banana Republic, old (similar, similar)

Shirt: Banana Republic, $35 (similar, similar)

Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $138

Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $24 (similar)

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $69
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $32 and $39 and $79

Kohl's.com order

1. Jennifer Lopez dress, $49
2. Lauren Conrad shirt, $21.60
3. Lauren Conrad blazer, $42
4. Unionbay jeans, $25.99

Also, I thought I would share a review of my recent Kohl's.com order! I have a c/o giftcard leftover from this spring, and decided to save some time by ordering a few things online rather than hunting them down in the store (Kohl's prices seem to be the same online and in stores - I used a 15% off coupon that was good at both, and is not applied to prices above). So, how did it go?

1. I was most excited about this burgundy sheath dress, an item high on my wish list for fall. I ordered a size 4 (one up from my regular 2), and it's too big in the waist and way short, so I think I'm reluctantly going to have to skip this piece.
2. The polka dot top fits true to size (I got an XS) and I loved it in person!
3. The blue blazer is a lot darker in person (not a "bright" cobalt) and has a black satin lining. I ordered a size 4 because I feel like LC items usually run small, but this one was two sizes too big (I usually wear a size 0 in blazers) so this piece runs true to size. It also doesn't have any button or hook to hold it closed.
4. The yellow jeans are more brown in person - I love the color, I was just hoping for something brighter so now I'm stuck deciding if I really need two pairs of yellow jeans or if that is overkill (probably is). I ordered a size 3 (my usual at Gap is 2), and they fit like a dream. They are a really thick material and not so much "jegging"; I highly recommend!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Predictable

I was attempting to re-create this outfit, but it started to feel oddly... familiar. Had I worn it before? I pulled up my Facebook page (the easiest way to view my 1,000+ outfits) and realized that I had not worn it yet, however, I was feeling that way due to the fact that I wear mint/aqua + camel together a lot. Repeating outfits, especially ones that you love, is totally cool in my book, so for fun I decided to show the outfits together so you could see the variations for yourself! Which look is your favorite?

Inspiration: Bazaar

Shirt: Old Navy, $20 (similar, similar)

Skirt: Limited, $20 (lace version, similar, similar) 

Belt: H&M, $6 (similar)

Shoes: Forever 21, $22 (similar, similar)

Purse: Calvin Klein/TJ Maxx, $120 (similar)

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: My Stella & Dot website $49
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $32 and $39 and $79

Today's Everyday Fashion: Boot Poll

Kate Bosworth looks hot! I didn't copy her look exactly (although, how cute is her dress?! shop similar here and here), but I dig the idea of wearing a loose-fitting dress with ankle boots, so I decided to give it a try. My outfit was originally intended for use in NYC, but I didn't wind up wearing it, despite being a fan of the hard and soft combo of silk dress + leather boots. Ankle boots are not everyone's cup of tea, so vote in the poll and tell me how you would wear it! :-)

Blazer: Forever 21, $25 (similar, similar, similar, similar)

Dress: Love 21, $33 (similar, similar)

Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $228

Boots: c/o Chinese Laundry, $150

Purse: c/o Karen Millen, $235 (similar, vegan)

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

Today's Everyday Fashion: Rocker Chic

Today, I present you with two versions of the same outfit. The first is a little number I styled with my new black leather jacket. The second is a toned-down version with a blazer and conservative shoes. I like the first one better, but sometimes life calls for a more conservative shoes so I wanted to show you both. Also, I can't believe I'm typing this but I really did drop $299 on a leather jacket at H&M while I was in NYC. I never splurge like that, and I also questioned whether H&M was really the place to invest (what swayed me is that their clothes are cut small, so the fit is amazing). I got nervous and ordered this similar version from Victoria's Secret (with a $75 off coupon), so I could compare. I'm definitely keeping one of them, I will keep you posted. Which version of this outfit would you rock? 

Shirt: H&M, $17 (similar, similar)

Skirt: c/o Style by Marina, $39 (see how else I wore this skirt here and here)

Top leather jacket: H&M, $299 (also bought this one to compare)

Bottom blazer: Express, old (similar)

Top shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $27 (similar, similar)

Bottom shoes: Calvin Klein/Filene's Basement, $75 (similar)

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: My Stella & Dot website $69
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $32 and $39 and $79

1. 6pm.com 2. Charlotte Russe 3. Style by Marina 4. Nasty Gal

Today's Everyday Fashion: Options

Same outfit with no belt (left) and untucked for different body types (right)

Today's inspiration photo sparked my imagination to put together this monochromatic purple work look. I love the end result, and decided to show a couple variations of the same outfit - one without the belt, and one with the shirt untucked, which would work well for concealing your midsection and/or a curvy body type. A little multiple choice for you to pick which outfit would work best for you! How would you wear it?

Inspiration photo: Neiman Marcus
Shirt: Limited, $15 (similar, similar)
Skirt: Limited, $35 (similar, similar)
Cardiagn: Banana Republic, $12 (similar, similar, similar)
Belt: Gap, $3
Shoes: Banana Republic, $50 (similar, similar)
Earrings: local boutique
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $49
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $32 and $39

ps. Join me at Macy's Mall at Millenia in Orlando this Friday at 6 p.m.! I'm so excited to be co-hosting their fall style presentation (think "Fashion Police") with Robbie Laughlin. Afterwards, you'll have the chance to chat with us and receive one-on-one shopping help. Also, with any purchase of $50 or more in the women's department take home a special gift, get an exclusive look at the new Anne Klein Fall 2012 Collection, and enjoy an interactive shopping experience hosted by InStyle magazine's Style Ambassador, Tai Beauchamp. Hope to see you there!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Work and Play

I was so excited to find this inspiration photo of my same H&M pants! Excited because I would have never thought of wearing these pants with flats and a t-shirt. My first instincts were definitely work attire and high heels (see below), but I love being able to wear these casually too. I wound up getting a smaller size since my original post, which fixed the loose waistband and allowed me to wear them this way - I wouldn't have been able to tuck in a shirt before. I'm surprised how much I like this look though and think a loose racerback tank (like this one) would also work well. Would you wear printed pants casually? 

Inspiration photo: FabSugar

T-shirt: Forever 21, $8 (similar)

Pants: H&M, $18 

Belt: H&M, $18

Shoes: Michael Kors c/o Marshall's, $50 (similar)

Purse: c/o Karen Millen, $235 (similar, vegan)

Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $79

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $49
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $32 and $39

Original post

1. Limited 2. Old Navy 3. Topshop 4. Chico's

Today's Everyday Fashion: I Love NYC

Can we just talk about how fashionable people are in NYC?! I was doing my best not to stare, it was so inspiring! I also did the typical "nothing in my closet will ever work" panic before I left. I got the notice I was selected for the Old Navy event on Friday afternoon, and Wednesday morning I was on a flight to NYC, so I didn't have tons of time. I came up with this outfit by combining some of my favorite pieces, and wound up wearing this outfit not once, but twice on Friday. I wore the flat sandals version for lunch with my friend Katie and to the Old Navy event. I changed into my runway clothes (blue top + white jeans from yesterday), and then at dinner with my sorority sisters I spilled food all over myself (so lame). I couldn't clean my blue shirt since it's silk, so I switched back to this outfit. I love the military vibe, and it was easy to transition. What would you wear for visiting NYC? 

Jacket: c/o Conversation Pieces, $45 (similar, similar, similar)

Shirt: Rock & Republic c/o Kohl's, $8 

Shorts: American Eagle, $25

Top shoes: Nine West/DSW, $60

Bottom shoes: Colin Stuart/MJR Sales, $29 (similar, similar, similar)

Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $98

1, Charlotte Russe 2. Express 3. Charlotte Russe 4. Romeo & Juliet Couture

Proof I wore this in NYC ;-)

Today's Everyday Fashion: Old Navy Runway Show

Last week Old Navy gave out more than 600 free pairs of Rockstar Skinny Jeans in NYC! I was one of 15 bloggers selected to participate in the fun and strut my stuff on a runway in Bryant Park. My experience was much like any other woman who participated that day. You showed up, entered a room FULL of jeans (picture below), and the staff helped you pick out colors and sizes (go 1-2 sizes up, they advised). With jeans in hand, we made our way back to the makeshift fitting rooms to try them on and pick a pair that we liked. I had brought a few different shirts with me (contents of the yellow bag, above), and white was an easy choice to complete my outfit. Jenny McCarthy was there to emcee the event, and hundreds of beautiful women in all shapes and sizes (see mash up picture below) worked the runway, it was fun to watch. I loved the event concept and seeing how much everyone enjoyed their time to shine. What color jeans would you choose? Have you ever walked a runway? 

UPDATE: watch the video we shot here!

Jeans: c/o Old Navy, $19

Shirt: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales, $21 (similar, similar, similar)

Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $138

Shoes: Colin Stuart/MJR Sales, $29 (similar, similar, similar)

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $39
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $79 and $32 and $39

Shooting a video for Style TV

Behind-the-scenes

From the Old Navy Facebook page

Jenny McCarthy on stage

This post is sponsored by Old Navy. Shop online or In Stores and find your perfect-fitting pair of The Rockstar skinny jeans at Old Navy.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Real Life?

I've been feeling a bit under the weather this week, so my regularly scheduled outfit photos have not happened yet. In place of those, let's dissect this celebrity outfit I *attempted* to re-create last week, shall we? I love Solange's outfit, crazy patterns and all! But this is one that did not translate into real life for me. I like hers a lot better than mine, but it feels too busy when I'm wearing it, even without the necklace. I'll leave it up to you guys to decide for yourselves though. Do you think Solange's outfit works in real life? Would you wear it?

Inspiration photo: FabSugar

Shirt: Limited, $31

Shorts: Limited, $30

Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $228

Shoes: Diba/Nordstrom Rack, $40 (similar search "winni")
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $49
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59 and $32 and $39

1. Limited top 2. Forever 21 top 3. Urban Outfitters top 4. Gabrielle Rocha top

Random sidenote: a lot of you have been asking for alternates to my Karen Millen crossbody bag, and I stumbled upon this beauty yesterday! Prices range $50-120, see caption for websites I could find that carry it.

1. Piperlime 2. Endless 3. eBags 4. LBB

Today's Everyday Fashion: Textures

There are many ways to add interest to an outfit - color being the one I am personally drawn to the most, but texture is a close second and can make all the difference in the world. In today's outfit, the lime skirt feels like soft tweed, the blazer is silky and has pocket details, the shirt resembles chiffon with a pleated neckline, and the shoes are python embossed. Texture can add zest to an outfit and make inexpensive materials seem more expensive than they are. I love mixing together different textures, especially within the same color family like today's look. What are your favorite clothing textures and how do you mix them together?

Inspiration photo: Lucky
Blazer: Banana Republic, $35
Shirt: Love 21, $22 (similar)
Skirt: Limited, $25 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $24 (similar, similar)
Earrings: local boutique
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $49
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59 and $32 and $39

1. Nordstrom blazer 2. Michael Kors blazer 3. Jones New York blazer

Today's Everyday Fashion: Fall Colors

I was browsing through inspiration photos on my computer recently, and landed on this one. I love her outfit and was so excited when I realized I had all the pieces I needed to re-create it. The F21 blazer I picked up in August (from this post) was the final piece to the puzzle, and I flipped the skirt/shirt color scheme based on what I already had in my closet to achieve a similar but more muted tone. I just love finding new combinations created from old pieces and this one in particular is making me crave fall! Would you wear these colors?

Inspiration photo: FabSugar

Blazer: Forever 21, $25

Shirt: TJ Maxx, $15 (similar, similar)

Skirt: Limited, $35 (similar, similar)

Belt: H&M, $18 (similar)

Boots: c/o Chinese Laundry, $150

Purse: c/o Karen Millen, $235

Necklace: My Stella & Dot website charm $17
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $49
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59 and $32 and $39

1. Limited blazer 2. Topshop blazer 3. Nordstrom blazer 4. Macy's blazer

Today's Everyday Fashion: Sightseeing in NYC

Instagram

Last week I visited NYC and stayed with one of my best friends from college, Meg. We spent a day sightseeing and this is what I wore! We hit up Top of the Rock, had lunch in Bryant Park, tried on jeans at Century 21, visited Freedom Tower and ended in Times Square with a run through Forever 21. The weather was gorgeous (hot even), and this dress and flats could not have been a more comfortable choice. The dress is a cotton material and I love the print and loose fit. Meg and I also took tons of photos, which I took way too seriously as you will see below. ;-) What would you wear for sightseeing in NYC?

Dress: H&M, $30

Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $138

Shoes: Macy's, $10 (similar, similar)

Purse: c/o Karen Millen, $235

Sunglasses: Banana Republic, $22

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $39
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $79 and $32 and $39

1. Calvin Klein dress, $49.98

2. Sonia Rykiel dress, $192

3. Tibi dress, $50 (to rent)

4. American Apparel dress, $65

5. JcPenney dress, $20

Me and Meg

The Top of the Rock

My best Zoolander impression (I was dying laughing!)

The Freedom Tower!

Times Square

Today's Everyday Fashion: CFL Blog Con

Yesterday I attended CFL Blog Con and this is what I wore! I had an event in NYC the night before, barely any sleep, and went to the conference fresh off the plane. I bought this dress at Forever 21 in Times Square, and so it was easy to grab out of my suitcase and throw on. I love how comfortable it is, and the pumpkin color is to die for. I usually wouldn't recommend buying a sheath/work-type dress from Forever 21, but this dress is an exception because the fabric is super-soft and it looks much more expensive than it is. Unfortunately this dress is not work-appopriate on me due to how short it is (story of my life), but on someone who is a different height, this dress would be the perfect office find. I'm also considering having it altered at the waist, but I like it loose so we'll see. 

Overall we had such a great conference this year, and I was thrilled to be a part of the planning committee, and to present some Facebook tips at one of the sessions. Over 200 attendees, more than 20 speakers, amazing sponsorships like Ford, lunch provided by Bahama Breeze, a Yelp afterparty, and a cool location at the Orlando Science Center. Huge props to Bess Auer who was the head honcho, and I loved meeting so many cool people in Orlando. My only regret was not getting to meet/talk to every single one of you! It was a great event!

Dress: Love 21, $20

Shoes: Colin Stuart/MJR Sales, $29 (similar, similar, similar)

Necklace: local boutique

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $49
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $79 and $32

Sheaths under $50!

1. Forever 21 sheath, $13.50 (2 colors)

2. Target sheath, $13.98

3. Coldwater Creek sheath, $35.99

4.  Macy's sheath, $39.98 (3 colors)

5. Macy's sheath, $39.98 (4 colors)

6. ModCloth sheath, $49.99

7. Ann Taylor sheath, $49.88 (2 colors)

At the Yelp afterparty

Fellow planning member Brian intros my session

Break out session by niche, with the fashion blogging group

Win an Outfit from Red Dress Boutique! [now closed]

Lavender top, three ways

I'm so excited to introduce a new boutique to you guys today - the Red Dress Boutique! They are fully stocked with tons of adorable clothing, and I want every single necklace from their jewelry section. Today I'm sharing eight outfits I put together using their clothes (all items are borrowed, not my own). The best part is that one lucky reader will win an outfit of their choice. (Or the equivalent in gift card form to the Red Dress Boutique, $175.) We will select a winner at random on Saturday, Sept. 22. Good luck, and here's how to enter:

1. Keep in touch with Red Dress Boutique on Facebook here.
2. Comment below letting us know which outfit you would like to win!

I love the versatility of this lavender top - it can be worn as a tunic with skinny jeans or leggings, or you can tuck it in and wear it as a shorter shirt. These taupe pumps with a fun python detail are also a great neutral and an easy transition into fall!

Lavender tunic, $39
Mint skirt, $40
Mint jeans, $48
Teal jeans, $39
Multicolor necklace, $29 and Neutral necklace, $39 (worn together)
White necklace, $48
Taupe pumps, $49

Aztec print, three ways

I love a good aztec print and this shirt is a great fall version of the trend. It works equally well with bright colors and neutral colors, as well as with dressy heels or casual flat boots for running errands on the weekend!

Aztec shirt, $40
Mint jeans, $48
Teal jeans, $39
White necklace, $48
Multicolor necklace, $32
Taupe pumps, $49
Brown boots, $54

How could I not love this blouse in my favorite color, mustard? I wear mustard with absolutely everything, from a warm weather look like mint jeans, to a fall colors like burgundy and rich brown. It's a great neutral that will mix and match with tons of items in your closet!

Mustard shirt, $36
Mint jeans, $49
Teal jeans, $39
Neutral necklace, $39
Multicolor necklace, $29
Taupe pumps, $49
Brown boots, $54

This post is brought to you by Red Dress Boutique. All opinions and editorial ideas are my own.

Congrats Chrysta!!