Today's Everyday Fashion: Navy and Black

Inspiration: WhoWhatWear

I wore this on Wednesday for a birthday dinner! I paired an old favorite, the skirt, with a recent purchase, the jacket, to make it feel new again. I also got wild and mixed navy and black together, a la my inspiration photo (my jacket, shirt and skirt are all blue). Also, check out the tweeted/Instagrammed pictures below - Zara had tons of cute coats at their end of year sale, but ultimately this one was my favorite and the most practical for Florida. It's super-soft, textured, with frayed edges. Even on sale it was more than I would normally spend, but one of my goals this year is to buy less items, but items that I absolutely adore. (Although I did find some really cute (and cheaper) jackets during my search for similar ones, see links below!) Would you wear navy and black together? 

Navy jacket: Zara, $90 (similar, similar, similar, similar, similar, similar)
Navy shirt: Banana Republic, $50 (similar, similar)
Navy skirt: H&M, $30
Black pumps: c/o Chinese Laundry (same)

Black purse: Michael Kors, Santa
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website 1, 2
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website 1, 2, 3, 4

Banana / Nordstrom / Banana Bebe / Ann Taylor / American Apparel

Trying on coats at Zara via Instagram (@jseverydayfashion)

Today's Everyday Fashion: Bright Blazers

Inspiration: Refinery29

Wearing this much black is totally out of my comfort zone, however, when I saw this outfit I thought - what a clever way to wear a bright blazer! And if you are someone who wants to start wearing more color, I think this could be a great first step. It really is as simple as wearing all neutrals with a colorful jacket or blazer over it. What color blazer would you choose to wear with all-black?

Blazer: Banana Republic, $69

Sweater: Express, old (similar)

Black jeans: Gap, $35 (similar)

Shoes: Me Too/Marshall's, $28 (similar, similar, similar)

Purse: Michael Kors, Santa

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website 1, 2
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website 1, 2, 3

J. Crew / Old Navy / Macy's Gap / Kohl's / Forever 21

Today's Everyday Fashion: Loud

Inspiration: Madewell

I was re-creating this outfit in my room. I had on the reddish top, the pink jeans, and leopard heels - and I felt bored. Somehow, it was just not as much fun (or as loud) as the inspiration. The burgundy necklace was the missing piece - similar color as my shoes, and her belt. If a more low-key look is your style, you could easily switch to blue or black jeans, or remove the necklace. How would you wear this look? 

Shirt: J.Crew, $35 (purchased in store 1/3/13, no coupon)

Blush jeans: Target, $22

Necklace: c/o Page 6 Boutique, $35

Shoes: Banana Republic, $60 (similar, similar, similar, similar)

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website 1, 2
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website 1, 2, 3

Urban Outfitters / Kohl's / LOFT Vince / Kohl's / Calvin Klein / Juicy Couture

Today's Everyday Fashion: No Nonsense

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of No nonsense. All opinions are 100% mine.

I recently received a pair of No nonsense tights and leggings to try out, and these are the outfits I came up with! Let's start with the burgundy tights - I love the color, and the fit was incredibly comfortable, because they have control top but were not cutting into my waist. I paired them with a skirt in a similar burgundy color and my new loafers to keep the bottom half dark. For the top half I experimented with wearing mustard or leopard, but finally settled on a pale pink top and H&M plaid blazer.

The corduroy leggings were my next challenge. I've never tried a pair of these before and wasn't sure how to style them, but was impressed with how comfy they are! Air travel immediately came to mind; I think corduroy leggings would be the ideal thing to wear on a long flight. So I started with a shirt that is long enough to cover my back side (following the same guidelines as what to wear with regular leggings). A cozy sweater and ankle boots finished off the look. 

Which outfit is your favorite? How would you wear corduroy leggings? 

No nonsense tights and leggings are affordable and great for women on a budget. They can be found at food and drug stores, as well as mass retailers across the country. Check out the video below featuring fashion expert Jill Martin, and be sure to keep in touch with No nonsense on Facebook!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Mixed Results

Inspiration: Shopbop

I have several inspiration photos saved that mix dark polka dots with leopard, and finally decided to give it a try with my own clothes. Initial attempts did not yield good results (I also have a navy polka dot skirt that I tried with leopard shirts). But I was surprised at how much I liked this top and skirt together, especially with the gray tones mixed in. Would you ever attempt polka dots and leopard?

Shirt: J.Crew, $45
Skirt: c/o Style by Marina (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Belt: Gap, $3
Shoes: Banana Republic, $50 (similar, similar, similar)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website 1, 2
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website 1, 2, 3

Piperlime / Lauren Conrad / Free People Urban Outfitters / Old Navy Hurley  / Forever 21 / Forever 21

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Plaid Blazer

Inspiration: WhoWhatWear

I have never been one to follow the rule "if you haven't worn it in a year, then toss it." I bought this blazer in 2006, and although I haven't worn it in years, I'm very thankful I held onto it! It went out of style for awhile but since it still fit and I still loved it, I kept it at the back of my closet until it felt right to rock a plaid jacket again (this is four days in a row that my posts have included plaid!). See how I wore the jacket last year here, and tell me - would you wear a plaid blazer?

Blazer: Express, old

Shirt: Ralph Lauren outlet, $20 (similar, similar, similar, similar, similar)

Jeans: Limited, $37 

Belt: H&M, $20

Pumps: c/o Nine West, $62 (similar, similar)

Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar)

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

Rings: My Stella & Dot website 1, 2
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website 1, 2, 3

Lauren Ralph Lauren / ModCloth / BB Dakota Target / Fred Perry

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Pleated Skirt

Skirts this shape don't look great on me, however, I've gotten a lot of requests to post something other than skinny jeans or pencil skirts, so I'm taking one for the team. ;-) Wearing a sweater over the waistband (look #1) is better for my body type (because the heavy sweater weighs down the pleats along the top), however, depending on your body type a shirt tucked in (look #2) could fare better. I love pleated skirts even if they don't love me, and I've been wanting to try a leather or brocade one, see shopping picks below. Which look is your favorite? Do pleated skirts work for you?

Sweater: Banana Republic, $22
Skirt: c/o Windsor Store, $23
Shoes: Me Too/Marshall's, $28 (similar, similar, similar)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $39
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59 and $79

Plaid: Old Navy, $17 (similar, similar, similar)

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

Skirt: c/o Windsor Store, $23

Belt: H&M, $20

Boots: c/o HCB Boutique, $54

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

Rings: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $39

Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59 and $79

Jack / Lands' End / Vince Camuto Tommy Hilfiger / C. Russe / Guess

Elegantees Flash Sale for Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Elegantees is a modest clothing line created by my friend Katie Martinez in NYC. Her mission is twofold - create affordable clothing, and raise money for women rescued from sex trafficking in Nepal. In honor of Human Trafficking Awareness day, Elegantees is offering a flash sale of the aptly named "Hope" dress for just $25 all weekend long. Sales provide sewing jobs, help the women restore their dignity and give them hope for their future. Regular retail price is over $50, so not only are you getting a great deal, but you are also supporting a great cause!

GO HERE to shop for "Hope."

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Job opening: in other Elegantees news, Katie and I are working on an exciting opportunity (think TV network that sells clothes) and need a third member for our team. We are looking for someone who is capable of translating ideas into hand or computerized sketches that show construction, are easy to work with (communication will be primarily with a production manager in NYC), and the ability to make patterns and to sew is a plus, but not required. Someone living in NYC or able to travel to NYC also a plus, but not required. To apply please email your resume and any design examples to Katie at katie@elegantees.com.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Blue Plaid

Inspiration: J.Crew

I bought this plaid shirt two years ago and it has been a favorite of mine ever since. I was excited to look back on all the ways I've worn it so far, but I also feel like this is barely scratching the surface of its potential. How would you wear blue plaid? Which look is your favorite?

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

Plaid shirt: Forever 21, $18

Black jeans: Gap, $35 (similar)

Belt: H&M, $20

Boots: c/o Chinese Laundry (just ordered this similar pair from Piperlime - I hope they fit!)

Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar)

Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington, $199

Rings: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $39 and $49
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59

Lands' End / Target / Columbia Eddie Bauer / Old Navy

Today's Everyday Fashion: Plaid Jeans

Inspiration: FabSugar

I used to be the kind of shopper that let the sale section dictate what I bought. I would only buy things on sale, and only buy things because they were on sale. Now, I plan out a wish list, set a budget and consider myself to be pretty organized. That said, these plaid jeans are a throwback to my old ways because I only gave them a second look since they were on sale! As soon as I tried them on, I was happy the sale sign had pointed me in their direction though. I love their quirkiness, and I can envision them styled in different ways. I wore this black rock-n-roll version last weekend, but I also have some preppy outfits in mind (think navy/ivory/cognac) that I will be posting soon. Would you wear plaid jeans?

Leather jacket: Victoria's Secret, $257 (cheaper)

Tank: Forever 21, $8 (similar)

Jeans: Limited, $20

Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $138

Purse: Michael Kors, Santa

Boots: Cynthia Rowley/TJ Maxx, $85 (similar, similar)

Pumps: c/o Chinese Laundry, $99

Rings: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $39
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59 and $79

Tommy Hilfiger / Gabriella Rocha / AG Jeans Limited / Loehmann's / Tilly's

Today's Everyday Fashion: Color of the Year

Inspiration: Pinterest

Emerald was just named the color of the year (no really, it was). I personally plan to celebrate all year long, and decided to kick things off with an emerald + mustard + turquoise + leopard combo I spotted on Pinterest and have been meaning to try ever since. What's your favorite way to wear emerald?

Trench: New York & Co, $50 (similar, similar, similar, similar)

Sweater: LOFT, $17 (similar, similar)

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

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

Shoes: Banana Republic, $60 (similar, similar, similar, similar)

Purse: Emma Fox c/o Ross, $60 (same)

Michael Kors / David Kahn / Gabriella Rocha Madewell / Gap / J.Crew

Today's Everyday Fashion: Pastel

Inspiration: Atlantic Pacific

I was dreaming of sunny springtime wearing this outfit around Orlando yesterday. It's been unusually warm and I wanted a way to wear my new blush jeans. I loved wearing it, but I can also appreciate that pastels aren't for everyone. (See similar pencil skirt outfit here.) Would you wear head-to-toe pastels?

Mint cardigan: Limited, $18 (J.Crew, Urban, Forever 21, C.Russe, Gap)

Oxford shirt: Ralph Lauren outlet, $20

Blush jeans: Target, $22

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

Necklace: c/o Ily Couture, $39

Rings: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $39
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59 and $79

Gap / Lands' End / Brooks Brothers / Ralph Lauren / American Apparel

Today's Everyday Fashion: Tartan

Inspiration: This Time Tomorrow

My recreations are usually not this literal, but it's also not very often that I have such similar pieces already in my closet! I never would've thought to put these pieces together and I'm surprised how much I like the end result. Blue jeans instead of the skirt would also work, and I'll be searching for more creative ways to wear this red plaid shirt. Would you wear plaid + leather + colorblocking together?

Leather jacket: Victoria's Secret, $257 (cheaper)

Plaid: Old Navy, $17

Skirt: Limited, $39 (similar, similar) (pants, pants, pants)

Pumps: c/o Chinese Laundry, $99

Purse: Michael Kors, Santa

Rings: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $39
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59 and $79

Lands' End / Limited / Sandra Ingrish / Forever 21 / Forever 21 / Piperlime

Today's Everyday Fashion: One Top, Four Ways

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I had no idea how versatile this top could be when I purchased it. Sometimes when I buy things I have a clear vision for how I will wear them, but that was definitely not the case with this shirt. In fact, my only idea was to pair it with a gray pencil skirt. I had faith that I would stumble upon more creative ideas, and so far these are the looks I've done - two are from past posts, and two are new. How would you wear this shirt? Which look is your favorite?

1. Top: Lauren Conrad c/o Kohl's, Cardigan: Gap, Necklace: c/o Ily Couture, Jeans: TJ Maxx, Shoes: Banana Republic
2. Original post
3. Original post
4. Inspiration: LOFT, Top: Lauren Conrad c/o Kohl's, Blazer: Express, Jeans: Target, Necklace: Stella & Dot, Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales

Old Navy / Piperlime / New York & Co. Lauren Conrad / True nyc / Lauren Conrad

Today's Everyday Fashion: Aztec x 2

Inspiration: Pinterest

I simply can't get enough of the aztec trend! The top outfit I wore around cold and rainy Orlando yesterday. (See how else I wore the sweater here.) The bottom outfit is just for fun and I would love to wear with thick tights (light or dark gray) in a colder climate. (See outfit with similar skirt here.) Aztec trend: yay or nay? Which outfit is your favorite?

Sweater coat: c/o Amour Boutique, $54 sold out

Mint shirt: Forever 21, $7

Jeans: c/o Ross, $13 (similar, similar)

Belt: Gap, $40

Boots: Steve Madden/Endless, $47

Rings: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $39 and $39
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59 and $79

Sweater: American Eagle, old (similar)

Skirt: c/o Express gift card, $30 (similar, same?)

Boots: c/o HCB Boutique, $54

Earrings: My Stella & Dot website, $34

Rings: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $39
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59 and $79 

Amour Boutique / JcPenney / Elan International Nasty Gal / Old Navy / Boutique to You

Today's Everyday Fashion: Hamburglar

Inspiration: FabSugar

I love this striped shirt, but am scared of looking like the Hamburglar in it, so neutrals are the way to go! I especially love pairing black pieces with brown, so her idea of a trench coat and brown belt was right up my alley. How would you wear these stripes? (See another way I wore it with turquoise and camel here.)

Trench: New York & Co, $50 (old)

Shirt: c/o Francesca's, $34 (similar, similar, similar)

Jeans: Vigoss c/o Nordstrom Rack, $40

Necklace: Banana, old

Belt: H&M, $20

Purse: Emma Fox c/o Ross, $60 (same)

Pumps: c/o Nine West, $62 (similar, similar)

Rings: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $39
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59 and $79 and $79

Express / Nicole Miller  / New York & Co. Rachel Zoe / Anne Klein / NM Last Call

Today's Everyday Fashion: Sparkle

Inspiration: NajaDiamond

While looking for ways to wear my new sequin cardigan, I stumbled upon this picture - how great does she look?! As you know, I'm all about using inspiration but also adapting it to work for my own closet and body type, and in this case a white collared shirt was too busy on my frame. I encourage you guys to do the same with outfits I post everyday - make them work for you by changing a pencil skirt an a-line, for example. I love the end result of both outfits above. Would you wear sequins + army pants?

ps. I'm sporting my one, big Christmas present this year! I explored black handbag options in this post, but Santa wound up bringing me this buttery-soft Michael Kors crossbody that I absolutely love.

Cardigan: Limited, $20

T-shirt: J.Crew, old

Pants: Zara, $63

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

Purse: Michael Kors, Santa

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

Urban Outfitters / Sierra Trading Post / Monkee Genes  / Big Star CoutureCandy / Killah / Juicy Couture / Target

Today's Everyday Fashion: Celeb vs. Real Life

Inspiration: FabSugar

Reese Witherspoon looks adorable, but let's face it - sometimes celebrity looks just don't hold up in real life! I bought this Gap hat on a whim last week and immediately regretted it. Her hat is arguably cuter (mine is a bit Pilgrim-esque), but I also just feel silly wearing a fedora out and about. Would love to hear what you think though - does this celebrity outfit work in real life? Where would you wear it? 

Navy sweater: Gap, old (similar)

Shirt: Mudd c/o Kohl's, $20 (similar, similar, similar)

Jeans: Gap, $30 (similar, similar, similar)

Hat: Gap, $10

Boots: c/o HCB Boutique, $54

Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar, vegan)

Urban Outfitters / Avon / Nine West Zappos / Piperlime / Macy's

Today's Everyday Fashion: Happy New Year!

It's going to be a tad chilly tonight, so I'm deciding between these options for accessorizing my dress! This dress is pretty green in person (same shade as the cardigan) so I think #1 is my favorite, but cast your vote in the comment section below!

ps. I have bronchitis and I'm a wheezing, coughing mess today. I got my first-ever spray tan yesterday and I'm giving it all the credit for masking how gross I feel in these pictures. Also, no post tomorrow so I'll see you guys on Wednesday! Happy New Year!

Dress: c/o Rent the Runway, $85 (to rent)

Green cardigan: H&M, $18 (similar)
Green necklace: Stella & Dot, $118
Tuxedo blazer: c/o Express, $55 (similar, similar)
Silver necklace: Stella & Dot, $198
Pink blazer: H&M, $37 (similar, similar)
Earrings: local boutique
Ring: c/o Bakers, $5
Bracelet: c/o Ily Couture, $49 (free shipping w. code JSFASH)
Metallic shoes: Guess/Marshall's, $30
Black shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $24

Today's Everyday Fashion: Last of 2012

Inspiration: Zara

It's the last of 2012 and while I'm not posting a collage of favorite outfits (see Outfits tab for some favorites), I can't help but wax nostalgic. In some ways 2012 was great - I reached goals I never thought possible (50,000 Facebook fans), and had some amazing experiences (Sierra Leone). But this was also my most difficult year, with family illness and serious personal trials; it was a very sad time. It was with pleasure that I escaped to the world of fashion for just a moment with you everyday, and I want to thank you for joining me this year. 2012 ends on a happy note, and I'm optimistic about what 2013 will bring. Here's to a very merry - and fashionable - 2013. Cheers!

About my outfit: I skipped my usual winter uniform of skinny jeans for a comfy striped skirt and boots yesterday. Also, pretty sure I'm wearing this dress tonight for NYE, but I will let you know!

Blazer: Gap, $75 (similar, similar)

Shirt: Banana, $20 (similar)

Skirt: Limited, $25

Boots: c/o Chinese Laundry, $180

Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar, vegan)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $39
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59 and $79

Banana Republic / Forever 21 / Banana Republic Sanctuary / Buffalo / Gap