Today's Everyday Fashion: Crochet Peplum






This is what I wore for a long, action-packed day this weekend including lunch out, letting a friend use my vehicle to move furniture, and a family birthday dinner. Pictures were taken in the backyard before dinner (I love the orange grove!), and when my photographer kept shooting after I said stop, I started goofing off and I wound up liking the candid shots even better. :-) This new top is one of the prettiest things I've ever had the privilege to wear. Crochet lace + peplum, plus my favorite kind of denim (distressed) and my favorite kind of pump (nude) = well, pretty much one of my favorite outfits ever. What are your absolute favorite styles that you come back to over and over again?

Top: Lily + Violet c/o (C. Russe, F21)
Jeans: American Eagle, $33
Nude pumps: Enzo Angiolini/Piperlime, $32
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $118
Purse: Michael Kors, Santa
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3


Silver Jean  /  Forever 21  /  American Eagle
ASOS  /   American Eagle  /  Paige

Today's Everyday Fashion: Luck of the Irish

Inspiration: Pinterest



Monochromatic looks are always welcome in my book, so why not use the St. Patty's Day holiday as an excuse to try it? You'll notice that in each version I kept one item neutral - in the first it's nude pumps, in the second the necklace is more neutral, although I think a plain gold pendant would look even better. Try using the green you have in your closet to come up with something fun this year! What green items do you plan to wear?

Shirt: Express, $25 (similarsimilar)
Jeans: Lauren Conrad c/o Kohl's, $34 (similarsimilar)
Nude pumps: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $17 (similar)
Turquoise pumps: Forever 21, $22 (similar, similar)
Bubble necklace: H&M, $18 (redeem the offer on my Facebook page for $16 bubble necklaces!)
Short necklace: Windsor Store c/o
Clutch: Charisma Boutique c/o (similar)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3

Old Navy  /  Macy's  /  Gap
Stella & Dot  /  Limited  /  Stella & Dot
Piperlime  /  JcPenney  /  ModCloth

Today's Everyday Fashion: Concert Chic

Inspiration: Windsor Store



I have a serious thing for concert tees: Madonna, Journey, Springsteen. Which is ironic because I don't really like concerts.* Some friends have speculated that it's because I get claustrophobic in crowds, or I can't sit still for long, or maybe I'm just not cool enough for the concert scene. For now, I will continue rocking on vicariously through the clothes on my back, like today's concert tee meets camo-and-other-sparkly-things combination. What kind of concerts do you like to attend? Do you wear concert tees?

*Full disclosure: I have attended Kelly Clarkson and Ludacris concerts (not on the same night) and really enjoyed both of them. I also love the ballet.

Leather jacket: Victoria's Secret, $257 (vegan, vegan)
T-shirt: Forever 21, $16 (similarsimilar, similar)
Pants: Zara, $63
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $89
Shoes: Chinese Laundry c/o
Purse: Michael Kors, Santa
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3

Kohl's  /  Gap  /  Forever 21  / Urban Outfitters
Piperlime  /  Kohl's  /  Forever 21

Today's Everyday Fashion: Transitional

Inspiration: Pinterest


Spring is so close I can feel it. I'm craving pastels, and leopard is a good transitional print so this J.Crew-inspired look was just the thing to bridge the gap. Speaking of spring, I've got fringe swimwear on the brain, which was a hot trend last summer but I could never find one for a good price. This year I'm getting started early, see my shopping picks below. What spring items are you craving most?

Shirt: Ann Taylor, $20 (similar, similar)
Jeans: Gap c/o
Belt: Urban Outfitters, $20 (similar, similar)
Necklace: Ily Couture c/o (redeem the offer on my Facebook page to get any bubble necklace for $16)
Shoes: Banana Republic, $60 (similarsimilarsimiilar)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3

Today's Everyday Fashion: Studded Pumps

Inspiration: Kate Spade


Top look: I may not own a sprinkled donut sweater, but that didn't stop me from re-creating this Kate Spade look. I paired a similarly-hued aztec tee with a navy polka dot pencil skirt, and while it's a tad busy, I do kind of appreciate the quirkiness for a creative office environment. Makes the work day more fun, no?

Bottom look: I like this outfit even more and can't wait to wear it. I got these shoes last year and was on the fence about them at first, but I love them to death this year. Studded pumps are everywhere, I'm trying stop myself from buying pretty much every pair pictured below.

Which outfit do you prefer? Would you wear studded shoes?

Blazer: H&M, $37 (similar, similar, similar, similar, similar)
Shirt: Express, $25 
Skirt: Banana, $50 (similar, similar, similar)
Jeans: H&M, $32 (similar, similar, similar)
Nude pumps: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $17 (similar)
Pink pumps: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $27
Earrings: My Stella & Dot, $34
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3

JcPenney  /   BCBG  /  Vince Camuto
Lola Cruz  /  Betsey Johnson  /  Schutz
Schutz  /  Steve Madden  /  Michael Antonio

Win $50 x 3 to Southern Swank Boutique! [now closed]


I'm so excited to introduce ya'll to Southern Swank Boutique today! They have a retail store in Nashville, North Carolina and offer tons of fun, affordable clothing online as well. Today, we are giving away THREE $50 gift cards to three lucky winners! To enter:

1. Comment on this post with a link to your favorite item from the Southern Swank website.

We will select three lucky winners at random on 3/19. Thanks so much for entering!


Congrats to our winners!





Today's Everyday Fashion: Lilac Lace





I bought this shirt imagining that I would wear it in a boho look with distressed denim and ankle boots. Instead I went for decidedly feminine first, with girlie bow shoes and more pastels. I love both necklaces and couldn't pick a favorite so I'm sharing both, plus for a limited time all bubble necklaces at Ily Couture are only $16 (original price $49) when you claim the offer posted on my Facebook page (look for the image below). Which necklace is your favorite? How would you wear this top?

Facebook

Top: Ann Taylor, $30
Skirt: LOFT, $55
Shoes: Lauren Conrad c/o Kohl's gc, $28
Left necklace: Ily Couture c/o (redeem the offer on my Facebook page to get any bubble necklace for $16)
Right necklace: My Stella & Dot, $114
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3

Today's Everyday Fashion: Skirt Options







I had so much fun wearing this skirt this weekend! I have a tough time finding full skirts that I really like, but I had a good feeling about this one when I spotted it online. I really like the thick waistband at the smallest part of my waist, flat front with more pouf in the back, and thick, ribbed material. I went for classic black and ivory for my first outfit, but plan to pair it with fun colors this summer. What is your favorite fit of skirt and why?

Shirt: Forever 21, $6
Cardigan: Express, old
Skirt: Harmony Belle c/o, $36
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $118
Purse: Michael Kors, Santa
Shoes: Chinese Laundry c/o (same)
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Collective Concepts  /   Dillard's  /  Piperlime
Banana Republic  /  Hazel   /  Dillard's  /  Anthropologie
ASOS  /  LOFT  /  Limited

Fashion With a Cause: Noonday




Necklace  /  Necklace
Earrings  /  Clutch
Bracelet  /  Bracelet  /  Bracelet

To say that I love fashion with a cause is an understatement. Especially when the items are so stinking cute! Today's photos feature accessories from Noonday, a company that sells fair-trade and locally made goods from across the globe, in hopes of assisting artisans struggling for a better future while styling us pretty along the way.

My friend Melonie sells Noonday as an Ambassador, and when she asked me to style some pieces and offered to take photos (she's also a photographer - check out her website Imago Photography), I said yes please! (I was in no way compensated for this post.) I think you will agree that the gear I'm rocking is pretty amazing, now if only I wasn't having the worst hair day ever it would be even better. :-)

Please check out Melonie's Noonday website, along with some other friends of mine with fashion companies for a cause:

Melonie - Noonday
Lindsey - 4 Love
Katie - Elegantees
Lizzie - Market Colors

What similar fashion companies do you support? Which outfit is your favorite?




Necklace  /  Necklace
Bracelet  /  Bracelet
Ring  /  Belt

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Printed Cardigan

Inspiration: Tory Burch



Printed cardigans... I adore them, but they can be difficult to style! This one reminded me of the retro cardigans at Tory Burch, so it was an immediate "yes" while shopping. After I got it home though it took me awhile to figure out what to do next. I want to try print-mixing a la the inspiration photo soon, but for now stuck with a solid navy top for running errands this week. Despite the wardrobe puzzle these cardigans create, I love so many of the options below and plan to stop in New York & Co. next week to check out the three pictured. Are you a fan of printed cardigans?

Cardigan: Limited, $30
Shirt: Banana Republic, $20
Belt: H&M, $20
Jeans: UnionBay c/o Kohl's, $23 (similar, similar)
Heels: Nine West c/o, $62 (similar, similar)
Flats: Michael Kors/Marshalls, $50 (similar, similar)
Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot, $34
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4

Zappos  /  Gap  /  New York & Co.  /  Old Navy
New York & Co.  /  LOFT  /  Anthropologie
J.Crew Factory  /  Anne Klein  /   New York & Co.  /   LOFT

Today's Everyday Fashion: Pink Bubbles




I wore this yesterday for lunch and errands. I like combining polka dot tops with bubble necklaces, because the shapes are similar without being too symmetrical. My pink bubble necklace looked best with this top (I own light pink, turquoise, yellow and burgundy), and so pink jeans were an easy match. I originally threw on nude pumps, but the black ones are more comfortable and have a slightly lower heel so I went for those for practicality sake. Which shoes do you like better?

Shirt: Windsor Store c/o, $26
Jeans: Target, $22
Purse: Michael Kors, Santa
Necklace: Ily Couture c/o
Nude pumps: Enzo Angiolini/Piperlime, $32
Black pumps: Chinese Laundry c/o (same)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot, $34
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4

Skirt   /  Top   /  Skirt

Also... I stopped in Target yesterday for household supplies and got completely distracted by all the cute clothes in their spring collection. Hands down my favorite piece is the Blue Willow printed skirt (top left). I also bought the other two pieces I tried on, but not sure if I'm keeping them yet. The pink tweed is adorable in person but doesn't look great in pictures. I wish they had more things in my size so I could have tried all of them on, but these are the pieces I was drooling over. Which one is your favorite?


Skirt   /  Skirt  /  Skirt
Top  /  Top  /   Top  /   Top  /   Top
Dress  /  Dress  /  Dress  /  Dress  /  Dress

Today's Everyday Fashion: If The Boot Fits




This dress is way too much fun - my favorite color (mustard!), pockets, and a fun silhouette. When it arrived, I noticed the brand name is"Just J," which just seemed appropriate because I could see this dress eliciting that response from a friend: "This dress is just J!" (Yes, my friends really call me J; it's a nickname that started in grade school.) I also want to try this dress with a stretchy belt and pumps, but today it's all about the boots, see below!

Dress: Harmony Belle c/o, $49
Belt: Gap, $40 (similar, similarsimilar)
Boots: Chinese Laundry c/o
Necklaces: Banana Republic, Stella & Dot
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4

Vince Camuto $120   /   Dolce Vita $100  /   Nine West $68

You may recall my hunt for the perfect pair of boots in this post. Welp, I ordered three of the eight pairs I featured from Amazon, and thought I'd share the results with ya'll. My first thoughts: why do the boots look so much darker in person than they do online? Also, why do boots never fit my calves? I ordered a size 9.5 in all three boots, and as you can see they are all pretty loose, although not as bad as some boots I've tried on. The middle pair doesn't have a zipper (you just slide them on) and oddly they seemed to fit the best around my calves.

Conclusion? I think I'm sending all three back, although the middle pair are awfully tempting to keep at that price, and I like the color best! What brands / stores do you recommend for boot shopping?

Today's Everyday Fashion: Jamberry





I was perusing my closet for outfit ideas for my new cobalt blazer yesterday, came up with this colorful ensemble, and it immediately reminded me of childhood book Jamberry. It's a book I loved as a kid about a bear looking for berries (I had to Google it to remember the name), and it's full of colorful illustrations that look good enough to eat. Did you ever read Jamberry as a kid? Would you wear this look?

Blazer: Forever 21, $30
Shirt: Limited, $15 (similar)
Skirt: Limited, $35 (similar, similar, similar)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Earrings: My Stella & Dot, $34
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4

Shoes

Also... I bought these bow shoes yesterday and had to share! Only $28, I love the Kate Spade vibe, and they have a built-in cushion that is dreamy. I also tried on the items below - kicking myself for not getting the camo shirt, and I bought the chambray (far right) dress but not sure if I'm keeping it yet!

Dress   /  Shirt  /   Dress

Win a Bow Blouse from Page 6 Boutique! [now closed]

Bow blouse

I'm so excited to share these ah-dorable new arrivals from Page 6 Boutique today! They sent me a box to try on, and I only wish I got to keep everything because how cute is this stuff?! I would love to wear any of these outfits - and everything pictured is from Page 6 Boutique, only the shoes are my own.

In addition to sharing some new arrivals, Page 6 is also giving away a bow blouse (pictured above) to one lucky reader! Everyone who comments today will be automatically entered into the giveaway. Color of the blouse is your choice, dependent on availability, and a winner will be randomly selected on 3/12. Good luck!

Which outfit is your favorite?

Dress  /  Dress
To shop these items, call 803.548.0559 or go here
Top ,  Skirt  /  Dress
To shop these items, call 803.548.0559 or go here
This is a sponsored post. Thanks for reading!

Congrats to our winner!



Today's Everyday Fashion: Mint Condition

Inspiration: FabSugar



Naomi Watts inspired me to pair mint jeans with layered neutrals for this comfy outfit on a recent trip to San Francisco. My packing strategy was to bring three pairs of shoes - ankle boots, pumps and these loafers - that were all the same color, so that all of my shoes could be worn with any outfit in my suitcase. I wound up wearing it with ankle boots (it was chilly), but I love the loafers pictured even more. Would you wear Naomi's look?    

Leather jacket: Banana Republic, $150
Sweater: H&M, old (similarsimilar)
Jeans: Gap c/o
Belt: H&M, $18
Shoes: Michael Kors/Marshalls, $50 (similarsimilar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot, Banana Republic
Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar, similar)

Wyatt  /  Elie Tahari  /  Piperlime
Neiman Marcus  /  Mango  /  Charlotte Russe
Nordstrom  /  ASOS

My January & February Budget





Here's a recap of everything I bought in January and February! Items on my wish list that I crossed off include mint jeans, nude pointy toe pumps, a sheath work dress, cobalt blazer, and dark skinny jeans. I also picked up a bunch of t-shirts for casual days and a few fun, trendy items like the neon anorak. But my overall goal was to buy quality versus quantity, and pieces that I will wear to death. What items have you invested in this year? What items are on your spring wish list? 

1. Zara jacket, $90 (similar, similar, similar)
2. Zara jacket, $40 (similar, similar, similar)
3. F21 mint jeans, $25
4. F21 mint tank, $7 (similar)
5. J.Crew shirt, $35 (similarsimilar)
6. Piperlime pumps, $32
7. DSW Audrey Brooke, $20 (similar)
8. Gap t-shirts, $9

= $258

1. This jacket was a huge chunk of my budget, but well worth the investment. I've already worn it ten times and plan to love it for years to come. It was on sale, original price $130.
2. Another sale purchase (I don't recall the original price) and another classic ladylike jacket that I'll love forever. I have nothing similar in my closet.
3. After a year-long hunt, I finally crossed off mint jeans on my wish list! I also acquired these Gap mint jeans c/o.
4. An undershirt / summer tank in the perfect shade of mint.
5. I added yet another silk campshirt to my collection with this top from J.Crew. I couldn't pass up the in-store sale price; the Blythe blouse is usually $110 full price.
6. My hunt for nude, pointy toe pumps ended when I found this brand-name pair for a steal online.
7. Buying out-of-season sometimes pays off, like these sandals on sale at DSW (original price I believe is $90). I will be wearing them a ton this summer.
8. I used $20 in Gap rewards to get these three t-shirts for $9 total. I love the neon colors (periwinkle, orange and pink) and they are perfect for casual days.











1. Banana dress, $50 Christmas gift card
2. H&M jeans, $32 (similar, similar, similar)
3. Limited anorak, $37
4. F21 cobalt blazer, $30
5. F21 Journey shirt, $18
6. Limited cardigan, $30
7. Express cardigan, $27
8. Express aztec t-shirt, $25
9. Limited belt, $20
10. Ann Taylor lace shirt, $30
11. Old Navy mint tee, $10 (similar)

= $259

1. I've been on the hunt for classic work sheaths in fun colors and this one was $70 in the store (only petite sizes), plus an extra 25% off sale promo. I used a $50 gift card from Christmas so only wound up paying a few dollars for it.
2. My hunt for the perfect pair of dark, slightly distressed denim ended - of all places - at H&M! I never buy jeans there, who knew? I used a 20% off coupon on the original $40 price tag.
3. I fell in love with this fun anorak online and had to have it. In-store price was $49, and I used a coupon for an additional $15 off.
4. I featured this blazer in this blog post and wound up ordering it. Looks great in person, I can't wait to wear it.
5. I featured this baseball tee in this blog post and wound up ordering it!
6. I unwrapped a piece of chocolate when I entered the store that was good for 40% off everything full-price, which I used on this Tory-Burch-esque cardigan.
7. I've worn my similar sweater coat to death, and thought a thinner version would be a perfect staple for Florida weather. It was on promo for $39 in the store, plus I used a coupon for another $15 off.
8. This shirt is way cuter and more neon in person. I used a coupon to get $15 off.
9. This belt was an instant "yes" for me - I want to spend the day on a yacht and wear a navy blazer with gold buttons. It also kind of reminds me of an underwear band, but I'm comfortable with that. I used a 40% off coupon. 
10. I was shopping with a friend and tried on this sale shirt and fell in love. I want to style it in a boho outfit, stay tuned.
11. Another great casual t-shirt, found on clearance.

My monthly budget is $250 (I had a little left over from December). For more info, please see "How to Set a Clothing Budget."

Today's Everyday Fashion: Juxtapose






My favorite fashion trick is definitely juxtaposing two "opposite" pieces. Hard and soft, feminine and masculine - like leather and lace, or the edgy t-shirt and preppy jacket in today's look. Thanks to the lovely Marie Denee for snapping these photos while we were in San Francisco, and you can see the previous way I wore this graphic tank here. What are your favorite items to juxtapose?

Navy jacket: Zara, $90 (similarsimilarsimilar)
Shirt: Windsor Store c/o, $17
Belt: H&M, $20
Jeans: UnionBay c/o Kohl's, $23 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Nine West c/o, $62 (similar, similar)
Aviators: Banana, old (shop similar)
Purse: Karen Millen, gift
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3

Nasty Gal / Forever 21
Revolve / Wildfox Couture / Forever 21
Forever 21 / Nine West

Today's Everyday Fashion: Airport Style






You wake up at 3:30am, spend eight hours flying and are planning to site-see in San Francisco as soon as you land - what do you wear? This was what I rocked for that very occasion on Tuesday. It was a little chilly when I arrived so I added a cardigan under my jacket, but otherwise I felt comfy, casual but still stylish. I covered my tired eyes with my favorite Banana aviators and I was ready to rock (SF is gorgeous by the way, wish I could've stayed longer!). 

Also: I re-enforced the large hole in these jeans with an iron-on patch (like this one). It is one of my favorite tricks for keeping distressing in tact and not allowing any skin to show through!

Jacket: Gap, $52 (similarsimilarsimilarsimilarsimilar)
Shirt: Forever 21, $18 (similar)
Jeans: H&M, $32 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Belt: H&M, $20
Boots: HCB c/o (same, similar)
Purse: Karen Millen, gift

Instagram
Urban Outfitters / Anthropologie
 Limited Forever 21 
Banana Nordstrom 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Spring Fever




I might be a tad over-eager for spring to get here. I can't wait to wear neon, bright colors and skirts! I busted out my spring ideas a little too soon when I wore this outfit in Orlando recently. The venue + weather didn't match the outfit and I felt silly, but confidence is 99% of the battle so I rocked it and didn't let it ruin my night. It was a friendly reminder that you can love an outfit, but it also has to make sense within the setting. ;-) I also carried a bright blue leather clutch, not pictured, but same color as my shirt, see it hereWhat spring fashion are you most looking forward to?

Shirt: Moda c/o MJR Sales, $24 (similar, similar, similar)
Jeans: Limited, $15 (similar, similar)
Heels: Flirt Catalog c/o, $25 (flatswedgesheelspumpspumps)
Necklace: Shop Ethereal c/o, $25
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3