Today's Everyday Fashion: Bright Blues

Inspiration: Refinery29





I never seem to tire of pairing my two favorite colors together - bright cobalt and electric blue. (See it in an office look here.) My inspiration photo convinced me I should try these colors yet again - this time in a dressy shorts look with low heels and a new necklace. I plan to wear this out to brunch, or for a casual dinner on a hot night. Would you wear bright blues?

Shirt: Moda c/o MJR Sales, $22 (similar, similar)
Shorts: Gap, $28
Shoes: Forever 21, $22 (similar, similar, sandals)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $118
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3

Today's Everyday Fashion: Fresh Take

Inspiration: Chictopia email



I wore this blazer and denim combo last year (here) and am loving the fresh take with mint and ankle-strap shoes. If I owned an office here in Orlando, then this is what I would wear. I remember seeing a picture of Jenna Lyons in her office wearing a blazer and distressed jeans probably 10 years ago and I wanted to be her! She still rocks this style today and I totally would too. ;-) Where would you wear this look? 

Blazer: Banana Republic, $69 (similarcheaper)
Shirt: Express, $25
Jeans: American Eagle, $33 (similar, similar)
Shoes: H&M, $35 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Necklace: Windsor Store c/o
Purse: Michael Kors, gift
Rings: INPINK c/o, My Stella & Dot 1
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3

Today's Everyday Fashion: Solange Style

Inspiration: WhoWhatWear


I present you with a graphic sweater circa 2007, found hanging in the back of my closet. Solange inspired me to dust it off, and made me feel totally okay with mixing ivory (the sweater) and white (the skirt). And then I followed her lead for topping everything off with two-toned shoes. So basically she gets all the credit. Although the wrinkled skirt is totally my fault and I promise to iron it before I leave the house. :-) Would you wear Solange's outfit?

Sweater: Target, old (similarsimilar, similar)
Skirt: Banana Republic, $35 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $25 - similar below
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3

Express  /  Forever 21  /  Steve Madden
Target  /  Marc Fisher  /  Chinese Laundry  /  Chinese Laundry
Express  /  Sole Society  /  Gianni Bini


Today's Everyday Fashion: Shoe Strategy

Inspiration: Oscar de la Renta





Today's inspiration photo is like an assault on my eyes, but I like it. I thought - hey, why not try toning it down, so I added nude pumps and left the pom poms off my blazer. That still felt a little wild, so I grabbed a basic tee with a light blue print that matches my jeans. Now I was happy and could see myself wearing it for a lunch meeting. And taking it a step further -  the last one with sandals is even more true to real life and what you would find me wearing for errands. 

Also, my shoe strategy: buy nude sandals that can be a casual replacement for nude pumps. The idea being that anything I normally wear with nude pumps, I should be able to slip on the sandals and have them match that outfit. What makes a sandal suited to replace a nude pump? I think two things: 1. There has to be some substance/weight to shoe - so a strap around the ankle, or a slight wedge. 2. The material has to be "dressy," so nude patent leather and gold accents is what I usually go for. All of the sandals below I think make great replacements - which pair is your favorite? Which version of today's outfit do you like best? 

Jeans: Forever 21, $16
Blazer: H&M, $37 (similar, similar, similar)
Blue shirt: Moda c/o MJR Sales, $20 (similarsimilar)
White shirt: Gap, $3 (similarsimilar)
Heels: Enzo Angiolini/Piperlime, $32 (similar, similar, similar)
Flats: Dolce Vita c/o DNA Footwear, $65
Purse: Ann Taylor, $30 (similar)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4

Nine West  /  BCBGeneration  /  Dolce Vita
Nine West  /  Sol Sana  /  Report
Boutique 9  /  Unlisted  /   Boutique 9

Today's Everyday Fashion: Lakeridge Winery


Inspiration: Nasty Gal


Who knew Florida made such great wine? I spend the afternoon at Lakeridge Winery this weekend and learned they produced more than a million bottles last year and their wine is delicious. The weather, however, wasn't delicious as it had been chilly and raining all weekend. I wanted close-toe shoes to keep my tootsies dry, but thought jeans might be too hot, so a Coachella-inspired high low dress with an army jacket is what I settled on. What kinds of outfits do you wear when it is raining?

Jacket: Conversation Pieces c/o (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Dress: Ross, $19
Belt: Gap, $40
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $89
Boots: HCB c/o (same, similar)
Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar)

Karen Kane  /  MinkPink  /  Dillard's  /  ModCloth
Roxy  /  ModCloth  /  Gabriella Rocha
Old Navy  /  Angie  /  Old Navy  /  DEPT

Today's Everyday Fashion: Polka Dot Denim





Polka dots are cute, chambray is cute, so why not combine the two into a fun trend? I've been seeing this style everywhere lately and wanted to give it a try. Polka dot skinny jeans were my original goal (I tried on the Limited pair below and loved them) but ultimately I spotted this fun skirt in a lightweight chambray and simply couldn't resist. Are you a fan of this trend? What polka dot chambray items would you wear?

Top: LOFT, $27 (similarsimilar)
Skirt: Francesca's, $38 
Belt: H&M, $5
Shoes: Lauren Conrad c/o Kohl's, $28 (similar, similar, similar)
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4

Line & Dot  /  Piperlime  /  Forever 21
C. Wonder   /   Urban Outfitters   /  Lauren Conrad
Forever 21  /  Forever 21  /  ASOS   /  Limited

Today's Everyday Fashion: Shorts Inseam Lengths






I wore the shorts version of this outfit for a shopping trip on Thursday! I like the skirt even more, but I went for comfort with shorts, even though I don't love the inseam length on this particular pair. It can be really helpful to determine your ideal inseam length(s) before you shop. For reference, the pair I'm wearing is about 2 inches. Over time I have figured out that my ideal inseam length is 4 inches. Inseams range from .5 inch to 2 inch daisy dukes, to a mid-range of 4-6 inches, and then the next step is generally a bermuda measuring 11-15 inches. Figuring out what inseams you prefer and looking for that length on the tag before you try shorts on can save time. What inseam length do you prefer?

Cardigan: Limited, $30 sold out (similar, similar)
Shirt: Gap, $5
Skirt: LOFT, $30 (similar, similar)
Shorts: Rewind c/o Kohl's, $12 (similar, similar)
Belt: H&M, $20
Sandals: Nine West/DSW, $60 (similar)
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Old Navy  /  Forever 21  /  Angie  /  LOFT
ECI  /  Urban Outfitters  /  Banana
Banana  /  Limited  /  Calvin Klein  /  Forever 21

Also... this might be my favorite shopping list of all time, because I want all of it!! I only own two items so far (the LOFT and Limited tops), however, I am on a hunt for all of these or similar dupes very soon. I'm loving tops with a bohemian feel that have scarf print, crochet details and paisley prints, as seen in the top row. Crochet skirts are also on my wish list (I'm way late to this party) as well as the perfect yellow sheath top (peplum optional). I loved the Limited striped top when I tried it on so much, I had to have it!

Last but not least, I'm loving these Calvin Klein shoes but not the price tag so I will keep looking, and I've had my eye on this emerald graphic tee for a couple weeks and after this week's events, well, I just might take the plunge. (I spent four years living in the North End, Central Square and Belmont.) What items are on your wish list this month?

Introducing: Walmart's The Fitting Room!


Somebody pinch me!!! My videos are now up on Walmart.com!! You might remember that I traveled to San Francisco in February, where I met up with Walmart for a video shoot. I got to see all the adorable clothes in person, and shoot two videos about summer trends. I learned that Walmart's The Fitting Room is packed with fun clothes that you won't find in stores, such as Tina Knowles' "Miss Tina" line; see some of my personal favorites below. Then head to Walmart's The Fitting Room to shop and watch my videos! Go HERE and HERE. Hope you enjoy!!

Some of my favorites from Walmart.com.




Behind the scenes.
This dress is ready for its close up.
The wardrobe options I brought with me.
A rare serious moment while we go over scripts.
This is a sponsored post. All opinions and editorial decisions are my own. Thanks for reading!

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Bow Belt





I debuted this skirt on Easter and had requests for more outfit ideas with it. I haven't had a chance to wear today's outfit yet, but plan to wear it for church soon! My first outfit included a mint peplum top and floral necklace (see it here), but this time I went for all neutrals to let the skirt shine. I simply couldn't resist adding the same bow belt again though. I'm loving the trend and think a bow around the waist is the perfect touch of girlish whimsy. Bow belts: nay or yay?

Shirt: Banana Republic, $35 (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: LOFT, $40
Belt: Limited, $15 sold out
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini/Piperlime, $32 (similarsimilar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $118
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4

~ Bow belts under $50 ~
ASOS  /  Nordstrom
ModCloth  /  Yoox
ASOS  /  Betsy Johnson
Jessica Simpson  /  Miss KL
Lily Pulitzer  /  Betsy Johnson
Vince Camuto  /  Lily Pulitzer

Today's Everyday Fashion: Nautical Emerald





Last night I was headed to the CFL Lady Bloggers meet up and snapped these photos on my way out the door. I was running late (as usual) so I started trying on dresses from last year including this emerald number. I wore it with turquoise and yellow last summer, so I went for a different vibe by adding my favorite anchor necklace, nautical belt and blue bow shoes. Would you wear emerald + nautical together? What style of emerald dress is your favorite?

Dress: Nordstrom Rack, $22 last year
Belt: Limited, $20
Anchor necklace: Serenity Blue, $35 (similar)
Shoes: Tailor & Stylist c/o, $45
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

ASOS  /  Amazon  /  Nordstrom  /  Jessica Simpson
ASOS  /  Target  /  Nordstrom  /  Charlotte Russe  /  Piperlime
Forever 21  /  Target  /  Lands' End

Win $50 to Amour Boutique!


So excited to present a fun giveaway today to one of my favorite boutiques - Amour Boutique! With two locations in Alabama and one fabulous website you can shop 24/7, I had a blast trying on all of these clothes (only the shoes and a couple accessories are my own, the rest is borrowed!). One lucky reader will win $50. To enter:

1. "Like" the Amour Boutique Facebook page, and leave a comment below with a link to your favorite item from Amour Boutique.




Each action counts as one entry, you can do just one, or enter twice. We will select a winner at random on 4/23. Thanks so much for entering, good luck!

Top  /  Jeans
Top  /  Jeans  /  Necklace
Dress
Dress  /  Necklace
Dress  /  Necklace
Dress
Dress  /  Necklace
Dress  /  Necklace
Dress  /  Necklace
Top  /  Jeans  /  Necklace

This is a sponsored post. A percentage of proceeds will be donated in honor of the victims of yesterday's Boston Marathon tragedy. Thanks for reading!

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Baby Shower







Today I'm giving you a little variety, so you can pick your favorite shoes with this outfit! I wore pair #1, the cap toe flats, to my friend Michelle's baby shower this weekend. Flats felt the most comfy and the most appropriate for the venue (a friend's house). The first time I wore this skirt (here), I went with basic black, but this time I wanted something colorful. I think pretty much any bright color top and necklace combo would work with this skirt! Which shoes are your favorite?

Top: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales, $24 (similar, similar)
Skirt: Harmony Belle c/o sold out (similarsimilar, similar)
Necklace: Ily Couture c/o
Flats: Me Too/Marshalls, $28 (similar, similar)
Pink heels: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $27 (similar, similar)
Black heels: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $24 (similar)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4

Also, what do you guys think of the latest Target designer collaboration with Kate Young? Here are some of my favorites:
Blazer  /  Shorts  /  Clutch  /  Shoes
Dress  /  Dress  /  Boots  /  Dress
Dress  /  Dress  /  Dress  /  Dress

Behind the Scenes Video: Gainesville Fashion Week!




Hey guys check out the first episode of my new reality show!!

Okay, so I'm kind of kidding. But I'm trying something new and so excited to share the first video - a behind the scenes look at hosting Gainesville Fashion Week! I've got a bunch more videos planned to take you along during fun events, and other fashion-y aspects of my daily life. Let me know what you think of today's video, and what other topics you are curious about and would like to see!!

XOXO,
J.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Printed Shorts






I loved printed shorts last summer and this summer I think I love them even more! I prefer to pair a slim fitting bottom like skinny jeans or today's shorts with a much looser top, so I'm showing you two versions. One is neutral and slightly more dressed up with a lilac lace top (see it with a pencil skirt here), and the amped up version is paired with a neon tee and colorful sandals. I would wear both for errands on a casual day when the temperature is hot. Would you wear printed shorts?

LEFT
Shorts: American Eagle, $35
Lilac top: Ann Taylor, $30
Sandals: Nine West/DSW, $60 (similar)
Necklaces: American Eagle, $5 (similar)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4

RIGHT
Shorts: American Eagle, $35
Top: Gap, $3 (similar, similar, similar)
Turquoise sandals: Express, $15 (similar)
Watch: Target, $20 (similar)

Reverse  /  Julie Brown  /  American Eagle
Quiksilver  /  Reverse  /  7 For All Mankind
Twelfth  /  Gap  /  Forever 21
J.Crew  /  LOFT  /  Lily Pulitzer

Today's Everyday Fashion: Old Favorites






New clothes are amazing, but nothing gives my heart joy like finding new ways to love what I already own. I've had this skirt for a few years, and was surprised to find how fresh it feels this spring. I've styled it many different ways, but never paired with an orange red top, and I like the bold contrast. I'm also totally tempted by skirts #5, 9 and 11 below, thanks to my search for similar floral skirts online. How do you make old favorites feel new again? Would you wear a floral skirt?

Skirt: J.Crew, $48
Shoes: Bandolino/TJ Maxx, $22 (similar, similar)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4

1. Jones New York  /  2. Pendleton  /  3. Nordstrom  /  4. Forever 21
5. ModCloth  /  6. Ann Taylor  /  7. LOFT  /  8. Dillard's
9. Gibson  /  10. Arden B  /  11. Amazon  /  12. Urban Outfitters

Today's Everyday Fashion: Celebrity Inspired

Inspired by: Who What Wear




This Olivia Palermo look is one of my all-time favorite celebrity outfits. I wish I could afford her actual outfit (those shoes!) but for now I will stick to the closest thing I've got hanging in my closet.  I love the high heels for a night out, or for a more casual backyard soiree (where I wore it a couple weeks ago), then earthy sandals will do. Would you wear Olivia's outfit? What shoes would you wear?

Skirt: Express c/o, $30 (same, similar)
Top: Express, $25 (similar, similarsimilar)
Heels: Colin Stuart/MJR Sales, $24 (similar, similar)
Flats: Nine West/DSW, $60 (similar)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4

- 80's inspired fashion -

Blu Bijoux  /  American Apparel  /  Boutique to You
Dillard's  /  Charlotte Russe  /  Target  /  Neiman Marcus
ASOS  /  Adidas  /  Mink Pink

Also - in celebration of The ‘80s: The Decade That Made Us, a three-night series on National Geographic starting April 14th at 8pm EST, I'm sharing some of my favorite 80's fashion. I'm pretty sure I will never tire of neon. Ever. :-) What are your favorite 80's trends?

Today's Everyday Fashion: Cobalt Blazer x 2

Inspired by: Club Monaco


Top look: I loved the cobalt/yellow/mint color combo from the inspiration photo so I tried it with my own clothes. I'm also holding my Easter present - a buttery soft light yellow Coach bag I found for a steal at the Coach outlet. I'm fickle about purses, so the jury is out on whether or not I'm keeping it. (Trying it on with different outfits in my room seems like the best way to decide!) I was originally wanting a blush purse a la my shopping picks below, but the yellow is tempting.

Bottom look: Here's another way to wear this blazer (and show your team spirit). I wore the second outfit to the Orlando Magic game a few weeks ago!

Which outfit do you like better? Would you rather have a light yellow or a blush handbag?

Blazer: Forever 21, $30
Shirt: MJR Sales c/o, $14
Jeans: Gap c/o
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini/Piperlime, $32
Purse: Coach, $120
Necklace: Windsor Store c/o (similar)

Blazer: Forever 21, $30
Shirt: H&M, $15 (similar)
Jeans: H&M, $32 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $24 (similar)
Purse: Michael Kors, gift
J. Crew  /  Marc Jacobs  /  Botkier
Cambridge Satchel  /  Anthropologie
Guess  /  Calvin Klein  /  DKNY

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Boucle Jacket

Inspiration: People

Skirt is navy blue.


Boucle jackets are a recent obsession of mine. I bought two on clearance in January from Zara, including the one I'm wearing today. They come in many shapes and colors (as you can see below) but they have a texture in common that I love for the visual interest and sophistication they add to an outfit; I almost feel like the First Lady when I'm wearing one. I like the idea of pairing boucle jackets with something trendy like peplum or t-strap shoes like in today's look, or masculine touches such as leather or graphic tees. Have you ever worn a boucle jacket? Why or why not?

Jacket: Zara, $40
Top: Express, $25Navy skirt: Limited, $25 (similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $118
Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $24 (similar, similar)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4

D.E.P.T.  /  White House  /   Mango  /  Nordstrom
Maison Scotch  /  Lucky  /  Jennifer Lopez
Charlotte Russe  /  Piperlime  / Mango

Today's Everyday Fashion: Day at the Park





The scene: it's Sunday afternoon, I'm exhausted from hosting Gainesville Fashion Week the night before, didn't get enough sleep, but the weather is gorgeous and I want to get outside and enjoy the beautiful day. I hit up brunch and coffee and then head to the park to read. (I'm holding "The Sacred Romance" - an old favorite; we are doing the workbook in Bible study right now.) I don't have a blog post planned for tomorrow, so I decide to snap some photos to share. As for my attire? I was exhausted (bags under my eyes and all), but I was feeling girlie and wanted something to pretty that would fit the Florida scenery. A dress and flat sandals was easy, comfortable, and matched my mood. What good books have you read lately? What would you wear to the park to read?

Dress: Francesca's c/o, $44 sold out
Belt: Forever 21, $5 (similar)
Necklace: Red Dress Boutique c/o sold out
Shoes: Diba/Nordstrom Rack, $40 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Page 6 Boutique c/o sold out (similar, similar)
Sunglasses: Banana Republic, $26

Forever 21  /  Forever 21  /  Target  /  Old Navy
Tulle  /  BCBG  /  ModCloth  /  Wallis
JcPenney  /  ModCloth  /  ModCloth  /  Kohl's

My March Budget

Limited  /  American Eagle (similar)  /  Forever 21  /  Lord & Taylor
Banana (similar)  /  Limited  /  Limited  /  American Eagle (love this one)
American Eagle  /  LOFT  /  Limited  /  Express


After a six week hiatus from the mall (unintentional, I was swamped), I spent an afternoon shopping and spent my March budget all in one day. And what a day it was - I was emotional and my mood definitely affects what I buy. I wound up with fun, unique and "loud" pieces and hardly any staples, because hey - I was looking for fun things that would lift my spirits. :-)

The other reason I wound up with so many fun items is because I didn't have a wish list. I often stress how important I think it is to have a list during shopping. Whether it is a certain color of jeans I want acquire, or a type of shoe (such as flat sandals), I like to mostly stick to that list and then also get a couple unplanned pieces that catch my eye. But the double-whammy of not having a list and being emotional? That's how I wound up with all "sizzle" pieces. I'm letting it slide this month, but next month I will be back to a more disciplined routine!

1. Limited dress, $26 - This dress was on promo plus I used a coupon, so I got it for a steal. It was an Easter contender, and I plan to use it for on-camera and work functions.
2. American Eagle dress, $46 - Can you say obsessed? This might be my favorite dress ever. I love the boho vibe and white dresses in general.
3. Forever 21 dress, $20 - Another fun piece for a night out that I talked up in this post.
4. Lord & Taylor top, $10 - The one item I bought before I hit the mall. I ordered it online due to the crazy low price (it was originally $78).
5. Banana necklace, $26 - Wait, I didn't need another statement necklace? A girl can never have too many in my opinion, and I love the sweetness of this one.
6. Limited belt, $15 - A bow belt just seemed necessary at the time. And the tough zipper detail is perfection.
7. Limited belt, $15 - A black belt with zebra heads also seemed necessary (did I mention I was in the mood for fun?). It's like a statement necklace for your waist.
8. American Eagle top, $38 - More bohemian love. This navy, slightly sheer top is my favorite kind of top to wear on weekends. Looks great with my coral fringe sandals for summer.
9. American Eagle shorts, $35 - I love printed shorts but I especially love these because they are denim. And American Eagle's "midi" fit is my favorite inseam length for shorts.
10. LOFT skirt $40 - I wanted this for Easter. I had already bought the bow belt and realized it would match. It was a bit more than I wanted to spend (they had a 40% off promo going in the store), but to save time and so I could wear it for the holiday, I went for it.
11. Limited cardigan, $17 - The only item I might return. I love this kind of colorblocking so much, I'm just always afraid I will tire of it quickly.
12. Express top, $25 - Mint and peplum? Say no more. And I love high necklines like these for statement necklaces.

Total = $313
Forever 21  /  Target
Forever 21  /  Forever 21

Also thought I'd share my little "head start" on April's budget. I ordered these three Forever 21 items online. I saw the camo shorts in person and they are awesome - way baggier and not nearly as short.  The jeans and t-shirt will totally depend on what they look like on. And I bought the neon orange fringe swim suit at Target. I love the fit!

What were your favorite March purchases? What items are on your April wish list?

For more info see "How to Set a Clothing Budget."