My May & June Budget

Calvin Klein $130  /  Gap $32  /  F21 $25 (similar, similar, similar)
F21 $20 (similar)  /  Banana Outlet $36 (similar, similar)  /  Gap $9
Total = $252

Here's what I bought with my May budget! My #1 priority this month was finding a nude, buttery soft leather handbag. After searching for a few weeks, I snapped up this Calvin Klein from Saks Off Fifth for a steal. (And have been wearing it non-stop ever since.) The bag took up the majority of my budget, and the remaining items were fun items I found for good prices and couldn't pass up.

Banana $30  /  Gap $14  /  Forever 21 $30 (similar, similar, similar)
Forever 21 $17  /  LOFT $21  /  Guess/Marshall's $25 (similar, similar)
LOFT $18  /  Forever 21  $30  /  Gap $16
Limited $21  /  Gap $20
Total = $242

I'm also sharing a little preview of my June budget. Several of these items I'm not 100% sure about. I haven't seen the Forever 21 items in person yet, and I'm on the fence about the mint Limited shorts.  But here's what I've got so far. My goal for June was shorts and clutches - and that took up about half my budget. I was also hoping to find nude wedges, and had planned to spend up to $75, but found these on clearance at Marshall's for only $25. The mustard sweater was an investment for fall, to replace my current beloved mustard sweater that is looking worn, and the neon cardigan, crochet dress, camo tee and necklace were fun items to add some pizazz to my closet.

 What are your favorite recent finds? What's on your wish list for summer? 

For more info, see "How To Set a Clothing Budget." 

Tropical Prints

Inspiration: FabSugar

Palm prints and flamingos are trending this summer, so I was excited to wear a top from last year that incorporates both trends. (If you look closely it has palm leaves and flamingos printed on it.) See last year's outfit with the top here, and my current top picks under $80 are below! Would you wear a palm or flamingo print?  

Cardigan: H&M, $18 (similar, similar)
Top: Target, $13
Jeans: Gap, $30 (similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $79
Purse: Melie Bianco c/o, old (similar, similar)
Shoes: Guess/Marshall's, $25 (similar, similar, similar)
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
 Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2,  3, 4

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BB Dakota  /  Juicy Couture  /  Victoria's Secret
 Eight Sixty  /  JcPenney  /  ModCloth
Tilly's  /  Mango  /  Macy's

Go Blog Social

Inspiration: Rag & Bone

People ask me about blogging more than any other subject, which is why I'm spilling the beans as the Friday Finale speaker at Go Blog Social in Kansas City on Aug. 2nd! I could not be more excited to meet bloggers in my home state, and share my secrets and personal career story. Early bird registration ends June 15th, so go here to get your tickets before prices go up. I hope to see you there! :-)

Top: TJ Maxx, $15 
Skirt: J.Crew, $45 (similar, similar, similar)
Belt: H&M, $18
Shoes: Nine West c/o, old (similar, similar)
Purse: Karen Millen gift, old (similar, vegan)
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
 Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2,  3, 4, 5

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Anne Klein  /  Banana Republic  /  Old Navy
 Old Navy  /  BB Dakota  /  DEPT
 Out of Print  /  Ellen Tracy  /  Anne Klein

My top is from last year, so here are some pretty blue alternatives that would also work with a mustard pencil skirt or jeans! 

Pink Boucle

Inspiration: Harper's Bazaar

I'm sharing another favorite inspiration photo today - and while I wish I had similar pieces in my closet (I love her jacket and trousers!), the photo did inspire me to pair a hot pink skirt with a ladylike boucle jacket. 

Also - the Milly collaboration at Banana Republic caught my eye this weekend - the store looked so pretty! I shared some of my favorite pieces below. I'll be using these money-saving tips to hopefully score both tops on sale. Are you a fan of this collaboration?

Jacket: Zara, $40 (similar, similar)
Shirt: Saivana c/o, old
Skirt: Banana Republic, $20 (similar, similar, similar)
Necklace: Banana Republic, $20 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar, similar)
Pumps: Enzo Angiolini/Piperlime, $32 (similar, similar, similar)
 Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
 Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4

Dress  /  Dress  /  Dress
Scarf  /  Skirt  /  Top
Top  /  Shorts  /  Dress

ps. I'm so honored to be featured on the LIly and Violet website this month! Check out my "One Top, Three Ways" feature on their blog here, and shop all my favorite summer pieces via the "J's Summer Favorites" tab here. 

Neon Monochrome

​Inspiration: Vogue

I wore this outfit to the movies last weekend. The inspiration photo has always been one of my favorites and I don't think I could ever top it (or try for that matter - my look isn't meant to be an exact replica), but I did enjoy wearing this neon outfit with a monochromatic feel. Would you wear a monochromatic look? 

Top: Old Navy, $15
​Jeans: Gap, $32
​Necklace: Ily Couture c/o
​Nude purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar, similar)
​Sandals: Dolce Vita c/o DNA Footwear, $65
​Pumps: Enzo Angiolini/Piperlime, $32 (similar, similar, similar)
​Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
​Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4

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Dress  /  Top  /  Top
​Top  /  Dress  /  Top
​Purse  /  Top  /  Shoes
​Top  /  Top  /  Top
​​

I returned an old online F21 order, which means I've got store credit to spend. Here's what caught my eye on the website, and what I wound up ordering!

Row 1: I'm obsessed with crochet everything and ordered the dress.
​Row 2: Fun July 4th options! I want the striped peplum.
​Row 3: I ordered the bag! Very curious to see how it looks in person.
​Row 4: Love F21 graphic tees, and ordered the camo one.

A Stripe Idea

Inspiration: J.Crew

I love finding new ways to wear this striped shirt from last year! I never would've thought to pair it with lavender, baby blue and yellow, so I'm thankful to have stumbled upon the J.Crew image. You can see more outfits with this top here, here, and here. How would you wear this striped top?

​Top: Limited, $31 (similar, similar)
​Jeans: Kohl's c/o, old (similar, similar, similar)
​​Shoes: Bandolino/TJ Maxx, $25 (similar, similar)
​​Necklace: Ily Couture c/o 
​​​Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
​Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4

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​Via Instagram

​Shorts  /  Top  /  Necklace  /  Clutch
​Top  /  Dress

​Also - here are some fitting room pictures from yesterday's shopping trip. I like sharing these in hopes of doing some of the legwork for you! These were my favorites at LOFT. I loved everything but only bought the clutch for now. Which one is your favorite?

Nostalgia

​Inspiration: Brooklyn Blonde

This purple + pink color combo evokes a strong sense of nostalgia for me. I was a huge tomboy as a kid - my favorite toys were G.I. Joe and an Erector Set - but I also had a girlie streak with Lisa Frank stickers and pink and purple galore. The other nostalgic part of today's post is the white purse. I've had it for three years, and with the recent resurgence of the white accessories trend, it felt like a good time to pull it out of the closet. I'm on the fence whether it feels dated or not, so I did some shopping to see what else is out there - my favorites under $250 are below. Would you carry a white purse? Which ones do you like?

Top: J.Crew, $45 (same top, similar, similar, similar, similar, similar)
​Jeans: Gap, $30 (similar, similar)
​Necklace: Ily Couture c/o
​Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, old (similar, similar)
​White purse: Juicy Couture/Macy's, $250
​Nude purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar, similar)
​Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
​Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4

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Dooney & Burke  /  eBags  /  ​Ted Baker
​Michael Kors  /  Cole Haan  /  Calvin Klein
​Ralph Lauren  /  Rebecca Minkoff  /  Michael Kors

​Via Instagram

How I wore this color combo in downtown Orlando last night!​

Hot Summer Days

The heat has officially arrived here in Florida, which means daytime outdoor activities call for breezy ensembles like this one. I wore this on Sunday for lunch and window shopping.  When temps are high, I turn to tricks like polka dots shorts, funky color combinations and bubble necklaces to spice things up. How do you have fun with style in extreme heat?

Shirt: Forever 21, $22 (similar, similar)
Shorts: Old Navy, $20
Necklace: Ily Couture c/o
 Shoes: Dolce Vita Archer Flat Sandal c/o DNA Footwear, $65
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar, similar)
 Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
 Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4

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J. Crew  /  Forever 21  /  Forever 21
 NM Last Call  /  ASOS  /  J.Crew Factory
 Forever 21  /  Urban Outfitters  /  Dillard's
  

Win $100 to Piace Boutique [Now Closed]

I'm so excited to introduce a new boutique today! Piace Boutique has two locations in Indiana, as well as an adorable online store you can shop 24/7. They stock affordable, trendy styles on a budget, and also feature brands like Free People. Today I'm showing you how 6 different dresses fit (clothes are not my own and were borrowed), plus we are giving away a $100 gift card to one lucky reader! To enter:

1. Comment with a link to your favorite PIace Boutique item.
2. "Like" Piace Boutique on Facebook. 

We will select one reader at random on 6/7. Good luck and thanks for entering!

​Dress

​Dress

Dress

​Dress

​Dress

​Dress

 This is a sponsored post. Thanks so much for reading and participating!

 Congratulations to our winner!  

Office Jeans

​Inspiration: People

I dig Cameron's pairing of colorful skinny jeans with all neutrals. I was inspired to get out my gray suit jacket (I own one suit - a jacket and skirt combo) and loved the end result. It's been a couple years since I worked in an office environment, but if I were to attempt bright skinny jeans, I think I would play it safe with a suit jacket and neutral colors. Would you wear colorful jeans at the office?

​Jeans: Gap, $32
​​T-shirt: Forever 21, $10 (similar)
​​Blazer: Banana Republic, $75 (similar, similar, similar)
​​Shoes: Enzo Angiolini/Piperlime, $32 (similar, similar, similar)
​Long necklace: My Stella & Dot, $79
​Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar, similar)
​​​Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
​Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4

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Kohl's  /  JcPenney  /  ​Dollhouse  /  Lucky Brand
​J Brand  /  Forever 21  /  LOFT  /  Bebe

New Gear

I wore this yesterday for a team celebration lunch and meetings! I felt like a kid on the first day of school because I was wearing all new gear - top, jeans and shoes. Completely on accident, but I loved the combination. I recently picked up the F21 top during my trip to the Panhandle (it's not online, but the Style # is 30208122032, and this one is identical). The jeans were c/o of the new Shop It To Me Threads website. You sign up, give your preferences, and they find sales and deals for your in your size. I've been trying to find the perfect pair of designer jeans for over a year now, and these were a great deal at 40% off and took me 5 minutes to order. They are boyfriend style so they fit loose (aka comfy and feel like pajamas) but I'm wearing my usual size and love the distressed details. And finally, these shoes - I've been drooling over the white shoe trend and strappy sandals are a good baby step (pun intended). Have you ever worn a bunch of new gear together? What are your favorite bargain websites? 

Top: Forever 21, $20
​Jeans: 7 For All Mankind c/o Shop It To Me Threads, $141 
​Shoes: Windsor Store c/o, $27
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar, similar)
​Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $79
​Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
​Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4​

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Charlotte Russe  /  ​Limited /  Three Dots
​J.Crew  /  Dolce Vita  /  Charlotte Russe  /  Nasty Gal
BB Dakota  /  Pim + Larkin  /  Forever 21

Mixing Dots

​Inspiration: Karen Walker

The first time I wore this chambray polka dot skirt (here), I paired it with a plain white top. For my second try, I went a little bolder by adding more polka dots. The resulting combination is more daring, but I think keeping the color palette neutral makes it easy to pull off. Would you wear mixed dots?

Top: Old Navy, $20
​Skirt: Francesca's Collections, $38
​Belt: from a F21 dress
​Shoes: Banana Republic, $25 (similar, similar, similar)
​Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar, similar)
​Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
​Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4​​

Modcloth  /  Forever 21  /  ​ModCloth
​JcPenney  /  Modcloth  /  Moschino
​Line & Dot  /  Style & Co.  /  C. Wonder

Preppy Basics

​Inspiration: Harper's Bazaar 

I felt a strange sense of nostalgia when I found this inspiration photo. Her look feels fresh and modern, and yet it made me crave wardrobe staples I've had for years and years. I pulled out my khaki cargo skirt, ruffled ivory blouse and navy cardigan and loved the preppy combination it created. Would you wear this look?

Navy cardigan: Gap, $15 (similar, similar)
Top: Banana Republic, $15
Skirt: Banana Republic, $35 (similar, similar, similar)
Belt: Gap, $14
Shoes: Me Too/Marshall's, $28 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar, similar)
​Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
​Bracelet: My Stella & Dot 1
​Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

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​White House  /  J.Crew Factory  /  JcPenney
Calvin Klein  /  Chaps  /  Express
​Forever 21  /  ASOS  /  ASOS

ps. I'm loving Ily Couture's sale this week! Items start at $5.99, plus we've extended the coupon code for bubble necklaces through Wednesday 5/29. (Use code JSALE for $16 large bubble necklaces, or code JSALEITTY for $16 small bubble necklaces. Regular price is $49.) Go HERE to shop!

Chambray Peplum

What happens when you combine two favorite trends, peplum and chambray? You get one of my all-time favorite shirts. I wore the pink jeans version to an amusement park a couple months ago, and the yellow shorts version for running errands. Which look is your favorite? Would you wear a chambray peplum top?

Top: Collide Boutique c/o, $46
​Pink jeans: Target, $22
​Yellow shorts: Gap, $35 (similar, similar)
​Nude sandals: Dolce Vita c/o DNA Footwear, $65
​​Coral sandals: Madden Girl c/o MJR Sales, old (similar, similar)
​​Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar, similar)
​​Necklace: Banana Republic, old (similar)
​​​Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
​Bracelet: My Stella & Dot 1
​​Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

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​GUESS  /  Forever 21  /  Fade to Blue  /  Alice + Olivia
​Blank NYC  /  Diesel  /  Calvin Klein  /  Lord & Taylor

Mixing Purple

​Inspiration: Who What Wear

My first attempt at recreating this Emma Stone outfit was more literal and included simiarly-hued turquoise shoes. I really like that her outfit includes one neutral piece though, so I changed to nude shoes and wound up liking that even better. Which version is your favorite?

Shirt: J.Crew, $45 (same, but my color is sold out)
​Skirt: Limited, $35 (similar, similar, similar)
​​Cardigan: Banana Republic, $12
​​Turquoise pumps: Forever 21, $22 (similar, similar, similar)
​​Nude pumps: Enzo Angiolini/Piperlime, $​32 (similar, similar, similar)
​​Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar, similar)​
​Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
​Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2,3
​Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

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Dillard's  /  ​Calvin Klein  /  Lord & Taylor
​Lands' End  /  J.Crew  /  JcPenney
​Dillard's  /  Banana Republic  /  Anne Klein

Color Pop with Walmart

My favorite thing about fashion? Playing with color! During my recent video shoot with Walmart, I talked about three color trends for summer (go here to watch the video!). The three color families are warm, cool and jewel. Below are examples of outfits I put together for each category, using clothes from Walmart. com. Some tips for styling:

• ​Warm: try pairing peachy tones, corals, yellows and oranges. Mix in neutrals such as nude pumps or an ivory top.
• Cool: ​go for head-to-toe color with icy purples, blues or mint green. 
• Jewel: ​rich jewel tones come from all sides of the color wheel and make a bold statement. Try combining turquoise, cobalt, canary yellow or a rich ruby.

Check out my Pinterest board for more colorful pieces to help you achieve these looks. Which color group is your favorite?

​warm

​cool

​jewel

​This is a sponsored post. However, all opinions and editorial decisions are my own!

Winter to Summer

​Inspiration: J.Crew

Today's look is an updated summer version of a winter outfit I posted a few months ago (see it here). I love a crisp black and white color palette, and this is my favorite kind of office outfit. Appropriate skirt length, safe shoes and neutral colors but still playful enough to add a little fun to your workday. How would you wear black and white polka dots?

Top: Windsor Store c/o, $27 (another outfit with it here)
​Skirt: Banana Republic, $35 (similar, similar)
​Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $138
​Shoes: Me Too/Marshall's, $28 (similar, similar, similar)
​Purse: Michael Kors, gift
​Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
​Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
​Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

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Forever 21  /  Forever 21  /  ​J.Crew Factory
​Dillard's  /  Urban Outfitters  /  Dorothy Perkins
​Forever 21  /  Charlotte Russe  /  Nasty Gal

Win a Pair of ALDO Shoes [Now Closed]

​Original Post

" "

I featured three outfits with a pair of ALDO wedges earlier this month - and now it's your chance to score a pair of your own! I've teamed up with ALDO to give away a $50 AmEx giftcard so that you can pick up a pair of shoes on us. In addition, I'm giving away the pair of shoes I'm wearing in this post, in the form of a $90 ALDO gift card. To enter, do one or both of the following:

1. Comment on this post.

2. Post this on Twitter: I just entered to win a pair of @ALDO_Shoes from @jseverydayfash! http://bit.ly/169CdU6 #ALDOCheckYourHedge

Each will count as one entry (maximum two entries per person). I will randomly select and notify TWO winners on 5/29. Thanks for entering!

This post is sponsored by ALDO Shoes. Thanks for reading and participating!

​Congrats to our winners!

Mirror Print x 3

Inspiration: Harper's Bazaar

This is my third outfit with this mirror print top! ​The pink skirt version is from last summer, the blue jeans I posted a couple weeks ago, and today I'm sharing a new white blazer/mint jeans look. The pink shoes mimic my inspiration photo and match the pink in my top, but I might like a neutral (nude, black or blush) shoe even better. Which outfit is your favorite?

Top: H&M, $25 (similar, similar)
​Blazer: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales, old
​Jeans: Gap c/o (similar, similar, similar)
​Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, old (similar, similar)
​Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
​Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

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Victoria's Secret  /  Nordstrom  /  Calvin Klein
​Victoria's Secret  /  Charlotte Russe  /  Express
​Forever 21  /  Urban Outfitters  /  Limited​

Tie-Dye and Mini Golf

​Inspiration: People

I wore this psychedelic little number for mini golf a couple weeks ago. Olivia Palermo's look inspired me to be brave and order these jeans in the first place, and I loved wearing them. I dressed mine down with old favorites - a fringe tank and dreamcatcher necklace. Would you dare to wear tie-dye jeans?

Top: J.Crew, $15 (similar, similar)
Jeans: Windsor Store c/o - sold out
Necklace: H&M, $12 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar, vegan)
Sandals: Dolce Vita Archer Flat Sandal c/o DNA Footwear, $65
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
 Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4

 Allen B  /  ASOS  /  Romeo & Juliet Couture  /  JcPenney  /  Tory Burch
 Rock & Republic  /  DKNY  /  Urban Outfitters  /  DKNY  /  Tripp