Today's Everyday Fashion: Houndstooth

Inspiration: Banana Republic

Houndstooth: I'm absolutely loving this print for fall. I can already picture the versatility of this skirt and pairing it with tons of different colors and patterns. I'm kicking things off with a green and turquoise pairing today, inspired by a catalog photo. How would you wear houndstooth?

Sweater: LOFT, $20 (similar, similar)
Skirt: Limited, $35 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Chinese Laundry c/o, old (same, same)
Purse: Michael Kors, family gift
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $118
Bracelets: C.Wonder c/o, My Stella & Dot 1, 2,  3
Rings: My Stella & Dot, $39

Bracelet  /  Bracelet  /  Bracelet  /  Bracelet
Bracelet  /  Bracelet
Bracelet  /  Bracelet
Watch  /  Watch  /  Watch  /  Watch  /  Watch

Today's shopping section is brought to you by Fossil. I knew they had great watches, but how cute are their bracelets too?! These are a few of my personal favorites under $150. Which piece is your top pick?

Today's Everyday Fashion: Leopard Accessories

Inspiration: J.Crew

Her outfit doesn't contain any leopard but my mind immediately went there for some reason. It makes this purple + purple combo feel more fall-appropriate, and the mohair texture and leopard print adds interest to two solid colors worn together. I've worn this skirt more than 30 times on the blog, and this fresh take made it feel new to me again. Would you ever wear a leopard belt + shoes? 

Top: J.Crew, $45 (same in ivory, similar, similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: Limited, $35 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Belt: Urban Outfitters, $20 - similar below
Shoes: Banana Republic, $60 - similar below
Purse: Emma Fox c/o Ross, $60 (same)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 2, 3
Rings: My Stella & Dot, $39

Style & Co.  /  Steve Madden  /  JcPenney  /  Banana  /  Victoria's Secret
Nasty Gal  /  Kohl's  /  Nine West
INC International  /  Nine West  /   Rockport

ps. Please check out my latest Babble.com post for 20 stylish ways you can support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Including top picks from LOFT, Coach, Tory Burch, Kohl's, Aerie and more!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Basics vs. Sizzle Pieces

Inspiration: Talbots

I have a really hard time buying "basics." When I shop, I'm on the hunt for the most unique thing in the store - a color I've never worn, a detail I've never seen, anything wild that makes my heart go pitter patter. When you completely overlook basics though, you could wind up with a closet full of sizzle pieces and zero foundation pieces. Thanks to print mixing and the like, some sizzle pieces do work together, but ultimately I think a good closet is a mix of both the fun and the basic.

My heart will always prefer the sizzle, but today's look is a good argument for basics. My charcoal blazer has cargo pockets, and my gray silk shirt has a pleated bib, but I would consider these old pieces basics in my closet (maybe basics with a twist?). Today's skirt felt too plain vanilla at first. It's a simple pencil shape, but I love this shade of camel, especially paired with gray, and ultimately I think it's a basic I'll love for years to come. Do you mostly buy basics or sizzle pieces? Why? 

Blazer: Banana Republic, $75 (similar, similar, similar)
Top: Banana Republic, $35
Skirt: Limited, $30 - 50% off with code 50YEARS
Belt: H&M, $18
Shoes: Nine West c/o, old - similar below
Purse: Karen Millen gift, old (similar) 
Necklace: Banana Republic, $18
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1,2, 3, 4
Rings: My Stella & Dot, $39

Jessica Simpson  /   Cole Haan  /  Calvin Klein
Ivanka Trump  /  Fergie  /  Sole Society
Sole Society  /  Enzo Angiolini  /  Jessica Simpson
Corso Como  /  J. Renee  /  Calvin Klein

Today's Everyday Fashion: Fall for Marigold

Inspiration: Stylemint email

I saw this inspiration photo and thought - what a good idea to pair bright marigold with a camel blazer! This summer I wore it with turquoise and baby blue, so I'm happy to find a way to make it work for fall. Also - I've been considering "upgrading" the buttons on this old blazer but haven't been able to find the right ones for it yet. I love the J.Crew Factory version below. Would you wear marigold + camel for fall?

Blazer: Express, $25 - similar below
Top: LOFT, $25 (similar, similar)
Jeans: H&M, $32 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Nine West c/o, old (similar, similar)
Purse: Karen Millen gift, old (similar)

 J. Crew Factory  /  Victoria's Secret  /   Macy's
Express  /  Limited  /  Ann Taylor
LOFT  /  Jones New York  /  Ralph Lauren

Today's Everyday Fashion: Mint Jeans

Inspiration: Pinterest

"Are mint jeans still in style?" is a question you won't hear me ask. Trends fascinate me and I enjoy writing about them, but ultimately I don't care one bit whether or not something is in style - I say wear it if you love it, no matter what! (Also see: "The Anatomy of a Trend") My fascination with this color started as a child with a strong favoritism towards the mint crayon in the box, and never went away. Whether they are "in style" or not, I'm loving my mint jeans for fall.  What's your personal preference for the color mint? What are your favorite colors to wear?

Sweater: Banana Republic, $30 (similar, ruched v-neck, cardigan)
Jeans: Gap c/o, old - similar below
Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, old (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks off Fifth, $130 (similar, vegan)
Necklace: Banana Republic, $12 (similar)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

Koral  /   Gap   /  Vigoss  /  Cheap Monday  /  G-Star
Sold Denim  /  Forever 21  /  Mavi  /  Maison Scotch  /  Vigoss

Today's Everyday Fashion: Polka Dot Skirt

Inspiration: J.Crew

Inspiration: FabSugar

Two looks with my favorite polka dot skirt from a couple years ago! Which one do you like better? I'm personally partial to #1, I just can't pass up an animal sweater. ;-)

Sweater: Old Navy, $12
Skirt: Banana Republic, $35
Shoes: Guess c/o Ross, $28 (similar, similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks off Fifth, $130 (similar, vegan)

Sweater: Limited, $30 (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: Banana Republic, $35
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini/Piperlime, $32 (similar)

J. Crew  /  Forever 21  /  Limited
Amazon  /  ModCloth  /  ModCloth
Leon Max  /  ModCloth  /  Dillard's

My September Budget

1. Old Navy sweater, $12
2. Gap plaid shirt, $30 (sold out - similar, similar)
3. LOFT skirt, $36  ---> returned because of fit
4. Limited skirt, $30
5. Forever 21 tee, $16
6. American Eagle tee, $10
7. Forever 21 tee, $11
8. Express trench, $77
9. ShoeMint shoes, $75 (sold out - similar, similar, similar)
10. Limited belt, $22
11. Sole Society clutch, $29

Total = $319 (minus the $29 leftover from August)

UPDATED TOTAL = $283 (after the returned skirt)

Here's how I spent my September budget! (For more info see "How to Set a Clothing Budget.") I've done most of my shopping online lately - a departure from my usual shopping strategy which is to browse online first to save time, and then do the purchasing in stores to save money. It's working better for my schedule to shop online, but then I wind up liking less than half of what I order, which means returns, etc. so it has its disadvantages, too. Do you prefer to shop online or in stores? What items are on your fall wish list?

American Eagle  /  Banana  /  LOFT  /  Limited
Express  /  Banana  /  Limited  /  Banana
Old Navy  /  Gap  /  Limited  /  Old Navy

My October wish list: 
I'm on the hunt for textures and small patterns that I can mix together, and for anything plaid, bubble gum pink, black and white and military!

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Zookeeper

Inspiration: WhoWhatWear

Can you wear a leopard top and an olive jacket together? That's the question behind today's Jessica Hart re-creation. Somehow she is pulling it off, but In my attempt I felt a bit like a zookeeper, despite the feminine additions of cap toe heels and a fancy necklace. I wore the same leopard shirt on Daytime yesterday with a camel pencil skirt and leather-sleeve trench. (Sorry the picture is so small - I attempted to do outfit photos but the lighting came out really yellow.)  A reader requested a cheaper version of this top, so see my top picks under $50 below! Would you wear leopard + olive jacket together? How would you make it work?

Top: C. Wonder c/o (similar under $50 below)
Olive jacket: Gap, $52 (similar, similar, similar)
Trench: Express, $77
Skirt: Limited, $30
Jeans: TJ Maxx, $22 (similar)
Shoes: Chinese Laundry c/o, old (on sale)
Purse: Michael Kors, Santa
Necklace:  My Stella & Dot, $89

Calvin Klein  /  JcPenney  /  Forever 21
Express  /  LOFT  /  Forever 21
Forever 21   /  Lord & Taylor  /  Nasty Gal

Today's Everyday Fashion: Ross Dress For Less

I was so excited to be invited to participate in the Ross Dress For Less Fall Trend Hunters campaign, along with four other bloggers! The challenge: find 3 head-to-toe outfits at Ross, using $100 gift cards for each outfit. I visited 3 Ross stores on the same afternoon to come up with these looks. Three cheers for affordable fashion - I love that you can easily find an entire outfit for under $50 at Ross. I'm happy with how the outfits came out and can't resist keeping some of the pieces for my personal collection. :-) Over the next 3 weeks, all the blogger outfits will be revealed and Ross FB fans will get to vote. Go here to see everyone's black and white looks now and vote for your favorite in the first round. Which outfit/trend is your favorite? 

TREND 1: BLACK + WHITE
Dress, $16.99
Brand-name shoes, $27.99
Total = $44.98

TREND 2: DENIM ON DENIM
Jacket, $19.99
Top, $11.99
Brand-name jeans, $18.99
Brand-name shoes, $25.99
Total = $76.96

TREND 3: LEATHER TRIM
Brand-name jacket, $49.99
Dress, $19.99
Brand-name shoes, $39.99
Total = $109.97

Vote for your favorite looks on the Ross Facebook page here! 

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Black Blazer

Inspiration: Talbots

Believe it or not, this is my first classic black blazer. I don't wear black very often, but for fall it seems to be the color I'm craving most. I have a black boyfriend blazer complete with shoulder pads circa 2005 (see it here), but this is my first "classic" black blazer. It was a long overdue staple to add to my closet, and I've done some shopping to find under $100 options for you guys below. Is a black blazer a staple for your lifestyle? Why or why not? 

Blazer: C. Wonder c/o (similar under $100 below)
T-shirt: LaMixx c/o, $24
Pants: Limited, $35
Shoes: Chinese Laundry c/o, old (on sale here)
Purse: Michael Kors, Santa
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $79
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4
Rings: My Stella & Dot, $39

Urban Outfitters  /  Nordstrom  /  Forever 21
Express  /  Target  /  Gap
Jones New York  /  INC International Concepts  /  Calvin Klein

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Leather Skirt

There are so many things about this skirt to love - the burgundy color, the side panels, the buckles and the (faux) leather material. For my first time wearing it, I went with a casual look with a graphic tee and detailed shoes. I plan to try a more conservative work look with it next. Would you ever wear a leather skirt? Just leather trim, or all leather? Which shape?

Top: Forever 21, $11
Skirt: Ann Taylor c/o, $42
Shoes: ShoeMint, $75 (sold out - similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors, Santa
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4
Rings: My Stella & Dot, $39

Gianni Bini  /  Chelsea & Theodore  /  Tinley Road
IN San Francisco  /  Ann Taylor  /  Ellen Tracy
Adrienne Vittadini  /  ASOS  /  JcPenney

Today's Everyday Fashion: Studded Pumps

Inspiration: 2013 WireImage

Today's inspiration photo gave me a new way to wear my favorite skirt from this summer, and an excuse to pull out my studded pink pumps. I've been seeing (and loving) studded pumps everywhere lately, and I think I like these shoes more now than when I got them a couple years ago! Would you wear today's look? Studded pumps: yeah or nay?  

Jacket: Zara, $40 (similar, similar, similar)
Top: LOFT, $27 (similar, similar)
Skirt: Conversation Pieces c/o, $36
Heels: Colin Stuart c/o, old (similar below)
Purse: Sole Society, $30
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 2, 3, 4
Rings: My Stella & Dot, $39

 DSW  /  Madden Girl  /  Enzo Angiolini
Guess  /  Rachel Roy  /  Express  /  Ivanka Trump
Michael Antonio  /  Zappos  /  Target

Today's Everyday Fashion: C. Wonder Event

Suffice to say I'm a huge C. Wonder fan after the event on Tuesday night. Our local store (Orlando) opened about 3 months ago, and it's the first location in Florida. I love the fun atmosphere and edgy meets preppy mix of eclectic items. This outfit felt very me and appropriate for the occasion. :-)

c/o C. Wonder outfit:  Black blazer  /  Leopard shirt  /  Jeans  /  Long necklace  /  J Belt (borrowed)
Shoes: My own (on sale here)

I love the clothes, but the bracelet bar and home decor might be my favorite parts of the store! 

Coat  /  Stripe Top  /  Sweater  /  Sweater
Bracelet  /  Bracelet  /  Bracelet  /  Flats
Skirt  /  Bracelet  /  Heels  /  Plate  /  Plate
Top  /  Jewelry Box  /  Tray Stand

My favorite things table (under $100):
Scottie Sweater  /  Stripe Top  /  Flats  /  J Plates 1, 2  /  Horse Bangle
Also on the table:
Jewelry Boxes  /  Teapot  /  Lucite Ampersand, Hashtag, At Sign

Via Instagram

Thanks to everyone who came out, and to Danielle for snapping my outfit photos! xoxo

ps. If you live in Orlando, be sure to check out my closet sale fundraiser happening tomorrow morning (Saturday). Fourteen companies are participating in the sale, and more details have been added to the invite here!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Cargo Pants

Inspiration: Cut 25

I can't decide if I like today's outfit or not. I liked it in the mirror, but then didn't like it as much when I saw it in pictures (three years of daily outfits and I'm still surprised how different something looks in person vs. in pictures sometimes!). I've always been a fan of sharing imperfect looks though, and the whole process of getting dressed including trial and error. What I do like about this outfit is the idea to dress up your cargo pants with a polished blazer and patent heels, and I like the bohemian flare of the necklaces with the olive pants. I've had these pants for 3 years, but I'd like to add a light green pair to my closet this fall, the first two below are my favorites. Would you wear today's look? How would you wear cargo pants?

Jacket: Spiegel c/o, old
Top: MJR Sales c/o, old (similar, similar)
Pants: Sanctuary Surplus/Nordstrom Rack, $40 (similar below)
Shoes: Guess c/o Ross, $28 (similar, similar)
Necklaces: LOFT, $21 and Noonday c/o
Purse: Emma Fox c/o Ross, $60 (same)

Blank NYC  /  JcPenney  /  NM Last Call /  Jolt  /  Lucky
Bloomingdale's  /  Unionbay  /  Lucky Brand  /  Guess  /  DKNY

$100 Wilsons Leather Giveaway!

Inspiration: Piperlime

Leather jackets are one of my favorite things ever! Last year I added a black one to my closet - it was $250, so I subtracted $50 out of 5 months of budget to cover the cost - and three years ago I picked up a light cognac color on sale. So when Wilsons Leather got in touch and offered to let me try it out, I chose an olive-brown jacket with black zippers for something different! I put together three looks with it so far, but I think there are tons of possibilities. I was surprised how easily three different purse colors went with it, and my black purse would work as well.

And the best part is - you guys get to try it out too! I'm giving away a $100 Wilsons Leather gift card. Simply visit the Rafflecopter box at the end of this post for easy instructions on how to enter. We will choose a lucky reader at random on 10/3. This is a sponsored post - all opinions are my own - thanks for reading and participating!

LOOK 1
Jacket: Wilsons Leather c/o
T-shirt: Forever 21, $16
Jeans: H&M, $32 (similar)
Boots: Chinese Laundry c/o, old (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Juicy Couture/NM Last Call, $120

LOOK 2
Jacket: Wilsons Leather c/o
Top: American Eagle, $24 (similar)
Skirt: Conversation Pieces c/o, $36
Shoes: Steve Madden/Piperlime, $64
Purse: Emma Fox c/o Ross, old (similar)

LOOK 3
Jacket: Wilsons Leather c/o
T-shirt: Forever 21, $10
Jeans: American Eagle, $33 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Guess c/o Ross, $26 (similar)

One  /  Two  /  Three
Four  /  Five  /  Six
Seven  /  Eight  /  Nine

A few of my favorites - a mix of genuine leather and faux leather, and most are available in plus size.

Which jacket is your favorite? Which outfit is your favorite?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Today's Everyday Fashion: Military Pairings

Inspiration: J.Crew

I love pairing a military jacket with anything girlie: such as lace tops, a flirty dress, floral prints, sequins, polka dots or in today's look - ruffles and brocade. J.Crew's version with the striped top is adorable. All of my striped tops are white and navy/black, but I wish I had a beige/olive one so I added it to my shopping list. How do you or would you wear a military jacket? Do you prefer the ruffles or stripes?

Jacket: Conversation Pieces c/o, old (similar, similar, similar)
Shirt: Banana Republic, $28 (similar, similar)
Skirt: Limited, $50 (similar below)
Shoes: Nine West c/o, old (similar,  similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar, vegan)
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4
Rings: My Stella & Dot, $39

LOFT  /  LOFT  /  NM Last Call
Ark & Co.  /  J.Crew  /  J.Crew
J.Crew  /  J.Crew Factory  /  Tinley Road 

 This shopping section first appeared on the blog here. 

See my Babble post with 10 ways to wear a military jacket here. 

10 Boots Under $250 + Eva Mendes Collection

Click to read

Check out my latest posts on Babble.com! First up - I've had a lot of requests for boot shopping, so here are 10 knee-high options under $250. Below is the Eva Mendes Collection for New York & Company, which launched last week. Click each photo to read!

What kind of boots are you on the hunt for? Which pair is your favorite?

Have you seen the Eva Mendes Collection in person yet? Which pieces do you like?  

Click to read

Today's Everyday Fashion: Lace-Up Heels

Inspiration: Harper's Bazaar

I love the color of her blazer - it's somewhere between navy and cobalt. I prefer her subdued look over the bright contrast of my blazer, but it's hard to hate anything with these lace-up heels. I added myself to a wait list months ago and they finally arrived last week. They were well worth the wait. I love "interesting" shoes and the laser cut outs and scalloped edges on this pair won me over. Would you wear lace-up heels? Which color blazer would you prefer?  

***ps. My apologies for the double post in Friday night's email! I've had the worst time since moving my blog to SquareSpace, and that email included the DRAFT of my "Designer Jeans" post. SquareSpace's scheduling feature has been really buggy, and it's been sending double photos in the emails some days. Other outstanding issues include links in old posts are broken and comments on old posts aren't showing up. These are problems SquareSpace has been working on since April, so I will be moving to Blogger or Wordpress as soon as possible. (Let me know if you recommend one over the other.) Sorry for all the technical issues, thanks for your patience in the meantime!

Blazer: Forever 21, $30 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
T-shirt: Lamixx c/o, $24 (sold out)
Jeans: Gap, $35 (similar)
Shoes: ShoeMint, $75 (sold out - similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors, Santa
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot $79, Blue Nile c/o, $39
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
Rings: My Stella & Dot, $39

Orlando friends -- please join me this Tuesday night at C. Wonder at the Mall at Millenia! If you haven't seen the new store yet, you'll want to check it out (it's adorable!). Plus we're offering 15% off, sweet treats, and I will be on hand to answer your style questions or anything else you want to chat about. :-) See you then!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Designer Jeans

Inspiration: PopSugar

These are my favorite skinny jeans. I bought them at H&M about 8 months ago, a rare find as their pants never seem to fit me correctly! I love them, but like with all inexpensive jeans (they were $40, I paid $32 with a coupon) the color has started to fade. My designer denim (Hudson, Joe's, 7 For All Mankind) on the other hand, has held up really well over time. I've had my bootcut Hudson's (last seen here) for 6 years and they look good as new. Having to buy new, "less expensive" jeans every year can actually wind up costing more since you have to replace them repeatedly, so designer jeans can be a good investment!

Having learned this lesson the hard way, I started the hunt for a pair of dark skinnies two years ago. I've only shopped at bargain stores so far, namely Nordstrom Rack and NM Last Call. After coming up short for so long, I've resorted to Plan B, which is using a coupon at a "regular" store. Piperlime is my favorite because they post coupons fairly regularly, and Macy's Friends & Family is another way to get a deal on designer brands (happens twice a year, 25% off everything). I ordered these Joe's The Skinny in Bridget (mentioned in my last budget post) with a 25% off Piperlime coupon. They were $158, but with 25% off ($40) and minus $65 gift cards leftover from Christmas, it came to $61.21. Not too shabby! Unfortunately though I didn't like the color in person. I saw them at Macy's but I must've written down the style # wrong, because they were a lot darker than the ones I saw. It's back to the drawing board for now, so I've shared some of the pairs I have my eye on below! 

What are your favorite websites, stores and tips for getting a good deal on jeans? Do you ever buy "designer" denim and if so why or why not? Which brands are your favorite?

Jacket: Zara, $90 (similar, similar)
Top: Rock & Republic c/o Kohl's, old (similar, similar, similar)
Jeans: H&M, $32
Heels: Chinese Laundry c/o, old (same <-- on sale for $36.99)
Flats: Miss Me/Marshall's, $28 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar,  vegan)
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
Rings: My Stella & Dot, $39

Hudson  / AG Adriano Goldschmied  /  DL1961  /  Rag & Bone
Rag & Bone  /  Paige  /   Joe's  /  AG Adriano Goldschmied

Today's Everyday Fashion: Leather Sleeve Trench

Inspiration: Club Monaco

A leather sleeve trench was at the top of my fall shopping list. I really liked this trend last year but wasn't able to find one in my price range. With a Labor Day coupon this one was a great deal, so I ordered it to see what it looked like in person. I love it, but there are SO many cute options (below) I'm having a tough time making up my mind! Would you wear a leather sleeve trench? Which one is your favorite?

Trench: Express, $77 (keeping??)
Shirt: H&M, $18 (similar, similar)
Jeans: Target, $23 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Miss Me/Marshall's, $28 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors, Santa 

Dress 1   /  Dress 2  /  Dress 3

I returned the dress from the same Express order (far left), because I realized I have a couple items that are similar. I saw these other two versions on my way out of the store, and fell in love with #3. (I have selective memory, suddenly the items weren't so similar anymore!) If I see it on sale later I'm nabbing it. Which one do you like?

 Bebe  /  Walter Baker  /  Michael Kors
New York & Co  /  Bebe  /  DKNY
Express  /  Jones New York  /  Guess