Today's Everyday Fashion: Shoe Love

Inspiration: LOFT

It's an understatement to say that I love these shoes. They are comfy (thanks to soft leather and a low heel), and seem to go with just about everything in my closet. I wear my clothes for years and years, but shoes are tough. These are incredibly banged up from wearing them so much, and I need to retire them as soon as I find a suitable replacement. I can't find my exact pair in black (they are over a year old), but I did find some look-alikes below, including flats. Have you ever bought a replacement pair for shoes you loved and wore out? 

Blazer: Gap, $75 (similar, similar)
Top: Forever 21, $18
Pants: LOFT, $25 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Chinese Laundry c/o, old
Clutch: Gap, $16 (similar, similar, similar)
Necklace: local boutique (similar)

Blazer is 7 years old, pants are 2 years old, top, clutch & necklace are last summer. 

Forever 21  /  Ann Taylor  /  Michael Kors
Chinese Laundry  /  LOFT  /  Jeffrey Campbell
Sole Society  /  J.Crew  /  Banana Republic
Gabriella Rocha  /  Amazon  /  Target

Today's Everyday Fashion: Olive and Cognac

I wore this outfit a couple Saturdays ago for sushi with the girls. I've had the dress for about 5 years and the jacket for 3 years, but I never seem to tire of them. That's one reason Banana is a favorite - their clothes withstand the test of time in my closet more so than most brands. In addition to being a favorite brand, olive and cognac are two of my favorite colors, and I love pairing them together, especially when it gives me an excuse to wear my new-ish python heels. If you could shop at only one store for the rest of your life which one would it be and why?

Jacket: Banana Republic, $150 (similar, similar, vegan, vegan, vegan)
Dress: Banana Republic, $50
Belt: Limited, $22 (similar, similar)
Necklace: INPINK c/o, $30
Shoes: Calvin Klein c/o Ross, $39 (same)
Purse: Sole Society, $30
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
Rings: My Stella & Dot, $39

Old Navy  /  Calvin Klein  /  JCPenney
Hayden  /  VPL  /  Athleta
Wyatt  /  TopShop  /  Calvin Klein

This Week's Babble Round-Up

 "5 Inspiring Style Lessons from the WNTW Finale"

It's a weekly round-up of my posts on Disney's Babble.com! Click on each image to read the post. 

I got really choked up watching the WNTW Finale last week and shared my thoughts in the post above. And below are two of my current style obsessions - anything pink, and lace details. Which topic is your favorite? What items or trends would you like some shopping options for?

 "15 Dreamy Pink Items Under $100"

"15 Gorgeous Lace Options on a Budget" 

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Chilly Day

It's almost Halloween, but here in Orlando it's still hot. We've had one chilly day so far - this Thursday it was in the 60's and I could not wait to wear this outfit. It's a few things I'm loving most from my closet right now, all wrapped up into one neutral outfit. I'm also showing you my favorite way to wear a trench - tied up in the back so that the front stays open. How do you wear trench coats? Would this casual outfit work for your lifestyle? 

Trench: Express, $77
T-shirt: Forever 21, $11 (similar, similar, similar)
Jeans: H&M, $32 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Marshall's/Miss Me, $28 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2,  3
Rings: My Stella & Dot, $39

Steve Madden  /  ASOS  /  Bebe
Express  /  ASOS   /  Coldwater Creek
INC  /  Jones New York /  Calvin Klein

Today's Everyday Fashion: Trumpet Skirts

Inspiration: Who What Wear

I wore this for lunch and a tour of Izea on Wednesday! (Izea is an agency that connects brands and influencers, located right here in Orlando.) Let's start with the shirt: anything blush pink with ruffles, and I'm sold. Thankfully I had a coupon so I could buy it on the spot last week. Next up is a trumpet skirt in a brown plaid pattern (I steamed it before I wore it). Trumpet skirts, aka fit and flare, are all over stores right now and I'm loving it. The flare at the bottom is such a fun detail and I like the shape it creates. Would you ever wear one? Do trumpet skirts work for your body type?

Top: Express, $19
Skirt: Limited, $30
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini/Piperlime, $32 (similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar, vegan)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot (sold out - similar, similar, similar)
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
Rings: My Stella & Dot, $39

JCPenney  /  Banana Republic  /  Ann Taylor
Banana Republic  /  The Limited  /  Free People
Calvin Klein  /  The Limited  /  Vince Camuto

Today's Everyday Fashion: Preppy

Inspiration: Juicy Couture FB page

Today I'm mixing a preppy vibe with lace, thanks to my inspiration photo! This outfit would work well with jeans, but I like the little something extra that the lace adds. So far I've resisted adding a belt to the waistband of this skirt in other outfits (see one xhere), but it looked a little bare without one in this outfit. Would you wear today's look?

Cardigan: H&M, $18 (similar)
Top: Gap, $7 (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: Conversation PIeces c/o, old (pencil version)
Belt: H&M, $18
Shoes: Steve Madden/Piperlime, $64
Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar)
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Rings: My Stella & Dot, $39

Top  /  Top  /  Top
Top  /  Top  /  Top  /  Skirt
Dress  /  Blazer  /  Dress  /  Pants
Shoes  /  Belt  /  Shoes

Today's shopping section is brought to you by the ultimate preppy store: Brooks Brothers! They are offering 15% off everything through Sunday, 10/27 (or 25% off with a Brooks Brothers credit card).
Check out some of my top picks above - almost all are under $100 before the discount. Also visit the Red Fleece and women's sale section for even more bargains. Which piece is your favorite? 

Today's Everyday Fashion: American Eagle Boots

Inspiration: Kate Bosworth

Ya'll know that I am a huge American Eagle fan, so when they asked me to style these boots for their blog I said absolutely. I'm a sucker for anything with a bohemian or festival vibe, and these printed ankle boots are the perfect finishing touch for this kind of outfit. At first the print threw me for a loop, but ultimately animal print is a neutral, and can be worn with anything you would wear plain brown boots with. So I took one of my favorite old dresses and paired it with an army jacket, inspired by Kate Bosworth. Would you wear Kate's look? How do you wear printed boots?

Jacket: Gap, $52 (similar, similar, similar)
Dress: 2 years ago, from a boutique that's no longer around
Purse: Juicy Couture/NM Last Call, $115
Boots: American Eagle c/o
Necklace: C. Wonder c/o 
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
Rings: My Stella & Dot, $39

Dresses under $100, that would also work in this outfit!

Piperlime  /  Forever 21  /  eDressMe
ASOS  /  Piperlime  /  JCPenney
Forever 21  /   Anne Klein  /  Forever 21

Today's Everyday Fashion: Breaking Rules

Inspiration: Harper's Bazaar

Last time I wore this houndstooth skirt (here) someone asked "what colors can you wear with houndstooth?" My response was anything except orange, because orange and black can look very Halloween. And here I am a couple weeks later wearing black and orange together! That's why fashion "rules" are so hard to make in my opinion, because you can almost always find an exception. See below for more graphic sweaters that would work with houndstooth - would you ever wear these two together? What color would you choose?

Sweater: Windsor Store c/o, last year
Skirt: Limited, $35
Shoes: Chinese Laundry c/o, last year (same, same)
Purse: Michael Kors, family gift
Earrings: My Stella & Dot, $44
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2,  3
Rings: My Stella & Dot, $39

Shopbop  /  Lauren Conrad  /  Dillard's
Aqua  /  Miss KL  /  Forever 21

Charter Club  /  Ann Taylor  /  Forever 21
Sweet Pea  /  Nordstrom  /  Loehmann's
Zappos  /  New York & Co.  /  Calvin Klein  /  JCPenney

Give Me ALDO

Riding boots  /  Riding boots  /  Riding boots  /  Riding boots
Booties  /  Booties  /  Booties
Booties  /  Booties  /  Combat boots

Boots are, without a doubt, one of my favorite things about fall fashion! They look great with tights, sundresses and skinny jeans, and I love the feeling of warm feet inside a great pair of boots on a chilly day.

Today's post features some of my favorite boots from ALDO. I've had my eye on their riding boots (top row) because the buckles are adjustable. The two outside pairs caught my eye a few weeks ago - I'm thinking they will help my eternal search for boots that fit in the calf, plus they are the perfect shade of cognac. Next up is two rows booties, which I love wearing here in Florida. It's hard to pick a favorite, but I especially love the black pair with gold buckles; they would go great with graphic tees and a black leather jacket.

What boot trends are you loving this fall? Which pair is your favorite?

 This post is brought to you by ALDO. All opinions and editorial decisions are my own.

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Anniversary Party

I snapped these pictures last Sunday, outside the 70th wedding anniversary party. I was in Hillsboro, OH (population: 6,600) at the Methodist Church, where more than 200 family and friends gathered to celebrate the happy couple. I wasn't sure what to wear - I was nervous about being both underdressed and overdressed, so I played it safe in black jeans, and a jacket that would make my outfit dressier and warmer if need be. I felt comfortable and free to enjoy the day - the ultimate goal of any outfit! Whenever I hate what I'm wearing - because I'm physically uncomfortable, too cold or too hot, or feel out of place, it can distract from the truly important stuff. I like to get dressed well in the morning, so I never have to think about it again throughout the day. (After all, it's not about the clothes - but the memories you make while wearing them!) Have you ever been in a situation where you were unsure of the dress code? How did you plan for it?  

Jacket: LOFT, $43
Top: Kintage c/o, old
Jeans: Gap, $35 (similar)
Shoes: Marshall's/Miss Me, $28 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors, family gift
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $89
Bracelets: C.Wonder c/o, My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
Rings: My Stella & Dot, $39

Lauren Conrad  /  Splendid  /  J.Crew Factory  /  ModCloth
Black Rainn  /  Zara  /  Forever 21  /  Jones (plus) 
LOFT  /  ModCloth  /  Lauren Conrad  /  LOFT

This Week's Babble Round-Up

10 Ways to Wear Leopard Print

Here's a round up of this week's Babble.com posts! Click on any image to read! 

15 Plaid Pieces with Feminine Charm

12 J.Crew Catalog Outfits that Work in Real Life

Today's Everyday Fashion: Ohio

Last weekend I traveled to Ohio for my boyfriend's grandparents' 70th wedding anniversary, and snapped some pictures of what I wore along the way. The first outfit was for hanging out with family and running errands around town to get ready for the big event. I love cardigans like these - as cozy as a sweatshirt, but they pack some serious style punch. The second outfit was for the trip home. I'd normally wear ankle boots with this outfit, but the comfort of sneakers won me over. In general though these looks sum up my casual style pretty well: printed sweaters, graphic tees, army jackets and distressed jeans. What are your favorite casual items? 

Sweater: Hazel & Olive c/o, old (another outfit with it here)
T-shirt: Lamixx c/o, $24
Jeans: H&M, $32 (similar, similar)
Belt: H&M, $20
Boots: H.C.B c/o, old (similar, similar, similar)
Necklace: INPINK c/o, $30
Purse: Karen Millen gift, old (similar)

Jacket: Gap, $52 (similar, similar, similar)
T-shirt: Forever 21, $16
Jeans: H&M, $32 (similar, similar)
Belt: H&M, $20
Sneakers: Guess c/o Ross, $26 (similar)
Purse: Karen Millen gift, old (similar)

Brigitte Bailey  /  BB Dakota  /  Type Z  /  Zappos
Forever 21  /  ModCloth  /  Dillard's  /  Charlotte Russe
Christin Michaels  /  BB Dakota  /  Bon Ton  /  Macy's

Today's Everyday Fashion: Python

Inspiration: Hermes via Harper's Bazaar/ Imaxtree

I obsessed over these Calvin Klein shoes all summer, and hit the jackpot when I found them at Ross for a steal a few weeks ago. Printed shoes are a lot harder to style than solid shoes in my experience, but neutral animal prints like leopard and python are the easiest print for shoes. I love them with this outfit and they give it my own personal spin. Would you wear python accessories? Which ones do you like below?

Shirt: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales, old (similar, similar)
Skirt: Limited, $30
Shoes: Calvin Klein c/o Ross, $39 (same)
Purse: Michael Kors, family gift
Necklace: INPINK c/o, $30
Bracelets: C.Wonder c/o, My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
Rings: My Stella & Dot, $39

~Python under $100~ 

LOFT  /  Ralph Lauren  /  Michael Kors
Via Spiga  /  Danielle Nicole  /  Franco Sarto
GUESS  /  Rachel Roy  /  Kenneth Cole  /  Kenneth Jay Lane
Michael Kors  /  Timex  /  Michael Kors   /  Hobo

Today's Everyday Fashion: Inspiration

Inspiration: New York & Company

Usually my posts are "the look for less" but today my inspiration comes from budget-friendly store New York & Co. As I hope to illustrate everyday - it doesn't matter where your inspiration comes from, you can re-create without copying exactly, and within your own budget and existing closet. I love this outfit and am always grateful for inspiration that helps getting dressed easier and faster! What are some of your favorite sources for inspiration? Would you wear today's look?

Jacket: Spiegel c/o, old (sold out - similar, similar, similar)
Top: C. Wonder c/o, old (cheaper, cheaper, cheaper)
Skirt: J.Crew, $45 (similar, similar)
Belt: Limited, $22 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Nine West c/o, old (similar, similar, similar, round toe)
Bag: Emma Fox c/o Ross, old (same)

Also - I absolutely love Kate Spade, but it's usually out of my budget. I got an email about their sale and was impressed with how much cuteness they have under $100! Click through to see my post: 15 Kate Spade favorites under $125! 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Ivory Jeans

Inspiration: Tory Burch

Last month we talked about how to white after Labor Day (here). Today's post is all about ivory jeans, which can be a good solution If you feel funny wearing white. The ivory color is less harsh and easier to style for fall and winter - it looks great paired with fall colors like the pumpkin, cognac and navy. I love the boots version above, and below I've shared some shopping options under $100. Would you wear ivory jeans in the winter? Do you prefer the boots or pumps?

Blazer: Forever 21, $25 (similar, similar)
Top: Conversation Pieces c/o. old
Jeans: Limited, $37 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Boots: Chinese Laundry c/o, old (similar)
Heels: Nine West c/o, old (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Karen Millen gift, old (similar) 
Necklace: C. Wonder c/o, $48

~ Boots Under $100 ~ 

Aerosoles  /  Chinese Laundry  /   Volatile
Michael Antonio  /   Michael Antonio  /  Sole Society
MIA  /  Rampage  /  Naughty Monkey

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Wedding Guest

Zappos  /  Dillard's  /  Piperlime
ModCloth  /  Dillard's  /  Anne Klein
Limited  /  Forever 21  /  ASOS

As promised, here are the other dresses I packed for the wedding in NC last weekend! All four dresses (including yesterday's) are from boutiques, and are a few years old. The dresses above were for dinner the night before the wedding. I wore the leopard one, and my friend Becka wound up wearing the chevron one (she's a few inches shorter so it was a more appropriate length on her). 

The dress below was for the big night. I'm still on the fence whether blush is okay for a wedding - it's pretty close to ivory, so I think it just depends on the specific dress. Although there was no possible way to upstage the bride at the wedding I attended (Kristin is 6' and supermodel gorgeous), I played it safe by wearing the black lace and gunmetal sheath dress from yesterday's post. As for the coats - turns out I didn't need them as the weather was unseasonably warm, but I wanted to share the option for any cold weather weddings you might have.

Which look is your favorite? Would you wear blush to a wedding? 

Nordstrom  /  Rent the Runway  /  ASOS
Urban Outfitters  /  ModCloth  /  Urban Outfitters
Maggy London  /  Rent the Runway  /   Amazon

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Wedding

I went to a wedding last weekend and this is what I wore! I shopped my closet and chose a dress I've had for 3+ years. I used three main clues to decide what to wear: geography (North Carolina), date/weather (early October) and venue (country club). I brought some other options with me, and will be sharing those outfits with you tomorrow. Do you have a go-to dress for weddings? Which dresses below do you like?

Dress: The Unique Closet c/o, old - similar below
Shoes: ShoeMint, $75 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Clutch: Urban Outfitters, $30 (love this one)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot, $44
Bracelets: C.Wonder  c/o, My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
Rings: My Stella & Dot, $39

Similar shoes

~ Similar (not necessarily wedding-appropriate) dresses ~
Free People  /  Jax  /  Maggy London
Wyatt  /  Rent the Runway  /  Julia Jordan  /  BCBG
Maggy London  /  Free People  /  Lauren Conrad

Today's Everyday Fashion: Yoga Pants

Ladies, let's talk about yoga pants. As in, wearing yoga pants outside the yoga studio. I wear workout gear to run errands from time to time - usually shorts and running shoes before or after a workout. I know for some of you though, yoga pants are a way of life. So my goal for today was to come up with a cute way to wear them. I almost always turn to denim for a casual days, but for some occasions like a road trip stretchy pants make more sense. I also wanted to share my top places to shop cozy loungewear - today's sweatshirt from Etsy store Lamixx is one of my favorites, and I also love Victoria's Secret, see options below. It's time to 'fess up: do you wear yoga pants outside the studio? How do you wear them?

Sweatshirt: Lamixx c/o, $44
Yoga pants: Old Navy, $15
Shoes: Guess c/o Ross, $26 (similar)
Hat: Gap, old (similar, similar, similar, similar)
 

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

Today's Everyday Fashion: Spiegel Review

DRESS

CARDIGAN   /   ZEBRA TOP

DRESS

Spiegel got in touch and asked if I would pick some clothes and do a review. I said yes (!!) because I am totally obsessed with the tweed coat below (I featured it on the blog as a shopping pick a few weeks ago). I selected a few more items to try and loved every piece. Here's the full scoop on what I ordered:

Look 1: I love this classic chain print dress. I removed the bright blue ribbon belt (cut it off) in favor of adding my own brown leather belt. It would look equally cute in the summer with sandals. I recommend sizing up 1-2 sizes. 

Look 2: This zebra shirt has a pleated waistband which I love, and the arms fit a bit small so size up if needed. The cardigan is soft not itchy, and the perfect shade of camel. 

Look 3: I love this bright blue dress! I'm planning to have it altered. I sized up 2 sizes so it would fit in the hips, but the waist is really big. I tried a trick I've seen on photo shoots but never used. I put chip clips on the back to hold in the waist. (Too funny!) 

Look 4: This jacket is very heavy - it's more of a short winter coat. I'm also using a chip clip on this puppy - the only size in stock was a bit big, but I love it so much, I ordered it anyway to have it altered. I'm loving tweed and military styles for fall and this coat is a mix of both. 

Look 5: This sweater is such a pretty cobalt color and it's super comfy to boot! I love crew neck sweaters like these for pairing with printed bottoms and statement necklaces.

Which look is your favorite? Have you ever ordered from Spiegel? 

COAT

SWEATER

As indicated, this post is brought to you by Spiegel. Thanks for reading!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Ankle Boots

Inspiration: Who What Wear

I so wanted to love these boots (last photo). They are affordable, and remind me of the amazing $1,300 studded boots by Chloe. But I want something with a little less bling, and that make a little less noise when I walk. The only black boots I own are in the first picture - I've had them for years and I still love them, but the stiletto is tough for running errands and casual occasions. Some of my favorites with a flat/chunky heel are below, the hunt is on. What kind of ankle boots do you like?

Blazer: Express, old (similar, similar)
Top: Forever 21, $11
Jeans: Collide Boutique c/o, old (similar, similar, similar, plus)
Boots 1: Cynthia Rowley/TJ Maxx, $80 (similar)
Boots 2: Forever 21, $43 - returned
Purse: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: C.Wonder c/o, My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
Rings: My Stella & Dot, $39

Steve Madden  /  Kohl's  /  Sam Edelman
Dolce Vita  /  Wanted  /  Wanted
Steve Madden  /  Dolce Vita  /  BCBGeneration
Qupid  /  Wanted  /  Aldo