Today's Everyday Fashion: The Trench

Inspiration: Banana Republic

This inspiration photo is making me want a new trench coat! I like the one I'm wearing, but I'd love to have one that's more of a camel shade someday. I tried bringing the camel color from the inspiration photo into my outfit by wearing camel-toned clutch and shoes, but the inspiration is definitely my favorite.  

Also: I wanted to share the results of my closet sale last week! Almost everything sold in just over an hour, and I was able to make the donation on Monday for just over $900. COTN's IndieGogo campaign has ended, but they are still accepting donations through the month of March. You can donate $15 to cover the cost of one Smilepack, or put together a Smilepack and mail it to the Orlando office. Contact Amber at amberrettke@cotni.org for more info, or go here and here to read more about Smilepacks. Thank you to everyone who shopped the closet sale to support this great cause!

Trench: New York & Co, $50 (similar, similar, similar)
Top: Mudd c/o Kohl's, $24 (similar, similar, similar)
Pants: Limited, $35 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Banana Republic, $60 (similar, similar, similar)
Clutch: Limited, $23 (similar)
Approx. dates: Trench is 5 years ago. Shoes are 2 years ago. Pants and top are 1 year ago. Clutch is last summer.

"Celebrate St. Paddy's Day: Head to Toe Green Under $100"

In my latest Babble post, I break down St. Paddy's Day style by occasion and share tons of green picks under $100! Click image to read. 

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Beaded Tunic

Inspiratin: Diego Zuko via Harper's Bazaar

It's a trick I've shared before - using your beaded tunics and swim cover-ups as a shirt for more occasions than just the pool. It creates a pretty neckline (no statement necklace needed!) and utilizes your tunics year-round. To make this trick work, try it with skirts that are thick and have some wiggle room and/or are loose. Shapes like full or pleated do an even better job at hiding the tunic underneath, and the thinner the tunic is, the better. (Note: today's tunic is lined and thick. Perfect for hiding a swim suit underneath, but not necessarily the best option for wearing a skirt over it.) Have you ever tried this trick?

Cardigan: H&M, $18 (similar, similar)
Tunic worn as top: Hazel & Olive c/o, $39
Skirt: LOFT, $55 (similar, full)
Shoes: Bandolino/TJ Maxx, $22 (similar, similar)
Clutch: Limited, $23 (similar)
Approx. dates: Shoes are 4 years ago. Skirt is 3 years ago. Cardigan and clutch are 1 year ago. Tunic is new. 

Nanette Lepore  /  BooHoo  /  Victoria's Secret
Ralph Lauren  /  Free People  /  Urban Outfitters
Charlotte Russe  /  Piperlime  /  ASOS

Today's Everyday Fashion: Polka Dots and SJP

Inspiration: LOFT

When I re-created this LOFT catalog photo, I wanted to kick it up a notch. My scarf print has more of a contrast, and I added a patterned purse and colorblock shoes. Looking back I think plain black pumps might look better (the last photo without the shoes is my favorite), but thankfully there are no wrong answers in fashion, so either option works. What kind of shoes would you wear?

Jacket: LOFT, $43 (similar, similar, similar) 
Top: LOFT, $27 (similar, similar, similar)
Jeans: Gap, $35 (similar, similar)
Scarf: Happy Scarf c/o (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Sole Society c/o (sold out - similar shape 2, 3)
Shoes: Sole Society c/o (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Jeans are 4 years ago. Scarf is 3 years ago. Top and jacket are 1 year ago. Shoes are last summer. Purse is recent.

Speaking of shoes - I wanted to share some of my favorites from SJP's new shoe line! I am a huge SATC fan, and I think her line perfectly captures the whimsy of the show. It's a bit out of my budget ($300-500 range), but a girl can dream, right? Which pair is your favorite?

Flower heel 1, 2  /  Nude pump  /  Black pump
Booties  /  Flats  /  Espadrille  /  Purple t-strap  /  Mint sandal
Bow sandal  /  Pink metallic  /  Rainbow sandals 1, 2

Today's Everyday Fashion: Powder Blue

Inspiration: J.Crew

J.Crew is without a doubt my favorite source for unusual color combinations. For today's outfit I was inspired to mix powder blue, citrine and mint together (with just a dash of yellow). If this feels like too much color, you could sub in a neutral jacket, or go for a much lighter blue top, like the cami in the top row below. Powder blue is a hot trend for spring and I hope to add more of it to my closet this year. Shop my favorites under $100 below!

Cardigan: Limited, $18 (similar, similar, similar)
Top: Marshall's, $13
Skirt: Limited, $25 (similar, similar, mini)
Shoes: BCBG/Ross, $20 (similar, similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $98
Approx. dates: Shoes are 4 years ago. Cardigan, skirt and top are 2 years ago. Purse is one year ago. Necklace is recent.

GUESS  /   Tibi  /  Macy's
Victoria's Secret  /  Miss KL  /  Steve Madden
Topshop  /  Victoria's Secret  /  Forever 21  /  Nasty Gal

Today's Everyday Fashion: Sole Society

Two things I'm loving right now: animal prints and everything by Sole Society. I've been seeing ads for these shoes all over the internet lately (they also come in a sick Dalmatian and cobalt combo) and I couldn't wait to give them a try in person. The purse (also Sole Society, but sold out online) was featured on the blog a couple months ago, and I just couldn't pass up adding it to my closet. Dalmatian pairs well with tons of colors, and the size and shape makes it work for both day and night. I also shared some of my favorite new arrivals below - the bow pumps, turquoise wedges and block heel sandals? Yes, please! Which new arrivals are your favorite?

Jacket: Banana Republic, $150 (similar, similar)
Top: HCB c/o, old (similar, similar)
Jeans: H&M, $32 (similar, similar)
Purse: Sole Society c/o (sold out - similar shape 1, 2, 3)
Shoes: Sole Society c/o
Approx. dates: Jacket is 4 years ago. Top and jeans are 1 year ago. Purse and shoes are new.

Heels  /  Wedges  /  Purse
Flats  /  Heels  /  Heels  /  Earrings
Heels  /  Wedges  /  Sandals
Heels  /  Heels  /  Flats

This post is sponsored by Sole Society. All editorial decisions and opinions are my own.

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Pleated Skirt

Inspiration: Harper's Bazaar

I've got to start wearing this skirt more often. It has a soft polka dot pattern and swishy pleats, and it's really comfy with a stretchy waistband. I'm glad I ran across the inspiration photo recently, to inspire me to wear it again, in a new way.  Would you ever wear a pleated skirt? Which shopping option do you like best?

Jacket: Victoria's Secret, $257 (vegan)
Top: Ralph Lauren outlet, $45 (similar, similar)
Skirt: Express, $18
Belt: Forever 21, $8 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Chinese Laundry c/o (same)
Purse: Michael Kors, family gift
Approx. dates: Skirt and belt are 3 years ago. Jacket is 2 years ago. Shoes and purse are 1 year ago.

ASOS  /  J.Crew Factory  /  Tommy Hilfiger
ASOS  /  ASOS  /  Clavin Klein
Victoria's Secret  /  Delia's   /  Dorothy Perkins

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Rain Coat

Inspiration: J.Crew coat, pants, sandals

The total on this J.Crew inspiration outfit is more than $1,000. My look is a lot less, but my favorite aspect is how comfortable it is. I normally wouldn't think to pair this jacket and pants together, but keeping everything else neutral, plus the casual feel of a t-shirt and sneakers make it perfect for relaxing on weekends. Would you wear a colorful nylon or rain jacket?

Jacket: Limited, $35
T-shirt: Old Navy, $3 (similar, similar)
Jeans: Rewind c/o Kohl's, old (similar, similar, trousers)
Sneakers: Guess c/o Ross, $26 (similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar)
Approx. dates: Jeans are 2 years ago. Jacket and purse are 1 year ago. Sneakers and t-shirt are this fall/winter.

Calvin Klein  /  H&M  /  Columbia
Urban Outfitters  /  Urban Outfitters  /  Free People
Caren Forbes  /  DKNY  /  Marc New York

Today's Everyday Fashion: Nautical Cardigan

Inspiration: Chloe Resort 2014 via Harper's Bazaar

I've had this sweater for so long that I was convinced I had already worn it every possible way. (My go-to is white jeans and a collared shirt underneath.) This Chloe photo gave me a new idea for it, and a little spring preview for when the weather warms up. 

Sweater: Banana Republic, $20
Skirt: Limited, $25 (similar)
Shoes: Banana Republic, $25 (similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Macy's, $130 (similar)
Approx. dates: Skirt is 7 years ago, sweater is 6 years ago, shoes are 5 years ago. Purse is last summer.

All of these except for the first and last are over $100. They might be cheaper than the average Chloe cardigan (my inspiration - $1000) but most are window shopping because they're out of my budget!

Tommy Hilfiger  /  Neiman Marcus Last Call  /  Kate Spade
Nordstrom  /  Demylee  /  Jones New York

New Babble post: "6 Whacky Outfits Inspired by Dr. Seuss"

This post was so fun and inspiring to write! Click the image to read!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Ruffles and Leather

Inspiration: Pinterest

It's 4 a.m. and I've been staring at my computer screen for 16 hours straight. My computer ate some of the work for the charity closet sale so I was scrambling in the hours leading up to it. Then the response (on Facebook) was awesome so it took almost 4 hours to respond to all the requests. I listed 102 items and 90% sold - woo hoo!

Before I get some much needed sleep, my abbreviated thoughts on today's outfit: this inspiration photo is everything, I love it. Mixing a feminine dress I'd never think to wear casually with a masculine leather jacket that's one of my favorites in my closet = a win. And finally, I thought I had done such a great job of tucking my scarf neatly, but really it kind of looks like a loose neck brace. I am hopeless. :-) 

Jacket: Banana Republic, $150
Dress: Varga c/o, old (similar, similar)
Scarf: so old I don't recall
Boots: Chinese Laundry c/o (on sale)
Bag: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar)
Necklace: Stella & Dot, old
Approx. dates: Jacket is 4 years ago. Dress and necklace are 3 years ago. Purse is 1 year ago. Boots are this fall/winter.

Forever 21  /  Neiman Marcus  /  Macy's
New York & Co.  /  Guess by Marciano  /  Express 
ASOS  /  Levi's  /  Anne Klein

Today's Everyday Fashion: Denim and Florals

Inspiration: J.Crew

Denim with printed skinny pants? Don't mind if I do, J.Crew! I don't own a denim jacket, but a chambray top seemed like an easy substitute. Why no denim jacket in my closet? They remind me of a tragic photo ID in college (even though let's be real - it was mostly the horrible haircut). In spite of said tragedy, I've been toying with the idea of getting a denim jacket for awhile now - they look so cute over floral dresses or striped t-shirts! What do you think - are denim jackets a good investment this spring, or on their way out? 

Top: Mudd c/o Kohl's, $24 (similar, similar, similar)
Pants: Gap, $28
Purse: Limited, $23 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $98
Shoes: Nine West c/o (similar, designer)
Approx. dates: Top and shoes are two years ago. Clutch is last summer. Pants and necklace are this fall/winter.

Alloy  /  Amazon  /  Rent the Runway  /  Amazon  /  ASOS
Wallis  /  ModCloth  /  Mink Pink  /  Hutch  /  JCPenney
Jessica SImpson  /  Shoptiques  /  ModCloth  / Amazon /  6pm.com

I've had tons of requests for floral dresses to wear at weddings and other events this spring - here are some of my favorites under $100!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Instant Yes

Inspiration: Stella & Dot

Instant yes outfits are the best. As in: yes, I can't wait to wear this! So often things fall in the gray area or the "this will do" area, like when I'm running out the door and throw something on. For today's outfit I took a cue straight from the Stella & Dot website and I love the end result. It's comfy enough to wear pretty much anywhere, but fun enough to add a little pep to your day (an instant yes!) ....

Blazer: Forever 21, $30
Top: Gap, $9 (same dress as inspiration)
Jeans: Limited, $37 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Nine West c/o Ross, $20 (similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $79
Approx. dates: Blazer and top are 2 years ago. Jeans and purse are one year ago. Shoes are recent, necklace is new. 

Bebe  /  Zappos  /  Club Monaco
Macy's  /  Nordstrom  /  Macy's
Calvin Klein  /  Club Monaco  /  Ivanka Trump

... Also, tune into my Facebook page tomorrow night 2/26 from 9-10pm EST for a huge closet sale! I'm selling more than 50 items - everything from a leather jacket to $5 bargains - size 00-6 clothes, size 10 shoes and plenty of accessories. All proceeds go towards COTN's IndieGogo Campaign - click through to watch the video and learn more about the project. Hope to see you there!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Mismatch

I was organizing my closet recently when I realized that this blazer and skirt are almost identical in color and pattern. I like perfectly matching pieces, but I also appreciate the quirkiness of the two pieces being slightly different, and the fact that both were already in my closet and I didn't have to purchase them together. Do you stick to matching pieces only, or would you also wear slightly mismatched patterns?

Blazer: H&M, $15 (similar/plus, similar)
Top: Banana Republic, $40
Skirt: Limited, $30 (similar, same shape)
Shoes: Nine West c/o (similar, designer)
Shoe clips: Jacob Lily c/o
Purse: Emma Fox c/o Ross, $60 (similar)
Approx. dates: Purse and top are 3 years ago, shoes are 2 years ago, blazer is one year ago. Skirt is last fall. 

New York & Co.  /  JCPenney  /  ASOS
JCPenney  /  ASOS  /  Mango
ModCloth  /  JCPenney  /  Pendleton (plus)

6 Jackets for Spring + Top 10 Shoe Trends

"6 Spring Jackets & How to Wear Them"

Click each image to read!
First, 6 jackets for spring - ideas for how to wear them, and shopping picks under $100.
Then - ten of my favorite shoe trends for spring 2014. Which trends are your favorite?

"Top 10 Spring 2014 Shoe Trends (On a Budget!)"

My January Budget

Coat  /  Dress
Top  /  T-shirt

1. Banana Republic coat, $128
The original price on this coat was $299. It was a great deal, and I haven't purchased a coat in 4 years. I've also never owned a black coat, so it's a great basic to add to my closet (the faux collar is removable). I went back and forth on whether I would get enough use out of it here in sunny Florida, but the decision was set on Valentine's Day when it was freezing cold and I wanted to winterize the floral dress I had planned to wear. See how that outfit turned out below!

2. Max & Chloe/Amazon dress, $34
Check out the full post about this dress and the alterations I made here. I first featured it last summer in a shopping round up, and when the price dropped to $34 (it was originally $178), it was too good to pass up! 

3. Banana Republic top, $40
I tried two options at Banana in this fabric - see Instagram pic below. The skirt was a bit pricey, and a dress is less versatile, so I ultimately went with this top - ordered online with a coupon code. It's a gorgeous thick fabric and I can't wait to wear it.

4. Forever 21 t-shirt, $16
My addiction to concert tees continues. I wear t-shirts to run errands and around the house so this top will and already has gotten a lot of use.

Total = $218

Dress  /  Skirt

How I wore my new coat on Valentine's Day!

C/o items added in January:

1. ASTR c/o Nordstrom Savvy department (sold out - similar, similar) 
I purchased this with a gift card. I love finding unique pieces, and this gorgeous beaded top fit the bill. 

2. Francesca's c/o (sold out)
I picked this up during a holiday challenge with a gift card. I have been hunting for a black clutch for over a year, and I love the chain strap on this one.

3. Nine West c/o Ross
I purchased these shoes with a leftover gift card from a challenge last summer. (The shoe clips pictured are not new.) I want to add more small-heel wedges to my closet (they are so practical for running errands) and this color goes with everything.

My clothing budget and purchasing decisions were made with my career, lifestyle, climate, body type and other personal factors in mind. For more info, see "How to Set a Clothing Budget."

Today's Everyday Fashion: Triple Texture

Inspiration: WhoWhatWear

There is so much ladylike lavender goodness going on in this inspiration photo. I had to give it a try with my closet - combining a skirt and jacket I wore together previously, with a muted purple lace trim top. I'm a big fan of mixing lots of textures in an understated color palette like today's look. What's your take on texture: pile it on, or only in small doses?

Jacket: Zara, $40
Top: Ann Taylor, $30 (similar, similar)
Skirt: LOFT, $36 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: BCBG/Ross, $20 (similar, similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar)
Necklace: Banana Republic, $20 (similar)
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Approx. dates: Shoes are three years ago. Jacket, necklace and top are one year ago. Purse is last summer. 

Chico's  /  Asos  /  C. Wonder
Asos  /  Coldwater Creek  /  GUESS
Neiman Marcus  /  TopShop  /  Amazon

Today's Everyday Fashion: So Much Color

The infamous mustard cardigan from 2-3 years ago makes a return appearance today. I wanted to pair this top with more color, so a mustard cardigan with a coral necklace and shoe combo seemed like just the ticket. And speaking of color, as I mentioned in Tuesday's post I'm on the hunt for creative suits. See below for what my search turned up so far. I ordered a couple options to try them out, and the hunt continues!

Cardigan: H&M, $18 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Top: White Plum c/o, $20
Jeans: H&M, $32 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Limited, $25 (similar)
Purse: Michael Kors, family gift
Necklace: Everyday Icing c/o (sold out - similar, similar)
Bracelet: My Stella & Dot, $59
Ring: My Stella & Dot, $39
Approx. dates: Cardigan is 3 years ago. Jeans and purse are 1 year ago. Necklace and shoes are last summer. Top is new.

Victoria's Secret  /  Victoria's Secret  /  Zara  /  Express 
Limited  /  Limited  /  J.Crew Factory  /  Limited

Today's Everyday Fashion: Before and After

This original price on this gorgeous Max & Cleo dress was $178. I nabbed it for just $34 on Amazon.com! (Note: the price as of last night is $53. The same dress is also available on 6pm.com for $103.)

I love this pattern and material, the full skirt and the length. I just wasn't loving the shape of the handkerchief hem, so instead of returning it I took it to a tailor. Before I could utter a word, she had a measuring stick and chalk around the bottom of the skirt, excited at how gorgeous it would be as one length when she finished it. She did a great job and the pros are having a dress that's one of a kind, an overall better shape for my body and a length that's better suited for casual occasions. The only con/bummer is that the shorter length won't work for church or other formal occasions now.  I can't wait to wear it this spring, and I've got another floral - blazers and cardigans - on my wish list, see below. I'm digging the second option with stripes underneath!

Nasty Gal  /  Boden  /  Macy's
Asos  /  Amazon  /  Lord & Taylor
Banana Republic  /  6pm.com  /  Amazon

Today's Everyday Fashion: Trench + Oxford

Inspiration: LOFT

Today I'm sharing an outfit I recently wore that was inspired by a LOFT catalog photo. I wore a similar outfit here - but I love how the oxford top and flats tone down the outfit and make it more casual... 

Trench: Express, $77 (similar, similar)
Top: Ralph Lauren outlet, $45 (similar, similar, similar)
Jeans: H&M, $32 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Me Too/Marshall's, $28 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors, family gift
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $118
Approx. dates: Jeans, shoes and purse are last year. Trench and necklace are this fall/winter.

Left jacket  /  Right jacket
Top  /  Pants

... I also tried on this suit at LOFT recently. I am obsessed with the left jacket! And I would size up on the pants. (The pictured pants are the wrong size.) I'm on the hunt for a creative suit this year - what stores or brands do you recommend?... 

Blazer  /  Top  /  Jacket
Top  /  Top  /  Top  /  Sweater
Sweater  /  Dress  /  Dress  /  Trench

...And last but not least. Stop it right now with these new arrivals! Especially that polka dot blazer = yes please.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Houndstooth and Graphic Tees

Inspiration: IMAXTREE / VincenzoGrillo via FabSugar

Be still my heart - I love this girl's graphic tee and houndstooth combo and couldn't wait to give it a try. I don't own a houndstooth jacket or coat (there are so many cute options on a budget below though!) so I switch it around and put the houndstooth on the bottom. I topped off my first version with a mint cardigan and loved the end result. One combo simply wasn't enough, so I also tried a black graphic tee and hot pink blazer or clutch. Which version is your favorite? 

Cardigan: Limited, $18 (similar, similar, similar)
T-shirt: Old Navy, $3
Skirt: Limited, $35 (similar, full, mini)
Shoes: Sole Society c/o
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $98
Purse: Michael Kors, family gift
Approx. dates: Purse and cardigan are 1 year ago. Shoes and skirt are last fall, t-shirt and necklace are recent.

Blazer: H&M, $37 (similar, similar, similar)
T-shirt: Forever 21, $16
Skirt: Limited, $35 (similar, full, mini)
Shoes: Chinese Laundry c/o (same)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $98
Purse: Michael Kors, family gift
Approx. dates: Blazer is 3 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. Skirt is last fall, t-shirt and necklace are recent.

Michael Kors  /  Lord & Taylor  /  Shoptiques
Calvin Klein  /  Mcginn  /  Tommy Hilfiger
Mango  /  Amazon (plus)  /  Torrid 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Reader Submitted

Inspiration: Reader Submitted 

Summer vs. Winter

A reader posted this photo to my Facebook page a couple days ago and asked if I could find the look for less. She snapped it with her phone at Bergdorf's in NYC and the total price tag was more than $10,000! I love the overall concept and gave it a try with what I already had in my closet. It reminded me of an outfit I did last summer, so I included the warm-weather version too!

Jacket: Zara, $90 (similar, similar, similar)
Top: Forever 21, $18
Jeans: Limited, $37 (similar, similar)
Belt: Joe's Jeans c/o Marshall's
Boots: Chinese Laundry c/o (similar, similar)
Purse: Karen Millen, gift (vegan)
Necklace: local boutique (similar)
Approx. dates: Boots and belt are 3 years ago. Purse is 2 years ago. Jacket, top, necklace and jeans are a year ago.

J.Crew Factory  /  Limited  /  Forever 21
LOFT  /  J.Crew Factory  /  Express
LOFT  /  White House  /  Calvin Klein