Today's Everyday Fashion: Macy's Spring Trends

Trench: DKNY c/o Macy's
Dress: Ronni Nicole c/o Macy's 
Shoes: Nine West c/o Macy's

If you haven't visited Macy's website lately, you're missing out on their adorable Spring Trends Guide! They asked me to choose a couple trends to highlight in an outfit, and I went with flared dresses and caged sandals. There's something prim and proper and a little retro about dresses in this flared shape, and I love the rainbow stripes along the bottom. The caged sandal trend is back in a huge way this spring, and I'm so excited to add this nude pair to my usual rotation. 

These two trends are just the start though. Check out my full shopping list featured on ShopStyle and below. The white trend, florals, winged satchels, two piece shoes - I'm loving all of it for spring! Which spring trends are you most excited about?

Top  /  Handbag  /  Shoes  /  Dress
Shoes  /  Blazer  /  Skirt  /  Dress
Shoes  /  Dress  /  Handbag  /  Shoes

This post is sponsored by Macy's and ShopStyle. All opinions, editorial decisions and images are my own. Thanks for reading!

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Striped Skirt

Inspiration: Tim Regas via PopSugar

Monday's emerald post made me want to wear this striped skirt again! It was a favorite last year, and I put it away for the winter. I don't have a striped top that looked right (a la the inspiration photo), so I went for leopard instead. There's definitely a lot going on in this outfit, but an eclectic mix can be fun, plus you can always sub in a plain black top or plain black heels. My strategy is to push the boundaries first, and then scale it back from there. How would you wear this look?

Jacket: Express, $77 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Top: C. Wonder c/o (similar, similar, similar, similar) 
Skirt: Harmony Belle c/o
Shoes: Chinese Laundry c/o (same, same)
Purse: Michael Kors, family gift
Earrings: My Stella & Dot, $44
Approx. dates: Shoes are 2 years ago. Skirt and purse are 1 year ago. Jacket and top are this fall/winter. 

Alythea  /  H&M  /  J. Crew
Shoptiques  /  Forever 21  /  Boden
French Connection  /  Banana Republic  /  Fossil

Today's Everyday Fashion: Striped Shoes

Inspiration: PopSugar

I've been wanting to pull this pink taffeta skirt out of my closet lately. Inspired by the street style photo, I paired it with striped shoes I've been on the fence about keeping. A plain white top was my first instinct but I decided to mix it up with polka dots. The necklace came last, and I'm showing it with or without in case the extra color feels like too much. 

Top: J.Crew Factory, $40
Skirt: Banana Republic, $15 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Payless, $20 (similar, similar)
Necklace: Shop Ethereal c/o (similar, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot, $44
Purse: Francesca's c/o (similar)
Approx. dates: Skirt is 2 years ago. Necklace is 1 year ago. Top and shoes are new.

Also... you may have noticed a new piece of jewelry today. While the ring is pretty, I'm much more excited about what it stands for - being engaged to the most thoughtful, sweet and gifted man I've ever known. I don't share much about my personal life, but it just doesn't feel right debuting the ring without debuting the man behind it. Here's a look back at just a few of our favorite memories. I call him "JJ" for short - his initials, and my soon-to-be initials, too!

So excited to announce our engagement!

Magic game

My birthday

Christmas Day

Hawaii

New Year's Eve

Roatan

The ballet

Today's Everyday Fashion: Colorful Lace

Things I love about this dress: first, the fabric. It has a sheer, lace-like embroidered overlay that I fell in love with immediately. (It's even prettier in person!) I also like that it zipped up perfectly without needing any alterations. The cons: I wore this for a long day (about 12 hours) and it was SO itchy. I also like the shape and fit of the other dress in my Piperlime order more for my body type, but ultimately the gorgeous fabric won out and I wore it on TV, so you could only see head and shoulders. Overall, I love the aesthetic of a colorful lace dress for spring weddings and parties. I'll be wearing my dress several times this spring, and I shared some more great lace shopping options below! 

Dress: Piperlime, $71 (used 20% off coupon)
Necklace: Stella & Dot, $98
Shoes: Chinese Laundry c/o 
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Shoes and purse are last summer. Dress and necklace are new.

Wyatt  /  Badgley Mischka  /  Adrianna Papell
Adrianna Papell  /  Donna Ricco  /  Last Call NM
Rent the Runway  /  Nanette Lepore  /  Aidan Mattox

Also, check out my new Babble post: "Coachella Style: 15 Outfits for Summer Concerts." It includes links for similar shopping options. Which outfit is most your concert style?
 

Emerald Style Ideas + $200 Giveaway with H&R Block

Inspiration: Getty / Timur Emek via PopSugar

Inspiration: Banana Republic

My most popular blog post to date is "How To Set a Clothing Budget" and today I'm adding a new tip for staying on budget: using an Emerald Prepaid MasterCard by H&R Block! I love this idea, because it's the same as using cash, but much safer to carry around (the card is FDIC insured). Having a clothing budget makes purchasing decisions so much easier, and having your budget on an Emerald MasterCard makes staying on budget easier. There are no fees, it's easy to reload with direct deposit or bank transfers, and you can keep track of your balance online. 

In celebration of the Emerald Prepaid MasterCard, H&R Block is giving away a $200 gift card to one J's Everyday Fashion reader!  You can spend it however you would like - a shopping spree, pay your bills, you name it. I'm also sharing a few new emerald outfit ideas above, and some past emerald favorites below. Enter the $200 giveaway in the Rafflecopter box below, and head to my emerald Pinterest board for emerald shopping on a budget. Which outfit is your favorite?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

H&R Block has asked me to help promote the Emerald Prepaid MasterCard. The prize was provided by and will be shipped to the winner by H&R Block, but all opinions expressed in the post are my own and not those of H&R Block. Entrants must be 18 or older and located in the US only. No purchase necessary in order to win prize. Winner to be chosen at random.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Branching Out

I tend to shop at the same handful of stores, but I'm in the mood to try something new lately. Inspired by my recent Babble post and armed with a 20% off coupon, I placed an order with Piperlime, a store I often browse but don't order from. I am keeping one dress (I'll post it next week), and today's outfits are the items going back.

I love the material and loose fit of this dress but it doesn't fit. This photo is bit deceiving, but it needs to be taken in (especially in the bust) and I don't want to pay for alterations. The skirt and top I had planned to wear together but I think I'd prefer the skirt in black. The cobalt isn't nearly as vibrant in person, and the top is big and boxy when it's untucked. I would keep the top if it was half the price, but it feels like too much of my budget for a polyester top. Check out some of my favorites from Piperlime below (despite these not working out, I'm tempted to place another order!). What brands and websites do you love that I don't usually feature? I'd love some suggestions!

Dress: Piperlime (not my own)
Shoes: Chinese Laundry c/o (from last summer)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $118

Top: Piperlime (not my own)
Skirt: Piperlime (not my own)
Necklace: JCPenney, $20 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Wet Seal c/o Chippmunk, $9 (similar, similar, similar)

Dress  /  Dress  /  Dress  /  Dress  /  Dress
Jacket  /  Top  /  Jacket  /  Top
Skirt  /  Skirt  /  Pants  /  Shorts

Today's Everyday Fashion: Spring Tweed

Inspiration: Getty / Timur Emek via PopSugar

"Still 50 outside but well into March, is tweed a no-no?" That's a tweet I received a couple days ago. I totally get Vicki's predicament. It may officially be spring, but it doesn't necessarily feel like it weather-wise yet. I approach tweed in March the same way I approach white after Labor Day - go by what the weather feels like, rather than the date on the calendar. Today's outfit is a good example of breaking both "rules." Tweed in the spring and white after Labor Day? Sounds like a great transitional outfit to me!

Blazer: Banana Republic, $17 (similar, similar, similar)
Top: H&M, $25
Jeans: Limited, $37 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Nine West c/o (similar, similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Shoes and top are 2 years ago. Jeans and purse are 1 year ago. Blazer is this winter.

Forever 21  /  Express  /  Catherine Malandrino
Old Navy  /  Coldwater Creek  /  Dorothy Perkins
Nordstrom  /  Macy's  /  DKNY

Today's Everyday Fashion: Denim Tuxedo

The denim tuxedo. (Also known as a Canadian tuxedo or a Texas tuxedo, depending on where you're from.) Call it a faux pas, but I love denim on denim, especially when one piece is light and the other is dark. Today's look with hot pink accessories and a statement necklace = love it. Denim on denim: do you give it a pass or a fail?

Top: Mudd c/o Kohl's, $24 (similar, similar, similar)
Jeans: Gap, $48
Clutch: Gap, $16 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales (similar, similar, similar)
Necklace: Ily Couture c/o (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Shoes are 3 years ago. Top is 1 year ago. Clutch and necklace are last summer. Jeans are this fall/winter.

Top  /  Top  /  Top
Shorts  /  Shorts  /  Shorts

Also - I had a little shopping trip to J.Crew Factory yesterday. I'm almost 2 months behind on my clothing budget (not necessarily a bad thing), and it was difficult to not buy everything I tried on! 

Dress  /  Dress  /  Necklace (my own)

Today's Everyday Fashion: Windowpane Prints

Ever since the windowpane (or "grid") pattern trend showed up in stores I've been a fan. I was so close to buying the Ann Taylor coat (first option) below for my trip to NYC, and I recently ordered the pants I'm wearing from Banana. While I love the print, these pants aren't fitting quite like I expected (or how they are shown on the website), so the hunt for this print continues. A sweater, a shirt, pants, a dress - I've got my eye on everything windowpane. Would you wear this trend?

Sweater: Gap, old (similar, similar)
Pants: Banana Republic
Shoes: Chinese Laundry c/o (same, same)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $118
Purse: Francesca's c/o (similar)  
Approx. dates: Sweater is 6 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. Necklace and purse are this fall/winter. 

Ann Taylor  /  Banana Republic  /  Ann Taylor  /  Kohl's
Amazon  /  JCPenney (plus)  /  Express  /  Limited
Forever 21  /  6pm.com  /  BB Dakota  /  JCPenney
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Coral

Inspiration: @LouiseRoe via People

This top was a bit of a shot in the dark when I ordered it online, but I wound up loving it in person. The neon coral trim along the neck and sleeves is my favorite part, even though I didn't expect it to be so vibrant. I was inspired to pair it with neon coral jeans and a coral necklace for my first time trying it on. I would also put this top under a coral blazer with jeans, or with white jeans and coral shoes. The key word here? Coral. One of my favorite colors for spring - lots more outfits with this color to come!  

Top: Banana Republic, $35
Jeans: Gap, $32
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini/Piperlime, $32 (similar, similar)
Necklace: Everyday Icing c/o (similar, similar, similar)
Clutch: Sole Society, $30 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Jeans, shoes, clutch and necklace are 1 year ago. Top is new.

Charlotte Russe  /  Forever 21  /  Amazon  /  Bluefly
Forever 21  /   Gap  /  Lily Pulitzer  /  Amazon

5 Style Lessons from My Tailor + White Trend Under $100

"5 Style Lessons I Learned from My Tailor"

Two new Babble posts hot off the press. First up, a look at 5 style lessons I've learned from my tailor. Then, white trend shopping options on a budget. 

What style lessons have you learned from a tailor? Will you be wearing the white trend?

"White is the New Black: Shop the White Trend Under $100"

Today's Everyday Fashion: Brainstorming

Inspiration: InStyle

I'm finally feeling better, and today I'm sharing the last of the photos I took before my trip. I was playing around with cold weather outfit ideas with the same boots and coat, and these are two looks I tried on. (There's a black blazer underneath the coat in each picture.) I love Ali Larter's outfit here, but mine is more Beetlejuice than her laid-back chic version. And the red plaid jeans with graphic tee are just a tad punk rock. 

Top  /  Top  /  Top  /  Top
Skirt  /  Skirt  /   Belt  /  Purse  /  Skirt
Dress  /  Dress  /  Jeans  /  Blazer

Also - Limited has a bunch of fun new arrivals (and tons of promos going on right now) that I wanted to share. They recently added Petite sizes to their website, so most items come in Petite now, too!

25 Cobalt Outfit Ideas + Steal Kristen Bell's Style

Cobalt is one of my favorite colors to wear. In fact, it was difficult to narrow it down to just 25 examples in today's Babble post! Some of my favorite ways to wear this beautiful shade of blue? With leopard, camel, any shade of yellow, with primary colors, and with monochromatic blues. Click through for 25 cobalt outfit ideas. Which one is your favorite?

Inspiration: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin

Dress  /  Dress  /  Dress

Also - I'm slightly obsessed with Kristen Bell's recent outfit at the Independent Spirit Awards. Here are 3 similar dresses I found under $150!

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Jumpsuit

I'm breaking out of my fashion comfort zone and trying something new: a jumpsuit. I've had my eye on this trend for awhile and resolved to give it a try this year. The version I'm wearing is super comfortable, and I can see it working well over a swim suit with a big straw hat in the summer. I'm torn between the laid-back version I'm wearing, and the night-out versions below.  A skinny fit on the pants would make it work for heels, whereas the wider leg only works with flat shoes (depending on your height of course). Jumpsuits: do you give this trend a thumbs up or thumbs down? Which version do you prefer?

Jumpsuit: Scissortail Clothing Company c/o, $52.99
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $79
Clutch: Limited, $23 (similar)
Sandals: Nine West/DSW, $17 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Sandals and clutch are 1 year ago. Necklace is recent. Jumpsuit is new.

Charlotte Russe  /  ASOS  /  Swell  /  Nasty Gal  /  ASOS
ASOS (tall)  /  Amazon  /  Vince Camuto  /  ASOS (petite)  /  Nordstrom

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Essentials

Inspiration: Banana Republic

I got the idea to pair this striped top with a red cardigan from the inspiration photo and the rest quickly fell into place. I consider a striped top like this an essential in my closet. (I owned one before I replaced it with this current version.) It looks great on its own, but also pairs easily with a lot of fun and unique combinations. White bottoms (whether a skirt or jeans, etc.) are also a staple for me. The ultimate blank canvas, I've always found them the easiest to create outfits with, even more so than blue jeans.  

Cardigan: H&M, $18 (similar, similar)
Top: Banana Republic, $30 (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: Banana Republic, $35 (similar)
Belt: Limited, $15 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Nine West c/o (similar, designer)
Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar)
Approx. dates: Skirt is 4 years ago. Shoes, belt, cardigan and purse are 2 years ago. Shirt is this fall/winter.

Dress  /  Necklace  /  Shoes

Also - I have several spring events coming up, which lead me to do a bunch of online window shopping (okay, and some purchasing!). I started laying out my ideas so I could visualize full outfits and I share the results with you in my latest Babble post. Click either image to read. 

 Dress  /  Necklace  /  Shoes 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Mexicali Prints

I wore this last Saturday on a sunny day in Orlando, and snapped the photos on my way out the door. Piperlime is calling "Mexicali prints" one of the top trends for spring and I couldn't be happier. I already have a few prints like today's shirt in my closet, and would not be mad about shopping for a few more. Mexicali prints: do you give them a pass or fail?

Top: Collide Boutique c/o, old
Jeans: Limited, $37 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Nine West c/o Ross, $20 (similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $79
Approx. dates: Top, jeans and purse are 1 year ago. Shoes and necklace are recent.

Lucky Brand  /  Piperlime  /  Neiman Marcus
Piperlime  /  Alloy  /  Piperlime
Lucky Brand  /  Piperlime  /  Macy's

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Event

I wore this for an event in NYC yesterday morning. I was on a panel for the launch of Izea's new influencer platform that rolls out on Monday. I wanted to be in work attire, and a skirt wasn't going to cut it weather-wise in NYC, so these cobalt pants were my solution. Today's post is another short one because I'm sick as a dog. I came down with a cold on Saturday and traveling to New York Sunday through last night turned it into something worse. I had an awesome time but I'm beyond happy to be back in my own bed. Next up: plenty of sleep and fluids!

Blazer: Express c/o, old (similar, similar, similar)
Top: LOFT, $27 (similar, similar, similar)
Pants: Limited, $35 (sold out - similar, similar)
Shoes: Sole Society c/o (similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors, family gift
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $96
Coat: Banana Republic, $128 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Blazer is 3 years ago. Top is 2 years ago. Purse is 1 year ago. Pants are new.

With fellow panelists Chris Brogan and Blake Lawrence, and Izea founder Ted Murphy. Via Instagram.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Green Leopard

A quick post today featuring the newest addition to my closet: a thick, green leopard top from Banana. For Florida, it's perfect on its own with a touch of yellow in the necklace and a printed purse for a night out. For colder states, I'm showing it with boots and a wool coat. If the weather doesn't require a scarf, you can let the bright green and yellow show through just enough to add some color to an all-black ensemble!

Top: Banana Republic, $40
Coat: Banana Republic, $128 (similar, similar)
Jeans: Gap, $35 (similar, similar)
Purse: Sole Society c/o (similar, similar)
Boots: Report/Piperlime, $10 (same)
Heels: Shoemint, $75 (similar, similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $98
Approx. dates: Jeans are 4 years ago. Top, coat, purse and both pairs of shoes are within the last 6 months.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Pastels

Pastels are one of the hottest trends for spring. Which for me is that moment when your favorite thing becomes a trend and you luck out because now stores are filled with all of your favorite things. Today's outfit, for example - I ordered the top and pants the minute I spotted them online. I'm definitely keeping the top, and I love the pants, however I suspect they may stretch out quickly so I may have to keep looking. Pink pants and/or a skirt are definitely happening this spring though. Also, pretty much everything below. Thankfully it's all under $100. Pastels: love this trend or passing on it?

Top: J.Crew Factory, $42
Pants: J.Crew Factory, $49
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini/Piperlime, $32 (similar, similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Purse and shoes are 1 year ago. Top and pants are new.

Victoria's Secret  /  Gianni Bini  /  ALDO  /  Lauren Conrad
JCPenney  /  Forever 21  /  Nordstrom  /  American Eagle  /  ModCloth
J.Crew Factory  /  Limited  /  Topshop  /  LOFT

Today's Everyday Fashion: Black and White

Left: Old H&M dress (picture from last summer)
Right: In stock (and on sale!) at J.Crew Factory

Left: designer polka dots  /  Right: polka dot steals

Manolo Blahnik  /  Express
Paul Andrew  /  White House

Left: designer stripes  /  Right: stripe steals

Christian Louboutin  /  Payless
Manolo Blahnik  /  JCPenney