Meet Jane

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We are proud to partner with Jane.com for today’s post. Sponsors are carefully selected in conjunction with our mission statement to bring you style content we think you’ll love! All opinions and editorial decisions are solely my own.

 

Jane is where I got this gorgeous maxi for only $35! Plus accessories: 

Maxi dress, $34.99
Clutch, $28.99
Earrings, $4.99
Bracelet, $6.99
Bracelet, $9.99

Jane is where I got this colorful sweater I’ve been wearing non-stop for $17! 

Sweater, $16.99
Earrings, $4.99

Jane is where I got this beautiful blue blouse for only $10 – plus all my accessories!

Blouse, $9.99
Necklace, $12.99
Earrings, $9.99
Bracelet, $6.99
Bracelet, $9.99

 

Jane is where I scored this cozy pajama outfit!

Tee, $16.99
Pants, $19.99
Sweater, $28.99

Today I’d like to introduce you to my friend Jane – Jane.com, that is! Because if there ever was a fun, fashionable BFF that helps you score amazing deals, then Jane would be it.

It’s fun because new deals drop once a day, everyday, and last only 72 hours. You can scope sneak peeks to see what is coming next, use the favorites feature to keep an eye on your top finds, and then snag great deals before they sell out or expire. It’s such a fun way to shop!

It’s fashionable because Jane sells the same stylish items you know and love from boutiques across the country. Jane works with thousands of sellers, many of who are home-based. Some of my very favorite things in my closet are from Jane - purses, shoes, accessories and clothing I have scored over the past few years – and they have an amazing selection of personalized items that make great gifts. It is easily one of my best secrets for being stylish on a budget!

Jane is your BFF because returns are easy, using the app to shop is easy, and overall it’s a fun and rewarding experience. There’s nothing quite like it.

I hope you enjoyed meeting my friend Jane today! I think you will like shopping with her too!

 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Pink Jumpsuit

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This hot pink ruffle jumpsuit had my name written all over it! It can be worn so many different ways - pom poms and a straw bag for a beach destination, high heels and metallic accessories for a dressy occasion, or a rainbow clutch and earrings for something whimsical - just to name a few. It sold out really quickly online unfortunately, but I shared some similar options below. It’s such a fun addition to any closet!

Jumpsuit: TJ Maxx, $59 (same in different color)
Shoes: Macy’s, $54
Earrings: Nordstrom, $50 (similar, similar, similar)
Wristlet: Old Navy, $10
Approx. dates: Shoes, earrings are recent. Jumpsuit and clutch are new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Brooch Debate

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This outfit seems super Kate Middleton to me, however, I’m breaking major protocol. First, by calling her that, but also according to royal guidelines you are only allowed to wear brooches on your left shoulder. This is recent news to me as I’ve always chosen the right shoulder for practical reasons! The right shoulder is opposite my bangs and where my hair hangs down - a brooch on the left would most likely get tangled up or be concealed by my hair. Is this a rule you’ve heard of or follow?

Blazer: C. Wonder, $90 (similar below)
Sweater: Banana Republic, $22 (similar)
Brooch: Banana Republic, $20 (similar options here)
Jeans: Levi’s c/o Amazon, $59 (same, same, same)
Shoes: Cole Haan c/o Amazon, $54 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Aldo/Amazon, $40 (similar)
Approx. dates: Brooch is 9 years ago. Blazer and sweater are 5 years ago. Purse is 3 years ago. Jeans and shoes are recent.

My inspiration: J.Crew
The intention of this advertisement was probably more along the lines of getting me to buy a plaid blazer. However, it just reminded me that I already have one at home I should wear again! 😉

A Look Back at 2018: Learning to “Roar”

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Last January, I shared that my word for 2018 was “roar.” Oh, how little I understood at the time what learning to roar would actually look like. Thankfully, I was open to what it could teach me:

  • Learning to roar does not mean being loud, but rather being very quiet.

  • Learning to roar does not mean making big moves, but rather being very still.

  • Learning to roar is not a strut, but rather a bow of reverence.

  • Learning to roar is not powerful in the usual sense, but rather the giving up of power, of the urge to control the world around me so that I become more in control of myself.

  • Learning to roar does not mean making myself big, but rather making myself small. To roar means total and utter surrender.

Learning to roar meant quiet and stillness, because that is where I broke through the distractions - anxiety, depression, discord with a friend - which are all merely paperwork. Busywork that you will become buried under if you allow yourself. Learning to roar meant confronting and dealing with the latent pain, so that the underlying issues that were causing the distractions could come to light. To roar meant being brave enough to do so.

Learning to roar meant building a firm foundation that can withstand life’s storms. It meant getting my identity straight, learning who I really am, so that I no longer believe the lies when they come. It is actually, I found - the most powerful thing you can be. It is a quiet type of power, a different definition than what typically comes to mind, but “roar” is a great word to describe it.

 
 

Almost seven years ago I went through a crisis - or rather, three crisis at the same time - that almost took my life. If you would’ve asked me if those things were still affecting me, if I was “over it,” I would’ve been completely confident that I was. What being brought to my knees in 2018 taught me is that while yes - the worst had passed, and in some ways, I had moved on - I was no longer in crisis mode, I was functioning again and no one would have ever suspected anything was wrong (myself included!). But from time to time, the pain that I had not dealt with came leaking through, in destructive and heartbreaking ways. (If you are reading this and my leakage ever affected you in any way, please know that I am so, so sorry and it had nothing to do with you, it was purely my own pain.)

When I got brave enough to address the trauma from years ago I realized that in some ways, I was still the person who wanted an apology. I was the person who wanted someone else to take responsibility for all the terrible things that happened to me. I was the person who wanted to be left alone. I certainly wasn’t in the mood to be inconvenienced or troubled by doing something for others that I thought could hurt myself in the process.

And a person like that… is not good for much. A person like that certainly will not be helpful or even pleasant to be around, and what you produce will rarely be good if you’re too busy thinking of yourself and how it might be received by others, or how it might affect you.

 
 

In last year’s blog post, I defined roar as: “being ‘brave’ and a time in life when I've never been so pumped about possibility, and the willingness to dream really big.”

As we go into 2019, the timing of those words could not be sweeter, as we (Joshua & I) embark on several amazing adventures in the new year. We are opening a new business (a brick & mortar in downtown Orlando), and I am launching a new book/project (not sure what to call it yet!) that I have been excitedly working on the past few months.

It is not lost on me how perfectly aligned all of those activities are with “dreaming really big,” and how much greater “possibility” can be now that I have gone through the fire and come out the other side.

I am so full of gratitude for what this past year taught me. And I am ever-grateful for the annihilation of self, of learning how to “roar.”

xoxo, J.

ps. Thank you for your patience during my hiatus from outfit posts! I have been so grateful for this blogging break. I will be back with business details and more outfits soon. Perhaps one of the greatest take-aways of 2018 is the overwhelming sense of peace that I do not need to “perform” in order to be valuable, and that I am a human being, not a human “doing.” This time off has been a much-needed and much-appreciated exercise of that particular truth!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Merry Christmas

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No outfit quite says “Merry Christmas” like red + plaid! And today’s look is a mix of both, inspired by a catalog photo (see below). The finishing touches? A pair of brooches to tie in the green from the shirt, and a plaid scarf for a little print mixing. I hope you have such a wonderful holiday!

Blazer: J.Crew Factory, $83 (similar, coat)
Shirt: Forever 21, $20 (similar, similar, similar)
Pants: Express, $24
Shoes: Chinese Laundry/Ross, $23 (similar, similar, similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $220 (similar, similar)
Brooches: Stella & Dot and vintage (similar below)
Approx. dates: Top and brooches are 6-7 years ago. Blazer and purse are 4 years ago. Shoes are 3 years ago. Pants are recent.

 

Inspiration: Zara

 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Merry Christmas Eve

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Merry Christmas Eve! I’m wishing you and your family an amazing holiday! Sending well wishes + here’s another outfit idea for ya. Try pairing a plaid shirt with a dressy black skirt and topping it with lots of sparkle! Especially if these elements are already in your closet, it’s such a great easy holiday outfit.

Top: HSN, old (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: ModCloth, $31
Belt: Nordstrom, $35 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: J.Crew Factory, $35 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Bloomingdale's, $70 (similar, similar)
Necklaces: Stella & Dot and Francesca’s (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Top is 2 years ago. Belt, necklace are 1 year ago. Purse, shoes are this year. Skirt is new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: 15 New Year's Eve Outfit Ideas

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Sequins, feathers, and (faux) fur - could there be any better time to wear them than while ringing in the New Year?! Add “the color red” to that list and you’ve got today’s round-up of 15 favorite NYE looks from the past few years. Which one is your favorite?

ps. More new ideas coming on Monday! See you then! - J.

 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: 15 Christmas Outfit Ideas

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With Christmas just a few days away, here’s a round-up of some of my favorite holiday outfits from the past few years! Whether your holiday requires pajamas for lounging or the dressiest of looks, there’s a little something for everyone.

Happy Holidays! - J.

 

Original post

Which outfit idea is your favorite?

 

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Most Wonderful Time of Year

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What’s your favorite thing to wear during the holidays: the color red? Sparkly sequins? Or plaid? I couldn’t pick, so I wore all three!!! I put this outfit together for the Holiday Sip 'n Shop I hosted last week at Waterford Lakes Town Center. It was such a fun night, thank you to everyone who came! Happy holidays and here’s to joyfully donning your most festive outfits during the most wonderful time of year!

Top: Express, $35
Skirt: ModCloth, $48 (similar below)
Cardigan: H&M, $18 (similar, similar)
Belt: Nordstrom, $35 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: J.Crew Factory, $35 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Bloomingdale's, $70 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Stella & Dot, old (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Cardigan is 6 years ago. Belt is 1 year ago. Purse is recent. Skirt and top are new.

A couple snaps from the event! Check out my IG Highlight for more pics!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Colorful Sequin Stripes

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Colorful sequin stripes are in so many stores right now! You may recall seeing a dress like this on the blog recently (here), and today is a shirt version, paired with jeans and a faux fur vest. In a recent bout of sequin inspiration I ordered not one, but three, sequin tops - thinking I would just keep one. But of course I love all three and am having trouble deciding. Which of these first two are liking best so far? See below!

Top: Express, $35
Vest: Calvin Klein/Ross, $35 (similar, similar, similar)
Jeans: Nordstrom, $78
Shoes: Betsey Johnson/Ross, $32 (same, same, same, same)
Earrings: Nordstrom, $19 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Shoes and vest are 3 years ago. Jeans and earrings are 1 year ago. Top is new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: ‘Tis the Season

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‘Tis the season for sequins and I’m all about it! I grabbed this top for a steal ($15) during Cyber Monday and it’s totally something I would’ve worn in college. (Does personal style ever really change?!) The new trend I’m loving this year are these fuzzy jackets. They are SO soft and warm and they look great with everything from leggings and sneakers to a sequin top and jeans!

Jacket: Stitch Fix, $98 (plus, similar, similar, similar, similar)
Top: Express, $15 (similar below)
Jeans: Nordstrom, $78
Shoes: Betsey Johnson/Ross, $38 (same, same, same, same)
Purse: Stella & Dot (similar, similar)
Earrings: Kendra Scott (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Earrings and shoes are 3 years ago. Jeans and purse are 1 year ago. Jacket is recent, top is new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Christmas Tree Shopping

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You might be thinking: “yeah right, Christmas tree shopping,” but we really did buy a tree during/after these pictures! 😂 We get ours from a company that brings trees down from Michigan each year and sets them up in a huge tent. My outfit was a happy accident. I looked down one night while walking the dog and realized that what I haphazardly threw together in the dark was actually pretty cute, and I made a mental note to wear it again sometime. Christmas tree shopping felt like just the right occasion - I love having another idea for this sweater (see below)!

Sweater: J.Crew Factory, $45
Coat: Sporto, old (similar, similar, similar)
Jeans: Levi’s c/o Amazon, $59 (same, same, same)
Boots: Sperry/Shoebuy, $75 (same)
Hat: Kohl’s, $10 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Coat, boots, hat are 2 years ago. Jeans, sweater are recent.

 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Outfit #4 With This Cardigan

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Shout-out to my friend Brianna for this outfit idea! She wore it to church a couple weeks ago and I told her I was planning to copy it. ☺️ I seem to be on a mission to wear this cardigan as many ways as possible. I love the idea of wearing it with a dress, and belting it feels so 7 years ago, it’s making me nostalgic and giddy (back in the day, I used to belt EVERYthing!). Without the belt, this look on me had too much volume. I tried the belt over the cardigan at first but it’s too thick, so over the dress was the perfect compromise!

Cardigan: LOFT, $35 (similar, similar, similar)
Dress: Everlane, $98 (fair trade) (similar, similar, similar)
Belt: H&M, $18 (similar, similar)
Boots: Sam Edelman/Amazon, $29 (same, similar)
Purse: Lauren Conrad/Kohl’s, $40 (similar, similar)
Necklaces: Stella & Dot, old (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Necklace is 7 years ago. Belt is 5 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. Purse, cardigan are recent.

The Entire Family Gift Guide With vineyard vines

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We are proud to partner with vineyard vines and ShopStyle for today’s post. Sponsors are carefully selected in conjunction with our mission statement to bring you style content we think you’ll love! All opinions and editorial decisions are solely my own.

 

Sweater  /  Hat  /  Shirt  /  Pajamas
Dress  /  Pouch  /  Slippers  /  Top  /  Pajamas

Top  /  Top  /  Sweater
Dress  /  Necklace  /  Earrings  /  Socks  /  Hat  /  Bag  /  Dress

 

Shopping vineyard vines for the holidays brings visions of the entire family dressed in matching tartan, stripes or fleece around the Christmas tree. It’s the stuff classic, preppy dreams are made of - I’m obsessed! And I will take one of everything, please! 

 Right now vineyard vines is having their Ultimate Gift Sale. Use code GIFTS18 for 25% off full-priced items + 50% off sale items + free shipping - which ends tomorrow! Get even more bang for your buck on their already affordable prices through 12/11 (most items are under $100!). There’s never been a better time to finish your holiday shopping than right now.

Who’s still on your list to buy for this year? 

Which vineyard vines style or pattern is your favorite?

 

Blazer  /  Dress  /  Slippers  /  Jumper
Onesie  /  Pants  /  Fleece  /  Onesie

Dress  /  Dress  /  Sweater
Clutch  /  Onesie  /  Headband  /  Sweater

 

Phone case / Fleece  /  Vest  /  Pajamas  /  Bow tie
Shirt  /  Waterproof Demerbox  /  Fleece  /  Hat  /  Cup

Today's Everyday Fashion: You're Invited!

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Santa came early this year because I LOVE this dress!! It’s one of my favorite brands, and I got an amazing deal on it. I wouldn’t have thought of it as Christmas-y, but since it arrived to my closet during the holiday season, I’m thinking this will be my Christmas Eve dress this year. (Christmas Day I’ll be rocking pajamas, but Christmas Eve we will attend a church service.) Can’t WAIT to wear it!! Happy Holidays!

Dress: ModCloth, $55 (originally $129!)
Cardigan: H&M, $18 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Chinese Laundry/Ross, $23 (similar, similar, similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Bloomingdale's, $70 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Approx. dates: Cardigan is 6 years ago. Shoes are 3 years ago. Purse is recent. Dress is new.

Also - I’m hosting a Holiday Sip-n-Shop, and YOU are invited!! ❤️ Please join me Thursday, December 13 at 6:30pm at Waterford Lakes Town Center in Orlando, FL. We will have festive cocktails, mocktails, and shopping with LOFT, Banana Republic, Francesca's, Lizard Thicket, Forema, and more. The entire event is free (drinks included!), plus the FIRST 50 GUESTS at the event at 6:30 p.m. will receive a bag filled with holiday favorites! You’ll get ornaments from Pier 1 Imports, bath fizzies from Bath & Body Works, special discounts and coupons to Waterford Lakes Town Center shops, and more fun surprises.

Hope to see you there - RSVP here on Facebook to save the date!! 😘

Keep Your Cozy Wardrobe Fresh with Stitch Fix

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We are proud to partner with Stitch Fix for today’s post. Sponsors are carefully selected in conjunction with our mission statement to bring you style content we think you’ll love! All opinions and editorial decisions are solely my own.

 

Stitch Fix cardigan
Stitch Fix top
Stitch Fix jeans

Stitch Fix top

Stitch Fix cardigan
Stitch Fix jeans
Stitch Fix flats

Stitch Fix tank top
Stitch Fix sweater
Stitch Fix leggings

Stitch Fix jacket
Stitch Fix top

 

Has there ever been a more exciting time to be alive? You can have your very own personal stylist– for free* - with Stitch Fix! They will send clothes to your doorstep, selected just for you, in your requested size and price point (all of the items I’m wearing today except one are under $50!). It’s both the most relaxing way to shop, and exhilarating at the same time.  

I was SO excited to tear into my Stitch Fix box for today’s post and see what surprises were inside. I created four outfits with the items they sent, to showcase everything I got. Really though, each of the items are meant to incorporated into your own wardrobe, worn different ways with things you already have. (Each box has an outfit card with ideas for each piece!)

You pay $20 for the styling service – but if you decide to purchase anything they send, the $20 is deducted back to you. (*So basically, it’s free as long as you keep something!) If you keep all the items in your box, you get a 25% discount. You select how often you get a Stitch Fix box – either on demand, or regularly like once a month or season – and returns are easy and free.  

You simply cannot beat the convenience of shopping this way, and unwrapping your box feels like Christmas  - I couldn’t wait to see what the Stylist had picked out for me! Cozy cardigans, mustard flats, metallic leggings, a faux fur jacket, the cutest floral top and trendy jeans. Things I absolutely would’ve picked out for myself, and a few I was surprised by, but wound up loving the most. (It’s difficult to choose but the furry jacket, and gray stripe cardigan take the cake!)

Head over to Stitch Fix to create your Style Profile and get your first personalized-to-you Fix! 

It will mean one less thing off your to-do list this holiday season and feel like the ultimate gift to yourself. Hope you love this experience as much as I did!

 

Stitch Fix cardigan
Stitch Fix top
Stitch Fix jeans

Stitch Fix tank top
Stitch Fix sweater
Stitch Fix leggings

Stitch Fix cardigan
Stitch Fix jeans
Stitch Fix flats

 

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Leopard Sweater

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This leopard sweater is legit one of the softest sweaters of all time. It’s got that angora “fuzz” look and feel, and the fact that it pairs so well with sneakers pretty much confirms it as one of the comfiest things you can possibly wear! As if that were not enough, leopard sweaters are very much a “thing” this fall/winter; I’ve been seeing them everywhere. No two are alike though - check out more options below!

Sweater: Express, $39
Jeans: Levi’s c/o Amazon, $59 (same, same, same)
Shoes: Adidas c/o Amazon, $79 (same)
Purse: Bloomingdale's, $70 (similar, similar)
Coat: Express, old (similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: Saks Off Fifth, $13 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Coat is 10 years ago. Shoes are 3 years ago. Earrings are 2 years ago. Jeans and purse are recent. Sweater is new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Purple Coat

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This purple coat was the best Cyber Monday find! Not only is it the dreamiest shade of purple and pretty much the perfect match with this scarf, but it was also a killer deal. I don’t need many coats here in Florida, but the day we shot these photos this look was quite perfect for the weather. I think this feminine, colorful look is just too cute to pass up, even for this Florida girl! What is your favorite coat color?

Coat: LOFT, $64
Scarf: LOFT, $22
Sweater: J.Crew, $7 (similar below)
Jeans: Levi’s c/o Amazon, $59 (same, same, same)
Shoes: Cole Haan c/o Amazon, $54 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Aldo/Amazon, $40 (similar)
Earrings: Jane, $5 (similar)
Approx. dates: Purse is 3 years ago. Sweater is 2 years ago. Jeans, shoes are recent. Coat and scarf are new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Can We Talk About This Scarf?

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This scarf is fuzzy, it’s multi-colored, it’s warm. And… how are you supposed to wear it, exactly? Open or closed? Over a sweater, or only when you’re outside, with a coat? These are the questions I sought to explore after ordering it on Black Friday. But once it arrived, I found I was no further along in my quest for answers. How would you wear this scarf? Does it work for a holiday party, or only when you are outside?

Scarf: LOFT, $35
Top: LOFT, $32 (similar, similar, plus)
Jeans: Levi’s c/o Amazon, $59 (same, same, same)
Shoes: Macy’s, $54 (comes in six colors)
Purse: Marc Jacobs/Saks Off Fifth, $225 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Purse is 3 years ago. Top is 1 year ago. Jeans are recent. Shoes and scarf are new.