Today's Everyday Fashion: Comfy For the Win

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This outfit renders the typical routine of “returns home, immediately changes into pajamas” completely unnecessary. Because it already feels like you are wearing pajamas! It’s really that soft, comfortable, and forgiving. I’m not sure when trendy things became comfy things, but I gotta tell you - I am here for it. I found this pair of stretchy pants in the post-Christmas sales (waited until it got warmer to photograph them), but lots of similar options for ya below. In today’s world, comfy pants rule (yoga pants I’m looking at you) and there are so many cute ways of wearing them!

Bodysuit: Nordstrom Rack, $13 (similar, similar, similar)
Pants: Express, $13 (same print as shorts)
Purse: Forever 21, $30 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Express, $42 (similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: Amazon, $10
Approx. dates: Bodysuit, purse, shoes and earrings are last year. Pants are new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: The In-Between

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Last week it was 87 degrees, and tonight it’s 50 degrees. Is it spring? winter? My circadian rhythms and my closet just can’t be sure. Not only is our FL weather doing some serious ping-ponging but so are my outfits. So back and forth we go - last week it was tank tops, and today it’s cozy cardigans. I ordered this cute southwest pattern for the chilly weather but we are so close to warmer weather that I think I’m going to pass on it, and save my budget for spring instead. It does run big, so size down if you’re ordering!

Sweater: Express, $35
Tee: Limited, $23 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Jeans: Levi’s/Amazon, $59 (same, same, same)
Boots: Shoebuy, $50 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Marc Jacobs/Saks Off Fifth, $225 (similar)
Earrings: Jane, $10
Necklace: Jane, $13
Approx. dates: Shoes, tee and purse are 3 years ago. Jeans are 1 year ago.

Today's Everyday Fashion: The New Denim Shape

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At first glance today’s look is just a plain white top and jeans, but upon closer inspection it’s a primer on current trends. Straw bags are all the rage, and white heels are everywhere. The V at the toe and block heel makes this pair especially trendy, and they are also super comfy! As for denim, one newish shape on the scene are crop flares. I like that they show off your shoes and the little flare is a fun “kick.” Right now really anything goes for denim though - there’s hardly a pair that is not in style. What denim shape are you rocking these days? And white shoes and straw accessories: do you vote yay or nay?

Top: Nordstrom, $41 (similar below)
Jeans: Express, $48
Shoes: DSW, $50
Purse: H&M, $25 (similar below)
Earrings: Jane, $5 (similar)
Approx. dates: Top and earrings are 1 year ago. Jeans, shoes and purse are new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Blazer Showdown

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Two blazers - but there can only be one winner. 😜

 

One is lightweight, the prettiest pale pink. The other is sweater material, in a bold navy stripe. This could never be a fair showdown, because each blazer is so different! But for this Florida girl, being picky about jackets/blazers is a must because we just don’t need them very much in this warm climate. If you could only have one - which blazer would you pick??

Blazer: LOFT, $78
Top: C. Wonder, old (similar, similar)
Jeans: Levi's, $37
Shoes: Macy’s, $54
Purse: Bloomingdale's, $70 (similar)
Earrings: Stella & Dot (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Top is 6 years ago. Jeans, earrings and purse are 1-2 years ago. Shoes are recent. Blazer is new.

 
 

Blazer: LOFT, $48
Top: H&M, $20 (similar)
Jeans: J.Crew Factory, $23
Flats: J.Crew Factory, $42
Purse: Calvin Klein, $130 (similar, similar, similar)
Necklace: Aster/Rocksbox, $42 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Purse is 7 years ago. Top is 2 years ago. Jeans and flats are recent. Blazer is new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Pretty New Things

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As promised, here’s a snapshot of what I ordered from LOFT recently! First up, a pretty, versatile floral top (above) with just a touch of volume in the shoulder. I love that it could be styled boho or preppy, and there are so many color pairing options - blue denim, mustard, gray, khaki, or ivory, to name a few. And below, check out two blazers I ordered. Everything is so cute, I’m having a tough time deciding!

Top: LOFT, $35
Blazer: Banana Republic/thredUP, $48 (similar, similar, similar)
Jeans: J.Crew Factory, $23
Flats: J.Crew Factory, $42
Heels: Macy’s, $54
Purse: Aldo/Amazon, $40 (similar)
Earrings: Jane, $10
Necklace: Jane, $13
Approx. dates: Purse is 3 years ago. Blazer is thrifted 2 years ago. Jeans, flats, heels are recent. Top is new.

Stripe blazer / Pink blazer (and similar top)

These outfits will be posted on Friday!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Feels Like Spring

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Forgive my excitement but I’m just so happy that spring is around the corner! I’m jumping the gun a bit of course, but we also get warm weather much earlier here in Florida. I ordered a couple tropical items from Forever 21, including these two tops. I think I’m leaning towards #1 above, but would love to hear which one you like better, too. I placed an order at LOFT that I’ll post soon - can’t wait to share it!

Top: Forever 21, $9
Jeans: Old Navy, $30 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Express, $42 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Jane, $29 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Jane, $5 (similar)
Approx. dates: Jeans, purse, shoes, earrings are last year. Top is new.

 
 

Top: Forever 21, $20
Pants: Charlotte Russe, $15 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Macy's, $40 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Jane, $29 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Forever 21, $7
Approx. dates: Pants, shoes, purse are last year. Top and earrings are new.

I'm Writing Poetry Now

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"I’m writing poetry now” - wait, what?! I can’t believe this is coming from my mouth. I don’t know the first thing about poetry. And yet, I once said the same thing about fashion. I started blogging because I had no clue how to put outfits together (other than a knack for coupons) but I wanted to learn. And then it became a career and now brands hire me to create outfits - go figure. Life is funny.

These days, I am constantly encouraging people to embrace the “audacity to enjoy yourself” with anything creative, especially fashion. But am I practicing what I preach? Writing poetry and sharing it felt like an opportunity to do just that.

I can’t explain exactly why I’m doing it, other than I’m enjoying it. I’m not sure if I’m doing it correctly, but I figure the best way to learn is to practice. And ultimately, I doubt the poetry police are going to come get me. It’s all so subjective. And I’m not sure I’d disagree with them. 😉

So without further ado, here are a few favorites:

ps. If you’ve been following on Instagram then you may have already seen these. Thanks for all your love and support!

 
 
 
 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: The White Blazer

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Inspiration: Magnolia boutique

 

I’ve got major history with this white blazer - see 6 ways I’ve worn it over the past few years, below. For today’s look, I loved the idea of making it casual and a bit “edgy” with distressed denim and strappy sandals, inspired by a boutique photo. The belt bag is an uber-trendy addition and while there’s a good chance I’ll look back on it someday and think it was silly, what I will remember most is how joyful it was to wear. Not only from a practical standpoint (being hands-free is such a treat!) but also because experimenting with fashion is really fun. Do you agree? Or would you play it safe and lose the belt bag?

Blazer: White House Black Market, $90 (similar below)
Tee: Gap, old (similar, similar)
Jeans: American Eagle, $40 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Dolce Vita c/o Amazon, $73 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Belt bag: Lord & Taylor, $36 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Tee is 10 years ago. Blazer is 3 years ago. Shoes, jeans are 2 years ago. Purse is last year.

 
 

Same blazer, 6 ways!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Too Good To Be True

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When something seems too good to be true, it usually is - and that is certainly the case with this ribbon brooch. It was a great deal on Amazon but unfortunately the design is flawed. The brooch is too heavy, so it falls forward and won’t lay flat, no matter how or where you hang it. Thankfully, the rest of the outfit is redeemable. I am especially loving the fun details and comfort of these new shoes, and am excited to find other ways to wear them!

Jacket: LOFT, $43 (similar below)
Top: H&M, $40 (similar, similar)
Brooch: Amazon, $5
Jeans: Levi’s c/o Amazon, $59 (same, same, same)
Shoes: Ann Taylor, $35 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Bloomingdale's, $70 (similar)
Approx. dates: Jacket is 6 years ago. Top is 3 years ago. Jeans and purse are recent. Shoes and brooch are new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: 20 Valentine's Outfits

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If we’re ranking holidays based on color schemes alone, Valentine’s Day is the clear winner! Not only is the red-pink-purple color palette deeply nostalgic, conjuring happy images of construction paper hearts and Valentine’s candies as a kid, but it’s also a mainstay in my closet. Here are 20 of my favorite red-pink-purple outfit ideas over the years - perfect for the upcoming Valentine’s holiday or any other day of the year you might choose to wear them!

Which outfit is your favorite?

 
 

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!