Today's Everyday Fashion: Utility Trend Plus Snakeskin

/
 
 

The utility trend includes just about anything that is olive, khaki or a brown derivative. It’s a close cousin/ basically the same thing as the safari trend, and today I’m giving it another try! (See my first post about it here.) These richly-hued neutrals are seriously calling my name, like these tie-waist pants in a unique color and a snakeskin bodysuit that is a near-perfect match. My new button sweater (below) also pairs well with these pants, and I’m excited to try more combinations including longer sleeves and potentially work-appropriate options!

Top (above): TJ Maxx, $10
Top (below): Francesca’s, $25
Pants: Macy’s, $62
Shoes: Marc Fisher, $89 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: H&M, $25 (similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: Jane, $10 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Shoes are 2 years ago. Purse and top below are recent. Top above and pants are new.

 
 

Style Your Way With Walmart

/

We are proud to partner with Walmart 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.

 
 

Bag  /  Swim (plus, plus)  /  Swim (plus)  /  Shoes
Coverup  /  Dress  /  Dress  /  Jumpsuit  /  Dress
Top  /  Bag  /  Top  /  Hat 

I’m so excited to be a part of Walmart’s “We Dress America” campaign today! So much of their messaging of diversity and inclusion speaks to me, like: 

Whoever you are, wherever you’re from – your style has a home here.
Style that’s original, doesn’t discriminate, at prices that all of us can feel good about. 

Essentially: you do you. I can get on board with that!! 

And on board I did – by styling a head-to-toe outfit (plus one additional top) from Walmart that is so incredibly “me”! It’s colorful, feminine, comfortable and affordable.

Everyone is encouraged to join and participate – head to the We Dress America campaign page to start shopping and post your looks using the hashtags #WeDressAmerica and #WalmartFashion. I know I will be! 

Which top do you like better with this outfit?

 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Striped Pants, 8 Ways

/
 
 

I’m featuring another old favorite today - these black and white striped pants! They still feel fresh and new, thanks to how “trendy” striped pants are at the moment - I found so many similar options to shop (see below). The first outfit (above) has been a favorite way to wear these pants for years (see it in India in 2016 here!). The second outfit (below) is a new way to wear them for spring/summer, with bright yellow and pink. Really the possibilities are endless though - check out 6 more outfit ideas through the years here, here, here, here, here and here! Which one is your favorite?

Top: Wyatt/Bluefly, $37 (identical, similar)
Pants: Banana Republic, $58 (similar below)
Shoes: Saks Off Fifth, $70 (similar, similar)
Necklace: Stella & Dot, old (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Bloomingdale's, $70 (similar)
Approx. dates: Pants, shoes, necklace are 4 years ago. Top is 3 years ago. Purse is recent.

 
 

Top: J.Crew, $39 (similar, similar, similar)
Pants: Banana Republic, $58 (similar below)
Shoes: Saks Off Fifth, $70 (similar, similar)
Earrings: boutique, $8 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: H&M, $25 (similar, similar, similar)
Bag charm: H&M, $6 (similar)
Approx. dates: Pants, shoes are 4 years ago. Top is 2 years ago. Purse is recent. Earrings are new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Flamingo Tee x 2

/
 
 

This flamingo tee is still in stock! One year later, I’m happy to report it was an excellent buy. I wear it a ton, so I’ve washed it a ton (regular cycle in the washing machine + air dry), and it still looks as good as new. I like pairing it with hot pink sandals for running errands, and I wore it as-pictured with a navy blazer and heels for a casual speaking gig last week. It’s definitely an MVP in my closet!

Tee: J.Crew Factory, $25
Blazer: Banana Republic/thredUP, $48 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Jeans: J.Crew Factory, $23
Shoes: Macy’s, $54
Earrings: Amazon, $10
Purse: Vince Camuto/Saks Off 5th, $70 (similar, similar, similar)
Bag charm: H&M, $6 (similar)
Approx. dates: Purse is 4 years ago. Blazer is thrifted 2 years ago. Tee, earrings are last year. Shoes, jeans are recent.

 
 

Step Into Spring With VacayStyle

/

We are proud to partner with VacayStyle 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.

 

Bonaire Convertible Kimono Set
code J30 for 30% off

Bonaire Convertible Kimono Set
code J30 for 30% off

Bonaire Convertible Kimono Set
code J30 for 30% off

Bonaire Convertible Kimono Set
code J30 for 30% off

Bonaire Convertible Kimono Set
code J30 for 30% off

 

Spring has officially arrived! And the question on everyone’s minds: What’s a girl to wear?! 

No worries, because VacayStyle is here to help - whether your days are sandy beaches and tropical destinations or running errands in your hometown. By creating simple yet fun 5-piece collections that when combined with two pieces from your closet (a white tank and denim) make 17 different outfits they have solved two wardrobe dilemmas:

  1. What to pack for vacation. Just throw 5 items in a bag and you’re good to go!

  2. What to wear everyday this summer. Vacay is your easy, breezy capsule wardrobe!

Today I’m illustrating just how versatile Vacay can be by modeling the 5 pieces of the Bonaire Collection in 17 different outfits. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but I love a good kimono and the white dress is so crisp!

You receive a special discount for buying the entire collection, or you can buy any piece separately. Be sure to use code J30 to get an additional 30% off your order, valid until April 30th.

Head to VacayStyle now to check out all of their collections!

Ps. Vacay is proudly made in boutique factories in San Francisco and supports livable wages for employees. So awesome! 
Pps. For wanderlust inspiration, follow Vacay’s founder Elizabeth (@the_sailing_family) as she travels the world on a sailboat with her husband and three boys. So fun!

 

Vacay Off-the-Shoulder Dress
code J30 for 30% off

Vacay Off-the-Shoulder Dress
code J30 for 30% off

Bonaire Convertible Ruched Dress
code J30 for 30% off

Bonaire Convertible Ruched Dress
code J30 for 30% off

Bonaire 2-Piece Jumpsuit
code J30 for 30% off

Bonaire Keyhole Top
code J30 for 30% off

Bonaire 2-Piece Jumpsuit
code J30 for 30% off

Bonaire 2-Piece Jumpsuit
code J30 for 30% off

 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Another Denim Outfit

/
 
 

As much as I’m a cheerleader for having an outrageously good time with clothes, I’m also a big fan of taking a hiatus from it. Whether you’re just not in the mood for it, or life is super busy - you gotta be willing to give yourself a break from time to time (preaching to myself here!). Nobody looks great every single day (no matter what their Instagram may lead you to believe). Check out my hot mess, below - I’ve been squeezing in time to help out at the new business lately (announcement coming soon). So yes, I’m wearing yet another denim outfit. Because an easy, breezy uniform is exactly what the doctor ordered! 🙌 Do you dial back the fashion when you are tired or extra busy?

Top: LOFT, $10 (use code HAPPY)
Jeans: Express, $48
Shoes: Express, $42 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Forever 21, $30 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Necklace: NM Last Call, $21 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Shoes, purse, necklace are last year. Jeans are recent. Top is new.

 

This look on repeat 🤓

 

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Smocked Blouse

/
 

Inspiration: Jonathan Simkhai and Aqua

 

Trying out a new trend today - the smocked blouse! My version is smocked in the torso with a slight pouf to the sleeve, but this can also apply to smocked sleeves like my inspiration. To dress up this look, I added two statement accessories - a scarf on my bag/hair, and bold earrings. Are smocked blouses a trend you’ve tried yet or are planning to?

Ps. My earrings are old but I gathered some below $10-75. I own that first pair - my all-time faves!

Top: Francesca’s, $26
Jeans: Express, $48
Shoes: DSW, $50
Purse: H&M, $25 ( similar, similar, similar, similar)
Scarf: H&M, $15 (similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: J.Crew, $43 (similar below)
Approx. dates: Earrings are 2 years ago. Bag, jeans and shoes are recent. Top is new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: My Unique Spin on the Utility Trend

/
 
 

My spin on the utility (or safari) trend might be unique, but only in a social media world where new outfits seem to be obtained at lightning-fast speed. The rest of the world calls this normal: wearing trendy items with things you’ve already had in your closet for years. (5-12 years, in this case!) Unlike some would have you believe, this trend ever really goes out of style. And in general, I’m all for wearing what you like no matter what the trends say - and this is a type of outfit I can definitely get behind!

Which olive and khaki look do you like better?

Top: Banana Republic, old (similar, similar, similar)
Shorts: Forever 21, $23 (these run small - order a size or 2 up!)
Shoes: Express, $42 (similar, similar, similar)
Bag: H&M, $25 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Scarf: H&M, $15 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Jane, $10 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Top is 12 years ago. Shoes are last year. Bag is recent. Shorts and scarf are new.

 
 

Top: Francesca’s, $25
Pants: LOFT, $30 (similar below)
Shoes: Marc Fisher, $89 (similar, similar, similar)
Bag: H&M, $25 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: Jane, $10 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Pants are 5 years ago. Shoes are 2 years ago. Bag is recent. Top is new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Blue Work Dress

/
 
 

There’s just something about this gorgeous blue dress! And $40? Take my money. I added a vintage brooch and white accessories to create an even stronger sense that I just stepped out of the 1960s (like my inspiration, Jackie O). Now the only thing missing - I think - is Spanx. The fabric on this dress is a bit less structured/thick than I would prefer it to be. I don’t have much experience with Spanx but I will give it a try with this dress and report back. If you have any tips, please share!

Dress: TJ Maxx, $40 (same, same)
Shoes: DSW, $50
Earrings: Kendra Scott (similar, similar, similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Mud Pie, $13 (similar, similar, similar)
Brooch: vintage (similar below)
Approx. dates: Brooch is 8 years ago. Purse and earrings are 3 years ago. Shoes are recent. Dress is new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Linen Jumpsuit

/
 

Inspiration: NM Last Call (Jacket / Dress)

 

By far my most-loved and repeated dress last summer was this stripe linen dress. So when I spotted today’s similar jumpsuit - I couldn’t resist! I will style it with simple sandals and a straw or wooden bag as pictured, and I also added this new lace-up denim jacket. I bought it the minute I saw the inspiration photo - and then put together a similar concept with items in my closet!

Jumpsuit: TJ Maxx, $25
Jacket: NM Last Call, $45
Shoes: Express, $42 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Jane, $29 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Jane, $5 (similar)
Approx. dates: Shoes, purse, earrings are last year. Jumpsuit and jacket are new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Comfy For the Win

/
 
 

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

/
 
 

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

/
 
 

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

/
 

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

/
 
 

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

/
 
 

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

/
 
 

"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

/
 

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

/
 
 

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

/

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?