Celebrities vs. Everyday Fashion

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I swear Forever 21 has it out for me. They are torturing me with a bunch of pretty dresses that I want but don't need. :-) Doesn't mean that you guys shouldn't miss out on the fun though! First up is this gorgeous lace number for $27.80. Celebrities are all over this look, as seen in the People.com photo on the left.





































Almost a perfect match to the inspiration photo (from InStyle.com), this sequin party dress is perfect for a New Year's celebration and only $27.80!




































I'm crushing on polka dots lately and this adorable bow dress is only $24.80! Similar styles have been seen on Rachel Bilson (InStyle.com, left).

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Sweater Vest

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I love this outfit from Banana Republic.com (far left) - so I created my own version. One for colder weather (center) and one for Florida weather (right). I'm loving my new sweater vest and can't wait to create more outfits with it!

Occasion: Work (I wore the right version to church yesterday, but I would also wear this to work)
Sweater vest: Forever 21, $22
Shirt: Ralph Lauren Outlet, $20
Belt: American Eagle/Filene's, $5
Jeans: Gap, $30
Watch: Fossil
Boots: Aldo, $75 (middle)
Pumps: Boutique 9, $75 (right)

Today's Everyday Fashion: LOFT Feature

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The LOFT recently started a feature on their Facebook page with photos from different bloggers showing how they wear LOFT (love this idea!). They asked me to submit a couple photos, and this is what I came up with! Outfit left is my favorite blush pink cardigan from them, and outfit right is a LOFT dress shown with navy and cognac accessories to transition it into fall. Which one is your favorite?

LEFT
Cardigan: LOFT, $20
Shirt: Banana Republic, $35
Necklace: J.Crew, $40
Belt: Gap, $10
Jeans: Gap, $44
Shoes: Banana Republic, $22
Bracelet: Banana Republic, $15

RIGHT
Cardigan: Gap, $15
Dress: LOFT, $29
Belt: Gap, $40
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5
Shoes: Restricted/Endless.com, $39
Bracelet: Banana Republic, $15

Fabulous Finds: My New Boots

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1. Aldo, $75 (I used a 10% off coupon)
I'm so in love with these boots and will pretty much be wearing them every chance I get. I don't normally go for faux leather but you seriously can't tell these aren't leather, and the price is phenomenal!
2. Cynthia Rowley/TJ Maxx, $85
I didn't own a pair of black boots, so I recently picked these beauties up using my TJ Maxx gift card.
3. Forever 21, $33
I earned enough with "Shop J's Closet" to pick up these boots too. I'm surprised at how comfy and high-quality they feel! (ps. They were online yesterday but seem to have disappeared, check out these similar booties.)

I only own two other pairs of boots so you will be seeing these new boots in tons of outfits! :-)

Video: How To Belt a Cardigan

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People ask me all the time to show them how to belt a cardigan, so I thought I'd put together a little video and show you guys! My method doesn't require pnching any new holes in your belt. Let me know what you think, and feel free to suggest ideas for future videos! 

Four Ways to Update a Blazer

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This is my third guest post with Sheckys.com. You can see this post on their website here.


Blazers are the ultimate workwear piece for winter, but like any staple they can start to feel a little drab. Here are four ways to jazz up the blazers you already have in your closet!

1. Add a brooch: Embellish your blazer with a brooch (or two!) as an alternative to wearing jewelry.

Just like J:
Gap Lightweight Wool Blazer, $98
Aldo Wieczorek brooch, $16
Aldo Elford patches, $10
Express Dangling Charms Pin, $35

2. Add faux fur: Attach a faux fur collar with safety pins to the lapel of your blazer. Adds instant drama and warmth to your outfit!

Just like J:
Ann Taylor LOFT Military Wool Jacket with Fur Collar, $128
Gap Double-layer tuxedo blazer, $88
The Limited Brown Faux Fur Wrap, $39.50

3. Add a belt: Belts are the ultimate accessory this fall—don’t be shy about belting your blazers to give them a new shape and style.

Just like J:
Gap Boyfriend Belt, $34.50
ASOS Tailored Heritage Check Jacket, $103

4. Add a scarf: A take on the menswear trend, a scarf tucked into your blazer pocket doubles as a pocket square and adds a fun detail.

Just like J:
Gap Lightweight Wool Blazer, $98
ASOS Pieces Chains Print Scarf, $25

Today's Everyday Fashion: Trouser Repair

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You know when you buy something that doesn't fit, and you promise yourself that you will get it tailored, and then it sits in your closet for months? That's the story behind these pants. I bought them online a few months ago, and now they finally fit! My first order of business was to copy this look from Refinery29. (Note, if you are planning to order these pants: they fit true to size in the waist, but I had to have the crotch area taken in.)

Pants: Gap, $15
Blazer: Gap, $70
T-shirt: Gap, $10
Scarf: The Limited
Shoes: Chinese Laundry/Piperlime, $34
Bag: Juicy Couture
Watch: Fossil

eVanity Giveaway! [now closed]

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I recently teamed up with Vanity, a mall-based chain of clothing stores that sells young women's apparel and accessories to style one head-to-toe look from their online store, eVanity. And now you can win an outfit from them too! Simply leave a comment below with a link to your favorite item from eVanity.com and you'll automatically be entered to win an outfit of your choice (one top plus one bottom). Comments left as "Anonymous" will not be counted (please leave your name or initials). The giveaway ends Sunday (11/14) at midnight, and be sure to check back on Monday to see if you are the winner and to claim your prize!

My outfit details:
Jeggings, $29.80 - These are super-comfy and run true to size! I'm wearing a size 26 with 32" inseams, but their sizes range from 0 to 17 and inseams go all the way up to 37 inches.
Pumps, $29.80 - I adore these shoes and will be wearing them in many upcoming outfits!
Shirt, $26.80 - This shirt combines 2 hot trends right now - lace and polka dots.
Necklace, $7.99 - I love lucite jewelry. For reals.

Disclaimer: clothes that are listed above were given to me by Vanity. For more information on my review practices please see my disclosure policy






































Another look I styled my new Vanity items. Blazer and skirt are from Express - everything else is from eVanity.com!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Schoolgirl Prep

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There is really nothing I love more than a super-preppy look like this one. I've been drooling over the picture on the left from Talbots.com, so I decided to create my own version of this look. I didn't have any patches, so I pinned this gold brooch I recently picked up from Banana Republic onto my trusty Gap blazer to achieve the same look. Tell me - do you like the preppy look? What's your go-to style?


Navy blazer: Gap, $70
Skirt: J.Crew, $45
Shirt: H&M, $10
Brooch: Banana Republic, $15
Shoes: Restricted, $39
Photo left: My inspiration from Talbots.com 


Embellish your blazer with these options:
Aldo brooch, $16
Aldo patches, $10
Express brooch, $35

Fabulous Finds: Champagne Splendor

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Sequin skirt, $32.50

I have two words for you: holiday collections. This is absolutely my favorite time of year for shopping and this collection from Charlotte Russe (titled "Champagne Splendor") is just one reason why. I don't usually shop much at Charlotte Russe, but I am overwhelmed with the great offerings from this collection! I tried on a few of these in the store, so check out my reviews below each picture.


























Lace blazer, $39.50
I bought this jacket. It's so not a practical purchase, but it is gorgeous in person and I just couldn't resist. It runs really small though - I'm a size 0 in shirts and bought a M.

























One-shoulder shirt, $24.50
I looooove this shirt and the ruffle detail is amazing in person, but the XS was huge on me. WAY too much material. Broke my heart, but I decided to pass.

























Lace shirt, $22.50
This shirt is a great price, and it's even better in person. Still deciding whether I'm going to get this one! (the XS fit perfect)

























Feather dress, $38.15 (on promo)

Which one is your favorite?

Today's Everyday Fashion: Feelin' Green

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Leave it to Jenna Lyons (J.Crew Creative Director and now President) to pair two shades of military green and some pointy black shoes. I re-created the look and am totally digging it for work!

Occasion: Work
Shirt: H&M, $10
Skirt: H&M, $25
Belt: Forever 21, $8
Scarf: H&M, $13
Shoes: Calvin Klein/Filene's Basement, $70
Earrings: Banana Republic, $20
Photo left: My inspiration from FabSugar.com

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Leopard Shirt

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My practical side got the best of me last night, so I decided to dress more appropriately for the weather. I looove yesterday's blue skirt look, so I will definitely be wearing it another time! For now, how do you think last night's outfit came out?

Occasion: Dinner, Planet Hollywood event
Shirt: Express, $37
Belt: Limited, $15
Jeans: Gap, $35
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5
Leather jacket: Banana Republic, $150
Shoes: Cynthia Rowley/TJ Maxx, $85
Clutch: Urban Outfitters, $30

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Blue Skirt

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Don't you hate it when the weather doesn't cooperate? I'm going to an event tonight, and have been planning to wear this outfit all week. There's just one thing: we've had a sudden cold front in Florida and I'm not sure I can brave the cold with bare legs!! Not sure what I'm going to do yet, but fingers crossed I can pull off this outfit.

Occasion: Stockholm world premiere (band event at Planet Hollywood)
Skirt: Express, $30
Shirt: Gap, $30
Belt: Forever 21, $8
Necklace: Stella & Dot, c/o Stylist Lori McMinn
Shoes: Carlos Santana/DSW, $33
Jacket: Forever 21, $40
Photo left: My inspiration from Lucky.com

Fabulous Finds

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My co-workers got me J.Crew gift card as a going away present (best gift ever!) and I just couldn't resist ordering these beautiful fall pieces.  Right now you can take an extra 25% off all orders over $150 with code FALLSALE. Ends Saturday!

1. Wool skirt, $45. The best thing about this skirt is that you can pull it up high and wear it as a mini-skirt, or wear it around your hips for an office-appropriate look.
2. Polka dot shirt, $45. Even prettier in person and satisfies my new polka dots obsession.
3. Corduroy skirt, $37. I die for this rich blue skirt in soft corduroy. It's a bit short for work though, so not sure if I'll keep it or not!

Four Fall Jackets Every Girl Needs

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This is my second guest blog post with Shecky's.com. You can see it on their website here.

Fall jackets are a recurring conundrum, especially when you live in some southern cities where temps never drop to all-out-trench proportions. J to the rescue once again with the four best in-between jackets to get you through those Jekyll and Hyde fall Fahrenheits.
































Green army jacket: Arguably the hottest item this fall, the green army jacket is also the most versatile. It works well with jeans, over a pencil skirt or even a ruffled mini skirt. (Coat pictured: Gap, $25)

Just like J:
1. Victoria’s Secret’s Belted Cargo Jacket, $69
2. Need Supply Co.’s Gi Anorak, $130
3. ASOS’ RECLAIMED T64  Hooded Drawstring Waist, $120
 





































Trench coat: A trench coat is always in style and looks great thrown over work attire for an added layer of warmth and style. (Coat pictured: New York & Company, $50)

Just like J:
1. Gap’s Classic Trench Coat, $69.99































Leather coat: A leather jacket (whether faux or real) comes in many colors and works well with skinny jeans and heels. (Coats pictured: Forever 21, $40 - Banana Republic $150 - Banana Republic)

Just like J:
1. Old Navy’s Women’s Real Leather Motorcycle Jacket, $165
2. Express’ (Minus The) Leather Moto Jacket, $98






































Wool coat: A short wool coat is a nod to the military trend and is perfect for keeping you warm on a chilly fall day. (Coat pictured: Forever 21, $30)

Just like J:
1. Ann Taylor Loft’s Military Wool Jacket with Ribbon Hem, $148
2. American Eagle’s AE Admiral Peacoat, $99.95
3. ASOS’ Vila Gold Button Jacket, $95

GIRL TALK TIME: What fall jacket are you sporting? How are you wearing it? Which one of J’s looks is your fave? What topic would you like her to cover next week?

Today's Everyday Fashion: Purple Prints

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I'm normally not a prints girl, but lately I'm so drawn to them! Today, I show you two looks with my latest find at T.J. Maxx (I won a $500 gift card there recently, totally unrelated to the blog). I just couldn't resist the colorful pattern of this shirt, especially since it goes perfectly with this purple cardigan!

Occasion: Work (left) and weekend (right)
Cardigan: Banana Republic, $12
Shirt: TJ Maxx, $15
Necklace: Stella & Dot, c/o Lori McMinn
Khakis: Banana Republic, $14
Belt (left): Limited, $15
Belt (right): Gap, $10
Jeans: Gap, $44
Shoes (left): Restricted/Endless.com, $39
Shoes (right): Banana Republic, $22