Today's Everyday Fashion: The Boucle Jacket

Inspiration: People

Skirt is navy blue.


Boucle jackets are a recent obsession of mine. I bought two on clearance in January from Zara, including the one I'm wearing today. They come in many shapes and colors (as you can see below) but they have a texture in common that I love for the visual interest and sophistication they add to an outfit; I almost feel like the First Lady when I'm wearing one. I like the idea of pairing boucle jackets with something trendy like peplum or t-strap shoes like in today's look, or masculine touches such as leather or graphic tees. Have you ever worn a boucle jacket? Why or why not?

Jacket: Zara, $40
Top: Express, $25Navy skirt: Limited, $25 (similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $118
Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $24 (similar, similar)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4

D.E.P.T.  /  White House  /   Mango  /  Nordstrom
Maison Scotch  /  Lucky  /  Jennifer Lopez
Charlotte Russe  /  Piperlime  / Mango

Today's Everyday Fashion: Day at the Park





The scene: it's Sunday afternoon, I'm exhausted from hosting Gainesville Fashion Week the night before, didn't get enough sleep, but the weather is gorgeous and I want to get outside and enjoy the beautiful day. I hit up brunch and coffee and then head to the park to read. (I'm holding "The Sacred Romance" - an old favorite; we are doing the workbook in Bible study right now.) I don't have a blog post planned for tomorrow, so I decide to snap some photos to share. As for my attire? I was exhausted (bags under my eyes and all), but I was feeling girlie and wanted something to pretty that would fit the Florida scenery. A dress and flat sandals was easy, comfortable, and matched my mood. What good books have you read lately? What would you wear to the park to read?

Dress: Francesca's c/o, $44 sold out
Belt: Forever 21, $5 (similar)
Necklace: Red Dress Boutique c/o sold out
Shoes: Diba/Nordstrom Rack, $40 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Page 6 Boutique c/o sold out (similar, similar)
Sunglasses: Banana Republic, $26

Forever 21  /  Forever 21  /  Target  /  Old Navy
Tulle  /  BCBG  /  ModCloth  /  Wallis
JcPenney  /  ModCloth  /  ModCloth  /  Kohl's

My March Budget

Limited  /  American Eagle (similar)  /  Forever 21  /  Lord & Taylor
Banana (similar)  /  Limited  /  Limited  /  American Eagle (love this one)
American Eagle  /  LOFT  /  Limited  /  Express


After a six week hiatus from the mall (unintentional, I was swamped), I spent an afternoon shopping and spent my March budget all in one day. And what a day it was - I was emotional and my mood definitely affects what I buy. I wound up with fun, unique and "loud" pieces and hardly any staples, because hey - I was looking for fun things that would lift my spirits. :-)

The other reason I wound up with so many fun items is because I didn't have a wish list. I often stress how important I think it is to have a list during shopping. Whether it is a certain color of jeans I want acquire, or a type of shoe (such as flat sandals), I like to mostly stick to that list and then also get a couple unplanned pieces that catch my eye. But the double-whammy of not having a list and being emotional? That's how I wound up with all "sizzle" pieces. I'm letting it slide this month, but next month I will be back to a more disciplined routine!

1. Limited dress, $26 - This dress was on promo plus I used a coupon, so I got it for a steal. It was an Easter contender, and I plan to use it for on-camera and work functions.
2. American Eagle dress, $46 - Can you say obsessed? This might be my favorite dress ever. I love the boho vibe and white dresses in general.
3. Forever 21 dress, $20 - Another fun piece for a night out that I talked up in this post.
4. Lord & Taylor top, $10 - The one item I bought before I hit the mall. I ordered it online due to the crazy low price (it was originally $78).
5. Banana necklace, $26 - Wait, I didn't need another statement necklace? A girl can never have too many in my opinion, and I love the sweetness of this one.
6. Limited belt, $15 - A bow belt just seemed necessary at the time. And the tough zipper detail is perfection.
7. Limited belt, $15 - A black belt with zebra heads also seemed necessary (did I mention I was in the mood for fun?). It's like a statement necklace for your waist.
8. American Eagle top, $38 - More bohemian love. This navy, slightly sheer top is my favorite kind of top to wear on weekends. Looks great with my coral fringe sandals for summer.
9. American Eagle shorts, $35 - I love printed shorts but I especially love these because they are denim. And American Eagle's "midi" fit is my favorite inseam length for shorts.
10. LOFT skirt $40 - I wanted this for Easter. I had already bought the bow belt and realized it would match. It was a bit more than I wanted to spend (they had a 40% off promo going in the store), but to save time and so I could wear it for the holiday, I went for it.
11. Limited cardigan, $17 - The only item I might return. I love this kind of colorblocking so much, I'm just always afraid I will tire of it quickly.
12. Express top, $25 - Mint and peplum? Say no more. And I love high necklines like these for statement necklaces.

Total = $313
Forever 21  /  Target
Forever 21  /  Forever 21

Also thought I'd share my little "head start" on April's budget. I ordered these three Forever 21 items online. I saw the camo shorts in person and they are awesome - way baggier and not nearly as short.  The jeans and t-shirt will totally depend on what they look like on. And I bought the neon orange fringe swim suit at Target. I love the fit!

What were your favorite March purchases? What items are on your April wish list?

For more info see "How to Set a Clothing Budget."

Today's Everyday Fashion: Anchors Aweigh





It's no surprise that a follow-up to my last nautical post includes an anchor tee! White jeans were an obvious pairing, but I wanted to play with the level of dressiness - from a navy boucle jacket and flirty heels, to t-strap sandals for running errands. Today's navy t-straps will be a huge staple for me this summer, but I also want to add a neon pair to my closet soon, so I shared my shopping picks with you below. (I'm stalking the Tommy Hilfiger pair.) Which version of today's look is your favorite?

Navy jacket: Zara, $95 (similarsimilar)
Tank: Skip N' Whistle c/o, $29
Jeans: Gap, $35 (similar, similar)
Heels: Tailor and Stylist c/o, $45
Flats: Dolce Vita c/o Neiman Marcus Last Call, $63 (cheaper)
Purse: Page 6 Boutique c/o (similar, similar)
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4


ps. I'm hosting Gainesville Fashion Week this Saturday (tomorrow) night. If you are in Central Florida be sure to come out and say hello!!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Printed Peplum






I'm loving prints lately, and I'm loving peplum, so I'm really loving printed peplum. The geometric shapes and bright colors on today's blouse won over my heart instantly, and the $10 price tag (original price $78) was icing on the cake. I'm equally obsessed with all the options below, now if only they were all $10. :-) Would you wear a printed peplum top?

Top: Lord & Taylor, $10
Cardigan: Moda c/o MJR Sales, $14
Jeans: Target, $22 (similar)
Purse: Ann Taylor, $30 (similar)
Shoes: Lauren Conrad c/o Kohl's, $28
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3

Today's Everyday Fashion: Knotted Chambray






I'm convinced chambray shirts look good with just about anything; I can see one paired with any of the striped skirts below. As for the knotted part, it's not a trend I would invest in (aka buy a shirt that is already knotted), however, I do enjoy knotting a shirt I already own. It works particularly well with this skirt, because it's hard to tuck a shirt into a stretchy cotton skirt without it bunching up and showing through. Have you tried the knotted shirt trend? Store-bought or DIY? 

Chambray: Mudd c/o Kohl's, $24 (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: Limited, $25
Shoes: Nine West c/o (similar, similar)
Purse: Emma Fox c/o Ross, $60 (similar, I also spotted the same bag at TJ Maxx this week!)
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3

Piperlime  /  Nordstrom  /  New York & Co
J. Crew Factory  /  Forever 21  /  Guess  /  Target
Dillard's  /  Lord & Taylor  /  Banana

Today's Everyday Fashion: Child's Play

Inspiration: J.Crew




This is the first time I've ever used a child's outfit as inspiration. I feel absolutely no shame because inspiration is inspiration no matter where you find it, and - how cute is her outfit?! I've been craving my favorite lavender skinnies from last year, so I tried a periwinkle top and trench to somewhat mimic the photo first, and then creativity took a left turn and I wound up with a pink monochromatic version as well. Would you wear purple jeans? Which outfit do you like more?

Trench: New York & Co, $50 (similar)
Shirt: Gap, $3
Jeans: Rewind c/o Kohl's, $25
Flats: Me Too/ Marshall's, $28 (similar)
Purse: Michael Kors

Blazer: H&M, $37 (similar, similar, similar)
Shirt: Limited, $25 sold out
Jeans: Rewind c/o Kohl's, $25
Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $27 (similarsimilar)

Charlotte Russe  /  Target  /  Gap  /  Dillard's
Cusp  /  Kohl's  /  Karmaloop  /  Anne Klein

Today's Everyday Fashion: The High-Low Skirt





Ladies, what do we think of this trend - the high-low skirt - is it still in style? I throw a couple items in the donate/sell pile every couple of months and I've been considering adding this skirt to that pile. I love the color and length, and overall I think this is a fun trend. I'm just not convinced this particular skirt works well on my body type, and I don't wear it often. Would you wear a high-low skirt?

Top: Marshall's, $15 (similar, similarsimilar)
Skirt: Lauren Conrad c/o Kohl's
Belt: H&M, $5 (similar)
Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $24 (similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $118
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3

Skirt 1, 2, 3, 4
Skirt 1, 2, 3, 4

Today's Everyday Fashion: Happy Easter






Happy Easter everyone! This is what I will be wearing for church and dinner with family/friends tomorrow. I purchased everything but the shoes this week, not intending to wear them together but ultimately I couldn't resist this girlie mix of pastels and bows. I won't be posting tomorrow in observance of the holiday, so I hope you have a great weekend and I will see you Monday! Which version do you prefer - tucked or untucked? What are you wearing on Easter?

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." - Matthew 28:5-6

Top: Express, $25
Skirt: LOFT, $40
Belt: Limited, $15
Necklace: Banana, $20
Shoes: Lauren Conrad c/o Kohl's, $28
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3

ModCloth 1, 2, 3, 4
Mod Cloth 1, 2, 3, 4

Today's Everyday Fashion: Casual Lately

Inspiration: B. Jones Style



I threw this look together yesterday and wore the bottom version for errands. This army belt is probably my all-time favorite $5 find, and I haven't worn it in quite some time so I wanted to create an outfit around it. This is one of those outfits that I was more excited about in person than it looks in pictures, however, for the chilly Orlando weather right now it was the perfect blend of comfy neutrals!

Jacket: Gap, $52 (similar, similar, similar, similar, similar)
Shirt: Forever 21, $12 (similar, similar)
Jeans: Limited, $37
Belt: Bakers, $5 (similar)
Heels: Aldo, $50 (similar, similar)
Boots: Chinese Laundry c/o
Purse: Juicy Couture/Neiman Marcus Last Call, $120

Also, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I went shopping this week and my favorite store for new arrivals was.... drumroll please... American Eagle. They captured my boho-loving-heart for casual clothes, and I left with the white dress, navy embroidered top and aztec shorts below, and this top in olive for the beach. The print on the other dress was cute but I didn't feel comfy in the super stretchy/tight fit. What's your favorite store right now?

Dress - sold out /  Top
Hoodie , Shorts  /  Dress

Today's Everyday Fashion: Blue Willow

Inspiration: Pinterest




My obsession with Blue Willow print began when I read the book by Doris Gates as a little girl, and continued when I saw the inspiration photo of Victoria Beckham in InStyle Magazine circa 2005 (approximate). To this day, VB's Cavalli dress is one of my favorite dresses on the planet and so to say I'm excited to find similar prints in stores right now is an understatement. Today I'm showing two ways to wear this trend - one for a night out, and one for day. I picked up the pencil skirt first, but I found the dress on Monday so I'm planning to return the skirt. I love both, but prefer the vibrant blue of the dress, and for my life I need outfits for dinners and nighttime events way more often than I need office wear. Would you wear a Blue Willow-type print? Which one is your favorite?

Dress: Forever 21, $20
Shoes: Pink & Pepper c/o
Earrings: My Stella & Dot, $34
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 12345

Skirt: Target, $23 - returning
Sweater: Gap, $20 (similar, similar)
Pumps: Enzo Angiolini/Piperlime, $32
Earrings: My Stella & Dot, $34
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Forever 21  /  Chico's  /  ASOS
Chico's  /  Wallis  /  Macy's
Macy's  /  Chico's  /  Target

Today's Everyday Fashion: Wishful Thinking





Even though the weather is chilly in Orlando right now, I wore the top version of this outfit for shopping on Monday. It was a bright sunny day so it wasn't totally out of context, but it was certainly wishful thinking that warmer spring days are coming soon. Boots also could've worked (bottom pic), and I did a quick scan of my outfits over the past year (here) and I wear this mint + yellow color combo a lot, as well as this necklace and these jeans together. (If you are choosing a colorful statement necklace to add to your wardrobe, coordinating with a denim color is a great way to decide!) Which shoes would you wear?

Top: Old Navy, $10
Jeans: Limited, $15 (similar)
Necklace: Ily Couture c/o
Sandals: Madden Girl c/o MJR Sales, $20 (similar, similar, similar)
Boots: HCB c/o (same, similar)
Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar, similar)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3

Shoe Shopping with #ALDOCheckYourHedge

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Pump  /  Sandals  /  Sandals
Wedge  /  Sandals  /  Flats








































Alright ladies, let's imagine for a moment that you were offered a free pair of shoes from ALDO - which ones would you choose?! There are just so many great options so I thought I'd ask for your votes to help narrow it down (I'm picking a pair this week to style three ways on the blog, and stay tuned because I *might* be giving away a pair too!!). Would you go for something sleek and futuristic like above, or something a bit more boho and casual like below? Which pair would you choose?

Wedge  /  Wedge  /  Wedge
Sandals  /  Purse  /  Sandals
Pump  /  Wedge  /  Sandals





































This is a sponsored post. Opinions expressed and collages are my own. Thanks for reading!

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Quirky Sweater

Inspiration: Harper's Bazaar


Proof I wore this outside. Facial expression optional.


Mother Nature has decided to give us December weather in March this year, so my response? How about a quirky sweater to lighten the mood. My inspiration photo is not meant to be a literal translation, but rather it was somewhere in the depths of my subconscious that the photo both whispered to me to want to own it, and motivated me to wear it with pink jeans. The light pink jeans with nude pumps is great for a more dressy occasion, and the darker jeans and ankle boots is what I wore for brunch last weekend. Quirky sweaters: yay or nay? Which outfit do you prefer?

Sweater: Collide Boutique c/o $42 - enter to win $100 to Collide here
Light jeans: Target, $22 (similar)
Dark jeans: Limited, $40 (similar, similar)
Pumps: Enzo Angiolini/Piperlime, $32
Boots: HCB c/o (same, similar)
Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar, similar)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3

Dorothy Perkins  /  J.Crew  /  Forever 21
Madewell  /  Buffalo  /  Urban Outfitters
Forever 21  /  Boden  /  Chaps

Spring New Arrivals

Dress /  Dress  /  Dress  /  Dress
Bag  /  Top  /  Top  /  Top  /  Clutch
Skirt  /  Necklace  /  Top  /  Clutch




I'm so excited for spring styles this year, and I'm highly anticipating a long-overdue trip to the mall this week. In preparation for my trip, I like to browse online to get the lay of the land and prioritize which stores to head to first. Here are some of my top picks from Limited, LOFT, Banana, Gap, Express and more! Which new arrivals are your favorite? 

Legging  /  Dress  /  Dress /  Pants
Heels  /  Heels  /  Top
Skirt  /  Belt  / Flats
Dress  /  Top   /  Top  /  Skirt
Cardigan  /  Top   /  Cardigan  /  Skirt
Sweater  /  Heels /  Heels

Today's Everyday Fashion: Laid Back

Inspiration: Harper's Bazaar


This is one of my all-time favorite inspiration photos. I love the boho, laid back vibe, and this beaded necklace from Sarah Aghili felt like just the thing I needed to capture a similar feeling in my own outfits. I wore the second look with the white top recently, and I plan to wear the denim-on-denim as soon as it warms up. Which outfit(s) would you wear? 

Chambray shirt: Mudd c/o Kohl's, $24
Shorts: American Eagle, $25 (similar)
Belt: Rogue Retro c/o, $15
Sandals: Madden Girl c/o MJR Sales, $20 (similarsimilar, similar)
Necklaces: Banana Republic; Sarah Aghili c/o

Shirt: Moda c/o MJR Sales, $20 (similar, similar)
Jeans: H&M, $32 (similarsimilar, similarsimilar)
Boots: HCB c/o (same, similar)
Necklaces: Banana Republic; Sarah Aghili c/o
Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar, similar)

Sarah Aghili bracelets via my Instagram
Madewell  /   Kohl's  /   Dillard's
ASOS  /  Limited
Forever 21  /  Piperlime  /  Kohl's

Today's Everyday Fashion: Nautical







Nautical doesn't even begin to describe it, ladies. I started with one idea and the sea-faring ideas just kept coming. I posted the outfits in chronological order of how I came up with them, and the white shorts could also be subbed for a skirt or cropped pants if you prefer something longer. Which one is your favorite?

Dress: Gap, $25
Belt: Limited, $20
Shoes: Banana, $25 (similar)
Striped blazer: Express c/o MJR Sales (similar, similar)
Purse: Page 6 c/o (similar)

Cardigan: Banana Republic, old (similar, similarsimilar)
Shirt: HCB c/o (similar, similar)
Shorts: Gap, $24 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Tailor & Stylist c/o

Shirt: HCB c/o (similarsimilar)
Skirt: Express, $18 (similarsimilar)
Belt: Limited, $20
Shoes: Tailor & Stylist c/o

Forever 21  /  Betsey Johnson  /  J.Crew Factory  /  J.Crew Factory
Forever 21  /  Liz Claiborne  /  Lands' End
Forever 21  /  Target  /  Dillard's  /  Wallis

Today's Everyday Fashion: Random Musings





I didn't plan ahead on outfit posts (sorry guys), so instead I'm sharing some pictures from St. Augustine yesterday! I was there shooting a VISIT FLORIDA video, and wound up wearing this turquoise top from yesterday's giveaway post (the only item that I kept). I'm also sharing three Daytime morning show segments I shot in December, see below. It was my first-ever time using a teleprompter and we did the segments in just one take to save time, so I was hoping they would come out okay. I talk about the polka dot trend, three ways to wear a blazer, and winter trends. Hope you enjoy! :-) 

Shirt: Collide Boutique c/o
Jeans: Gap, $30 (similar)
Belt: H&M, $20
Shoes: Chinese Laundry c/o
Sunglasses: Banana Republic, old
Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot, $49
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
Bracelets: Banana Republic, My Stella & Dot 1, 2

Win $100 to Collide Boutique! [now closed]

Top  /  Shorts  /  Necklace
Top  /  Jeans  /  Necklace
I'm so excited to present another fun giveaway - one lucky reader will win $100 to Collide Boutique! I love Collide because they offer a little bit of everything - or as they put it, a collision (hence the name) of trendy northern and classic southern styles. Today's post is illustrating just a few of the many amazing outfits you could buy with $100 (the clothes were borrowed and not my own). If you win, how will you ever choose?! To enter the giveaway:

1. Comment on this post with a link to your favorite item from Collide Boutique's website.
2. "Like" Collide Boutique on Facebook - OR - follow them on Twitter.

That's it! We will select a winner at random on 3/28. Good luck!

Dress  /  Necklace
Blazer  /  Top   /  Jeans  /   Necklace
Dress  /  Necklace
Top   /  Jeans  /  Necklace
Top  /  Skirt  /  Necklace
This is a sponsored post. Thanks for reading!


Congratulations to our winner! 



Today's Everyday Fashion: Pretty Prints

Inspiration: Pinterest




I love the pretty print in today's inspiration photo and it motivated me to try my own printed top with a similar chartreuse pencil skirt I had in my closet. You can see another way I wore this top here. I also found more pretty prints to shop; I ordered #1 (it's on clearance for $10!!), and I'm seriously tempted by #2 and #4. Do you tend to gravitate more towards prints or solids?

Cardigan: LOFT, $20 (similar, similar)
Top: Limited, $22
Skirt: Limited, $25 (similar, similar)
Belt: H&M, $18
Shoes: Restricted/Endless, $40 (similar)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3

Collective Concepts  /  Calvin Klein  /  XOXO
Wallis  /  Tahari  /  Piperlime
Forever 21  /  Banana Republic


ps. Bubble necklaces are $16 through tomorrow!! Original price $49, we extended the promo by one day. Use code JSALE on any color at Ily Couture, buy here.