Today's Everyday Fashion: Shopping Update

I wore this to church and errands yesterday.

After a frenzy of online browsing last week (as seen in this post), I headed to the mall to check some things out in person! The Limited striped shirt I'm wearing was on my wish list, and although I was initially a tad disappointed (the quality wasn't as high as I thought and I also didn't realize the stripes were black), I decided I liked it enough to keep it anyway. The destroyed American Eagle jeans I originally had my eye on were not what I was envisioning (too much Spandex - I prefer thick cotton denim). But these jeans were absolutely perfect! The wash is what I would expect from designer jeans, fingers crossed that they keep their color. (I would also recommend sizing down if you order them. I'm usually between sizes at American Eagle - a size 4 is slightly too big, a size 2 is too small, but the size 2 fit perfect, no muffin top.) 

This look also got me dreaming about owning my first black handbag, because I would've loved to wear one with this outfit. A few I am drooling over are below, and my plan is to scour TJ Maxx/Nordstrom Rack/etc. for a similar leather bag for less this winter. What color handbag would you wear with this outfit?   

Shirt: Limited, $31

Jeans: American Eagle, $25

Purse: Juicy Couture/Macy's, $250 (awesome steal, similar, vegan)

Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $24 (similar, similar)

Earrings: Orlando boutique (similar)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $49
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59 and $34 and $32

1. Rebecca Minkoff purse, $495

2. Marc Jacobs satchel, $478

3. Coach handbag, $358

Today's Everyday Fashion: Boho

I've had this dress all summer, but never got around to posting a picture of it until now. It's been on constant rotation lately as I've been craving more of a boho look (it's an easy pairing for my au natural wavy hair). I wore it to a casual dinner with flats a few weeks ago, and this weekend as pictured for an early dinner and drinks. The hi-lo skirt may look slightly funny from the front, but I love the extra coverage it provides the bum. ;-) Do you ever wear outfits with a bohemian vibe?  

Dress: c/o Ross, $19

Belt: H&M, $18

Necklace: Zad c/o Shop It Beverly Hils, $29 (old)

Shoes: c/o Chinese Laundry Undercover, $130 (old)

Purse: c/o Karen Millen, $340

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $69
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59 and $34 and $32

1. Arden B dress, $39.50

2. Brigitte Bailey dress, $48.99
3. Dillard's dress, $45.36

Win $100 to Conversation Pieces x 3! [now closed]

Say hello to my new favorite piece for fall - a green army jacket from Conversation Pieces! I am a huge fan of this perfectly-curated online boutique, and when I spotted this jacket it was an instant "yes." The olive color is perfect, and I love being able to cinch it in at the waist. It's also very lightweight (like a structured linen), making it perfect for Florida.

But why should I have all the fun? Today I'm giving three readers the opportunity to win $100 to Conversation Pieces, and everyone gets free shipping with code JSHIP! To enter the giveaway follow the steps (winner will be selected 9/2), and be sure check out some more of my favorite Conversation Pieces below.

Jacket: c/o Conversation Pieces, $45 (size S)

Tank: J.Crew, $7

Shorts: Candie's c/o Kohl's, $25 (similar, similar)

Shoes: Nine West/DSW, $60

Necklaces: Banana Republic, My Stella & Dot website $34, charm $22

To enter:

1. Keep in touch with Conversation Pieces by following them on Facebook.

2. Leave a comment below letting us know!

Extra entry:

1. Pin any photo from this post or from the Conversation Pieces website on Pinterest, and then leave a second comment with the URL to your pin below.

Free shipping with code JSHIP.

1. Conversation Pieces polka dot cardigan, $38 borrowed, size S

2. Conversation Pieces striped tank, $14 my own, c/o, size S

3. Conversation Pieces stand out tee, $24 borrowed, size S

4. Conversation Pieces perfect shirt, $29 my own, c/o, size M

*This post is brought to you by Conversation Pieces; all opinions and editorial decisions are my own.

Flashback Friday: Navy Striped Shirts

I can't get enough of stripes lately, so I decided to take a look back at some of the ways I've worn these two striped shirts thus far! Top shirt is from H&M, $18 and bottom shirt is c/o MJR Sales, $10. Both are navy and white, as are the shopping options below. Are you a fan of wearing stripes? Which outfit is your favorite?

Tip: if you feel like horizontal stripes make you look wider, try this trick. Layer on a dark colored cardigan and button one or two buttons, creating an hour-glass shape over your top half. This will "cut out" the sides visually, and can actually make you appear thinner.

1. Gap shirt, $22.95

2. Lauren Jeans Co. shirt, $29.99
3. Dillard's shirt, $19.35
4. Gap shirt, $22.95
5. Lauren Ralph Lauren shirt, $29.99
6. Zappos shirt, $35.99

Today's Everyday Fashion: Dresses That Look Like Separates

So close, and yet so far away.

I stuffed my bra. (j/k)

One of my biggest shopping rules is to focus more on separates instead of dresses, because although dresses can certainly be versatile, tops and skirts can undoubtedly be worn with more options. I especially avoid dresses that were made to look like a shirt tucked into a skirt (such as this one). I never let my clients buy them, because a similar shirt and skirt will achieve the same look and get more bang for your buck.

Enter today's outfit, though. I spotted this Limited dress (left) in the store, and attempted to re-create it with separate pieces from the same store. It was a solid plan, however, I'm not a fan of the end result. Both materials are silky, so to combat the feeling of wearing pajamas heels were a must. I also had to roll the waistband of shorts down because they are slightly too big, which made a belt necessary to cover it up. And finally, both pieces are adding a lot of volume (rule of thumb is to pair one voluminous item with one slim item), so it's not all that flattering. 

Totally bummed the re-creation didn't come out better, but I hope it still illustrated a point, and the rule still stands! Don't buy dresses that look like separates, unless it is a very specific patterned dress you are after. ;-) Do you usually buy separates or dresses (or both)?

Inspiration photo: Limited

Shirt: Limited, $15 out of stock (similar)

Shorts: Limited, $20

Belt: H&M, $5

Clutch: Urban Outfitters, $30

Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $24 (similar)

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $49
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $34 and $32 and $59 and $59

1. Piperlime shorts, $39.99

2. Liz Claiborne shorts, $25
3. Allen B shorts, $10

August Shopping!

Target online order

My shopping advice usually goes something like this:

• Browse online before you shop, to get an idea of what is in stores and to prioritize your shopping trip. 
• Prices are generally way cheaper in retail stores than they are online though, so head to the mall and purchase things in person. (95% of what I buy is from the mall.)

Nowhere in my shopping advice do I say you should order a bunch of stuff online so you can try it on, and then return half of it. But that is what I did this weekend (*hangs head in shame*). Shipping was free, and I can easily return to both stores (Target and Old Navy). But I already know that I will return half the order, because the quality at both stores can be iffy and I anticipate feeling differently in person about some of the items. Not the best way to shop, but I'm baring my shopping soul today. Here's what I ordered:

Target Online Order
1. Mossimo woven shell, $14.99 - dying over the color!
2. The Webster ruffle tank, $12.48 - on clearance, and why I originally placed an order.
3. Merona pencil skirt, $22.99 - very cautious about the quality, interested to see it in person. I need a replacement for my H&M pencil skirt that is now a hot mess after one wash.
4. Merona striped skirt, $22.99 - love and plan to scope it out in the store (didn't buy it yet).
5. The Webster ruffle skirt, $14.98 - obsessed with the print, wanted to try both pieces.
6. Mossimo platform shoe, $10.49 - on clearance, and slightly out there but I love the color.

My grand total with a $5 coupon was $75.53.

Old Navy online order

Moving on to Old Navy. I received a 25% off coupon via email that expired that same night, I went to the website to browse, and wound up placing an order.

Old Navy Online Order
1. Orange shirt, $22.45 - love the color, but I'm already thinking of splurging for this silk version.
2. Striped shorts, $13.12 - I just died and went to stripes heaven.
3. Plaid shirt, $18.70 - I wear my blue version of this shirt to death, and plaid is a big trend for fall.

4-5. Striped dress, $14.95 - really hoping these dresses are as amazing in person, both would look great with sandals or with boots for fall.

My grand total was $90.03.

August wish list

After breaking down and cutting up my credit cards (j/k! I'm still within my budget), I also found these beauties online that I'm hoping to check out in person soon. 

On My Wish List

1. Express shirtdress, $69.90 - a white dress has eluded me thus far and the belt comes off this version.

2. Limited striped shirt, $24.90 - oh just check me into stripes rehab and get it over with.

3. Express sequin shirt, $39.90 - love the art deco thing Express has going on, also love this dress.

4. Gap trousers, $49.50 - planning to add some cropped trousers to my closet this fall.

5. American Eagle skinny jeans, $29.99 - a dark pair of destroyed denim is on my wish list.

6. American Eagle tie-dye, $39.99 - get out of town with your crazy tie-dye self! dying to try these on.

7. Target cords, $20 - I love the yellow color these come in, too.

So there you have it. What do you love, hate, and already wish I would return? What is on your wish list this month?

Update 8/30/12
Target
I was disappointed with the colors of the Target items! The two skirts (blue + stripes) and the mint skinnies (last photo) were totally different colors than I expected them to be. The seafoam tank was gorgeous but an odd fit (XS was too small in the bust), and I loved the color of the shoes but they were showing too much toe (opening was too wide). I'm keeping the pink ruffle tank top but that is it! Two picks I loved in store (and bought) are these burgundy skinny jeans and yellow cords.

Old Navy
I wanted to love the striped dresses soooo bad! The blue + red color (see it here) was actually my favorite, but the fit was not good. XS was way too short, and S was baggy in the stomach area (not cute). The striped shorts are okay, a little more stretchy than I anticipated and summer is ending so I passed. Plaid shirt and orange shirt didn't knock my socks off so I will pass on those as well. Some items I loved in store (bought, not sure if I'm keeping) are this camel polka dot sweater, tan striped top and denim jacket.

Wish List
The white dress is no longer in stores. I bought the Limited striped shirt. The Express sequin top was different in person. See here for my review of the Gap cropped pants. I passed on both of these American Eagle options, and bought these skinny jeans instead and love them!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Commonalities

I'm kicking off today's post with some deep thoughts. You guys see maybe 3% of who I am through this blog, and I rarely if ever get into deep stuff, because I'm a strong believer that over sharing is not cute. ;-) But I spent today mulling over some tough questions about J's Everyday Fashion, and wanted to share them with you. I have always felt that the fashion industry is a very dark place, and I started this website as one small step towards being the change I want to see (more on my goals here, but you can think of it as someone who dislikes current politics becoming a politician - the best work, I think, can be done in the trenches). What I'm praying about: am I doing a good job of being that change, or am I just the same as the things I'm trying to change? How can I do better at shining a light? How can I be a good steward of the responsibilities I've been blessed with? What's the next step? I don't have answers and don't know when I will, but the wheels are turning.

Now, lets talk about girlie stuff, aka today's look. My outfit is very different from Miranda Kerr's outfit but we have three things in common - the same color scheme, the colorblocking trend, and we are both wearing silk camp shirts. I'm a huge fan of this look because it provides a fun alternate to a plain top and skirt for work, while still remaining appropriate for the office. (Simple pumps could be subbed in if your work place is conservative.) Would you wear these looks to work?

Inspiration photo: FabSugar

Shirt: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales, $28 (same shirt)

Skirt: Limited, $39

Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $25

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $69
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $34 and $32 and $59 and $59 and $39

1. Forever 21 skirt, $14.80
2. Calvin Klein skirt, $79.50
3. White House Black Market skirt, $88
4. LOFT skirt, $49.50 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Beach Chic

It was love at first sight when I spotted this inspiration photo on Pinterest. She looks so happy with her beach chic self, and I can't blame her because I'm digging it too. Since swim bottoms in public aren't exactly my jam, I used mint shorts instead. From there, I piled on the color with a printed tank and lots of fun accessories. I felt beachy, colorful and fun wearing this outfit. Would you wear this look?    

Inspiration photo: Pinterest

Shirt: Forever 21, $16

Shorts: Candie's c/o Kohl's, $25 (similar, similar)

Necklaces: H&M $4, American Eagle $5 (similar, similar)

Purse: Melie Bianco c/o It's in the Bag, $78 (similar)

Shoes: Madden Girl c/o MJR Sales, $20 (similar)

Watch: Target, $15 (similar) 

Bracelets: c/o Sarah Aghili 1, 2, 3

1. Piperlime shirt, $26.99

2. Dillard's shirt, $34
3. Dillard's shirt, $23.40
4. Forever 21 shirt, $14.80
5. Dillard's shirt, $29
6. Bluefly shirt, $39.19

Today's Everyday Fashion: Dressed Up Casual

Today's look started with a desire to wear this necklace and these shorts together. Camel plus cobalt is one of my favorite color pairings, so I grabbed my favorite J.Crew camp shirt (bought for a steal during the-day-after-Christmas sales two years ago) and some brown accessories to complete the look. This kind of dressed-up casual is what I turn to for running errands and meeting up with friends.  How do you do dressed-up casual?

Shirt: J.Crew, $14 (similar)

Shorts: Gap, $28

Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $136

Shoes: Guess/DSW, $30 (similar)

Purse: c/o Karen Millen, $340

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $39 and $69
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $34 and $32 and $59 and $59

1. Neiman Marcus Last Call shorts, $39

2. Old Navy shorts, $9.99
3. Piperlime shorts, $39.99

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Aztec Skirt

I am loving the aztec skirt trend, and would happily wear all of the options below, but especially 1, 2 and 5. My aztec skirt is short and tight, so I like to pair it with a looser shirt with sleeves to balance out the bottom half. (You can see it worn with a chambray shirt and flats here.) Are you a fan of this trend? Which option below is your favorite?

Inspiration: Glamour via Pinterest

Shirt: Banana Republic, $20 (similar, similar)

Belt: Banana Republic, $30

Skirt: c/o Amour Boutique, $32 sold out

Shoes: c/o Amour Boutique, $30 (similar, similar)

Clutch: c/o Charisma Boutique, $52

Necklace: My Stella & Dot website $34 and $21

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $39 and $69
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $34 and $32 and $59 and $59

1. Express skirt, $59.90

2. Lord & Taylor skirt, $21.49

3. Macy's skirt, $15.99

4. Dillard's skirt, $35.40

5. Dillard's skirt, $34

6. Forever 21 skirt, $22.80

Flashback Friday: Military + Safari Looks

Just when you thought I forgot about Flashback Friday posts, I'm back with a plethora of pictures featuring bad photo quality and bad blonde highlights. :-) Instead of showing you multiple ways to wear one item for Flashback Friday though, I'm showing a bunch of different military + safari outfits. I'm calling it "military + safari" because as I started to save outfits for this post I realized there really isn't much difference between the two trends. They both call for a large amount of olive and neutral colors and have an overabundance of cargo pockets. Some looks are decidedly more military or more safari, but I decided I would include all of them and let you choose. Are you a fan of this trend? Which outfit do you like the best?

Military + safari shopping options

1. Old Navy vest, $28
2. Urban Outfitters green vest, $69
3. Sierra Trading Post skirt, $39.95
4. 6pm cargo skirt, $34.99
5. Urban Outfitters vest, $69
6. Target belt, $10.39
7. Old Navy jacket, $39.94
8. Ralph Lauren cargo skirt, $89.50

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Oxford Shirt

One of the questions I'm asked the most is "what do you recommend as wardrobe staples?" Which is tough because I don't believe there is such a thing as a universal item that every woman should own (see this old post). A blue oxford shirt, however, is definitely on my personal list of staples. I've had this top for going on 7 years and I've worn it more than any other shirt in my closet. It goes with absolutely everything, including polka dot shorts when I'm trying to figure out how to wear them casually (see them dressed up here). Are oxford shirts a staple for you?

Inspiration photo: J.Crew

Shirt: Ralph Lauren outlet, $20

Shorts: Old Navy, $20 (more polka dot shorts here and here)

Belt: H&M, $20

Purse: c/o Karen Millen, $340

Shoes: Nine West/DSW, $60

Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $79
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: My Stella & Dot website $49
Right bracelets: village in Africa
Left bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32 and $59

1. Old Navy oxford shirt, $19

2. Lands End oxford shirt, $30

3. Gap oxford shirt, $49.50

Today's Everyday Fashion: Geometric Prints

Okay, so I'm a tad obsessed with this shirt. I've posted 3 outfits with it in a short period of time, but this outfit was just too cute not to share. I loved the inspiration photo, and I'm a fan of the end result (I would wear this shopping or to do a closet consultation). This outfit would also look great if you subbed in yellow jeans or a yellow pencil skirt, and any of the tops pictured below would work in place of my sold-out Limited top. Are you a fan of the geometric prints trend?

Inspiration photo: New York & Co.

Shirt: Limited, $32 sold out

Cardigan: Moda c/o MJR Sales, $14 (similar)

Shorts: Gap, $35 (similar, similar)

Belt: Forever 21, $3 (similar)

Purse: Ann Taylor, $30

Shoes: c/o Express, $30 (similar)

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: Banana Republic, $5
Right bracelets: village in Africa
Left bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32 and $59

1. Arden B shirt, $26.99

2. Piperlime shirt, $34.99

3. Macy's shirt, $30.99

Today's Everyday Fashion: Save the Date

Use what you got. That's my totally improper way of 'splaining that while my pink skirt may not be an exact match to the inspiration photo's neon jeans, sometimes it's okay to use what you already have. Take the same basic idea - a neon bottom with a white top and neon necklace - and run with it, even if it's not an exact match. (Note: this is not a work look, my skirt is way too short.) Is this an outfit you would try?

ps. I'm doing a free style seminar at the Orange County public library in Orlando this Saturday. Go HERE for details and to RSVP! 

Inspiration: Pinterest

Skirt: H&M, $20 (similar, similar)

Blazer: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales, $35 (similar, similar)

T-shirt: Gap, $10 (similar)

Necklaces: H&M, $4 and c/o Colorblockshop, $36

Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $17 (similar)

Purse: Calvin Klein/TJ Maxx, $120

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

Ring: My Stella & Dot website $49

Right bracelets: village in Africa

Left bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32 and $59

1. Max & Chloe necklace, $39

2. BaubleBar necklace, $36

3. Adia Kibur necklace, $60

4. Nordstrom necklace, $16

Today's Everyday Fashion: Safari

It started with a simple idea - pair olive linen shorts I've had for ages with a newish black silk camp shirt. My first instinct was to add neutral heels and a clutch, making this look perfect for a night out (pictured). But yesterday I needed a chic daytime ensemble, so I adapted the look by wearing a low brown wedge (similar to these) and a brown crossbody bag. Combining a mix of black, olive and brown to create a safari feel is one of my favorite outfit ideas. How would you accessorize this look?

Inspiration photo: FabSugar
Shirt: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales, $24 (same shirt, cheaper versions here and here)
Shorts: Forever 21, old
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $58
Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $25
Purse: Urban Outfitters, $30
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: My Stella & Dot website $49
Left bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32 and $59

1. Lands End shorts, $15.99
2. Forever 21 shorts, $15.74
3. BCBG shorts, $34.99
4. Forever 21 shorts, $11.99

Today's Everyday Fashion: Hot Sauce

Christina Hendricks looks gorgeous. What I took from her outfit: mint + orange red + tribal patterns = a fun and interesting combo I haven't tried yet. So I went for it. I never would have thought to put these pieces together, but I totally dig the end result. Would you wear this outfit?

Inspiration: FabSugar

Shirt: Banana Republic, $15

Shorts: Limited, $30

Shoes: Diba/Nordstrom Rack, $40 (similar, similar)

Clutch: c/o KC Malhan

Necklaces: Banana Republic, My Stella & Dot website $34, charm $22
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: My Stella & Dot website $49

Right bracelets: village in Africa
Left bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32 and $59

1. Love 21 shirt, $27.80

2. Dillard's shirt, $32
3. ASOS shirt, $21.29
4. ModCloth shirt, $62.99
5. Forever 21 shirt, $10.50

Today's Everyday Fashion: Playing Dress Up

I am totally in love with anything ballet-inspired, so when I spotted this Christian Dior runway photo, it made my heart go pitter patter. I pulled out my favorite pink cupcake dress, and tried it as a skirt (see it as a dress here). I loved the result and wanted to share it with you, I only wish I had an occasion to wear it. For now I'm just playing dress up. :-) Would you wear a ballet-inspired look?

Inspiration photo: Christian Dior via FabSugar

Sweater: Express, old (similar)

Dress worn as skirt: H&M, $10 

Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $17 (similar, similar)

Purse: Juicy Couture/TJ Maxx, $69 (similar)

Necklaces: Banana Republic, My Stella & Dot website $34, charm $22
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: LOFT, $10
Left bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32 and $59

1. Bluefly dress, $79.99

2. Express dress, $88

3. Forever 21 dress, $22.80

Today's Everyday Fashion: John Deere Green

Every time I pull out these jeans I catch myself singing "John Deere Green" (10 points if you know that song). I've worn them several times, but have yet to do a green + yellow combo, so today is the day. As with so many J.Crew looks in the past, I love the color scheme they used, so I played around in my closet until I found a somewhat similar match (and encourage you to do the same!). Would you wear these colors together?   

Inspiration photo: J.Crew

Cardigan: Limited, $18 

Shirt: Old Navy, $10

Jeans: Lauren Conrad c/o Kohl's, $34

Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $118

Shoes: Bandolino/TJ Maxx, $22 (similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/TJ Maxx, $120 (similar)
Right bracelets: village in Africa
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: My Stella & Dot website $49
Left bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32 and $59

1. Old Navy cardigan, $24.94

2. J.Crew cardigan, $55

3. Old Navy cardigan, $19.94

Today's Everyday Fashion: Birthday Bag

I snapped these pictures on my way out the door yesterday (still not feeling 100%, so it's nothing earth-shattering). I've had the inspiration photo saved for ages, and I love that it gave me the boost I needed to not just throw on jean shorts like usual. I'm also excited because I finally figured out how to layer three necklaces (score), and I'm sporting my new birthday bag (the big day was July 30). 

The story behind the bag: every year for my birthday I set aside a budget for a new dress, but this year I decided to go big and invest in a leather purse. I set a budget of $300 and was hoping to score a deal at TJ Maxx or the like, but then I spotted this bag on the Karen Millen website and it was game over. It was perfect. As an added bonus, I did an event with Karen Millen in May, and as part of that they offered to gift us an item from the collection. Since her gorgeous dresses are generally out of my budget ($200+), I had declined (I only accept a free item if I would truly be willing to pay for it - if I told you how many expensive items I turn down it would make you cry). But besides being something I would be willing to invest in, it was also something I felt I earned (by working the event), so that's how this expensive beauty wound up in my hands. A little splurge gift for surviving another year on this crazy planet, and now I can go back to pinching pennies. Do you buy yourself a birthday gift each year? What kinds of things do you usually buy?

Inspiration photo: Refinery29

Shirt: Gap, $10 (similar)

Skirt: Express, $18

Shoes: Nine West/DSW, $60

Purse: c/o Karen Millen, $340 (vegan alternatives here and here)

Necklaces: Banana Republic, My Stella & Dot website $34, charm $22, and $59

Right bracelets: village in Africa

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

Ring: My Stella & Dot website $49

Left bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32 and $59

1. Piperlime pleated skirt, $54
2. Forever 21 pleated skirt, $15.80
3. Urban Outfitters pleated skirt, $39.99

Fall 2012 Shopping Guide - Under $100

I'm still under the weather, so today I'm presenting my top shopping picks for fall 2012. Almost everything is under $100, and all of these items are on my personal shopping list. Which trends are your favorite?

Colorblock Blouses  - A twist on a classic staple, these silky menswear inspired shirts have just a touch of colorblocking, which is a huge trend this fall. I'm totally crushing on #1.

1. Urban Outfitters blouse, $59
2. Banana Republic blouse, $89.50
3. Limited blouse, $46.90

Strappy Shoes - I'm goo-goo for this style of shoe, and want all of them. Okay, #1 and #4 if I had to narrow it down, but these shoes go with everything from rolled up distressed jeans, to a miniskirt for a night out.

1. Vince Camuto heels, $79.99
2. Steve Madden heels, $100
3. Boutique 9 heels, $105
4. Calvin Klein heels, $119

Military - Military is a trend that just won't retreat (bad joke). I'm thrilled it's still going strong, and plan to pair more masculine pieces like these with dainty heels, lace or a soft blouse.

1. Gap jacket, $79.95
2. Banana Republic shirt, $69.50
3. Old Navy jacket, $39.94

Peplum  - Peplum adds a girlish curve and is a throwback to the 60's. Looks great belted, unbelted and is a welcome addition to shirts, dresses and skirts alike.

1. Urban Outfitters peplum dress, $69
2. River Island peplum, $49.71
3. Topshop peplum, $36
4. ASOS peplum, $29

Polka dots -  Polka dots are still going strong this fall. They look great paired with other polka dots and even stripes, making them an easy, versatile print that anyone can wear.

1. Forever 21 dress, $22.80
2. Dillard's shirt, $20.65
3. Alloy shirt, $32.90

Printed Pant - Do you dare? So many cute printed pants are popping up in stores, I think I'll wind up taking the plunge at some point. The key to looking cute is sticking with a slim, cropped silhouette to avoid print overload.

1. Limited printed pants, $59.60
2. Old Navy printed pants, $25 (comes in 3 other fun prints)
3. Macy's printed pants, $69
4. Lucky Brand printed pants, $63.99

Honorable Mentions - This fall I'm also loving anything maroon, sky blue, loafer heels and the plaid trend is still going strong. What's on your shopping list this fall?

1. Express maroon shirt, $49.90
2. Limited sky blue jeans, $74.90
3. Banana Republic loafers, $128
4. Gap plaid shirt, $49.95