The Cutest Fall Fashion with JCPenney

 
 
 

Shirt  /  Skirt  /  Jacket

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Top  /  Pants  /  Purse

 

How cute are these fall outfits from JCPenney? I couldn't pick a favorite even if I tried! I like all of them for different reasons. The first look with the off-shoulder floral top, black mini skirt and pink moto jacket is so on-trend for fall, and is a look I will be repeating often. The second look contains a colorful striped dress I’ve been stalking for several months online. I almost bought if from two other stores, but the price and availability was the best from JCPenney. And last but certainly not least, a black cold shoulder top and striped wide leg pants that feels like pajamas but is way more polished will also be on repeat this fall, even if just for comfort alone!

I can’t pick a favorite but maybe you can convince me. Which one do you like?

Head to JCP.com for more fall fashion and check out more of my top picks below!

Dress  /  Shoes  /  Top  /  Top
Jeans  /  Dress  /  Skirt  /  Dress
Dress  /  Top  /  Jacket  /  Shoes

Today’s post is brought to you by JCPenney and ShopStyle. All images, editorial decisions, and opinions are solely my own.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Upcoming Events

 
 

Where am I headed in this colorful romper and white cape blazer? South Walton Fashion Week in Destin, FL! I'm excited to partner with Silver Sands Premium Outlets for a style seminar on Sat, Oct 8, and to join the panel of judges (which includes Christian Siriano - please pinch me) for South Walton Fashion Week. All of the events are open to the public so be sure to check out details at the link below. I'd love to see you there!! 

Blazer: Forever 21, $35 (similar, similar)
Romper: 1.State/Stein Mart, $50 (top, dress)
Shoes: Saks OFF 5th c/o, $70 (similarlower)
Purse: Gap, $16 (similarsimilarsimilar
Earrings: Kendra Scott c/o Amazon, $36
Approx. dates: Purse is 4 years ago. Shoes, earrings and blazer are last few months. Romper is new.

 
 

Additional info on the Style Seminar
Buy tickets here

Read more about the SWFW Judges

Today's Everyday Fashion: Red, Black, Leopard

 

Inspiration: Express

 
 
 

Red, leopard and black: there's just something about these three combined for fall! My outfit is great for a party, but really this combo could work for just about any occasion. A black pencil skirt, red blouse and leopard shoes for the office (depending, of course, on your dress code), or black jeans, a red t-shirt and a leopard purse for running errands - the possibilities are endless. Give it a try in your closet this fall!

Top: Macy's, $35 (similar below)
Jeans: Gap, $35 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Saks OFF 5th c/o, $70 (similarlower)
Purse: boutique c/o, $48 (similarsimilar)
Choker: Forever 21, $4 (similar, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Jeans are 6 years ago. Purse is 1 year ago. Shoes and top are several months ago. Choker is new.

Top 10 Fall Trends with Stein Mart

 

Tunic  /  Necklace

Shirt  /  Shoes  /  Purse

Dress  /  Purse

Dress  /  Vest  /  Boots

 

Stein Mart just might be my new secret weapon for designer brands at a great price online! I grew up shopping in-store as a kid, and I bought many home items from Stein Mart when I decorated last year. But what I did not know is that you can shop online now! And that they have clothing and accessories from some of the best brands like Michael Kors, Tory Burch, Nine West, Max Studio, 1.STATE, Rebecca Minkoff and Marc by Marc Jacobs.*

I teamed up with Stein Mart to select and style four fall outfits from their website. The outfits I picked are chock-full of the top trends for fall, even if they are mostly Florida-friendly. (Totally not fair that cooler climates will be able to add more layers like leggings, boots and jackets to these looks!) I stuck to a fall color scheme in marigold, olive, and neutral tones. And I mixed in a plethora of fall trends like interesting hemlines, saddlebag purses, booties, and plaid.

Have you shopped Stein Mart online yet? Which of the 10 fall trends is your favorite?

*Hint: some brand names are not revealed on the website and won’t come up in a Google search, but if you’re savvy and recognize the item you can score major savings! Look for items listed as “Famous Maker,” which can be any number of great designer brands.

Top 10 Fall Trends at Stein Mart

  1. Plaid
  2. Cold shoulder
  3. Saddlebag purses
  4. Exaggerated hemlines
  5. Strappy shoes
  6. Booties
  7. Olive
  8. '70s/Boho
  9. Active wear
  10. Suede

 

Tunic  /  Necklace

Dress  /  Purse

Dress  /  Vest  /  Bracelet

 

Today’s post is brought to you by Stein Mart. All images, editorial decisions and opinions are solely my own and presented without prejudice.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Leopard Skirt, 3 Ways

 

Inspiration: J.Crew

 
 
 
 
 

Today's J.Crew inspiration outfit is gaw-geous! She looks sleek and sophisticated from head to toe. My recreation is no where near the same level of polish, and it's a lot more casual. But it uses old items that have been in my closet for years - which is a definite plus. This look also easily transitions into different stages of fall/winter weather by adding a heavier turtleneck and over-the-knee boots. Which version is your favorite?

Tank: H&M, $10
Sweater: HSN c/o (similar below)
Skirt: boutique c/o, old (similar below)
Sandals: Saks OFF 5th c/o, $70 (similarlower)
Booties: Vince Camuto c/o HSN
Boots: ALDO, $199 (similarsimilarsimilar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similarsimilar)
Approx. dates: Skirt is 4 years ago. Purse is 3 years ago. Boots, sweater are 1 year ago. Tank, sandals and booties are within last 6 months.

"Before & After" Bra Fit Test with Vanity Fair

You guys are not going to believe today’s "before and after" pictures! I thought I had a good thing going with my old bras, but I was actually in dire need of an upgrade. Having the right bra makes such a huge difference – in comfort and in how your clothes fit. As part of Vanity Fair’s Bra Fit Test, I put a thin ivory sweater over my old bras, and both of them failed!

Left: My old bra
Right: Beauty Back Strapless Underwire available at Macy'sJCPenney, and Kohl's

These photos of my back are showing how my old strapless bra digs into me in one specific spot on my side. It's a bit harder to see in the second photos, but I can certainly feel where my old bra creates two pressure points along the top and bottom of the strap and digs into my skin. The technology in the Vanity Fair “Beauty Back Strapless” completely eliminated this problem and really does what it promises - my back is totally smooth!

Left: My old bra
Right: Body Caress Full Coverage Contour Bra available at Macy'sJCPenney and Kohl's

In these next photos, you can see how my favorite bra with straps was visible through my sweater on the left. That’s due partly to its lighter color, but also because it doesn’t lay smooth against my skin. The Vanity Fair “Full Coverage Beauty Back” eliminated this problem and is basically invisible from the front, because of how flat it lays.

Vanity Fair believes it’s time for women to say good-bye to bad bras once and for all, and I agree! They put together a bra fit test you can try at home, which I’ve shared below. Also check out their :30 digital spot which pokes fun at the ill-fitting bras we all know too well – bras that are annoying, uncomfortable and squeeze in all the wrong places. Thankfully Vanity Fair gets it and their products aim to solve these common issues for women, and are a budget friendly at $20-40 each.

What are your most common complaints about the bras you’ve tried/wear? Have you ever tried Vanity Fair bras?

The Vanity Fair Bra Fit Test

  1. Fill Check – The cups should fit smoothly against your bust with no gaps or wrinkles. You should fill out the cup proportionately.
  2. Two-Finger Strap Test – The straps should be snug on your shoulders, but loose enough to slide two fingers underneath. This will prevent your straps from slipping off your shoulder.
  3. Stretch Test – If you raise your arms, bend over or twist, the band should stay completely in-place. The band should not ride up in the back as you move around.
  4. Hook Check – For a comfortable fit that isn’t too loose or too snug, the band should fit best on the middle hook.
  5. Two-Finger Band Test – The band of the bra should be tight enough to support you but loose enough to slide two fingers underneath, as well.
  6. Spill Check – You should fill out the cups of the bra, but you should not be spilling over the top of the cups.
  7. Center Challenge – The center part of the bra should lay flat against your chest without buckling. There should not be any space between the center of the bra and your chest.
  8. Maximum Lift Test – When you turn to the side, your breasts should be sitting halfway between your shoulders and elbows. This guarantees that your chest is being properly supported and lifted.
  9. Comfort Check – Does every single part of this bra feel comfortable on you? There should not be anything poking you or providing irritation.
  10. Top Test – When your top is on, it should look seamless, smooth and lifted. There should be minimal bulging and buckling.

Today's post is brought to you by Vanity Fair. All opinions, images, and editorial decisions are solely my own. 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Maxi Love

 
 
 
 

I was dashing off to a baby shower on Saturday when we snapped these photos. I used to feel pretty uncomfortable in maxis but lately I can't get enough of them. They have a specific laid-back chill vibe that's hard to achieve in anything else. The one is one part romantic with the floral pattern and one part boho - I was hoping to wear my hair wavy and/or with a big braid but ran out of time. It was perfect for the baby shower and will work for other events as well. Below I pulled together some items currently in my shopping cart. It's not at all surprising that a maxi made the list! 

Dress: Nordstrom, $52
Purse: Aldo c/o Amazon, $40 (similarsimilarsimilar)
Shoes: Jessica Simpson c/o Macy's, $59 (samesimilarsimilar)
Earrings: Kendra Scott c/o Amazon, $36
Approx. dates: Shoes are 2 years ago. Purse and shoes are 6 months ago. Dress is new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Lace Up Bodysuit

I'm a total copycat in this outfit. In a different way than usual though, because I saw her outfit and it inspired me to purchase something similar, not just use what I already own! The inspiration photo is from New Orleans Fashion Week, and I was struck by her outfit and how classy and yet edgy she looks. It really stood out to me and I wanted to put together a similar outfit for an upcoming fashion event. This is the first bodysuit I ordered online and I'm really happy with it. Her wide leg pants and blazer are to die for with it, but it will likely be too hot for the event I'm attending. I wanted to keep the same basic principles though - to wear something loose and covered up to offset the plunging v-neck, and my wide leg culottes were the perfect pairing. (It almost looks like I'm wearing a long skirt with it!) This lace up design is all over stores right now - is it a trend you would try?

Bodysuit: Forever 21, $25 (similar below)
Pants: JCPenney c/o (similarsimilar)
Shoes: Saks OFF 5th c/o, $70 (similarlower)
Purse: boutique c/o, $48 (similarsimilar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Pants and purse are 1 year ago. Shoes are a few months ago. Bodysuit is new.

Fall Fashion with HSN

 
 
 
 
 
 

It's a fall fashion extravaganza with HSN today! They have all of the best fall styles like plaid, fringe, booties and maxis in all of the best brand names. There are so many great new arrivals to check out!

Take outfit number one, for example. Plaid prints are still going very strong, because nothing says “fall fashion” quite like a cozy plaid top. You can dress it up with a leather skirt and Vince Camuto peep-toe booties like I've done above, or dress it down with jeans and brown booties for a casual look.

Outfit number two (below) is the perfect mix of casual and polished, with a Lisa Kline draped maxi that comes in 6 colors in the starring role. Accessories include some very chic and comfortable fringe Diego di Lucca wedge booties, a Bajalia fringe necklace, and a BCBG purse that I got from HSN two years ago.

Check out more great fall finds from HSN on their website and my top picks below!

Which outfit is your favorite?

 
 
 

Dress  /  Boots  /  Necklace

 
 
 

Shirt  /  Boots  /  Dress  /  Wrap
Dress  /  Purse  /  Boots  /  Skirt
Boots  /  Shirt  /  Dress  /  Boots

Today’s post is brought to you by HSN. All images, editorial decisions and opinions are solely my own and presented without prejudice.

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Camel Blazer

 

Inspiration: J.Crew

 
 
 

I gotta gush a little over J.Crew Factory's fall line up because how cute are their new arrivals, below?! Their sold crew neck sweaters make the best foundation for statement necklaces, and what fun colors for wool coats and blazers as well. I'll definitely be checking it out soon, but in the meantime I'm styling my camel blazer from 2 years ago with white jeans, inspired by a catalog photo! 

Blazer: J.Crew Factory, $83
Sweater: Banana Republic, old
Jeans: Express, $37 (similarsimilar)
Belt: Limited, $15 (similarsimilar)
Shoes: Steve Madden/Macy's, $59 (similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $220 (similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot OneTwo
Approx. dates: Sweater is 8 years ago. Blazer and shoes are 2 years ago. Jeans, purse, and belt are 1 year ago. 

Sweater  /  Sweater  /  Skirt  /  Sweater
Shoes  /  Shoes  /  Hat
Coat  /  Blazer  /  Sweater  /  Skirt

Today's Everyday Fashion: White After Labor Day

 

Inspiration: Express

 

I didn't give a single thought to the "no white after Labor Day" rule when putting this outfit together! I was inspired by the catalog photo to pair a white jacket with cropped trousers I've been wearing a lot lately, and although it's a lot of white together, I think it's still perfect for fall. After last year's failed attempt with a cape blazer, I wanted to give this trend another try because I love the look of it. This time I searched for a cape blazer without the separate sleeves and I like it better. Paired with a sleek mock turtleneck and black heels, I can't wait to wear it soon!

Blazer: Forever 21, $35
Top: H&M, $10
Pants: Express, $42
Shoes: Saks OFF 5th c/o, $70 (similarlower)
Purse: My Stella & Dot
Earrings: Saks OFF 5th, $13 (similarsimilar)
Sunglasses: Express, $18 (similarsimilar)
Approx. dates: Turtleneck and purse are 1 year ago. Shoes, pants and earrings are the past 2-3 months. Blazer is new.

August Recap & September Magazine Cover

 

(Behind the scenes shot. Shop this dress.)

 

On this holiday Monday I'm recapping August and sharing some behind-the-scenes with you! My focus here is almost always on clothing, but IRL getting dressed is sometimes bumped to the bottom of my priority list! Some days I barely manage to make it out of pajamas. Or I make it out of pajamas long enough to shoot blog photos and then I'm back in pajamas. August is one example.

I spent 19 out of the 31 days in August writing the book. In the remaining 12 days I completed 5 blog posts for each week, 5 sponsorships, shot a TV commercial, a magazine cover, attended 3 baby showers and 2 charity fundraisers, and went on a date with my husband.

Things I gave up included exercise, grocery shopping, cooking, housekeeping, yard work, any additional socializing, answering emails and texts in a timely manner, and my sanity.

I laughed, I cried, I learned a lot about myself and the writing process. I experienced God in incredible new ways. And I was totally overwhelmed. I am sometimes guilty of buying into the "busy culture" and feeling productive when I operate at an insane pace, but it's really more of a luxury to be able to slow down and take it all in. I'm using this experience to learn how to plan and estimate my time better and not over-commit. It was a truly amazing, special month that I will forever cherish, but I'm also looking forward to a much slower pace soon. (Although there's still writing and editing left to do, and more upcoming deadlines!)

 

(September magazine cover.)

 

I also wanted to share the Sept/Oct issue of Orange Appeal magazine with you guys - that's me on the cover! (What?!) The red dress picture (above) is a behind-the-scenes my husband took on set. The Orange Appeal team was so wonderful to work with and they did everything - hair, makeup and clothes. You can read the entire magazine online including 9 more outfits, pages 120-129. 

Part of slowing down means counting your blessings and being thankful and that's what today is all about. I'm spending the holiday weekend with family and friends in (my home state of) Kansas, and I'm taking a moment to celebrate all of you and say thanks for reading!! For no particular reason, because sometimes not having an occasion is the best time to say it: I'm thankful for you! 

Cheers to September!

 

(The view from my writing chair.)

 

Fall Fashion with Ross

 
 
 
 
 

Poncho, $19.99
Tunic, $9.99

 

Fall fashion is really, truly here guys. I don’t know where summer went, but I’m ready for bonfires and pumpkin and all the yummy things that come with the changing seasons, including fall fashion! I headed to one of my favorite stores to get the “look for less,” Ross Dress for Less. I visited two Ross stores back to back, and spent about 15 minutes at each location to find two great outfits.

The first outfit (above) includes a poncho and tunic I found at Ross for only $19.99 and $9.99. The poncho was the very first thing that caught my eye - it's a designer brand and it's super soft and cozy. The gray tunic is adorable on it’s own for summer, or layered with the poncho for fall. It’s sleeveless with raw hems and looks like a distressed t-shirt.

The second outfit (below) is a utility vest and chambray dress I found at Ross for only $19.99 and $14.99. The denim dress has such a nice light faded wash, and I really like the way the utility vest cinches in at the waist. Figuring out new ways to layer with vests is my own little style challenge for fall, so I was happy to find this outfit and try something new!

For more fall inspiration and to find a store location near you, head to the Ross website.

Which outfit is your favorite?

 

Vest, $19.99
Dress, $14.99
Purse, $21.99 (old)

 
 
 
 
 

Today's post is brought to you by Ross. All opinions, images, editorial decisions and amazing bargains are solely my own and presented without prejudice.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Bright Green Maxi

 
 
 
 

Today's bright green ruffle sleeve maxi is the third and final special occasion dress I'll be sharing week. It immediately caught my eye online. The color and the shape are both so unique, and the fit is incredible. The only "cons" are that a silky fabric can be really high maintenance - it snags easily and shows sweat when you're getting down on the dance floor. The silky sheen is also harder to dress down and pretty much only works for super dressy occasions. I'm really digging this bright green color for winter and fall though. Would you wear an emerald special occasion dress?

Dress: ASOS, $89
Shoes: Saks Fifth Avenue c/o, $70 (similarlower)
Purse: Century 21, old (similar, similar)
Earrings: Cara c/o OFF 5th, $13 (similar)
Approx. dates: Purse is 8 years ago. Earrings and shoes are 6 months ago. Dress is new.

ASOS  /  BCBG  /  Ralph Lauren  /  Shoptiques  /  Dillard's
ASOS  /  Dillard's  /  Nordstrom Rack  /  Shoptiques  /  Amazon
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Ruffle Sleeve Maxi

 
 
 
 

The quest for special occasion dresses continues! Inspired by Carolyn Murphy wearing Erdem (below), I set out to find something similar on a budget. I ordered several options from ASOS, including the top left dress in the collage below and the dress I'm wearing today. The combination of maxi length, floral print and interesting ruffles is perfect for both an upcoming work event and a wedding (how pretty would a dress like this be for a bridesmaid even?). I loved both dresses, but settled on this one because of the longer sleeve and soft lavender color. Would you wear a ruffle sleeve maxi?

Dress: ASOS, $110
Purse: Aldo c/o Amazon, $40 (similarsimilarsimilar)
Shoes: Jessica Simpson c/o Macy's, $59 (same, similar, similar)
Earrings: Kendra Scott c/o Amazon, $36
Approx. dates: Shoes are 3 years ago. Purse and earrings are 6 months ago. Dress is new.

ASOS  /  Mumu  /  Topshop  /  ASOS  /  ASOS
Forever 21  /  ASOS  /  Nordstrom  /  ASOS  /  Mumu

 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: The '90s Called

 

Inspiration: Bloomingdale's

 
 
 

Is there a decade that's not in style right now? I've been embracing '70s flares for fall, yesterday's dress had a retro '50s flare, and today's look is right out of the '90s, and I'm loving absolutely all of it. I wore this look for a friend's fundraiser on Saturday night (you may remember her equine charity from this post). This old dress is a little too big up top, so wearing a black bralette underneath was the perfect solution. It matched the lace trim on the bottom and looked like part of the dress. All I'm missing is the velvet choker to be straight out of the '90s - arguably the most trendy decade for fall. Will you be recycling or trying any '90s fashion this year?

Dress: Forever 21, $18 (similar below)
Bralette: c/o boutique (similar, similar)
Vest: ModCloth c/o, $60
Shoes: Saks Fifth Avenue c/o, $70 (similarlower)
Purse: Urban Outfitters, $30 (similar, similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot OneTwo
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Clutch is 6 years ago. Dress is 2 years ago. Shoes are several months ago. Vest is recent.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Red Rose Dress

 
 
 
 
 

Inspiration: Diego Zucko via Harper's Bazaar

 

I've been contemplating this dress for months and finally took the plunge! I can vouch for this brand because I have several Chi Chi London dresses already, but I must've gotten a lemon because the zipper broke as I was putting it on. I was able to snap a quick picture in it, but it's not wearable until I exchange. I'm also super tired behind those sunglasses - I am convinced anyone can look glam with some cat-eyes and red lip gloss! I ordered several more dresses I'll be sharing this week as I try them on and decide which ones to keep for upcoming events (mostly weddings and work events). Do you give this red rose dress a thumbs up or a thumbs down? 

Dress: ModCloth c/o, $129 (used an old store credit)
Shoes: Charlotte Russe, $11 (similardesigner version)
Sunglasses: Express, $18 (similarsimilar)
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Approx. dates: Shoes, sunglasses, and earrings are 1 year ago. Dress is new.

Macy's  /  Amazon  /  ASOS  /  Amazon
Lord & Taylor  /  Shoptiques  /  Nordstrom  /  ASOS
ASOS  /  Amazon  /  Nordstrom  /  ASOS

Today's Everyday Fashion: That '70s Girl

 
 

I'm loving flare jeans for fall fashion, but while the weather is still warm, I'm also brainstorming ways to wear them for summer! The great thing about high waist flares is that they pair perfectly with crop tops. I haven't had jeans with a high enough waist to wear with this old floral top until now. The end result is so very '70s! 

Top: H&M, $25 (similar, similar, similar)
Jeans: Levi's c/o Kohl's, $40
Shoes: H&M, $30 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: JCPenney c/o $36
Hat: boutique c/o, $30 (similar, similar)
Sunglasses: Jessica Simpson c/o Ross, $10 (same)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Ring: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Purse, sunglasses and top are 1 year ago. Shoes are a few months ago. Jeans are recent.

ps. I found this t-shirt for the half the price the day after I posted an outfit with it. (Doh!) Wanted to let you know because it's only $15-22 on Amazon, versus $38 at Express. Way better deal!

Before and After at Salon Cielo

 
 

Last week I headed to Salon Cielo’s grand opening event by the Mall at Millenia in Orlando, FL! There were sweet treats, fresh DJ beats, and some blogger friends who joined in the fun. My favorite part was getting pampered by Georgie, the salon manager, pictured above. I was super impressed with his chair-side manner and savvy blow-drying skills. I hammed it up a little for the “before and after pictures” but the difference in my hair turned out to be dramatic enough itself! Before my wash and blow dry, my naturally wavy hair was not playing nice with the humidity, despite straightening it that morning. Georgie made all those waves go away and my hair felt so pretty and smooth afterwards. I would be happy having Salon Cielo blow out my hair everyday! (A girl can dream, right?)

It was a fabulous event, and it was great customer service all-around. Salon Cielo has several locations in VA and FL, go check it out and find a salon near you!

The Salon Cielo in this post is located at Millenia Plaza:
4692 Millenia Plaza Way in Orlando, FL (407-370-0770)

With fellow bloggers Laila, Meghan and Whitney!

Today’s post is brought to you by Salon Cielo. All opinions, images and editorial decisions are solely my own.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Cage Shoes & Dress

 
 
 
 

I have so many good feels about this dress and shoe combo! It was part of my order for yesterday's post with Kohl's. It wound up not fitting the theme, but was too cute not to share in a separate (not-sponsored) post. The dress is just a tad too big and the shoes are a little more than I usually spend on statement heels, but it's SO cute together. I'm trying to decide if I should keep it and take the money from my personal budget. Would you rock this dress/shoe combo this fall?

Dress: Kohl's
Shoes: Kohl's
Clutch: Urban Outfitters, $30 (similar)
Necklace: Stella & Dot, old (similar, similar)
Cuff: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Clutch is 6 years ago. Necklace is 4 years ago. Dress and shoes are new.

LAMB  /  Michael Kors  /  VInce Camuto  /  ASOS
ASOS  /  LAMB  /  Kohl's  /  Lulu's
Vince Camuto  /  ASOS  /  ASOS  /  Vince Camuto