Today's Everyday Fashion: Navy Dress, 2 Ways

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Simply could not turn down this navy dress because of the aggressive arm ruffles! They are too cute - a mix of super feminine and a unique design I've not seen before. Does all that detail also need a huge statement necklace on top of it? Certainly not, but I absolutely went there. Twice. In the first look, I styled it with black shoes and a black feather necklace for more of a winter look. The second look, with turquoise earrings, necklace and shoes is a fun color combo for a transition into spring. I added a lot of detail with accessories, but certainly this dress is cute enough to be worn on it's own any ol' time, too! 

Dress: Charlotte Russe, $20
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Shoes: Betsey Johnson c/o Ross, $32 (same)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot

Dress: Charlotte Russe, $20
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Shoes: Nine West c/o Amazon, $66
Earrings:Kendra Scott c/o NM, $55 (same)

 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Bomber Jacket

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Inspiration: Marie Claire

 

I'm always on the look out for easy, comfortable outfits I can wear with sneakers! So while I was initially hesitant to get on board with the bomber jacket trend, I decided to give it a try when I realized a quilted black one could create several different outfits in my closet, and would look great paired with my black Nike sneakers. (Check out my other outfit with this jacket and sneaker combo so far.) I got the inspiration for this particular combo from a cute celebrity airport outfit. A graphic tee and white jeans is a great way to finish the look. Could not be more easy or comfortable!

Jacket: H&M, $25
Tee: Amazon c/o, $19
Jeans: Express, $37 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Nike/Kohl's, $58 (same)
Purse: Marc Jacobs/Saks Off 5th, $288 (similar, similar)
Hat: Kohl's c/o, $10 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Jeans are 2 years ago. Tee and hat are 1 year ago. Purse, jacket and shoes are last few months.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Is It Really a Good Deal?

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I used to only buy things that were $10. For me, the goal was not to be the best-dressed in the room, but to be the outfit that cost the least! But after awhile I realized that this strategy was not quite working for me. I found that buying by price often meant I didn't truly love the item, it didn't quite fit, had a defect, or would be low quality and ruined in one wash. These days I am much more willing to spend more to get something I really like and will wear for years. There is a part of me that will always love getting a good deal, but a good deal also means you were willing to pay much more for it. Today's look is a great example, because Hudson jeans have been on my wish list for several years now. They retail for $180 for a pair, I was willing to pay about $120, but recently discovered that Nordstrom Rack online sells them for only $80. Score! The sweater is another good example - it's $10 - which initially concerned me. "Is that the only reason I want this?" I wondered. But even before I saw the price tag, I was willing to pay at least $40 for it, and plan to use a steam clean/Dryel to prolong it's life for many years to come. When it comes to getting a good deal, my outlook now is that it's all about balance!

Sweater: Ross c/o, $9.99 (similar below)
Jeans: Hudson/Nordstrom Rack, $79 (similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Boots: Shoebuy c/o, $50 (similar, similar, similar)
Hat: Magnolia Boutique c/o, $13
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Purse is 3 years ago. Jeans, boots and hat are recent. Sweater is new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Style Math

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Original Posts One, Two

 

I wore this leopard look last month on Daytime. I got the idea to take the top half of one outfit and the bottom half of another and combine them together for a new outfit. (Old + old = new.) They are two of my recent favorites, but this final look may just be the best one of all. It's one of the easiest ways to come up with an outfit when you're feeling stuck. Think back to your favorites lately - could combining any of them together make a new outfit without ever leaving your closet?!

Shirt: C. Wonder, old (similar below)
Skirt: Bloomingdale's c/o, $68 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Charles David c/o (same)
Purse: Marc Jacobs/Saks Off 5th, $288 (similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot (similar, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Tights are 4-5 years ago. Shirt and shoes are 3 years ago. Skirt is 2 years ago. Purse is recent.

Today's Everyday Fashion: The (Really) Old Coat

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Inspiration: Shopbop

 

At what point is a clothing item considered "vintage"? Because I think this navy coat is getting close! When I bought it, my budget was tiny. So I got an inexpensive jacket from Forever 21, and replaced the plain plastic buttons with decorative metal buttons from a fabric store, and sewed them on myself. It's such a classic coat and it's my own little custom piece, so I can't fathom ever getting rid of it. It was the perfect topper to recreate this catalog photo and to complete the outfit! 

Coat: Forever 21, old (similar below)
Sweater: Kohl's c/o, $13
Skirt: LOFT, $36 (similar, similar, similar)
Boots: Michael Kors/Macy's, $225 (same)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $220 (similar, similar)
Belt: Limited, $15 (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Coat is 10 years ago. Skirt is 4 years ago. Boots are 2 years ago. Purse and belt is 1 year ago. Sweater is recent.

Today's Everyday Fashion: White Lace Top

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Inspiration: Getty Images via WhoWhatWear

 

I was really excited about this lace top when it arrived, and I love the idea of pairing it with a pair of white trousers in a monochromatic look! But put anything next to this Lauren Conrad outfit and I mean... her outfit is perfection. I love the look of wide leg trousers like hers, but I've stayed away from them thus far because they aren't as practical as cropped trousers. With cropped you can switch between a flat shoe and heels, but with wide leg you can only wear one heel height so that the pants are the correct length. And her lace top is simply gor-geous. I shared some more ideas for getting her look on a budget below!

Shirt: ASOS, $43
Pants: Express, $42 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Betsey Johnson c/o Ross, $32 (same)
Purse: Marc Jacobs/Saks Off 5th, $288 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Saks OFF 5th, $13 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Pants are 6 months ago. Shoes and purse are recent. Shirt is new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Kicking Off 2017

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Inspiration: @macerenaferr via WhowhatWear

 

I don't know about you, but I am beyond pumped for 2017. There are so many exciting things to look forward to this year! And while I'm not one to set New Year's resolutions, per se, I do love setting (and smashing!) goals. In December, I set a goal to exercise 19 times (a stretch because I usually average 8 times a month, and I didn't work out hardly at all August to October). It felt amazing to reach my goal with a day to spare. It was obtainable, but difficult, and easily quantifiable. For my next goal, I'm thinking about reading 9 books in the next 3 months. What goals or resolutions are you kicking off in 2017? 

Sweater: Kohl's c/o, $28
Leggings: Kohl's, $22
Shoes: Nike/Kohl's, $58 (same)
Purse: Marc Jacobs/Saks Off 5th, $288 (similar, similar)
Hat: Kohl's c/o, $10 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Approx. dates: Hat is one year ago. Sweater, leggings, purse and shoes are recent.

Today's Everyday Fashion: NYE Part 2

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It's New Year's Eveeeee this weekend!! One of my favorite holidays, due to the celebratory atmosphere, unique outfit opportunity, and the refreshing start to the new year. Last year I wore red, the two years before that I wore the same lace/sequin BCBG dress (still available here), and this year... I'm going full disco ball in a silver sequin dress! I would love to see what you are wearing for the ball drop - please share links/pics. I hope you have a phenomenal weekend and NYE - see you in 2017!

Dress: H&M, $67 (now $49)
Heels: Wet Seal c/o, $9 (similar, similar)
Purse: Urban Outfitters, $30 (similar, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot (on sale)
Approx. dates: Purse is 6 years ago. Shoes are 3 years ago. Dress and earrings are new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: NYE Part 1

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It's been such a mild winter this year. During a rare cold snap a few weeks back though, I was able to wear this black faux fur vest, as pictured above, to an annual holiday dinner. It would also be a great look for New Year's Eve. Between the sequins, (faux) fur, statement earrings and bows on the shoes - it's definitely a festive look made for celebrating! Below you'll find another NYE idea with a black fur vest in some outtakes from a recent Ross post. And stay tuned for part 2 tomorrow with the outfit I'm planning to wear to ring in the New Year! 

Vest: Calvin Klein c/o Ross, $35 (similar, similar, similar)
Top: Banana Republic, $30 (similar below)
Jeans: Hudson/Nordstrom Rack, $79 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Ross c/o, $32 (same, same)
Purse: Urban Outfitters, $30 (similar, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot (on sale)
Approx. dates: Purse is 6 years ago. Top is 2 years ago. Shoes, vest and jeans are recent.

 
 

Under $100 Finds with HSN

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The holidays may be quickly coming to a close, but winter has just begun! Which means plenty of opportunities for cold-weather outfits and that ski vacation I keep talking about. (Really hoping we can make it work in our schedule this year!) I partnered with HSN to feature several under $100 finds from their site today. Including a red coat by Sporto that is so dreamy and soft, a great price, and is making me want to go on that ski vacation even more. I paired it with a “touch of cashmere” cold shoulder sweater from Iman, and my own Sperry duck boots that HSN also carries.

In the outfit below, I took the plunge on a black asymmetrical dress from the G by Giuliana line I’ve been eyeing for awhile, paired with my own Vince Camuto booties (from my fall fashion post with HSN). It also looks great with a red fringe cape from the Joy & Iman line, and a trio of brooches from Danielle Nicole.

I shared more fabulous finds below – including a sequin maxi and leather leggings that would be perfect for NYE, and faux fur shoe clips that are genius (!) and could be used so many ways.

Head over to HSN for more and tell me – which under $100 find is your favorite?

 
 

Vest  /  Purse  /  Shoe clips  /  Leggings
Dress  /  Jacket  /  Purse  /  Skirt
Dress  /  Purse  /  Turtleneck  /  Belt

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

Today's Everyday Fashion: Little Yellow Coat

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Inspiration: Michael Dumier via LuckyShops

 

Today's outfit is dedicated to all of you who are back in the office today, post holiday weekend! On my never-ending quest for work outfits that aren't boring, I recreated this street style look with a floral skirt and a pop of yellow. A thin black turtleneck provides the base layer and looks great with a pencil skirt or trousers. The orange suede pumps and yellow wool coat spice up the look and make it way more fun. It's an outfit recipe I would gladly try again and again, and I hope it's one you can use, too!

Coat: J.Crew c/o Thredup, $75 (similar, similar, similar)
Sweater: J.Crew Factory, $36 (similar below)
Skirt: HSN c/o (similar below)
Shoes: Saks Off Fifth, $60 (similar below)
Purse: Marc Jacobs/Saks Off 5th, $288 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Skirt, shoes, and coat are 1 year ago. Sweater and purse are recent.

Nordstrom  /  Express  /  Amazon  /  JCPenney
Shoptiques  /  LOFT  /  Zappos  /  Macy's
6pm.com  /  Michael Kors  /  Amazon  /  Macy's

Today's Everyday Fashion: Merry Christmas

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I hope you had a wonderful and happy holiday weekend! Our weekend was a whirlwind and I still can't believe that it's already over. Today post contains pics of my Christmas Day outfit, taken at one of our favorite nonprofits, Crossroads Corral. This look combines two fabulous style things - red and plaid - and can be dressed up with red heels, or dressed down with duck boots. I'm not quite ready to let go of festive outfits, or that Christmas feeling, so I'm wishing you all a "Merry Christmas" one more time!  

Sweater: Kohl's c/o, $28
Skirt: J.Crew Factory, $40
Coat: J.Crew Factory, $58
Belt: New York & Company, $10 (similar, similar)
Heels: Chinese Laundry c/o Ross, $23 (similar, similar)
Boots: Sperry c/o Shoebuy, $75
Hat: Kohl's c/o, $11 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Belt is 4 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. Boots, coat, sweater and skirt are recent.

Today's Everyday Fashion: 'Tis the Season

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'Tis the season for festive holiday outfits, taking photos with gorgeous horses, supporting your favorite charity... or, in this case, all of the above! Today's red and silver look is what I'm planning to wear for Christmas Eve tomorrow. And the photos were taken by my husband at one of our favorite nonprofits, Crossroads Corral. Co-founded and run by one of my best friends Lindsay, the organization provides free equine therapy to veterans with PTSD, as well as youth and women who have suffered trauma. (You may remember them from last year's post "20 Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season.") Not only is Crossroads inspiring, but it's a beautiful place for photos - I'll be sharing more horse pictures in Monday's outfit post. I also want to give them a well-deserved shout out, because they do so much to serve the community. Please consider following them on FB to keep in touch and to participate in various public events throughout the year. Congrats to Crossroads on another successful year, and cheers to many more! And to all of you - have a very Merry Christmas and I'll see you back here on Monday! 

Sweater: J.Crew Factory, $29
Skirt: J.Crew Factory, $38
Shoes: J.Crew Factory, $49 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Stella & Dot, old (similar, similar)
Necklace: Stella & Dot, old (similar below)
Approx. dates: Purse and necklace are 4 years ago. Shoes are 6 months ago. Sweater and skirt are new.

Holiday Party Style with Kohl's

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Sweater  /  Skirt  /  Shoes

Shirt  /  Necklace  /  Skirt  /  Shoes

 

The elves in my closet have been hard at work coming up with three festive outfits to share with you in today’s post with Kohl’s! Whether it’s channeling Mrs. Claus in a red skirt and off shoulder sweater, dressing up in a polka dot tulle skirt and statement sleeves, or donning a brocade frock with metallic shoes, the holidays are packed with not only wonderful memories and moments, but also plenty of super fun outfit opportunities!

Feeling festive doesn’t have to break your holiday budget, either. Right now, use code WREATH for an extra 15% off, or 20% off when you spend $100 or more. (Valid 12/11-12/24 12am CST; exclusions apply.) Need it in time for Christmas? Learn more about Kohl’s “Buy Online, Free Store Pickup” option here, and check out the list of items that are eligible for free same day pickup here.

 From our family and Kohl’s – have a wonderful holiday season and happy New Year!

Which holiday outfit is your favorite?

 

Dress  /  Shoes

 

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

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

Today's Everyday Fashion: Denim and Fur

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Inspiration: pymca/getty images via pure wow

 

Today's post is all about a combination I never imagined going well together - a denim jacket and (faux) fur collar. It looks great in the inspiration photo: effortless, seamless and a just a little bit boho. And while I don't have a black maxi, I gave it a try using black jeans and other items from my closet. I like her version better, but overall this is definitely a combo I'd try in real life. What do you think of wearing a faux fur collar and denim together - would you wear it?

Jacket: J.Crew Factory, $51 (similar)
Faux fur collar: H&M, $15 (similar below)
Tee: Bealls c/o, $42 (similar)
Jeans: Gap, $35 (similar)
Boots: Steve Madden c/o Shoebuy (same)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $220 (similar, similar)
Hat: Magnolia Boutique c/o, $16
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot One, Two, Three
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Jeans are 6 years ago. Faux fur collar is 3 years ago. Purse is 1 year ago. Jacket and tee are 6 months ago. Hat is new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Hot Pink Rock 'n' Roll

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Inspiration: getty/edward berthelot via popsugar

 

Today's inspiration outfit is so my style - from head to toe. I pulled similar items from my closet to create a similar look. Overall it feels very familiar, because mixing this t-shirt and with a pop of pink or red is something I've done a lot over the years. (Like here, here, here and here.) I collected some ideas for achieving this same type of budget-friendly look below! 

Blazer: JCPenney c/o, $40 (similar, similar, similar)
Tee: Forever 21, $16 (similar below)
Jeans: AF c/o (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Colin Stuart/MJR Sales, $24 (similar below)
Purse: Gap, $16 (similar, similar, similar) 
Earrings: Francesca's (similar below)
Approx. dates: Shoes, purse and jeans are 4 years ago. Tee is 3 years ago. Earrings and blazer are recent.

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Pink Coat

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Inspiration: @MargoandMe via WhoWhatWear

 

Work clothes can be boring, so I'm always looking for ways to spice them up! That's why I love today's look with striped pants, a black turtleneck and unique black pumps, topped off with a blush pink coat. It's a look that is so much fun and makes a statement, while also remaining professional. If you're more of a skirt person, check out my similar look last year with a stripe skirt and tights. And my blush pink coat is old, but if you're on the hunt for a similar one, I put together a bunch of options for you below! 

Coat: ASOS c/o, $97 (similar below)
Sweater: J.Crew Factory, $36
Pants: Banana Republic, $58 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Betsey Johnson c/o Ross, $32 (same)
Purse: Marc Jacobs/Saks Off 5th, $288 (similar, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Coat is 2 years ago. Pants are 1 year ago. Turtleneck, shoes, and purse are recent. 

Today's Everyday Fashion: One Outfit, 3 Jackets

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It started out innocently enough, with one outfit, and quickly morphed into three. In the first version, I'm trying out some "upgrades" to a casual outfit I recently posted - new shoes and a jacket, and a belt from last year. From there, I switched to a lighter olive utility jacket that will work well in warmer temps. And finally, a navy boucle jacket with the addition of heels for a business casual look. They all work for different reasons, but #1 is one of my favorite outfit recipes of all time. Which version do you like best? 

Stripe top: Saks Off Fifth, $25
White jeans: Express, $37 (similar, similar, similar)
Belt: Limited, $15 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $220 (similar, similar)
Flats: Coach c/o Amazon, $60
Heels: Nine West c/o, old (similar, similar, similar)
Leather jacket: Wilson's Leather, $150
Olive jacket: boutique c/o (similar, similar, similar)
Navy jacket: Zara, $90 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Olive jacket, navy jacket and heels are 4 years ago. Jeans, belt, purse are 1 year ago. Striped top, leather jacket, and flats are recent.

The Holidays on a Budget with Ross

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Dress, $9.99

Dress, $18.99
Shoes, $35.99

 

Shopping at Ross during the holidays has become a cherished tradition at our house. I look forward to it every year, whether it's scoring holiday home décor, White Elephant gifts, or the focus of today's post - holiday party style on a budget!

What makes shopping at Ross different is that I often find the same styles that are in department stores currently for way, way less. And I am more than happy to scoop them up in my size when I do! For today’s post, I put together two holiday outfits and in both cases my look is under $50 - you simply can’t beat it.

To find these looks I shopped at three Ross stores while out running holiday errands last week. (With the exception of the gold shoes, which I found shopping at Ross during the holidays last year.) All of the items were found by me personally while shopping locally, not sent to me by Ross. (In other words, you can totally replicate this!)

If you are lucky enough to live near a Ross location, be sure to check them out this holiday season! Maybe it will become a beloved holiday tradition for you, too.

Which outfit is your favorite?

 
 

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

Today's Everyday Fashion: Athleisure

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Today's athleisure look is such a departure from the norm. While I often wear workout gear for errands before or after the gym, this is my first time purchasing it purely for the purpose of travel and hanging out! It's also one of my first times purchasing an entire outfit head to toe. I almost always buy individual pieces to go with what's already in my closet, but I got this outfit idea in my head and wound up ordering the whole thing together. These leggings and sneakers have great ratings and are so comfy in person; I am very much looking forward to wearing them on repeat this winter. What's your take on athleisure - do you wear workout gear for casual occasions, or only for exercise?

Bomber jacket: H&M, $25
Tee: Nike/Kohl's, $22
Leggings: Kohl's, $22
Shoes: Nike/Kohl's, $58
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Hat: Kohl's, $24
Approx. dates: Purse is 3 years ago. Everything else is new.