Today's Everyday Fashion: Maybe Not A 10

 
 

There comes a point in your life when you realize not every outfit can be a perfect 10. In fact, there's something monotonous or even boring about wearing a new, perfect 10 outfit every single day! There are days when you'd rather blend in or just want something "cute" to wear. (Not over the top cute, which is reserved for important events or special days. Just "cute." And then of course some days barely passing for acceptable happens, or my personal favorite - the total fail.) All this to say, this dress falls into the "cute" category for me. It's a coverall - it works for pretty much any situation I can dream up, and those kind of dresses come in handy when you are panicked and running out the door. I ordered the earrings to go with it; I like the boho vibe you get when you pair them together. Maybe not a 10, but definitely "cute"! 

Dress: NM Last Call, $60
Earrings: NM Last Call, $21
Shoes: Dolce Vita, $50 (same, similarsimilar)
Purse: JCPenney c/o, $29 (similarsimilar)
Sunglasses: Charlotte Russe, $4
Approx. dates: Shoes are 3 years ago. Purse is 2 years ago. Dress and earrings are new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Book Launch Day

 
 

Today is the day! My book is being delivered to people's homes and Kindle devices all over the world as we speak. Whoa. I wish I was the person who could run around saying "Yay! Celebrate!" all day, but I just can't. That wouldn't feel authentic. Instead, I feel compelled to tell you the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I've always imagined a book launch must be like, the biggest ego high, ever, for an author but that's not my reality. This is hands down, the most humbling day of my life.

Do you remember what it felt like as a kid, when your parents decided it was time to discard the pacifier, or blanket, or stuffed animal - whatever your chosen method of soothing yourself was? They watched from afar, knowing you needed it, allowing you that small comfort, but there came a day when they said "It's time. You are older now. You need to put it down so you can grow." Today is that day for me. 

For years, I have struggled deeply with being in the limelight. It is uncomfortable for me (putting it mildly; it almost claimed my life) and I have desired, at so many points, to hide, or at least just keep things at a nice, comfortable, manageable level. Not wanting to rock the boat, not wanting to go anywhere, I've been dragging my proverbial blankie around with me for years. And today God says, "It's time." At church on Sunday the guest pastor was speaking on "dying to ourselves" (a common theme in the Bible) and I sat there silently pleading with tears streaming down my cheeks, "Are you sure? This is the ONE thing that hurts more than anything, and you're saying I really need to lay down, God, and give it to you?" And the answer back was a very clear "Yes, my child. I need you to hand this over to me now."

And so today my soul is laid bare, my comfort zone is obliterated. My blankie is gone. I stand before you, not on an ego high as I once imagined authors felt on launch day. But instead like a child, who is mourning the loss of that blanket, while simultaneously desiring to become a "big kid" and move on to the next step. In some ways I wish it was a no-brainer ego-high day for me, because I think that's a feeling that's easier for people to understand, and this post may come off as the ultimate #humblebrag (it's not). Please let me be clear - I know that my "blankie" can be rooted in sin, just as much as being on an ego high can be, because on both ends of the spectrum you're making it about yourself. Nothing is more motivating to ditch my blankie and run forward, than believing this book's purpose is so far beyond my ability, that it has the potential to help women find freedom in and with their beauty, and to bring light to important topics within the fashion and church worlds. Those things are so much more important than my feelings, which makes it totally worth it. But unfortunately that doesn't make it any easier. It will still be hard, and many times I will fail, and reach for my blanket, and mourn when I realize it's gone. 

In this season I'm challenging myself to become like this quote from one of the best books ever written, Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis:

“Do not imagine that if you meet a really humble man he will be what most people call 'humble' nowadays: he will not be a sort of greasy, smarmy person, who is always telling you that, of course, he is nobody. Probably all you will think about him is that he seemed a cheerful, intelligent chap who took a real interest in what you said to him. If you do dislike him it will be because you feel a little envious of anyone who seems to enjoy life so easily. He will not be thinking about humility: he will not be thinking about himself at all.

 
 

And if this seems like some wild adventure that is unique to me because it's a book and maybe you've never published a book before - please know that you are me, too. You know that feeling in your gut when you should do something because it's the right thing, or it will help others, but you worry it would make you look foolish or lay your soul bare in a way that makes you squirm and hold tighter to your blanket. We've ALL felt nervous to step out, even when we know it's right. I've been pushing past the fear for 18 months now, knowing launch day would come and the security blanket would be ripped away, and it would hurt. That's what the repeated, sometimes exciting, sometimes painful process of saying "yes" looks like. Sometimes it starts with the small steps, and then leads to something much bigger. I'm officially blanket-free and crossing over to the scary place today. I promise to report back on what beautiful, delicious gifts I find there, because some of the fruits I'm already tasting are exquisite, and I know there will be more. Please be encouraged to take even the smallest step of faith today!

Jumpsuit: Jill Stuart c/o Amazon, $110 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Boohoo c/o, $20
Earrings: Saks OFF 5th c/o, $20
Purse: street vendor in India (similar, similar)
Sunglasses: Charlotte Russe, $4
Approx. dates: Purse is 1 year ago. Earrings, sunglasses, shoes are recent. Jumpsuit is new.

Friends & Family Sale With Saks OFF 5th

Today’s post is brought to you by Saks OFF 5th and ShopStyle. All clothing selections, opinions, and editorial decisions are solely my own. 

 

Jacket  /  Dress  /  Choker

Jacket  /  Dress  /  Shoes  /  Earrings

Dress  /  Earrings

Jacket  /  Dress  /  Earrings

 Dress  /  Choker  /  Shoes

 

Velvet, chokers, embroidery, tassels, block heels, and the color red – I’m sampling so many fall trends in todays post! I put together three head-to-toe looks from Saks OFF 5th in celebration of their Friends & Family Sale. Their amazing, low prices on premium designer goods make them one of my favorite retailers, but when they offer a free gift card for the next time you shop (in tiered amounts, see below), I’m even more on board with trying out the latest fall trends! Here's the deal:

In store only:

  • Spend $75+, get a $15 gift card.

Online and in stores:

  • Spend $150+, get $30 gift card
  • Spend $250+, get $50 gift card
  • Spend $400+, get $80 gift card
  • Plus your order ships free!

Use code “FRIENDS,” ends 10/3 at midnight EST.

Head to Saks OFF 5th to take advantage of their Friends & Family sale, and check out more of my top picks below. Which outfit or trend in today’s post is your favorite?

 

Dress  /  Earrings  /  Shoes

Jacket  /  Dress  /  Shoes

Jacket  /  Dress  /  Choker

 

Jacket  /  Skirt  /  Top  /  Top
Necklace  /  Purse  /  Boots  /  Earrings
Dress  /  Dress  /  Dress  /  Dress

Cheetah & Red With Lark & Ro

Today's post is sponsored by Amazon Fashion and Lark & Ro. All opinions, clothing selections, and editorial decisions are solely my own.

One (plus) /  Two  /  Three (petite)  /  Four (plus)

Am I the only one excited that red is such a popular color for fall?! It’s one of my favorite colors to wear, and it’s everywhere lately. Lark & Ro has so many cute things to offer in this vibrant hue – including a red ruffle sleeve top that I styled for a holiday party in today's post. This top would also be really festive with jeans or a pencil skirt for work!

If patterns are more your thing, check out the cheetah wrap dress I'm wearing below. Wrap dresses are such a comfy option, and yet thanks to their “wrap” feature they look tailored to perfection. Lark & Ro makes lots of great wrap dresses, check out some of my favorite options below.

Which Lark & Ro look is your favorite?

(Lark & Ro is a private label fashion brand owned by Amazon, and is available exclusively to Prime members. I'm wearing size XS in both of these items. For Lark & Ro’s fitted styles, I usually size up to a S.)

One  /  Two  /  Three  /  Four  /  Five

Today's Everyday Fashion: Patchwork Denim

 
 
 
 
 

Inspiration: Baublebar

 

I think we can officially declare that denim skirts are back, ladies! This was a hot topic of conversation among my friends recently - many of them still have their denim skirts from college and are pulling them out to wear again. Mine are long gone, so I've been on the hunt for something new to add to my closet. The patchwork trend speaks to me on so many levels, as does the idea of trying a type of denim I've never tried before. Inspired by the catalog photo, I went denim-on-denim by adding a chambray top, plus a splash of bright blue with the earrings. I would love more outfit ideas for this skirt though - how would you style it?

Top: TJ Maxx, $13 (similar, similar, plus)
Skirt: NM Last Call, $26 (similar below)
Shoes:  JCPenney c/o, $30 (in blush)
Earrings: Amazon c/o, $10
Sunglasses: Charlotte Russe, $4
Approx. dates: Shoes, purse are 1 year ago. Earrings and sunglasses are recent. Top and skirt are new.

Lane Bryant (plus)  /  LOFT  /  Marc Jacobs  /  Lord & Taylor
LOFT  /  Boohoo  /  Charlotte Russe (plus)  /  French Connection
Levi's  /  Neiman Marcus  /  DSW  /  Joe's Jeans

Holiday Dresses on a Budget With Ever-Pretty

Today's post is brought to you by Ever-Pretty. All opinions, purchase and editorial decisions are my own.

It’s never too early to start shopping for holiday dresses, so today I’m sharing a few of my favorites from Ever-Pretty! They are one of the best resources to find the “look for less” and celebrity-inspired styles. Whether it’s a formal occasion, a bridesmaid dress, or something more casual – they have dresses for just about anything, and for great prices. Plus take an extra 35% off with code jseverydayfash through 10/26!

Over the years I’ve reviewed Ever Pretty several times, and these were my favorite dresses I’ve ever tried! The textured details on the white lace dress and the black one-shoulder dress are so stunning in person, and great quality. The maxi dress has such a great fit, and is perfectly on-trend for fall with the dark floral pattern (it also comes in two other shapes, a slip dress and a cold shoulder dress). And last but certainly not least, red is the color of the season, and this red dress in particular will make you feel like a movie star without the movie star prices!

(Note on sizing: Ever-Pretty is similar to European sizing. Their smallest size 04 is comparable to a size 0, size 06 equals 2 and so on. I'm wearing the size 06 in today's post, and be sure to check out the size chart that accompanies each dress for more details.)

Head on over to Ever-Pretty to browse more options and be sure to use code jseverydayfash for an extra 35% off!

Which dress in today’s post is your favorite?

Today's Everyday Fashion: Sunflower Fields

 
 
 
 

"There's no place like home" is a sentiment originally expressed about the state of Kansas (by Dorothy, in The Wizard of Oz) and I can't argue one bit. I swear my home state only gets more beautiful every time I visit! One look at Grinter's Sunflower Farms in Lawrence, Kansas on the outskirts of my alma matter, KU, and you'll see what I mean. I eagerly hopped out of the car to surround myself with these beautiful blooms that hold so much meaning (they are the state flower and the state nickname), and wrap a blanket scarf around me and the hubs for some romantic pictures (Grinter is a popular site for engagement and family photos). It's only a slice of the wonderful things Kansas has to offer, but I hope you enjoyed this small tribute to my home state!

Top: H&M, $35 (similarsimilarsimilar, similar)
Shorts: Levi's c/o, $58 (similarsimilar)
Shoes: Marc Fisher c/o Amazon, $89
Sunglasses: Charlotte Russe, $4
Hat: Mud Pie c/o, $19 (similarsimilarsimilar)
Earrings: Amazon c/o, $18 (fair tradesimilar)
Approx. dates: Shorts are 1 year ago. Top, hat are a few months ago. Shoes and sunglasses are recent.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Book Giveaway

 
 
 
 

Last Friday I stopped by the NBC studios in Kansas City for a segment about my upcoming book on KC Live. (You can watch the segment here.) Afterwards, Joshua and I spent some time on the Plaza; it felt so good to be home! We snapped pics of my outfit and had lunch. My book will be here so soon - 8 days to be exact! My publisher is giving away 100 copies, you can enter to win one here. If you're a reviews person, check out what Publisher's WeeklyBooklist and others are saying. Or check out the November issue of Simple Grace magazine, which is on news stands now. I'm on page 10! 

Top: Rachel Roy/Macy's, $35 (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: ModCloth, $35 (similar, similarsimilarsimilar)
Shoes: Charlotte Russe, $11 (similarsimilar, similar)
Purse: My Stella & Dot
Earrings: BaubleBar, $32
Sunglasses: Foster Grant, $15 (similarsimilar)
Approx. dates: Shoes are 3 years ago. Top is 1 year ago. Skirt is 6 months ago. Purse and earrings are recent.

(You can watch my segment on KC Live here.) 

Ruffles In All The Right Places With Lark & Ro

Today’s post is sponsored by Amazon Fashion and Lark & Ro. All opinions, clothing selections, and editorial decisions are solely my own.

One  /  Two  /  Three  /  Four

It’s no secret… I’m a big fan of ruffles! Soft folds of fabric add shape and a feminine touch to pretty much anything they adorn. Both Lark & Ro dresses in today’s post just wouldn’t be the same without ruffles; they add that little extra zest and visual interest to make the dress more special (and in some cases, more flattering!).

The color of both dresses - blush pink and burgundy - are also very trendy for fall. Shades of pink and red were shown all over runways, and Lark & Ro does a great job of making those color palettes wearable for everyday life with affordable designs that make sense for work, church and/or weekends.   

Have you ever shopped Lark & Ro? Which ruffle dress do you like better?

(Note on sizing: I'm wearing size XS in the burgundy dress above, and S in the blush pink dress below. Lark & Ro’s fitted styles tend to run a bit small.)

One  /  Two  /  Three  /  Four

Today's Everyday Fashion: FLBlogCon Keynote

 
 
 

Inspiration: Ann Taylor

 

Where does time go? Because it has been flying lately. I can't believe that FLBlogCon is already here! (This Saturday, 9/23.) Earlier this summer I was asked to be the afternoon keynote speaker, and I'll be discussing blogging pitfalls, and why and how we can overcome them. There are still a few conference tickets left, and you can use the code below to get $15 off. As for today's outfit? We snapped these photos on our way out of Miami. This was my road trip outfit, inspired by a catalog photo, which fit in so well with the seemingly endless colorful murals that Wynwood has to offer. It was a colorful send-off to a perfectly colorful trip! 

Top: J.Crew, $39 (same)
Shorts: Levi's c/o, $27 (similarsimilarsimilar)
Shoes: Call It Spring, $40 (similarsimilarsimilar)
Purse: Stella & Dot (similarsimilar)
Hat: Mud Pie c/o, $19 (similarsimilarsimilar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Shoes are 4 years ago. Purse, shorts are 1 year ago. Top and hat are this summer.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Hot, Hot Pink

 
 
 
 

I generally don't buy things without a well-thought out plan. But this purse was a total impulse buy - it was the last one on clearance and it was too over-the-top-Barbie to pass up!! During a recent brainstorming session, I was excited to realize it's the perfect complement to a pair of rose gold heels I recently added to my closet, and all of it looked great with a neon pink dress as the base. Hot, hot pink is perfect for Florida year-round and I can't wait to wear this look for a special event or fancy dinner soon!

Dress: boutique c/o (similar below)
Shoes: Charlotte Russe, $25 (similar)
Purse: Aldo c/o Amazon, $27 (same, similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: Kendra Scott, Christmas gift (samesimilar)
Sunglasses: Foster Grant, $15 (similarsimilar)
Approx. dates: Dress, sunglasses and earrings are 1 year ago. Shoes, purse are new.

Ann Taylor  /  Asos  /  Off 5th  /  Shopbop  /  Macy's (plus)
Zappos  /  Revolve  /  Shopbop  /  Amazon  /  Shoptiques

Today's Everyday Fashion: Inspired by Wynwood

 
 

This is my 4th outfit of 6 that we photographed at Wynwood Walls in Miami (see the others so far here, here and here). Several people have asked - what came first, the outfit or the wall? How did you find outfits that go so well? Usually our backdrops are left up to fate, but on this trip, I did some research ahead of time and Wynwood very much inspired what I packed. Nothing was purchased new - we planned our trip in less than 24 hours - so everything was already in my closet. But the murals and color palettes definitely inspired me to get more creative with what I already had. Today's look is so fun for the office - and I may have never put it together if not for the colorful inspiration that this Miami neighborhood provides. What colorful looks could Wynwood inspire you to put together? (You can view it online.)

Sweater: J.Crew Collection/thredUP, $50 (similar below)
Skirt: J.Crew Factory, $30 (similarsimilarsimilar)
Shoes: Saks Off 5th, $60 (similarsimilar)
Purse: Vince Camuto c/o Off 5th, $70 (similarsimilarsimilar)
Earrings: Kendra Scott c/o Amazon, $36 (similar)
Sunglasses: Foster Grant, $15 (similarsimilar)
Approx. dates: Shoes are 3 years ago. Purse, earrings, sweater are 1 year ago. Skirt is a few months ago.

Talbots /  Lands' End  /  Nordstrom Rack
Mango  /  ModCloth /  Shopbop  /  Brooks Brothers
LOFT  /  LL Bean  /  Anthropologie
(Lots of these come in plus and petite!)

 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Palm Print, South Beach

 
 
 
 

The last 2.5 weeks have been so surreal. By a strange series of events, we found ourselves in Miami on a photo trip, and then news of Irma hit Florida - sending everyone into a rush to get supplies, prepare our houses, and/or evacuate. Things are slowly getting back to normal - we will be home soon, power has been restored. The water company suffered major damage and is still struggling, and our house will need repairs, but we are counting ourselves so fortunate. (A man from our church lost his life in the storm, so we are certainly keeping it all in perspective, too.) But now... the photos we will be sharing on the blog all week were taken in Miami, an area that was severely affected by the hurricane. What a bittersweet memory they now are, and only a couple weeks later... it's crazy, right?  How quickly life can change from one flash to the next, and how much our "plans" can be completed stopped in their tracks? Please consider our photos a tribute to beautiful South Beach, as much as a way to share this outfit idea with you. (This top is a great find - comfy, doesn't wrinkle, and fun details on both the front and back!) We love you, South Beach. Sending you lots of love from Orlando. 

Top: Stein Mart c/o, $59
Shorts: Levi's c/o, $27 (similarsimilarsimilar)
Wedges:  Marc Fisher c/o Amazon, $89
Sandals: Dolce Vita c/o Amazon, $33
Hat: Mud Pie c/o, $19 (similarsimilarsimilar)
Earrings: J.Crew Factory, $15
Purse: Stella & Dot (similarsimilar)
Sunglasses: Charlotte Russe, $4
Approx. dates: Purse, shorts, sandals are 1 year ago. Wedges, hat, earrings are last few months. Top is new.

boohoo  /  HSN  /  Saks Fifth Ave  /  Asos  /  Bloomingdale's
Express  /  JCPenney (plus)  /  Asos  /  Missguided  /  Old Navy (plus)
Asos  /  Sperry  /  Asos (maternity)  /  New York & Co.  /  Shoptiques

Today's Everyday Fashion: KC Live Tomorrow

 
 
 

Inspiration: J.Crew

 

What a week! We so appreciate your patience as we try to get back to normal after Hurricane Irma. (I'm still overwhelmed by the whole experience but hope to share more soon.) For now let's focus on something fun that we've had planned for awhile - tomorrow I'll be on KC Live for an interview about my upcoming book! (Kansas/Missouri residents can tune in between 10-11am CST on KSHB.) I'm also sharing an outfit we shot a couple weeks ago. I'm always looking for new ideas for colorful office outfits, and this yellow/green/lemon combo inspired by a catalog photo was just too much fun to pass up!    

Sweater: LOFT, $20 (similar below)
Skirt: J.Crew, $45 (similar below)
Shoes: Steve Madden c/o Ross, $25 (similar, similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off 5th, $130 (similarsimilar)
Lemon charm: J.Crew, $22 (similar, similarsimilar)
Necklace: Stella & Dot (similar, similar)
Sunglasses: Foster Grant, $15 (similarsimilar)
Approx. dates: Skirt and sweater are 5 years ago. Purse is 4 years ago. Necklaces and shoes are 1 year ago. Lemon charm is recent.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Bold Stripes on Stripes

 
 
 
 
 

Inspiration: @chrisellelim via popsugar

 

Well guys... looks like I will be experiencing my first-ever hurricane! (We just happened to be out of town last year for Hurricane Matthew.) We are hunkering down this weekend as Irma passes over, so it's very likely I won't be posting early next week. (I will be updating my Instagram, however, so feel free to follow along there.) Let's end the week with a "bang" - a bold stripes on stripes on stripes look that we shot in Miami. This type of outfit speaks to me on so many levels; it's a bit southern sass meets Kate Spade. It's a grab bag of so many fun things - stripes, crisp black and white, big statement necklaces and bell sleeves - and the background that inspired it, only makes it more fun! 

Coat: Zara, $89 (similar below)
Top: Forever 21, $20 (similar below)
Skirt: Bloomingdale's c/o, $68 (similarsimilar)
Shoes: Payless, $20 (similar below)
Necklace: Stella & Dot (similarsimilarsimilar)  
Purse: Macy's c/o, $55 (similar below)
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Approx. dates: Shoes are 3 years ago. Top, skirt, purse are 1 year ago. Coat is 6 months ago.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Miami Sunset

 
 
 
 

This outfit, while originally planned for Cuba, wound up being perfect for our impromptu trip to Miami. We spent the evening walking along 2nd Ave and checking out the pop up shops at Wynwood Market, and Joshua snapped these photos right as the sun was setting. I found this dress on a mannequin at Charlotte Russe a couple months ago (below), and the shoes were at J.Crew Factory around the same time (they appear to be samples maybe? they have a regular J.Crew logo that's crossed out in marker - very curious!). I hadn't necessarily planned to wear them together, but the dress felt like a good neutral for the "busy" sandals. The thing about white dresses though? They go with just about anything!

Dress: Charlotte Russe, $30 (similar below)
Shoes: J.Crew Factory, $39 (similar)
Purse: Stella & Dot (similarsimilar)
Earrings: Amazon c/o, $10
Sunglasses: Charlotte Russe, $4
Approx. dates: Purse is 4 years ago. Sunglasses are recent. Dress, shoes and earrings are new.

 

she wore it better
(snapped with my phone at Charlotte Russe)

 

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Travel Fiasco and The Rainbow Wall

 
 

It's the kind of travel scenario a person has nightmares about, and I still can't believe it happened to us. Last Wednesday (8/30) Joshua and I were headed to Cuba for 7 nights. We took a Lyft to the airport and were checking in for our flight when we realized.... Joshua's passport expired last month!! I'm a very chill traveler. I don't expect to make it anywhere without delays, and choose to enjoy the journey, not the destination. But this... this... really threatened to destroy all my chill. Like every single bit of chill I've ever had in my body. So many thoughts were going through my head... how did we get approved for visas? Or spend months planning this trip?! How did we overlook this?!!

I know we aren't the only ones who have experienced a travel fiasco - maybe your kids have gotten sick and you had to cancel a trip, or bad weather kept you grounded. It's an awful feeling; all that pre-trip excitement, whoosh, out the window. But this was next-level bad, because it was also akin to loosing your work computer, and along with it, two weeks of work. And your employer is not going to pay you if you don't do it all again from scratch. (In case you're wondering, as someone who is self-employed, that horrible sounding boss is me, haha.) 

So what did we do? Make lemonade with lemons!! Within hours, we had Joshua's passport renewal in the mail, a new trip booked to Cuba (thank you Southwest for the amazing customer service - we didn't lose a single dollar on our flights!), and - my favorite part - a brand new business plan that was even better and more exciting than the original! Take that stupid travel fiasco!! Part of our plan involved driving down to Miami for the long weekend to take photos at Wynwood Walls. I was so excited and hopeful for the new plan, never losing that positive attitude, even when our weekend in Miami presented a whole new set of challenges (insane holiday traffic, insane heat, medial issues) that really made the whole thing a bummer, at least from a "fun" perspective. (Work wise it was productive, so at least there's that.)

 
 

I tell you all this to bring up one very important question: with everything going on in the world - namely, Hurricane Harvey, which dominated U.S. media the past week - what is acceptable to share on social media? I shared our travel fiasco on social media (private account) and was told that other people have it harder than me and I shouldn't be upset about Cuba. Then, later, I shared a positive post about taking a moment to really stop and smell the roses, and was told that having fun is insensitive to people who are dealing with Harvey right now. SO... how can it be both ways, right?!! Don't post something bad, but also don't post something good... and are either of these even correct?!

Personally, I think it's a balance. It seems like shutting down all the good or all the bad in our own lives is probably not the answer, so the answer must lie somewhere in between. When I share the bad (anytime, not just during a national disaster), I keep it in perspective. Our travel fiasco would upset anyone, surely, but at the same time, I only speak about it from a place of knowing that it's truly a privileged problem to have in the first place, and remain positive even in that bummer moment. When I share the good, I keep that in perspective, too. Nobody wants to hear from Smarty McHumbleBrag about how they are having the most amazing time ever, national disaster or not. In other words... I experience my emotions fully, share them in a respectful way, all while aiming to keep it context. The key theme here though: allowing yourself your emotions!! Just because someone else is hurting does NOT mean you can't hurt too, or that you shouldn't have a good time. (Note: This is a much larger topic that I go into depth in my book, but for now I wanted to share this smaller story.)

As Hurricane Irma bears down on the Caribbean with record-setting winds, everyone is pretty much panicking in Florida, and truly, it could be bad. It may not hit us at all, but let me tell you if it does, even we lose everything - please continue enjoying yourselves. I mean it. Stop to savor the small things, love on your family, and keep going on trips (and please, for the love, don't be like us and check the DATE on your passport!!). And don't let anyone tell you that your spilled coffee, traffic jam or fight with your spouse is "not something to be upset about" because those are your feelings and you should absolutely feel them 100%. Respecting our fellow man, helping them in times of need (via disaster relief charities for Houston and South Asia), and sending them our love is so important (what we are put on earth for, even), but those things also don't mean you have to ignore your own feelings and circumstances - good or bad. 

Okay loves, I'm stepping off my soap box, and getting back to regularly scheduled blog content. (Heart.) Lots of happy fashion "fluff" (as I like to call it!) to put a smile on your face and perhaps an outfit idea into your closet. This wall and dress combo, I think, is so perfect together. (A little "too" perfect or matchy-matchy, even, one could argue?) This dress is old, so I gathered some aptly rainbow-ed attire for all you fellow color lovers below. Get your eyeballs ready for a barrage of colorful Miami posts over the next week! Excited to share them with you.

Dress: Dillard's, $35 (similar below)
Purse: Vince Camuto c/o Off 5th, $70 (similarsimilarsimilarsimilar)
Shoes: boutique c/o (similar, similar)
Earrings: Kendra Scott c/o Amazon, $36 (same)
Sunglasses: boohoo c/o, $8
Approx. dates: Dress, shoes, purse, earrings are 1 year ago. Sunglasses are recent.

ModCloth  /  Shopbop  /  Nordstrom  /  ModCloth
Forever 21  /  Charlotte Russe  /  Boohoo  /  Zappos  /  Mumu
Boohoo  /  6pm.com  /  Asos  /  J.Crew  /  Swimoutlet  /  Mumu

Today's Everyday Fashion: Slip Dress, 5 Ways

 
 
 
 
 

Inspiration: Old Navy Jacket  /  Dress

 

This inexpensive slip dress has proven to be a star in my closet, year after year. I purchased it initially for a Caribbean cruise in 2014, and from there I've worn it with an army jacket, a leather vest, an ivory sweater and today - a suede jacket. This is, of course, my favorite way I've ever worn it - loving the items in your closet may not change much, but "how" you wear them often does! This jacket was one of my fall 2017 must-haves and I love the combo of feminine and masculine, silky and rough. The choker is the proverbial cherry on top - making it all so perfectly '90s. I gathered options for similar slip dresses below! 

Jacket: BlankNYC c/o Amazon, $130 (same)
Dress: Forever 21, $18 (similar below)
Lace bralette: boutique c/o (similar, similar)
Shoes: Saks Fifth Avenue c/o, $70 (similarsimilarsimilar)
Purse: BCBG c/o HSN (similar, similar)
Necklace: Charlotte Russe, $4 (similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Sunglasses: Jessica Simpson/Ross, $10 (similar)
Approx. dates: Dress and purse are 3 years ago. Shoes and sunglasses are 1 year ago. Jacket and necklace are new.

 

2014  /  2015  /  2016  /  2016  /  Today

 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Holiday Weekend

 
 
 

Inspiration: Lucy Williams via WhoWhatWear

 

An idea for a swim cover up that I've been wanting to try all summer finally happened and I loved it. Mostly because, the beach finally happened. (We live in Florida but we NEVER go... we stick to the rivers and the lakes that we're used to. Which is a song lyric, but also the truth because we tend to go boating on lakes, or swim in the pool but that's it.) It also turns out that I've been complicating swim coverups my entire life and an old button front shirt was all I needed this whole time. I wore it loose without the shorts, I buttoned it up during dinner, and wore tied like this in-between. As we took pictures the sun set into the most delicious pink sky, and the waves crashing soothed every care in the world. Lesson for this holiday weekend: life is short, get yourself to the beach. And any old button front as a cover up will do!

Shirt: Banana Republic, $22 (similar, similar, similar)
Swim top: H&M, $18 (similarsimilarsimilar)
Shorts: Levi's c/o, $58 (similarsimilar)
Bag: Forever 21, $25 (similarsimilarsimilar)
Hat: ModCloth c/o, $34 (similar)
Sandals: Dolce Vita c/o Amazon, $33
Earrings: Amazon c/o, $18 (fair tradesimilar)
Sunglasses: Foster Grant, $15 (similarsimilarsimilar)
Approx. dates: Top, hat and shorts are 1 year ago.  Swim top, bag, earrings are a few months ago.

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Look For Less

 
 
 
 
 
 

I usually wear this outfit with white skinny jeans and a brown belt, but today I'm mixing things up and trying it with wide leg linen pants, a la my inspiration photo! These pants are super comfy, but I'm not sure they are the most flattering thing in my closet. Flattering is not the always the #1 goal, though, and I do enjoy experimenting with different shapes so it's not always the same skinny jean fit. This type of pant is also really popular, and I'm all about proving you can achieve the same look for a lot less. My bag is another "look for less" - and right now (end of summer) is a great time to get a straw bag on sale, so I gathered some options below!

Jacket: J.Crew Factory, $51 (similarsimilar)
Tee: Everlane c/o, $15 (fair trade)
Pants: LOFT, $26 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Marc Fisher c/o Amazon, $89
Bag: Forever 21, $25 (similar below)
Hat: ModCloth c/o, $34 (similarsimilar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Pants are 2 years ago. Jacket, hat, necklace are 1 year ago. Tee, bag, shoes are last 6 months.