Today's Everyday Fashion: Lace Trim in NYC

/
 
 

I'm all about lace trim everrrrrything this fall/winter! Have you noticed this trend/do you like it, too? I wore two variations while we were in NY. The bright pink top above is new and it's way too low cut on me, so I added a lace bralette underneath to give it a lace trim look, but also cover my bra and solve a style problem - it was two birds, one stone! Below, I wore a green lace trim top from last year with jeans and ankle boots for a day of sightseeing. If you're loving this style, check out more shopping options below!  

Top: H&M, $20
Lace bralette: boutique c/o (similar, similar)
Jacket: Victoria's Secret, $257 (similar, similar, similar)
Jeans: American Eagle, $41
Shoes: Charles David c/o (same)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Purse: boutique c/o, $40 (similar)
Sunglasses: Express, $25 (similar)
Approx. dates: Jacket is 6 years ago. Shoes are 3 years ago. Jeans, purse are 1 year ago. Top is new.

 
 

Bloomingdale's  /  H&M  /  Macy's (plus)  /  Lauren Conrad
Nordstrom Rack  /  boohoo  /  Nordstrom  /  Asos
Rue La La  /  Forever 21  /  Forever 21  /  Nasty Gal

Today's Everyday Fashion: Velvet Shoes in NYC

/
 
 

Apparently velvet shoes are where it's at - because the plush fabric makes them so incredibly soft and comfy! I was instantly smitten with them, as well as these high waist jeans and choker top, which I ordered all together from Amazon. I generally don't shop in full outfits, but in this case each individual piece can be worn tons of other ways, as well as together. We photographed this look in NYC - we just got back from a long weekend. News of the terror attack broke as we were boarding our plane, and it just completely broke my heart. So hard to process all the terrible things happening the world and so surreal to be posting photos for the next few days from NYC!

Top: Lark & Ro c/o, $55
Jeans: Levi's c/o Amazon, $37
Shoes: The Fix c/o, $99
Earrings: My Stella & Dot (20% off with code TREAT20) 
Ring: My Stella & Dot
Purse: boutique c/o, $40 (similar)
Approx. dates: Purse is 6 months ago. Top, jeans, shoes and earrings are new.

Ps. Wanted to let you know about these coupon codes for Stella & Dot through 11/2. I've been part of the company (MLM) for 6 years, and they never do coupons!! Shared some of my current favorites below! 

Earrings  /  Necklace  /  Earrings  /  Necklace
Necklace  /  Earrings  /  Bracelets  /  Earrings (on sale)
Ring  /  Necklace  /  Purse  /  Ring (on sale)

Today's Everyday Fashion: Pink and Red

/
 
 
 

Inspiration: Getty via Marie Claire

 

Red and pink... could it be the best color combo on the planet?! There's something about these two hues together that's both salty and sweet, and makes me smile. Today's celebrity inspiration reminded me that this red crew neck sweater and pink pleated skirt had not been paired together yet, so today is the day. Red pumps and a red-and-pink color blocked purse finish the look and add even more kitschy punch to an already fun combo! Do you like pink and red together?

Sweater: J.Crew Factory, $29 (similar below)
Skirt: Banana c/o thredUP, $19 (similar below)
Shoes: Chinese Laundry c/o Ross, $23 (similar below)
Purse: Aldo c/o Amazon, $60 (similar below)
Earrings: Kendra Scott, Christmas gift (same, similar)
Sunglasses: Charlotte Russe, $4
Approx. dates: Shoes are 3 years ago. Purse is 2 years ago. Sweater, skirt, purse, earrings are 1 year ago.

Macy's (plus)  /  Asos  /  Bloomingdale's  /  Target
Amazon  /  Amazon  /  Macy's  /  Revolve
Asos (plus) /   boohoo   /  Target  /  boohoo
Macy's  /  Talbots  /  Amazon  /  Off 5th

Today's Everyday Fashion: Plaid + Sneakers

/
 
 
 

Inspiration: Nordstrom

 

Let's kick off the week with something super casual, shall we?! I loved this dress when I bought it last year, and first paired it with a leather vest and peep-toe booties. This year, I was inspired to wear it with a denim jacket (a la the inspiration photo) and sneakers felt like a great finishing touch, and they also make it that much more comfy. Sneakers for the win - I think I like this year's version even more! 

Dress: Saks Off 5th, $40 (similar below)
Jacket: Saks Off 5th c/o, $39
Shoes: Adidas c/o Amazon, $79
Purse: Rebecca Minkoff c/o Stein Mart, $149 (same) 
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot (same, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Sunglasses: Express, $25 (similar)
Approx. dates: Dress, shoes, purse are last year. Jacket is recent.

American Eagle  /  Hautelook  /  Hautelook  /  Charming Charlie
Lucky Brand (plus)  /  Amazon  /  Saks Off 5th  /  Macy's (maternity)

Breezy Weekend Dresses 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.

 

Dress  /  Earrings  /  Boots  /  similar jacket

Dress  /  Earrings

Dress  /  Earrings  /  Boots

 

One  /  Two  /  Three  /  Four

Ahhh… the weekend dress. Is there anything better? Throwing on an easy, breezy dress on a weekend morning is my idea of goal outfit. Dresses are so comfy, and can easily be dressed up or down, taking you from a kid’s birthday party to an adult dinner without changing in between.

Today I’m rocking two Lark & Ro dresses for the weekend – a floral maxi (above) and a gray sweater dress (below). Lark & Ro is an Amazon Fashion private label that’s available exclusively to Prime members. (You can sign up for a free 30-day trial here). My past Lark & Ro posts have focused on work (here, here and here), but today I’m going full weekend, with a little boho flair. My accessories – Lucky Brand boots, Vince Camuto hat and Panacea necklace and earrings – are all from Amazon Fashion, too.

Whether it’s a breezy maxi or a sweater dress for the weekend, Lark & Ro has got you covered! Which outfit do you like better?

 

Dress  /  Necklace  /  Hat  /  similar purse

Dress  /  Necklace  /  Hat  /  similar purse

Dress  /  Necklace  /  Hat  /  Boots

Dress  /  Hat  /  similar purse

 

One  /  Two  /  Three  /  Four

Today's Everyday Fashion: Brocade and Burgundy

/
 
 
 

inspiration: Gilt

 

This catalog photo instantly caught my eye because the brocade pattern is so similar to a nearly-decade-old pencil skirt still in my closet. I loved the idea of mixing brocade and burgundy, two huge trends for fall, so I decided to give pairing the two together a shot. Hot pink didn't look quite right with the more muted tone of my skirt but the blush pink was a nice substitute. I've always believed in hanging onto something if you still like it, because everything comes back into style eventually. And this time it really paid off!

Cardigan: Banana Republic, $22 (similar, similar)
Sweater: J.Crew, $7 (plus, similar, similar)
Skirt: Limited, $50 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Emma Fox c/o Ross, $60 (similar)
Shoes: Call It Spring c/o, $26 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Approx. dates: Skirt is 9 years ago. Purse is 6 years ago. Cardigan is 5 years ago. Shoes are 4 years ago. Sweater is 1 year ago.

 
 

ps. A couple weeks ago I shared photos of this white dress that we shot in Tampa (here). Wanted to also share the video of my Daytime segment about my book - you can watch online! As well as a picture of my feature in this month's Simple Grace magazine (below)!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Favorite Tee

/
 
 
 

Inspiration: bloomingdale's

 

This old t-shirt in my closet is the thing I wear more than any other. Not only does it get thrown on with shorts or jeans on the regular, but over the past 4 years, I've styled it many ways on the blog - see a few favorites here, here, here and here. Today's might be my all-time favorite, though. I love the idea of wearing it with a black fringe skirt and denim jacket, a la the catalog photo. And - bonus - I think this combo will work with sneakers or low block heels, too. More ways to repeat this tee, on the regular!

Jacket: Saks Off 5th c/o, $39
Tee: Forever 21, $16 (similar, plus)
Skirt: Express, $45 (similar, similar)
Belt: Forever 21, $9 (similar, similar)
Boots: Vince Camuto c/o HSN (same)
Purse: boutique c/o (similar, similar)
Sunglasses: Express, $25 (similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Necklace: Stella & Dot (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Tee is 4 years ago. Skirt, purse are 2 years ago. Belt, boots are 1 year ago. Jacket is recent.

Nordstrom Rack  /  Nordstrom  /  Nordstrom  /  Nordstrom
Forever 21 (plus)  /  Forever 21  / Nordstrom Rack
Macy's  /  Forever 21 (plus)  /  Forever 21 (plus)

Today's Everyday Fashion: Colorful Office Look

/
 
 
 

Inspiration: Ann Taylor

 

Last year, I was inspired by Reese Witherspoon to wear this top with jeans, a navy boucle jacket and the same orange heels. It was one of my favorite outfits IRL, and I'm sure I'll be repeating again. I wanted to see what else this shirt could do, so I pulled out a purple-ish pencil skirt I've had for 9 years (!), and a bright red coat. The coat and shoes don't vibe very well together, which is a common predicament in cooler weather. Without the coat, the outfit needs the orange shoes, but they are admittedly a bit much when paired with the coat. So you either bite the bullet and wear the less-cute shoes, or just say oh well with the color overload. Or, wear comfy shoes on your commute and change to heels when you arrive at the office - that's what I used to do when I lived in Boston!

Top: JCPenney, $15 (similar below)
Coat: J.Crew Factory, $58 (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: Limited, $35 (similar below)
Shoes: Saks Off Fifth, $60 (similar, similar)
Purse: Aldo c/o Amazon, $40 (similar, similar) 
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Approx. dates: Skirt is 9 years ago. Shoes are 3 years ago. Top, purse and coat are 1 year ago.

One Weekend, Two Bras With Vanity Fair

/

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

 
 

Oh what a difference the right bra makes, right?! After so many years of searching, I found my bra soul mate last summer – Vanity Fair’s Beauty Back Strapless. Since then, I’ve purchased several more and I wear them non-stop (I’ve also recommended them hundreds of times, I’m a little obsessed!). The bra cups fit perfectly in the front, the shape works under virtually any kind of top, and the back lays perfectly smooth thanks to Vanity Fair’s patented “Beauty Back” technology. What more could you ask for?

How about a nonprofit element, you say? Well, they’ve got that too! Vanity Fair’s BOGOGO promotion means that when you buy a bra, you receive a second bra free, AND Vanity Fair will give a third, new bra to a woman in need through their partnership with Dress for Success. It literally doesn’t get any better.

In support of this awesome promotion happening now, I styled two outfits using two Vanity Fair bras. For my farmer’s market date look (above), I’m rocking my favorite Beauty Back Strapless in black under an off-shoulder top and jeans. For my dinner date look (below), I’m rocking my favorite Beauty Back Strapless in nude, under a peplum floral top that’s a bit high maintenance. The stretchy material and sweetheart neckline present some challenges for a bra, but mine passed with flying colors! (I swear there’s nothing this bra can’t do.)

Head to any of these retailers (in stores and online) to participate in the BOGOGO promotion. Vanity Fair offers a wide range of styles, fits and sizes, including full-figure – so there’s something for everyone!

 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: 16 Fall/Winter Outfits I'm Wearing Again

/
 
 

Most of the time, putting together outfits is so much fun! But then there are those other times... when life happens. And you get hit with whirlwind of adulting and commitments and responsibilities and you find yourself without a single moment to spare for things like brushing your hair properly, let alone dressing yourself in a fun or creative way. That's when I resort to one of my favorite "tricks" (sarcasm because it's literally just a normal thing humans do), which is repeating an outfit I liked last fall/winter. No re-styling, no switching things up; just pulling out that same outfit and wearing it again, the exact same way. That's life for me right now (in the last 3 days I did 10 radio interviews, a TV segment, spent 8 hours driving, had food poisoning, a dog emergency, and co-hosted a baby shower). Looking back at outfits from last fall/winter is so inspiring though, it's already getting the creative juices flowing again. I can't wait to repeat these favorites as temperatures drop as well as develop some new ones! 

 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Striped Sweater

/
 
 
\

It could be said that striped sweaters are like the grown-up version of hoodies. They are (arguably) more polished, and yet just as easy to throw on with jeans and comfy shoes. No need to accessorize, since the stripes pack so much punch. It's not quite sweater weather yet here in Central FL, but I think the striped sweater trend will be perfect for cold weather trips, and for when temps finally do drop!  

Sweater: LOFT, $41
Jeans: American Eagle, $40 (similar)
Purse: JCPenney c/o, $29 (similar)
Boots: Carlos Santana c/o, $59 (same, same)
Approx. dates: Purse is 2 years ago. Jeans, boots are 1 year ago. Sweater is new.

Asos  /  Anthropologie  /  Forever 21  /  Talbots (plus)
Forever 21  /  Nordstrom  /  Forever 21  /  Forever 21

From Desk to Dusk 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.

 

Top  /  Jeans  /  Purse  /  Earrings  /  Shoes

Top  /  Jeans  /  Purse  /  Earrings

Top  /  Jacket  /  Jeans  /  Purse  /  Earrings  /  Shoes

Top  /  Jacket  /  Jeans  /  Purse  /  Earrings

 

One  /  Two  /  Three  /  Four

No matter your personal style, I think we can all agree on one thing – being able to wear an item several different ways is key! Everyone loves a jacket or shirt that does double-duty and can easily take you from desk to dusk.

Today that item is a tweed jacket form Lark & Ro. When paired with a Lark & Ro dress (below) it’s professional and polished for work. (But not boring by any means; it’s got just enough of a print mixing thing going on to keep it spicy!) When paired with an ivory Lark & Ro blouse and denim (above), it works for casual Friday, or can be your easy transformation for dinner after work. (Everything in the two outfits is the same; I only switched the dress with a top and jeans!)

Lark & Ro is a private label fashion brand owned by Amazon, and is available exclusively to Prime members. (You can sign up for a free 30 day trial here.) Everything else I’m wearing also came from Amazon Fashion – Levi’s jeans, an Aldo purse, and Panacea earrings. And the shoes are 206 Collective, another private fashion label by Amazon.

Which item in today’s desk to dusk outfit is your favorite?

 

Dress  /  Jacket  /  Purse  /  Earrings 

Dress  /  Purse  /  Earrings /  Shoes

Dress  /  Jacket  /  Purse  /  Earrings 

 

One  /  Two  /  Three  /  Four

Today's Everyday Fashion: Opposing Values

/
 
 

Have you ever had two values that felt like they were in direct opposition with one another? I'm constantly playing tug-of-war in my head between the value of being frugal, and concern for the environment. Spending money is like pulling teeth for me, so "getting a good deal" definitely makes it easier. In direct opposition of that, is my desire to buy higher quality and less quantity with my clothing budget for environmental and fair trade/ethical reasons. Do I buy $130+ dresses now (seriously considering this one), so that I'm obtaining fewer items with my monthly budget? Or do I listen to my budget-seeking nature that says getting a $98 dress for only $30 is being responsible with money?  I don't think there's one set answer and I don't think it's the same answer for everyone - it's a topic I dive into in depth in my book because there's a lot to consider. For tday, I'm rocking the budget-friendly money-responsible dress. But tomorrow is a new day and another decision!   

Dress: Bloomingdale's, $30 (similar below)
Shoes: boohoo c/o, $25
Purse: Aldo c/o Amazon, $40 (similar, similar) 
Earrings: Kendra Scott, Christmas gift (same, similar)
Approx. dates: Purse is 2 years ago. Earrings are 1 year ago. Shoes are recent. Dress is new.

Aqua  /  Aqua  /  Nordstrom  /  Aqua
Aqua  /  Nordstrom  /  Bloomingdale's  /  Nordstrom  /  Revolve
Asos  /  Shopbop  /  Bloomingdale's  /  Bloomingdale's

Today's Everyday Fashion: Blush Pink With Jeans

/
 
 

So many fun things in one outfit! Blush pink, suede moto jacket, lace trim cami, and high-waist jeans = an outfit recipe I have a feeling I'll be repeating a lot this fall/winter. I was inspired by the catalog photo to pair my pink jacket with more pink. My first attempt included a pink pleated skirt and it was a bit too much. Jeans helped break up the monochrome madness, and made it more comfy and practical! 

Jacket: boohoo c/o, $45 (similar)
Top: H&M, $9 (similar below)
Jeans: American Eagle, $40 (similar)
Shoes: boohoo c/o, $25
Purse: Aldo c/o Amazon, $40 (similar, similar) 
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot One, Two (similar)
Earrings: Rebecca Minkoff for Stella & Dot
Sunglasses: Foster Grant, $15 (similar, similar) 
Approx. dates: Top and purse are 3 years ago. Jeans are 1 year ago. Jacket and shoes are recent.

 

Inspiration: NM Last Call

 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Baby Steps Into Fall

/
 
 
 
 

We're still experiencing copious amounts of heat here in central Florida, and it doesn't feel like fall has even arrived yet. So I'm delicately tip-toeing my way in, by wearing things like suede skirts with a mock turtleneck. It's got all the makings of fall without the commitment of pesky things like sleeves, or boots without air holes! After seeing the photos I may switch to a black boot with a stiletto heel, though; I'm not liking how this pair looks. Or I might try something like the boot options I gathered below. 

Top: H&M, $10 (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: H&M, $26 (similar, plus, similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Chinese Laundry c/o, $50 (similar below)
Purse: My Stella & Dot
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot (similar, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Sunglasses: Charlotte Russe, $4
Approx. dates: Shoes are 3 years ago. Skirt is 2 years ago. Top is 1 year ago. Purse is recent.

 
 

Target  /   Lucky Brand  /  Lucky Brand  /  Old Navy
Charlotte Russe  /  Amazon  /  Amazon  /  Amazon
TJ Maxx  /  Amazon  /  Amazon

Today's Everyday Fashion: Navy and Pink

/
 
 
 

Inspiration: J.Crew

 

The J.Crew inspiration photo is just too good, so I tried my best to do it justice with items already in my closet. I don't have a navy top with white polka dots, so I reversed the colors, and added two-toned shoes and belt to give it some pizazz and tie everything together. Proving that even if you don't have the exact items in an outfit you like, you can definitely achieve something similar. Just like any food recipe, you can take the general idea and then substitute depending on what's in your pantry, or what your palette prefers. Putting your personal touch on something only makes it more fun!  

Blazer: Banana Republic c/o thredUP, $48 (similar below)
Top: J.Crew Factory, $40 (similar below)
Skirt: J.Crew Factory, $30 (similar below)
Belt: Limited, $20 (similar, similar)
Purse: Aldo c/o Amazon, $40 (similar, similar) 
Shoes: The Fix c/o Amazon, $85
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Sunglasses: Foster Grant, $15 (similar, similar) 
Approx. dates: Belt is 5 years ago. Top is 3 years ago. Purse is 2 years ago. Blazer and skirt are 6 months ago. Shoes are recent.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Guilty No More

/
 
 
 
 
 

Inspiration: Bloomingdale's

 

At times I've wished my fashion appetite was more "plain." Less eye rolls from strangers that way, easier to find things while shopping, and concepts like the capsule wardrobe become a more realistic option. But (as I explore in my book) I believe there's something in many of our hearts from a very young age that says "Give me all the studded, embroidered, and neon things and, even better, combine them into one, flashy outfit!" I no longer wish for "plain" like I did in the past, and fully embrace my love for over-the-top now, as you can see in today's look. This skirt has been on repeat all summer and this new idea inspired by a catalog photo is perfect for fall!

Jacket: Urban Outfitters, $99 (similar below)
Top: Vince Camuto/TJ Maxx, $25 (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: Macy's, $60 (similar below)
Shoes: Vince Camuto c/o HSN (same)
Purse: Rebecca Minkoff c/o Stein Mart, $149 (same) 
Sunglasses: Express, $25 (similar, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Shoes are 2 years ago. Top, purse, jacket are 1 year ago. Skirt is 6 months ago.

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Pink Coat

/
 
 
 
 

Inspiration: vogue et voyage via stylecaster.com

 

Well that escalated quickly... into looking nothing like my inspiration photo! You can see how I got started with a pink coat, pink top and black leather skirt: check, check, check. But when I tried a colorful purse it just didn't feel right (likely because her pink is more pink, whereas mine is more peach-y beige). So instead I went with my gut and slapped on a leopard clutch and two-tone heels to complete the look. Now it's like getting two different outfit ideas in one blog post, since they turned out so different!

Coat: ASOS c/o, $97 (similar below)
Top: JCPenney c/o, $15 (similar, similar, plus)
Skirt: JCPenney c/o, $50 (similar, similar, plus)
Shoes: The Fix c/o Amazon, $85
Purse: boutique c/o (similar, similar)
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Sunglasses: Charlotte Russe, $4
Approx. dates: Coat is 3 years ago. Top and purse are 2 years ago. Skirt is 1 year ago. Shoes are new.

Amazon  /  H&M  /  Nordstrom  /  Nordstrom
H&M  /  Macy's  /  Nordstrom  /  H&M
Asos  /  New York & Co.  /  Asos  /  JCPenney

Today's Everyday Fashion: Don't Try This at Home

/
 
 
 
 

Nothing has revolutionized my personal style more than planning ahead. Whether that means choosing an outfit for a special event well in advance, or setting aside time to brainstorm new outfits I can later throw on in a rush, it has made all the difference. The main reason being that creativity does not come easy for me when I'm running late! Or... at least, that's usually the case. This outfit is proving me wrong, because I threw the whole thing together quickly, while rushing out the door. I still prefer planning whenever possible, but even the best fashion rules have exceptions!  

Jacket: BlankNYC c/o Amazon, $130 (same, similar, similar)
Top: Marshall's, $10 (similar below)
Jeans: American Eagle, $40 (similar)
Boots: Carlos Santana c/o, $59 (same)
Purse: JCPenney c/o, $29 (similar, similar)
Necklace: Stella & Dot (similar below)
Approx. dates: Necklace is 6 years ago. Sweater is 2 years ago. Purse, shoes, jeans, are 1 year ago. Jacket is recent.

Nordstrom Rack  /  LOFT  /  Zappos  /  LOFT
Nordstrom  /  Macy's  /  Amazon  /  DSW  /  TJ Maxx  /  TJ Maxx

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Perfect Work Dress

/
 

Location: The University of Tampa

 

This just might be my favorite work dress of all time. It arrived in the mail like this, seemingly tailored to perfection! I love the length, the sleeves, the huge pouf on the sleeves, the color, and the fabric isn't see through at all.... it's such a great work dress. (I've already worn it twice!) Bell sleeve dresses are really popular right now - check out the various colors and bell shapes available, below. They are all so cute but I'm super happy with the one I got! Is this a style you would wear to work?

Dress: Nordstrom Rack, $85
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Shoes:  Saks Fifth Avenue c/o, $70 (similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Statement ring: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Earrings are 2 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. Necklace is recent. Dress is new.

LOFT  /  Saks  /  Talbots (plus)  /  Macy's  /  Lord & Taylor
Bloomingdale's  /  Amazon  /  Macy's  /  Amazon  /  Macy's