Today's Everyday Fashion: Reality Check

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Sometimes I wish social media was a little more truthful. For example: maybe this outfit is cute at first glance. But the reason I was wearing it? Not so cute! What I had planned to wear for the hubs family reunion fell through. I have a gluten allergy and my stomach swells up like I swallowed a cantaloupe for a couple hours. I must've eaten something by accident and the reunion of course just happened to be during those couple hours. It was also cold and rainy and I didn't pack many warm options. So this outfit was basically my only choice. (No gluten allergy in these pics though - it was raining so we had to photograph the next day.) Which is pretty much life, isn't it? You pack a cute outfit, the weather is bad. Or it rips or you spill something. Or your stomach is being lame. That my friends, is reality! 😜

[photo location: Bay View, Michigan]

Top: Ann Taylor, $47 (similar below)
Pants: Express, $24 (similar options)
Necklace: Ann Taylor, $32 (similar)
Shoes: JCPenney, $18
Purse: Mud Pie, $13
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Approx. dates: Purse is last year. Shoes, pants, top and necklace are this year.

VacayStyle’s Fabulous New Twist

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We are proud to partner with VacayStyle for today’s post. Sponsors are carefully selected in conjunction with our mission statement to bring you style content we think you’ll love! All opinions and editorial decisions are solely my own.

 
 

You’ve heard me talk about VacayStyle for several years now, and one of the things I love most about this company is how they innovate new and exciting ideas! Not only are they at the forefront of making clothing super-versatile – like their 5-piece clothing collections that make 15-20 outfits – but they are always coming up with new ways to do it.

Today’s post is dedicated to one, simple idea – the super-versatile dress. Typically with a dress it’s one-and-done, but VacayStyle has come up with a way for your next dress to easily transform into 5-6 outfits. I’ve demonstrated two of the dresses in today’s post – one above, and one below.

The colorful Aruba dress above is SO fun, and wow the material is super high-quality! It’s thick, and lined with a soft, stretchy cotton underneath. And the bright blues and pinks are SO good. I had more items in my closet that matched these colors than I could possibly show you. This is a VacayStyle dress you can style for work, a date, on the beach – anywhere! 

If neutrals are more your thing, you’re not going to want to miss the tie-dye Costa Rica dress below. The material is super-soft, everything is wrinkle resistant and made in California, and the possibilities of other neutrals already in your closet that will match this collection is truly endless.

Even more exciting?! Everything is 25% off exclusively for you guys! Use my code J25, expires August 31, 2018, some restrictions may apply. 

Head over to Vacay to check out all the two-piece dresses they have to offer, as well as their new line of vacation accessories. You can make your next purchase truly work for YOU, by getting multiple outfits from just one new item!

 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Life's Simple Pleasures

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It's hard to believe, but this brooch didn't come with the dress. The match is uncanny, which I'm pumped about because it's breathing new life into this old frock! Check out other ways I wore this ribbon pin with a navy dress, a white top, and a red sweater. Life is full of so many simple pleasures - and in this case the pleasure is a little pin that is making this dress feel positively brand-new again! 

[photo location: Petoskey, Michigan]

Dress: J.Crew Factory, $55 (similar, similar)
Brooch: Nordstrom, $29 (similar, similar)
Shoes: JCPenney, $18
Purse: Mud Pie, $13
Cardigan: Zara/thredUP, $23 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Approx. dates: Dress is 4 years ago. Earrings are 3 years ago. Purse and brooch are 1 year ago. Shoes are recent. Cardigan is newly thrifted.

 

Loving this similar option! Shop it here.

 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Bay View Bluffs

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We recently returned home from a trip to beautiful northwest Michigan, and this was my outfit on the first day! I wore this look for visiting family and running errands, and we stepped outside for a moment to snap photos around sunset. I especially love that this top is secondhand. Such a great deal and great for the environment. The whole look felt perfectly suited for a backdrop of those stunning bay views!

Top: J.Crew/thredUP, $17 (similar below)
Shorts: Mud Pie, $15
Shoes: Dolce Vita/Amazon, $33 (same)
Purse: Mud Pie, $13
Scarf: H&M, $5 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Sunglasses: Francesca's, $10 (similar)
Approx. dates: Shoes are 3 years ago. Shorts, purse are 1 year ago. Scarf is recent. Top is newly thrifted.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Cancun Outfit Video

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Outfit details

We're trying something new today! Bringing all of my Cancun outfits to life with a quick video. Would love to hear your thoughts - is seeing video helpful? Something you'd like to see more of?

Note: most of these clips also appear in our longer Cancun video, which you can see here. That post also includes more info about Cancun, as well as an amazing travel deal if you're thinking of going!

 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Best Jewelry

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I hope you don't mind - today's look is another repeat! I first posted this outfit in May, but it was so perfectly suited for our Cancun trip that we snapped some more photos. I don't like posting new outfits every day, so photographing while we are traveling is a great way to get more mileage out of an outfit. The same is true for wearing said outfit. Maybe you already wore it at home, but it feels brand new again when that outfit has a new occasion, backdrop, or you simply switched up a small accessory. I'm always looking for new ways to make old feel new again!

[photo location: Sunset Royal in Cancun]

Top: Asos, $33
Shorts: Forever 21, $28 (matching top)
Purse: Jane, $29 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Jane, $7 (similar)
Shoes: Dolce Vita/Amazon, $33 (same)
Approx. dates: Shoes are 3 years ago. Top, shorts, purse are this year.

One  /  Two  /  Three  /  Four  /  Five
One  /  Two  /  Three  /  Four  /  Five

Ps. I've been loving jewelry by Panacea and Nakaomi lately, and NM Last Call has a great sale right now - prices as low as $13! These are just a few favorites or click the names to see everything from that brand.

 
 

5 Ways Cancun Surprised Me + An Amazing Travel Deal For You

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We are proud to partner with Sunset World for today’s post. All opinions & editorial decisions are my own.

 
 

Our trip to Cancun was truly paradise. And what better way to capture that magic than with a video?! We are so excited to share it with you today! (If it gives you wanderlust like I’m thinking it might, then check out our unbelievable travel deal here!)

As for Cancun? I was wrong about a few things:

  1. I  thought Cancun was one big party on a beach.
    It can be if you want it to! But it’s also a lush, tropical paradise with so much terrain (caves, cenotes, Mayan ruins) and wildlife (whale sharks, snorkeling) to explore.

  2. I thought Cancun was small.
    In the “hotel zone” everything is relatively close together. But Cancun is also part of the Riviera Maya, which extends all the way to Tullum (about 2 hours by car), includes Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel is a short ferry ride away

  3. I thought Cancun meant staying in one place.
    The highway that connects Cancun to Tullum is wide, super clean and safe. I highly recommend renting a car or hiring a driver, and visiting all the attractions in and around the Riviera Maya.

  4. I thought Cancun would be like home.
    The hotel zone certainly boasts the comforts of home – shopping malls, and restaurants like Domino’s and Ruth’s Chris. But spend some time in the lush landscape of the Riviera Maya and you will definitely feel like you are a world away.

  5. I thought Cancun would not be my favorite destination.
    But I already want to go back! We barely scratched the surface, and there’s so much more to explore.

The very best part though?! An amazing travel deal just for you. The two resorts featured in our video – Hacienda Tres Rios and Sunset Royal – are offering unbelievably good prices to our readers. Go here to read the full details and to book your trip!!

Here’s a quick comparison of the two hotels to help you decide which one is right for you:

Hacienda Tres Rios

  • For the adventurers and/or serenity seekers

  • Located in the lush, tropical landscape of the Riviera Maya, about 30-45 minutes outside of Cancun, halfway to Tullum

  • Snorkeling, kayaking, bike rides, the beach, a spa, two huge pools right there at the resort – you won’t want to leave!

  • All-inclusive food and drink, or just pay as you go

  • Family-friendly and romantic – there’s some activity but it’s also very quiet, too

  • Great food – buffet options and nice sit-down restaurants

Sunset Royal

  • For the beach lovers

  • Located in the hotel zone in downtown Cancun right in the middle of the action

  • The prettiest beach and blue water you’ve ever seen

  • All-inclusive food and drink, or just pay as you go

  • A busier hotel that’s abuzz with activity

  • All the conveniences of home

I certainly hope you’ll give Cancun a try! You’ll be so happy you did!

Today's Everyday Fashion: So Much Tropical Style

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You've already seen both of these outfits on the blog recently. But they just looked so perfectly suited to our tropical surroundings on the last day of our trip that we had to snap a couple pictures! I wore the red dress for breakfast and a walk around the resort. And I wore the yellow pants for traveling home. (Not only are high-waist pants trendy but they also are practical for the airport.) It's written all over my face - I don't think I'll ever get enough of tropical destinations or tropical style!

[photo location: Hacienda Tres Rios in Cancun]

YELLOW OUTFIT - first posted here
Top: Forever 21, $16 (similar below)
Pants: Charlotte Russe, $15 (similar below)
Sandals: Dolce Vita/Amazon, $33 (same)
Purse: Jane, $29 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Jane, $7 (similar)
Approx. dates: Shoes are 3 years ago. Top, pants are earlier this year. Purse is recent.

RED OUTFIT - first posted here
Dress: Eva Franco/thredUP, $29 (similar options here)
Shoes: JCPenney, $18
Bag: Jane, $30 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Jane, $7 (similar)
Approx. dates: Dress is recently thrifted. Shoes, bag, earrings are recent.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Cenotes in Mexico

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The backdrop for today's pictures are stealing the show, and rightfully so. The water in that cenote is really that blue (#nofilter), and those bike paths are really that stunning. This may also appear at first glance like two separate outfits but it was just one. I had my white swim suit on, shorts and a crop top over it for the bike ride, and then I switched to the kimono I had in my bag for the swim!

[photo location: Hacienda Tres Rios]

Kimono: Express, $28 (similar, similar, similar)
Swimsuit: H&M, $18 (similar, similar, similar)
Shorts: Levi's, $58 (similar, similar, similar)
Crop top: H&M, $25 (similar)
Approx. dates: Top is 4 years ago. Shorts and swimsuit are 2 years ago. Kimono is recent.

 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Yellow Jumpsuit

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When you love your red jumpsuit so much, you decide to buy it another color! That's how I wound up in Cancun wearing this outfit for the hubs birthday dinner. But seriously I repeated that red jumpsuit so many times so quickly (a wedding, a reunion, an event), I didn't hesitate to snap up another one in yellow for half the price I paid for the first one. (It will also work great for fall paired with black.) I'm definitely stopping at two, but if you like this shape, it also comes in red, blush, green, and black!

[photo location: Hacienda Tres Rios]

Jumpsuit: ASOS, $31 (also in red, blush, green, and black)
Shoes: JCPenney, $18
Purse: Gap, $16 (similar, similar)
Earrings: NM Last Call, $22 (same)
Approx. dates: Purse is 7 years ago. Shoes and earrings are recent. Jumpsuit is new.

Missguided  /  Nordstrom Rack  /  Nordstrom  /  Asos  /  Yoox
Asos  /  Missguided  /  boohoo  /  Anthropologie

Today's Everyday Fashion: Rooftop Vibes

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Have you ever had a packing fiasco? I've packed some real doozies in my day. Winter coats when the weather was hot, bikinis when the weather was cold. My packing skills have definitely improved over the years, but on this trip I forgot one important detail for this dress - the right bra! (Ugh.) I meant to bring bra inserts without padding (similar to these), but instead I only packed ones with padding (similar to these). As a result, the fabric on top is straining a bit. And while it didn't look quite as elegant as I'd hoped, it was still a fabulous night. Some rooftop lounging and a dinner date with the hubs. What could be better?!

[photo location: Hacienda Tres Rios]

Dress: Ever Pretty c/o, $28 (same print different shape here and here)
Purse: Jane, $29 (similar, similar)
Shoes: JCPenney, $18
Earrings: Jane, $5 (similar)
Approx. dates: Purse and shoes are recent. Dress is new.

boohoo  /  Hautelook  /  Bloomingdale's  /  Shopbop
Macy's  /  Nordstrom  /  Asos
Old Navy  /  Avenue (plus)  /  Nasty Gal

Today's Everyday Fashion: Hot Pink On The Beach

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Tan, salty hair, and rocking hot pink on the beach... yep, that's my happy place! These earrings will forever be my "Cancun earrings" because I've been saving them specifically for this trip. I wore them twice (as you'll see!). On this night I threw them on with an old favorite - a hot pink dress - for dinner. I love how adding a colorful accessory to your rotation can create multiple "new" outfits in your closet!

[photo location: Sunset Royal in Cancun]

Dress: boutique, old (similar below)
Earrings: NM Last Call, $22 (same)
Purse: Jane, $29 (similar, similar)
Sandals: Dolce Vita/Amazon, $33 (same)
Approx. dates: Dress and sandals are 3 years ago. Purse is recent. Earrings are new.

boohoo  /  Amazon  /  Macy's  /  Shopbop
Asos  /  Bloomingdale's  /  Amazon  /  boohoo

Today's Everyday Fashion: We Finally Made It To Cancun!

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Remember that Cancun competition we were so pumped about earlier this year? While we didn't win, we did just get back from a trip to Cancun due in part to your votes! (Thank you again - we are truly so grateful for your support!) We're getting to the important stuff first (fashion, duh) so over the next few days I'll be sharing some tropical outfit inspo, starting with this red bikini and kimono. Then next week, tons of travel tips, a fun video, and best of all - an amazing Cancun travel deal just for YOU! But first, fashion. I used to be prints-only when it came to swimsuits, but now I'm hooked on solids. They are so easy to accessorize and make complete swim outfits. I wore this little ditty for July 4th this year, and it also worked perfectly for a leisurely beach and pool day in Cancun!

[photo location: Hacienda Tres Rios]

Swim top: Express, $14
Swim bottoms: Express, $12
Kimono: Express, $28 (similar, similar, similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: Jane, $7 (similar)
Bag: Mud Pie, $45
Shoes: Dolce Vita/Amazon, $33 (same)
Approx. dates: Bag, swim suit, kimono are 3-6 months ago.

Express  /  H&M  /  J.Crew
J.Crew  /  Express  /  J.Crew
Express  /  J.Crew  /  Express

Today's Everyday Fashion: Pony Dreams

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Every little girl wants a pony at some point, and today's post feels like that dream come true! How cute is Moose the mini horse?! As well as the friendliest barn cat, and Rhett who fell asleep while I was petting him. It was a special photo shoot not only because of all the furry friends, but because of the good work Crossroads Corral is doing in our community. They provide Equine Assisted Mental Health Counseling in Central Florida, with the mission to promote personal growth, hope and healing through horses. As for the outfit, I am luv-ing the retro feel of linen dresses this season! I can't imagine this classic silhouette or fabric ever being out of style. I rounded up lots of similar options below.

[photo location: Crossroads Corral, a nonprofit in Central FL]  

Dress: Stein Mart, $40 (similar below)
Hat: Nine West/Stein Mart, $25
Shoes: Marc Fisher/Amazon, $89 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Jane, $30 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Jane, $5 (similar)
Approx. dates: Shoes are 1 year ago. Hat and bag are recent. Dress is new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Five Clothing Care Tips

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Re-wearing old clothes is my jam. It's great for my wallet, it's great for the environment and ultimately - I like my clothes and want to keep wearing the beautiful things I've collected! Today's dress is only two years old, but you can often find me wearing things much older. Which then begs the question: how does one keep old clothing looking fresh and new? Here are my five best care tips. I'd love to hear your tips, too!

  1. Air dry everything. Not only will you save energy (and ultimately money!) but it's also so much more gentle on your clothes. 
  2. Wear it a couple times before you wash it. If you wore it all day long (to work, for example) or got sweaty at any point, then wash it right away (the oils in your skin may actually damage clothing if too much time passes). But if you only had an outfit on for an hour or two, set it aside, and proudly repeat that outfit a couple days later before putting it through the wash.
  3. Skip traditional dry cleaning. I have been using Dryel - at home dry cleaning - for years. It's cheaper, easier, but also way more gentle on your clothes because it doesn't use harsh chemicals.
  4. Skip the iron. I swear by using a steamer to remove wrinkles because it's easier but bonus - it's also less abrasive to your clothes. I use this steamer at home and this one for travel.
  5. Carefully store things. Some items need a little more love and thought in the way they are stored. Heavy necklaces should never hang - their own weight can bend or distort them. Sweaters are also better folded, as are many handbags. 

Dress: Limited, $65 (similar, similar)
Purse: Vince Camuto/Saks Off 5th, $70 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: JustFab, $39 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Amazon, $10
Approx. dates: Shoes are 4 years ago. Dress, purse are 2 years ago. Earrings are recent.

 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Rainbow Remix

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One year later and it's the same rainbow skirt in front of the same blue wall. (See the 2017 post here!) I love last year's version, but this yellow top and shoes are both way more comfortable. I don't reach for this skirt nearly often enough, so I had to ask myself why - which is a great shopping strategy! I recommend keeping a shopping list the same way you would for the grocery store. Make notes as you go of things you need to make those favorite (but hardly worn) things in your closet work - a top that completes the outfit, for example. That way you're buying with purpose and creating complete "meals" (or outfits in this case) instead of just a bunch of ingredients!

Top: Charlotte Russe, $7 (similar below)
Skirt: ModCloth, $33 (similar below)
Shoes: JCPenney, $30
Purse: Jane c/o, $29 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Jane c/o, $5 (similar)
Approx. dates: Skirt is 2 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. Purse, earrings are recent. Top is new.

Charlotte Russe  /  Nordstrom  /  Nordstrom Rack  /  Urban Outfitters
ModCloth  /  ModCloth  /  Eloquii (plus)  /  Forever 21
Reformation (fair trade)  /  Topshop  /  Asos

Today's Everyday Fashion: My Controversial Speech

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I recently gave a speech in front of 500 women (gulp) and this is what I wore! My talk (which you can watch on my Instagram account via the IGTV button from your phone) is only 3 minutes long, and is essentially the main lesson from, or a condensed version of, my book. I look confident in the clip, but before stepping onto the stage I was pretty much terrified to tackle this (annoyingly) controversial subject (ie, it's controversial but it shouldn't be; my "why" for talking about it in the first place. I want fashion to be a place of freedom, not guilt and judgment). The audience reacted so positively though, and overall, it was a great event. My outfit was a bit of a last-minute decision. Floral sheaths are such an easy and comfortable to thing to throw on for any work event, and this one was no exception!

Dress: Macy's, $45 (same, same, same)
Shoes: Lord & Taylor, $29 (same, same, same)
Purse: Aldo/Amazon, $40 (similar, similar, similar)
Earrings:  Jane, $5 (similar)
Approx. dates: Purse is 3 years ago. Shoes are recent. Dress is new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Lace Is Always In Style

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I would like to submit that a frilly lace top never really goes out style. I can't think of a time past or present, or imagine a future, where I wouldn't love this top. The scallop edging, shoulder ruffle, and high collar are all gorgeous. And the crop length works great with high waist jeans or a midi skirt. It's such a pretty little thing and a classic look, that I can't imagine won't always be in style!    

[photo shoot location: Lineage Coffee]

Top: Bloomingdale's, $38
Jeans: Levi's, $37
Shoes: Charlotte Russe, $23 (similar, similar)
Purse: Mud Pie c/o, $13
Earrings: Jane, $5 (similar)
Approx. dates: Jeans, shoes, purse are 1 year ago. Top is new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: White Suit Update

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This is the exact same outfit I posted two years ago.* The purse is new and the sunglasses are different (see below to compare) but otherwise it's my favorite white suit, same 'ole same 'ole.  Sometimes fashion feels like it moves so fast, but that's not always realistic. Instead of buying new I'm all about re-wearing what you already own. It truly can be just as fabulous!

Blazer: Forever 21, $35 (similar below)
Top: H&M, $10 (similar, similar)
Pants: Express, $42 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Saks OFF 5th, $70 (similar, similar)
Purse: Bloomingdale's, $70
Earrings: Saks OFF 5th, $13 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Top is 3 years ago. Blazer, shoes, pants and earrings are 2 years ago. Purse is new.

 

*I bought these two black tops together three years ago and got them confused when I grabbed one for photos. I would prob opt for the one on the left instead!

 

boohoo  /  BCBG  /  Vince Camuto  /  Missguided
Macy's (plus)  /  Oasis  /  Missguided  /  Asos

20 Outfit Ideas For July 4th

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No matter how or where you celebrate Independence Day this year, I've got an outfit idea for ya! The common theme? Everything is red, white and blue of course!

Check out these 20 outfit ideas for the Fourth of July and tell me - which one is your favorite?