Today's Everyday Fashion: Yoga Outfits Under $50

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The goal: bring more color and pattern into my yoga practice, and do so on a small budget. Mission: accomplished! Each look is between $33-58, and perhaps more importantly, so cute. I found the palm print capris on an errand at Gap. The other two are a brand I discovered by blogging about it a couple years ago (a sponsored social post), Calia by Carrie Underwood. I don’t think I’ve ever shopped for yoga gear with intention - just picked up the occasional piece at Ross or Old Navy here and there. So this was really fun putting together complete outfits. I can already feel a boost in my yoga practice!

OUTFIT ONE
Top: Calia by Carrie Underwood, $18
Pants: Calia by Carrie Underwood, $35
Water bottle: Corkcicle
Flip flops: Old Navy (similar, similar)

OUTFIT TWO
Top: Calia by Carrie Underwood, $20
Pants: Calia by Carrie Underwood, $33
Bag: Jane, $30 (similar, similar, similar)

OUTFIT THREE
Top: Calia by Carrie Underwood, $20
Pants: Gap, $13 (similar)
Water bottle: Corkcicle
Flip flops: Old Navy (similar, similar)

Today's Everyday Fashion: Too Basic Maybe?

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In an attempt to embrace simplicity I got two shirts to “just throw on with jeans” last week. I love this concept of something super easy to wear that’s not overcomplicated. But while the plaid is rocking my world, below, for some reason this mustard top is falling flat. Maybe it’s the shape? Which look do you like better?

Top: American Eagle, $30 (cheaper online!)
Jeans: Levi’s c/o Amazon, $59 (same, same, same)
Boots: Sam Edelman/Amazon, $29 (same, similar, similar)
Purse: JCPenney, $29 (similar, similar, similar)
Necklace: NM Last Call, $21 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Purse is 4 years ago. Boots are last year. Jeans and necklace are recent. Top is new.

 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: What’s Really Changed Since High School?

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This picture of me - snapped in high school - sits on my desk, and stirs up all the feels, like:

  • Girl, you’ve come a long way! Fashion may have felt so far out of your league back then, but all that time you spent studying the art of style, trying and failing, trying and failing, and exercising it like you would any other muscle has paid off.

  • Never forget where you started. I mean seriously who wouldn’t be humbled by this pic?! 😂

  • Playfulness is always in style. I was the kid wearing a thrifted sweater and matching socks to make her classmates laugh, and today I’m hamming it up in front of an orange wall. Giving ourselves permission to “play” and be creative will always be in style.

  • Embrace what you’ve always loved. That color and rainbow-loving heart is still a big part of me today. Evolution doesn’t mean changing your core values, but rather evolving the expression of them. Colorful style will always be my jam!

Does anything about your childhood or high school style still ring true today? Can you see a connection between any of the things you loved to wear then, and love to wear now?

Sweater: Ross, $20 (similar below)
Jeans: Levi’s c/o Amazon, $59 (same, same, same)
Sneakers: Adidas, $52 (same, same)
Purse: Vince Camuto/Saks Off 5th, $70 (similar, similar, similar)
Bag charm: H&M, $6 (similar)
Earrings: Amazon, $10
Approx. dates: Purse is 4 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. Earrings, jeans, charm are this year. Sweater is new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: In Pursuit Of Ordinary

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Simple. Ordinary. Basic. Descriptors I once avoided at all costs, especially in regards to fashion. My personal style can often be summarized as an attempt to escape from the ordinary! Sometimes I seem downright determined to push style as far as I can. How colorful, sparkly and dressed up can I be without looking totally out of place in the suburbs?!

Lately though, I’ve been craving simplicity. Not instead of being colorful, sparkly and dressed up - even when there’s no occasion that calls for it! - but in addition to it. And certainly we can be both as women. We can be the big, loud sparkly outfit girl and the just a plain shirt and jeans girl, too.

Sometimes in today’s culture we chase the extraordinary, forgoing the ordinary altogether. It’s completely normal to want those big moments, those big breakthroughs and those big, perfect Cinderella moments that take our breath away. But there is so much to embrace about the ordinary, too.

In one of my favorite moments on Oprah’s podcast she says something I believe we can apply to fashion. She says: “I get frustrated with those who look for the ‘big’ calling [or outfits] in their lives when all around you are ordinary moments and experiences that could be extraordinary just by giving them your love and attention." To which Barbara Brown Taylor replies, "I'm all for greatness, but being focused on greatness can be a way to avoid living the life that you are presently being given to live."

In this moment, in this outfit, I’m embracing the simple, ordinary, basic. And loving every minute of it.

(Ps. This shirt can be worn the “regular” way too - tucked in or open. I knotted it for fun!)

Top: American Eagle, $35 (the “orange” color)
Jeans: Levi’s c/o Amazon, $59 (same, same, same)
Boots: Steve Madden (same - similar below)
Purse: Lauren Conrad/Kohl’s, $40
Approx. dates: Boots are 2 years ago. Jeans and purse are recent. Top is new.

 
 

The New POPSUGAR Collection At Kohl's

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We are proud to partner with Kohl’s 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.

 
 

What do you get when you combine POPSUGAR and Kohl’s? The outfits in today’s post!

This fun new collection offers tons of great “basics for the not so basic” - in sizes 0-24. You can check out the full collection online, and in select stores.

I tried on a bunch of items, and the ones featured here today were my absolute favorites! These navy pants (they also come in black and dark gray) are such a great staple for work, and I’m loving the cozy stripe sweater and green floral dress for casual occasions.

As they say in their branding, “We’re all unique, but what we have in common is that we’re all amazing women.” (Love that!)

Which POPSUGAR for Kohl’s look is your favorite?

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Multi-Seasonal Dress

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This dress’ superpower just might be that it’s functional in 3 out of 4 seasons! Wear it with sandals for spring, a navy blazer for fall, and tights, a navy peacoat and riding boots for winter. (It’s way too hot to show you that version right now, but check out a look I posted in 2013 with a similar dress below!) I also love that it comes in regular, petite and plus. Is this is a dress that could also work for you?

Dress: LOFT, $45 (also available as a top)
Blazer: Banana Republic/thredUP, $48 (similar below)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $220 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Dolce Vita, $50 (similar, similar, similar)
Necklace: Aster/Rocksbox, $42 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Shoes and purse are 4 years ago. Blazer, necklace are 1 year ago. Dress is new.

 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: 5 Reasons Online Shopping Is Better

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New dress, shoes, and earrings today, and I scored all of them online for under $50! Woot woot! Over the years, I have come to love online shopping and I buy almost everything that way these days. Here’s why:

  1. More selection. There are so many more styles, fits, colors and sizes available online than stores can possibly stock within their four walls. If you’re shopping in-person, you could be missing out on a lot of great options!

  2. Saves money. You can strategize and hit “purchase” whenever there’s a good sale online, versus paying whatever the price happens to be that day in the store. And with free shipping both directions, there’s often no additional costs. You can save so much money!

  3. Trying on is better. The biggest objection I often hear about online shopping is “I need to try things on.” But online shopping is the BEST for that! Try it on in the comfort of your home.

  4. More time to decide. When you’re in a store you have to decide on the spot if you like something (or risk a second trip to the store to return it later!). But if you order online, you typically have 30-45 days to mull it over. You can text a friend a picture or try it on with different options in your closet.

  5. More organized. At a store, clothes are folded in a stack or hung up behind one another. You have to dig and move things around. Browsing online is lightning speed and super-organized. You can filter out things based on budget and size. Plus see it on a human which brings it to life!

Do you prefer online shopping or shopping in stores?!

Dress: TJ Maxx, $25 (similar below)
Earrings: Nordstrom, $50 (same)
Shoes: Express, $42
Purse: Stella & Dot (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Purse is 3 years ago. Dress, earrings, shoes are new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Not Feeling This One

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The overall color palette of this outfit is super cute but the execution is not really working for me. The sweater is meant to be boxy but I think it’s a bit too boxy on me? And my earrings are not quite the right shade of red. Think I’m going to pass on this particular sweater/pant combo now that I see the photos of it. Do you agree, should I pass?

Sweater: Stein Mart, $30
Pants: Stein Mart, $30
Shoes: J.Crew Factory, $48 (similar below)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $220 (similar)
Earrings: Saks Off 5th, $20 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Shoes and purse are 4 years ago. Earrings are 1 year ago. Sweater and pants are new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Cozy Cozy Sweater

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I wish you could reach through your screen and feel how soft this sweater is!! Based on the website photo, I wouldn’t have purchased it, but when I saw it in the store and felt how soft it was I had to order one in my size! Most often I shop for things with a lot of color, pattern, etc. But everyone needs a basic sweater when it’s chilly and you just want to cuddle up in something cozy, and this sweater is definitely it!

Sweater: LOFT, $35
Tee: Everlane, $15
Jeans: Old Navy, $30
Necklace: NM Last Call, $21 (similar, similar)
Boots: Carlos Santana, $59 (same)
Approx. dates: Tee and boots are 2 years ago. Jeans and necklace are this year. Sweater is new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Versatile Dress

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I am loving this dress so much! It’s the perfect ivory color (also comes in black), not even a little bit see-through, a flattering shape, and works for so many occasions. It’s the perfect “blank slate” for any number of necklaces, jackets and/or shoes that you want to experiment with. This dress is a total score, I can’t recommend it enough!

Dress: Express, $49 (also comes in black!)
Shoes: Cole Haan c/o Amazon, $54
Purse: Aldo/Amazon, $40 (similar)
Necklace: Stella & Dot (similar below)
Approx. dates: Purse, necklace are 3 years ago. Shoes are recent. Dress is new.

 
 

Fall Fashion Trends Under $100

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One / Two / Three / Four

One / Two / Three / Four
Five / Six / Seven

Every year fashion magazines report on runway trends for fall, but retail has it’s own thing happening - trends that show up universally, across many different stores. These trends - to me - are the most exciting, simply because it’s what women like me are actually shopping on a budget! (Most items featured here are between $50-100.) I’ve been doing these round-ups for many years now and trends do not move as fast as we often think they do. Many of them have been “the big thing” for fall for several years now, so there’s often no need to buy anything new at all. If I had to pick a few favorites though, these fall trends are it! I’m excited to give them a try.

What trend(s) are you most excited for for fall?

Men's Fall Fashion With Nordstrom

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We are proud to partner with Nordstrom and ShopStyle 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.

Hat  /  Shirt   /  Jeans  /  Sneakers

 

Hat  /  Shirt   /  Jeans

Hat  /  Shirt

Hat  /  Shirt   /  Jeans  /  Sneakers

 

Words cannot express how excited I was to switch places with Joshua for today’s post! Together, we picked out two outfits for him from Nordstrom.com. And then I got to play photographer for the day while he was the model. It was too much fun!! We may have to make this a regular thing!

Both of these looks are so “him.” He’s frugal like me, so everything is under $100. He’s also pretty casual - always in sneakers, and almost always rocking a hat. We just loved these hats by Hershel Supply Co., his jeans are J.Crew and 1901, and his tops and jacket are by Topman, J.Crew, and 1901.

I shop Nordstrom online often, but prior to this post, I had not considered shopping there much for Joshua. But with free shipping both directions (or free returns in-store to any Nordstrom) you really can’t go wrong. He doesn’t love shopping in stores anyway and that way he can try things on at home. Consider us both new fans! 

Have you shopped Nordstrom for men’s clothing before? What other brands do you recommend that we check out?

 

Hat  /  Jacket  /  Tee  /  Jeans

Hat  /  Jacket  /  Tee  /  Jeans  /  similar shoes

Hat  / Tee

Hat  /  Jacket  /  Tee  /  Jeans  /  similar shoes

 

Blazer  /  Shirt  /  Hoodie  /  Tee
Shoes  /  Shoes  /  Shoes
Hoodie  /  Sweater  /  Pants  /  Shirt

Today's Everyday Fashion: This Might Be My Dream Outfit

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This is, without a doubt, a dream scenario outfit for me you guys. It’s comfortable, easy to wear, and yet plenty of details and texture to make it not even a little bit boring. Here’s how I found it: I admired a friend’s (IRL) lace top recently and searched ShopStyle for “long sleeve lace top” - see more options I considered below. This one pulled up on 6pm.com, and then I popped over to purchase on Amazon because they have better shipping and I had a credit to spend. I found these AMAZING jeans by searching for Levi’s because I really like that brand and decided to give this pair a try. They are SO comfy!! Highly recommend! And last but not least, I searched “bow pumps” on both ShopStyle and Amazon and landed on these block heels. For some reason my size (9.5) was 60% off so I took the plunge. I find ballet flats really uncomfortable so these are a great height. Excited to mix and match these new staples!

Top: Karen Kane c/o Amazon, $51
Jeans: Levi’s c/o Amazon, $59 (same, same, same)
Shoes: Cole Haan c/o Amazon, $54
Purse: Aldo/Amazon, $40 (similar)
Earrings: Jane, $5 (similar)
Approx. dates: Purse is 3 years ago. Top, jeans, shoes are new.

One (also here) / Two / Three / Four
One / Two / Three / Four
One (plus) / Two (plus) / Three (plus)

Today's Everyday Fashion: Pink Top, Red Pants

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Red or nude pumps?

 

Last week I showed how to wear this top casually with jeans (below), and this week I’m dressing it up for work with red dress pants! Long-sleeve bow tops like this one are MVPs in my closet. I wear them most often with denim but love being able to switch to dress pants if needed. I couldn’t decide which shoes I like better though. Would you go for the red bow pumps or the nude pumps with this outfit (above)?

Top: Amazon c/o, $28
Pants: Express, $24
Red shoes: Chinese Laundry/Ross, $23 (similar, similar)
Nude shoes: Steve Madden/Ross, $25 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Jane, $5 (similar)
Purse: Aldo/Amazon, $40 (similar)
Approx. dates: Shoes, purse are 3 years ago. Pants are 1 year ago. Top is recent.

 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: This Dress Is Too Big

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I didn’t realize this dress was too big until we snapped photos. Too small is easy - things pull, or scrunch up. But too big? That can be harder to detect. In this case, it’s mostly the bust area. Even with adjustable straps and a tie waist I can see now that the fabric is drooping around the bust, and the v-neck is too low-cut. Thankfully, it’s still in stock, so I ordered a size smaller to try. Because I’m loving these colorful stripes and all the possibilities for pairing - like a brown or gray moto jacket, denim jacket, or ankle boots!

Dress: Nordstrom, $45
Jacket: Boohoo, $45 (similar below)
Shoes: Steve Madden/Nordstrom, $90
Purse: Stella & Dot
Earrings: Jane, $5 (similar)
Approx. dates: Purse is 3 years ago. Jacket, shoes are 1 year ago. Dress is new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Recent Finds + Please Vote

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This outfit coming soon to the blog!
Lace top, high-waist jeans and block heels. (Also similar nude purse.)

New earrings scored for $50! (Available here.) On the hunt for a casual red dress to go with!
(Options one, two, three.)

Already on repeat: velvet bow shoes, pink tie top, and those jeans again.

More favorites:
1. The perfect off-white dress, 2. fun work pants, 3. this red floral dress is finally on sale!
4. this casual stripe dress is 40% off, picturing it with a suede jacket and booties, 5. NYE option for only $19, and 6. how gorgeous is this blue top?

 
 

Also - I’m so grateful to have been nominated for an award! And I would so appreciate your vote.
One click - no registration! I’m under “Favorite Fashion or Beauty Blogger.”
VOTE HERE daily. Thank you!! xoxo

Today's Everyday Fashion: Blue on Blue

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Kickin’ it old school today with a catalog-inspired re-creation! When I spotted the catalog photo (below) I realized I already had all the elements to create this blue x 4 (the pants are navy) outfit. I especially like how the top half turned out - this could be cute paired with white jeans, too. And/or you could switch out the sandals for white sneakers. Overall mixing all these different blues and textures is a pretty fun idea!

Jacket: J.Crew Factory, $51 (similar, similar)
Top: LOFT, $22 (similar, similar)
Pants: Gap, $28 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Amazon, $10
Sandals: Dolce Vita/Amazon, $33 (same)
Purse: Rebecca Minkoff/Stein Mart, $149 (same)
Approx. dates: Pants and shoes are 4 years ago. Top, purse and jacket are 2 years ago. Earrings are 1 year ago.

 

Inspiration: J.Crew

 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Pretty Things With Bows

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Is there anything better than a shirt with a big ‘ole bow?! This one in particular is a great mix between fun and professional. It works with jeans, but I’m also planning to wear it with a beige pencil skirt and red dress pants. It’s got great reviews online, and also comes in blue. And while I love the shoes I’m wearing in these photos, the shorter ones below just arrived and are SO comfy. It’s bows on bows for days!

Top: Amazon c/o, $28 (also comes in blue!)
Jeans: Levi's/Amazons, $37
Shoes: Betsey Johnson/Ross, $38 (same, same, same, same)
Purse: Aldo/Amazon, $40 (similar)
Earrings: Jane, $5 (similar)
Approx. dates: Shoes and purse are 3 years ago. Jeans are 1 year ago. Top is new.

 
 

Shop ‘em here.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Another Idea For This Skirt

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This skirt is still in stock! And it’s pretty much my favorite thing in my closet right now, so I wanted to share another way to wear it. With all those colorful stripes, there is so much potential for mixing and matching. A blush pink moto jacket with a white t-shirt and sneaks is another idea I’d like to try. But really the possibilities are endless! Love every color in this rainbow!

Skirt: Forever 21, $20 (similar)
Top: LOFT, $24 (similar, similar)
Jacket: J.Crew Factory, $51 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Jane, $24 (similar, similar)
Purse: Rebecca Minkoff/Stein Mart, $149 (same)
Earrings: Jane, $5 (similar)
Approx. dates: Jacket, purse are 2 years ago. Top is 1 year ago. Skirt and shoes are recent.

 

My Inspiration, on left!

 

Today's Everyday Fashion: What Was I Thinking?

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Inspiration: Talbots

 

In the first photo, I’m trying to work up the nerve to put on this wool jacket, because it was 95 degrees outside! I’ve had lots of requests lately for more work outfits, and naturally a wool jacket worn two ways is what I gravitated towards and wanted to share this week. (LOL) These two outfits would certainly be appropriate for many fall climates in other parts in the country so weather aside, these were fun to put together. If I ever need something prim and proper, I will definitely reach for one of these looks in my closet. Which do you like best?

Jacket: J.Crew/thredUP, $58 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Top: J.Crew Factory, $40 (similar, similar, fair trade)
Skirt: Limited, $25 (similar, similar, plus)
Shoes: Steve Madden/Ross, $25 (similar, similar)
Purse: Aldo/Amazon, $40 (similar)
Necklace: Stella & Dot, old (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Skirt is 10 years ago. Top, purse, shoes are 4 years ago. Jacket is thrifted last year.

 

Inspiration: ModCloth

 

Jacket: J.Crew/thredUP, $58 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Top: TJ Maxx, $15 (similar, plus)
Skirt: Limited, $35 (similar, plus)
Shoes: Steve Madden/Ross, $25 (similar, similar)
Purse: Aldo/Amazon, $40 (similar)
Approx. dates: Skirt is 8 years ago. Top is 6 years ago. Shoes, purse are 4 years ago. Jacket is thrifted last year.