Today's Everyday Fashion: This Old Thing?

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More often than not, when someone compliments what I’m wearing, I find myself saying, “This old thing?! Thank you!” This sweater and skirt are from five and six years ago, respectively, and this combo (paired with RED!) is one I still love and wear today. Check out my best clothing care tips for keeping things fresh year after year, and some similar options below to add these “classics” to your closet!

Coat: J.Crew Factory, $58 (similar below)
Sweater: Old Navy, $12 (similar, similar, plus)
Skirt: boutique, old (similar, similar)
Shoes: Chinese Laundry/Ross, $23 (similar, similar)
Necklace: Stella & Dot, old (similar, similar)
Purse: Bloomingdale's, $70 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Skirt is 6 years ago. Sweater is 5 years ago. Shoes and necklace are 4 years ago. Coat is 2 years ago. Purse is recent.

 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: I Have No Shame

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Last winter I wore a beret in public and I liked it so I thought- why not up the ante this year and try a captain’s hat?! It felt a tad silly at first (this look is not quite weather appropriate in Orlando yet!), but I just rolled with it, shame-free. What’s the worse that can happen? As Iris Apfel says, “If you put something together and it doesn’t look so good, the fashion police are not going to come and take you away. And if they do, you might have a little fun in jail.” And that is precisely why, year after year, I’ll keep having fun and experimenting with clothing. Now I just have to decide whether to top this outfit with the hat or not before I wear it - which way would you go?

Coat: H&M, $80 (similar below)
Sweater: J.Crew Factory, $36 (similar)
Jeans: Levi’s c/o Amazon, $59 (same, same, same)
Shoes: J.Crew Factory, $35
Purse: Bloomingdale's, $70 (similar, similar)
Hat: H&M, $15 (similar)
Earrings: Saks Off Fifth, $13 (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Coat, earrings and sweater 2 years ago. Jeans, shoes, purse are recent.

 

Original post (left)

 

So Much Holiday Fun With J.Crew Factory

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We are proud to partner with J.Crew Factory 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.

 
 

The top three reasons to get yourself to J.Crew Factory for some holiday shopping this year:

1. Color! 2. Glitter! 3. Great prices! 

First things first, color. Because where else can you find a high-quality, colorful coat for around $100?! You can choose from red, pink, yellow, bright blue, gray, camel, black and green (the color I’m rocking). Plus sweaters and scarves in every color of the rainbow – for the entire family!

Coat

Or, bring on the glitter! These glitter moccasins and glitter flats (below) make an amazing gift, or for your next holiday soiree, the navy metallic polka dot ruffle top and mixed metal necklace I’m wearing are a perfect match. You could even throw on a blazer or cardigan, and wear that outfit to work!

Shoes / Earrings / Bracelet / Slippers
Necklace / Shoes / Necklace / Boots

And don’t forget the shoes! Perhaps my favorite find - you’ll be seeing these on the blog a lot - black block heels. They are SO comfy, and a great price at around $40. I’m also loving these soft flats that come in four colors from a recent blog post. Both pairs will easily take you from work to weekend!

Hope you love ringing in the holidays with J.Crew Factory as much as I do! Head to their site to see what coupons are available today (the scrolling banner at the top of the site) + check out more favorites below.

 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Tweed Dress Repeat

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We are bombarded with so much messaging around buying new outfits everyday that I hope it’s refreshing to see an old outfit - exact same dress, necklace and shoes - from three years ago! I certainly share lots of new clothing finds here on the blog, which is probably why it feels so good to mix in a totally old repeat from time to time. (A “palette cleanser,” if you will.) Perhaps it will be a welcome reminder that sometimes when you feel “stuck” and are looking for something exciting to wear - it can already be sitting right there in your closet!

Dress: H&M, $37 (similar below)
Boots: Vince Camuto (same, similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Bloomingdale's, $70 (similar, similar)
Necklace: Stella & Dot (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Necklace, boots are 4 years ago. Dress is 3 years ago. Purse is recent.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Joyful Winter Style

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I’ve got an inkling that this rainbow stripe scarf and hat - and all the rainbow stripe items below - will be “in style” for many years to come. Why? Because rainbow stripes are happy, and being happy is always in style!! Okay, also because Gap has been coming out with rainbow stripes for at least a decade, and they never seem to get old. Needless to say, I am very happy with my purchase. I also got the gray pajama sweater pants below - and it’s really all my color-loving heart can do to not wear them out in public to photograph them! Going to save that little slice of joy for home. 🌈

Scarf: Gap, $15
Hat: Gap, $12
Coat: J.Crew/thredUP, $30 (similar)
Sweater: J.Crew Factory, $30 (similar)
Jeans: Levi’s c/o Amazon, $59 (same, same, same)
Shoes: J.Crew Factory, $42
Earrings: Jane, $5 (similar)
Approx. dates: Sweater is 3 years ago. Coat is thrifted 2 years ago. Jeans and shoes are recent. Hat and scarf are new.

inspiration: Gap

Today's Everyday Fashion: White Jeans For Winter

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For as much as I love color, I’ve also got a major thing for “yummy neutrals!” These melt-in-your mouth shades of oatmeal, cognac and warm beige create an outfit that dreams are made of when blended together. The “match” on this sweater and jeans is so perfect, I saw them together in a store window (below) and bought both. And these shoes! I haven’t taken them off since I got them. They are so soft and comfy, and they are almost (but not quite!) pink they are such a pretty, warm shade of beige. Have I convinced you yet what a fabulous “color” combo this can be? Or would you pass on a monochrome look?

Sweater: J.Crew Factory, $45 (use code FANCY)
Jeans: J.Crew Factory, $23 (these run big, size down if you’re in between)
Shoes: J.Crew Factory, $42
Purse: Stella & Dot (similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: Jane, $10
Necklace: Jane, $13
Approx. dates: Purse is 2 years ago. Jewelry is recent. Sweater, jeans, shoes are new.

 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Second Try

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My Inspiration, on left

 

Is it just me or is the second try almost always better than the first? Looking back at many outfits over the years, the first idea I’ll have for a new item - such as these plaid pants - almost never winds up being my favorite. Let’s see if you agree - check out my first idea with these plaid pants from a couple weeks ago, below. Which one do you prefer - these pants with black or white/mustard?

Pants: Express, $40
Sweater: Kohl’s, $28 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Bandolino/TJ Maxx, $25 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Vince Camuto/Macy’s, $112 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Kendra Scott (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Shoes are 8 years ago. Purse is 4 years ago. Sweater is 2 years ago. Earrings are 1 year ago. Pants are recent.

 
 

18 Colorful Outfit Ideas For Winter

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Try as you might, your rainbow-loving heart simply does not stop yearning for color when it’s cold outside. I’m with you on that! While neutrals are certainly on repeat more often than not during the less-sunny seasons, that doesn’t mean doing away with color completely. Some winter days just won’t do without a bevy of brights, or at the very least, one strategically placed pop of color. Here are 18 outfit ideas - organized into 7 color categories - to get you started! Which outfit or color is speaking to you the most?

  1. Red

 

2. Blush Pink

3. Baby Blue

4. Burgundy

5. Yellow

6. Kelly Green

7. Hot Pink

 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Best of Both Worlds

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This sweater is the best of both worlds. It’s preppy and polished, but also comfy and easy to wear! I scored it secondhand over the summer and it has made a handful of appearances on the blog so far (round-up here). It’s now making its fall debut as an easy jeans outfit that is so perfectly “me.” (I’ve already worn it once!) Loving the Ann Taylor option below that’s a dead ringer! On sale for $60 and also comes in petite.

Cardigan: Zara/thredUP, $23 (similar)
Jeans: Nordstrom, $47
Shoes: Cole Haan c/o Amazon, $54
Purse: Bloomingdale's, $70 (similar, similar)
Scarf: H&M, $5 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: Kendra Scott (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Jeans, earrings are 1 year ago. Sweater is thrifted last year. Shoes, purse are this year.

To Anyone Spending The Holidays Alone This Year

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On any given Thanksgiving or Christmas, I find myself in the company of good people, with good food, all the trimmings and an occasional gift or two. Joshua and I have extended family that we see throughout the year. When we are without family on a holiday, we typically join a friend’s celebration.

I’m not usually by myself during the holidays, at least not in the literal sense. And yet, there are not enough people in the world to cram around a holiday table that would make me not feel - at times - completely alone.

The busyness of a full social calendar, coupled with the busyness of work and the busyness of service have kept my mind and heart at ease for many holiday seasons past. I never had much time, or interest, in reflecting on the deeper implications of a time of year designed with precisely one thing in mind: a family. A unit of people who - by birth or choice - have banded together. I am typically determined just to enjoy it, fly through it - and not think about it too much.

 
 

This will be the first holiday season that I allow myself to mourn the loss of my own family, to acknowledge the aching hole left by their absence. I had a safe, happy, somewhat charmed childhood that was ripped apart by murder, suicide, divorce, abandonment and abuse over the course of eleven years (college age up until about six years ago). The family I grew up with is gone.

There is other family now, friends, my husband’s family, extended family. People I’m so blessed to have in my life. But I will no longer attempt to convince myself that the immediate family I grew up with and spent holidays with could ever be replaced. They can’t.

I will not compare my suffering to others this year. I won’t deny my feelings about my family because “at least I had one growing up.” I won’t deny my feelings because “at least I have other friends and family to spend time with now.” I won’t deny my feelings because “at least we have food on the table.”

This year, I will sit in the dark with my hurt and let the tears roll down my cheeks and do what I should’ve done years ago - mourn. Let my heart have its ache, let my soul cry out in pain, and let myself grieve.

Because the typical advice for those who are alone or hurting during the holidays is:

  • compile a list of things you are grateful for!

  • go out and volunteer!

  • take a walk in a beautiful park!

It’s a good list and I’ll be doing all of it. But I will also be adding:

  • letting myself mourn

  • letting myself remember

  • letting myself not be totally okay

 
 

Gratitude, service and beauty are important because they pry our hearts open and keep them soft. They keep us moving, unstuck from our past, pushing forward, staying receptive to love and spreading it to others. Choosing gratitude, service and beauty means choosing the light, not staying in the dark forever.

The list I’m adding to it though, means also taking the time to acknowledge and to recognize the pain. It means instead of merely stuffing that aching hole full of other people, numbing it with gratitude and service, or distracting it with beauty, I’m committed to acknowledging it, listening to it and healing it.

Because to ignore the existence of the heartache and the family that once was here and now is not - or a family unit that was never a reality, or just the general ache of belonging that really most of us all feel from time to time - is not paying due respect, and it’s not healthy.

This holiday season, I think there is room for both - both mourning and gratitude. Both the good, happy feelings and joy-spreading of the holidays, and the painful, dynamic, family-shaped hole that is found in so many of our hearts.

Whether you’ll celebrate at home, abroad, alone, with others - or with others while feeling alone - I’m wishing you a very happy holiday season. May this be the year that you find a little healing and peace for your heart, nestled among the glittering lights and holiday cheer.

ps. I would be remiss to not recommend these three songs on YouTube if you’re in a similar season.
You can listen here, here and here.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Pink Top, 3 Ways

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This is outfit #3 with this pink top - in case you also purchased it, or have one like it in your closet! I saw a photo the other day with the prettiest pink and mustard combo and this outfit idea immediately popped into my head. I couldn’t make up my mind about which shoes, so we snapped a couple pics in both - lmk what you think! And check out the other two looks with this top so far, below. Which one is your favorite?

Top: Amazon c/o, $28
Jacket: J.Crew/thredUP, $58 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: Banana/thredUP, $19 (similar, similar, similar, plus)
Nude shoes: Cole Haan c/o Amazon, $54
Velvet shoes: ASOS, $48
Purse: Aldo/Amazon, $40 (similar)
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Approx. dates: Purse is 3 years ago. Jacket, skirt thrifted last year. Top and shoes are recent.

 

Outfit TWO / Outfit THREE

 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Cozy Cardigan, 3 Ways

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Here’s outfit idea #3 with this cardigan in case you purchased it, or have one like in your closet! Today’s look is such a comfy way to wear the leopard trend for fall - and super easy to re-create with any leopard top and ivory/white jeans you may already have. When it comes to this cardigan, it’s starting to feel like the possibilities are endless (see below) - and it’s comfy enough that I don’t mind one bit!

Cardigan: LOFT, $35 (similar, similar, similar)
Top: H&M, $15 (similar below)
Jeans: Limited, $37 (similar, similar)
Boots: Steve Madden, $59 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Stella & Dot (similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: Jane, $10
Approx. dates: Jeans are 4 years ago. Purse, top and boots are 1 year ago. Cardigan and earrings are recent.

 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Getting Creative

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Inspiration: Club Monaco email @Babba.c

 

Has this ever happened to you? You think you’ve tried every single possible combination in your closet. You are absolutely sure that there are no new outfits in there. Then all of a sudden you see it - a perfect match that’s been right under your nose the entire time! Today’s inspiration photo tipped me off to the idea of putting this skirt and top together, and I’m loving the result. It’s both polished and whimsical, and the best part - it’s proof that even when all seems futile, there can still be new combinations to uncover!

Top: Gracia/Hautelook, $43 (same brooch)
Skirt: Forever 21, $20 (similar, similar, similar, plus, similar)
Shoes: Cole Haan c/o Amazon, $54
Purse: Aldo/Amazon, $40 (similar)
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Approx. dates: Purse is 3 years ago. Top, skirt and shoes are this year.

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

Find Your Style Profile 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.

 
 

Whether your style profile is trendy, classic, colorful or feminine – Nordstrom has so many budget-friendly options for you! The four outfits in today’s post demonstrate just how much versatility there is when you shop at Nordstrom, no matter your style or budget. (Not to mention, I would consider all four to be my own style profile - I like and would wear all of them!)

Nordstrom is a one-stop, high-low, cross-category fashion and service destination for every occasion – work, weekend, special events. Did you know that they offer:  

  • BOPUS (buy online, pick up in store)

  • ROTUS (reserve online, try on in store)

  • Curbside pickup 

  • Free shipping and free returns 

  • Free alterations 

  • Free advice from style experts

  • Free rewards program 

Have you tried any of Nordstrom’s free services yet?

Which style profile(s) do you gravitate towards the most?

Dress  /  Top  /  Earrings  /  Purse  /  Dress
Dress  / Top / Sweater  /  Dress
Purse  /  Sweater  / Top /  Pumps

Today's Everyday Fashion: Bonus Weekend Post

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Posting today because I totally skipped Friday! We had two rainy days back to back that threw our photo schedule off. The floral print on this new top is SO pretty and so perfectly fall. I love how it’s a statement all on its own, it doesn’t need much else. The fit is slightly strange as many others shared in the reviews, but I got my usual size and added a safety pin to the bottom opening and it works great. Would look cute with a pencil skirt or dress pants for work, and I love it with jeans for the weekend!

Top: LOFT, $32 (also available as a dress!)
Jacket: Zara, $90 (similar below)
Jeans: Levi’s c/o Amazon, $59 (same, same, same)
Shoes: J.Crew Factory, $48 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Lauren Conrad/Kohl’s, $40
Necklace: Aster/Rocksbox, $42 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Jacket is 5 years ago. Shoes are 4 years ago. Jeans, purse are recent. Top is new.

The Well-Dressed Man 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.

 

Blazer  /  Shirt  /  Pants  /  similar belt

Blazer  /  Shirt  /  Pants  /  similar belt

Blazer  /  Shirt  /  Pants  /  similar belt

 

We’re back with round two of men’s style with Nordstrom.com, featuring my handsome husband Joshua (and me behind the camera)!

For today’s post we got fancy, dressing Joshua up in a plaid blazer, dress shirt, and dress pants. He looks so sharp! (Of course, I’m just a little biased.)

His look is entirely from the Nordstrom Men’s Shop – Nordstrom’s own brand. They offer just about every men’s clothing staple that you can think of – from cashmere sweaters and tuxedos to undershirts and pajamas. I shared some more favorites below.

With free shipping both directions (or free returns in-store to any Nordstrom) Joshua can try things on at home. We are both big fans of shopping this way for him!

Do you shop for any of the men in your life? Head on over and check out the Nordstrom Men’s Shop!

 
 

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

Today's Everyday Fashion: Sweater Inspiration

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Have I been living in Florida too long, or is it totally normal to pair a sweater with sandals? 😜 Because I definitely wore it like this. Footwear aside - I’m loving this olive-brown-navy color combo and wanted to pass it along in case you had purchased this sweater too. I think I’m liking it even more than the first idea I posted - pink and white - below!

Sweater: LOFT, $35
Tee: Limited, $23 (similar below)
Jeans: Levi’s c/o Amazon, $59 (same, same, same)
Necklace: NM Last Call, $21 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Express, $42
Bag: Jane, $30 (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Tee is 3 years ago. Bag, necklace are last summer. Sweater, shoes, jeans are recent.

 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Sassy or Sweet?

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A white dress is the ultimate blank slate - truly! A couple weeks ago I posted the “sweet” version of this white dress (above left and here), and today’s version is the “sassy.” This dress could also look great high boots in the winter, and pops of color in the spring. Which version do you prefer so far - sassy or sweet?

Dress: Express, $49 (also comes in black)
Jacket: Victoria's Secret, $257 (similar below)
Boots: Vince Camuto (same, similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Bloomingdale's, $70 (similar, similar, similar)
Necklace: Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Jacket is 7 years ago. Boots are 4 years ago. Necklace is 1 year ago. Purse and dress are recent.

 

White dresses also never go out of style!
On left - a similar outfit with the same jacket, in 2013.

 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Concert Outfit

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I’m not usually big on concerts - but I went to a Hillsong concert last week (does that count?!) and wore this dress! I was straight up craving a flow-y navy floral maxi dress with a boho vibe, and thought I’d peek at a few stores while I was running an errand at the mall. This dress was exactly what I was envisioning! The dark floral means you can wear it in three seasons - just throw on a denim jacket (I had one with me but didn’t need it) or a suede jacket and ankle boots for cooler temps!

Dress: Forever 21, $30 (similar below)
Shoes: Dolce Vita, $50 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Stella & Dot (similar, similar, similar)
Necklace: Aster/Rocksbox, $42 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Shoes are 4 years ago. Purse is 2 years ago. Necklace is last year. Dress is new.

 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Perfect Plaid Pants

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These pants are so much fun! Herringbone plaid is one of the biggest trends for fall, and I’ve been looking for a way to add this trend to my closet. It’s trendy, but it’s also a classic print that I can’t imagine going out of style anytime soon. These pants knock it out of the park for me! I already have them in three other colors (red, black and blush), so you know they are good! Would these pants also work for you?

Pants: Express, $40
Top: H&M, $10 (similar, similar)
Shoes: The Fix/Amazon, $85 (similar below)
Purse: Bloomingdale's, $70 (similar below)
Earrings: Kendra Scott (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Top is 3 years ago. Earrings are 2 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. Purse is recent. Pants are new.