Today's Everyday Fashion: Retro Polka Dots

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We shot these photos a couple weeks ago and I’m so excited to be finally posting them! I’ve been sharing my outfits via Instagram stories, so you may have seen how I wore this $12 polka dot top with sneakers recently. Bold black and white polka dots are a perennial favorite, and the retro shape of this particular top with the square neck and puff sleeves slays me. It sold out online already unfortunately, but I rounded up lots of similar options for ya below!

Top: TJ Maxx/Paperheart, $12 (similar below)
Jeans: Amazon, $49
Heels: J.Crew Factory, $35 (similar, similar, similar)
Sneakers: Adidas/Amazon, $79
Purse: Bloomingdale's, $70 (similar, similar, similar)
Sunglasses: Amazon, $10
Approx. dates: Top, jeans are new. Heels, purse, sunglasses are last year. Sneakers are 3 years ago.

ASOS (also in plus) / Zappos / ASOS (plus)
Eloquii (plus) / Shopbop / ASOS (also in plus)
ASOS / Missguided / Nordstrom Rack

 
 

Introducing Our New Business - Wall Crawl

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Joshua & I opened our new business two weeks ago! Wall Crawl is a photo studio concept in downtown Orlando - 4,500 square feet with 20+ “walls” that change seasonally. It’s an amazing place to take family photos, photos for fun, and to play, explore and tap into your creativity. These are just some of the walls - seeing them (video + pics below) might help explain why I kept saying I was so physically tired. 😜 It was a lot of painting and decorating over 3 months, but the laughs and shrieks of joy from people as they walk in the door are totally worth it. If you’ve been reading awhile, then you know how adamant I am that art and beauty matter - they are so important, the antidote to much of the pain we experience in today’s world. (This TED Talk was also a huge inspiration for us.)

There are many stories I’d love to share one day - how we came up with this idea, and why we took such a huge leap despite having no way of knowing what would be waiting for us on the other side. The many, many moments of doubt, wondering what in the world we had gotten ourselves into. The physical tiredness, and the sweetness of joy and assuredness that we were in the right place, that would catch us at the most unlikely moments, and take my breath away. I have never felt more alive - not because of the thankfulness we feel for Wall Crawl’s success so far (and we do!), but because of the spiritual journey leading up to this, that made it possible to enjoy it in such a pure way. Not needing it to be anything other than whatever it becomes, showing up fully but not being invested in any certain outcome and knowing, ultimately, that nothing I do or accomplish defines my worth. It is, simply: ridiculously, over-the-top FUN. And I’m just thankful to be along for the ride! xoxo, J.

Click to watch the video!

[ Want to see more? There’s another video here. ]

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Entire Eden & Ivy Collection is 20% Off

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Looking at the entire Eden & Ivy collection together makes my eyes well up a little. It has never really been a dream of mine to have a clothing line, but I am so thankful that Katie Martinez asked me to partner with her to create Eden & Ivy last year.

I said “yes” to the idea of creating an ethical clothing line because I trust her - she’s been running an ethical clothing company for almost a decade now! And two, I saw a need in my own closet - and the clothing industry as a whole - for affordable fair trade clothing that is not super plain and doesn’t mean sacrificing on style.

It wasn’t until the final Eden & Ivy samples arrived in my mailbox a year later, though, that I really fell in love with this collection, and with this entire idea. My chin hit the floor! They SLAYED these designs! The quality is outstanding, the fit is outstanding, the fabric (95% organic cotton) is gorgeous. As Katie told me more about the women in Nepal who made these clothes in a factory that she co-owns, and how they are survivors of sex trafficking and when taught a valuable life skill like sewing it restores their dignity and gives them hope - I was in SO DEEP. Maybe it sounds funny, but I feel connected to them just by wearing these clothes (which has basically been everyday this summer! I hardly wear anything BUT Eden & Ivy!). It’s an incredible feeling to know who made my clothes and that they were treated fairly, and it’s something I am so glad to feel more often in my closet thanks to this collaboration.

The prices are already fantastic (everything is $38-59), however, Katie is offering a 20% off coupon for one week!! You can use code J20 through August 8th on the entire Eden & Ivy collection, which you can find here.

Thank you for all your support this summer on this collection! I’ve loved seeing your pics on Instagram!
We would love to hear - which item is your favorite?

Eden & Ivy Fair Trade Bodysuits

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Ruffle bodysuit in 2 colors

 

Tank bodysuit in 2 colors

We saved the best for last because today’s bodysuits are my absolute favorite thing from the Eden & Ivy collection! It has been so fun teaming up with ethical clothing company Elegantees to design my own line. I love that Elegantees provides women survivors of sex trafficking in Nepal with fairly-compensated, skilled jobs. And these bodysuits are already on major repeat in my closet because they are really that fabulous!!

Bodysuits in general are the best invention because they stay perfectly tucked all day long. The couple of extra seconds they take to snap up are well worth all the time you get back not worrying about your stomach potentially showing all day!

The tank style is a must because it’s the perfect solution under chunky sweaters and blazers in the winter, and can be worn as a cute top on its own in the summer. The ruffle sleeve style is a must-have because the ruffle is adorable and makes the perfect companion for wide-leg pants, skirts or jeans. Both are made of organic cotton and spandex and feature three delicate yet sturdy snap closures. Get your order in quick because these will all be shipping from Nepal at the same time!

Which one is your favorite?!

Eden & Ivy Fair Trade Striped Skirt

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Eden & Ivy stripe skirt
Eden & Ivy top - coming soon!

 

Eden & Ivy stripe skirt
Eden & Ivy top - coming soon!

I’m so excited to share some new arrivals from my fair trade clothing collection, Eden & Ivy, this week on the blog! First up is this navy stripe skirt. I wear skirts in this shape a lot, and two things about this one that really stand out: it’s made of 95% organic cotton and 5% spandex so it’s super easy to wash and keep clean. And, the waistband is really comfortable - it doesn’t restrict or cut into you at all.

My top is also Eden & Ivy! It and several other tops that were made with love by women in Nepal will be posted on Friday! xoxo

Making the Most of Summer With Stitch Fix

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We are proud to partner with Stitch Fix for today’s post.

Stitch Fix palm print skirt

Stitch Fix top and skirt

Stitch Fix top and skirt

 

Oh, summer – you are so much fun! With BBQs, vacations and activities galore, there’s a lot going on. And yet, it hardly leaves any time (or desire) for shopping. So, what’s a girl to do?  

Enter Stitch Fix – an amazing personal styling service tailored to your taste, budget & lifestyle! Stitch Fix boxes come in sizes 0-24 and are curated by a Stylist specifically for you.

We are extra busy right now and Stitch Fix is literally my saving grace. This month, my 5-item “Fix” was a total win. My Stylist sent two complete outfits (top + skirt) plus an additional palm print skirt that I can reach for as I’m rushing out the door. (Plus I already can’t wait to get creative and style each individual piece more ways in the upcoming seasons!) 

Schedule your first Fix by July 6th and receive a $25 credit at this link, and spend more time enjoying your summer with Stitch Fix!

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Final Stretch

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We are in the final stretch of opening our new business and the Sunday morning we took off to attend church and snap these pictures was glorious! It’s been almost a year since we started the process, and it has been a lot. Most recently, that has meant spending every waking moment (since April 27th - but who’s counting?!) doing physical work. My body might be tired but my heart is so happy. The hard work is meaningful (I have no doubt I will look back on it with nostalgia someday!), it’s important (Rome wasn’t built in a day), and it’s enjoyable (I listen to podcasts + friends come to visit). And - most of all - it makes mornings like these extra sweet. All dressed up, wearing a new dress, enjoying the beautiful weather and time off with the hubs. I’m excited to share this awesome find with you today + wishing you many sweet moments like these! xoxo

Dress: TJ Maxx, $40 (same, similar, plus)
Shoes: Jessica Simpson, $59 (similar, similar)
Purse: Macy’s, $63 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Jane, $5 (similar)
Approx. dates: Shoes are 5 years ago. Earrings are last year. Purse is recent, dress is new.

Eden & Ivy Fair Trade Off-Shoulder Top

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So excited to share the latest new arrival from my fair trade clothing line with Elegantees! This Eden & Ivy top is made from a soft, slightly stretchy organic cotton and is made by survivors of sex trafficking in Nepal. It is truly the most comfortable off-shoulder top I’ve ever worn - it stays put and doesn’t restrict your arms at all. It comes in 3 colors - black stripe, periwinkle stripe and cerulean blue - which one is your favorite?

[Shop this top]

Top: Eden & Ivy, $46
Jeans: J.Crew Factory, $23
Shoes: JustFab, $30 (similar, similar)
Purse: H&M, $25 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Necklace: Aster/Rocksbox, $42 (similar)
Approx. dates: Jeans, shoes, jewelry is last year. Purse is recent. Top is new.

Top: Eden & Ivy, $46
Jeans: J.Crew Factory, $23
Shoes: Express, $42 (similar, similar)
Purse: Vince Camuto/Saks Off 5th, $70 (similar, similar)
Bag charm: H&M, $6 (similar)
Earrings: NM Last Call, $22 (same)
Approx. dates: Purse is 4 years ago. Jeans, shoes, earrings are last year. Top is new.

Top: Eden & Ivy, $46
Jeans: J.Crew Factory, $23
Shoes: Express, $42 (similar, similar)
Purse: Old Navy, $30
Earrings: Jane, $5 (similar)
Approx. dates: Jeans, shoes, earrings are last year. Purse is recent. Top is new.

 

Today's Everyday Fashion: I Clearly Have A Type

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I clearly have a type and that type is linen and buttons! The fun started last summer with the purchase of the linen dress below, bottom right. And this summer I added shorts (with matching shirt, top right) and today’s midi dress, which means my collection is now complete! This dress is a total steal and I highly recommend it. Just size up - it’s definitely junior’s sizing! (And ps. if you noticed my missing wedding ring, I injured my tendon and can’t get it over my knuckle at the moment. 😢)

Dress: TJ Maxx, $20
Shoes: Express, $42 (similar, similar)
Purse: H&M, $25 (similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: Jane, $5 (similar)
Approx. dates: Earrings, shoes are last year. Purse is recent. Dress is new.

 
 

Eden & Ivy Fair Trade Dress in 3 Colors

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So… I counted. And I‘ve spent 19 of the last 23 days working at our new business, getting it ready to open. And by working I mean physically working late into the evening - painting or whatever labor I can contribute. My body is beyond worn out but my heart is so, so full. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be starting this business, so grateful for the season of rest that came before this that prepared me. And so grateful for Eden & Ivy launching right now!! It’s certainly a morale boost to see something we (me + Elegantees) started working on almost a year ago come to life. All of your responses and notes have been so appreciated, too. I’ve even seen pics of you wearing the collection which is SO fun! And knowing that the women in Nepal who made these dresses are being given fair employment and that fashion is restoring lives? Whoa. Such good stuff.

On top of all of that - this dress is SO pretty and fun to wear!! I’m excited to share this latest Eden & Ivy release with you today - a beautiful, versatile dress in 3 vibrant colors!

Which color do you gravitate towards most?

[Shop this dress]

Eden & Ivy Fair Trade Tie Waist Top

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The mission of Eden & Ivy is to make fair trade more trendy and fun, which is exactly how today’s top was created for my clothing collection with Elegantees! This design makes your typical “tee” into a blouse with a peplum vibe without sacrificing any of the comfort or ease of washing. Plus these colors - blush pink and tangerine - are so dreamy! I’m loving these colorful tops for summer and hope you love them, too!

Top: Eden & Ivy, $42 (fair trade)
Jeans: J.Crew Factory, $23
Shoes: Soludos/Amazon, $55 (similar)
Earrings: Jane, $5 (similar)
Bag: Forever 21, $25 (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Shoes are 2 years ago. Earrings and jeans are last year. Top is new.

 
 

Top: Eden & Ivy, $42 (fair trade)
Jeans: J.Crew Factory, $23
Shoes: Express, $42 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Stella & Dot, old (similar below)
Purse: Stella & Dot, old (similar below)
Approx. dates: Earrings and purse are 2 years ago. Jeans and shoes are last year. Top is new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Rainbow Meets Linen

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Today’s outfit is what happens when your two favorite style things come together into one look! I’m nuts about rainbow stripes, and equally nuts about linen things with buttons. So when I saw this 2-piece set it was an instant YES. The bottoms are actually shorts (or skorts to be exact!) with an elastic waistband in the back, see second to last photo. I sized up based on the recommendations and for a looser fit and am really happy with how it turned out. And if you like this style but prefer a different shape or retailer - then check out lots of similar options I rounded up for you, below!

Top: Forever 21, $15
Skorts: Forever 21, $18
Shoes: JustFab, $30 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Jane, $29 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Jane, $5 (similar)
Approx. dates: Purse and earrings are last year. Shoes are recent. Top and skorts are new.

Eden & Ivy Fair Trade Button Top

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I’m so excited to share item #3 from my fair trade clothing line today! This beautiful organic cotton top with buttons and tie front was modeled after a favorite top that’s on repeat in my closet (no surprise, but these are already on repeat, too!). I am wearing mine tied up higher than you’ll see on the models (I unbuttoned the bottom button, then tied it). And the olive color (below) also looks great with jeans - see this post for the same olive color styled with blue denim. Let me know how your are liking this top and which color you prefer!

Top: Eden & Ivy, $49 (fair trade)
Jeans: Levi's, $37
Shoes: Express, $42 (similar, similar)
Purse: H&M, $25 (similar, similar, similar)
Necklace: Etsy, $36
Earrings: Jane, $5 (similar)
Approx. dates: Jeans are 2 years ago. Shoes and earrings are last year. Necklace and purse are recent. Top is new.

 
 

Top: Eden & Ivy, $49 (fair trade)
Pants: LOFT, $26 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: JustFab, $30 (similar, similar)
Purse: H&M, $25 (similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: Jane, $10 (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Pants are 4 years ago. Earrings are last year. Shoes and purse are recent. Top is new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: That’s Bananas

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This bananas tee and yellow necklace were too cute and quirky to pass up! For my first look with them, I loved the idea of adding a black and white print. I tried it with both a skirt (above) and pants (below) - which one do you like best? And if jeans are more your thing, you could try a polka dot cardigan or black and white sneakers to achieve the same vibe!

Tee: J.Crew Factory, $15
Necklace: J.Crew Factory, $23
Skirt: Jane, $20 (similar below)
Pants: J.Crew Factory, $24 (similar, similar)
Shoes: JCPenney, $14 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Bloomingdale's, $70 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Pants are 5 years ago. Skirt is 4 years ago. Shoes and purse are last year. Tee and necklace are new.

 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Plaid For Summer

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Inspiration: American Eagle

 

I love throwing on a plaid shirt and jeans during the fall and winter months. So when I saw this inspiration photo (above), I thought - why not capture that same casual feeling for summer?! With the smocking and off-shoulder details this top feels like a fun riff on the gingham trend. I’m all about throwing this easy outfit on all summer long!

Top: American Eagle, $22
Jeans: Express, $48
Shoes: JustFab, $30 (similar, similar)
Purse: H&M, $25 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: Jane, $10 (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Earrings are last year. Shoes, purse, jeans are recent. Top is new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Color Inspo

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I’m being super selective with purchases lately, and this skirt is not making the cut!! I wear the rainbow skirt below so much that I figured I’d wear this one a ton, too. But I don’t like how it looks with this top (too much volume), and the skirts are so similar that I can’t see ever reaching for the new over the old. How cute is this retro building in Orlando though? And hopefully this outfit provides some fun color inspo - lavender, red, yellow and chartreuse could make a super cute outfit!

Top: Rachel Roy/Macy’s, $35 (similar, plus)
Skirt: Forever 21, $25 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: JCPenney, $14 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Marc Jacobs/Saks Off Fifth, $51 (similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: Jane, $5 (similar)
Approx. dates: Purse is 4 years ago. Top is 3 years ago. Shoes, earrings are last year. Skirt is new.

 
 

Eden & Ivy T-Shirt in Four Colors

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We’re rolling out one more item from my new fair trade clothing line, Eden & Ivy, this week! It’s the most simple item in the collection - a v-neck tee that comes in 4 neutral colors. Simple tees are a must in my closet because without them, I couldn’t make my statement pieces work!

So what does this t-shirt have that others don’t? 1. The quality is outstanding! You will not find a softer, thicker, more luxurious t-shirt in this price range. 2. You get all the good vibes knowing that the women who made your shirt (survivors of sex trafficking in Nepal) were paid a fair wage - something that is unfortunately not true with so many of our clothing purchases.

If you’re in the market for a great v-neck - be sure to check out the Rose tee in all four colors!

Pink tee
Olive tee
White tee
Cool gray tee

Which color is your favorite?

Sneak Peek at My New Fair Trade Clothing Line!

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Somebody pinch me! Is this really happening?! If you’ve been reading my blog for very long then you know I’m passionate about two things:

  1. Having the time of your life with clothes on a budget (the audacity to enjoy yourself!)

  2. And ethically made clothes (because all humans deserve to be treated fairly!)

These two passions are often in direct opposition with one another, as ethically made clothing tends to be super plain (not my usual colorful style) AND super expensive! So I was beyond excited when Katie, the founder of Elegantees, asked if I would design a spring/summer clothing collection to try to fill this hole in the market. Today’s post features a top that has not just one but THREE ruffles on the sleeve, is super soft, and only $44 - PLUS it was handmade by survivors of sex-trafficking in Nepal, who were paid fair wages. Yes, I think I have died and gone to heaven, officially. You can pre-order this top now, and I’ll be sharing more styles over the next month as the collection officially launches in May! xoxo, J.

Top: Eden & Ivy, $44 (fair trade)
Jeans: Levi’s/Amazon, $59 (same, same)
Shoes: JustFab, $30 (similar, similar)
Necklace: NM Last Call, $21 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: H&M, $25 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Jeans, necklace are last year. Purse, shoes are recent. Top is new.

 

Eden & Ivy
by jeanette johnson
Author and founder of J’s Everyday Fashion takes ethical fashion into new territory. Because making responsible choices shouldn’t require style sacrifice.
THOUGHTFUL DESIGN
Designs as unique as you, with fabrics made of organic fibers or dead-stock materials.
MADE WITH DIGNITY
Providing a positive source of income that reinforces independence and a confidence that restores lives.
Sewn in Nepal with love by: Sarita

 

Top: Eden & Ivy, $44 (fair trade)
Pants: Forever 21, $30
Shoes: Express, $42 (similar, similar)
Necklace: Etsy, $36
Earrings: Jane, $5 (similar)
Purse: H&M, $25 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Shoes, earrings are last year. Pants, purse are recent. Top and necklace are new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: The New Casual Friday

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“You should buy that.” I was trying on this shirt - over my clothes, in the middle of the store - when a passerby encouraged me to buy it. And that’s exactly what I did! Because I love how much this outfit is both a work look (dress pants and a collared shirt, technically) but the shape is so on-trend. Other selling points were the fabric (100% cotton) and price (under $20). And I love having another way to wear my favorite pants of late (below)!

Top: Forever 21, $18
Pants: Macy’s, $62
Shoes: JustFab, $30 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: H&M, $25 (similar, similar, similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: Jane, $10 (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Earrings are last year. Pants, shoes, and purse are recent. Top is new.