Inspiration: J.Crew Factory

I nominate white, off shoulder tops as this summer's "it" top! Not necessarily the one I'm wearing, but any number of tops that fit this description, like the examples below. I paired mine with printed skinny pants to achieve a similar feel to the jumpsuit in my inspiration photo. I love this look and plan to wear it, my only concern is the fit of the pants in the waistband, which has to be perfect when your crop top showcases that part of your outfit. These pants tend to stretch as I'm wearing them throughout the day, and the waistband is already gaping slightly (like a lot of ladies, pants tend to fit me tighter in the hips, and looser around the waist). In this case, a longer white top like #1 below might work better. Some food for (shopping) thought!

Top: Francesca's, $17 (I used a c/o gift card from 2 years ago, plus a promo code)
Pants: Gap, $28 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Call It Spring c/o, old (similar, similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Macy's, $130 (similar)
Hat: J.Crew Factory, $17 (similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Pants and purse are 2 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. Hat is 6 months ago. Top and earrings are this summer.

Urban Outfitters /  Bloomingdale's /  Shoptiques
Shoptiques /  Shoptiques /  ASOS
Swell /  Free People /  MyHabit

We snapped these photos at the farmer's market yesterday. Turquoise and mustard will forever be a favorite color combo, so I was really excited to take home these two items (top + necklace) from H&M last week. (I can't find them online, but I did find similar options/ similar price for you guys, linked below.) It's so hot right now, I sweat straight through my shirt in a matter of minutes (photo 2, thank you Florida humidity!). This top will be perfect for fall, and I can't wait to layer it with a leather jacket or army jacket. Mustard makes a great pop of color in an otherwise neutral look!

Top: H&M, $30 (similar below)
Shorts: American Eagle, old (similar)
Shoes: Sole Society c/o, $64 (similar, similar, similar)
Hat: Varga c/o, $30 (similar, similar)
Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar, similar)
Necklace: H&M, $17 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Ring: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Shorts are 7 years ago. Purse is 3 years ago. Hat is 1 year ago. Top, necklace are new.

Under $50

H&M /  JCPenney /  Forever 21
Joe Fresh /  Forever 21 /  H&M
Forever 21 /  H&M /  Express

Inspiration: TJ Maxx

Chambray is the ultimate blank slate. It can be preppy, or you can toughen it up a bit. Like my inspiration photo, for example. They made a chambray dress feel part boho and part rocker with the addition of a long vest, leather belt, peep toe booties and a fringe purse. It gave me an idea for new way to wear my chambray dress from last year.  My version came out pretty similar, minus the fringe on the purse. I love having a new way to wear this dress!

Dress: Sugar Love Boutique c/o, $48 (old)
Vest: Forever 21, $23 (similar, similar)
Belt: Forever 21, $8 
Booties: Vince Camuto c/o HSN (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Belt and vest are 5 years ago. Purse is 2 years ago. Shoes and dress are 1 year ago. 

Aqua /  Aqua /  Lucky Brand /  Charlotte Russe
Forever 21 /  Charlotte Russe /  Gap /  LOFT

I was at the mall last week and saw this dress at Bloomingdale's (black one, 3rd row below). I am a big fan of the perforated/laser cut trend; it's so pretty and reminds me of lace. I became an even bigger fan when I found an almost identical dress at Forever 21 for only $25 though! (I can't help but love something more when I get a great deal, it makes me that much happier to wear it.) The quality of the fabric is almost identical the Bloomingdale's version, and I am all about the pretty pink color. Are you a fan of the laser cut trend?

Dress: Forever 21, $25
Shoes: ShoeDazzle c/o, $50 (similar, similar)
Purse: Sole Society, $30 (similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Cuff: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Purse is 2 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. Dress is new.

Bluefly $  /  Matches Fashion $  /  Nordstrom $  /  BCBG $
eDressMe $  /  NM Last Call /  Bluefly $  /  ASOS $
JCPenney /  Nordstrom $  /  Aqua /  Dillard's $

$ = over $100

Inspiration: Express

This look is one part 70's with the wool hat and fringe purse, and one part 90's with the floral slip dress. Mixing decades can make some pretty cool outfits. If you're head to toe in one decade it can look costume-like (not that there's a single thing wrong with that). Mixing decades does create a cool juxtaposition though. I am a big fan of this inspiration outfit and I'm excited to wear these old items from my closest in a new outfit this fall! 

Jacket: Conversation Pieces, $45
Dress: Forever 21, $18
Shoes: Dolce Vita, $50
Hat: Express, $12 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: BCBG c/o HSN (similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Jacket and hat are 3 years ago. Purse and dress are 1 year ago. Shoes are new.

Under $100

ASOS /  Free People /  Revolve /  Forever 21
Topshop /  Lucky Brand /  Shoptiques /  Express
Express /  Nordstrom Rack /  Lulu's /  BB Dakota

Inspiration: J.Crew

Maybe it's because I'm a Leo, but leopard print is totally my style. Especially when it's subtle or in small doses like accessories, and with a mohair texture (both my shoes and belt are mohair). I'm hoping to add a mohair leopard clutch to my collection this fall. In the meantime I'll be rocking this catalog inspired "look for less" with leopard flats and belt!  

Cardigan: Gap, $18 (similar, similar)
Tee: Urban Outfitters, $24
Jeans: Gap, $30 (similar, similar, similar)
Belt: Urban Outfitters, $20 (similar below)
Hat: J.Crew Factory, $17 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Steve Madden/Macy's, $59 (same)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $111
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
Cuff: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Jeans and belt are 5 years ago. Cardigan is 4 years ago. Purse and shoes are 1 year ago. Hat is 6 months ago. Tee is new.

Under $100

Ann Taylor /  Talbots /  Target /  Sefridges
J.Crew Factory /  Qupid /  Limited /  Sam Edelman
Steve Madden /  Express /  Revolve /  Ivanka Trump
Chinese Laundry /  Lulu's /   Kohl's /  Nordstrom

Inspiration: WhoWhatWear

A button front denim skirt was at the very top of my wish list for fall. I love the 70's vibe and I really wanted to do a denim on denim look. I thought it might take some hunting but I lucked out with the first one I tried. Also... new hair you guys! Five inches off and a few highlights later, it's the shortest it's been since high school. My hair is so miserably thick that wearing it long is my only option to keep it from mushrooming up (the weight of the longer hair helps pack it down). I decided to throw all caution to the wind and embrace the mushroom though in an attempt to reduce the amount of upkeep. I can't wait to experiment with more ways to wear it!

Top: Mudd c/o Kohl's, $20 (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: H&M, $30
Shoes: Dolce Vita, $50
Purse: BCBG c/o HSN (similar, similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Approx. dates: Top is 3 years ago. Purse is 1 year ago. Skirt and shoes are new.

H&M /  Urban Outfitters /  LOFT /  Mango
Urban Outfitters /  Kensie /  Urban Outfitters /  Forever 21
Lulu's /  Charlotte Russe /  Lulu's /  ModCloth

Holy smokes I love this outfit. I can see myself wearing it on repeat week after week. The hat and dress were both ordered online, which is always a toss up because you never really know until you see something in person. The hat I'm super impressed with, and while I was initially excited about the dress (the fit is perfect), after just a few minutes of trying it on (not even wearing it!) there were wrinkles all over the front of it. I like it so much, I (almost counterintuitively) think I need to return it and invest in a nicer fabric so I can wear it a hundred times. When something is a basic/classic and not a trend, it can pay off to spend more in the long run. Otherwise you keep buying it over and over again, versus it lasting through tons of washes and wears. I rounded up some options below. Let me know if you've tried any fabrics or brands that you would recommend!

Dress: H&M, $10
Slip: H&M, $6
Belt: Gap, $10
Hat: H&M, $30
Shoes: Dolce Vita, $50
Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar, similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Cuff: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Belt is 5 years ago. Purse is 3 years ago. Shoes are recent. Hat and dress are new.

BCBG /  Rachel Roy /  Jones New York /  Lulu's
Nordstrom /  Mango /  Shoptiques /  ASOS
J.Crew /  ASOS /  Bloomingdale's /  Banana

Cobalt blue just won't quit. For several years this color has been a huge trend, especially in the fall and winter months. My necklace also came with blue feathers (I wore it with black feathers in this post) so I paired it with an old cobalt pencil skirt from my closet. This necklace is inspiring me to add even more cobalt to my closet - perhaps a pair of shoes? I did some window shopping; check out my under $100 finds below!

Top: LOFT, $27 (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: Limited, $25 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Charles David c/o DNA Footwear
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot 
Cuff: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Skirt and top are 3 years ago. Purse is 2 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. Necklace is recent.

Under $100

Candies /  Lands' End /  Jessica Simpson
Jessica Simpson /  ASOS /  Jessica Smpson
Nordstrom /  MissGuided /  Alloy

This is an outfit I wore for a road trip recently! Although I was initially unsure about this top (I fell in love with it online, but when it arrived it was a lot shorter than I imagined), I threw these items together on a whim as we were leaving and I absolutely loved wearing it. The shorts balance out the top with their loose, boyfriend fit and the jacket made it even more comfortable to wear (especially in the chilly/rainy weather). I have a feeling I'll be adding high rise jeans to my closet this fall so that will completely close the "crop top" gap and give me another way to wear it. Have you taken the plunge with crop tops yet or is this a trend you pass on?

Top: H&M, $25
Jacket: Conversation Pieces, $45 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Shorts: American Eagle, $18 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Chinese Laundry/Saks Off Fifth, $40 (similar, similar)
Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Purse and jacket are 3 years ago. Shorts are 1 year ago. Top and shoes are recent.

Guess /  Forever 21 /  MyHabit
Milly /  Missguided /  ASOS
Topshop /  Missguided /  Bloomingdale's

Fall is right around the corner and that can only mean one thing…. BOOTS! It’s time to start taking inventory of the boots in our closet, as well as shopping for new ones. Today I’m featuring two pairs of boots by Børn, a brand that produces gorgeous, handcrafted shoes with high-quality materials such as genuine leather. They focus on comfort, using seven layers of technology to provide your foot with unequivocal comfort. 

The first pair of boots (pictured above) is the McMillan style in dark tan. This rich caramel brown color is one of my favorites for shoes because it goes with absolutely everything. I would also pair these boots with ivory jeans and navy stripes, black jeans and a mustard sweater, or blue gingham and an olive jacket. I can’t wait to wear today’s look for airport travel or holiday shopping this winter!

The second pair (pictured below) is the Pirlo style in mushroom. These booties feel a little bit rock and roll to me so I styled them with a concert tee and a leather jacket. My jacket and purse are both black, while my boots are not (see last photo). This “mushroom” color will also work with both black and brown outfits, and boots this height are perfect for festivals, worn with a sundress and a hat, or denim shorts. And of course, both pairs of Børn boots are super comfy!!

Check out even more Børn fall boots to love! 

Today’s post is brought to you by Børn Footwear. All opinions, editorial decisions and images are solely my own and presented without prejudice. Thanks for reading!

SPLURGE  /   STEAL

SPLURGE  /   STEAL

You guys might recognize the white dress from this post - where I considered buying it for our wedding rehearsal dinner! I didn't wind up getting the "splurge" version because of cost, but if the "steal" version had been available at the time I would've snapped it up right away! 

Both of these dresses were borrowed from E's Closet for this post, and I earn a commission on these dresses (I don't usually do commission outside of Stella & Dot). I'm wearing a Size S (the samples they used for their photo shoot) but I felt like both were a little too small on me, so I would size up to a M. I haven't seen the purple "splurge" dress in person, but I can compare the white. The material is not exactly the same (it's a softer, more subtle lace in the "steal" version), but the design is beautiful and it definitely looks like it cost way more than $50! I'm thinking about wearing it for an upcoming event, depending on how the M fits. 

Which dress do you like more?

Inspiration: J.Crew Factory

I saw this catalog photo online and it inspired me to put together a similar outfit! I have two gingham shirts in my closet already, but I don't have anything this shade of green so I bought the shorts. It's late in the summer to be buying shorts, but that's also the best time to get a great deal (near the end of the season, when stores switch over to fall), and here in Florida we have months of warm weather left before it gets chilly. I really like this particular shade of green and this outfit is great for errands or for our upcoming trip to Colorado! 

Top: Gap, $30 (similar, similar)
Shorts: J.Crew Factory, $23
Belt: Limited, $15 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Franco Sarto c/o DSW, $49
Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar, similar)
Hat: Francesca's, $10 (similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Purse and shirt are 3 years ago. Hat is 1 year ago. Belt and shoes are recent. Shorts are new.

I wore this outfit last week for a TV segment. I landed on this combination because a yellow dress I ordered fell through. (Check out some more shopping options I found below - I'm still looking for the perfect yellow dress!) In lieu of the dress I went with a yellow shirt and the cobalt necklace I had planned to wear, then added windowpane pants. I love the bright and quirky end result! Would you wear today's outfit?

Top: LOFT, $25 (similar, similar, similar)
Pants: J.Crew Factory, $24 (similar, similar, skirt)
Shoes: Charles David c/o DNA Footwear
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot (another option)
Approx. dates: Top and purse is 2 years ago. Shoes and pants are 1 year ago. 

Dillard's /  Betsey Johnson /  Lulu's /  Amazon
Anne Klein /  JCPenney /  ASOS /  Lulu's
H&M /  Jessica Simpson /  Eliza J /  Shoptiques

Inspiration: Fame FLynEt

I can't believe how good this $33 skirt is! I have several inspiration outfit ideas with suede skirts saved for fall so I've been on the hunt for one. I tried on the Express version below but it wasn't quite the color I wanted, so I ordered this one online. It's such great quality in person I'm still pinching myself! The shirt though? Not so sure about it. I felt like it was very 70's but JJ says it reminds him of something "medieval" which completely cracked me up and may have some truth to it. Thankfully even without the black shirt, I've got some options already in my closet that should work with my new suede skirt!

Top: Charlotte Russe, $10
Skirt: Charlotte Russe, $33
Shoes: ShoeMint, $75 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Urban Outfitters, $30 (similar)
Necklace: Francesca's, $10 (similar, similar)
Ring: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Purse is 5 years ago. Shoes are 2 years ago. Top and skirt are new.

JCPenney /  Urban Outfitters /  ASOS
Express /  ModCloth /  Nordstrom Rack
Lulu's /  Ralph Lauren /  H&M
MissGuided /  Aqua /  Dillard's

Inspiration: TJ Maxx

My sweet spot with neutrals definitely lies with the "in betweens" like ivory, olive, cognac and navy. They tend to look better with my coloring, and I I love how they look together! Today's inspiration photo sparked an idea to pair my navy fringe necklace with an olive tee. The end result is all my favorite neutrals in one outfit and definitely something I'll be wearing this fall!

Jacket: Zara, $90 (similar below)
Tee: Limited, $23 (similar, similar)
Jeans: Limited, $37 (similar, similar)
Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar, similar)
Heels: Nine West c/o, $62 (similar, similar)
Flats: J.Crew Factory, $48 (similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Heels and purse are 3 years ago. Jacket and jeans are 2 years ago. Flats are 6 months ago. Tee and necklace are recent.

Under $150

Talbots  /  Michael Kors /  Express
Topshop /  Lord & Taylor  /  Tommy Hilfiger /  Forever 21
Juicy Couture /  Talbots /  Johnston & Murphy

I'm not sure if this skirt counts as a true maxi since it's slightly sheer and only lined to a mini skirt length. I love this print though, and I really wanted to style it with a boho vibe for fall. There aren't many occasions for close toe boots here in Florida, but I wanted something more cold weather than sandals, so peep toe boots are the perfect solution in this outfit. I currently have two pairs (brown and black) in my closet and they have been staples for me over the past year. I rounded up some more under $150 below - are you a fan of this style of shoe?

Sweater: Spiegel c/o, old (similar, similar)
Skirt: A Boutique c/o, $32
Hat: Varga c/o, $30 (similar, similar)
Purse: Vince Camuto/Macy's, $112 (same, similar)
Shoes: Chinese Laundry c/o DNA Footwear, $50 (same)
Approx. dates: Sweater is 2 years ago. Hat, shoes and purse are 1 year ago. Skirt is new.

Under $150

Forever 21 /  Lucky Brand /  Dillard's /  Rampage
Steve Madden /  Kenneth Cole /  Michael Antonio /  Vince Camuto
H&M /  Dolce Vita /  Shoptiques /  Lulu's

I am completely undecided about this shirt. On one hand, I love everything black and white right now, and I've always been a fan of bow blouses. On the other hand, it feels a bit like something I'd dress a little girl in, and it possibly has a sailor theme going on? (ps. If I have a little girl someday I will be dressing us in matching outfits. I am not above putting a black bow on a onesie so we can match.) How do you vote - two thumbs up, or too much like a costume?

Top: J.Crew Factory, $20
Shorts: J.Crew Factory, $31 (similar, similar)
Sandals: Call It Spring c/o, $40 (similar, similar)
Clutch: My Stella & Dot, $59
Pants: J.Crew Factory, $24 (similar, similar, skirt)
Skirt: Bloomingdale's c/o, $68
Heels: Charles David c/o DNA Footwear
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Approx. dates: Purse is 3 years ago. Pants, shorts, heels and sandals are 1 year ago. Skirt and clutch are recent. Shirt is new.

Nordstrom /  Vince Camuto /  H&M
Express /  Nordstrom /  ASOS /  Forever 21
ASOS /  Forever 21 /  Forever 21

Summer... I just can't quit you. I like other seasons: during fall I'm having fun reminiscing about summer, during winter I'm craving summer and then spring is a lovely prelude to summer. This summer was particularly good. We had way too much fun hosting more pool parties than I can count, a couple trips to the beach, and enjoyed the backyard. For our "fiesta" themed pool party last weekend, we made pina coladas and a taco bar, and JJ brought me the cutest surprise - two tiny pineapples he found in our yard! (We used them for decor and haven't attempted to eat them yet, although we did have some home grown strawberry guava.) 

Another great memory from this summer was our mini-vacay to St. Pete two weekends ago. Check out our photos below (some were previously posted on Instagram and others are new). I'll be relishing these last few weeks of summer and I'm already looking forward to next year! 

Kate Spade /  Kate Spade /  Tory Burch /  LeSportsac  /  Shoptiques 
Revolve /  Romwe /  Catherine Malandrino /  Romwe
JCPenney /  Terrain /  ModCloth /  Forever 21
Gianni Bini /  Society6 /  ModCloth /  Kohl's

Via Instagram

Via Instagram

Via Instagram

Inspiration: Express

There are two things I love about my inspiration photo: the simplicity of black jeans with a black top, and black paired with cognac brown. I did both in my own copycat outfit, although the addition of the turquoise necklace may have un-simplified it a bit (an easy fix if you prefer the subdued version). During the day I'd switch out the clutch to a cross body in the same color. Overall this is such an easy outfit idea that I'll be keeping in my arsenal anytime I need to throw something on and go!

Tee: Lamixx c/o, $20 (similar, similar)
Jeans: American Eagle, $37 (similar below)
Shoes: Dolce Vita, $50
Clutch: Limited, $23 (similar, similar, similar)
Necklace: H&M, $17 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Ring: My Stella & Dot, $39
Approx. dates: Tee and clutch are 3 years ago. Jeans are 1 year ago. Shoes and necklace are recent.

Target /  LOFT /  Express /  Blank /  Gap
Rachel Roy /  Asos Petite /  American Eagle /  Free People /  Express