Inspiration: Express

Several of my posts lately have had a similar theme - new items, trends or styles that I'm testing the waters with and unsure of. Which might seem a little silly, right? If you're unsure about it, it should go right back on the rack? That can certainly be the right answer at times, but for me, my absolute favorite purchases and outfits are often the ones that I feel the most uneasy about. I think it's because my goal for dressing is often to push the envelope and be right outside my comfort zone. Last week I thought an outfit might be too "medieval," another shirt was a "sailor costume" and today I look straight out of a 70's party! I ride the "undecided" line a lot, but that's what (to me) makes getting dressed the most fun!

Would you wear today's outfit, or does it venture too far into costume territory for you?

Top: J.Crew Factory, $23
Skirt: Charlotte Russe, $33 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Hat: Express, $12 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: ShoeMint, $75 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Purse and hat are 3 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. Top is 6 months ago. Skirt and earrings are recent.

JCPenney /  Anne Klein /  Bloomingdale's /  H&M
ASOS /  Liz Claiborne /  Express
Ellen Tracy /  Forever 21 /  Bloomingdale's

Black Dress /  Reversible Scarf  /  Initial Clutch

“Cute as a button!” is the first phrase that comes to my mind when describing Mud Pie. You may already recognize Mud Pie as a brand you’ve shopped via their own website, as well as more than 16,000 boutiques across the country. They make some of the most adorable baby clothes, gifts and home décor you’ve ever seen, as well as the focus of today’s post – women’s clothes!

Prior to this post I was a fan of Mud Pie’s home décor (I discovered it through Bed Bath and Beyond) but I had never tried their clothes! I had so much fun choosing and then styling some items from Mud Pie’s fall line so I could share my honest review. Overall, I found Mud Pie clothes to be great quality, a generous not juniors fit, and to have so much adorable southern charm (plaid, monograms, and game day colors, oh my!). Everything is under $100, plus use coupon code EVERYDAY to receive 20% off until November 1!

The outfit above:
Who doesn’t need a great LBD in their closet? This one has a slightly silky, neoprene material and a loose sheath fit. It’s a great foundation for Mud Pie’s reversible scarf. The other side is blue and green plaid (my personal favorite) and it’s super thick so it will keep you toasty warm when temperatures drop. And how cute is this initial clutch?! It’s available in all letters of the alphabet and would make such a great gift.

Plaid shirt dress

This outfit is my favorite of the bunch! This blue and green plaid dress has a comfortable fit, a self-tie around the waist and little gold buttons up the front. Paired with my own navy jacket and cognac boots, this is one preppy outfit that I would wear on repeat all season long! 

Tunic top

This soft, stretchy top is a tunic length. I’m wearing it half-tucked as a shirt, but it would also work with leggings and boots or flats. The orange print is so vibrant and flattering, and I love these colors for fans to wear on game day!

Embroidered Dress

Embroidered Dress

Mud Pie has several dresses and tunics in their fall collection that feature this gorgeous embroidery design around the neck (here, here, and here). I chose a red dress and paired it with black tights and boots for a holiday party, Christmas Eve service or a family dinner. It’s so festive and bright for the holidays, it’s making me crave hot chocolate already!

Wrap Dress /  Initial Clutch

This faux wrap dress could not be more comfortable! I love the soft material and the bold black and white print for fall. I also layered this dress with a black blazer and a trench coat from my closet, and the striking print looked so great layered underneath. Perfect for work, and for going out to dinner afterwards!

Initial Pajamas

Don’t mind me, I’m just lounging in my initial pajamas from Mud Pie! These soft, medium weight pajamas are perfect for opening gifts on Christmas Day or lounging around the house. My cutie pie dog, Bella, agrees!

Have you ever shopped Mud Pie? Which Mud Pie outfit is your favorite?

Today’s post is brought to you by Mud Pie. All clothing selections, opinions, and editorial decisions are my own and are presented without prejudice. 

Inspiration: Fashionvibe via WhoWhatWear

I'm on the hunt for more ways to wear this skirt, and this inspiration photo caught my eye! She is technically rocking shorts, but I loved the idea of pairing my new(ish) denim skirt with an old favorite, a cognac leather jacket. I added a dark fringe pendant, and a black purse inspired by the photo, which was a nice mix with all the brown leather already in my outfit. I can't wait for it to be cool enough to wear this leather jacket again, but in the meantime I'll wear it with just the white tee and a fringe bag (last photo)! 

Jacket: Banana Republic, $150 (similar below)
Tee: Gap, $10 (similar, similar)
Skirt: H&M, $30
Belt: H&M, $18 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Dolce Vita, $50
Black purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Fringe clutch: BCBG c/o HSN (similar, similar)
Short necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Long necklace: Old necklace with fringe from this necklace attached
Approx. dates: Jacket is 5 years ago. Belt, black purse, and tee are 3 years ago. Fringe clutch is 1 year ago. Shoes and skirt are recent.

In order of price $25 - $300
Forever 21 /  JCPenney /  JCPenney /  Limited
Lord & Taylor /  Dillard's /  Guess /  Mango
Halogen /  ASOS /  Cole Haan /  Marc New York

Inspiration: Nicolette Mason via Popsugar

Cobalt leather jacket: please get in my closet! I've been contemplating buying one for a couple years now, I just need to find the right jacket at the right price. (For now I'm enjoying this outfit combo by using an old cobalt blazer, black top and houndstooth skirt to get a similar look!) The leather jackets I do have were big investments, one is black and one is brown, purchased 3-5 years ago for $150-$250. They are classics I'll love forever, but cobalt feels more trendy, so I prefer not to spend more than $100. The New York & Co. option below looks like a good lead. Please let me know if you've tried or shopped any other options!

Blazer: Forever 21, $30 (similar below)
Tee: Lamixx c/o, $20 (similar, similar)
Skirt: Limited, $35 (similar, similar, pants)
Shoes: Charles David c/o DNA Footwear
Clutch: My Stella & Dot
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Approx. dates: Skirt, blazer and tee are 2 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. Clutch is recent.

New York & Co /  Cynthia Rowley /  Macy's  /  Kendra Scott
Kohl's /  Macy's /  Kendra Scott /  Bluefly
Banana Republic /  Botkier /  Tahari /  Jessica Simpson

Plaid Skirt

Plaid Skirt

Floral Skirt

Plaid Skirt /  Purse

Floral Skirt /  Purse

Floral Skirt /  Purse

I’m talking fall fashion with HSN today! I picked out three items from their Fall Fashion Collection, The Fashion Edit (which includes brands like Jessica Simpson, IMAN, Vince Camuto and June Ambrose) to style and review.

First up is a G by Guiliana green plaid pencil skirt. It’s made out of a nice, thick wool-like material that’s the perfect mix of structured and stretchy. G by Guiliana also offers a plaid shirt and plaid pants in this same print, and they come in three colors - green, maroon and white - with both regular and plus size, so there are lots of choices. I can’t get enough plaid for fall and I experimented with two ways to wear this skirt so far: with a black lace top and sequin clutch for a holiday event, and with a graphic sweater and cognac shoes for a a preppy fall look.

The second skirt I chose is a June Ambrose floral tube skirt, in a soft, stretchy neoprene-like material. I love dark florals for fall and winter and this print also comes in a sheath dress. I styled my skirt two ways: with a chambray top and black peep toe booties for fall, and with a pink sleeveless top to wear now. You may also recognize two HSN favorites in these outfits - both the fringe clutch and peep toe booties are from HSN last year!

Last but not least, I chose a maroon Danielle Nicole crossbody purse. This color is so hot for fall and I have nothing in my closet like it. I love the python accent and the interesting shape, and it’s super affordable at $69. (All three items in today’s post are under $80!)

Check out some more of my HSN favorites below. Which outfit in today’s post is your favorite? 

Iman /  Iman /  June Ambrose /  Jessica Simpson
Charles David /  G by Guiliana /  Vince Camuto /  June Ambrose
G by Guiliana /  Danielle Nicole /  Melissa McCarthy /  Vince Camuto

Today’s post is brought to you by HSN. All images, editorial decisions and opinions are solely my own and presented without prejudice.

Inspiration: Camille Over the Rainbow via WhoWhatWear

This holiday weekend could not come at a better time because I've been running myself ragged lately! I looked at my calendar on Friday and realized I hadn't taken a day off in 11 days. On Thursday I took a trip to Tampa to shoot 4 TV segments, had a meeting, and when I got home 11 hours later, I still had to write my blog post for the next day... it's been that kind of week. I will work way too much if I let myself, but this outfit perfectly reflects my state of mind this holiday weekend: relaxed and totally laid back. My outfit wound up looking nothing like my inspiration photo (her scarf inspired my cardigan, and her sneakers inspired my sneakers) but I included it anyway, because I thought you might enjoy getting some Labor Day inspiration from her outfit too. I hope you have a great holiday weekend!

Cardigan: H&M, $25
Tee: Maison Jules/Macy's, $11
Shorts: American Eagle, $18 (similar, similar)
Belt: H&M, $20 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Sperry/Macy's, $45
Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar, similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Approx. dates: Belt is 8 years ago. Cardigan is 4 years ago. Purse is 3 years ago. Shorts, tee and shoes are 1 year ago.

Express /  H&M /  Maison Jules
Shoptiques /  Dillard's /  DKNY
H&M /  Macy's /  J.Crew

This is everything I bought with my clothing budget, since my last budget post on May 5th! That was almost exactly 4 months ago, so I averaged 5.25 items and $154 per month. A good majority of the items in my last budget post were from J.Crew Factory. I branched out a bit more this time, trying out several trendy stores I don't shop at as much - Urban Outfitters, ASOS and Boohoo - as well as returning to old favorites Banana Republic, Limited and H&M.  

ROW 1
1. H&M top, $25
2. H&M skirt, $30
3. Dolce Vita shoes, $50
4. H&M necklace, $18 (similar)
5. H&M top, $30 (similar, similar)

ROW 2
6. Banana tank, $12
7. Banana skirt, $35
8. UO tee, $24
9. H&M hat, $30
10. J.Crew Factory shorts, $23
11. Limited tee, $23
12. Limited belt, $15 (similar, similar)
13. Limited shorts, $19

ROW 3
14. Marshall's dress, $20 (similar, similar)
15. J.Crew Factory sweater, $35
16. Forever 21 dress, $25 (similar)
17. ASOS top, $57 

ROW 4
18. H&M Skirt, $50
19. Boohoo cover up, $26
20. J.Crew Factory shorts, $30
21. H&M romper, $40

My clothing budget is $250 per month, but I've been conservative and saving up this summer so I can buy some pricier items for fall like a handbag and jeans. (I treat my budget like an allowance and at the start of each month I deposit $250 into an "account" and then spend as I go. See the graph below for details on this year so far.)

My budget posts do not include Stella & Dot items (I'm a 1099 with that company and earn products and discounts), as well as any free items I get from working in the fashion industry. The items in this post are solely things that I purchase, that fall into the "clothing" category of my budget. The idea isn't necessarily to show or recommend what you should buy or not buy (that really depends on your job, climate, and lifestyle) but rather just sharing my love for setting and sticking to a clothing budget. I've had the same budget since 2007 and it helps so much with purchasing decisions, as well as not feeling guilty for spending money on clothes. For more details on why and how to set one, see "How to Set a Clothing Budget." 

Do you have a clothing budget? Why or why not?

Inspiration: WhoWhatWear

Wearing your jacket draped over your shoulders... it's a thing now. Or at least, it's a thing for the runway, and people who attend runway shows ("street style"). So, are we doing this yet? Like in the suburbs? Because the couple of times I've tried it (on), I have really liked it. It feels practical for Florida because it's often too hot to do much layering, and it's surprisingly comfortable. I am definitely tempted to wear it this way in real life. Anyone tried it yet?

Jacket: HSN c/o (similar, similar, similar)
Tee: Forever 21, $16 (similar below)
Skirt: Vince Camuto c/o, $49 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes:  Charles David c/o DNA Footwear, $99
Purse: Sole Society, $30 (similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Tee and purse are 2 years ago. Shoes, jacket and skirt are 1 year ago.

Ralph Lauren /  Forever 21 /  Ralph Lauren /  Forever 21
Forever 21 /  Forever 21 /  Forever 21 /  Forever 21
Forever 21 /  Urban Outfitters /  Urban Outfitters /  Forever 21

Inspiration: WhoWhatWear

I tend to pigeon hole my clothes at times. Like these t-strap pumps are my party shoes for the holidays, and this plaid shirt is for casual weekends with jeans... I can't imagine ever wearing them together. That's one reason why I love using photos to inspire outfits - it can break down those preconceived ideas and give me new ways to both things. I really didn't think they would work together but once I had this outfit on, I liked it! 

Top: Limited, $25 (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: Limited, $25 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Forever 21, $37 (similar below)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Skirt is 8 years ago. Shoes, purse and top are 2 years ago. 

Calvin Klein /  Jessica Simpson /  Nordstrom /  Isaac Mizrahi
Nordstrom /  Saks Fifth Avenue /  Nine West /  Nordstrom
Vince Camuto /  Charlotte Russe /  Charlotte Russe /  Qupid

INSPIRATION: ARIA ISADORA VIA WHOWHATWEAR

Olivia can do no wrong. I'm crushing hard on her outfit, so I used a coral blazer and ivory jeans to get a similar look. (Right down to switching her yellow purse for yellow shoes, and including a fringe clutch!) My outfit is brighter and perfect for those days where the temperature starts to drop but it's sunny and you're not quite ready to let go of summer. And Olivia's pumpkin tones are oh-so-perfect for fall. Which colors do you prefer?

Blazer: Banana Republic, $69
Top: TJ Maxx, $13 (similar, similar)
Jeans: Limited, $37 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Bandolino/TJ Maxx, $22 (similar, similar)
Purse: BCBG c/o HSN (similar, similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Approx. dates: Shoes are 5 years ago. Blazer and jeans are 2 years ago. Top and clutch are one year ago.

Dillard's /  Rachel Roy /  River Island
Calvin Klein /  Lord & Taylor /  BB Dakota
ChicNova /  Original Penguin /  Ralph Lauren
 

Inspiration: H&M

My Saturday post is up a little late today! Between working all day and celebrating at our friends wedding last night, I unfortunately ran out of time to get this post scheduled. I am so excited to share today's outfit though. I saved this inspiration photo and couldn't get it out of my head. Since it's H&M and I could afford the actual items pictured I decided to order them online. Turtlenecks and ponchos are both big trends for fall, and I love how this outfit turned out! So cozy and stylish at the same time. I also ordered the top left poncho from LOFT (below), and I want to try belting both ponchos like my inspiration photo. Are ponchos and turtlenecks trends you plan to try this year?

Poncho: H&M, $25
Turtleneck: H&M, $10
Hat: H&M, $30
Jeans: Express, $30
Belt: H&M, $20 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Chinese Laundry c/o, $50 (same, similar, similar)
Purse: Ross c/o, $22
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Belt is 3 years ago. Shoes, jeans are 1 year ago. Cardigan, turtleneck, purse and hat are recent.

LOFT /  Dynamite  /  Urban Outfitters /  Express
H&M /  Forever 21 /  American Eagle /  Nasty Gal
Dynamite /  Urban Outfitters /  LOFT /  Nordstrom

INSPIRATION: BODEN

Plaid skirts will always have a bit of a "Catholic schoolgirl" connotation for me, which is why I love this inspiration photo so much. Her leather jacket adds the perfect amount of edge to the skirt, and I couldn't wait to try it. The first time I wore my plaid skirt several years ago, I went total prep with it (here). By pairing it this time with peep toe booties, a one-shoulder tee and a leather jacket, though, it gives it a whole new look with the same skirt!

Jacket: Victoria's Secret, $257 (similar, similar, similar)
Tee: Winnie & Kat c/o, $49 (similar, similar)
Skirt: Boden c/o (similar below)
Shoes: Vince Camuto c/o HSN (similar, similar, similar)
Clutch: Sole Society, $30 (similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Skirt and jacket are 3 years ago. Clutch is 2 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. Tee is recent.

Tommy Hilfiger /  Gap /  Sierra Trading /  BB Dakota
Gap /  Express /  Forever 21 /  Karen Kane
ModCloth /  Lands' End /  Urban Outfitters /  ModCloth

Inspiration: Song of Style via WhoWhatWear

Last week I talked about this trend that's been popping up everywhere lately - draping your jacket or blazer over your shoulders. I gave it two thumbs up with my motorcycle jacket last week (here), but this pink blazer didn't fare so well. It looks cute from the front, but from the back... just... no. It's a bit of an optical illusion, as if my arms are through the arm holes, and I've got a big lump on my back!

So I'll just wear this look the regular way, with my arms safely inside my jacket. I will take any excuse to wear this pink tweed blazer and I love the idea of pairing it with lighter neutrals to make it more seasonally appropriate for fall and spring! 

Blazer: Banana Republic, $17 (similar below)
Top: C. Wonder, $37 (similar, similar)
Skirt: Banana Republic, $35 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Jessica Simpson c/o Nordstrom, $59 (same)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Approx. dates: Skirt is 5 years ago. Purse is 3 years ago. Blazer, shoes and top are 1 year ago.

MyHabit /  Shoptiques /  H&M
Eloquii /  Lord & Taylor /  Talbots
Dorothy Perkins /  J.Crew /  Kohl's

This outfit gives me deja vu. I know I've worn it before, or at least something super similar, but I can't confirm when or where. It's just... familiar! I am addicted to field jackets and everything plaid for fall this year, so an outfit that combines both makes total sense. And by pairing it with ivory jeans, it's an easy transition from summer to fall! 

Jacket: Gap, $52 (similar, similar, similar)
Shirt: Forever 21, $20 (similar below)
Jeans: Limited, $37 (similar, similar)
Flats: J.Crew Factory, $48 (similar, similar)
Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar, similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Approx. dates: Jeans, jacket, shirt and purse are 3 years ago. Flats are 1 year ago.

JCPenney /  Forever 21 /  Forever 21
Forever 21 /  Old Navy /  J.Crew
Alloy /  Macy's /  Forever 21

Ross dress, $8.99
Ross purse, $21.99

I went to Ross last week to look for fall dresses and this gray shift immediately caught my eye. The neutral, heathered color and comfy fit make it something I will wear on repeat, and get this, it was only $8.99!! I wore it as pictured to run errands the very next day, and I also plan to wear it this fall with an army jacket and boots. I picked up the cognac purse during the same trip. When it comes to full size purses, I prefer genuine leather and like to spend a couple hundred bucks on a nice handbag. This is the best faux leather bag I’ve seen though, especially for $22! I’ve already been wearing it on the blog lately, and I have a feeling it will be my go-to this fall.

I hit up three Ross locations on this shopping trip (they are all on the same road, on the way home from other errands). I only had about an hour for all 3 locations so I was in a bit of a rush and could only try on a handful of things. At the last store, on the last rack… I spotted the beautiful dress in the pictures below. This is a brand name, department store dress that was originally $148, and Ross had it for only $49!! It has a structured hem giving it a great full shape and the material is gorgeous in person. It would be perfect for a wedding or another fancy occasion.

For more fall inspiration and to find a location near you, check out Ross here.

Which dress do you like better? 

Ross dress, $49.99

Today's post is brought to you by Ross. All opinions and editorial decisions are my own and presented without prejudice. 

Inspiration: Shop Bazaar

My first attempt at the tie-front blouse trend resulted in something slightly resembling a sailor costume (a couple weeks ago, here). And now today's attempt is a little Colonel Sanders. I will take the fried chicken, because I like today's version better! I am really liking this skinny tie-front blouse and can see myself wearing it a lot this season.

My first outfit (above) is inspired by a magazine spread. I love the sophistication the skinny tie adds to a navy boucle jacket and black trousers. And my second look (below) is a fun (and much cheaper) take on Gwen Stefani's outfit. I don't know if I will ever wind up wearing it as pictured, but I do like the overall idea and Gwen looks great in it. (I swear she can pull off anything!) Which outfit do you like better?

Top: H&M, $29 (similar, similar, similar)
Pants: Ann Taylor, $18 (similar, similar)
Jacket: Zara, $90 (similar, similar, similar) 
Shoes: Charles David c/o DNA Footwear 
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Approx. dates: Jacket and purse are 3 years ago. Pants and shoes are 1 year ago. Top is new.

Inspiration: INSTYLE

Top: H&M, $29 (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: Target, $18 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Forever 21, $37 (similar, similar)
Purse: Urban Outfitters, $30 (similar)
Approx. dates: Purse is 5 years ago. Shoes are 2 years ago. Skirt is 1 year ago. Top is new.

This week JJ and I flew to Colorado for a road trip with the 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum team. We met up with 25 other drivers to complete one leg of a larger journey that starts in Canada and ends in New Mexico over the course of 6 weeks. Our leg of the trip started in Grand Junction, CO and ended in Durango, CO. Ford armed us with a map of 25 potential stops and a cooler stocked with snacks, and sent us off on our own to explore. Ten hours later, JJ and I arrived in Durango, exhausted but exhilarated from the beauty we encountered and the amazing memories we had captured on camera. It's a road trip that has unspeakable beauty as you'll see in our photos. (I highly recommend driving it if you ever get the chance!) 

And how did the Explorer do? Well, if you're in the market for a new SUV, then I would highly recommend that too. Based on what other companies are charging for the same thing... it's a no brainer. Explorer Platinum (aka "the look for less") comes standard with everything from a massage feature in the front seats (!), a heated steering wheel, a dual-panel moonroof, lane assist, hands free lift gate, electric folding third row, rear backup camera, keyless start, flawless Sony sound system (watch/listen to me jamming on our road trip here), and next level design elements like leather wrapped everything and real wood trim. (I was not planning to include all that info but I am really drinking the Koolaide - it was a great vehicle!!)

And now get ready for Colorado to take your breath away...

Jacket: Conversation PIeces c/o, $45 (similar, similar, similar)
Scarf: H&M, $13
Sweater: J.Crew Factory, $31
Tee: Urban Outfitters, $24
Jeans: American Eagle, $33 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Sperry/Macy's, $45
Approx. dates: Jeans are 5 years ago. Jacket is 3 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. Sweater, tee and scarf are recent.

Our first top: Colorado National Monument 

Our second stop: Island Lake, Grand Mesa

Next stop: Ridgway State Park

Last stop: Box Canyon, Ouray

All images are our own and were taken by JJ and I. (We used a tripod for our kissing pic!)

Disclosure: Our travel was provided by Ford so that we could experience a Platinum Explorer. We were not compensated, or asked or expected to post or share our experience beyond that. We did that of our own accord (car pun) to share our travel pics (the norm) and to showcase my husband's love of car photography. This post was not sponsored. 

What other great American road trips do you recommend?

Our recent trip to Colorado got me dreaming up all kinds of mountain-inspired outfits. One idea was a long-sleeve print maxi, like the options below. I couldn't find a single one at the mall before our trip, but I did come across this sleeveless kimono duster. It's a lightweight chiffon-type material, and it had the exact type of boho print I was looking for. The sleeveless aspect made it too chilly for the mountains, but it does make sense for our Florida weather. I think it's the best of both worlds, although I've still got a long-sleeve maxi on the brain! Which one would you rather wear?

Kimono: TJ Maxx, $17
Dress: MJR Sales c/o (similar, similar)
Belt: American Eagle, $5 (similar, similar) 
Shoes: Dolce Vita, $50
Hat: H&M, $30
Purse: Ross c/o, $22 (similar, similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Approx. dates: Belt is 8 years ago. Dress is 4 years ago. Shoes, purse and hat are recent. Kimono is new. 

Forever 21  /  Macy's /  Swell /  Amazon /  Shoptiques
American Eagle /  Dillard's /  Shoptiques /  Calvin Klein /  Amazon

When I spotted this dress my first reaction was "this looks like Chanel!" H&M can be hit or miss when it comes to quality, but sometimes they knock it out of the park. This dress is super thick and luxe in person. I tried it on to double check my size, then placed an order online with a 25% off coupon that didn't work in stores. When it arrived though... something was off. Can you spot it? The stripes on the bottom half of the dress don't line up with the seam; they are totally crooked. I'm hoping I can find one locally to exchange it with, because other than that, I'm a huge fan of this dress! 

Dress: H&M, $37 (black color - with coupon)
Boots: Vince Camuto c/o HSN (similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Purse is 3 years ago. Boots are 1 year ago. Dress is new. 

Eileen Fisher  /  H&M /  Bluefly /  Macy's
Shoptiques /  Max Studio /  Nordstrom /  Ann Taylor
Amazon /  H&M /  Neiman Marcus /  Yoox

Inspiration: Express

My search for the perfect suede skirt is over! Something was off about the other one I bought (posts here, here). I was really excited about this style of skirt for fall, so I knew something was up when I wasn't dying to wear it. (If you buy something new and don't want to wear it right away, you may never wind up wearing it. I recommend taking it back in most cases!) This one fits well, I like the color better, and it's an awesome price. My first move was to copy this catalog outfit by pairing it with a lace inset top and knee high boots, just like my inspiration. Anyone else really excited for fall?!

Top: H&M, $26 (with coupon)
Skirt: H&M, $26 (with coupon)
Boots: Michael Kors/Macy's, $225 (same, similar)
Purse: Ross c/o, $22 (similar, similar)
Necklace: H&M necklace, $18 (similar)
Approx. dates: Boots are 1 year ago. Purse and necklace are recent. Top and skirt are new.

ASOS /  H&M /  LOFT
Old Navy /  LOFT /  Forever 21
Anthropologie /  JCPenney /  Ann Taylor