June Ambrose Turtleneck Sweater

June Ambrose Turtleneck Sweater

Vince Camuto Boots

Vince Camuto Boots

Iman Quilted Coat  /  Iman Leather Gloves

Iman Quilted Coat  /  Iman Leather Gloves

Welcome to part two of The Fashion Edit with HSN! Today’s post features four items I selected from the HSN website:

In the first outfit, I’m wearing a sleeveless turtleneck sweater by June Ambrose. Turtlenecks are one of the biggest trends for fall, and I especially love the oversized tunic fit of this particular style. It also comes in gray and an awesome burnt orange color but I kept it basic with the black option. The sleeveless aspect will make it easier to wear in Florida, while still working for colder climates over a long sleeve shirt and/or under a coat.

In the next set of photos, I’m rocking a new pair of Vince Camuto boots. I feel like Goldilocks sometimes when I’m shopping for boots – some heels are too chunky, others are too small, wobbly stilettos, but these boots are just right! The heel is substantial enough to make them comfortable, but they aren’t clunky either, and have a streamlined look. Plus who can resist the little boho tassel detail?

In the last set of photos, I’m wearing a quilted coat and leather gloves from the Iman collection. A reader commented on my last HSN post that she had ordered this coat and loved it. Her review convinced me to give it a try and I’m glad I did. The thin material and belted waist make it super flattering, but this coat also packs some serious punch as far as keeping you warm! Add the matching quilted gloves (which come in 8 different colors) and you’re good to go on a brisk winter day!

Check out more awesome name brands up for grabs at HSN’s The Fashion Edit.

Which of the 3 outfits is your favorite? 

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

Inspiration: Snapped with my phone at LOFT

I snapped this photo with my phone while shopping at LOFT a couple weeks ago. I was so inspired, that I wound up ordering both the scarf and the jacket from the photo with a 40% off coupon. I own several olive field jackets/anoraks so I was excited at the idea of having one in a different color (it opens up the possibility of wearing a jacket this style with olive tee or pants). I also ordered the first option below because I couldn't decide which style to get. I'm still torn about the jackets, but I'm definitely keeping the scarf! Which jacket style do you like better?

Anorak: LOFT, $53
Scarf: LOFT, $25 (similar)
Tee: Banana Republic, $10
Jeans: A&F c/o (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Sperry/Macy's, $45
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar)
Approx. dates: Purse is 3 years ago. Jeans are 2 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. Anorak, scarf and tee are new.

LOFT /  Anthropologie /  ASOS /  Tommy Hilfiger
Urban Outfitters /  J.Crew /  Anthropologie /  J. Jill
LOFT /  Hanna Andersson /  Bloomingdale's /  JCPenney

I'm a keynote speaker at one of my favorite conferences, FLBlogCon, today! The conference is sold out but you can watch some of the speakers throughout the day on their website. Also, in an effort to share more of what goes on behind the scenes at J's Everyday Fashion (and push myself out of my comfort zone, sharing this kind of thing makes me blush) here are some recent interviews and upcoming events that you might enjoy: 

Recent Interviews 

• A fun “about me” questionnaire with Fling Fashionista.
• A research project I participated in was picked up by The Atlantic. A great read about the behind the scenes of blogging; it links to my “Pushing Through the Darkness” post at the end.
• The Orlando Sentinel (our main newspaper) wrote an article about the business of blogging on the front page of the business section.  
• Talking business and entrepreneurism on two podcasts: The Courageous Branding Summit and Career Tipper. 
• Sharing my favorite shopping spots in Orlando on Stay.com.

Upcoming Events (*more details coming soon)

• Style presentation at the Wichita Art Museum in Wichita, KS on Saturday, 10/10.
• DRESSBAR new store concept unveiling with designer Carmen Marc Valvo on Thursday, 10/22 at the Premium Outlets on International Drive.*
• UCF Launchpad guest speaker on 11/2.
• Impeccable Pig anniversary event in Winter Park, FL on 11/5.*
• Femfessionals guest speaker on 12/2.

And now about today's outfit... I'm not wearing this today but I certainly plan to once the weather gets a bit colder here in Florida. The colors on this scarf instantly sold me, and it became very clear why once it arrived. I already had everything else - all these matching colors - in my closet! It created the perfect harmony within this outfit, and it's a great transitional piece for fall. 

Scarf: H&M, $13
Tee: Urban Outfitters, $24
Jeans: Limited, $37 (similar, similar)
Hat: H&M, $30
Shoes: Chinese Laundry c/o, $50 (same, similar, similar)
Necklace: Old necklace with fringe from this necklace attached
Approx. dates: Jeans are 3 years ago. Shoes are 2 years ago. Scarf, tee and hat are recent.

JCPenney /  Garage /  World Market
Lulu's /  Dynamite /  Shoptiques
Kohl's /  Nordstrom /  Shoptiques

Inspiration: Express Coat /  Skirt /  Top  /  Purse /  Shoes

I couldn't believe my luck - I already had most of the items in this inspiration photo! The tie neck blouse, an identical faux leather skirt... right down to the fuzzy white coat. Things always look different on a body than they do in a photo spread (or even if you lay things out on your bed first), but I hoped it would look just as good on. I opted for basic black pumps instead of the more trendy heel and the only item I'm missing - a blush pink purse, so I rounded up some options below! 

Top: H&M, $29 (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: Vince Camuto c/o, $49 (similar, similar, similar, similar) 
Coat: E's Closet c/o, $72 (similar)
Shoes: Charles David c/o DNA Footwear 
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Approx. dates: Purse is 3 years ago. Shoes, skirt and coat are 1 year ago. Top is recent.

Michael Kors /  Lauren Conrad /  Michael Kors
Michael Kors /  Dooney & Burke /  Kate Spade
Michael Kors /  J.Crew /  Milly

Red Coat, $32.99 (orig. $65)

Personalized cutting board, $39.99 (orig. $79.99)

Polka dot skirt, $19.99 (orig. $38.99)

Pillow cover, $11.99 (orig. $25)

Turquoise necklace, $4.99 (orig. $16.99)
Maxi dress $22.99 (orig. $59.99)

Monogram ring dish, $7.49 (orig. $11.99)

Plaid scarf, $13.99 (orig. $32.99)    

Designer Straws, $2.99 (orig. $3.99)

I’m so excited to be partnering with one of my favorite websites today! Jane.com is a boutique marketplace featuring amazing deals that only last a short amount of time (1-2 days, or until the items sell out). Imagine shopping all the best clothing, décor, accessories and baby items from boutiques across the web in one, centralized place, and at a huge discount (up to 80% off retail). I’m pretty addicted to Jane.com myself - I ordered and paid for many of the items in this post over the course of the last year. I bought the designer straws, monogram ring dish (one for myself and one for a friend who’s getting married), turquoise necklace, and the striped pillow cover. The other items featured were gifted c/o Jane.com. The exact items pictured in today’s post are not available for purchase right now. That’s the nature and fun of their site, because items only last a very short time! Without a doubt, though, they always have tons of great deals you can shop now.

Beyond sharing their addictive site with you, I’m so excited that they offered up a $500 giveaway so that 5 of you can try Jane.com with one $100 gift card each. Use the Rafflecopter below to enter, good luck and happy shopping!!

Today’s post is brought to you by Jane.com. All editorial decisions, opinions and images are solely my own.

Pump the breaks on fall, because over the next few days I'll be sharing a major dose of tropical style! JJ and I recently traveled south to complete a project for The Florida Buzz Report. As a result, I've got a bunch of outfit photos around Florida, like this embroidered white maxi we photographed at the Sailfish Marina on Singer Island. These photos are making me wish summer wasn't coming to a close quite yet. It will be back to reality soon, but in the meantime I hope you enjoy the sunspiration!

Dress: E's Closet c/o, $68
Clutch: Francesca's c/o, $44
Earrings: My Stella & Dot, $39 (similar)
Sunglasses: LOFT, $16
Approx. dates: Earrings are 2 years ago. Clutch is recent. Sunglasses, dress are new.

Off Fifth /  Billabong /  Shoptiques /  Swell /  Shoptiques
Swell /  Swell /  H&M /  Madewell

Inspiration: Stella & Dot

I've always preferred photographing outfits on a nondescript background. I think sometimes the surroundings in a photo can make an outfit look way better than it really is, like almost in a deceitful way, so I've stayed away from it. But darn it, I have to say that getting creative on our trip by matching outfits to surroundings was really fun (there is totally a reason they do this in magazines!). Our freelance assignment called for this kind of content (taking photographs of Florida with a fashion spin for a site called The Florida Buzz Report), and I got so inspired I started taking regular outfit photos this way (today's photos aren't for their site, just regular outfit photos). The minute we drove past this turquoise wall I remembered this yellow and blue outfit I had packed - bing! Perfect. But so not what I usually do. The older I get, the more I see things less in absolutes, and more how both sides can be right in most situations. Which "wall" do you prefer: plain without the frills, or lots of fun surroundings? 

Cardigan: H&M, $18
Top: Forever 21, $22
Shorts: J. Crew Factory, $21
Shoes: Dolce Vita c/o DNA Footwear (same)
Clutch: Ann Taylor, $30 (similar)
Necklaces: Francesca's c/o (similar, similar)
Sunglasses: LOFT, $16
Approx. dates: Top is 5 years ago. Cardigan, sandals and clutch are 3 years ago. Necklaces and sunglasses are this summer.

The second stop on our trip was beautiful Key Largo. I wore this outfit for our car ride down to the Keys, and we snapped these photos on our balcony as soon as we arrived. (It was a great resort with two restaurants, a huge pool, several beaches and on-site water sports, I highly recommend it!) When I was packing for this trip, I started by pulling things out of my closet that I might want to bring, and then narrowed it down from there. When I saw these two lace items laying next to each other, it sparked an outfit idea I had never considered. The waistline of the shorts match up almost perfectly with the crop top, and both the shorts and top are really loose fitting, making it one easy, breezy outfit that's perfect for a Florida road trip!

Top: H&M, $25
Shorts: Marshall's, $15 (similar, similar, similar)
Sandals: Chinese Laundry/ Off Fifth, $40 (similar, similar)
Clutch: Gap, $12 (similar, similar)
Sunglasses: LOFT, $16
Approx. dates: Clutch is 3 years ago. Sandals, top, shorts are this summer. 

Via Instagram

Via Instagram

Via Instagram

Via INstagram

Via Instagram

Via INstagram

Via INstagram

Via Instagram

Via Instagram

Via Instagram

Via Instagram

Via Instagram

Via Instagram

Via INstagram

Via INstagram

Via INstagram

Via INstagram

Via INstagram

Via INstagram

Via Instagram

Via Instagram

Via INstagram

Via INstagram

Via INstagram

Our road trip to Singer Island and Key Largo has officially come to an end! (Sad face.) We were commissioned by The Florida Buzz Report to take photos across Florida with a fashion spin (as well as a fun video, which I'll share soon), and this is a recap of all of the photos we posted on their Instagram account. It was so fun working on this project with my husband - we each came up with about half of the photo concepts, and JJ was behind the lens on all of them. I also can't say enough good things about living and traveling in Florida - it never ceases to take my breath away!

Which photo or outfit is your favorite?

Disclosure: we were hired by The Florida Buzz Report to take these photos and other content for their social channels and website. I'm sharing here of my accord. 

dressbarn's Floral Fit-and-Flare Dress, $54

dressbarn's LUXE by Carmen Marc Valvo Sweater Dress, $66

dressbarn's Fit-and-Flare Woven Dress, $60

dressbarn's Floral Halter Dress, $60

dressbarn's Chevron Sweater Dress, $49.50

Who remembers shopping at dressbarn? I certainly do! As a kid I used to tag along with my mom and aunt when they shopped there. This year they are getting a huge makeover: introducing… the DRESSBAR at dressbarn! It’s still the value-friendly dresses that you love – everything is between $40-80, and ranges in sizes 4-24. But what’s new are the fresh, modern designs and designer collaborations with Carmen Marc Valvo, Heidi Weisel and Adrianna Papell. (Plus a cheeky campaign with "barn" animals, at the bottom of this post!)

Here in Orlando, I’m helping kick off the newest DRESSBAR store design at the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets on Thursday, October 22nd from 6-8pm. Carmen Marc Valvo will be there – I am so excited to meet him and get a picture! You are welcome to come and bring whoever you'd like. There will be music, refreshments, and a free monogrammed tote. The invitation is below, please share with your friends!

To kick off the in-store event excitement, I tried on a few dresses, so I could get a feel for the new designs, and pick one to wear to the event! In the photos above you’ll see five dresses from the new collection that I tried on, including one of Carmen Marc Valvo’s designs (the black dress, #2). I like all of them for different reasons, but 1, 2 and 4 are my favorites. Which one do you think I should wear to the event? Vote in the comments section – and I hope to see you there!

Today’s post is brought to you by dressbarn. All images, editorial decisions, and opinions are solely my own.

I absolutely love getting dressed up and experimenting with fun new outfits but sometimes you need a day off! I never want it to feel like I'm trying too hard, and I need those relaxing outfits in between to throw on and forget about fashion for the rest of the day. This outfit is that perfect "day off" outfit for me. Laid back, easy, and cute as it is comfy! 

Top: Sugar Love Boutique c/o, $48
Jeans: Express, $30
Shoes: Chinese Laundry c/o, $50 (same, similar, similar)
Purse: Vince Camuto/Macy's, $112 (same, similar, similar)
Hat: Varga c/o, $30 (similar, similar, similar)
Necklace: Francesca's, $10 (similar)
Approx. dates: Shoes, purse, hat are 1 year ago. Jeans and necklace are 6 months ago. Top is new.

Free People /  ASOS /  ModCloth
WHBM /  ModCloth /  Lucky Brand
Shoptiques /  Nordstrom Rack /  Forever 21

Skirt, Purse

Skirt, Purse

Skirt, Purse

Top

Top

Top

Have you tried the Eva Mendes Collection at New York and Company yet? I’ve really been wanting to try it, so when ShopStyle got in touch about doing a post on her new Fall Collection – I was all for it! Everything is under $100 and there are a wide range items to choose from: shoes, jewelry, a suede coat, and tons of ladylike dresses, skirts and blouses. I had a hard time narrowing it down to a few favorites because Eva Mendes makes everything in this collection look (literally) like a million bucks. Check out some images of her wearing the collection below – I love the train theme they did and she looks gorgeous!

The first item I put in my online shopping cart was the green polka dot top that she’s wearing. I styled mine with a navy pencil skirt I’ve had for eight years, cognac pumps and a structured bag. I love tie-neck blouses and this top has that same proper, ladylike vibe. You can wear this top closed like I’m showing, or unhook the neck so that it’s more of a v-neck top with a ruffle trim.

My other two selections were the green floral skirt and orange purse. I really liked the green floral print, and I chose this skirt because of the length and the pockets. (There is also a shirt, and a maxi skirt with this same print, I love them all!) The orange purse is a great look for less to this season’s "it" bag, the $1,700 Chloe “Drew.” The Eva Mendes version is only $59.95 and also comes in cobalt blue.

Which outfit is your favorite? Have you tried the Eva Mendes collection yet?

1. Dress / 2. Top, Skirt / 3. Dress / 4. Turtleneck, Skirt, Necklace, Shoes

Dress /  Top  /  Dress /  Dress /  Dress
Boots /  Skirt /  Purse /  Necklace /  Skirt

Today’s post is brought to you by New York & Company and ShopStyle. All of my images, editorial decisions, and opinions are solely my own.

Inspiration: SOle Society

This tweed skirt is still going strong in my closet; it's the third fall/winter in a row that it's been one of my favorites! Neutrals that have a little extra something - like the marled color and the tweed texture of this skirt - really add some pizazz to an outfit. It's a great staple that's neutral enough to repeat often, while also being detailed enough to make it a star on it's own. It's the best of both worlds.

ps. If you're in the Wichita area, come check out the beauty/hair/style event I'm speaking at this Saturday at the Wichita Art Museum - it's open to the public!

Sweater: Banana Republic, $28 (similar)
Skirt: LOFT, $36 (similar below)
Scarf: H&M, $13
Hat: H&M, $30
Boots: Michael Kors/Macy's, $225 (same, similar)
Purse: Vince Camuto/Macy's, $112 (same, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Skirt is 2 years ago. Purse, boots, sweater are 1 year ago. Hat, scarf are recent.

Vince Camuto /  Calvin Klein /  Rebecca Taylor /  Macy's
Ann Taylor /  WHBM /  J.Crew Factory /  Ann Taylor
Calvin Klein /  LOFT /  J.Crew Factory

I was dying over this cobalt jacket in a previous post, so I bit the bullet and ordered it! In person, I've got mixed feelings. I am a huge genuine leather fan so I'm not sure about the faux leather. I don't think I would invest a couple hundred bucks on a blue genuine leather jacket though... so basically I'm stuck. When I find myself in these situations I ask questions like these: Will I wear this jacket more (or ever) instead of my current favorite leather jackets (black and cognac)? Out of all my jacket options to buy this fall, is this where I want to spend my budget? For my upcoming cold-weather trips, do I love this jacket enough for it to be the one thing I pack in a carry on? The jury is still out...

Jacket: New York & Company, $45
Top: Francesca's c/o, $34 (similar, similar)
Jeans: Gap, $35 (similar)
Shoes: Vince Camuto c/o HSN (similar below)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Jeans are 5 years ago. Top is 3 years ago. Purse is 2 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. Jacket is new.

Marc Fisher /  Guess /  Macy's /  Missguided
Macy's /  TOMS  /  Michael Kors /  TOMS
Kenneth Cole /  BCBG /  Kenneth Cole

Almost everything is under $100!

1. Ponchos

Limited /  Express /  Nordstrom
Old Navy /  Ann Taylor /  Macy's

I'm re-wearing the ponchos I've had for ages + I've got major shopping fever for all the cute options available this year.

2. Suede

H&M /  Nasty Gal  /  New York & Co.
Forever 21 /  Vince Camuto

I have the boots in gray, and I'd love a suede jacket this year.

3. Wool Hats

Banana Republic /  H&M
Vince Camuto /  ASOS

I have three wool hats in three colors (from 1-3 years ago) that I'm wearing on repeat.

4. That 70's Dress

H&M /  H&M /  ASOS
Express /  Express /  LOFT

I ordered #2 and #3. I especially love the dresses with sleeves.

5. Tie Neck Blouse

Express /  New York & Co.
Urban Outfitters /  Express

I have a tie neck blouse (similar to #1) that's currently on repeat in my closet.

6. Fringe

Express /  Express /  Dillard's
Express /  Express

I'm wearing my fringe clutch from last year, plus sale stalking this Express fringe skirt. 

7. Over the Knee Boots

Forever 21 /  Marc Fisher /  Sole Society /  Ivanka Trump

I'm planning to order #2 asap, and I ordered these from New York & Co. I have trouble finding boots that aren't huge on my calves so hopefully they work in person.

8. Sherpa & Shearling

Express /  Express
Banana Republic /  JCPenney

Aka anything fuzzy. I bought vest #4, and vest #2 is on my wish list.

9. Button Front Skirts

H&M /  H&M /  H&M

I own #1 and #3.

10. Plaid

Express /  Banana Republic /  American Eagle
Banana Republic /  Kohl's

I've added a couple plaid scarves to my closet recently. 

Which fall trends are YOUR favorite?

Inspiration: Forever 21

It's still pretty warm here in Central Florida, and yet I'm craving fall clothes in a big way. This inspiration photo gave me a creative way to have the best of both worlds - wearing a printed cardigan with shorts. I also like this look with knee high boots and a mini skirt (see two examples in the third column, below). Who says all your fall clothes have to be super warm and layered - mix them up with your breezy summer items, too!

Sweater: Hazel & Olive c/o, old (similar below)
Tee: Gap, $10 (similar, similar)
Shorts: J.Crew Factory, $31 (similar)
Shoes: Sole Society c/o, $64
Hat: Express, $12 (similar, similar, similar)
Clutch: BCBG c/o HSN (similar, similar)
Necklace: Old necklace with fringe from this necklace attached
Approx. dates: Sweater, hat and tee are 3 years ago. Shorts and purse are 1 year ago. Sandals are this year.

Shoptiques /  Shoptiques /  Boohoo /  Boohoo
Shoptiques /  Shoptiques /  Dynamite /   Shoptiques
Bloomingdale's /  Express /  H&M /  Express

I traveled to Wichita, KS last week for a speaking engagement and this is what I wore at the airport! (IG photo here.)  This outfit features my new favorite necklace combination and is seriously comfortable thanks to the soft tee, stretchy jeans and mohair flats. I wore another recent outfit - pictures below - to give the presentation. I successfully exchanged my tweed dress for one with a straight seam and switched to more conservative pumps. Both the outfit and presentation were a hit and I had such a blast! 

ps. Curious what a "style seminar" is? Well, my presentation is a lot like what you'll see here on the blog: positive, uplifting fashion tips with lots of photos and personal anecdotes. The difference is that it's presented as a step-by-step process with tons of practical take aways at each step. You are always welcome to contact me to book one for your company or group!      

Jacket: Victoria's Secret, $257 (similar, similar, similar)
Tee & scarf: Winnie & Kat c/o (similar, similar)
Jeans: American Eagle, $37 (similar)
Shoes: Steve Madden/Macy's, $59 (similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Approx. dates: Jacket is 3 years ago. Purse is 2 years ago. Jeans and shoes are 1 year ago. Tee, scarf are this year.

Blog post for this outfit
Dress: H&M, $37 (black color - with coupon)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot

1. Fringe Poncho, $59.99

2. Fringe Skirt, $44.99
2. Embroidered Top, $42.99

3. Pleated Party Dress, $59.99

4. Asymmetrical Dress, $39.99

5. Orange Vest, $44.99

6. Cape Me Away Cape, $59.99

7. Cape Cod Poncho, $59.99

I’m so excited to be partnering with one of my favorite boutiques today, White Plum! I’ve done several giveaways with them over the past couple years but I have to say – they really knocked it out of the park with their fall collection this year! These are some of my favorite items I’ve ever tried from them, and I had a blast styling everything for today’s post.   

The even better news though? White Plum is offering 25% off your entire purchase with code 25JSEVERYDAY through 10/21. They are also giving away a $200 gift card to one lucky reader, so be sure to use the Rafflecopter box below to enter. White Plum ships worldwide so this giveaway is open to everyone!

Here’s my full review of the clothes in the photos above:

1.     Fringe Poncho, $59.99 - This fringe poncho is my top pick! So cozy and comfortable for travel, a bonfire or curled up at home. I’d also wear it with jeans.
2.     Fringe Skirt, $44.99 and Embroidered Top, $42.99 - The fringe suede skirt is a really nice quality material in person and fits like a dream. I love how it looks paired with the embroidered shirt. I’d also wear the skirt with a black turtleneck and knee high boots.
3.     Pleated Party Dress, $59.99 - The pleated mint dress is so ladylike and proper, it was one of the first things that caught my eye on the White Plum website! Fits true to size (I’m wearing XS) and could work for so many occasions like a bridal or baby shower or church.
4.     Asymmetrical Dress, $39.99 - This gray wrap dress is something I’d wear constantly – to run errands, for travel, or a casual lunch. I like how it fits on the model better, so I’d size up to a M on this one.
5.    Orange Vest, $44.99 - Vests are huge for fall, so I love this sleeveless take on the waterfall cardigan. The orange color is the perfect for pairing with more autumn tones like ivory and cognac.
6.     Cape Me Away Cape, $59.99 - How cute is this proper plaid cape? I just love coats this shape – they feel so vintage and modern at the same time. Upgrade your outwear this season with this perfect little cape!
7.     Cape Cod Poncho, $59.99 -  Last but not least, you will never wear a hoodie again thanks to this poncho. It’s got a hood, a medium-weight material and an easy zipper up the front. The ultimate comfort piece for fall.

Which outfit is your favorite?

Today’s post is brought to you by White Plum. All editorial decisions, opinions and images are solely my own.

Inspiration: Lord & Taylor

I've got a bit of a feminine lumberjack thing going on in today's outfit! I'm trying out two new purchases here - the vest and boots. During my last trip to the mall I looked everywhere for a shearling vest and couldn't find any. As I got in my car to leave, I pulled out my phone and did a search on Shopstyle. This vest was at the top of the search and said that it was in stock at JCPenney at the mall I was already at. So I headed over, located the vest, found a $10 off coupon using RetailMeNot, and done! It was almost too easy. The boots were an online purchase from Eva Mendes' Collection at New York and Company. Boots are always a gamble with my large feet (size 10) and small calves in comparison. I am so impressed with them in person though. The fabric and color are perfect (even the shiny gold zippers are pretty), and they fit better than most of boots I try. At only $63, I think they are a keeper! 

Vest: JCPenney, $42
Top: Forever 21, $20 (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: H&M, $30
Boots: New York & Company, $63
Purse: BCBG c/o HSN (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Top is 3 years ago. Purse is 1 year ago. Skirt is recent. Vest and boots are new.

Nordstrom Rack /  Nordstrom /  Shoptiques /  Off Fifth
Off Fifth /  Nordstrom Rack /  Off Fifth /  Off Fifth
NM Last Call /  Macy's /  Maurice's /  Nordstrom

H&M

Last year I limped through fall and winter fashion. I wore the same thick gray sweater dress with black leggings and cognac riding boots every time it was cold, which felt like 32 days... in a row. So this year I'm doing the opposite. I'm trying tons of new things, getting creative and I even saved up some budget so I could use a larger portion this season. The sky is the limit, so I didn't hesitate to pick up this interesting vest at H&M. In photos I don't think it's super flattering. It may look better with the belt off and letting it hang open completely though. I'll also try it with more outfits and if I can't make it work... I'm happy that at least I gave it a shot!

Vest: H&M, $40 (with coupon)
Dress: Express, $32 (with coupon)
Boots: New York & Company, $63
Purse: BCBG c/o HSN (similar, similar)
Hat: Express, $12 (similar, similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx: Hat is 3 years ago. Purse is 1 year ago. Boots are recent. Dress and vest are new.

Vest /  Poncho /  Coat /  Top
Top /  Sweater /  Hat /  Jeans
Dress /  Purse /  Sweater /  Skirt