inspiration: Diego Zuko via Bazaar

Have you ever tried belting a scarf like this before? I've done it several times (this was probably my favorite), but today's look was the first time over a jacket. I think the length and volume of her jacket is really making her outfit pop. My jacket looks a little silly with the sleeves rolled up and isn't nearly as long or as wide. I'd definitely wear this outfit without the belt though, or perhaps with the scarf loose and the belt around the jacket instead! 

Jacket: Conversation Pieces c/o, $45 (similar, similar, similar)
Scarf: Banana Republic, $23 (similar, similar)
Belt: Limited, $22 (similar)
Jeans: Joe's, old (similar, similar)
Boots: Chinese Laundry c/o, old (similar, similar)
Purse: Ross c/o, $22 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Jeans are 8 years ago. Jacket, belt and boots are 3 years ago. Scarf is 1 year ago. Purse is recent.

My Stella & Dot Favorites 

Also: I wanted to share a fun opportunity with you for the holidays - you can host a Stella & Dot virtual trunk show with me and earn free jewelry! I've been a Stylist with Stella & Dot for 5 years and I'm a diehard fan of their products. With a virtual trunk show you have three weeks to gather orders any way you'd like - hand out catalogs at work, send an email with a link to your friends and family, etc. We can also do a live video chat where I'll demonstrate the different pieces of jewelry, share style ideas and answer questions! (You can gather everyone in person to chat with me together, or you can stay home and watch the live video stream individually.) Check out the chart below to see how much free jewelry and discounts you could earn and email me to sign up!

The new DRESSBAR for dressbarn excitement continues! (See my first post here.)

This Thursday evening (Oct. 22) I’m co-hosting an event in Orlando with designer Carmen Marc Valvo. Go here to view and RSVP to the event on Facebook, or scroll to the bottom of this post for the official invite. 

Through the planning process for the event with dressbarn, I had a lightbulb moment. Wouldn’t it be fun to showcase the range of sizes that dressbarn offers, by having three people wear the same dress in three sizes: plus, petite and misses! I enlisted the help of two local bloggers, Jhéanell of Belle Jhéanell and Christie of Raising Whasians (formerly Saving Said Simply), to do just that.

Three bloggers… three dresses… and three sizes. Here’s how it all went down!

Before we get started: Jhéanell is typically a size 14, Christie is typically a size 2P, and J is typically a size 0-2. Sizes at dressbarn start at 4 for Misses and 4 for Petites. Christie and J found that going up a size was a perfect fit. The 2X worked for Jhéanell, but the size 18 dresses were a size too big, so we clipped them back for the photos.

Dress #1: dressbarn's Floral Fit-and-Flare Dress, starting at $54
Plus /  Petite /  Misses

Jhéanell – Size 18 – Height 5’
"I absolutely LOVE the pattern of this dress and the fact that it is empire waist. Although the dress is conservative, the silhouette still allowed me to show off my shape in a tasteful manner." 

Christie – Size 4P – Height 5’1”
"This had to be the most flattering dress of the three. It fit perfectly across the top, even with my small chest size. Pockets were definitely a selling point for me. A beautiful shape with a great A-line skirt, I felt very confident in this one. How could you not feel fierce in red?" 

J – Size 4 – Height 5’7”
"You know from my first post that I’m a huge fan of this dress! The fabric is beautiful, the fit is really comfortable, and the print is keeper. Both Jhéanell and Christie looked stunning in this dress!"

Dress #2: dressbarn's MIXT by Heidi Weisel Floral Pocket Dress, starting at $68
Plus /  Petite /  Misses

Jhéanell – Size 2X – Height 5’
"As a very busty gal, this dress was my favorite of the bunch. The top feels and stretches like a comfortable sweater, which ensures that even if I fluctuate in size, I can guarantee that this will grow or shrink with me."

Christie – Size 4P – Height 5’1”
"I love the illusion that this dress is actually separate pieces. A stretchy and forgiving sweater on top leads to a fancy skirt on the bottom...with pockets! Score! Dress up or down for a great all-around look. Keep in mind that the length does go past the knees, even in the petite size." 

J – Size 4 – Height 5’7”
"This dress is not my favorite shape for my body type. The waist of the skirt is not hitting me in the most flattering place. I do give this one high marks for comfort thanks to the pockets and stretchy sweater top!"

Dress #3: dressbarn's Lace Print Sheath Dress, starting at $48
Plus /  Petite /  Misses

Jhéanell – Size 18 – Height 5’
"If you're working with quite a bit in the mid section like I am, I highly suggest wearing shape wear underneath this particular dress. While this dress is beautiful, it isn't forgiving so don't be afraid to utilize the proper undergarments such as Spanx." 

Christie – Size 4P – Height 5’1”
"If you know me then you know I don’t love the color pink. But with the Breast Cancer Awareness stamp and a beautiful design to accent a woman's figure, I had to say that I was really surprised with the results. It fit my petite frame beautifully and looked darn good, even for pink! Be mindful of that self-conscious mommy tummy though." 

J – Size 4 – Height 5’7”
"I don’t have much curve so the shape of this dress is my favorite on me. It gives me shape but also hung loose so that the dress wasn’t hugging my body too tightly. I also love the blush pink color – this one is a win in my book!"

Dress One /  Two /  Three

Last but not least… Jhéanell and Christie will also be at the store event this Thursday, and these are the outfits we decided to wear! (Note: dressbarn is gifting us these dresses to wear to the event.) There will be tons more bloggers at the event, including:

Meghan from Meghan on the Move 
Kathy from The Style Ref
Whitney from City Whit
Shannon from Upbeat Soles 
Karen from Kahrenheit 
Tiffany from Miss-Guided

And absolutely everyone is welcome to come! Feel free to add your friends to the Facebook event, and we hope to see you on Thursday!

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

Via Instagram

I've been a regular on morning show Daytime for the past few years, but this week's Fashion Wrap segment was a first for me: I was totally twinning with one of our celebrity outfits! Of course I gave Julianne Hough's outfit two thumbs up; I especially love the lace. Our segment aired nationally yesterday morning and you can watch it below. What's your take on the celebrity outfits we discuss in the video?

Top: H&M, $29 (similar, similar)
Skirt: Bloomingdale's c/o, $68
Shoes: Shoedazzle c/o, $11-55

Inspiration: BCBG

A gray t-shirt is my default. When I'm in a rush or not feeling creative I will throw one on and go. That's probably what attracted me to this inspiration photo - and the idea of elevating a gray tee by pairing it with suede. It feels just as comfy as my usual gray t-shirt, but more dressed up with the button front skirt and over the knee boots. I topped it off with an old purse I've had for 5-6 years, but I've got fringe purses on the brain (and on my wish list). I gathered some budget friendly options below!

Tee: Banana Republic, $10 (worn backwards)
Skirt: H&M, $26
Boots: New York & Company, $63
Purse: Juicy Couture/NM Last Call, $115
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
Approx. dates: Purse is 5 years ago. Tee, skirt and boots are recent.

Lucky Brand /  Macy's /  Nordstrom /  JCPenney
Express /  Shoptiques /  Lucky Brand /  NM Last Call
Lucky Brand /  Sole Society /  Sole Society /  Lulu

I am SO excited to share the video that JJ and I created for The Florida Buzz Report! Come along on our Florida road trip and see us go snorkeling, jet skiing, hang out by the beach and pool, and see all my road trip outfits in action.

As you may recall from our photo recap, we traveled to Singer Island and Key Largo for a long weekend, and an exciting project creating content for The Florida Buzz Report. You can see the blog post on their website here! Have you ever visited Singer Island or Key Largo before?

Shot on location:
Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa
Key Largo Bay Marriott Beach Resort

Today's post features content we were compensated to create for The Florida Buzz Report.

"Where are you off to in this little number?" the store clerk asked when I took this skirt to the cash register. "I'm planning to wear it on a girls trip in Nashville!" Turns out... I couldn't wait that long. I wore it last weekend here in Orlando as pictured (with straight hair). In colder weather I'm thinking tall black boots (I have my eyes on these), and a black coat or vest. The fringe is so fun when you dance! Check out more fringe skirt options under $100 below. Is this a trend you would wear?

Top: Charlotte Russe, $10 (similar - with my favorite secret weapon underneath)
Skirt: Express, $45
Shoes: Vince Camuto c/o HSN (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Purse: BCBG c/o HSN (similar, similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Approx. dates: Shoes and purse are 1 year ago. Top is recent. Skirt is new.

American Eagle /  Forever 21 /  Dillard's /  MissGuided
H&M /  Eloquii /  Forever 21 /  Dillard's
Nasty Gal /  NM Last Call /  BB Dakota /  Nordstrom Rack

I am declaring this the perfect striped tee. And.. it only took me three years to find it! I have tried on and ordered and returned more striped tees than I care to count. This one is exactly what I was looking for though - thick and slightly structured, not clingy or stretchy, ivory and not bright white, and the kind of material you can just throw into the washer every week (because I have a feeling I'll be repeating often). They also have a red stripe version, and overall I can't recommend it enough. Feel free to share others you've found or recommend!

Tee: J.Crew Factory, $30 - with coupon
Jeans: A&F c/o, old (similar, similar)
Shoes: J.Crew Factory, $48 (similar, similar)
Purse: Ross c/o, $22 (similar, similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Approx. dates: Jeans are 2 years ago. Shoes are 6 months ago. Purse is recent. Tee is new.

There’s nothing quite like a beautiful pair of shoes to brighten up your closet! As soon as these cobalt heels arrived in the mail, I couldn’t wait to get creative with them. I've had "cobalt heels" on my wish list for well over a year, and the lace up ankles give them a little extra something special. For my first outfit with them, I went with a classic black, white and cobalt color combination. The suede material and closed toe means you can comfortably wear them all winter long, but I’m excited to pair them with bright colors like yellow and pink in the spring, too.

Steve Madden is one of my favorite brands for getting the look for less, especially when you buy from Macy’s because they are always offering great coupons! Head to Macy’s to shop all the amazing Steve Madden new arrivals for fall, and check out some more of my favorites below.

Which pair of shoes is most “you”?

Shoes: Steve Madden c/o Macy’s
Approx. dates: Dress (worn as top) is 3 years ago. Skirt is last season. Shoes are new.

Boots  /  Purse  /  Boots  /  Heels
Purse  /  Heels  /  Boots  /  Boots
Heels  /  Purse  /  Boots  /  Boots

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

I tried on so many cute things at Saks Off Fifth at the outlets a couple weeks ago, and I simply couldn't get this colorful lace top out of my head. I was wearing a black skirt that day and I loved how it looked together. When I got home though, I realized that this lime green flared skirt from last season was also a perfect match! The black booties tone down the bright colors and make it feel more like fall.

Top: French Connection/Saks Off Fifth, $54 (same - with my favorite secret weapon underneath)
Skirt: J.Crew Factory, $39 (same)
Shoes: Vince Camuto c/o HSN (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Approx. dates: Purse is 3 years ago. Skirt and shoes are 1 year ago. Top is new.

Also - the official invite is here! Please join me at The Impeccable Pig on Park Ave in Winter Park, FL next Thursday 11/5 for a fun store event. You will get 15% off all day long (with prices already under $100!), and I will be there hanging out from 4-6pm (the store closes at 6pm). I hope to see you there!

INSPIRATION: INSIDE IN, INSIDE OUT VIA LUCKY

Sleeveless turtlenecks are all the rage this fall. I couldn't wait to find another way to wear this black one (from this post), and today's inspiration photo sparked an idea. Pairing a big, oversized top looks great when paired with a something smaller on the bottom, like the colorful mini skirt in my inspiration photo. From the side, my version almost looks like I'm wearing a cape (the bottom of the sweater is a lot longer in the back, and I have it tucked in slightly in the front). It's a bit different but I'm totally embracing it in this outfit. Do you plan to wear the sleeveless turtleneck trend?

Sweater: HSN c/o (similar below)
Skirt: Target, $18 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Ivanka Trump/Saks Off Fifth, $60 (same, same)
Purse: My Stella & Dot (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Skirt and purse are 1.5 years ago. Sweater and shoes are recent.

Ann Taylor /  Rachel Roy /  Banana Republic /  Lulu's
Macy's /  Macy's /  Banana Republic /  Charlotte Russe
Vince Camuto /  ASOS /  ASOS /  Charlotte Russe

Inspiration: Ann Taylor

(I'm kicking it back to a few weeks ago when my hair was longer!) This catalog photo caught my eye because I already had very similar items in my closet. That and blush pink paired with burgundy is such a great color combination. It provides a great dark/light contrast and gives your pastels longevity into the colder months. I'd also pair a burgundy dress with a blush pink coat, or a burgundy skirt with a blush top. Would you wear this color combo?

Top: MJR Sales c/o, old (similar below)
Skirt: Limited, $30 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Nine West c/o, old (similar, similar)
Purse: HSN c/o, $68
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3 and Michael Kors
Ring: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Top and shoes are 4 years ago. Skirt is 2 years ago. Purse is recent. 

H&M /  Nordstrom /  H&M
Calvin Klein /  Neiman Marcus /  Ann Taylor
Ann Taylor /  Nordstrom /  JCPenney

I was shopping at Ross this week for an upcoming holiday-themed post when I spotted this plaid poncho. They had so many cute ponchos in all kinds of shapes and patterns but this one in particular caught my eye and I had to have it! I'm wearing it here with a sleeveless turtleneck and peep toe booties - very Florida weather appropriate. It's an easy switch to black booties with socks and a heavy sweater for colder weather though. I am loving this trend! 

Poncho: Ross c/o, $24
Turtleneck: H&M, $10
Jeans: American Eagle, $37 (similar)
Boots: Vince Camuto c/o HSN (similar, similar, similar)
Hat: Express, $12 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Approx. dates: Hat and purse are 3 years ago. Boots and jeans are 1 year ago. Turtleneck is recent, poncho is new.

Nordstrom Rack /  Lulu's /  Target
Shoptiques /  Forever 21 /  Macy's
Forever 21 /  Nordstrom /  H&M

Reversible Necklace

These ruffle tops are my favorite for two reasons: the ruffles on the sleeve (shoulder details always feel super flattering to me), and a high neck (which looks great paired with a statement necklace). The white color is my top pick (see below). I bought it to give my favorite worn out white blouse a break. Pink was my next choice but it's sold out, so I got the black one pictured above. They are the perfect thing to tuck into a full skirt and top with a necklace!  

Top: Saks Off Fifth, $30
Skirt: boutique c/o, old (similar, similar, similar) 
Shoes: Shoedazzle c/o, $11 or $55
Purse: Urban Outfitters, $30 (similar)
Necklace (reversible): My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Purse is 5 years ago. Skirt is 3 years ago. Shoes are recent. Top and necklace are new.

Ruffle top (in 5 colors)

Inspiration: Limited

Plaid scarves are everywhere this fall. They look great with jeans and boots, but how can you wear them at work? This catalog photo was the perfect inspiration. I don't have pants in the same color and was curious to try it with a pencil skirt for an even dressier look. (You could also switch out the skirt for jeans and flats for a casual Friday look.)

Speaking of flats... I couldn't wait to share my favorite find this weekend. I was searching online for lace up flats and found the mustard Old Navy flats pictured below. I didn't hesitate to order them with a coupon - I hope they are as comfy as they look!

Plaid scarf: E's Closet c/o, $29
Sweater: Banana Republic, $28 (similar)
Skirt: Limited, $30 (similar, similar)
Belt: Limited, $22 (similar)
Shoes: Nine West c/o, old (similar, similar)
Purse: Vince Camuto/Macy's, $112 (same, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Sweater, skirt, belt and shoes are 2-3 years ago. Purse is 1 year ago. Plaid scarf is 6 months ago.

MissGuided /  ASOS /  ASOS /  ASOS
Old Navy /  Steve Madden /  Nine West /  Steve Madden
Chinese Laundry /  Topshop /  Topshop /  Nine West

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Payless. All opinions are 100% mine.

Search for “white sneakers” on Pinterest and you’ll find thousands of cute outfits worn with sneakers just like these. Entire articles are dedicated to how celebrities have worn them everywhere from the airport to a night out. So simple, so unassuming and so classic, white sneakers are the comfy shoe that you didn’t realize packed so much sartorial punch until you start pairing them with absolutely everything in your closet! 

I got my white sneakers at Payless! You might be surprised at the cute trendy shoes they are carrying lately. And at only $12 they are super affordable. These sneakers come in 17 different colors, but the classic white, navy and gray colors are my favorite. For my first time wearing them I went rocker with distressed denim, a leather jacket and a graphic tee. I also can’t wait to pair them preppy navy stripes, or a cozy gray sweater with boyfriend shorts. (For more ideas on how to wear these and other shoes, check out Payless on Pinterest.) The outfit possibilities are endless, and my feet are happy to be looking stylish in super comfy shoes.

White sneakers: are they an “it” shoe in your closet too?

Shoes: Payless c/o, $12
Jacket: Victoria's Secret, $257 (similar, similar, similar)
Tee: H&M, $18 (similar)
Jeans: A&F c/o, old (similar)
Purse: Michael Kors, $270 (similar)
Sunglasses: Express, $18
Approx. dates: Jacket is 4 years ago. Purse is 3 years ago. Jeans and tee are 2 years ago. Shoes are new.

With some categories of life, I have an aversion to trying new things. But when it comes to fashion, I have an insatiable appetite for trying anything new! This is my first long sleeve romper and I'm really excited to wear it at tomorrow's event. It's casual enough to wear during the day with flats, but I also ordered some over the knee suede black boots that just might make it work for a chilly night out. I gathered even more options under $100 below - would you wear a long sleeve romper? 

Romper: Impeccable Pig c/o, $68 (not online but you can call your closest location and they will ship, there are 19 stores listed here)
Hat: Express, $12 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Vince Camuto c/o HSN (similar, similar, similar)
Clutch: Urban Outfitters, $30 (similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Approx. dates: Clutch is 6 years ago. Hat is 4 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. Romper is new.

Shoptiques /  Dillard's /  Missguided /  Revolve
Missguided /  Shoptiques /  Planet Blue /  Bluefly
Bloomingdale's /  Lulu's /  Missguided

LEFT /  RIGHT

Black lace is the perfect mix of classic (I can't think of a time when it wasn't in style) and trendy (check out the unique variations under $100 below). Today's look for less dress is no exception - it's both classic and trendy, and it's a dead ringer for the $480 version. The fabric is just as pretty in person, but it runs big. (Even with a strapless bra underneath the size Small is a bit too large.) Which black lace dress is your personal favorite?

Dress: E's Closet c/o, $59.99
Shoes: Payless c/o, $24.99
Clutch: Urban Outfitters, $30 (similar)
Sunglasses: Express, $18
Cuff: My Stella & Dot
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2

Under $100 except $

Anthropologie$ /  Lulu's  /  Topshop /  BB Dakota
Shoptiques /  Forever 21$ /  Shoptiques /  Shoptiques
Shoptiques /  Shoptiques /  Bloomingdale's /  Lulu's

Inspiration: Sole Society

Things Florida residents get excited about: taking cold weather vacations! It calls for more than usual outfit planning (the appropriate items are not necessarily already in our closets), and can result in a lot of style-related excitement. I know that's certainly the case for me. This is just one outfit inspired by my upcoming trip to Nashville. I was unsure about the vest at first, but it's super soft, keeps you *very* warm, and it works with so many outfits seamlessly (adds some texture without completely stealing the show from the rest of your look). Would you wear this type of vest?

Vest: Ross c/o, $18 (similar below)
Top: J.Crew, $30 (similar, similar, similar)
Jeans: Gap, $30 (similar)
Boots: Report/Piperlime, $10 (same)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Approx. dates: Jeans are 6 years ago. Purse is 3 years ago. Boots are 2 years ago. Top is 1 year ago. Vest is new.

Nordstrom Rack /  Forever 21 /  H&M /  Forever 21
Lord & Taylor /  Shoptiques /  Shoptiques
Nordstrom Rack /  Shoptiques /  Macy's

Gold shoes from Ross, $35.99
Red shoes from Ross, $22.99
 

Gold dress from Ross, $49.99
Gold shoes from Ross, $35.99

Holiday shopping is currently in full swing at Ross! I set out to visit my usual three locations last week and found a treasure trove of holiday things at each store. There were great deals on holiday decorations, small gifts, and the focus of today's post - gorgeous bow pumps and holiday dresses!

My first outfit (above) with the gold dress is my personal favorite. I love the shape and the subtle gold sheen of the dress, and it goes perfectly with the gold sparkle on the shoes. These gold shoes were an awesome deal on a brand name that I love, and while I wasn’t familiar with the dress brand, it was originally $148 so it was definitely a great deal! 

My next look (below) is a brand name black and white checkered dress with brand name red bow pumps. This look is JJ’s top pick. I like this outfit for an office holiday party or for a holiday dinner at home (thanks to the stretchy sweater material you can eat all the turkey you want!). The red bow pumps will also be making an appearance at a friend’s Ugly Christmas sweater party this holiday season, paired with evergreen jeans. 

For more holiday inspiration and to find a location near you, visit Ross.

Which holiday look do you like best?

Plaid dress from Ross, $29.99
Red shoes from Ross, $22.99

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

Have you ever bought something, so sure that you'll wear it constantly... only to find you don't wear it much at all? That's the story with these fringe sandals. I purchased them about 6 months ago and love them, but they haven't gotten much use. I think the suede felt too heavy in the summer but lately they are perfect for the weather in Florida. This whole outfit strikes that tricky balance - it gives off a fall vibe, while still working well in the warm weather right now!  

Top: H&M, $10
Skirt: H&M, $26 (with coupon)
Shoes: Sole Society c/o, $64 (same)
Purse: Ross c/o, $22 (similar, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Shoes are 6 months ago. Purse and skirt are recent. Top is new.

Via Anthropologie

Express /  Collective Concepts /  Romwe /  Dillard's
Bloomingdale's /  ASOS /  Guess /   Missguided
Mango /  Missguided /  Nordstrom Rack /  Dillard's

Also - I'm obsessed with this inspiration photo right now. I already have the boots and hat, I just need a cheaper version of dress! Here's are some options I found under $100.