Monday, 31 December 2012

Onasis FashionToday's Everyday Fashion: Last of 2012

Inspiration: Zara

It's the last of 2012 and while I'm not posting a collage of favorite outfits (see Outfits tab for some favorites), I can't help but wax nostalgic. In some ways 2012 was great - I reached goals I never thought possible (50,000 Facebook fans), and had some amazing experiences (Sierra Leone). But this was also my most difficult year, with family illness and serious personal trials; it was a very sad time. It was with pleasure that I escaped to the world of fashion for just a moment with you everyday, and I want to thank you for joining me this year. 2012 ends on a happy note, and I'm optimistic about what 2013 will bring. Here's to a very merry - and fashionable - 2013. Cheers!

About my outfit: I skipped my usual winter uniform of skinny jeans for a comfy striped skirt and boots yesterday. Also, pretty sure I'm wearing this dress tonight for NYE, but I will let you know!

Blazer: Gap, $75 (similar, similar)
Shirt: Banana, $20 (similar)
Skirt: Limited, $25
Boots: c/o Chinese Laundry, $180
Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar, vegan)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $39
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59 and $79

Banana Republic / Forever 21 / Banana Republic
Sanctuary / Buffalo / Gap

Onasis FashionToday's Everyday Fashion: Spring Preview

Inspiration: Arden B


I wore the top outfit to a speaking engagement at a middle/high school a few weeks ago. I also tried it for fun with my neon sandals, a recent addition that I can't wait to wear this spring. This outfit got me thinking about geography. I grew up in Kansas, lived in Boston for four years, and now I'm in Orlando - and the dress codes in the Midwest, Northeast and Southern parts of the country could not be more different. I wouldn't have felt comfortable wearing this in Boston, but in Florida bright colors like these work year-round. Would you wear these bright colors in your hometown - if so, during which seasons?

Shirt: c/o Express, $25
Jeans: Limited, $15
Necklace: c/o Ily Couture, $29
Purse: Calvin Klein/ TJ Maxx, $120 (similar)
Pumps: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $17 (similar)
Sandals: c/o Flirt, $25
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $39
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59 and $79

Banana Republic / Forever 21 / Lauren Conrad
Charlotte Russe / Rory Beca / Express

Saturday, 29 December 2012

Onasis FashionToday's Everyday Fashion: Winter Colors

Inspiration: WhoWhatWear

From the moment I spotted this inspiration photo, I knew I wanted to try it. The silhouette is not something I can see myself wearing, but the color scheme is one of my favorites in the summer and I liked how she made it cold-weather appropriate. I gave it a try and wore it for Christmas errands last week. Do you think these colors work in the winter?

Blazer: Forever 21, $25 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Tank: J.Crew, $7 (similar)
Jeans: Limited, $37
Necklace: Aldo, old
Boots: c/o Chinese Laundry, $150
Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar, vegan)
Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington, $199
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $39 and $49
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59 and $79

Kendra Scott / Kendra Scott / Kenneth Jay Lane
Forever 21 / Lori's Shoes / Anthropologie

Friday, 28 December 2012

Onasis FashionMy December Budget

Old Navy / Old Navy / Limited / Limited
Banana / Limited / Banana
Gap / Limited / Marshall's
Banana / Old Navy / Target / Gap / Limited

It's my favorite time of year for shopping! You simply can't beat the post-Christmas deals in stores. Here's how I spent my December budget - most items I picked up yesterday, and some I grabbed during Christmas shopping last week. Not everything is 100% final, but pretty close! Here's what I got:

1. Old Navy plaid, $17 - I can't get enough plaid lately and this top was perfect to wear on Christmas Day. I also love this red plaid shirt from Banana.
2. Old Navy fox sweater, $16 - A reader helped me track this sweater down a couple weeks ago. Using the style # (see link for it), I called the store and had one shipped to me from another city.
3. Limited bow sweater, $25 - I'm trying not to go overboard with the graphic sweater trend, but I couldn't resist this blush pink sweater on sale yesterday. I also love this bow sweater from Forever 21.
4. Limited sequin cardigan, $20 - I was crushing on this sweater last month but couldn't bring myself to spend $40 on it. I found it for half that yesterday (75% off original price) and happily scooped it up.
5. Banana burgundy cardigan, $22 - You may recall that I bought a burgundy cardigan from Banana last month for $19 - a button popped off and I don't have a replacement button so I decided to pick up a replacement sweater. Still hoping to fix the other one, but I also love the four front pockets on this version.
6. Limited striped skirt, $25 - I bought this on Black Friday and only recently decided to keep it. It's soft and comfy and I can't wait to pair it with boots.
7. Banana navy top, $20 - A classic piece that I will wear for years, and grabbed on sale yesterday.
8. Gap hat, $10 - I immediately regretted this purchase. No idea how I'm going to pull this hat off, but I just might try!
9. Limited necklace, $20 - I used a $15-off coupon they were handing out in the store yesterday for this price. Not entirely sure I'm keeping it yet.
10. Marshall's shoes, $28 - The Me Too shoes pictured are very similar to the ones I picked up at Marshall's on clearance yesterday, but mine have a slight wedge. I need more practical almost-flat shoes in my closet and I love the cap toe.
11. Banana white dress, $24 - I fell in love with this dress a couple months ago and am beyond psyched I found one at this price! I need to have it altered (none of the sizes fit perfectly), however, the tailoring cost is worth it with that price.
12. Old Navy pink dress, $9 - This dress is much more neon than pictured, and will be perfect this spring. It was on clearance in the store, no coupon.
13. Target pink jeans, $22 - I tried on these blush pink jeans on a whim and fell in love. They also come in mint and tons of other colors online.
14. Gap velvet jeans, $24 - I ordered these from another store (my store didn't have my size). Can't wait for them to arrive.
15. Limited plaid jeans, $20 - I never would've given these jeans a second thought if they hadn't been on the clearance rack, but now that I tried them on, I love them.

Grand Total = $302

My budget is $250 per month. I had $26 left from last month's budget and will either carry over the remaining $30 into January's budget, or return an item. To learn more see "How To Set a Clothing Budget."

LOFT / Ann Taylor / Gap

Also, an update on mint skinnies. I tried on all three of these while Christmas shopping and loved all of them. The Gap ones are my favorite color-wise, but I liked the length of the LOFT ones better. I'm waiting for a good sale/promo on the Gap ones and will likely scoop them up. All three are good options though!

What deals did you score in December? What items are on your January wish list?

Thursday, 27 December 2012

Onasis FashionToday's Everyday Fashion: The Graphic Sweater




I love trying new trends and the latest "graphic sweater" craze is no exception. I instantly fell in love when I spotted this fox sweater online, but I waited too long to visit a store and it wound up selling out. I tracked one down a couple weeks ago when reader was kind enough to give me the style # (find it at the link below). That's all I needed to call Old Navy and order one to be sent to me from a neighboring town. I think this outfit would also look great without the light pink polka dot shirt, but ultimately this is how I wound up wearing it. Are you wearing the graphic sweater trend yet?

Sweater: Old Navy, $16 sold out online
Shirt: Forever 21, $18
Jacket: H&M, $60 (similarsimilar)
Pants: Target, $22 (similarsimilarsimilarsimilarsimilar)
Pumps: c/o Nine West, $62 (similar, similar)
Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar, vegan)
Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington, $199
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $39 and $49
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59

Tuesday, 25 December 2012

Onasis FashionToday's Everyday Fashion: Merry Christmas!



"And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." - Luke 2:10-12

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you are having a wonderful day with your friends and family! I am bummed to not be with my family in Kansas this year, but feel very blessed to have amazing friends who have welcomed me into their homes yesterday and today! For the occasion, this plaid shirt felt festive and I dressed it up with a sparkly necklace and heels (to make it more feminine), and will switch to boots when my feet get tired. What are you wearing this year for Christmas?

Jacket: c/o Conversation Pieces, $45 (similar, similar, similarsimilar similar)
Shirt: Old Navy, $17
Necklace: JcPenney, $15
Belt: H&M, $20
Jeans: Limited, $37
Pumps: c/o Nine West, $62 (similar, similar)
Boots: Steve Madden/Endless, $47
Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington, $199
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $39 and $49
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59

Monday, 24 December 2012

Onasis FashionToday's Everyday Fashion: Bonfire




Cold weather has finally arrived in Orlando, and I took full advantage of the low temperatures by wearing this outfit to a bonfire on Friday night. This sweater from last year will always be one of my favorites and it felt new again by pairing it with plaid - something I haven't tried yet. Are you a fan of Fair Isle sweaters? Which ones do you like below?

Navy coat: LOFT, $50 (similar, similarsimilar)
Sweater: American Eagle, $30
Shirt: Forever 21, $18 (similar, similar, similar)
Jeans: UnionBay c/o Kohl's, $23 (similar, similarsimilar)
Boots: Steve Madden/Endless, $47
Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar, vegan)
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $39 and $49
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59 and $79 and $32 and $39

Gabrielle Rocha / Ralph Lauren / Lands' End
Amazon / Gabrielle Rocha
American Eagle / Tommy Hilfiger / Dillard's

Sunday, 23 December 2012

Onasis FashionToday's Everyday Fashion: Gold Buttons

Inspiration: Chloe Conspiracy

I bought this camel blazer for a steal two summers ago and have been meaning to switch the buttons to gold ones ever since. I switched the buttons on a Forever 21 coat once and loved the result. Gold military style buttons would be the finishing touch on this outfit - a Christmas-y ensemble perfect for a business meeting or even to wear to church. Would you switch this jacket to gold buttons? Have you ever switched out buttons before?

Blazer: Express, $25
Brooch: Banana Republic, old (similar, similar)
Sweater: H&M, $18 (similar)
Pants: Gap, $20 (similarsimilarsimilarsimilar)
Belt: H&M, $20
Purse: Emma Fox c/o Ross, $60 (same)
Shoes: c/o Nine West, $62 (similar, similar)
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $39 and $49
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59 and $79 and $32 and $39

Nordstrom / Limited / Eddie Bauer / Hoss Intropia / Banana Republic


Saturday, 22 December 2012

Onasis FashionToday's Everyday Fashion: Christmas Cheer




Buddy the Elf might tell you the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear - but I think wearing red peplum and sequins takes the cake! I wore the green jeans outfit while hosting a Christmas dinner with my friends last weekend. It was purposely tongue-in-cheek (we joked that I looked like an elf), and I love showing my Christmas cheer throughout the season in over-the-top ensembles like both of these. Do you prefer understated or over-the-top holiday looks?

Red peplum: c/o H.C.B. Boutique, $30 (code "HappyHolidays" for 20% off before midnight)
Red cardigan: H&M, $18 (similarsimilar)
Sequin skirt: New York & Co, $25 (similarsimilarsimilarsimilar)
Black shoes: c/o Chinese Laundry, $99
Clear necklace: Banana Republic, old (similar)
White necklace: c/o Red Dress Boutique, $48
Green jeans: Lauren Conrad c/o Kohl's, $34 (similar, similar)
Red shoes: c/o Express, $30 (similar)

Topshop / Limited / Express
Arden B / Arden B
C. Russe / C. Russe

Friday, 21 December 2012

Onasis FashionToday's Everyday Fashion: Holiday Blues

Inspiration: Piperlime

This photo was in my inbox last week and it instantly caught my eye. I love the idea of mixing navy and cobalt blue with black and sequins for a festive holiday look. Tomorrow I'm posting a bold red and green Christmas look, and after that a couple of cozy sweaters for lounging. What kind of holiday attire is your favorite -  sequins, red + green, cozy sweaters or something else?

Navy coat: Via c/o MJR Sales, $55 (similar, similar)
Shirt: Rock & Republic c/o Kohl's, $8 
Jeans: American Eagle, $35 (similar, similar, similar)
Sequin clutch: Limited, $15
Black shoes: c/o Chinese Laundry, $99
Necklace: Banana Republic, old (similar)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $39 and $49
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59 and $79 and $32 and $39

Speaking of blue and sequins, I tried on this Tracy Reese top at Target yesterday - it's currently 50% off! 

Thursday, 20 December 2012

Onasis FashionToday's Everyday Fashion: Basic Black

Inspiration: FabSugar

Basic black is not something you will generally find me wearing. However, when black is mixed with interesting textures (leather, gold buckles), and yummy neutrals (beige, olive, taupe), then I'm a huge fan. I love Kate Moss' outfit and was excited to give it a try with my own clothes. Speaking of basic black, I'm on the hunt for my first black handbag; read about my shopping adventures below. How do you wear black?

Leather jacket: Victoria's Secret, $257
Shirt: H&M, $13 (similar)
Scarf: c/o Ross, $8 (similar, similar, similar)
Black jeans: Gap, $35 (similar)
Boots: Forever 21, $33 (similar, similar)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $39 and $49
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59 and $79 and $32 and $39

Michael Kors / Marc Jacobs / Marc Jacobs / Michael Kors / Calvin Klein
I've been on the hunt for my first black handbag for months. I don't want to pay full price, but I also don't have time to scour TJ Maxx and the like. So I've been keeping an eye out for coupons - Macy's just had Friends & Family (25% off everything) a few weeks ago, and Piperlime recently had two coupons (20% and 15%, respectively), all of which worked on designer bags. Here's what I bought and considered!

1. Santa tells me this bag might be under the tree this year! Piperlime had a 15% off coupon this week.
2. This one is my absolute favorite, but it's too expensive, even with a coupon.
3. I ordred this purse with a 20% off Piperlime coupon a couple weeks ago, thinking it was much larger. Turns out it's tiny - smaller than most of my clutches.
4. I also considered this Michael Kors bag - love it.
5. I randomly stumbled upon this beauty during my online search and had to share.

Which handbag do you like best?

Wednesday, 19 December 2012

Onasis FashionWin $100 to H.C.B. Boutique! [now closed]

Peplum top $34 / blue jeans $36 / purse $48 / necklace $26 / shoes $30
Peplum top $34 / black jeans $42 / necklace $22 / shoes $30

I'm so excited to introduce H.C.B. Boutique to you guys today! Short for Hilary Caroline Boutique, the owner (that's Hilary) opened her online store in summer 2012. Everything I'm wearing I borrowed from Hilary for a little try-on session, and will be sending back (except for the ankle boots... might have to hold onto those!) You guys are in for a real treat though - one lucky reader will win a $100 gift card to H.C.B. Boutique, and everyone gets 20% off before 12/22 with code "HappyHolidays." To enter the giveaway:

1. Stay in touch with H.C.B. Boutique by "liking" their Facebook page.
2. Leave a comment on today's post.

A winner will be selected on 12/26. U.S. residents only. Good luck!

Above: I would be more than happy to add peplum tops like these in every color to my closet! They are so festive for the holidays, and are super-comfy with their soft, stretchy material. Consider sizing up; the small (pictured) fit snug. 

Peplum top $30 / blue jeans $36 / necklace $22 / purse $42 / shoes $30
Striped top $34 / black jeans $42 / necklace $26 / purse $48 / shoes $30
Lace top $28 / blue jeans $36 / shoes $30

I'm equally obsessed with the sleeveless version of this peplum top, and H.B.C. stocks tons of other cute tops like this striped silky top and crochet lace top. I'm also a huge fan of both pairs of denim I tried - both the blue and black skinnies fit like a dream (and ran true to size).

Multicolor sweater $42 / blue jeans $36 / boots $54
Aztec sweater $40 / black jeans $42 / boots $54
The outfit on the right might be my favorite of the whole bunch, I love the sweater! I also really dig the pattern on the left sweater, although I'm convinced I look silly in crop-tops. ;-) Sweater on the left also fits snug in the arms/elbows, so consider sizing up. 

High low dress $44 / necklace $22 / purse $42 / boots $54
Pattern dress $34 / necklace $26 / purse $48 / shoes $30
Maxi dress $42 / necklace $22 / shoes $30

You will find dresses galore at H.C.B. Boutique - my favorite is the high-low dress on the left, I love the boho vibe and can see myself wearing it for both dinner and errands. The middle print looks great with cognac and turquoise and would also work with boots and leggings (I would size up because of length). The far right dress is a super-comfy option that works with sandals on the beach, or heels for the holidays.

Which outfit or clothing item is your favorite?

This post is brought to you by H.C.B. Boutique. As always all opinions, reviews and editorial decisions are my own. 

Congrats to our winner!

Tuesday, 18 December 2012

Onasis FashionToday's Everyday Fashion: Tie Dye



I snapped these pictures on my way out the door on Saturday. I had dinner with one of my dearest friends, followed by two holiday parties. I decided to bust out my new tie-dye skinnies for the occasion, and kept the rest of the look fairly simple. They were super-fun to wear and I'm already brainstorming different ways I can wear them for another night out. Would you wear tie dye jeans?

Shirt: LOFT, $30 (similar, similar)
Jeans: c/o Collide Boutique, $42
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $138
Pumps: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $24 (similar, similar, similar)
Clutch: Urban Outfitters, $30
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $69 and $39 and $49
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $59 and $79 and $32 and $39

Collide Boutique / Free People / CoutureCandy / Bebe / Zappos