in no particular order.

I am a glut for these... inspiration boards after fabulous inspiration boards. I could look at them day and night, night and day.

(flickr)

I believe I may have mentioned a couple (or four or five) times here how I have grand plans for an inspiration board.

(flickr)

Heck, it was on my list.

(flickr)

That was like 6 months ago.

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I still don't have one.

(flickr)

Are you ever frozen in your perfection?

(flickr)

I think this is exactly what is going on with me.

(flickr)

I saw $15 bulletin boards at Target.

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I think I will buy three and call it good.

(flickr)

Something is better than nothing, no?

good LOOK for less: Heather, work-from-home mom!

Heather emailed me recently wanting a good LOOK for less wardrobe consultation. Here is what her note said:

I am a stylish gal of 40, with two small children. If I had to build an outfit from what you created for Angela it would be the jeans with the t-strap sandal with a really basic t-shirt or white blouse and the Torrid bangle. I run a fundraising consulting business out of my home, so I don't need a five day a week work wardrobe. I need a stylish, slightly preppy, slightly funky Mom wardrobe for a lady who spends a lot of time doing Mom stuff but heads into Manhattan 1-2 times a month to meet with clients. NO TRACKSUITS for this Mom. If I could, I'd pretty much live in J. Crew and the Gap. In the summer I take the children to the beach 4-7 days a week, so I wear lots of swimsuits (no skirts please), swimsuit cover-ups, and sun hats. My budget is $750.

First off, thank you Heather for the email! I was so excited to jump in and help Heather out. Here is what I came up with for Heather's relaxed yet chic work-from-home summer wardrobe:


Within her $750 budget I came up with 33 new wardrobe pieces and 12 total outfits! Awesome!

Here is a sneak peek at just a few of her outfits:

I just love this breezy beach outfit... so simple, yet with a few accessories - so chic!

Layers make this outfit perfect for cool mornings and warm afternoons. Aren't these shoes amazing... I need a pair!

Simple wardrobe components with bold colors and accessories make this outfit easy, but still ultra-modern!

I just love the look of well-tailored denim with a funky top... this definitely fits the bill.

Thanks Heather for the opportunity to serve you!

~~~
As a follow up... here is what Heather had to say about the wardrobe board I pulled together for her:

AMAZING!!!! Love, love, love, love, love and love. I love it all, outfits 1, 2, and 5 are pure me, outfits 4 and 6 are fantastic date night outfits. The others are great looking and really helpful because I would never have put these together, particularly outfits 3 and 10. Forcing me to think out of the box is exactly why I did this, especially since my current box is from Land's End and filled with polo shirts.

~~~

If you are interested in wardrobe styling and consultation for yourself, on any budget, check out the details here!

well, I never.

I am head over heels in love with this little beach cover up. The over-sized polka dots, the drapey flow, the long sleeves, the cinched waist. Love, love, love.



Would you believe it is from here? I saw it in person first, it's even more lovely. I seriously need to stop going there. It is killing the bottom line these days.

head on over...

This morning I can be found at my oft neglected (especially of late) "other" blog... my little mistress of sorts.

Check it out.



(sigh, don't you just want to BE this lovely lady, just for a moment in time!?!?)

(photo via The Sartorialist)

twitter...

I teeter on twitter constantly. but for now I am back in the game. if you listen to the hype, it's the only place to "be" these days. and i admit, i drink hype like kool-ade.

do you twitter? if so, click on the twitter box in the left column and let's meet one another there...

peace out, oxo, Jill

the good look for less... wardrobe styling & consultation!

After numerous requests for wardrobe styling and consultation services, both online and off, I am thrilled to present "the good look for less"


Clothing is something we all have to buy and wear... sometimes putting great outfits together on a daily basis can be tricky! Now is the time to stop buying items that only get worn once or that you don't really like. Make an investment in yourself and your wardrobe!

Here are the details of my services:

WHAT
You don't have to be a celebrity or a big wig to get great wardrobe advice! Working within your style preferences and needs, I will compile a shopping list (and provide links to online shopping) within your budget, large or small. Based on that shopping list I will compile outfit suggestions for your future reference! No more stressing over "What will I wear today?" - a pdf of the compiled outfits will be emailed to you to print off and keep in your closet or to take shopping with you! Interested in what this service looks like? Here are previous completed wardrobe inspirations. There are no obligations to buy the items I suggest, use it as a road map for future purchases!

WHO
Career women, stay-at-home moms, aspiring fashionistas, students preparing to enter the "real world", expecting mothers, any one who would like some wardrobe assistance - I can serve you!

HOW
Email me [goodlifeforless(at)gmail.com] to get the process started! Tell me what your wardrobe needs are, how you spend your days, your likes, your dislikes, your aspirations and even if you have some items in your wardrobe already that you want me to incorporate!

WHY
Why use a wardrobe stylist or consultant? Take a look around your closet... are there one or more items that you dislike? Are there items that are years old with the tags still on? For what you paid for items that you dislike or don't wear... you could have invested in a consultation instead!

BUZZ
This is what one previous client had to say:

"Working with Jill virtually was one of the best online experiences I've had. She totally 'got' the style I was going for, saved me a ton of time and money and helped ensure that I am stepping up my style. Thanks Jill!!"

PRICING
The "Mini" $30.00
Includes:
- Shopping budget of up to $250
- Up to 16 suggested wardrobe pieces
- Up to 8 coordinated outfits

The "New You" $45.00
Includes:
- Shopping budget in the range of $251 - $500
- Up to 25 suggested wardrobe pieces
- Up to 12 coordinated outfits

The "Over Haul" $60.00
Includes:
- Shopping budget in the range of $501 - $1,000
- Up to 40 suggested wardrobe pieces
- Up to 18 coordinated outfits

The "Special Occasion" $ on an individual basis
Includes:
- For formal events, speaking engagements, proms, reunions, etc.
- This service will range from $35 to $55 and will be 100% customizable (email me for details)

Wardrobe Consultation

Mini $30.00 New You $45.00 Over Haul $60.00

~~~
Also, notice a new handy "buy now" button... if you use this, please email me pertinent details for your personal wardrobe consult (likes, dislikes, fashion aspirations, etc) or include it in the notes section of the receipt. As always, I love feedback and emails - so hit me up if you have something to say or any questions before buying my services! I am here for you! :) goodlifeforless @ gmail.com
*These are approximate wardrobe piece and outfit numbers based on previous experience. Each client will be served on an individual basis according to their individual needs and these numbers can not be guaranteed.

good LOOK for less: Katie, the young hip interior designer!

Goodness, do I have the best readers! Katie emailed me last week wanting me to whip up a "good LOOK for less" wardrobe inspiration for her. Here is her note:

"Hi! Your good look for less post was awesome and I would love to see what you can come up for me! I am 25 and live in Florida (so no heavy coats!). I work as an interior designer and need outfits for anything from casual Fridays at the office to meetings with clients. My weekend and going out outfits could also use some help too! My office is fairly conservative but I would describe my style as simple, classic pieces mixed with bold jewelry and accessories. I love modern architecture and would like incorporate that into my look by adding some modern structured pieces to my wardrobe as well. Oh and I love European style, is that to much to mix in?! My budget is around $1,000 and I would really appreciate your help."

Well of course I was thrilled to help her out... here is a peak at what her $1,000 shopping list looked like:


With $1,000 I was able to put together 35 new wardrobe pieces for her! This included tops, bottoms, skirts, dresses, shoes, accessories and jewelry! Whew, what a great collection! I was shooting for modern and youthful, while also being mindful of the weather challenges that Florida poses (likely very cool air conditioned interiors and hot and muggy exteriors) - so layering was key here. Also I incorporated fun and vibrant accessories that added a ton of interest to make the basics pop!

With these 35 new wardrobe pieces I compiled 14 new outfits! Here is just a sampling of all of them!

This look quickly transforms from day to evening by simply removing the jacket! Maxi dresses are so hot again this season, a great carry-over from last summer, and are easy when layered with fab accessories!


Nothing is more youthful and sophisticated this season than short-shorts. Paired with eye-popping brights, this simple black bottom and white top is absolutely fun and modern.


I just adore gold accessories this season, they are so versatile and chic. Here, paired with boyfriend jeans - which face it, if you aren't wearing them, they should be on your wish list - and a flowy top makes a great casual day in the office or Saturday at the park or movies.


I hope you enjoy Katie! It sure was a pleasure to serve you!
~~~
As a follow up... here is what Katie had to say about the wardrobe inspiration...

Thank you so much! I keep trying to think of what my favorites are but you found so many great deals its hard to pick! Again, thank you so much...I cant wait to go shopping and try on some of these outfits!

~~~
If you are interested in a "good LOOK for less" wardrobe consultation... email me know at goodlifeforless (at) gmail.com!

"green" with envy...

I made a new friend yesterday... with a green bag. Well, not exactly, just pretty much.

While chasing my kiddos around at the pool yesterday I noticed an adorable green bag sitting on a chair near mine. It was a green canvas bag with gold accents... perfect for the pool and what's more is that it was so chic, really you get away with it around town no problem.

Later in the afternoon I then also befriended a fellow mom while our four kids were playing together. Put it this way, I knew I could've been her friend when I met her bag (which I actually did first). I wasn't surprised at all when the pool closed and we rounded up our kids and our belongings that the sweet little green bag I was crushing on was hers.

It got me thinking about green bags. And really how my theory that bold accessories this season (shoes, bags, jewelry) are a neutral when perfectly paired with everyday chic items, is true.

Want to swoon with me? Don't you know I combed the internet best I can and can't find the same one she had - kudos to her (I love to be original, don't you?)... but here are some others that I could certainly live with.



How about you... would you do a green handbag?

simple delights!

I am so excited to announce the first EVER simple delights swap... how fun! I first mentioned it last week and heard from a handful of you all that you were interested in joining! So here are the matches:

Magchunk & High-Heeled Foot in the Door

Down and Out Chic & PS ~ Erin

Sweetie Pie Pumpkin Noodle & MOI!

Here's what's next....

Contact your "partner" through their blog within the next couple of days to exchange details and mailing addresses. Then put together a small package containing a simple delight. It could be gourmet candy, some flower seed packets, some silly postcards, a sweet little trinket, etc - don't spend a lot of money - it's more about the thoughtfulness and the simplicity - finding joy in ordinary places. A nice handwritten note would be a great addition. Then once "delights" have been exchanged I thought it would be fun to exchange quick little guest posts for one another about what you both exchanged and listing your top five "simple delights" (full moons, foggy mornings, super hot coffee, cheerios before the milk makes them mushy... you get the idea).

The idea here is simple, simple, simple... so have fun being creative on a shoestring! Let's all inspire one another and make this really fun! If it catches on maybe we could do it again soon, wouldn't that be even more fun? (have I said "fun" too much?)

*please note: there were a couple of you that left comments that didn't specifically say if you wanted to participate... if you are still interested, let me know! I just didn't want to sign anyone up for something if they didn't want to be!

***EDITED TO ADD: PLEASE MAIL YOUR PACKAGE OUT BY ONE WEEK FROM TODAY, JUNE 2. THANKS!

kitty envy...

I may have mentioned yesterday I am completely in summer/long weekend mode... so here is a random post.

I am not really a "pet" person. I tend to think that if I am going to accept another mouth to feed in this house it is going to need to cook, clean or bring in money. So, yeah, pets don't really fall into any of those "cat"egories (if you will).

Actually, no one really falls into any of those categories.

So, actually, we are not accepting any new "residents" now.

But I do have a little "kitty envy".

Although it looks like The City Sage's kitty knows how to blog already, I may consider that on a "new resident application"... and she has very good taste in laptops.


This little kitty sure knows how to "relax" and since my kids never seem to like to sleep, maybe the kitty could teach them a thing or two...


Happy weekend!

Is it summer? At least it's a long weekend...

So it's Thursday and my mind is already on the weekend... probably because we turned the A/C on yesterday and then whipped up some margaritas after a sweaty day. How could I not be in "summer" mode after that?! So today I am all laid back, super chill, "what, I have a blog?"... all in the best way of course.

There will be SEVERAL highlights of my weekend... the first is the kick-off of white pant season. Boy, oh boy, do I love me some white pants! Whoo hooo! I honestly think this will take the cake over tons of sun, pool time, extra lazy family time and tons of sun!

But anyway, please tell me you wear white pants!!! I already have a couple "under my belt" literally... so I don't need to snag any this season. But if I did, these two pairs would be on the short list:

More Banana Republic...

More Charlotte Russe...

~~~

In some housekeeping news... my simple delights swap is open to entries until MONDAY (or the "holiday" - so do it now!) - this will be low stress and tons of fun! So join in and tell your friends! Swap pairs will be announced TUESDAY, May 26 - what better way to shake off the post-holiday back to reality blues!?


Also, wowie-kazowie! Thank you, thank you, thank you for the overwhelming response to the good LOOK for less! If a girl can't find support in the blog world, where can she? I am taking MORE "reservations" for these if you will. I am hoping to make this a weekly series here on the blog and will be taking an additional limited number of "clients" for this complimentary service! So DO NOT hesitate and email me now if you are interested! (goodlifeforless (at) gmail (dot) com) - after which, this will no longer be a "complimentary" service if you catch my drift... so get in now!

~~~

Enough about me... what are you all up to this glorious weekend!?!? I do SO LOVE summer (after 100+ inches of snow this season, you likely don't wonder why!) - how do you kick off this "season"? Do tell!

good LOOK for less!

I got a little email recently from a Good Life for Less reader named Angela. It went like this:

"I love following your blogs and posts on Polyvore. I'm a working mom of 2 and find that I have much less time to shop. Have you considered offering personal shopping/wardrobe building? I like your style and would definitely would think about using you for this service."

Well, well, well Angela. Did you ring the right person! If there is one thing I love, that is creating outfits on polyvore and shopstyle - so of course I was up to the challenge of helping this working mom out with updating her wardrobe! (And if there are two things I love, it is working moms - I salute you - and hope to join you! soon!)

So of course I jumped right in to help Angela. This is how she described her desired style:

"I used to work in an environment where I had to wear a suit everyday. That was really easy. Now, I work in a corporate casual environment -- I'm struggling with infusing some style into my look and find myself relying on twinsets and slacks. Nothing wrong with that, but definitely not very exciting.

So, I'm interested in both work and casual attire. I would characterize myself as pretty conservative, but I'd like to be more conservative chic. I guess I'd like to have style more like Kelly Ripa, Debra Messing, Reese Witherspoon, Eva Mendes, Christina Applegate or the ultimate, Michelle Obama. I'm 36 years old, so these ladies are probably closer to my reality than the younger personalities and actresses whom I don't even recognize."

Angela had informed me that she had set aside $700 - $800 for her new wardrobe investments. With that knowledge and the details she gave me about her style desires I compiled a suggested shopping list - I call it the good LOOK for less:



Can you believe that we could add 29 (TWENTY NINE) pieces to her wardrobe within that budget! The new wardrobe includes shoes, handbags, tops, bottoms, dresses, jackets, belts... the whole she-bang!

Then the good stuff... armed with that shopping list I was able to compile 10 (TEN) complete LOOKS for her and posted those to shopstyle as well... here are just a few!







With solid basics and some fun and trendy pieces thrown in... the options are truly endless!

Best wishes to you Angela! And happy shopping!

~~~

Are you interested in getting a good LOOK for less? I am happy to work within any budget and style requirements! Contact me at goodlifeforless (at) gmail (dot) com!

A post in which I may blab on a bit... but it will be good! So wait for it!

So some of you may, or may not, know that I am taking part in "The Artist's Way" bookclub that Wide Open Spaces is hosting, now via Two Ellie. This is one of the most AMAZING books, whether you count yourself as an "artist" or a "creative" or a "spiritual" person in any way... this is a book that will change your life (of course, only if you let it).

I am happy to say that I am letting it change my life, slowly and with a bit of resistance of course, but truly an amazing book. The reason I mention this is because this week's chapter is on "Abundance" - what a great topic!  

And along the lines of abundance I have just been smitten with the idea of simple delights lately. Just the little small things that make you smile, that are worth going the extra distance for and that one by one will change your life and your outlook on it.

So out of all these airy, frilly, happy thoughts was born an idea (not super original, albeit, I have seen things like this around the internet before)...

The idea is this: to bless another person with a "simple delight". How you ask?



So glad you asked... here's my idea. It's a "simple delights" swap. You leave a comment to let me know you are interested. I will pair you up with another lovely blogger and you guys/gals will exchange contact info and within the next week or so will put together a small package containing a simple pleasure. It could be gourmet candy, some flower seed packets, some silly postcards, a sweet little trinket, etc - don't spend a lot of money - it's more about the thoughtfulness and the simplicity - finding joy in ordinary places. A nice handwritten note would be a great addition. Then once "delights" have been exchanged I thought it would be fun to exchange quick little guest posts for one another about what you both exchanged and listing your top five "simple delights" (full moons, foggy mornings, super hot coffee, cheerios before the milk makes them mushy... you get the idea).

I'm thinking this will be best for bloggers, but if you don't have a blog (or one you update frequently) let me know that too and I can pair up accordingly. Otherwise the pairings will be random.

So leave a comment so I can gauge interest and then hopefully we will take off from there!

A little MIA...

I feel like I am here there and everywhere, but mostly not here.

We just joined the local gym (that also happens to have an outdoor pool that opens next weekend)... I won't go all "we joined a gym" on you. But it was a really big step because we have been saving for it all winter and looking forward to it ALL winter and it feels good to make a big purchase/investment like this with no stress!

Now I am bound and determined to have the kids spend as much time in their awesome child care area, to take as many yoga classes as I can endure, to sit in the steam room as much as physically possible, to swim with the kids inside enough that they are ready for outside, to have plenty of un-interupted ipod time and perhaps catch up on The View while working out! Whew...



So, any who... with all this new found listening time - Does anyone have some good podcasts to suggest? I like to mix up some music with some inspirational mojo. I'd love to hear your suggestions!

(photo via)

Fashion Friday: Nature Inspired...

When I began to take pictures in the yard yesterday for Fashion Friday (nature inspired!) there were so many amazing flowers blooming, it was hard to choose just one set to inspire Fashion Friday! But the crab apples trees (their name speaks nothing to their beauty!) are in FULL bloom and they have the sweetest most alluring scent that fills the air. So this week... they are my fav.



I wish I had a sunny little summer wedding to wear this ensemble to... a yellow dress, what fun!

crab apples by Jill GG featuring Christian Louboutin Shoes

Happy Weekend all! I have a fun and busy one that I am excited to get a jump on!

Work it Wednesday (on Thursday)!

Sorry Work it Wednesday is a day late... This is one of my favorite "series" around here, but yesterday got away from me! So, whew, here we are... let's work it ladies!

So do you "tunic"? To me tunics are easy, breezy and beautiful - er, that is a commercial. But no really, a tunic is usually highlighted by beautiful detailing and adornments, they are tailored in a way that allows for comfort and movement... and as you can see with my outline below - they make an "outfit" in a snap! So yes, beautiful, breezy and easy! Isn't this Tory Burch tunic to die for!?!?! (sigh)

tunic three ways by Jill GG featuring Roxy Bags

Love the tunic look and want some cheaper options? Glad you asked...

real life fashion.

There is nothing I love more than real life fashion... folks hitting the streets in their variation on the latest and greatest. I try to keep it real around here as inspiration for you all too - but seeing as I'm home with my kids most days in jeans and a tee, I'm not always the best "showpiece" of real fashion. Someday when I go back to work, perhaps, someday...

Now while I snap out of it over here...



You NEED to go check out this post at Elle New Blog. It's seriously chic peeps making style statements that can definitely translate into your wardrobe in one way or another. Seriously... GO!

(photo via)

score!

I'll be honest, clothing shopping isn't really in the budget so much these days. But you know me, I like to sneak it in here and there.

And when you find cute tops like these for less than $15... the sneakin' is super easy. (Not to imply that I sneak shopping past my husband, I'm not one of those wives... I try to sneak it past me. Since I "balance the books" in these parts.) I wore this adorable top for Mother's Day with a little blazer (I wear everything with a "little blazer" if you haven't noticed). The ruffles were in all the right places and the checkbook didn't yelp too much. It was all good.

More Forever 21...

And no big "thing" but I may or may not have also "snuck" this home too...

More Forever 21...

need.

I am feeling a very strong need for this cute little Botkier tote. Dilemma.

This is only ONE of the gems in the Botkier sale over at Gilt today... you should check it out, so I am not the only one over here suffering through the flutter in my stomach while my fingers click "buy" and my head says "no."

Marc Jacobs GIVEAWAY WINNER!

Ta-da!

The winning comment was from Down & Out Chic! Her comment was so cute:

i've seen that pen and it is very cute in person. my simplest pleasure is receiving a back scratch. since i was a little girl i would beg parents to give me one and now that i'm an adult i beg b. for one all the time. it's pitiful really.

We have a lot in common because I am the same way! My husband just looks at me with disgust when I ask... but usually I get my way! :) So congrats! This little pen is on it's way to you! (as soon as you send me your address!)


Honorable mention goes to Kim Ray's comment... I just subscribed to USWeekly because of this comment and also I know Kim personally so it just makes it all the more cute and funny! It's so like you Kim - love it!

Simplest Pleasures: That is easy...I love love Fridays when my US weekly comes in the mail...I keep if for Saturday morning, I get up early with a cup of coffee when everyone else in my house is sleeping and just pour over the pages of fashion...I love the pic's and rarely read the print!!

Kim is a girl after my own heart!

All of you had such fun little simple pleasures! I just loved reading them all!

srsly.

It's Monday, isn't it?


I was going to grow my bangs out.

Then I read this.

I'm dialing my hairstylist now.

Happy Mother's Day...

I picked these lilacs from the yard to put on my desk for the weekend... ah, simple, heady, fragrant pleasures.

Have a great Mother's Day! Do something nice for yourself!

xo, Jill

~~~

Speaking of simple pleasures... bop over here and tell me what yours are for a chance to win some Marc Jacobs swag!

Fashion Friday: Nature Inspired...

As long as my garden keeps blooming and bursting so beautifully... you all will be getting nature inspired Fashion Fridays! The bleeding hearts just popped up this week...

Ahh, they are one of my absolute favorites! The kids in the neighborhood keep asking if they are "fake"! This year I don't seem to have as many blooms (yet) as previous years - hopefully they'll keep coming

Here's a little outfit inspired by their (and your!) natural beauty:

bleeding hearts inspired by Jill GG featuring coordination tote bags

The lilacs are just starting... so stay tuned for those next week!

Everyone have a fantastic weekend!

ETSY shop giveaway!!!

Thanks to everyone that left comments to the Mother's Day giveaway post. I just LOVED reading all of your responses. I know personally that motherhood had taught me lessons I never even knew there were to learn!

In honor of Mother's Day... in honor of all of the hard working moms with never ending love... here are the winners:



The seventh comment was from Miss Aimee, this is what she had to say:
Miss Aimee said...
the biggest lesson i have learned from being a mother is: PATIENCE. with three kids i always need to remember to be patient and listen to each child every day bc even though it may sound unimportant to us at teh busy moment they are trying to tell us all about whatever it may just be teh MOST important thing ever to them that shapes their future existance, right?! So i listen to my kids when they talk(weel ltry to most of teh time). xo



The ninth comment was from PS~Erin, this is what she had to say:
PS~Erin said...
Biggest lesson: Tthat I don't have to or need to be in control at all times... It's my job to teach my kids to make their own choices. Oooh, and this is tough to do at times.

Love your cuffs! Way to go on opening your shop!!



The very first comment was from Kim Ray, this is what she had to say:
Kim Ray said...
Biggest Lesson I learned from being a mother? 1. How much you could love another person....there is no end to how much I love my daughter. 2. How much my daughter watches and listens to everything I do and say...it has made be all around a better person b/c I am constantly thinking about what she will think.

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR PLAYING!! I'll be contacting you all, then you choose which cuff you like best from my etsy shop and it's all yours! Love you all, xoxo Jill!

~~~

If you didn't win this giveaway... make sure you enter the Marc Jacobs Lipstick Pen giveaway I am also hosting here!