Also, if you are not stopping by my new tumblr blog... you should be! It is full to the brim of my favs from around the internet! I am officially IN LOVE with tumblr...
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
yea? nea?
so how do you feel about "verbal" posts... listen and let me know!
Also, if you are not stopping by my new tumblr blog... you should be! It is full to the brim of my favs from around the internet! I am officially IN LOVE with tumblr...
Also, if you are not stopping by my new tumblr blog... you should be! It is full to the brim of my favs from around the internet! I am officially IN LOVE with tumblr...
Meghann, new mom and part-time pastry chef!
I recently had the pleasure of putting together a good LOOK for LESS for Meghann, a new mom! This is how she described her style and needs:
Oh, pasty chef?!?! My mouth is watering... well, back to business:
So many of us have been in this exact same position! Just had a baby and still nursing and still trying to look and feel great, right!?!? One thing to keep in mind Meghann, and for all the other new moms out there, is that the post-partum year or so can be a tough one - but it will go SO quickly! So don't be disheartened when you are frustrated with how clothes look or feel or spend too much money on clothes that fit now, but that won't in a month or so. Changes can happen so quickly so be patient and conservative! Accessorizing can go a long way here... so focus on things like jackets, shoes and jewelry that can jazz up the limited number of items that do fit you well!
Meghann had a budget of $200 and with that I was able to compile 15 new wardrobe pieces and 6 outfits (although the options are endless!). Here's her shopping list:
Here are just a few of the outfits I put together for Meghann... more can be found in my Shopstyle Stylebook!
Meghann wanted an outfit to wear out with her husband for dinner... I like this dress because paired with some nice accessories and a little jacket it is date worthy... but alone it is great for hot summer days as a mom! And it is machine washable!
To get out of the jeans and t-shirt mode a nice pair of white bermuda shorts is in order! Easy to take care of and super cute and comfy to wear this is a perfect outfit for playdates, errands or coffee with friends!
Denim skirts are a classic piece that never seem to go out of style and go with everything. I paired this one with a bright top and some fun accessories and it's an instant outfit!
Best of luck to you, Meghann, with the little one! Happy shopping and thanks for working with me!
~~~
If you are interested in learning more about my wardrobe consulting services... click here! If you would like to see past clients I have worked with... click here!
I had a baby three months ago, and am almost back to my pre-pregnancy weight, but my body isn't shaped the same anymore, which is probably my biggest challenge. I'm nursing, so it's hard to find tops that fit over my chest while still fitting the rest, like my fairly narrow shoulders. I'm petite - 5'3".
My lifestyle is laid-back and easygoing - I'm currently staying at home with my daughter, and one day I'll get back into the working world as a pastry cook, which requires either a uniform or nothing more than jeans and a t-shirt. However, I want to get out of the jeans and tee rut that I'm in. I like pieces that are versatile and that won't go out of style too soon. Ease of maintenance is key...if it has to be dry-cleaned then I'll only wear it a handful of times. I'm looking for comfort + style. I love feminine touches (but not too frou-frou)...Anthropologie is my go-to for fun pieces and accessories, although it's not always in my budget, which is pretty slim these days. I tend towards Gap for the basics.
I don't like anything too clingy, especially jersey knit...it doesn't drape well on me. I'm hoping to add some color into my wardrobe (the only color I don't wear well is yellow), and I'd love mostly everyday outfits with one or two options to wear out to dinner with my hubby. Also, since this is such a transition time, I have to be able to wear them now and when I'm no longer nursing.
Oh, pasty chef?!?! My mouth is watering... well, back to business:
So many of us have been in this exact same position! Just had a baby and still nursing and still trying to look and feel great, right!?!? One thing to keep in mind Meghann, and for all the other new moms out there, is that the post-partum year or so can be a tough one - but it will go SO quickly! So don't be disheartened when you are frustrated with how clothes look or feel or spend too much money on clothes that fit now, but that won't in a month or so. Changes can happen so quickly so be patient and conservative! Accessorizing can go a long way here... so focus on things like jackets, shoes and jewelry that can jazz up the limited number of items that do fit you well!
Meghann had a budget of $200 and with that I was able to compile 15 new wardrobe pieces and 6 outfits (although the options are endless!). Here's her shopping list:
Here are just a few of the outfits I put together for Meghann... more can be found in my Shopstyle Stylebook!
Meghann wanted an outfit to wear out with her husband for dinner... I like this dress because paired with some nice accessories and a little jacket it is date worthy... but alone it is great for hot summer days as a mom! And it is machine washable!
To get out of the jeans and t-shirt mode a nice pair of white bermuda shorts is in order! Easy to take care of and super cute and comfy to wear this is a perfect outfit for playdates, errands or coffee with friends!
Denim skirts are a classic piece that never seem to go out of style and go with everything. I paired this one with a bright top and some fun accessories and it's an instant outfit!
Best of luck to you, Meghann, with the little one! Happy shopping and thanks for working with me!
~~~
If you are interested in learning more about my wardrobe consulting services... click here! If you would like to see past clients I have worked with... click here!
Monday, June 29, 2009
oops!
remember when I mentioned this?
yeah... that didn't go so well! oops! off to try again this week! Check it out!
yeah... that didn't go so well! oops! off to try again this week! Check it out!
Bachelorette - again!
So a couple of you liked the Bachelorette post Jackie and I did last week. And of course Jillian didn't disappoint on fashion this past week...
How does she make flannel look so good, darn girl!
(photo via)
Here's a round up of similar items:
I don't know if she was wearing UGG boots or not, but it looked cold there... I would have been!
And an interesting article in her own words on all of the flannel... love this!
Don't forget to check Jackie's blog today for more Bachelorette goodness! And here is a preview for tonight (it does NOT disappoint!)... can't wait!
How does she make flannel look so good, darn girl!
(photo via)
Here's a round up of similar items:
I don't know if she was wearing UGG boots or not, but it looked cold there... I would have been!
And an interesting article in her own words on all of the flannel... love this!
Don't forget to check Jackie's blog today for more Bachelorette goodness! And here is a preview for tonight (it does NOT disappoint!)... can't wait!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
fresh from the farm... week 4!
This is going to be VERY quick... especially since I am already behind a day or two in posting this! Crops are picking up speed over at Trillium Haven Farm and this week I was, as always, thrilled to see what was available!
It's getting hard to squeeze in all of the veggies in a picture (and this is only a half share!)...
So how is all this goodness being put to use? More hummus of course, taco salad with the greens, pizza with fresh basil for Friday night pizza night (oh, so, so good!), and then this recipe is on deck, Cabbage and Radish Slaw with Peanut dressing (I'll be using the bok choy, napa cabbage and kohlrabi).
Here was my crazy recipe of the week: Kale chips! I have seen these in a couple different places and decided to give them a try! I combined a couple different recipes together to get mine... it went something like this:
One bunch of Kale (stem removed and chopped to small-medium sized pieces)
Olive Oil
Salt
Pepper
1/2 a lemon worth of juice
Toss all the items in a bowl together until kale leaves are thoroughly coated.
Transfer to a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Bake at 200 degrees for 25 minutes. (toss once halfway through cooking). Here they are with a couple of the ingredients in the background... ready to go into the oven.
These were actually awesome! What a fun way to get your "greens" - I will say the kids wouldn't go near them... more for me then!
This was them fresh from the oven... if this picture would have been taken five minutes later it would have been a different story. They were SO good!
How are you eating farmer's market goodies these days?
It's getting hard to squeeze in all of the veggies in a picture (and this is only a half share!)...
(kohlrabi, basil, napa/Chinese cabbage, bok choy, kale, chard, spinach, head of lettuce, salad greens)
So how is all this goodness being put to use? More hummus of course, taco salad with the greens, pizza with fresh basil for Friday night pizza night (oh, so, so good!), and then this recipe is on deck, Cabbage and Radish Slaw with Peanut dressing (I'll be using the bok choy, napa cabbage and kohlrabi).
Here was my crazy recipe of the week: Kale chips! I have seen these in a couple different places and decided to give them a try! I combined a couple different recipes together to get mine... it went something like this:
One bunch of Kale (stem removed and chopped to small-medium sized pieces)
Olive Oil
Salt
Pepper
1/2 a lemon worth of juice
Toss all the items in a bowl together until kale leaves are thoroughly coated.
Transfer to a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Bake at 200 degrees for 25 minutes. (toss once halfway through cooking). Here they are with a couple of the ingredients in the background... ready to go into the oven.
These were actually awesome! What a fun way to get your "greens" - I will say the kids wouldn't go near them... more for me then!
This was them fresh from the oven... if this picture would have been taken five minutes later it would have been a different story. They were SO good!
How are you eating farmer's market goodies these days?
Friday, June 26, 2009
good LOOK for less: Erika, busy stay-at-home mom!
I was so excited to work with Erika, my latest good LOOK for less client, because I just LOVE working with fellow moms! The first thing to go when kids come along is the wardrobe. One reason is because our bodies go through such crazy changes during and after pregnancy and we often fall prey to "who do I have to dress for anyway?"
I will answer that: You need to feel good about YOU and be a mommy at the same time! I find it is so important to my mental well being to "feel" like an adult even though I might not be doing adult things for most of the day!
So back to business, this is how Erika described her needs:
With this in mind I set to work on a "shopping" list for her. I included one pair of Citizens for Humanity (COH) jeans for her - but didn't include them in the budget. For about $200 (I think I was a hair over) I came up with 13 new wardrobe pieces for Erika! This is what her shopping list looks like:
I came up with six outfits total, but really the options are endless. Here are a couple of them:
Keeping in mind her comment about wanting to stay up on the trends, but not be "too trendy" I chose these grey bermuda shorts. Bermuda shorts are hot, hot, hot this season and are a very flattering short for most women. But instead of the standard khaki or black short I chose grey. It adds interest and style to an outfit without going overboard.
I really like this outfit for a casual dinner date with her husband or lunch with the girls. The white pants are super flattering and great for hot days and warm evenings. Adding the gold accessories makes the outfit instantly modern as gold is THE color for accessories this season!
Using the same white pants again, this time I just added a nice(r) t-shirt with a flattering v-neck line and some pops of color in the accessories and the sandals. This outfit would be great for play dates or errand running! Don't be afraid of white with kids... spot treat! spot treat! spot treat! (that's what I do!)
One last outfit to include the Citizens of Humanity denim that she already owns... paired with a simple tank and some fun accessories is 100% a kid friendly outfit.
I hope you enjoy Erika! For more of Erika's outfits and to view work from past clients... visit my StyleBook at Shopstyle!
~~~
If you are interested in learning more about my wardrobe consulting services... click here! If you would like to see past clients I have worked with... click here!
I will answer that: You need to feel good about YOU and be a mommy at the same time! I find it is so important to my mental well being to "feel" like an adult even though I might not be doing adult things for most of the day!
So back to business, this is how Erika described her needs:
I am a busy mommy of 2 an almost 6 year old and a 3 year old so my wardrobe needs to be comfortable so I can get down on the floor and play, read, etc. but I still want to look stylish. You can usually find me in a pair of jeans (I have 2 pair of COH jeans) and t-shirts that have some sort of design on them or some kind of detail on it to "dress" it up, and one of my staples right now are comfy summer dresses to beat the Texas heat. I would not call myself a slave to fashion, I just find things that fit with my body type and try to look put together. NO sweat pants for this mama! I have an hourglass figure and I am short which poses so many challenges for me. I have to get everything hemmed...bummer! I like to look like I have a clue about the trends but not so trendy that I look like i am trying too hard. I would like something for a date night with my hubbie, cool and comfortable.
My budget is $200.
With this in mind I set to work on a "shopping" list for her. I included one pair of Citizens for Humanity (COH) jeans for her - but didn't include them in the budget. For about $200 (I think I was a hair over) I came up with 13 new wardrobe pieces for Erika! This is what her shopping list looks like:
I came up with six outfits total, but really the options are endless. Here are a couple of them:
Keeping in mind her comment about wanting to stay up on the trends, but not be "too trendy" I chose these grey bermuda shorts. Bermuda shorts are hot, hot, hot this season and are a very flattering short for most women. But instead of the standard khaki or black short I chose grey. It adds interest and style to an outfit without going overboard.
I really like this outfit for a casual dinner date with her husband or lunch with the girls. The white pants are super flattering and great for hot days and warm evenings. Adding the gold accessories makes the outfit instantly modern as gold is THE color for accessories this season!
Using the same white pants again, this time I just added a nice(r) t-shirt with a flattering v-neck line and some pops of color in the accessories and the sandals. This outfit would be great for play dates or errand running! Don't be afraid of white with kids... spot treat! spot treat! spot treat! (that's what I do!)
One last outfit to include the Citizens of Humanity denim that she already owns... paired with a simple tank and some fun accessories is 100% a kid friendly outfit.
I hope you enjoy Erika! For more of Erika's outfits and to view work from past clients... visit my StyleBook at Shopstyle!
~~~
If you are interested in learning more about my wardrobe consulting services... click here! If you would like to see past clients I have worked with... click here!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
work it wednesday (on Thursday)!
Again... Wednesday just blew right past me and here I am on Thursday still pining for a Work it Wednesday, how about you?
I am going to go super basic... the easiest of the easiest, the most comfortable of all, the classic, the timeless:
the white t-shirt.
Who doesn't just love a white tee? Especially when the temps soar I just love the feeling of a simple white t-shirt on my shoulders (tanned, of course!). Always in style, but need not be boring:
Here are a couple of great white t-shirts at several price points:
$
$$
$$$
What is your favorite way to rock a white tee?
I am going to go super basic... the easiest of the easiest, the most comfortable of all, the classic, the timeless:
the white t-shirt.
Who doesn't just love a white tee? Especially when the temps soar I just love the feeling of a simple white t-shirt on my shoulders (tanned, of course!). Always in style, but need not be boring:
Here are a couple of great white t-shirts at several price points:
$
$$
$$$
What is your favorite way to rock a white tee?
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
photography... the easiest art for your home!
Color Incorporated Pro Lab recently contacted me to review their printing services and products! I was thrilled to hear from them and was even more thrilled with the amazing customer service and beautiful finished product that I received!
Color Inc. Pro Lab is a "local" business here for me in West Michigan. Right off the bat I loved that... who doesn't love supporting local businesses. And even if you don't live in West Michigan... it still feels good to buy from a company that isn't a huge conglomerate, one that cares about its name and most importantly, about it's customers.
I quick snapped some pictures of my kiddos in the backyard on a sunny day and emailed the photo off to them! I gave them a general idea of what type of product I wanted in the end (a gallery wrapped canvas piece) and my contact there suggested sizes that would be appropriate for my photo (how nice is that?). In the end I settled for a 14 x 20 size and couldn't wait to see what it would look like on my photo wall!
Here is the piece before I hung it:
Isn't it so adorable (yes, I'm bragging on my kids a bit)... what I appreciated most about the finished product was that it already had hardware on it to hang on. I am not so handy this way and many a time have gotten a frame home to only realize I don't know how to hang it! So it went up in a snap! It had a great even sheen to the piece that made it look so professional, even though it was just a shot I took myself!
Here is it added to the photo wall... doesn't it look fab?
I love how it adds some interest and depth to the wall of plain old frames. These gallery wrapped canvas pieces come in a variety of sizes (details here) and would be an amazing gift for family members. Color Incorporated Pro Lab has several types of products that they offer (all found here) and an amazing photo blog that features a picture of the day that is not to be missed.
Keep this company in mind for future photo printing services... because photos are the easiest and most personal art for your home!
Color Inc. Pro Lab is a "local" business here for me in West Michigan. Right off the bat I loved that... who doesn't love supporting local businesses. And even if you don't live in West Michigan... it still feels good to buy from a company that isn't a huge conglomerate, one that cares about its name and most importantly, about it's customers.
I quick snapped some pictures of my kiddos in the backyard on a sunny day and emailed the photo off to them! I gave them a general idea of what type of product I wanted in the end (a gallery wrapped canvas piece) and my contact there suggested sizes that would be appropriate for my photo (how nice is that?). In the end I settled for a 14 x 20 size and couldn't wait to see what it would look like on my photo wall!
Here is the piece before I hung it:
Isn't it so adorable (yes, I'm bragging on my kids a bit)... what I appreciated most about the finished product was that it already had hardware on it to hang on. I am not so handy this way and many a time have gotten a frame home to only realize I don't know how to hang it! So it went up in a snap! It had a great even sheen to the piece that made it look so professional, even though it was just a shot I took myself!
Here is it added to the photo wall... doesn't it look fab?
I love how it adds some interest and depth to the wall of plain old frames. These gallery wrapped canvas pieces come in a variety of sizes (details here) and would be an amazing gift for family members. Color Incorporated Pro Lab has several types of products that they offer (all found here) and an amazing photo blog that features a picture of the day that is not to be missed.
Keep this company in mind for future photo printing services... because photos are the easiest and most personal art for your home!
good LOOK for less: writer and old college pal, Elizabeth!
Hello my lovely readers... today I have a super fun (and almost amazing, wait to you hear what I did with this budget!) good LOOK for less for you all!
Meet Elizabeth! She is one of my old college pals, we actually lived together - just the two of us... oh, and FOUR other gals, our Junior year in college. Best days of my life... "drop the bomb - elizabeth!" (sorry little inside joke there...)
Any way, currently she is a writer who is working from home in Madison, Wisconsin and who blogs about life with her three sons at Boy Crazy!
Elizabeth wanted a summer spruce-up for her wardrobe now that she is working on getting back to pre-pregnancy weight. She only has $100 to spend and wanted some easy but fun and trendy pieces to add to her wardrobe. I loved this challenge - because only spending $100 is VERY do-able, and as you will see, just a couple of pieces can make up some new outfits that will feel fresh and new and the pieces are versatile enough that they can mix and match in your existing wardrobe!
So this is a glimpse at her shopping list:
For only $110 (yes, I went a touch over... shame on me! It's so worth it though) I came up with 7 new wardrobe pieces and 4 outfits... even a pair of sandals! Whew! The key here is that each of the tops go with each of the bottoms... 100% versatile! Here are a couple of her looks:
I included a couple of handbags from Urban Outfitters... I just love their bags because they are a little edgy and seem to fit Elizabeth's style. All of them are roomy enough for "boy" supplies (cars, snacks, books, diapers... dirt!) and are available in fun neutral colors. I also included a couple of MATT & NAT bags... these are a bit pricier, but can easily be found on sale. I chose these because they are 100% vegan and I know Elizabeth pays attention to these types of things and would like these!
Thanks so much for letting me help you out Elizabeth! I hope you enjoy! And readers, don't forget to check out her blog Boy Crazy!
~~~
If you are interested in learning more about my wardrobe consulting services... click here! If you would like to see past clients I have worked with... click here!
Meet Elizabeth! She is one of my old college pals, we actually lived together - just the two of us... oh, and FOUR other gals, our Junior year in college. Best days of my life... "drop the bomb - elizabeth!" (sorry little inside joke there...)
Any way, currently she is a writer who is working from home in Madison, Wisconsin and who blogs about life with her three sons at Boy Crazy!
Elizabeth wanted a summer spruce-up for her wardrobe now that she is working on getting back to pre-pregnancy weight. She only has $100 to spend and wanted some easy but fun and trendy pieces to add to her wardrobe. I loved this challenge - because only spending $100 is VERY do-able, and as you will see, just a couple of pieces can make up some new outfits that will feel fresh and new and the pieces are versatile enough that they can mix and match in your existing wardrobe!
So this is a glimpse at her shopping list:
For only $110 (yes, I went a touch over... shame on me! It's so worth it though) I came up with 7 new wardrobe pieces and 4 outfits... even a pair of sandals! Whew! The key here is that each of the tops go with each of the bottoms... 100% versatile! Here are a couple of her looks:
I chose these fun and very trendy cut-off jean shorts for a couple of reasons... now that Elizabeth is working on getting her pre-baby body back, I figured she could use some "sass" in her wardrobe to make her feel like the hot-momma she is! Paired with a simple t-shirt and gold accessories... this is a simple "mom" outfit that speaks anything but!
Elizabeth has a ton of personality, so adding a top that had a vibrant and exciting pattern is a must for her! The pop of red in the lite-weight scarf adds flair without fuss. And then again, the gold sandals this season go with EVERYTHING! So simple, but so chic!
Elizabeth told me she likes to wear skirts... I know a white one is risky with three boys! But it is machine washable and will look and feel great! Moms easily fall into the trap of wearing (or not wearing things) because of assumed limitations with kids... but I say "boo" to that! Wear it and spot treat as necessary!
Elizabeth has a ton of personality, so adding a top that had a vibrant and exciting pattern is a must for her! The pop of red in the lite-weight scarf adds flair without fuss. And then again, the gold sandals this season go with EVERYTHING! So simple, but so chic!
Elizabeth told me she likes to wear skirts... I know a white one is risky with three boys! But it is machine washable and will look and feel great! Moms easily fall into the trap of wearing (or not wearing things) because of assumed limitations with kids... but I say "boo" to that! Wear it and spot treat as necessary!
Lastly Elizabeth wanted some suggestions on handbags... unfortunately a handbag didn't fit so well into the budget, but I did compile some fun mid-range bags that I think Elizabeth would like (could be a great gift idea or anniversary idea from the husband!) for down the road.
I included a couple of handbags from Urban Outfitters... I just love their bags because they are a little edgy and seem to fit Elizabeth's style. All of them are roomy enough for "boy" supplies (cars, snacks, books, diapers... dirt!) and are available in fun neutral colors. I also included a couple of MATT & NAT bags... these are a bit pricier, but can easily be found on sale. I chose these because they are 100% vegan and I know Elizabeth pays attention to these types of things and would like these!
Thanks so much for letting me help you out Elizabeth! I hope you enjoy! And readers, don't forget to check out her blog Boy Crazy!
~~~
If you are interested in learning more about my wardrobe consulting services... click here! If you would like to see past clients I have worked with... click here!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
one hundred inspirations...
My goal is to have a new post up at one hundred inspirations EVERY DAY this week! Come join me... it will be fun!
And while I'm at it... do you have a celebrity look or otherwise that you would like to see turned into a "one hundred inspiration"? Email them to me at goodlifeforless (at) gmail.com
And while I'm at it... do you have a celebrity look or otherwise that you would like to see turned into a "one hundred inspiration"? Email them to me at goodlifeforless (at) gmail.com
perforated leather...
I am just completely enamored with perforated leather lately... don't you just want to reach through the screen to touch it?
What is catching your eye lately?
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What is catching your eye lately?
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