Monday, August 31, 2009

love, love, loving...

... these adorable little charm bracelets by ETTIKA on GiltFuse today. Not a member? Use this invite!

The best news... they are all $40 or less!







They would be great items to stock up on for your girlfriends birthdays as well! I always like to have little things like this around for special occasions!

fall cozies...

Temps are downright frigid in MIchigan this morning... brrr! 46 in August? This isn't the norm, usually it's September or October before we get this cool. But I'm not complaining too much! I was able to throw on a scarf to keep warm with (instead of just accessorizing with!) and even... my uggs! I have a LOVE affair with my Uggs, so I was a wee bit excited to throw them on for a quick early morning errand.

But what I most look forward to when the temps drop are comfy cozy sweaters... here's a couple to drool over.

I love the simple style of this one... perfect for a casual Friday in the office or a Saturday afternoon at a soccer or football game.


This sweater would look adorable layered over a long sleeve t with skinny jeans and some knee high boots... I'm swooning!


This cashmere number isn't cheap, but I'm sure it would feel divine against your skin on a chilly day. I love how it's styled with a bib-like necklace - a great look!


What wardrobe pieces do you most look forward to with the falling temps?

Friday, August 28, 2009

good LOOK for less: Alison, casual athletic look!

Alison emailed me recently requesting a good LOOK for less consultation, here is a bit of her note:

I am turning 40 in a few weeks and I want to enter this new decade in style! I am seeking a CASUAL fall wardrobe for my non-work life which includes a lot of walking, biking, playdates, etc. Comfortable footwear is a must! I don't do a lot of accessorizing--I'm a simple gal, but having said that I love your jewelry and bag picks that work across multiple outfits. I live in Colorado with mild winters and I'd like some pieces that will take me from warmer fall days into snowboarding season.


I was excited to work with Alison, because I think a lot of women (especially moms, but not entirely) seek out this casual and comfortable look. For me the problem lies in it being translated to yoga pants and hoodies each day... or quite regularly. And yoga pants and hoodies ARE comfortable... but they are made for the gym or the yoga studio. Not so much for the grocery store and playdates.

Alison's budget was $400 and for that I was able to compile 17 wardrobe items and 6 total outfits... let's take a peek at the shopping list:



And now onto the outfits...

This is a comfy and casual option that will be perfect for transitioning from summer to fall. With extra layers and a light-weight scarf it is polished but not stuffy.
Old Navy at ShopStyle


Alison had mentioned that she wasn't entirely sold on accessorizing, so by just simply adding one bangle bracelet to this outfit I am encouraging her to dip her toes into this trend and see how she likes it!
Old Navy at ShopStyle


I love the casual look to this outfit... it's easy to put together and easy to wear. I chose some athletic inspired shoes that still have some panache and sophistication to keep Alison comfy and active AND still chic!
Charlotte Russe at ShopStyle


Happy Shopping Alison!

~~~

If you are interested in learning more about my good LOOK for less consults... click here! Or email me at goodlifeforless @ gmail.com - I LOVE to hear from my readers!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

well, I'll be*.

*don't you just love using silly old fashioned sayings like that. I mean, what do they even mean half of the time? I feel like my grandma or something - no offense to her. any who,* you probably stopped by for a real post... here it is:

I love a little pleasant surprise here and there, don't you? I always knew that Fossil made watches. They always seemed a bit "college-y" or "sophmoric," if you will. Maybe because I loved wearing their braided leather banded watches in college. Hm, just maybe.

But the other day I was poking around looking at some of Fossil latest offerings and wow (!) I liked what I found. I think you will too!

Hello watch! Sure I will wear you!


Oh, and hello there cute and belted dress! Why I didn't even know your label MADE dresses!


Sweaters too? By golly*...


Handbags also... I never*!


Shoes as well!?!? Lord have mercy*.


So have I been hiding under a rock, or is this news to you as well?

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

moral dilemma

I admit that I often have a personal moral dilemma about high priced handbags. But then sometimes I just want to throw myself recklessly at them.



Case in point. Am I alone? (in my love or in my dilemmas?) Do tell!

We have a winner folks!

And it's... ta-da!



And I just love that it randomly is going to someone that wants to give it away... SO sweet! The winner is Stacey of KSW, here's her sweet comment:

"I tweeted http://twitter.com/steet/status/3476636362
I'd really love to win this GC for my sister-in-law - she's such a big help to me and I'd like to do something nice for her. Starbucks is her only vice (she doesnt drink, curse or even EAT CHOCOLATE!) So this would be a real treat for her. Plus the design is too cute!

Crossing my fingers ..."


Email me (goodlifeforless @ gmail.com) or I will email you Stacey! Congrats!

And a super-duper huge thank you to all my devoted readers, I sure do appreciate you all stopping by!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

back to school SPECIAL!!!!


Today through Friday, August 28 - all good LOOK for less consults are $10 off! Woo Hoo!!! Email me and say "I want to be back to school cool!" (goodlifeforless @ gmail.com)

more food... why the heck not!?!?

So since I started working out regularly (about mid-May 2009) I have an insatiable appetite. Which is odd for me because I used to have more a of a "bird" (as in eats like a bird) appetite. I never tried or didn't try to eat certain amounts of food, I just was never SUPER hungry. Well, now I am SUPER hungry ALL the time (it seems) and haven't lost weight from working out but actually gained 3-6 pounds (depending on the day... are you like that or am I just weird???).

I don't know where I am going with this all except that I am pretty much obsessed with food lately.

One of our family favorites these days is smoothies... and really, who doesn't love a smoothie? I get weirded out though by store bought "smoothie mixes" or even store bought smoothies period. Especially when you can make them at home and they can be really good for you!

Here's step by step how we do ours... you won't BELIEVE how good these things are for you AND how good they taste. Seriously!

1. Get out your blender (duh!)

2. I start with 1 cup of juice. I used to use OJ, but am not a huge fan of all the sugar in it. We are big fans of Crystal Light in this family. So here I used Rasberry Ice (I think that is what it was called). It's bright red color will work to "hide" some other ingredients from your kids (or you!)... more on that later!


3. Next up, a 1/2 to 3/4 Cup of yogurt. Any flavor will do. My health kick has me choosing non-fat plain. (hard to see in the picture - it sunk to the bottom!). Yogurt gives the smoothie it smooth-y texture, you could skip it but I love the creaminess.


4. Add one banana (great for bananas that are starting to get spots).


5. Here's the kicker, ready? Two to three large Kale or Chard leaves. Here I have Chard. If you are remotely interested in the nutritional facts of kale and chard, check them out here and here. The nerd in me secretly loves nutrional info.


6. Next up frozen fruit. I freeze my own as it is in season or on sale. Here I have some strawberries and mangos. This is a great way to use up fruit in your fridge that is about to go bad or to take advantage of seasonal fruit. You will probably want a Cup or two.



7. Give it a whirl! (How do you like that action shot?) Get it going really good to get the green bits as fine as possible.


Ta da!



And what do the kids think?






I think that pretty much says it all!

So whadya' think? Greens in your next smoothie!?!?!

Monday, August 24, 2009

We interupt this blog...

The kids have taken over my desk. And these days, if they are happy...
I am happy.

good LOOK for less: Rosie, summer to fall in the Bay Area!

Rosie contacted me recently requesting a good LOOK for less consultation... here's her note to me:

I have changed work recently and I'm trying to figure out how to be comfortable and casual yet stylish in an office where I don't really need to dress nicely. In the Bay Area we don't really get seasons, but layers can be key. To be honest, too, I'm still trying to figure out my style. I'd say it's pretty eclectic. I love a bit of flair, a bit of glamour and a bit of sophistication all in one. Not too out there, but not too boring. I love the outfits you've made for others. I think I have a bunch of great pieces but very few great outfits.


I loved Rosie's email because I think a lot of us can relate to her, I know I can! It can be difficult to always put our finger on exactly what our style is and even still, our style or mood can change daily! But in my opinion, a look that focuses on "flair, glamour and sophistication" IS a 'style' - and one that can be easily expressed if you try!

Rosie's budget was $500, for that I was able to compile 21 new wardrobe pieces and 10 new outfits! Here's a peek at her shopping list, the two skirts Rosie already owed: (click to see the entire list!)



Let's take a look at a few of Rosie's outfits...

Simple layers in a sophisticated color palate make this look perfect for a casual work environment or out to dinner with friends.
Charlotte Russe at ShopStyle


Layering over a simple black dress is a really way to easily bring an outfit together... I love the layers and interest that is added with just a few simple accessories!
Charlotte Russe at ShopStyle


This outfit is mostly monochromatic except for the bold patterned shirt... it helps the top to take center stage and not seem overwhelming!
Charlotte Russe at ShopStyle


I love this outfit... a great pair of jeans and a simple white tee is simply brought up a notch with a simple jacket and scarf combo! (My two favorite things! )
Charlotte Russe at ShopStyle


Happy Shopping Rosie! I hope you enjoy your new look!

~~~

Interested in more info on good LOOK for less consults? Check out my new little site devoted entirely to it!

Saturday, August 22, 2009

It's Saturday (and a giveaway)!!!

Aren't you so happy... I just thought I would pop in for a second to say hello and happy Saturday and also to announce a little giveaway. Because, really, what's better than free stuff on a Saturday? (um, nothing!)

I just realized that I have broken the 100 mark on both followers and Twitter-ers! In honor of that I am giving away....

ta-da!

A $15 STARBUCKS CARD! Because Starbucks is one of my favorite things and I just want to spread the love! It's not just any old Starbucks card though... it's a super cool personalized good life for less card! And if you need any inspiration on a coffee drink... I illustrated the card with my signature Starbucks latte!



How cool is that? So in order to enter you MUST be a follower (here or on twitter) and leave a comment here saying what your favorite Starbucks coffee is... easy enough? right?

If you twitter/blog about this giveaway feel free to give yourself another entry! (just leave an additional comment to let me know!)

Comments for this giveaway will close on TUESDAY NIGHT! A winner will be awarded on WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26! Good luck!

Friday, August 21, 2009

tap, tap, tap...

(that is the sound of my fingers drumming...) What to post on a Friday? This week has been a little willy-nilly for me... and that always seems to show up on the blog too.

Blog wise...

I have completed good LOOK for less posts just stacking up on my desk 'TO BLOG' (but really, Friday's are not for checking things off the "to do" list... not for me anyway, not today.) No video (totally couldn't get my bottom in gear for that - sorry, sorry, sorry!), I did a food post yesterday which I haven't done in a while (it was good though, no?) and now what to post?

Let's round it all out with some inspiration then, shall we?



I believe "le sigh" is the proper blog expression here. So lovely.

Have a "le sigh" weekend, won'tcha?

Love you all, Jill (oxo)

p.s. photo found via Luphia Loves