Fashion Formula: Bold Flats!

Earlier this week I was swooning over these flats (they are for the record still sitting in my "shopping cart" waiting for a moment of weakness). And it got me thinking about a little theory that I have (and I do believe I've mentioned it before) on bold flats. That theory is that these days bold flats paired with neutrals can be the "it" factor of the entire outfit.

Need an example? Here is your fashion formula for bold flats!

Denim

(Left to Right: Current/Elliot Distressed Boyfriend, Gap Nautical Jean, Rerock Straight Leg, Blank Denim Skinny Jeans)

Neutral Top

(Left to Right: Anthro Saffi Pullover, F21 Paillette Mesh Top, Silence and Noise Dolman Sweater, Boyfriend Long Sleeve Top)

Bold Flat

(Left to Right: Steve Maden Kelli Gladiator Flat, Mia Hepburn Suede Flat, Kimchi Blue T-Strap Skimmer, Steve Madden Embellished Jellies)

I feel a "weakness" coming on. How do you feel about the bold flat?

good LOOK for less: EXPRESS, KathySue!

Right off the bat I was super pumped when I found KathySue's email in my inbox bright and early on Monday morning (remember, if you want a FREE good LOOK for less EXPRESS consult... get on that email early - 8am sharp to be exact on Mondays!). KathySue has been reading the blog for a while - her comments pop up here and there - and she is the founding member of my cool chicks over 50 club! We won't disclose her exact age... but I love that ladies of all ages can get in on the fun here on the blog!

Here is a bit of her note to me:

I love to be fashionably classic in my dress. I am a recently retired designer, well semi-retired we creative types can never totally retire. I love to stay current, not trendy but classic. I need stay at home and going shopping outfits that are comfortable and cute. I can't wait to tell my friends. We all complain that there are no stylish clothes for the over 50 group, yes we are grandmothers but we don't want to dress like Nana's.

I love it! I can tell you have a real zest for life, KathySue! Let's take a look at the ensembles I created for you!

Lucky KathySue lives in Southern California... so layers are key and sandals are allowed year round! For this outfit I chose the Gap Long & Lean jean (I dare someone to say they don't look good in these jeans... they fit EVERYONE!!!) and a top and cardigan for layering. I love the tasteful "bling" that the cardigan has and I added the fun yellow clutch to keep the whole outfit interesting!

What I love so much about this outfit is the tasteful and feminine details. Not too much and not too little. The ruffles are sophisticated and current without being overboard and the gold dangle earrings are soft and feminine.

The cowl neck on the tank in this outfit is again, very current for KathySue, but not overboard trendy. Paired with a comfy and flowing sweater for chilly evenings at the beach - this is a go to outfit for home or errands!

Happy Shopping KathySue! I hope you enjoy your new looks!

how do you stay warm and stylish?

When it comes to bundling up... do you prefer wool or puffer?

The wool coats definitely have the style going on for them...

More Charlotte Russe...

...but oh, the warmth a puffer provides is unparalleled!

More New York & Co....

More New York & Co....

sticky sweet.

Is there anything better than a really sweet (like sugar) shoe? I think not.



Kimchi Blue T-Strap Skimmer, Urban Outfitters, $28

Yes, you read that right. $28 bones. I feel a "yes, please" coming on.

good LOOK for less: EXPRESS, Ashley!

Ashley's quick with the emails on a Monday morning (don't forget, if you want a new (FREE!) good LOOK for less EXPRESS consult, you do to!) and she's got a keen sense of style as well... she just needs a little help pulling it all together.

Here's a bit of her email to me:

I am a 26 year old newlywed English Ph.D. student and part-time composition instructor at a community college. I really need to amp up my "leisure" wardrobe. I have a hard time finding something cute to wear out on the weekends. Our weekends aren't glitzy, but consist of going out to dinner, girls night out, or more casual bars (as opposed to dancing/expensive bars). I want to look pretty and special, but understated: casual cool chic. I want my clothes to say something about me: that I'm artsy, creative, fun.

For Ashley's new looks I gave her a couple outfits that are definitely casual, cool and chic.

For a cozy winter night with your closest friends at your favorite dive bar (who doesn't love a dive bar with great company!?!?) this outfit has it all. Comfy, yet stylish flats, a cozy sweater, a french chic striped top and a bold belt to say "While I'm comfy I'm still polished!" and lastly a unique necklace to pull it all together. Michigan winter nights have never looked so good!

Did someone say girls night!?!? This ensemble screams girls night out! It is fun, a little sexy and very sophisticated - but NOT stuffy! Heels are fun to wear when you want to feel extra special... but if you aren't feeling the heels... flat knee high boots (similar to the ones in the final look below) will work just as well!

This last outfit can do it all on a weekend... from errands to shopping to dinner to a movie. Bold color and fun accessories give this outfit personality without suffering on the practicalities!

Happy Shopping Ashley! Have fun with all of your new looks!

~~~

I hope you enjoyed the first good LOOK for less EXPRESS consult! Don't forget... to get yours be the first of two to email me at 8am (EST) sharp on Monday mornings! A great way to start your week, don'tcha think?

good LOOK for less: Jo, stay at home mom ready to bounce back!

I received an email from Jo recently (who I happen to know IRL too... fun!) wanting some help jazzing up her wardrobe a bit! Here's a bit of her note to me:

I am a stay-at-home mom. My wardrobe has never really recovered after 2 pregnancies. Most things I have are super casual and simple. Lots of tee shirts and jeans. I'd love to take things up a notch to simple yet kinda sassy. I love to wear large earrings or a big bracelet to have one outstanding accessory. I desperately need to figure out some great every day shoes in brown and black. Lastly, I need a new handbag for the winter. I need a big one that will work with my new clothes!

Jo's budget was about $250 and for that I was able to compile 13 new wardrobe items and 5 new outfits... Let's take a look at her shopping list:



For the outfits I tried to incorporate updated denim cuts and colors to keep the outfits comfy and chic all at the same time!

Adding details like ruffles is easy to do to an outfit and really brings it up a notch. Add in some funky earrings and practical but sophisticated boots and voila! Updated mom!

Adding a metallic shoe can help you get out of the brown/black debate with shoes and isn't near as boring and flats are great for comfort and ease. And here is a great oversized bag in a bold color that will easily jazz up any outfit!

Having one of those days when you are not "feeling the skinny jeans"? Simply add a extra long top or dress and it's comfy and chic and VERY mom friendly!

Thanks Jo! Happy Shopping!

~~~

Are you interested in finding out more about my wardrobe consult services... click here!

And don't forget - every Monday morning at 8 AM (EST) I will accept emails for two free consults a week!

baby, it's cold outside...

Except for two random days this week where we got both temps over 50 degrees AND sun BOTH in the same day... it's cold. 30s/40s in the morning and rainy, cloudy afternoons that never seem to warm up much.

I've been spending lots of time near our fireplace, sipping tea and watching television or reading a book. But the first thing I think about when I wake up is what clothing I can put on that will be cozy! Unfortunately cozy doesn't always equal stylish... unless it involves these sweaters!

Love this ruffle front cardigan... not too ruffly to add bulk, but maybe some extra warmth!


This sweater plus leggings and a hot cup of tea... hello!


I am swooning over this sweater... with some trouser jeans, flats and some chic gloves!


I don't know about you, but I am not tiring of the floral applique look yet. It is just so soft and feminine. Just love it!


How do you keep it cozy and stylish ladies?

good LOOK for less: Janet, WAS in a "mommy" rut (not any more though!)

One quick note: stay tuned on Friday for a BIG good LOOK for less announcement and then next week the new program will unroll. I'll give you a little hint about it... it will be accessible to ALL and it will be really cool. I'm pumped about it and hope you all will love it!

~~~

Janet emailed me recently wanting to spruce up her "mommy" wardrobe... here's a bit of her email:

I have 2 little boys, a kindergartner and a 2 year old. I stay at home with the kids and I find myself wearing a lot of hoodies and jeans. I swear I used to be in style and now I have no clue! I want to look cute, put together and fashionable. I don't seem to have clothes to wear when I go to dinner or when I volunteer at school. I also have a upcoming girl's weekend to NYC in November and want to have a couple outfits for that. Even just a casual, comfortable walking around the city outfit, but that doesn't involve a hoodie. I like knee high boots. Although I love heels, my feet can't handle them so much any more, so the boots would need to be lower heeled.

Janet's budget was $250... for that I was able to compile 16 new wardrobe pieces and 5 new outfits! Let's take a look at the shopping list...



For Janet, my goal was to create outfits that were comfortable for "mom" duties, but that could transition to responsibilities out of the home or social events. The key to this is have a comfortable and simple core... in this outfit it's the black button up and skinny jeans - perfect for around the house and carpools. And then add the fun accessories like the ring, the bracelet and the jacket with fun gold details and voila!

Same with this outfit... a simple core and fun accessories to take the look up a notch!

Experimenting with different jean colors and finishes is another great way to spruce up your "mom" wardrobe. Here grey jeans are just as comfy and versatile as blue jeans... but add a bit of flair to your everyday wardrobe.

~~~

If you are interested in learning more about my wardrobe consultation services... click here! And make sure to tune in on Friday for the big good LOOK for less announcement!

yes, please.

I think I am going to start a new series simply called "yes, please." where I feature items I need to get my hands on STAT.

The "cozy" cashmere wrap sweater from DKNY would fit in this category.



Versatility at it's finest folks. So for me... yes, please. Well worth the $195, no? This would be a great transition piece if you are expected a baby as well... you could wear it through your entire pregnancy and beyond!

(also, if you visit the DKNY website they have a video on some amazing ways to wear it!)

good LOOK for less update...

Hey peeps... I hope you all have a great weekend coming up! I'm excited for it to finally be here!

Remember... good LOOK for less wardrobe consults are 50% off until Sunday night! So email me if you are interested or have questions. (goodlifeforless @ gmail.com)

Then I will NOT BE TAKING ANY ORDERS for one week or so while I re-work the good LOOK for less concept and launch a new program/service - good look for less v2.0!



I have lots of ideas on how I will be changing the service for what I hope is better for my readers and for my longer term goals here at the blog. I will need some "Guinea pigs" for the new program too - so keep your ears open for a chance to test out the new consult system!

While I finalize details feel free to email me or leave a comment on how you think the good LOOK for less consults could better serve you! I ALWAYS want your input, I really value it! Especially if you are a past client... how could you benefit more from the service?

Until then... Happy Weekend! Make it a fun one, there is so much fun fall stuff going on!

(photo via Flickr)

party like it's Friday...

Lovely little items that caught my eye on the internet this week:



- Walking Around: stacking accessories on your wrist. oh, yes.

- Greta's Guide: a reminder that life truly is on our side.

-Esseegee|Design Blog: artwork for the city girls in all of us.

- love Maegan: wish I could cut off sleeves of a jacket and make it look half this good.

- urban grace interiors: pink never looked this chic. I love this compilation of pink interiors.

- Reverie: I swear I would be an artist with these brushes before me. LOVE!

- SweetiePiePumpkinNoodle: Making a case for denim. A strong one.

Happy Weekend Lovelies!

such a tease...

I'm working on putting together my daughter's "big girl" room... it's currently at a very awkward DURING stage. The during stage can be draining and frustrating and pretty much that is where I am at right now with it.

So lets focus on more happy thoughts... shall we?

Here's the before... I loved her before, but call me crazy, after having a crib in my house for 5 + years... I. AM. DONE.

Without further ado... the nursery (which seems silly saying for my now two year old!):

Her sweet little shoes all in a row. I just love little kids shoes... especially the small ones. I love showcasing her collection here (this is only a portion of course... the rest are strewn around the house, likely). A girl has gotta have shoes...


From this photo... the mirrored dresser and the large "A" I found at the antique store will remain in the room (although I am taking suggestions on new paint colors for the dresser... this green color looks a little blah against the walls - which will also stay the same).


Adorable as they are... the red crib and changer will GO. I love them dearly but they need a new home (if you know some one let me know... they have been on craigslist for a week with no takers, seems crazy to me, but I guess I am partial). Of course the rocker will go too.


Here's the inspiration for the new room:

Abigail Room by Jill GG on Polyvore.com

The look I am going for is "sweet boho"... here's how I hope to accomplish it.
- The bedding is REALLY cute in person (although I hate to even admit I went to Walmart to seek it out) - and cheap! Polka dot sheets (what is sweeter than polka dots?) and a purple quilt.
- The artwork/wall hangings I am working on snagging from other rooms or doing some diy stuff - stay tuned for that! It will have similar metal, floral and nature elements as I chose here.
- The bed from IKEA is pretty much what I would buy for myself if I were a young girl. So yes, yes I am living vicariously.
- A smattering of throw pillows to boho it up a bit.
- The large letter "A" (second pic) was a great antique store find. It was love at first sight when I saw it... I starred at it for likely a whole minute before I realized, "duh, your daughter's name starts with an 'A'".

So with all these dets... seriously, any ideas on paint colors for the dresser? Bright turquoise? Bright pink? DO TELL!