February Round Up!

I can't believe how quickly February went. Cheers to March and spring! Here's a run-down of this month's outfits... let me know which are your favs (it's okay to like more than one!) and I'll announce the winner on Monday!

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

Now that it's almost March I am desperately hoping that the weather will start to turn, even a bit! I look forward to more sunny days and being more inspired by my wardrobe!

Target, why do you do this to me?

As if Target doesn't tempt my wallet enough... every time I stop in they just have the most adorable little girls clothes. Case in point:

Summer tops like these are just made for sweet little girls, oh to be four again!


Do you think I can get these in my size? How adorable!


Kickin' around shoes for girls that are cute and function are hard to find. These totally fit the bill!


This dress would be perfect with some leggings, or even with jeans and a cardigan until the temps warm up a bit!


I am pretty sure there is no way my daughter can make it through spring without these wellies. Adorbs.


What's your worst impulse buy at Target? I can never pass up on the clothing for my little lady!

good look for less: Kate!

Kate emailed me recently to get an update in her wardrobe... she's a busy mom, which I know a lot of us can relate to. Here's a bit of her note:

So, I've got a couple of events/things that I need outfits for and between being a working mom (to an awesome 15 mo-old) and training for a marathon, I just don't have time on the weekends to go pick through all the stores to figure out my look.

Overall, Kate had a budget of $500... but as she mentioned she did have some specific events she needed outfits for. I compiled 25 new wardrobe pieces and 10 total outfits altogether. Here's a look at her shopping list: (click the picture for all the details)


The first definite outfit she needed was something dressier for a wedding rehearsal dinner that could also double as a "sexy" date night outfit. This feminine dress could also be paired with a blazer for a business look... I just love the versatility of a wrap dress.

Next up, she needed an outfit for a bridal shower or for brunch with the girls on the weekends. I always feel like bright cheery colors are great for showers and brunch... especially now that the weather is turning a bit warmer. Layers and fresh colors are perfect as the seasons change.

Lastly she wanted some weekend wear that is comfortable yet refined. Nothing fits the bill better than a simple tee layered with a blazer.

With this consult we covered a lot of bases... but we did it within a budget and with lots of mix and match pieces that your wardrobe can WORK for you! That is the great thing about my services... I do all the work... you look great!

Happy Shopping Kate and good luck with the marathon!
~~~

Interested in learning more about my wardrobe consultation services? Click HERE or email me at goodlifeforless @ gmail.com

personal style, defined: Romantic!

I am so excited to start a new feature here on good life for less in partnership with Jackie of Sweetie Pie Pumpkin Noodle called "personal style, defined"... I'll put a new button in the sidebar for it soon. Last week when I discussed personal style in this post it seemed to strike a chord with many readers.

So,

What is personal style?
What is YOUR personal style?
Should personal style be changing or evolving?
How can defining personal style help while shopping for yourself or your home?

I hope to answer a lot of these questions and more with this feature! I will be covering the "fashion" portion of personal style and Jackie will be covering inspiring interiors ('cuz that's her thang!).

The first "personal style" we are tackling is "romantic". Many people want an Anthropologie look to their clothing without the hefty price tags. If you tend towards JCrew, Anthropologie, Free People or ruffles, layers, details and feminine silhouettes... then "romantic" is for you!

Many of you may find that you are a mix of a couple different styles... I know I often do, depending on my mood or the setting. So follow along and find your combo!

(1. Floral Neck Tank, Charlotte Ruche, $14 2. Madras Scarf, Gap, $24.50 3. Multi-Stone Cluster Ring, Urban Outfitters, $24 4. Crochet Cardigan, Forever 21, $19.80 5. Printed Square Neck Dress, Old Navy, $19.99 6. Cuffed Sailor Pants, Old Navy, $19 7. Wide Waist Band Short, Forever 21, $19.90)

Now let's bring these items together to complete the look:

So do you relate to the "romantic" style? If not, what other styles would you like featured? Speak up!

And don't forget to head over to Sweetie Pie Pumpkin Noodle to check out Jackie's "romantic" interiors!

Maillots...

(french for Bathing Suit... right, er, I think!)

It's hard not to think about bathing suits, warm sand, cool pools and the suns rays when we are getting pounded with yet another huge snow storm today. They predict just under a foot to fall. In all seriousness, if I didn't love West Michigan with all my heart I would be out like Seacrest. But, alas, it's "home".

So until then, I will dream about new swim suits for this summer season. I am more of a one-piece gal. Or at least I like to have one of each - a bikini and a one piece. However, after a RATHER unfortunate "wardrobe malfunction" on the shores of Lake Michigan last summer - which still makes me shiver with embarrassment - I will likely be sticking JUST to one pieces this year. The shame of it lies in how hard I work my abs in pilates and otherwise. All that work for nothing! But seriously, it was THAT bad.

Here are a few I have my eye on. One pieces seem to be pricier... must be the extra fabric. But for the most part I find they last longer. Hmmm... any thoughts on this?

I am ga-ga for this one. I mean, really. How cute? Coming in at just under $100, it's a bit pricey. But it is definitely tempting me! (Zig Zag Maillot, Anthropologie, $99.95)


This one is not too sexy for the kid-infested and overly chlorinated local pool... but still quite fashionable, I am digging the deep v. The price is right on it too! (Ruffled Swimsuit, Old Navy, $29.50)


I am seriously crushing on this suit. Although at it's price it seems more suitable for some exotic island... than mere Lake Michigan. It's definitely worth mentioning though. Isn't it just gorgeous? (Jersey Ruffled Tank, JCrew, $175)


This suit is feminine, a great bold color and not too strappy in the neck region (I like to mind my tan lines... not too many please!). It also comes in a slew of other amazing colors. (Scalloped Underwire, JCrew, $80)


What is your "suit" style? Any styles you are dreaming of?

my outfit: winter blahs?!

Can I just tell you that I am officially SICK of this cold weather. I feel uninspired in the wardrobe department for sure. My top goal each day is to dress warm enough so I am not shivering in the house all day (even with the heat on!). Seems easy enough, but it's not. My shoulders are up to my ears by the end of the day from shivering.

And then when it comes to getting myself and the kids out of the house all bundled up. Forget about it. It's so exhausting! So that is why my outfits end up looking like this more often than not... a little blah, a little uninspired.



And by the way... the jury is out on the trapeze top. I mean it feels GREAT wearing it... but with the objectivity of taking photos of myself, well, I'm a bit torn. (and I am NOT fishing for compliments here) But this style top is all over the stores, but definitely a bit tough to pull off.


Sometimes my son is in the "wings" of my photo shoots, giving me outlandish tips. The kid wishes I was Madonna in Vogue. Too funny. Also, these jeans need hemming - sheesh - and ironing too. I'm a wreck. Dang, objectivity is a you-know-what.


Also, I'm headed out for a haircut/color tonight - YIPPEE!! I'm trying something new with blunt bangs. Wish me luck!

Details:
Sweater, F21
Jeans, Gap (grey no longer available)
Bangles, F21
Flats, Old Navy (similar)

and this is where you think I am completely crazy...

... here's more Walmart stuff. Pretty cute, surprisingly. Have you ever bought clothing from Walmart, any feedback here? Because I could buy like all of these things combined for under $100. That would make me very happy.

similarities...

Can we discuss the similarities of these two tops quickly?

This one I saw at Walmart last week (I know, I know... I hate that place. But for reals they have some cheap stuff there. I never check the clothing, but just happened to that trip). I thought it would be perfect bought in a size too big as a bathing suit cover up. Maybe with the sleeves rolled up messy, but just-so. Also, in the store it looked cuter. You can kind of tell from this picture, but it has a deep v-neck that I love. Just untie that bow they have all tied up like crazy people. It's on sale for $8 (from $10... I know, big spender!) Also it boasts of "organic" cotton... so fancy in it's Walmart way, no?



And then I found this one from Anthropologie... pretty similar, no? I mean, yes, the one from Anthro is like the sophisticated older sister of the one above. But, it kind of confirmed my opinion that it would be a great bathing suit cover up. Plus, this one, in all it's beauty is $98. Just a mere $90 difference.



Please do discuss. Am I crazy?

~~~

By the way... it's the weekend. This was a weird week with the holiday at the beginning, but I am still ready for the weekend!

what to wear: Spring Break!

I have been dreaming for weeks of a spring break vacation - I'm keeping my fingers we can find a cheap place to stay in Florida. Until then... let's dream about what we'll wear, right!?!?

Here are some family looks for a spring break on the Gulf shores.... ahhhh...

Will you be heading any where warmer for this spring break?

good LOOK for less: EXPRESS, Sarah!

Today's good LOOK for less EXPRESS consult is for Sarah... here's a portion of her note to me:

I've been out of college now for two months and am stuck in a style rut! My wardrobe feels so bland with lots of cardigans and plain shirts to mix and match for every occasion from job interviews to movie nights at home and my part time job. My job interview wear feels especially bland. Can you help me find a way to marry style and professionalism in a way that will give me some extra confidence (and maybe help me stand out a little more) during my job hunt?

This is such a common dilemma for people... finding great interview wear. And believe me, what you wear to an interview DOES matter. Even if your interviewer doesn't notice your exact shoes or shirt, your total first impression WILL be about what you are wearing - so it's important to do it right!

The basis to any interviewing wardrobe and working wardrobe is a solid business suit. Eventually you may want to purchase more, but one great fitting, all season fabric two piece suit in a neutral color will get your through this interview, potential promotions, client meetings and maybe even your next interview!

I particularly LOVE Ann Taylor LOFT suits. The quality definitely matches the price point and the cuts are conservative enough to be timeless. Don't forget to get the jacket arms or pant legs hemmed as needed. This is an investment piece! Adding some simple jewelry will show your personal style, but remember to go more conservative than you usually would for an interview. You want them to see your resume... not your cleavage, your bottom or your crazy earrings.

While a suit is a great option for a first interview... I like to match the setting of the office that I am interviewing in for the second interview. If the office is business casual, it's fine to dress more like you would in that setting for this interview. Business mix and match pieces like this blazer and trousers show style and sophistication while still being practical and conservative.

Skirts are a great option for interviewing as well. Keep them conservative and tasteful. By adding layers and accessories to this outfit you look pulled together, sophisticated and smart!

Happy Shopping Sarah! And good luck at your interviews!

~~~

Interested in learning more about my wardrobe consultation services? Click HERE or email me at goodlifeforless @ gmail.com

my outfit: date night!

My husband and I were lucky enough to have a babysitter for the Valentine's weekend (a free one at that - Thanks Dad!). So we headed out to see the new Valentine's Day movie (very cute, I highly recommend it!) and to dinner at our favorite restaurant (that also has $5 valet, I can't say enough about how I love cheap valet!).

Overall it was a casual night... fun and sweet. So as far as attire went, there was no reason to dress up too much... and really, I'm not much of a dresser-upper. (Though I am the first one to complain that I never have "fancy" clothes in my closet, but truth be told, I wouldn't be that likely to wear them even if I did - the conundrum of being a mom I guess)





What I love is the juxtaposition of the velvet and sequins (just a few on the top... it was a date after all!) with the distressing in the jeans. I love being understated and unexpected at the same time.





How do you like to dress for dates? Casual chic or dressed to the nines?

Details:

Blazer, JCrew
Top, Forever 21 (similar)
Scarf, Limited (similar)
Jeans, Forever 21 (similar)
Boots, MICHAEL Michael Kors (similar)