my outfit: 17/30!

It's your mix master here... pulling outfits from who knows where. Just when I think I could never find another variation, bam, I do. This one felt a little too easy though - but I love it! I'm a broken record, I know - but looking great does NOT need to be complicated.



What are you up to this weekend? I am going to catch up on work, work, work and then hopefully get a manicure and pedicure to reward myself. Not the ideal way to spend a Saturday, working, but between my birthday this week and my husband being gone for work for a few days and being gone almost all week last week everything is catching up on me. I have two rockin' guest posts in the works, a new blogging bits for tomorrow, a whole stack of wardrobe consults to complete... oh yeah, and SEVEN days until I leave for vacation (which means I need to pre-write a whole week of posts) and pack my family. Who said blogging was easy? Fun maybe, easy, no.



And for the record, I am HOOKED on curly hair lately. It actually makes my hair softer (the curling iron) than my flat iron. Could this be true? And I think it's easier to keep looking good all day. It just does it's own thing and I shake it out a few times a day and voila! My hairstylist will be so proud! Speaking of hair, last time I asked for dry shampoo recos... you overwhelmingly loved Tresemme (which I do too! Great reco!)) now... do you all have a secret make-hair-soft-and-shiny recommendation? If so, DO TELL!

Happy Weekend!

Details:
Shorts, Old Navy (similar)
Top, Gap (similar)
Scarf, Cost Plus World Market (similar)
Sandals, F21 (similar)

craving...

It must be my subconscious final push towards the end of the summer, but I am craving sweet little fun summery dresses. I almost picked up a few at Forever 21 the other day, but I thought to myself... after the Challenge, there are really only a few weeks left of summer. So sad.

If you aren't participating in the Challenge or you live in a warmer climate... maybe you could squeeze these dresses into your summer wardrobe yet this season. On my behalf?

Isn't this dress just mesmerizing? It draws me in... It's so simple but so sophisticated. It would be great for a casual summer wedding or just for a picnic with your love at the park. I could imagine wearing this dress for many summers to come! (Modcloth, $62.99)


I featured a similar dress to this on in the summer looks:book. I just LOVE the look of this one. This dress may be coming home to me soon. I can see layering it with jeans and boots and a sweater this fall. I just LOVE it. (Forever 21, $16.90)


I've been circling around embroidered dresses and tops like these all summer. I just love their vibrancy and flair, but I never know if they are "me". This one is just so gorgeous. If you thought it was too short (it probably would be for my taste) it would look great with white jeans or with longer jeans shorts. (Forever 21, $24.90)


I love the fresh and flirty style of this dress... I can imagine myself with my hair pulled back in a messy bun, shoulders bare and a glass of sangria in my hand. Preferably at sunset. Doesn't this dress just invoke feelings like that? (Modcloth, $64.99)



Do you have any summer shopping left in you? Or are you like me and "saving" yourself (or your wallet!) for fall??

my outfit: 16/30!

New here? I am doing the 30/30 Challenge with Kendi... (click link above for more info)...

That's where I mix and match 30 wardrobe pieces for 30 days. Whew. I have officially tipped the half-way point. The fun just doesn't stop...

When I started the challenge I knew it would be difficult to choose items that I would "feel" like wearing for 30 whole days. I've mentioned before that they way I dress is emotional for me. (My husband would laugh and say "what's not emotional for Jill?" Ha!). Thinking back on the original selections, I am glad I included this maxi dress. It's comfortable and looks great while being completely effortless. Effortless is good, very good.



There are some things (maybe two or three) that I haven't even worn at all yet. To that I say... "choose your friends wisely, and your 30 items even wiser-ly... er, something...". You would think I would be jumping to wear said items, but I'm not and that worries me... because I could use a couple extras right now. Wait until you see outfits 17 - 30... they are going to look, decidedly, "familiar", shall we say?

I wore this outfit to church on Sunday. Are you confused because that was like 5 days ago? Yes, so am I. I forgot to post the pictures and they got lost in what is the craziness of my laptop-desktop. Even more crazier than my IRL desktop. It's the "new" place to get all messy and then organize. So I found these photos there all edited and everything. Maybe the photo-taking-and-editing fairy really is real!

Details:

Maxi Dress, Old Navy (similar)

Wedges, Target (similar)

Necklace, Estate Sale (similar)

the "it" list... July 30, 2010!

Hooray for Friday! The "it" list is back with a great round up of all sorts of goodies on the web... be sure to visit all these lovelies blogs for tons of inspiration this weekend!

• sweetie pie pumpkin noodle visits some of THE most fabulous boutiques and shops in Mill Valley and takes us along for the ride. She also hunts down amazing chandeliers along her way. Don't miss this goodness!
• merci blah blah rounds up tons of gorgeous drape-style dresses from all over the interwebs. And not just once... but twice. Um, I'll take one of each!
• good life for less gives us the highlights of her recent trip to Forever 21... these shoes were definitely a great find!
• a spot of whimsy forks over a delicious dose of Mad Men style and photos. I swoon, just swoon for that show!
• penguins gift is giving away a Stella & Dot bracelet for the little ladies in your life. So cute!
• style your life puts together a casual outfit featuring an unexpected item - a pencil skirt. I just love this look - so chic!
• spry on the wall gives us a practical and affordable version of this amazing outfit from Isaac Mizrahi's Spring 2010 line.
• the hillside home just bought a new house and is planning, planning, planning. SO FUN! Join her as they start picking out colors, finishes, etc. I just love the adventure of a new house!
• john's journal outlines a simple but fantastic looking diy roman shade project. You will absolutely want to try this. It turned out amazing!
• elena's custom designs makes a custom pillow out of a scarf/handkerchief. I just LOVE this idea!
• really cute stuff is featuring their "family style" notecards... a great gift for friends or teachers or just to have for yourself for thank you notes or notes to teachers. I love these ideas!
• good look for less is offering wardrobe consults at half price through the end of today... hurry and snag yours before they go back to full price for fall!

Have a great weekend... interested in learning more about the "it" list? Email goodlifeforless @ gmail.com !

random thoughts...

I like to "talk shop" with my husband... because really, who else is going to listen to me blabber on and on about this blog and all of it's ins and outs and he saids, she saids. Nobody, that's who. Well, unless there was a real live blogger living within four towns of me that I knew, but there isn't.

ANY WHO.

On last night's particular "shop talk" with my husband I was reminding him how much I am craving clogs for fall and just how amazing clogs are and blah, blah, blah. The usual. He said "I guess I don't get the clog thing, aren't they for nurses?" And I replied...

(at this point you may be wondering how my husband even listens to me talk about this junk. he obviously really loves me... but I'm not dumb, he also really likes to humor me)

"Well, Chanel sent them down the runway last fall and since then, really no one can stop talking about them and with the trickle down effect (you, know, from the Devil Wears Prada) that puts them on the cusp of 'style' like right now... just in time for fall."

His response: Blank stare. Then...

"What!?! How do you know all this?"

~~~

Does this mean I have been blogging for too long, or just the right amount of time? Believe me, I have always loved clothes, maybe not so much "FASHION" - but I would have NEVER even dreamed that this sentence would have come out of my mouth two years ago. And now it's reality.

~~~

I don't really consider myself a "fashion" blogger. I'm calling it more of an "outfit" blogger. I like "outfits"... but somewhere along the line fashion does creep in. Which is kind of cool and kind of... well, um, a little frivolous and pointless too. Have you seen The September Issue. Even Anna Wintour claims so.

~~~

But really "fashion," even high fashion, determines what us lay-folks will wear some where down the line. No?

~~~

On another note... I'm sensing from some emails I've received that you all are eager for the fall looks:book. I was thinking an early September release. Is that too late? Maybe mid-August. Let me know your thoughts... as always, I value them!

my outfit: 15/30!

First off, HUGE thanks to all you lovely gals for the birthday wishes yesterday. Really. It never gets old to get well wishes from others! It was a low-key birthday (hard to do TOO MUCH with the kids being small and still so dependent) but a good one. As I right this, there is left over ice cream cake in the freezer. What else could a gal ask for?

Also, thank you for the words of encouragement about motherhood. I am glad to know I am not the only "crazy" one out there. (wait, did I just call us all crazy!?!?) It's silly to think I can let those little munchkins under my skin like that. Must be because I love them so much.



We've reached the half-way point with the challenge... WOW! I think this is where the rubber will meet the pavement... where things will really get interesting. I look in the closet and say, these old shirts again? (not that I have TONS of other options, that is...) But I'm not quitter... mixing and matching is the name of the game and I'm still IN. The lesson here is that though I may get sick of the individual pieces, there are still PLENTY of mixing opportunities. The well has by no means run dry.

I wore this outfit to a BBQ last weekend (I am a little behind on posting pictures - oops!) it was perfect for hanging with some other families and refereeing kids and eating tons of great food. Everything that summer is all about!

Cheers! Here, here to the next 15!

Details:

Top, JCrew (similar)

Jeans, F21 (similar)

Necklace, Banana Republic (this one is very similar and VERY cute in person!)

Sandals, F21 (similar)

bling, baby!

It's my birthday... let's bling this baby OUT! Ready?

Hot, hot, hot! Less than $40 at Express. Take THAT 32.


When I make it big, Michael Kors will be a guest on my show, or column, or vlog or maybe... here someday on the blog! That guys just GETS it. Less than 80 bones.


I love the idea of this top with jeans, some rockin' shoes and no other accessories... very chic. Arden B, $59.


Gorgeous JCrew sequined fun. Right here. The ouch factor on this is about $600. Yipes, but gorgeous!


Purple sequins from Coach. Yes, and yes. Super cute... the modern day heel-clickers. They are only $79, not so bad.

Take that 32. Although I would say I am aging like a fine wine... or aging with fine wine, which one is it? oh, who am I kidding... I'll take either!

my outfit: 14/30!

The title of this post could also be called... it's my birthday and I'll jump if I want to. Yes, I know, so cliche. The I'm-a-fashion-blogger jump. But here it is in all of it's glory. (yes, it's a bit blurry... but check it, I got some "air"!)



Things I am not jumping about:

• renewing the plates on my car and my driver's license for $200 (why do they think doing renewals on your birthday is a good idea?)
• turning 32. blah.
• the. hardest. week. ever. with the kids. I've been in tears everyday and it's only Wednesday. Please tell me I am not the only mom that cries when my kids frustrate me. I know, 32 going on 3.
• the jiggle on my arms that won't quit. getting old is a you-know-what.

Things I AM jumping about:

• not having to take a test when renewing aforementioned driver's license (holla! must have been the wink and the smile. I kid. ha, maybe! I'll never tell).
• even though I get down on myself, I have an amazing life at 32.
• it's my birthday. Go me!
• my blog rocks, but not nearly as much as my readers do. Smooches!
• thanks to blogs, text messages and facebook. birthdays these days are rockin' awesome. you hear from people you forgot you knew or don't even know. and really, what's better than feeling loved on your birthday?
• obligatory Starbucks runs. It's my birthday. It WILL include Starbucks. Maybe even two (love that after 2pm $2 treat!) trips. Thank.you.very.much.
• my husband and kids are the best. really. the best.
• fall is right around the corner and in honor of my birthday I bought myself the two most amazing pairs of shoes ever. I can't WAIT to show them to you right here on the blog once the Challenge is over.
• this summer has been super fun. buuuuuut... we still have our family vacation in a week. it's gonna rock.

Wanna talk about the outfit? I went all Johnny Cash on ya'. But seriously, what is easier than throwing on a bunch of black and calling it good. Nothing. Except when it's 90 degrees and you are dressed all in black at the Farmer's Market. Not so good. Otherwise, very good.

I got some new wayfarer-ish sunnies... I tried to get a good picture of them on. But when you are standing in your living room with the A/C blasted and a three year old running circles around you, "rocking" a pair sunglasses does NOT come easy people. Although I hope this doesn't mean they DO look that ridiculous on me... hmmmm....

Also, yes, it's my birthday. Yes I am 32. Yes I would rather be 29. I'm cool with it though.

Details:

Black Skinny Pants, courtesy of Tulle

Black Top, Gap (similar)

Belt, local boutique (similar, I love this one too!)

Bangles, unknown (similar)

Sandals, F21 (similar)

Sunnies, F21

check it out: forever 21!

I stopped in F21 recently... be proud of me: I didn't buy any clothes. Just some accessories. I really needed sunglasses (I had two pairs break recently). But I at least did some "research" to check out what was new and fun!

Stripes aren't going anywhere... I love this top. And it's only $8 - what a steal! Perfect for late summer/early fall.


I really loved this top... the silky finish, the pockets, the drawstring waist and the perfect neutral color had me swooning. This and jeans and boots or sandals - perfect!


I have an earlier version of this wallet and I just love it! Any time I whip it out I get compliments on it... plus, it's like less than $10. Nice.


I don't usually get into tops with printing on them like this... but they had a ton of collegiate inspired tees that were very vintage-y looking. I would love one with a blazer scarf and cuffed jeans for fall.


I can't imagine these would be super comfortable... but how cute are they? I just love this shade of green/blue...

my outfit: 13/30!

Today's outfit is a pure testament to the value of accessories in your outfit. I feel like a broken record with this... but it's so true! All of these accessories happen to be from Forever 21 and they all amount to less than probably $15. This look is SO doable. I love to be able to show you guys these simple looks... and even more, I love to wear them. I am so comfortable in a jeans and a t-shirt. Here's how I wore this t-shirt with a different pair of jeans...



A reader emailed me recently wanting to know how I choose my outfits, what the process is and how I put it all together. It's hard to really put my finger on... it's just my style. It's just how I do it. I can't think of a great way to explain it all. But I do know that I love to look great and FEEL great. So simple outfits like this one helps me achieve both.

Details:
T-Shirt, Target (similar)
Jeans, Forever 21 (similar)
Necklace, Forever 21
Bracelets, Forever 21
Belt, Forever 21 (similar)
Scarf (tied at wrist), Thrifted
Sandals, Target (similar)

what to wear: maternity!

And so it goes... I have a slew of girlfriends that just had babies and now a new "crop" of pregnant ladies are entering into my life again. Including some readers that have emailed me to let me know they are expecting! So I thought I would round up some simple but sophisticated maternity outfits up... I chose all "mall" stores, so these items are quite accessible and not too expensive. Because we all want to look great while pregnant, but of course without spending a fortune on clothes that we won't wear in a year or so.

First up... from Forever 21's new maternity line. They have mostly just "the basics"... but that is often what you need the most of. I love this simple, simple, simple outfit. Very chic and comfortable at the same time!

Flats by Forever 21
Necklaces by Forever 21

Next up, Old Navy... I wore a lot of Old Navy maternity through both of my pregnancies. I loved the prices (and the sales!) and for most part I loved that their pieces were a little more trendy. It's fun to go with a little extra trend when pregnant... I felt like it added the extra spark to an outfit that I was craving. Distraction, maybe?

Maternity Jeans by Old Navy
Sandals by Old Navy

Since Gap launched their maternity several years ago I have always loved it. It is classic and high quality. I highly recommend their maternity denim. I wore two pairs non-stop with my second and they were no worse for the wear. This is a fun layered look. I just love these throw-back Keds in modern finishes. I saw them in person in the store last week and they are even more cute in person. I don't know about you, but my teens were chock full of Keds... nothing like a new pair!

Maternity Jeans by Gap
Totes by Gap

Happy maternity trails!