Thursday, September 30, 2010

pretty little things...

Lately I have been admiring boho style more and more... in general my style is more tailored or classic. I don't tend towards the whimsical and flowy... except for lately. I seem to be craving loose and flowing tops, florals, fringe and the like.

Here's some beautiful examples:














Do you think it's just a phase? Do you ever crave clothing that is not your "usual" style?

my outfit: fur vest!

As promised... I have pictures of my faux fur vest for you all! I found this vest second hand two springs ago (wow, that was a long time ago... I guess I have good "vision"!). I knew I loved it, but I never wore it. Why? Because it had a big clunky HOOD. Now there is nothing wrong with hoods in general. But the combination of a bulky fur vest with an even bulkier fur hood was just a bad combo. I felt like a flea in a bear suit. (ha, that's a funny visual!)

I only paid $15 for the vest, so I figured I would try hacking off the hood and worst case if it didn't work out... I wouldn't be missing anything but a vest I never wore. But what I had to gain was a super trendy item on the super cheap. I went for it!

I took pictures of the whole process... not sure if they are relevant enough to post. But this outfit is! I love that the vest is sleeker, while still being cozy!

I felt all "Rachel Zoe" wearing this vest... so I piled on the bangles! Heck, why not! The mornings are brrrrr, baby already. It was 47 this morning at the bus stop. But I was cozy warm of course.


Piled over a slim sweater, I can see lots of use for this vest this fall/winter. Football games, bus stop standing (my new favorite activity) and running around in general.


And an obligatory shot of my boots. It's boot season... hip hip hooray! I'll be crying about this in my soup come March (NO MORE BOOTS, I'll protest), but for now I am relishing in the novelty of it again.


Details:
Sweater, Banana Republic (similar)
Bangles, F21 (similar)
Jeans, F21 (similar)
Boots, Michael Michael Kors (similar)

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

tag, you're it!



The "it" list is an awesome way to connect you with new blogs and meet new bloggers. And if you are a blogger yourself it was a great way to gain a new audience and increase your traffic. A true win-win!

  • If you are a new reader and aren't familiar with the "it" list... check out past editions here!
  • If you are a blogger that is interested in increasing your traffic and getting the word out about your great blog then check out the details on how you can become involved here (note, PLEASE read the info on the link if you are interested)!
  • If you participated in the past and would like to join up again - I would LOVE to have you! The program is exactly the same... so you can jump right back in!

The "it" list is receiving almost tens of thousands of views each week... that is a huge number of eyes on your blog posts! I only expect it to rise from there this fall - so what are you waiting for? Join the fun!

Also feel free to email me with any questions that you may have - I'm always here to answer them!

work it wednesday: hunter wedge boots!

Get ready to swoon ladies!

If you are a lover of Hunter boots and/or wellies (rain boots) in general you are going to flip for this adorable new style from Hunter that I am TOTALLY digging. The Hunter wedge wellie... did I mention they lace up the back? A.DOR.ABLE. I can't get enough of them!

So I whipped up three great ways to wear these amazing boots, Work It Wednesday style!

I just want to jump right into this first outfit and wear it everyday... I love the idea of taking these ultra practical and utilitarian boots (albeit adorable) and adding super romantic and feminine pieces to them to make a super chic outfit. Also, how cozy would this outfit be???

Hunter boots are so classic chic that I couldn't leave out an ultra classic outfit featuring a great trench. Don't the two seem to pair (trench + wellies) nicely? Come to think of it... I wouldn't mind wearing this outfit today either... I'm hopeless!

Now I am in big trouble, because I honestly can't choose a favorite here... this outfit is very "me". Black skinnies, black blazer and fun accessories in between. This outfit is super simple with a dash of fun mixed in.

Can you choose a favorite? Are you in love like me?

my outfit: oldest trick in the book!

all black. What can I say? It was just one of those days! I love wearing all black, you don't have to worry about matching and you can pretty much put any accessories on and they just "work."

Since there isn't much to say about this outfit... or in general (words escape me I guess), I figured I would turn the tables and let you gals do the talking. Every once in a while I like to make sure I am in tune with what my readers love/like or otherwise (by the way, if you have mean words - forget about it.)



So send it my way, is there a feature you absolutely love and want more of? Is there a feature you like but you have a suggestion on how it could be more helpful to you? Is there something I am missing... something that would make your trip here more helpful or memorable? Remember, this is should be constructive and helpful for all of us... I'll reiterate: mean words or slander WILL be deleted. So don't waste your time or mine, I'm not fishing for compliments... just your helpful opinions.

Have at it!

Details:
Scarf, F21 (similar)
Top, Gap
Black Skinnies, Courtesy of Tulle
Flats, Sam Edelman
Handbag, Kate Spade (via GILT)

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

shop update...

Hey folks... just a little heads up! I am going to be closing down wardrobe consults for a few weeks to both catch up on orders that I am working on now and also to prepare for a little vacation I am taking.

If you are interested in getting in line for one once the shop re-opens, then please email me... (goodlifeforlessATgmail.com) otherwise I will let you all know when I am "open" for business again!

Thanks!

oxo, jillgg

shopping guide: faux fur vests!

Faux fur vests seemed to poke their head out last year... but this year they are back with a vengeance. They are available at all price points and several styles and have a very "off duty model just stepped off the runway/Rachel Zoe/Olsen twins" vibe to them. I happen to like this type of je ne sais quoi relaxed but chic look. Plus they look super cozy!

And if you are at all interested in how I would style one... well DO check back! I found one second hand and diy-ed it a bit to get it where I wanted it and will be showcasing it here on the blog very soon!

It's almost impossible to choose a favorite here... so many great options!

(details: 1. Faux Fur Vest, Old Navy, $29.50; 2. Eight Sixty Faux Fur Vest, Piperlime, $92; 3. Faux Fur Vest, LOFT, $98; 4. Faux Fur Belted Vest, Rachel Roy, $149; 5. Janika Vest, BB Dakota, Piperlime, $69; 6. Charlize Vest, JCrew, $595)

my outfit: fall chic!

Last week I had to turn the A/C back on for a little heat wave and this week it's back to my favorite chilly fall temps where I almost need to turn the furnace on. 50's in the morning and 60's and 70's in the afternoon - bold blue skies and bright sun - albeit getting lower in the sky. The tricky part is having an outfit that can do all the variances of one day like that... a 20 degree swing is no easy feat.

I was at the bus stop at 8:15am and then volunteering in my son's class that morning and then errands in the afternoon... whew. All in a day's work!


This outfit was perfect for all that they day brought... there is nothing like an outfit of basics pulled together thoughtfully to deliver a stylish and practical outfit. Then for a bit of glamour I added my new Kate Spade bag. I am SO in love with this bag. I have many unstructured bags - so that makes the ultra-structured-ness of this bag so appealing.


It's perfect for all the basics, maybe even a magazine or two and even my laptop slips in nicely too! Bonus! Especially since I seem to be carrying it to coffee shops, etc more and I've got a trip coming in a few weekends that this will make the perfect carry on. win-win-win!


Details:
Scarf, NYC street vendor (similar)
Jacket, Gap (similar)
T-shirt, JCrew (similar)
Pants, Old Navy (similar)
Clogs, UGG
Purse, Kate Spade (from GILT)

Monday, September 27, 2010

shoe dilemma...

I have been driving myself insane for the past 3-4 days over a damn pair of shoes, people. Shoes. I bought this super awesome dress at F21 (unfortunates of unfortunates is that it's sold out online... as fortune WOULD have it, I saved it on ShopStyle so I at least have a stock photo - holla at my blog skillz)...

(keep in mind my chest is quite small... so the dress will look more "slinky" and less "bosomy" on me...)

I thought a simple pair of nude pumps would be a great option. But when I got home and compared the dress with all of my nude shoes/pumps the "nude" seemed too "orange". Hurummppfff.

So I figured grey would be a good option. People, if you want grey shoes, just forget about it. Or maybe I am being too picky. I have looked high and low and high again for a pair of cute grey pumps or shoe-ties in peep-toe or not, suede or not, platform or not. Really, no rock unturned here.

I super-dee-duper want this pair to go with the dress:


The super-dee-duper bad news is that those beautiful shoes cost $99... and I can hardly justify paying $99 for shoes, period. Much less when I don't know if I will wear them again and even lesser so when the dress only cost $28 - or wait, is that a "pro" instead of a "con"??? ...see people, I'm crazy over it!

Do you lovely people have any advice or kind words for me? Perhaps donations to said shoes?? (I kid, I kid... errr....)

good look for less, EXPRESS!

I've got another good look for less EXPRESS consult for you today! Jennifer is a nurse that spends tons of hours in scrubs... when she's off work she wants a classic, preppy and practical wardrobe that is easy to pull together but still very stylish. She's a self-proclaimed clothes horse (nothing wrong with that!) and admitted that she has most of the basics, but just wanted more ideas on pulling together outfits quickly.

What I worked to do for Jennifer was pull together "ideas" for outfits... and to keep in mind that the actually pieces could be swapped out for items that she already owns.

This first look is a classic outfit to pull together. A day dress, with a jean jacket and boots. The specific items I pulled here are gorgeous, but you could easily swap them out for pieces in your closet already - that is Jennifer, or any one else reading this!


In keeping with that theme... I really love this outfit. But if you look at the individual pieces of it, it's really quite basic. A great pair of jeans, a boyfriend cardi, belt and flats. If you are a busy lady, it's great to have looks like this in your arsenal to quickly pull on!


One of my favorite silhouettes for fall and winter is skinny or straight jeans with an oversized or super chunky sweater. It's not only practical (warm!) but it is also very flattering to most body types, especially when the top has a longer profile like this one.


~~~

Best wishes Jennifer!

Interested in my wardrobe consultation services? Click here!

Happy Monday!

Happy Monday folks! I wanted to take some time this morning to draw some attention to my really amazing sponsors. As a super busy mom a lot of these sponsors make it possible to devote so much time to blogging and bringing you gals great content on a regular basis. Many of these business ladies I "know" (via email/blogs/shops) as well and they are all such talented and inspiring people. So do me and them a favor and check them out!

Red Letter Words is an amazing artist that makes inspirational art for your home. She is local here in West Michigan and was featured in our local newspaper. I blogged about her a while ago, we struck up a few emails and now I am thrilled to have her as a sponsor. She sells in local boutiques AND online! She asked me to choose a few of her pieces of art and pull together a polyvore set inspired by them. Here is a sneak peek at one that I did for her inspired by her "she knew that she was worth far more than rubies" print... check out her blog for more polyvore sets from me and other bloggers! And of course... take some time to peruse her art, stationary and more at her site!


Linkel Designs is a whimsical etsy shop featuring vintage and nature inspired jewelry designed by a fellow blogger, Kelly, that I met through the "it" list. Linkel Designs is full to the brim of great jewelry pieces at very affordable prices. Take some time from your busy day to look through their etsy shop and be inspired. I particularly love this leaf necklace (and it's only $18.50!).



TULLE is a personal favorite of mine. I have the pleasure of owning quite a few pieces of their clothing and they are all gorgeous and high quality clothes. I always seem to get compliments when wearing TULLE. Check out their new arrivals for fall and pre-winter! There is something for everyone at TULLE no matter body type, style or lifestyle. So be sure to check out their shop!


One Sweet Find is an antique and vintage home wares shop owned by my blog-pal Jackie. She lives in California and searches the antique markets high and low to bring us the best of the best! Like this gorgeous vintage decanter... Her inventory is always changing and always inspiring. Stop by there soon!


Maggie Rose is another fellow blogger that also offers virtual and in-person decorating. She is one talented gal and if you are looking to update a room or space in your home - or two! - you should definitely check her out! Her services are budget minded and she offers beautiful and practical space solutions to her clients.
A huge thank you to all of these amazing sponsors!

Friday, September 24, 2010

what to wear: happy weekend!

What do you have on tap for this weekend? The weather here is supposed to be in the 60's and maybe even sunny - the perfect fall combo! Here's a little outfit to inspire you to have a comfy, cozy and chic weekend!


Happy Weekend! oxo, jillgg

my outfit: casual friday!

So this week has been, ummmm, how do I say it... "interesting?" No, that would be giving it too much credit. "Challenging?" Well, maybe, but not quite. "Forgetable?" Sure, but that barely scratches the surface. "Un-bearable?" I wouldn't go THAT far, but you are getting the picture. "Character-Building?" Perhaps, but I don't want character if this is the cost. "Silly?" Actually, yes, I am going to go with "silly."

Silly is about right, because my husband is not fighting for our country while his brilliant wife holds down the fort and looks damn good doing it, I am not living with Karen's zest for life while also battling a terrible disease, and I sure as heck didn't narrowly escape a bear attack. My challenges are quite silly at times, but they still bring this gal to her knees. Whew. I'm looking forward to Monday, just for the fresh start at this point!


When I told you last week that every gal needed a slightly refined yet super deluxe comfy top in her arsenal. I meant it. I snagged this at Forever 21 and have pretty much worn it, hmmm, I'll just say "a lot" over the past week. I think I already got my $17 or so out of it.


I will tell you... it's perfect for cold and wet soccer games, naps, visits to the apple orchard, before bed, after bed, making dinner, after dinner, after church, watching tv, running to the grocery store or making an apple pie. Any and all of those scenarios and more. Promise.


And while it's slouchy and meant to be oversized - I still feel fairly chic and not sloppy in it. Also, I had to do a little close up on these jeans. Me and these jeans get along. We really, really do. Also I need a manicure - eep! I hope where ever you are you can enjoy a little casual friday too!

Details:
Top, Forever 21
Jeans, Gap
Clogs, UGG

the "it" list... September 24, 2010!

theitlist


Happy Friday everyone... today's list is full to the brim of inspiration from the blog world - enjoy!

  • the hillside home features her favorite lighting options for your home and then comparison shops them all. It is hard to choose a favorite here, as there is nothing like a great light fixture or lamp!
  • maggie rose pulls amazing interior inspirations from lonny mag - I would gladly live in any of these rooms! Just gorgeous!
  • closet confections takes her summer wardrobe to fall/winter with amazing remixes - you must check out this post for fall inspiration. Kudos to Kendra on her amazing style and creativity!
  • pocket of presh attended an event with The Sartorialist... check out her snapshot of the handsome guy and his gorgeous gal and also peep at her outfit for the night! So jealous - what a fun night!
  • one hundred inspirations finds inspiration with Olivia Palermo's look - and then recreates it on the cheap! It's such a great fall/winter look... don't miss this!
  • rose a la mode pulls off an adorable rainy day look... and the photos are really great too. I just love her easy midwest style!
  • spry on the wall is my go-to source for runway round-ups! If you are a busy gal like me, check out her top 5 for each show - genius! Marc Jacobs is always a favorite of mine - check out his looks first!
  • sweetie pie pumpkin noodle is inspired by sperry shoes... click with extreme caution. You will be too, no doubt!
  • elle sees posted a diy pumpkin face mask... I don't know if this would make it to my skin or my mouth first, but pumpkin is supposed to be great for your skin!
  • merci blah blah is two friends that blog together, how fun!?! They both have amazing style and love to accessorize... I just love this particular look!
  • molly newborn's chunky necklaces are divine... this week I am crushing on this one. It would be great on it's own or layered for some punch!
  • really cute stuff is launching a ton of well, you guessed it: *new* really cute stuff this fall! First up, I NEED these monogramed note cards. So modern and chic!
  • style within reach has a feature I am completely hooked on called "wish, want, need" - great style at ALL price points. These green earrings are calling my name... so lovely! Check this out for sure!
  • one sweet find offers up this one sweet brass elephant! This would be adorable on a book shelf or adorning a baby's nursery. Who doesn't love a sweet elephant?
  • jillgg's good life rounds up great winter coats at great prices... shop early and shop smart for the most important accessory of the upcoming season!
Interested in learning more about the "it" list? Email goodlifeforless @ gmail.com or click here for more information!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

dresses + boots!

Boots and dresses are a match made in heaven this season... there are so many fun dresses in great prints to choose from and boots of all shapes and sizes have never been so hot! I also happen to know that boots and dresses are on your minds as well... judging by the emails I receive from you all! I whipped up some perfect matches for you... enjoy!

(above: dress, boots)

(above: dress, boots)

(above: dress, boots)
(above: dress, boots)
(above: dress, boots)

It's near impossible to choose a favorite! Don't you just love the long sleeved dresses? So gorgeous!

my outfit: think cool!

The other day while we were having a heat wave and I had to turn the A/C on for the first time in weeks (I know, I know... it's nothing compared to what you Southerners deal with!) I decided to play a little dress up with winter gear. In Tuesday's Shopping Guide for coats I featured a white wool coat that many of you loved. I loved it too and then remembered that's because TULLE sent one to me this summer that I have yet to wear!

With the A/C cranked and the oppressive humidity outdoors... I decided to play winter dress up indoors! By the way... if you haven't purchased a winter coat yet - check out TULLE's selection. They have so many fun ones and I just love the quality and styling of TULLE, can't go wrong!



My daughter has a pair of little girl leggings that are really long... they almost wrap around her ankles with flats on. It gave me the idea that I wanted something similar for winter to wear with flats and my clogs because I hate wearing socks. So when I saw these leg warmers from TULLE I knew they would be perfect! They are actually thigh high (!!!) but I slouched them down. I just LOVE this look!



And then for when the temps drop... this gorgeous coat, also from TULLE. I love the length... perfect for keeping my stylish and warm. Can't beat that! Besides beautiful coats though, there is not much I am looking forward to about winter - ha!



Details:
Coat, Top, Leggings courtesy of TULLE
Skinny Jeans, Forever 21
Clogs, UGG

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

are you "it"?



The "it" list is an awesome way to connect you with new blogs and meet new bloggers. And if you are a blogger yourself it was a great way to gain a new audience and increase your traffic. A true win-win!

  • If you are a new reader and aren't familiar with the "it" list... check out past editions here!
  • If you are a blogger that is interested in increasing your traffic and getting the word out about your great blog then check out the details on how you can become involved here (note, PLEASE read the info on the link if you are interested)!
  • If you participated in the past and would like to join up again - I would LOVE to have you! The program is exactly the same... so you can jump right back in!

The "it" list is receiving almost tens of thousands of views each week... that is a huge number of eyes on your blog posts! I only expect it to rise from there this fall - so what are you waiting for? Join the fun!

Also feel free to email me with any questions that you may have - I'm always here to answer them!

work it wednesday: classic turtleneck!

I thought I would keep it old-school today with two classics for you. The first is a Work It Wednesday post! My longest running series here on the blog where I take one piece and "work it" three different ways! The second is to feature a super classic wardrobe piece that never goes out of style - a turtleneck sweater.

The specific sweater I chose today is from JCrew... it comes in several classic colors and is knit up in a wool/nylon/cashmere blend. What I love about JCrew is that while they stay modern and keep with (and create!) new trends... many of their pieces remain the same from year to year. A sweater like this has probably been featured in the past 20 fall catalogs and is still as applicable today as it was then and as it will be. Perfection!

I wish I was wearing this cozy, but chic, outfit today! This sweater is so great for layering for warmth and style and is perfectly paired with cropped black pants.



I love this outfit for a brisk but sunny fall day. How cute are these boots?
A perfect weekend outfit... pile on the layers for extra warmth doing all of your favorite fall activities!


Happy Wednesday!

my outfit: a little bit rock n' roll!

There is a little bit of a "rocker girl" in me... just a touch. But when I got this jacket from Tulle recently it came out even more! This blazer/jacket is gorgeous and fits like a dream! It is synthetic leather or - pleather - and is also very comfortable - I am IN LOVE!

This jacket was giving off a bit of a rocker-chic vibe for sure, I wanted to embrace that but still make it practical... so I sweetened it up with this flowy white top. It seemed to be the perfect pairing. I might also wear this outfit tomorrow, and maybe the next as well. Would that be overboard?


These jeans are the Gap Skinnies I got last year... they were "mildly" distressed when I bought them. They became a quick favorite and now you can see that the knees are completely blown out. I actually like them this way too (inner rocker?) - they are comfortable and still a super favorite of mine. Great jeans are just as good with a little extra wear!


Isn't this jacket gorgeous? It's going to become a regular around here for sure!



Details:
Jacket, courtesy of TULLE
Top, Forever 21
Necklace, Estate Sale
Jeans, Gap
Wedges, Cynthia Vincent for Target

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

shopping guide: coats!

As the weather continues to cool off it is time to start thinking about your most important accessory for winter - your coat! Depending on where you live you may need more of a jacket than a full-on coat. But if you are like me living in Michigan or really any where in the Midwest or East Coast you need a virtual arsenal of coats and jackets to keep you warm!

I like to have a really practical coat that is super warm. For that I depend on my puffer coat - for trips to the bus stop with the kids... and of course for the yearly Christmas Tree hunt! But, I also like to have a nice tailored coat or two hanging around for making me feel like a lady (and not just a girl wrapped in a sleeping bag) during the colder months.

Any of these options would be great investments for this winter... which one do you love?


(1. Cropped Trench, Gap, $79.50; 2. Double Breasted Wool Blend Coat, Old Navy, $89.50; 3. Minus the Leather Jacket, Express, $98; 4. Corduroy Blazer, LOFT, $69.50; 5. Jack Plush Coat, BB Dakota, Piperlime, $70; 6. Wool Blend Trench, Old Navy, $99.50)

my outfit: older and wiser.

The other night I watched Martha Stewart's special about Women in Fashion where she interviewed DVF, Tory Burch, Jenna Lyons and Donna Karan. Women that are smart, successful, that are MOMS (like me) and that are {gasp!} NOT 22. Whew. And while Tory & Jenna are on the young side, Donna and Diane aren't. I am so thankful for women like them and Martha Stewart that are in the prime of their lives and careers and are all doing so while over 30 and 40 and 50 and maybe even 60. They look amazing, they ARE amazing and they have built a life they are proud of - and not by 32.



What I loved the most about all of them was that whether they began down their path to success at their kitchen table (Tory) or because they were fired (Donna) or sold it all and started again (Diane) or worked for 20 years with one company to get where they are (Jenna)... they all had their each and own special path to success. No where did they follow in others' footsteps or did success knock on their door and ask them to be friends. They created their life as they went along.

I think all women need amazing inspiration in the form of older and wiser women. Sure, the "youngin's" are inspirational too... but I find that the older I get the more likely I am to feel like this train is slowing down... and not like it's speeding up. Really, it is whatever speed we make for ourselves.

[I swear I took a bazillion pictures... I was so excited to wear/photograph this silk blazer I got on super sale from JCrew but this is the best I could pull from all those pictures - mildly frustrating, can I blame it on motherhood?]

It's nice to know while I whip around town dropping kids here and there, putting dinner on the table late because I was busy with this or that and getting caught up in the craziness that whirls around life with young children in general... that as long as I am creating my own story - I will have one.

That was my mom "rant" for the week! It has nothing to do with this outfit... just stuff on my mind. What's on your mind? :)

Details:
Necklace, Charlotte Russe
Jeans, F21 (similar)
Flats, Sam Edelman