good look for less, EXPRESS!

Today's looks are for a reader, AnaLisa - she wanted some ideas on outerwear ensembles for playing with her little one in the snow all winter. My kids are the same... they love to be outside for hours making snowmen, forts and sledding and usually there is a "Mooooommmmmm... you have to play with us!" guilt-trip that insues!

These stylin' duds will make you the hottest mom on the snow-hill... or if you don't have kids... grab some sleds and some friends and head out! One of our favorite winter activities in college was sledding! Any time of day (between classes, late at night, after dinner)... just a tip... the trays at the dining hall make super fast sleds - yippeee! And at the very least it's super aerobic exercise climbing all those hills!

How fun is this bright look? It's sure to brighten up any cloudy winter day...

(gloves, snow pants, jacket, scarf, hat, boots)

Fair isle is always a great option for winter... when else can you get away with looking this cozy?

(mittens, snow pants, coat, boots, hat, scarf)

Happy Snow Stomping!

~~~

Interested in learning more about my wardrobe consultation services? Click here!

22 of 30... hot lips!

Lipstick?!?! What?!?! I know. Shut the door. Lipstick.

Well, actually it's not lipstick it's those Lip Stain's by Cover Girl that Drew Barrymore is always touting in the commercials. See I hate lipstick, I don't like the way it feels on my lips or the taste it gives me at the back of my throat (am I alone here, the only one that tastes that taste!?!?). And long story short... I know why old ladies slather that stuff on until it's on their teeth and making rivers to their ears. It's because when you age a bit you lose the natural color in your lips. Some of you are yelling "duh" at your screen right now in response to that and others - that have rose colored lips like my three year old are ignoring me. But pack that info away youngin's - it's the truth.

So this color might be a little BOLD for me. But I don't mind the way it feels on my lips and there is no yucky taste. I like it. I'm going to pick up a few other colors too. Thanks Drew, it's a winner. You win a turkey dinner - it's a few days old though.

Speaking of... I am absolutely throwing away all of the left overs today. We've been nibbling on them too long and if I warm up another bowl of mashed potatoes and chow down on them, well, I don't know what, but it won't be pretty. Unfortunately the pie was gone days ago. So no pies will be hurt in my purging. They are always the first to go anyway.

Also, I am experimenting with a remote for my camera... the jury is still out, but that is what that little thing in my hand is. Just sayin'.

winter & holiday looks:book!

If you haven't picked up one of my Winter & Holiday looks:books yet... what are you waiting for!?!?

It's full to the brim of winter & holiday wardrobe inspiration... including the top 8 practical and wearable (yet VERY stylin') trends for this winter. On top of all that there are tons of great outfit ideas for holiday parties and get togethers of all kinds! Take a minute to snag one and get inspired to dress warm and fashionable this season!





What is this looks:book all about?

• It's a 15 page digital download (pdf) featuring my top eight winter trends and holiday party fashion picks. I comb the stores and internet for what I think are the most wearable styles and trends for the season and then lay them all out for you in an easy to read format.
• Each of the top trends are featured in organized outfits to make dressing for the new styles this winter a snap.
• There are 8 pages of outfits, 24 outfits total.
• In addition to the trends this season... I have also included three pages of holiday wear! Whether it be your office party, a family gathering or New Years Eve, there is tons of additional inspiration here for all your holiday parties.
• Think of it as half wardrobe consult and half mini-magazine.
• Of course, everything is budget friendly (you know me!)... for each trend featured there are options in every price range.

And all of it is delivered to your inbox within minutes for only $4 - a STEAL!!! Simply use the "buy now" button above!

shopping guide: winter white!

Looking for the perfect gift this season? This year I am doing my gift guides by color... today is winter white... check out GOLD and BERRY too!


1) I always seem to have loose change floating around the house... this stylin' piggy bank should take care of the problem! Any person that is hard to buy for would love a cute pig like this! Juliska Charity Piggy Bank, Bloomingdales, $48

2. I think a nice wool coat makes a great Christmas gift... it's practical with a bit of luxury thrown in and each year when your recipient brings it out of the closet they will think of who bought it for them! Faux Fur Wool Blend Coat, Old Navy, $98

3. I am head over heels for this scent from Chanel... it is simple but sweet with a touch of indulgence. It's perfect for every day wear! Chanel Chance, Nordstrom, $65

4. Slippers are a necessity each year for me... it seems the year before they get so worn out. I could spend the winter in these and I'm sure any lady on your list could too! Fur Trimmed Slippers, Gap, $29.50

5. For the gal or domestic guy in your life that has EVERYTHING... I can bet that they don't have bust bud vases yet. These are so fun and quirky - add a few blooms and voila! Nip it in the Bud Vases, Wisteria, $19

6. There are some people on your list that are the name brand gift-recievers only, no? This simple but chic scarf would be perfect for any Coach enthusiast. Op Art C Scarf, Coach, $98

7. The Capri candles from Anthropologie are my number one favorite scent... and they have the most gorgeous packaging too. Snatch up a few of these for teacher or Secret Santa gifts! Capri Mercury Glass Candle, Anthropologie, $25

8. mmmmm... a sweet and cozy night gown. Need I say more, your girlfriend or mom would love this little number under the tree! Ruffle Neck Night Gown, Gap, $29.50

9. I love this fold over tote... perfect for a college or high school gal that always has to lug a lot of stuff but insists on doing it in style! Fold Over Tote, American Eagle, $39.50

21 of 30... blogger bun!

News flash: I am sporting the "blogger bun" AND I am taking my photos outdoors these days. Does this make things more official around here? I feel like it does.

This outfit was actually the day after Thanksgiving - a lil' behind here on posting - and I just wanted something comfy and casual and WARM (layers!). I thought about sweats for the day, but when I start a project I like to power-through - so I figured I might as well choose 30/30 stuff, have my husband help me take photos and check it off the list.

Today's nail polish is Silken Cord by Essie. I am just having a blast painting my nails all these fun colors lately.... I might just have to keep this up!


Bun shot:


I can't believe I only have 9 more outfits to go. This Challenge went SO fast. I'm actually getting a little nervous about "wardrobe re-entry." These past 30 days have been the best as far as clothes and stress and picking outfits out. Maybe it's time to pare the closet down.

If you are doing the Challenge... are you nervous about having TOO much to choose from once this is over? Do tell!

20 of 30... blue-er shades of blue!

The clothes that is... not me, I'm not blue. In any sense of the word. But these clothes are blue... a whole lotta blue.

This late in the Challenge (what Challenge?? The 30/30 Challenge!) things become very, um, I'll say... experimental. I have theories and ideas on how to wear things in new combos, but not until that combo is tried in real life and approved in a mirror is it approved. Furthermore, on AN occasion, I'm not going to say which one... even after pictures do you realize whether it works (or, more frustratingly) not. Note: you WILL NOT see that occasion... sorrs!


So, naturally, this outfit is a variation of a variation of a variation. Plus accessories.


And that is what I most dig about this Challenge this go round (more so than when I did it last time)... the variations I have come up with are surprisingly creative and wear-able. I am surprising even myself here folks. And I'll admit I love the confidence boost it gives me to put something together that I love and that yet is still completely out of left field.


Sure, I'll pat myself on the back.

Necklace courtesy of Towne & Reese. Click here for shopping locations. Also, ALL of their pieces are under $50. And the best news is that the generous folks at Shop Queen Street will give you a 10% discount on any Towne & Reese items by mentioning "GOODLIFE" at the checkout!

Details on all of the other items for the 30/30 Challenge can be found here...

19 of 30... keep it interesting!

The number one challenge when wearing only 30 pieces of clothing for 3o days is to keep it interesting. To keep me from wanting to make huge sighing or grunting noises while looking at my - very slim - options every morning, to keep me looking and feeling good throughout the day and finally, to keep you guys from saying "these old things again..." every time you visit my blog.


So thank goodness for accessories! I felt like that was the one thing that "made" this outfit remotely interesting. I got this scarf in Vegas while shopping with Jackie and I can't believe it but I forgot I even had it. So that was a fun surprise this morning. Also, the light in my closet has been burned out for like 3 months... so who even knows what else is hiding in there!


It was my intent to take pictures outside... but it was fuh-fuh-fuh-freezing outside today. So first I took pictures inside which was - duh! - dark. And then I talked my kids into "taking turns taking pictures of mommy". They thought this was hilarious. As did I. They took about 100 pictures - here's the decent one. Then we all got frost bite. Oh well, it was fun!

Today's nail polish is Masquerade Belle by Essie. Look at me all painting my nails regularly! Fun! Although I would not recommend painting your nails and then cleaning your bathroom - kind of defeats the purpose. In fact I don't recommend cleaning bathrooms at all! Yuck! But alas, my glamorous life as a housewife has to be lived out at some point. I'll be needing to touch these up soon!

Bracelet courtesy of Towne & Reese... click here for shopping locations. Also, ALL of their pieces are under $50. And the best news is that the generous folks at Shop Queen Street will give you a 10% discount on any Towne & Reese items by mentioning "GOODLIFE" at the checkout!

what to wear: weekend!

Whether you need some cozy stretchy pants as you recover from yesterday's feast... or to maneuver around the shops today and this weekend - I thought this outfit would be the perfect cozy, comfy and chic outfit for the day after Thanksgiving.

(leggings, sweater, purse, shoes, hat, watch)

By the way, I hope you all had a great day yesterday! I had the greatest time eating, drinking and relaxing with family!

Black Friday Sales!

You know me... I just had to let you in on a few great sales!

First up... at Boden Get 30% off Plus Free Shipping this Holiday Weekend - Valid 11/25 through 11/29 I love Boden for classic and beautiful pieces... stock up for yourself, your guy or especially your kids!


If you don't want to brave the mall... Gap is having a great online Black Friday Sale! $10, $20, and $30 Gifts!



Of course one of my favorite shops, Tulle is having a great sale today! Check out their Tulle Black Friday Sale! They have TONS of items at 50% off!


I always think that TOMS are a great gift this time of year... Now you can save "$5 Off All TOMS Shoes Using Coupon Code: AFFTM5" They are also offering free shipping over $85 too!


Old Navy is always chock fun of great gift ideas... check out their Black Friday Doorbuster Deals: 50% Off Outerwear, Selected Items From $5-$15!



Or there are tons of deals that ShopStyle has rounded up...

All Offers...

18 of 30... oh la la!

I feel like I should be triapsing through the streets of Paris in this outfit... completed only with a baguette of bread and some big red balloons. Oh la la!


I will say that I am HOOKED on the outdoor photos. Three days running, no so bad, eh? It is a little harder than inside photos... for a couple of practical reasons. It is also supposed to snow this week, so that could make it more interesting. And the pure lighting (which is great, GREAT!) is so 'pure' that it shows that my hair needs coloring and that my skin is 32 years old (ahem, wrinkles anyone!?!). Also I am trying, TRYING not to squint and it's almost working.


But the lighting is superb and my backyard makes a decent back drop. So I am going to try and keep doing it this way. It's a new challenge... and I always like a new challenge.

Also 18 (EIGHTEEN!?!?) how have we come so far so fast? Sheesh! All I will say is I am pining (PINING) for new shoes... and also apparently for writing things in CAPS today. I must be excitable...

17 of 30... thankful!

What are you thankful for this season? There is SO much to be thankful for... SO much!

Earth's crammed with heaven, And every common bush afire with God; And only he who sees takes off his shoes; The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries.
- Elizabeth Barrett Browning

1. Little sprinkles while you are taking pictures that raise your eyes to heaven.

2. Freedom. For being able to think, write and do what I want. Women haven't always, and still don't, have even half the freedoms we have today as women. I'm thankful for women's rights.
3. Good books. There are so so many. They give me new life.
4. My husband and kids. They bring me so much joy. I need to learn to stop and enjoy them more.


5. Second chances. Whether it's just the sun coming up on a new day, or a chance to be a better mom, or a chance to be a better friend to the second chance in life this blog has given me. I'm thankful for second chances.

6. Shoes. Heaven will be full of great shoes... I'm sure of it.
7. Yummy food. My table will be full of food and people tomorrow. I can't wait. God provides.

8. The little things that my kids will outgrow someday, but that I don't want them to: sweaty sleepy heads, pig tails, small shoes so cute you want to keep them forever, laughing at my jokes, hugging my legs, rhyming books, chiclet teeth and never ending bruised legs.

9. My husband's hard work at his job. He's been there for almost 12 years. He works hard to make our family "work."

10. Blogs.

What are you thankful for? Happy Thanksgiving!

what to wear: thanksgiving!

The big day is here tomorrow! The number one eating day of the year! I love Thanksgiving, because it's just food and family and fun and no gifts or stress or anything. This year I am hosting and I am so excited about making all the food and pies and of course the turkey!

Of course, the biggest question... what will you be wearing?

I would call this look dressy-casual. A touch of glamour but nothing too over the top... and how about those shoes... yes, please! I love a long coat with a dress - so classic.

(dress, shoes, bracelets, earrings, coat, clutch)

I'm more a of a super-casual type for holidays. This outfit would be right up my alley. A few layers for warmth and come comfy chic jeans for lounging after the meal. Of course some sweet leopard print shoes can jazz this look right up!

(jeans, sweater, top, bracelet (single), earrings, bracelet (double), shoes)

If you are looking for a more trendy look for your meal... I love this! Roomy and stylish shorts paired with a classic sweater and gorgeous jewelry. Mmmmm... I love this look!

(shorts, sweater, tights, necklace, ring, boots)

Whatever you wear... have a great day! Check around here this weekend for some Black Friday deals and other fun stuff! Happy Thanksgiving!

16 of 30... it's all down hill!

Having just passed the half way point of the Challenge (if you are new around here... I am taking part in Kendi's 30/30 Challenge - we remix 30 pieces of clothing for 30 days!) I am still feeling really excited about the challenge and still really enjoying it. I have really enjoyed my outfits so far and have really impressed even myself with the combos I have come up with. The only TRUE thing I am missing is more shoes. But I can deal.

I also have a huge surprise for you! Ta-da! Outside pictures!


I took these pictures last weekend (I'm ahead with outfits, behind on posting) and so my husband was home. But I have to say, I do like it better than inside photos. I'm going to need a tri-pod to keep it up though.


But as I said before, I'm a huge squinter and it scrunches my whole face - so you get sunnies today!


When I first put this white tshirt into the 30 I just thought it would be a simple option for a lazy day. And this past Saturday it was perfect for running errands and hanging out around the house. A simple white tshirt is the ultimate in luxury for me. I'm so easy to please.

But... brrrr! It was cold out! 30/30 outfit details are here... the scarf is old from Urban Outfitters and the coat is old from Gap.

Also... check out this great interview I just did at Maggie Rose's blog... all about how I organize the business of my blog, get inspired and unwind!

good look for less, EXPRESS!

Today's EXPRESS consult is for Valerie... she is a super busy stay-at-home that wants to look pulled together... you know; cool, calm and collected! She emailed me and said she mostly likes to wear dresses and is also loving leggings this season.

If you read my blog, you know I am not a huge "dress" person, I don't know why. I love the way they look... but mostly on others! So it was a stretch for me personally to come up with some fun casual dress-based outfits. But I had a ton of fun with it... let's take a look at the outfits! Even though I don't consider myself to be a "dress" person - I would wear these outfits for sure!

Leggings are a great staple for a busy mom... make sure to stock up on some great tunic-length tops to pair them with like this one. Such a simple outfit formula... but very chic and classic!

(leggings, necklace, earrings, top, jacket, flats)

A simple cotton dress can go along way... this one for instance is perfect for spring or fall, or like this with a cardigan for fall. Easy-peasy! I love the fun of adding purple tights with this outfit. An unexpected dash of sophistication!

(dress, cardigan, bracelet, tights, boots)

Plaid is back! In full effect... I love this simple dress and the tie at the waist gives the dress great shape. Add in some fun accessories and a military style jacket and voila!

(dress, jacket, boots, tights, ring, scarf)

~~~

Interested in learning more about my wardrobe consultation services?

Click here!

15 of 30... half way, no way?!

Here we go again...
Ohhh ohhh I want some more,

ohhh ohhh what are you waiting for,

say good bye to my heart tonight...

I couldn't choose between quoting that Neon Trees song or Pride and Prejudice... both which I am absolutely loving right now. No matter how far apart the two of them are on the spectrum. So I'll do both...

"All this she must possess," added Darcy, "and to all this she must yet add something more substantial, in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading."

Darcy knows... I can like pop music AND Pride and Prejudice.


I am an avid reader, but right now I am sick of chasing the next big book, the next NYT top 10, the next can't-stop-talking-about-it-or-staying-up-all-night-to-read book. So I am going for the classics, which are a little challenging. So I watched Pride and Prejudice (the 2005 version with Keira Knightley) to help keep my attention with the book. It's working and also... how BRILLS is that movie, I could watch that version over and over and over again. And I just might. Do you have any MUST READ classics? Next up for me will likely be Sense and Sensibility (another movie to "cheat" with) and I really want to get through War & Peace but darn that is long. But Anna Karenina is one of my all time favorites. Maybe I could re-read it. I'm just blabbering now... it is apparent.


All of that has absolutely nothing to do with this outfit of course! I can't believe we are at the half-way point. Party time! Just today I was wishing for my oldest (rattiest) comfiest pair of jeans and my TOMS. I started the Challenge on November 6, so I am slated to finish on December 5. Whoop!

Before we celebrate I still need to come up with 15 outfits... time to buckle down!