video tutorial: scarves!

Today I am excited to bring you a video tutorial on tying scarves! I haven't done a video in for-eva and if you look hard enough there is already a scarf tutorial in the archives but that is like a year and a half (really!??!) old. So, I thought it was high time to update it and a couple of you have asked specific questions, which I hope I have covered here.

In addition to tying scarves you may also have the pleasure of experiencing:
- my crazy 3 year old "starring" along side me.
- bad jokes referencing old (and maybe only funny to me) snl skits.
- me realizing that iSight does not work like a mirror, but a backwards mirror, oops! I catch on after a few...

Oh, and if you are at work you can just mute it and get the idea!


Untitled from Jill Gott-Gleason on Vimeo.


ps, super good news! Vimeo is now supported on your iPhone or iPad - so feel free to watch this on those devices as well. Cool, huh?

outfit inspiration: prints!

Prints are everywhere lately... from polka dots to florals to plaids to tribals, there is something for everyone.  I don't always find myself drawn to prints, but I would like to stretch myself a bit and try them more.  Each of these prints I would love to sport... are you into prints these days?

(above: sunglasses, denim, top, shoes, jacket, bag)

(above: earrings, jeggings, top, shoes, blazer, clutch)

(above: bracelet, chambray pants, top, shoes, cardigan, clutch)

shop with me...

I have been throwing this post idea around in my head for a while now, but never acted on it.  Basically I find stuff I like in stores around town all the time, and while my blog focuses mostly on what I find on the internet, I thought it might be fun to feature stuff IRL. What do you say? Interesting? Boring?  Sound off - maybe I'll make this series regular, maybe not so much.  (ps, these are all iphone photos!)

~~~

There is a little local nursery/specialty foods/home goods store here in town that is our favorite place to visit as a family.  Likely because they have fun stuff for me to look at and an abundant candy department (my kids favorite, and well, mine too!) and free coffee (my husband's favorite, he's so geriatric like that).  Any way they have a little bit of everything and pull it all off brilliantly.

In the spring, summer and fall this place is our go-to for plants and flowers for our garden. In the winter we have to depend on their floral department for fresh flowers, and it usually doesn't disappoint. 

I love Forsythia branches - so pretty!

I spotted these gorgeous plates - white with silver dots. Wouldn't they be perfect on a plate wall? They remind me of this Kate Spade china (gorgeous!)

Vintage themed postcards, yes please!

I just LOVED all of these fun colored flat-ware.  It would be so fun to set a colorful table with these! (similar)

Green glass for spring!  Which reminds me of THESE in Jackie's shop! So cute!

A garden gnome is always welcome in my garden... how cute, err, handsome?! (similar)

Have you ever seen these single serve hummus packaging? I first had one in a snack pack on a Delta flight (very random, I know!) - but they are really tasty and don't require refrigeration which is handy for lunches, etc.

I am a sucker for good packaging and Lavazza has the best coffee cans. They are so Euro-chic, no?

My kids are endlessly amused with trying on the reader glasses... and the funny thing is, is that I'm endlessly amused with them trying on the reader glasses.  Win-win!

There you have it!  What do you think of this series? Fun? Boring? Want more? Less?  Sound off!

my style...

On Saturdays I like to pop in here and do a quick post.  Recently I've rounded up what's new for retailers on Saturdays (seen here). And now that most of the spring stuff is out and selling out I thought it would be fun to change gears.  

For the next few Saturdays I will feature stuff I am digging and looks I am coveting right now.

Nautical style isn't going anywhere and these sweet anchor earrings are so cute! Light weight sweaters like this pretty pink one are going to be so perfect for chilly spring days. A t-back top like this one would be fun for a night out as the evenings warm, it's simple but sexy. I'm craving soft colors and light weight fabrics... this scarf totally fits the bill. You've heard me blabber on and on about white jeans. I just can't get enough! I could use some really casual kicking around shoes, I imagine these boat shoes would do just fine.  This leopard print tote is super cheap (only $15!) and would be a great replacement for my worn out library bag.  I still haven't snagged a military inspired jacket yet - I love this one!

what to wear: beach!

Instead of my usual Friday post where I give ideas on what to wear for the weekend, I thought we could take a moment to travel in our minds far and away. I'm sick of pulling together winter outfits - and sick of wearing them.

So let's all play pretend!

Imagine the sun on your skin, the salty breeze in your hair, the sand between your toes and an ice cold drink of choice in your hand... got that visual image?

Now... tell me: what will you be wearing in this amazing beach daydream? Something from American Eagle Outfitters? A care-free summer-chic outfit that could win you a $250 gift certificate to AE from Polyvore? If so... then dream on my friends!

Pull together a few looks here using pieces from American Eagle's spring line and you will be entered to win a $250 gift certificate for American Eagle from Polyvore. How fun!

I did a few sets to get you started... now go forth and daydream!





Get your own Mini Editor from Polyvore

Happy weekend!

the it list... February 25, 2011!

Welcome Friday!  Here's to another weekend, the last one in February to be exact... spring is inching nearer!  Check out all the amazing blogs on this week's list - there is great inspiration here!

• undeniable style compiles her wishlist for a 'pretty in pink' living room.  I'm in love... she has such a great eye for style! (find undeniable style on twitter!)
• second street east diy's a simple and stylish monogramed throw pillow.  I love the sophisticated personal touch this adds to any room! (find second street east on twitter!)
• a delightful design features kitchens with cabinets that reach the ceiling... this is a great look that is easily recreated for a custom look.  These are some gorgeous kitchens! (find a delightful design on twitter!)
• a spot of whimsy gathers lots of lovely hair inspiration... my personal favorite are the soft and feminine braids. So pretty! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
• holly in heels is chasing away winter blues with gorgeous wedges for spring. Ohh and ahh! I can't wait to buy some new spring shoes! (find holly in heels on twitter!)
• good clean fun shows us how to make a delicious Nutella Mousse, need I say more? Wow!  This would be a fun dessert to make for a girls night in or small dinner party! (find good clean fun on twitter!)
• elle sees dishes on her must have items for spring... including a really great trench coat, which just so happens to also be one of my must have items for spring, as well! (find elle sees on twitter!)
• yams designs rounds up oodles of gallery wall inspiration. I love a good gallery wall in any home, if you do too check out this great post! (find yams designs on twitter!)
• thought and musing completely rocks this pencil skirt. I adore this outfit and am still jealous that this gal from 'down under' is basking in summer right now!
• rosy + tart brings us this deliciously simple looking bacon and cheese frittata. I love the single serving sizes - very handy for a breakfast on the go! (find rosy + tart on twitter!)
• shen dove style brilliantly mixes polka dots and stripes. I just ADORE this look!  What fun pattern play! (find shen dove style on twitter!)
• rose a la mode gives us her spring clothing picks... and I am absolutely in love with this floral dress. It would be the perfect item to dress up or down! (find rose a la mode on twitter!)
• jewelscapes rocks this amazing boho-chic outfit including wide leg jeans and some fabulous jewelry. I am loving this look!
• mama loves papa is sporting super fun layers as she rounds out two-thirds of the 30/30 Challenge. I love this simple outfit formula! (find mama loves papa on twitter!)
• good life for less has the new TOMS Shoes styles for spring - there are so many fun new styles. It's hard to choose a favorite! (find good life for less on twitter!)
• good tots offers up an adorable pair of baby moccasins for a giveaway.  Make sure to check these out if you have a little one in your life!

the it list is brought to you by jill from good life for less, for info on how you can be involved... click here!

my outfit: sweaters!

I  have always loved a good sweater and jean combo... but lately I have been trying to avoid this look.  Why? Because it's my 'rut' - it's my day in, day out, go-to combo that quickly becomes un-original. Don't get me wrong, it doesn't make for a bad combo in general. Just for me. I usually feel that it doesn't stretch my creativity and remixing skills the best that it could.

Lately I have been trying to ease myself back into allowing myself to wear sweaters and jeans but challenging myself to still be creative.

This outfit here was inspired by a similar look I found on Pinterest.  By the way, feel free to follow my wardrobe inspiration board on Pinterest if you are so inclined. I try to sock away interesting and simple looks that I can try to recreate.

With this outfit I challenged myself to change up my look to bring it past the boring sweater/jeans combo and to do that I added the scarf, did my hair a little differently and added bold lip color.

And while each of those things aren't necessarily wardrobe components, they still add to the over all look and helped to keep me from feeling frumpy.

ps, it's still super cold and snowy here, so since the winter is winding down I have given myself almost free reign on wearing my Uggs as much as I please.  They may not be the cutest things... but they are the warmest by far!

Details:
Scarf, Limited (similar) - watch for a tutorial on how to tie a scarf like this next week!
Sweater, Gap (similar)
Jeans, Seven for All Mankind (similar)
Boots, Uggs
Watch, Michael Kors

shoe spotlight: Urban Outfitters!

I am waiting with bated breath to start buying some new shoes for spring and summer!  I can't wait to find some fun new shoes that will let my toes and ankles breathe and to show off some fun new toenail polish colors as well!  I recently was perusing Urban Outfitters and was smitten with what I found and the prices of the selections as well!  All of these items are under $70 and many are under $30 - now that's what I am talking about it (Desbicable Me reference, anyone?)!!

Here are some that I would love to get my hands on... it's almost impossible to choose favorites!

1.  Satin Skimmers 2. Basket Weave Skimmers 3. Studded Wedge 4. Fan Sandals 5. Hurache Skimmer

Any of these strike your fancy?

my outfit: 'pow', how you like me now?

I don't really have words for you today.  Hurmppffff. But I do have an in-your-face pink scarf.  So maybe that makes it all even.

(thankfully the wind wasn't harpooning me for these photos... but check out those goose-bumps below - 

it was COLD out there!)

It's kind of one of those days... no words.

I'm okay with it if you are. Are you?

~~~

ps. What I will say is this... today marks the day that 11 (ELEVEN!!!) years ago that I met my husband on a blind date. Yep, blind date people.  And the rest is history and lots of sweetness. 

pps. if you have little baby or one on the way, check out the adorable giveaway on my kids & baby blogs... good tots! today.

Details:

Scarf, Target

Top, Gap (similar)

Jeans, Gap (similar)

Shoes (did I show those?), Target (similar)

Bracelet and Earrings (love, love, love!!!), courtesy of Towne & Reese - also, don't forget to check out where you can buy Towne & Reese, I am such a huge fan and all of their pieces are UNDER $50!

must have hue for spring: orange!

I just love the boldness of orange for spring... it can quickly wipe away the winter blues!  And how fun are these orange pieces? Love them all!

(scarf, sandals, bracelet, necklace, earrings, purse, cardigan)

Are you loving this fun hue for spring too?

quickly...

I just heard word that Gap is offering buy a pair of pants and get a top free!  Wow!  What a fun offer...

These would be some of my picks:

(from top left: tie back top, animal print tank, floral tank; 

from bottom left: high waisted flares, red skinny jeans, cropped surplus pants)

my outfit: red barn!

Do you have a barn in your 'hood? If not, you should. There is something about barns that is so reminiscent and pure and simple.  So we headed over to the closest barn (of course there is more than one around here!) and turns out it was a great spot for pictures.  It brought out the red/orange in my ring... random, but true.  

Don't think I'm some poor old country chick.  No sirree, we have Target and four star hotels just about as close.  And that my friends, is why West Michigan never fails to inspire and amaze me.  Also, now that I think of it, there is a Starbucks within walking distance from this barn - and you really can't beat that!

If I am Superman - wind and sun are my kryptonite. I can not seem to keep my eyes open for either!  So there you have it... my two weaknesses.

Details:

Top, Old Navy

Jeans, Gap (similar)

Clogs, Ugg

Necklace, courtesy of Towne & Reese

Bag, Deux Lux (similar - but I got mine cheaper at GILT!)

Ring, Forever 21 (similar)

NEW Toms for spring! (I die!)

I am SO loving the new TOMS for spring... stone-washed, glitters, elephants, grommets and more!  Here are a few of my top picks:

From top left (then clockwise):

Grey Stone-Washed Twill Women's Classics

TOMS Shoes

Pink Women's Glitters

Black Stone-Washed Twill Women's Classics

Black Grommet Women's Classics

Pale Pink Women's Cordones

my outfit: grey days!

I almost didn't post these pictures because for the life of me I couldn't find a decent full length shot... even after trying my hand at editing them.  But the fact is that I loved this outfit... and for the most part, all you have to do to see the full length picture is insert these boots and these jeans that you have already seen a ba-jillion times.

And for every time you have seen those shoes and jeans on the blog, I have worn them about 4x more in real life.  They have become my winter uniform.  Last winter it was skinny jeans + Ugg boots.  So there, maybe it's a step up? Maybe not.

This top is proving to be infinitely versatile.  See here and here for previous styling combos.  And I think I am just getting rolling... expect to see LOTS of this top.  I only wish I would have snagged it in some other colors.

How was your weekend?  It's President's Day today... maybe you even are still weekending! My husband has the day off work for the holiday, but my son still has school. Go figure.

Details:
Jacket, courtesy of Tulle - it's on sale!
Top, JCrew (similar)
Chevron Bracelet, Forever 21 (similar)
Watch, Michael Kors
Jeans, Gap (similar)

good look for less, EXPRESS!

Today's good look for less EXPRESS consult is for Jennifer - she is a stay-at-home mom that is looking for some simple ways to look stylish even when home with her kids.  So my focus was to choose simple pieces and dress them up with fun shoes and accessories - that's my own personal fashion formula!

With layers and hints at spring, these outfits are perfect transitional outfits to the warmer days! Let's take a look at the outfits...

White jeans are a must have for spring... and if you live in a climate that is warmer this time of year (Jennifer does) - why not bust them out already!

(above: necklace, jeans, top, sandals, jacket, bag)

Slouchy sweaters and relaxed jeans are easily made chic with a nice scarf and some sweet shoes... I am still craving a pair of these mocs myself!

(above: bracelet, jeans, top, clutch, scarf, shoes)

Wide leg trousers are the THING for spring and they are so comfy too... paired with a simple chambray top this outfit is simple but very modern.

(above: belt, jeans, top, bracelets, jacket, shoes)

Happy Shopping Jennifer!

~~~

Interested in finding out more about my wardrobe consultation services? Click here!  (please note, my EXPRESS waiting list is currently closed... but if you want a consult fast, my regular consults have a 2 - 3 day turn-around on average!

new for spring... JCrew!

Hello Spring! 

It's almost here... I can feel it in my bones!  I've mentioned before, ahem, quite a few times now... how much I love peeping out what retailers have in store (quite literally, actually) this time of year.  Spring and fall are the absolute two best shopping seasons.  

So far I have checked out American Eagle, Lands End Canvas, Old Navy, Gap, LOFT, and Fossil - you should check them out as well.  But today I have JCrew... 

They never disappoint on new goodies and while the items are classic to JCrew (and classic in general, think: stripes, florals, white jeans and rockin' swimsuits) - I'll never tire of their new take on classics each season.

(swimsuit, floral scarf, striped top, gladiator sandals, white jeans, simple black skirt)

what to wear: weekend!

We got a tease of spring here this week in the midwest... unfortunately it's back to winter for us next week. But what about you? Is spring almost there? I love this outfit that hints at spring but is perhaps still warm enough to get you to spring (maybe!).

(earrings, jeans, top, bag, jacket, shoes)

What are you up to this weekend? My mom will be in town and I hope to rest up and have some fun... this week has been a toughie for me.

the it list... February 18, 2011!

Happy Friday! I love Fridays because it means two things... one, it's time for the weekend and two, it's time for the IT list!  Check out these fun posts from around blogland!

• holly in heels scouts out a super fun pair of striped platforms for spring.  Be sure to check out these and other striped heels that holly found! (get more of holly in heels on twitter!)
• undeniable style pays homage to boys that wear ties... what a cute post, and I completely agree! (get more of undeniable style on twitter!)
• yams designs features fall fashion from the runway with peeks of Tory Burch's fall line - swoon! I love the colors and textures here. See how yams designs paired the fashion with interiors! (get more of yams designs on twitter!)
• a spot of whimsy features an awe-inspiring look at ballet through art. If you are remotely inspired by ballet, you just have to see this... or if you aren't, you just may find yourself smitten with ballet after seeing this post! (get more of a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
• second street east found these super cute iphone covers that can be personalized as well. Too fun! I might have to snag one of these for myself! (get more of second street east on twitter!)
• good clean fun is tantalizing me with these sour cream cookies. Oh my! I just love a yummy cookie... I'll for sure have to bake these! (get more of good clean fun on twitter!)
• mama loves papa looks pretty as always with a very simple t-shirt + jeans + scarf combo.  One of my favorite outfit formulas! (get more of mama loves papa on twitter!)
• elle sees has a gorgeous winter white outfit pulled together featuring this gorgeous white sweater. I love white for winter... make sure you get this look before the season is gone! (get more of elle sees on twitter!)
• thought and musing calls this outfit '90's inspired' - I call it brilliant.  Black jeans and a chambray top is definitely a winning pair!
• rose a la mode spills on how to make her favorite caffeinated drink: a honey latte! Wow! I can't wait to try this... and she looks as lovely as ever in chambray (it's almost a theme for today!). (get more of rose a la mode on twitter!)
• a delightful design would rather have this lovely mirror as a gift on Valentine's than flowers - and I don't blame here.  What a gorgeous piece! (get more of a delightful design on twitter!)
• sweetie pie style shows off her top picks from DVF's Fall Runway show.  I am in awe of the gorgeous greens (yes, multiple greens!).  (get more of sweetie pie style on twitter!)
• jewelscapes is a genius with layering... I love this simple t-shirt layered over a gingham top. It works so well and looks fabulous, yet casual on her.
• shen dove style is totally rocking a 70's chic vibe with her flared jeans and leopard print scarf.  What a fun look! I so love flares for spring! (get more of shen dove style on twitter!)
• rosy + tart has an unbelievably simple pineapple sherbet recipe for us this week, actually her whole blog is chock full of amazing and simple recipes this week! Yum! (get more of rosy + tart on twitter!)
• good tots pulls together super chic pieces from TopShop's maternity line - who knew maternity could be THIS cute!?!

the IT list is published weekly by jill of the good life for less... for more information on how you can be involved... click here!

my outfit: stripe hype!

Remember when I mentioned that I cleaned out my closet? Well, that means that I get to wear my favorite clothes more often - yay!  That also means you get to SEE my favorite clothes more often - ummm, yay!?!?  I hope you don't mind - just keeping it real over here.  So yes, I did JUST wear this shirt and I might have JUST worn these jeans too... this is how I roll peeps.

Holla for the TOMS!  My feet froze (again) but it was totally worth it!  I'm so so sick of wearing boots... I'll take these warm days (warm in Michigan talk means 40's and 50's) and flaunt my ankles best I can.

Lately we've been trying to take pictures after my husband gets home from work.  The kids and I tend to be a little ornery this time of day.  Thus me giving my husband THIS look: (as in, are we done yet?)

And this look to my kids: (y'all get back in the house! - except we don't really say "y'all" in Michigan, not that I am aware of at least)

And then, there is my I-look-tired-because-my-kids-are-crazy face.  That's always a nice one too.  Are you perky at 5:30pm or a little spent like me? Tell me I'm not alone!

Details:
Pea Coat, Old Navy (similar)
Striped Top, Forever 21
Jeans, Gap (similar)
Shoes, TOMS Shoes Silver Glitters