my outfit: pink + red!

Truth be told: this outfit didn't make the cut the first go round.  

Let me elaborate.  We took these photos a while back and I didn't like them.  So I never posted them.  Then when I went to get dressed yesterday and I felt super lazy.  So I basically didn't get dressed. But then, when I went to blog - well, I didn't have anything for you!  Oops!  So I dragged the pictures out of the archives and slapped them up here.  Lazy, picky, silly... I don't know.  The outfit really isn't bad - just for some reason I didn't love it.

I like all of the components of the outfit, I even liked wearing the outfit. Maybe it's just the objective view that is throwing me off.  Hard to say.

What I will say is that the sun was JUST setting... and the light is really great and warm, isn't it?  We had actually been out shopping and when the clock struck 7pm I snatched the kids out of the mall play area and grabbed my husband shouting (well, not really.... but you get the picture) "... the sun is setting!!!!"  I hope no one overheard me, they may have thought I was a vampire.

A fashion vampire!  (wow, this post has gone down hill quick)

Any how... what say you? Yay for the light? Nay for the wide leg jeans with TOMS? Wait, maybe I don't want to know.

Details:

Blazer, LOFT (similar)

Cardigan, Old Navy (similar)

Striped Top, Target

Jeans, Seven for all Mankind (similar)

Shoes, TOMS Shoes Women's Silver Glitters

Watch, Michael Kors

what to wear: work it girl!

One of the most common questions I get is about my work out routine.  Everything from when/how I do it to what I wear.  If you want to know how/what I do... check out the FAQ.  Today, we are going to chat about what to wear!  I personally really like the C9 line at Target... it is simple and cheap.  But I will be the first to admit that the selection is a little boring - mostly black.  And while I love to wear black while working out - doesn't show your sweat (!!!) - I will also admit that it's a little boring.  Blah, blah, blah!

I am in need of some new work out clothes myself and got tons of new inspiration while putting these outfits together - I hope you do too!

(above: wristbands, pants, tank, shoes, jacket, iphone cover)

(above: lip gloss, pants, top, shoes, jacket, water bottles)

(above: necklace, pants, top, shoes, watch, dvd, socks)

Now I have a really awkward question to ask... I was going to give you some links to some of my favorite little work outs that are suitable for doing at home if you don't have a gym membership.  But all of the videos I found were really bad or cheesy.  Would it be really bad or cheesy if I just did a quick video tutorial? I'm no pro... I just thought it might be helpful.  Feel free to discuss in the comments!

Winners! (and not in the Charlie Sheen kind of way!)

Wow, ladies! Ask and you (I) shall receive, huh?  A huge, huge thank you to all of the ladies that left a comment and pressed follow!  We quickly ticked over a 1,000 followers - I thought it would take a week or so, but with readers as fabulous as you it happened in only a few days!  I wish I could make you all winners... without further ado...

(the winners are announced below and were chosen on a random basis by random.org, I will try to contact each of you, but if I don't hear back from you in 24 hours I'll pass the prize to another lucky lady, k?)

Drum Roll Please!

'Dress Me' Prize: (the winner is: 'Daily Desirables'!!!)

Here is your prize Daily Desirables:

• $100 American Express gift card to get started on your spring shopping + my Spring + Summer 2011 looks:book (for shopping inspiration) + my 50 Things... e-book (for more inspiration!)

~~~

'Inspire Me' Prize: (the winner is: 'Mrs. Kinne'!!!)

Here is your prize 'Mrs. Kinne':

• A mini wardrobe consult + my Spring + Summer 2011 looks:book + my 50 Things... e-book

~~~

'Endless Inspiration' Prize: (the winners are: 'Stacy' & 'Lilymom'!!!)

You both each win: 

• My Spring + Summer 2011 looks:book + my 50 Things... e-book.

Congrats ladies and a big thanks to each of you again for helping me reach 1,000 followers!

what to pack? spring break!

I want you all to know that I was in NO way making fun of greek life in yesterday's post - I hope no one took it that way.  I was more making fun of myself that I am pretty much clueless on that sector of society.  I have friends from high school or past co-workers that were sorority gals and to be honest, I just never asked them about it... plus, I thought a lot of what went on tended towards secretive.  So I just butted out.  That being said... the show GREEK is wildly entertaining for me.

~~~

Are you headed out of town for spring break or just a long weekend away to celebrate spring?  If you are headed some where super warm... check out this past post.  If you are doing more of a touristy/busy all day type of spring break (think Chicago, Washington DC or wine country) - check out these looks!

(above: camera necklace, lotion, jeans, top, nail polish, clutch, jacket, bracelet, sandals)

(above: orange bag, lip gloss, jeans, striped top, scarf, sunglasses, cardigan, shoes)

Don't forget layers for chilly spring days, comfy shoes, simple scarves and the comforts of home like lip gloss!

~~~

ps, winners from the contest will be announced at NOON today! Check back!

my outfit: put it in neutral!

Hello kittens... and happy Tuesday to you.  I'm short on words today... likely because I just discovered GREEK on Netflix and my brain is *probably* melting as a result.  I've watched something like 15 episodes in four days... let's not judge, k?

We didn't have a greek system at my college, so I'm totally out of the loop.  Well, ahem, I was.  Now I am referring to my kids as "pledges" and just waiting around for my husband to finally pin me. I me, come on, we've been married for almost 9 years - what is he waiting for?

Is any one up for a mixer this weekend?

I kid, I kid.  (maybe)

For this outfit... I pretty much put together some neutrals and called it good.  I would have loved to pair it with some white jeans or sandals... but Michigan didn't get the memo that it's spring.  Brrrr baby! It's cold out - still!  So boots it is... but, like, they are so last month... but, like, whatever, right!?!? (wow, I am even blogging like a sorority girl... scary!)

Details:

Jacket, courtesy of Tulle

Scarf, Vintage (similar)

Top, Gap (similar)

Jeans, Gap (similar)

Ring, Forever 21 (similar)

Boots, MICHAEL Michael Kors (similar)

more than shoes: Aldo!

I don't usually think of Aldo as a source for more than fun and trendy shoes - but recently while I was perusing their website I found that they offer lots of fun accessories - in addition to some fab shoes - at really great prices!

Here are some of the goods I unearthed... what fun accessories for spring and summer!?!? I am loving them!

(from top left: layered charm bracelets, peach scarf, multi strand necklace, t-strap sandals, 

beaded clutch, tassel earrings, color block wedges, medallion ring)

Super fun, right? 

my outfit: trying something new!

Trying something new can be fun... and sometimes a little scary.  But in the end, whether you like what you tried or not, it's totally worth it.  Take these jeans for instance, they are SUPER long and SUPER wide leg. And while I've been gushing about how much I love the look, I was a little scared once it came time to try the new trend myself. 

It never hurts when you get a friendly push.  My girl Linda sent me these jeans after I was swooning after hers and also touting their loveliness right here on this blog.  The end result - I'm in love.

I'm glad I tried them... the thing I really love is that they look ultra modern and chic, but they are just jeans in the end... and even have a bit of stretch to them, so they are really comfortable.  Plus, they are a great excuse to wear the highest heels I own. And if any body needs an excuse to wear heels, it's a boring 'ole stay-at-home mom like me. (wink, wink!)

Have you gone outside of your comfort zone recently?

I, of course, highly recommend it.  Have a friend (or me!) help you if you need it... I also, highly recommend that as well.

And now I go out of my comfort zone once again... check it out...


Untitled from Jill Gott-Gleason on Vimeo.

Details:
Blazer, LOFT (similar)
Red Striped Top, Forever 21
Bracelets, courtesy of Towne & Reese
Jeans, Gap
Platforms, Target (similar)
Nail Polish, Nice is Nice by Essie (fingers) and Topless & Barefoot by Essie (toes)

good look for less, Shea!

This morning's good look for less is for Shea... she is a stay-at-home mom to 21 month twins - whew!  She is busy!  Shea wanted some really simple outfits that would help her look and feel pulled together as a busy mom.  Shea lives in Arizona, so I didn't include much for layers and warmth.  But if you live in cooler climate you could easily add a cardigan or blazer to a lot of these looks.  Shea's budget was only $300.

What I love about each of these outfits is the simplicity.  Even if you aren't a busy mom, these outfits would be great for weekend wear or casual settings.

(above: dress, bracelets, sandals)

(above: white pants, top, sandals, necklace)

(above: shorts, top, sandals, ring)

(above: jeans, top, flats, necklace)

~~~

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

May I have your attention, please? (+ a HUGE giveaway!)

COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED! WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON!




tap, tap... is this thing on??? (screeeeeeech)... ahem, hello.  I have a little announcement, if you don't mind...

Notice that little "followers" widget in my sidebar (ahem, if you are in a reader... click over now!)... notice how that number is just creeping and creeping towards 1,000 (1,000!?!?!?).  Well, I couldn't help noticing myself... and since that is pretty darn exciting, to me at least, I thought it was high time we celebrate it!

So here's the deal:

• I will lay out what the giveaway will be for WHEN we reach 1,000 followers.
• YOU will help me get there for a chance to win a SUPER fabulous prize from moi for all your help (and love!). There will actually be FOUR prizes total!

So here is my part... ta-da! The prizes... read 'em and weep!


'Dress Me' Prize: (one will be awarded)

• $100 American Express gift card to get started on your spring shopping + my Spring + Summer 2011 looks:book (for shopping inspiration) + my 50 Things... e-book (for more inspiration!)

~~~

'Inspire Me' Prize: (one will be awarded)

• A mini wardrobe consult + my Spring + Summer 2011 looks:book + my 50 Things... e-book

~~~


'Endless Inspiration' Prize: (two will be awarded)

• My Spring + Summer 2011 looks:book + my 50 Things... e-book.

And now for your part...

To enter... you MUST (absolutely MUST):

1.  click "follow" in the left sidebar... if you haven't already. Following me on twitter or in a reader or around on the street (and ESPECIALLY around on the street) does not count here friends.

2.  leave a comment and say that you have done #1

3.  for an extra entry... Do number 1 and 2 first.  Then, tweet about the giveaway (you must leave a separate comment for a separate entry, all comments will be counted as one entry). Leave a comment with your twitter handle and include @JillGG in your tweet. Here are some sample tweets:

• can you believe @JillGG is giving away $100 for spring clothes? Check out her giveaway! http://bit.ly/gCZaOW
• I want to win $100 by following @JillGG 's blog - do you too? http://bit.ly/gCZaOW

4.  for another entry... Do number 1 and 2 first. Then, blog about the giveaway and leave a link in the comments to your post (you must leave a separate comment for a separate entry, all comments will be counted as one entry)!

So, when will a winner be chosen? Once I notice that the number in the sidebar has clicked over to 1,000 - I'll choose the winners! Simple!

my style...

Lately I find myself more and more drawn to simple neutrals that make a bold impact. Like this fun ring or high platform sandals.  I think what draws me to them so much is that they all mix and match so easy - like if my closet was full of all of these items I could literally throw anything on at any given time and I would be set to go.  You know?

(ring, shorts, top, bracelets, scarf, shoes)

pssst... like what you see? Some of these items are featured in my spring + summer 2011 looks:book - check it out for more inspiration!

what to wear: weekend!

In a few short weeks I will return to my usual post as "soccer mom"on Saturday mornings.  My son plays U-6 and my daughter can't wait to follow in her brother's footsteps and will start next fall in U-5 so it's safe to say this is a permanent situation for me.  Cold, rain, sun or sleet I'll be cheering them on with reckless abandon.

The key for me is to try and stay stylish, but to keep warm and dry too.  My soccer mom basics are wellies, layers and a scarf.

This outfit would be just perfect!

(scarf, jeans, top, boots, cardigan, sunglasses)

Now that the weather is (hopefully) turning, will you be partaking of any spectator sports on the weekends?

Have a great weekend!

the "it" list... March 25, 2011!

Happy Friday folks... I hope you had a great week and an even better weekend planned!  Take some time to dive into these great links, there is so much great inspiration here!

• mama loves papa is looking cowgirl-chic for sure, what with posing with cows and sporting some adorable cowboy boots.  I just love this look! (find mama loves papa on twitter!)
• shen dove is rocking one of my favorite looks for spring... a maxi dress with tons of layers. Perfect for when you want to dress for spring, but still be warm! (find shen dove on twitter!)
• the capital barbie features shimmery metallics to add to your wardrobe for spring. This little skirt is just TOO cute! (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
• a spoonful of dish rounds up her favorite pieces from the recently launched (or re-launched) Target GO Collection.  There are SO many good pieces to choose from!
• daily crushes brings the sunshine to you with this gorgeous dress... and a gorgeous room. Both are sure to put a smile on your face!
• turn up the rad finds an amazing rug style that I have never seen before called the Boucherouite.  They are so lovely and unique! (find turn up the rad on twitter!)
• good tots features one simple maternity top in three great maternity outfits. If you have pregnant friends, or are expecting yourself - check out these great looks!
• a spot of whimsy is internet-stalking (in the friendliest way possible, of course!) the first family of fashion - The Hilfigers.   How can you not love these classic preppy looks? (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
• thought and musing goes all out with a vintage leopard print jacket.  This is such a fabulous piece and she carries it off so well - very fun!
• rosy + tart has my mouth watering with this simple tomato soup recipe. I can never turn tomato soup down! Yum! (find rosy + tart on twitter!)
• undeniable style is rocking these long wide leg jeans so well. I am smitten with this outfit... I just love a pop of red this season! (find undeniable style on twitter!)
• rose a la mode snagged this ultra hip straw fedora hat for spring and summer - it will look so fab on her, I just know! How would you style it? (find rose a la mode on twitter!)
• walking around {where the sidewalk begins} has me drooling over these sherbet-esque dining room chairs. Mmmmm, who doesn't love an ice cold bowl of sherbet? (find walking around on twitter)
• good life for less released her spring + summer 2011 looks:book - get your copy now for all of your spring shopping needs.  It's like having a personal shopper for the season! (find good life for less on twitter!)

the IT list is organized by jill of good life for less, for information on participating, click here!

my outfit: caring is creepy.

Caring actually isn't creepy.  It's just that when I went to write this post, I was going to talk about 'caring' about what you wear and bam - that song title just popped into my head. And if there is one thing a blogger knows, it is that when inspiration strikes, one best go with it - it could be a while until it happens again.

I've mentioned before how I usually take some time once a week to lay out a bunch of outfits in my closet to keep me stocked up in case of a bad morning (or four).  But to be honest, those outfits usually don't see the light of day. I've also mentioned before that I am an emotional dresser. I have to "feel" good in what I am wearing.  Sometimes an outfit that I laid out in advance is suddenly boring and old-news just because it's been in my closet for a few days.  Sad, but true.

So I usually just go with a bit of inspiration with the pieces I laid out and a bit of what do I feeeeeeel like wearing today.  This outfit was a bit of both of those and a bit of "I don't care..." - but in the best possible way.  It was like the perfect trifecta of pre-planning, spur of the moment inspiration and unbridled carelessness.  Because, really, we shouldn't take our clothes SO seriously, you know?!?

On this particular day I had to pick my husband up from work... he works out by the airport, so it's all industrial and whatnot out that way... he even has these train tracks right behind his building.  So it was a perfect spot for some quick pictures.  Someone commented that they liked my pictures at home because it made me relatable as a mom. I get that. But I have a life and sometimes I bring my camera along on my life.  That is usually how we get a setting like this.  Not because I think let's 'create' a shot - not that there is anything wrong with that either.  But this is my life. Nothing but.

Which reminds me of this quote that I love so much... very true for a blogger (or writer or any type of creative!)

(via pinterest)

I'm hooked on stacked bracelets lately... aren't they so fun!?!? I am hoping to hit up F21 soon to see what else I can find that is stackable as well.

Details:

Bracelets, (as pictured above from top to bottom) Forever 21, courtesy of Stella & Dot, Forever 21

Clutch, courtesy of Coquese

Jacket, courtesy of Tulle (it's on sale!)

Red Cardigan, Old Navy (similar)

Ruffle Top, JCrew (similar)

Jeans, Gap (similar)

Wedges, Cynthia Vincent for Target (similar)

design your look with Jess LC!

DON'T VOTE HERE ANYMORE... HEAD ON OVER TO JESS'S BLOG TO VOTE THERE!!!!

Jess LC is hosting a super-fun challenge... just style up an outfit featuring two pieces of jess lc jewelry for a chance to win $200 AND some great Jess LC jewelry pieces! What a great way to start your spring shopping!

Here are the two outfits I put together. I couldn't decide which look I liked the best... maybe you can help me decide which one to submit!?!?

One. Casual Saturday Sweetness...

(above: bracelet, pants, top, glasses, shoes, necklace, nail polish)

Two. Summer Business Casual...

(above: earrings, jeans, yellow top, cardigan, necklace, shoes, clutch)

Okay ladies... pipe up! Which is your favorite? Let me know! I'm going to need your votes eventually any way! (you all don't mind helping a gal out, do you!?!?)

spring & summer looks:book!!!

I am so very excited to bring you all yet another great installment of my inspiring looks:book!  My looks:books are always SO popular and everyone always raves about the simple and accessible styles I feature. I know I personally used the exact same guidelines that I laid out here, for my own spring shopping this year.  

As always it is my goal to compile a stylish, practical and wearable book for your inspiration each season.  The spring and summer looks:book is combined this year (as opposed to separate books that I published last year) so you get more bang for your buck and a lot more guidance for your seasonal shopping that will last through the entire warm season this year!

What is this looks:book all about?

• It's a 12 page digital download (pdf) featuring my top 10 spring & summer trends, plus a few bonus features this time like great items to carry over from last season and more! 
• 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.
• Think of it as half wardrobe consult and half mini-magazine.
• Of course, everything is budget friendly (you know me!) and almost every item featured is under $100!
• And new for this issue, all of the sources are listed right with the items - so once you are inspired all you have to do is shop!

And all of it is delivered to your inbox within minutes for only $5 - a STEAL!!! Simply use the "buy now" button below!