Also, if you are not stopping by my new tumblr blog... you should be! It is full to the brim of my favs from around the internet! I am officially IN LOVE with tumblr...
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
yea? nea?
so how do you feel about "verbal" posts... listen and let me know!
Also, if you are not stopping by my new tumblr blog... you should be! It is full to the brim of my favs from around the internet! I am officially IN LOVE with tumblr...
Also, if you are not stopping by my new tumblr blog... you should be! It is full to the brim of my favs from around the internet! I am officially IN LOVE with tumblr...
Meghann, new mom and part-time pastry chef!
I recently had the pleasure of putting together a good LOOK for LESS for Meghann, a new mom! This is how she described her style and needs:
Oh, pasty chef?!?! My mouth is watering... well, back to business:
So many of us have been in this exact same position! Just had a baby and still nursing and still trying to look and feel great, right!?!? One thing to keep in mind Meghann, and for all the other new moms out there, is that the post-partum year or so can be a tough one - but it will go SO quickly! So don't be disheartened when you are frustrated with how clothes look or feel or spend too much money on clothes that fit now, but that won't in a month or so. Changes can happen so quickly so be patient and conservative! Accessorizing can go a long way here... so focus on things like jackets, shoes and jewelry that can jazz up the limited number of items that do fit you well!
Meghann had a budget of $200 and with that I was able to compile 15 new wardrobe pieces and 6 outfits (although the options are endless!). Here's her shopping list:
Here are just a few of the outfits I put together for Meghann... more can be found in my Shopstyle Stylebook!
Meghann wanted an outfit to wear out with her husband for dinner... I like this dress because paired with some nice accessories and a little jacket it is date worthy... but alone it is great for hot summer days as a mom! And it is machine washable!
To get out of the jeans and t-shirt mode a nice pair of white bermuda shorts is in order! Easy to take care of and super cute and comfy to wear this is a perfect outfit for playdates, errands or coffee with friends!
Denim skirts are a classic piece that never seem to go out of style and go with everything. I paired this one with a bright top and some fun accessories and it's an instant outfit!
Best of luck to you, Meghann, with the little one! Happy shopping and thanks for working with me!
~~~
If you are interested in learning more about my wardrobe consulting services... click here! If you would like to see past clients I have worked with... click here!
I had a baby three months ago, and am almost back to my pre-pregnancy weight, but my body isn't shaped the same anymore, which is probably my biggest challenge. I'm nursing, so it's hard to find tops that fit over my chest while still fitting the rest, like my fairly narrow shoulders. I'm petite - 5'3".
My lifestyle is laid-back and easygoing - I'm currently staying at home with my daughter, and one day I'll get back into the working world as a pastry cook, which requires either a uniform or nothing more than jeans and a t-shirt. However, I want to get out of the jeans and tee rut that I'm in. I like pieces that are versatile and that won't go out of style too soon. Ease of maintenance is key...if it has to be dry-cleaned then I'll only wear it a handful of times. I'm looking for comfort + style. I love feminine touches (but not too frou-frou)...Anthropologie is my go-to for fun pieces and accessories, although it's not always in my budget, which is pretty slim these days. I tend towards Gap for the basics.
I don't like anything too clingy, especially jersey knit...it doesn't drape well on me. I'm hoping to add some color into my wardrobe (the only color I don't wear well is yellow), and I'd love mostly everyday outfits with one or two options to wear out to dinner with my hubby. Also, since this is such a transition time, I have to be able to wear them now and when I'm no longer nursing.
Oh, pasty chef?!?! My mouth is watering... well, back to business:
So many of us have been in this exact same position! Just had a baby and still nursing and still trying to look and feel great, right!?!? One thing to keep in mind Meghann, and for all the other new moms out there, is that the post-partum year or so can be a tough one - but it will go SO quickly! So don't be disheartened when you are frustrated with how clothes look or feel or spend too much money on clothes that fit now, but that won't in a month or so. Changes can happen so quickly so be patient and conservative! Accessorizing can go a long way here... so focus on things like jackets, shoes and jewelry that can jazz up the limited number of items that do fit you well!
Meghann had a budget of $200 and with that I was able to compile 15 new wardrobe pieces and 6 outfits (although the options are endless!). Here's her shopping list:
Here are just a few of the outfits I put together for Meghann... more can be found in my Shopstyle Stylebook!
Meghann wanted an outfit to wear out with her husband for dinner... I like this dress because paired with some nice accessories and a little jacket it is date worthy... but alone it is great for hot summer days as a mom! And it is machine washable!
To get out of the jeans and t-shirt mode a nice pair of white bermuda shorts is in order! Easy to take care of and super cute and comfy to wear this is a perfect outfit for playdates, errands or coffee with friends!
Denim skirts are a classic piece that never seem to go out of style and go with everything. I paired this one with a bright top and some fun accessories and it's an instant outfit!
Best of luck to you, Meghann, with the little one! Happy shopping and thanks for working with me!
~~~
If you are interested in learning more about my wardrobe consulting services... click here! If you would like to see past clients I have worked with... click here!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
good LOOK for less: Erika, busy stay-at-home mom!
I was so excited to work with Erika, my latest good LOOK for less client, because I just LOVE working with fellow moms! The first thing to go when kids come along is the wardrobe. One reason is because our bodies go through such crazy changes during and after pregnancy and we often fall prey to "who do I have to dress for anyway?"
I will answer that: You need to feel good about YOU and be a mommy at the same time! I find it is so important to my mental well being to "feel" like an adult even though I might not be doing adult things for most of the day!
So back to business, this is how Erika described her needs:
With this in mind I set to work on a "shopping" list for her. I included one pair of Citizens for Humanity (COH) jeans for her - but didn't include them in the budget. For about $200 (I think I was a hair over) I came up with 13 new wardrobe pieces for Erika! This is what her shopping list looks like:
I came up with six outfits total, but really the options are endless. Here are a couple of them:
Keeping in mind her comment about wanting to stay up on the trends, but not be "too trendy" I chose these grey bermuda shorts. Bermuda shorts are hot, hot, hot this season and are a very flattering short for most women. But instead of the standard khaki or black short I chose grey. It adds interest and style to an outfit without going overboard.
I really like this outfit for a casual dinner date with her husband or lunch with the girls. The white pants are super flattering and great for hot days and warm evenings. Adding the gold accessories makes the outfit instantly modern as gold is THE color for accessories this season!
Using the same white pants again, this time I just added a nice(r) t-shirt with a flattering v-neck line and some pops of color in the accessories and the sandals. This outfit would be great for play dates or errand running! Don't be afraid of white with kids... spot treat! spot treat! spot treat! (that's what I do!)
One last outfit to include the Citizens of Humanity denim that she already owns... paired with a simple tank and some fun accessories is 100% a kid friendly outfit.
I hope you enjoy Erika! For more of Erika's outfits and to view work from past clients... visit my StyleBook at Shopstyle!
~~~
If you are interested in learning more about my wardrobe consulting services... click here! If you would like to see past clients I have worked with... click here!
I will answer that: You need to feel good about YOU and be a mommy at the same time! I find it is so important to my mental well being to "feel" like an adult even though I might not be doing adult things for most of the day!
So back to business, this is how Erika described her needs:
I am a busy mommy of 2 an almost 6 year old and a 3 year old so my wardrobe needs to be comfortable so I can get down on the floor and play, read, etc. but I still want to look stylish. You can usually find me in a pair of jeans (I have 2 pair of COH jeans) and t-shirts that have some sort of design on them or some kind of detail on it to "dress" it up, and one of my staples right now are comfy summer dresses to beat the Texas heat. I would not call myself a slave to fashion, I just find things that fit with my body type and try to look put together. NO sweat pants for this mama! I have an hourglass figure and I am short which poses so many challenges for me. I have to get everything hemmed...bummer! I like to look like I have a clue about the trends but not so trendy that I look like i am trying too hard. I would like something for a date night with my hubbie, cool and comfortable.
My budget is $200.
With this in mind I set to work on a "shopping" list for her. I included one pair of Citizens for Humanity (COH) jeans for her - but didn't include them in the budget. For about $200 (I think I was a hair over) I came up with 13 new wardrobe pieces for Erika! This is what her shopping list looks like:
I came up with six outfits total, but really the options are endless. Here are a couple of them:
Keeping in mind her comment about wanting to stay up on the trends, but not be "too trendy" I chose these grey bermuda shorts. Bermuda shorts are hot, hot, hot this season and are a very flattering short for most women. But instead of the standard khaki or black short I chose grey. It adds interest and style to an outfit without going overboard.
I really like this outfit for a casual dinner date with her husband or lunch with the girls. The white pants are super flattering and great for hot days and warm evenings. Adding the gold accessories makes the outfit instantly modern as gold is THE color for accessories this season!
Using the same white pants again, this time I just added a nice(r) t-shirt with a flattering v-neck line and some pops of color in the accessories and the sandals. This outfit would be great for play dates or errand running! Don't be afraid of white with kids... spot treat! spot treat! spot treat! (that's what I do!)
One last outfit to include the Citizens of Humanity denim that she already owns... paired with a simple tank and some fun accessories is 100% a kid friendly outfit.
I hope you enjoy Erika! For more of Erika's outfits and to view work from past clients... visit my StyleBook at Shopstyle!
~~~
If you are interested in learning more about my wardrobe consulting services... click here! If you would like to see past clients I have worked with... click here!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
work it wednesday (on Thursday)!
Again... Wednesday just blew right past me and here I am on Thursday still pining for a Work it Wednesday, how about you?
I am going to go super basic... the easiest of the easiest, the most comfortable of all, the classic, the timeless:
the white t-shirt.
Who doesn't just love a white tee? Especially when the temps soar I just love the feeling of a simple white t-shirt on my shoulders (tanned, of course!). Always in style, but need not be boring:
Here are a couple of great white t-shirts at several price points:
$
$$
$$$
What is your favorite way to rock a white tee?
I am going to go super basic... the easiest of the easiest, the most comfortable of all, the classic, the timeless:
the white t-shirt.
Who doesn't just love a white tee? Especially when the temps soar I just love the feeling of a simple white t-shirt on my shoulders (tanned, of course!). Always in style, but need not be boring:
Here are a couple of great white t-shirts at several price points:
$
$$
$$$
What is your favorite way to rock a white tee?
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
good LOOK for less: writer and old college pal, Elizabeth!
Hello my lovely readers... today I have a super fun (and almost amazing, wait to you hear what I did with this budget!) good LOOK for less for you all!
Meet Elizabeth! She is one of my old college pals, we actually lived together - just the two of us... oh, and FOUR other gals, our Junior year in college. Best days of my life... "drop the bomb - elizabeth!" (sorry little inside joke there...)
Any way, currently she is a writer who is working from home in Madison, Wisconsin and who blogs about life with her three sons at Boy Crazy!
Elizabeth wanted a summer spruce-up for her wardrobe now that she is working on getting back to pre-pregnancy weight. She only has $100 to spend and wanted some easy but fun and trendy pieces to add to her wardrobe. I loved this challenge - because only spending $100 is VERY do-able, and as you will see, just a couple of pieces can make up some new outfits that will feel fresh and new and the pieces are versatile enough that they can mix and match in your existing wardrobe!
So this is a glimpse at her shopping list:
For only $110 (yes, I went a touch over... shame on me! It's so worth it though) I came up with 7 new wardrobe pieces and 4 outfits... even a pair of sandals! Whew! The key here is that each of the tops go with each of the bottoms... 100% versatile! Here are a couple of her looks:
I included a couple of handbags from Urban Outfitters... I just love their bags because they are a little edgy and seem to fit Elizabeth's style. All of them are roomy enough for "boy" supplies (cars, snacks, books, diapers... dirt!) and are available in fun neutral colors. I also included a couple of MATT & NAT bags... these are a bit pricier, but can easily be found on sale. I chose these because they are 100% vegan and I know Elizabeth pays attention to these types of things and would like these!
Thanks so much for letting me help you out Elizabeth! I hope you enjoy! And readers, don't forget to check out her blog Boy Crazy!
~~~
If you are interested in learning more about my wardrobe consulting services... click here! If you would like to see past clients I have worked with... click here!
Meet Elizabeth! She is one of my old college pals, we actually lived together - just the two of us... oh, and FOUR other gals, our Junior year in college. Best days of my life... "drop the bomb - elizabeth!" (sorry little inside joke there...)
Any way, currently she is a writer who is working from home in Madison, Wisconsin and who blogs about life with her three sons at Boy Crazy!
Elizabeth wanted a summer spruce-up for her wardrobe now that she is working on getting back to pre-pregnancy weight. She only has $100 to spend and wanted some easy but fun and trendy pieces to add to her wardrobe. I loved this challenge - because only spending $100 is VERY do-able, and as you will see, just a couple of pieces can make up some new outfits that will feel fresh and new and the pieces are versatile enough that they can mix and match in your existing wardrobe!
So this is a glimpse at her shopping list:
For only $110 (yes, I went a touch over... shame on me! It's so worth it though) I came up with 7 new wardrobe pieces and 4 outfits... even a pair of sandals! Whew! The key here is that each of the tops go with each of the bottoms... 100% versatile! Here are a couple of her looks:
I chose these fun and very trendy cut-off jean shorts for a couple of reasons... now that Elizabeth is working on getting her pre-baby body back, I figured she could use some "sass" in her wardrobe to make her feel like the hot-momma she is! Paired with a simple t-shirt and gold accessories... this is a simple "mom" outfit that speaks anything but!
Elizabeth has a ton of personality, so adding a top that had a vibrant and exciting pattern is a must for her! The pop of red in the lite-weight scarf adds flair without fuss. And then again, the gold sandals this season go with EVERYTHING! So simple, but so chic!
Elizabeth told me she likes to wear skirts... I know a white one is risky with three boys! But it is machine washable and will look and feel great! Moms easily fall into the trap of wearing (or not wearing things) because of assumed limitations with kids... but I say "boo" to that! Wear it and spot treat as necessary!
Elizabeth has a ton of personality, so adding a top that had a vibrant and exciting pattern is a must for her! The pop of red in the lite-weight scarf adds flair without fuss. And then again, the gold sandals this season go with EVERYTHING! So simple, but so chic!
Elizabeth told me she likes to wear skirts... I know a white one is risky with three boys! But it is machine washable and will look and feel great! Moms easily fall into the trap of wearing (or not wearing things) because of assumed limitations with kids... but I say "boo" to that! Wear it and spot treat as necessary!
Lastly Elizabeth wanted some suggestions on handbags... unfortunately a handbag didn't fit so well into the budget, but I did compile some fun mid-range bags that I think Elizabeth would like (could be a great gift idea or anniversary idea from the husband!) for down the road.
I included a couple of handbags from Urban Outfitters... I just love their bags because they are a little edgy and seem to fit Elizabeth's style. All of them are roomy enough for "boy" supplies (cars, snacks, books, diapers... dirt!) and are available in fun neutral colors. I also included a couple of MATT & NAT bags... these are a bit pricier, but can easily be found on sale. I chose these because they are 100% vegan and I know Elizabeth pays attention to these types of things and would like these!
Thanks so much for letting me help you out Elizabeth! I hope you enjoy! And readers, don't forget to check out her blog Boy Crazy!
~~~
If you are interested in learning more about my wardrobe consulting services... click here! If you would like to see past clients I have worked with... click here!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
perforated leather...
I am just completely enamored with perforated leather lately... don't you just want to reach through the screen to touch it?
What is catching your eye lately?
 |
What is catching your eye lately?
Friday, June 19, 2009
Top Ten Summer Essentials!
So last week we went over the first five of the the Top Ten Summer Essentials... and now we will finish with the second five!
So let's get right into it!
6. Statement Jewelry: Statement jewelry should be something simple and fun in your accessories "wardrobe" that can dress up a t-shirt or dress up a little black dress... and every where in between. I usually opt for inexpensive and interesting pieces that are sure to spark up conversation and one's imagination! Push the envelope a bit with this one and make it memorable... let the ladies at work call you the "feather lady" or your girlfriends gently tease you when you pull out the "feather necklace." Be daring! I could see this fun necklace being worn with a white t-shirt to the farmer's market or with a flirty top on a date!
7. Oversized Handbag: Again, I may seem like a broken record on this one, but those little-itty-bitty purses that hold your phone and a lipstick are so boring (unless it is purposely a "clutch")! Be fun, be dramatic, stand out! If you are a mom, a large handbag can act as your purse and a diaper bag (oh, don't even get me started on "diaper" bags) or if you are a student you can load your laptop or a couple of books in these. It's doesn't have to be as big as an overnight bag... just somewhere comfortably in between.
8. Ribbed Tanks: These are just a given for warm summer months! They are comfy and colorful and come in at ALL price points. I have a bazillion of them and could seriously go for a bazillion more! No need to go fancy or frivolous on these... Old Navy has them for less than $10 and in plenty of colors... how about bright yellow!?!
9. Cardigan: There is hardly anything more versatile in your wardrobe than a nice cardigan, it can cover your shoulders on a chilly night, fend off cold air conditioned office cubicles and take the chill out as afternoon turns to evening at the beach. For this season I am loving the "boyfriend" style cardigan that is a bit looser, has good drape and in general a deep v-neck. I recently purchased a similar style in black and that thing is getting good use this season. Most people don't think of cardigans in the summer, but layering is always key no matter what the season!
10. (last but not least!) White Pants: I just LOVE white pants this time of year... and yes I have two kids, and yes they get crap all over them and yes I spot treat them like crazy in the wash. But still. White pants rock! They are slimming and fresh looking and go with pretty much everything! I prefer a wide leg white pant... straight leg or even skinny are great options as well. Whichever you prefer!
I hope you enjoyed this little mini-series on the season's basics. Keep those reader emails and questions coming to goodlifeforless (at) gmail.com!
Happy Weekend!
So let's get right into it!
6. Statement Jewelry: Statement jewelry should be something simple and fun in your accessories "wardrobe" that can dress up a t-shirt or dress up a little black dress... and every where in between. I usually opt for inexpensive and interesting pieces that are sure to spark up conversation and one's imagination! Push the envelope a bit with this one and make it memorable... let the ladies at work call you the "feather lady" or your girlfriends gently tease you when you pull out the "feather necklace." Be daring! I could see this fun necklace being worn with a white t-shirt to the farmer's market or with a flirty top on a date!
  |
7. Oversized Handbag: Again, I may seem like a broken record on this one, but those little-itty-bitty purses that hold your phone and a lipstick are so boring (unless it is purposely a "clutch")! Be fun, be dramatic, stand out! If you are a mom, a large handbag can act as your purse and a diaper bag (oh, don't even get me started on "diaper" bags) or if you are a student you can load your laptop or a couple of books in these. It's doesn't have to be as big as an overnight bag... just somewhere comfortably in between.
 |
8. Ribbed Tanks: These are just a given for warm summer months! They are comfy and colorful and come in at ALL price points. I have a bazillion of them and could seriously go for a bazillion more! No need to go fancy or frivolous on these... Old Navy has them for less than $10 and in plenty of colors... how about bright yellow!?!
 |
9. Cardigan: There is hardly anything more versatile in your wardrobe than a nice cardigan, it can cover your shoulders on a chilly night, fend off cold air conditioned office cubicles and take the chill out as afternoon turns to evening at the beach. For this season I am loving the "boyfriend" style cardigan that is a bit looser, has good drape and in general a deep v-neck. I recently purchased a similar style in black and that thing is getting good use this season. Most people don't think of cardigans in the summer, but layering is always key no matter what the season!
 |
10. (last but not least!) White Pants: I just LOVE white pants this time of year... and yes I have two kids, and yes they get crap all over them and yes I spot treat them like crazy in the wash. But still. White pants rock! They are slimming and fresh looking and go with pretty much everything! I prefer a wide leg white pant... straight leg or even skinny are great options as well. Whichever you prefer!
 |
I hope you enjoyed this little mini-series on the season's basics. Keep those reader emails and questions coming to goodlifeforless (at) gmail.com!
Happy Weekend!
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