Wednesday, March 31, 2010

March Round-Up!

It's that time again... vote for your favorite outfit from March!



Feel free to vote multiple times (simply leave a comment with your favs!)... detailed info is here!

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Reader Question: How to Style this Dress?

It's another "reader question" today! One of my favorite features here on the blog... I just love to get emails from my readers and be able to connect with you all and this is a great way to do it!

I personally think that styling formal dresses can be one of the toughest wardrobe challenges. The challenge is getting is "just right" - letting the dress do it's job (of making your body look fabulous) and letting the accessories play their role of playing up for your other physical attributes (neckline, hair, legs, etc). Often times it's easy to go overboard and look like formal road-kill instead of red carpet glamorous.

Reader, Kara, emailed me recently with some tips on how to style this bridesmaids' dress for an upcoming wedding she is standing up in. Here's her email:

I'm going to be in a good friend's wedding this June and she's selected this dress for us bridesmaids (see below). The color is "lemon"... it doesn't seem quite as bold in person. It's a cute dress, kind of Mad Men-esque and very figure-flattering. The bride has given us free reign as far as shoes, jewelry, hair... and I was wondering if you could give me some advice on how to style it! It would also be awesome if you had any advice for wearing it after the wedding in a way that made it look... well, less like a bridesmaid's dress!


Here's the look I pulled together for Kara:

1. Watters & Watters Bridesmaid Dress.
2. Metal Works Corsage Necklace, Anthropologie, $38
Because I don't know the exact "wedding colors" (if there are any) and I don't want her to be in conflict with any other themes of the wedding I chose antique inspired pieces that are beautiful yet neutral. This necklace is just stunning and could easily be worn after the wedding with other outfits. I love the neckline on the dress and this necklace compliments it beautifully.
This shoe is just gorgeous while, as I mentioned before, being perfectly neutral. It is a classic formal shoe to keep in your wardrobe and wear for years to come as needed.
4. Cluster Flower Hair Combs, Forever 21, $5.50
Keeping in line with the antique feel of the accessories I chose these gorgeous hair combs. They are timeless and beautiful and easily added to an up-do hairstyle.
5. Speaking of up-do hairstyles. I love the chic yet effortless feel of this style. I'm no hair pro - but I am sure any hairstylist could easily accomplish a style similar to this one. It would be a beautiful compliment, again, to the neckline of this dress.

Have fun at the wedding Kara... and thank you so much for your email!

~~~

Remember if you have a question or dilemma for me email me at goodlifeforless (@) gmail.com!

personal style, defined: Parisian!

Oh la la! It's another installment of our personal style, defined! That is Jackie, of SweetiePiePumpkinNoodle, and I! Today we are exploring Parisian or French style...

The French have that certain je ne sais quoi about their style... is it really the clothes? The way they carry themselves? The beautiful backdrop of their city? The cigarettes? (btw, I am NOT a proponent of smoking... but when you see the French doing it... it's inexplicably cool.) They have a way of stepping out the door looking amazing and something tells me that if you stopped them to ask the details about their outfit they would slyly respond: "Oh, this old thing?" whether they just stepped off the runway or not.

Runway fashion aside, the French are known for their simple but chic style based mostly in the basics with perhaps a pair of ridiculously fabulous shoes thrown in. Let's explore....


(Details: 1. Trench, Gap, $79.99 2. Patent Platform Pump, Christian Louboutin, $695 3. Knobby Sweater, French Connection $50 4. Classic Stripe Tee, JCrew, $32.50 5. Pleated Cropped Trouser, Charlotte Russe, $28.00 6. Metallic Fringe Scarf, Aeropostale, $7.997. Contrast Bracelet, Forever 21, $7.80)

Your personal style may be Parisian if you think a striped tee and a scarf are the best casual wear you can think of...


Your personal style may be Parisian if you think an amazing handbags and shoes are the key to any outfit...


Don't forget to stop by Jackie's blog to check out Parisian interiors! I know I can't wait to see what she has come up with!

Monday, March 29, 2010

It's that time again...

The latest issue of my newsletter will be promptly delivered to your inbox on the first of every month! Don't be left out! Sign up now! This month look forward to my top sandal picks for this spring among other things!




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yes, please.

I've been wanting some new necklaces that are ultra bold/chunky for spring. Wouldn't this be a fun one with a tee or a tank? And perhaps some sun-kissed shoulders?

my outfit: mellow yellow returns!

You gals may remember this rockin' jacket that Lands End Canvas was so generous to send to me!?!? I knew once spring hit it would be a blast to wear around town, and I was right! I get so many compliments on it. Must be because it's so bold. Really, it's not very mellow at all, is it?


When I went shopping last weekend (my big spring stock up... well, not THAT big). I was careful to keep in mind the spring trends I so carefully and lovingly put together for us. Oh, what... you haven't snagged your copy of the Spring 2010 looks:book? Well, ya' better!


Keep in mind that the trends I laid out in the looks:book will integrate well with your current wardrobe (very mix and match friendly) so that you aren't completely abandoning your existing clothing... just "sprucing" your look up a bit!


Which is just what I did here. I hope you have found the looks:book (for those of you that have purchased it) to be a good inspiration and guide for spring shopping. I know I had the list running in my head when I picked up a couple new things last weekend. This top included.

I don't think I have ever owned a chambray top... wow, is it comfy! Here I paired it with gold accessories (belt, flats) and some super skinny, super dark jeans from F21. The cropped look is so fresh for spring especially when it hugs your legs nicely.

Details:
Jacket, Lands End Canvas
Top, Old Navy
Belt, Gap (similar)
Jeans, F21 (similar)
Flats, Nine West (similar)
Necklace, Banana Republic (similar)

Friday, March 26, 2010

casa good life...

I'd like to start featuring my house around here more... we'll see if I can keep up with the projects! (check out past projects with the new "casa good life" button on the side bar!) I'm no pro at designing, there are many more talented bloggers than me... but this is how I do it!

A very long time ago (like October maybe???) I posted pictures of my daughter's room. It has been the world's longest transition from a crib/baby room to big girl bed/room. Whew. I think we are finally over the crib! I won't bore you with THOSE details...

So here's the baby room (before) and scroll down for the final big girl room (after)!





And here is the room now...

I have one simple room of thumb about toys in the kids rooms. They get books and stuffed animals. And that is IT. Each child has a bin for each. I snagged these bins/baskets from Target for $12.99 each. I love them and it makes clean up easy for me - and the kids.


This dresser was mine when I was little... I also got my brother's matching one (it's in my sons room). I've been dragging my feet on new hardware, but I love the fresh look of the white paint for Abigail's room. The finials were clearanced at Hobby Lobby and then spray painted. (here)

Abigail was heart broken to see her rocker go. Me, not so much. I am loving a more sophisticated look of this chair. It was one of the first pieces of furniture my husband and I bought when first married. We didn't love it for the living room any more so it's perfect here. My dad found the hearts for me... they were simply stuck to the wall will 3M stick-up-thingys. The pillow is also from IKEA, another thing we had laying around the house.

My favorite of the whole room is her bed (IKEA, $99). Basically I am living vicariously through her. The "A" I found at an antique store ($25) and the frames I got on sale at Hobby Lobby ($23). The "artwork" is note cards. I was going to go with bright fun bedding, but with all of the bold accessories I decided on a white quilt I had hanging around the house and the purple/pink sheets are from IKEA ($20). The side table is from IKEA (we bought it several years ago) and the purple lamp I recently picked up at IKEA for CHEAP... can't remember how much.



So for the most part we used stuff we had around the house and filled in the blanks as inexpensively as we could. I still want to find a crazy old chandelier to spray paint for in there too... all in good time though.

I love the way it's turned out... it fits her personality perfectly.

my outfit: lovely layers!

This season I have this instinctual draw to go back to the basics... If you follow runway trends at all, you will know that a lot of designers went this route as well. Albeit in a very "designerly" way. But I think there is something to be said for pulling out the basics and making them new again. This season I crave simple. Simple but still chic.

When I saw this hoodie on sale at Gap this weekend I knew I had to have one. (Well, I could've taken more than one to be honest!) It's the perfect intermediary to a jacket on a chilly spring day and a perfect warm-up on a cozy Sunday afternoon. I haven't bought or worn a "hoodie" since about 1999. Except maybe on one random camping trip or something. What I love most about this sweatshirt (I can't believe I am swooning about a sweatshirt!) is it's slim fit and straight lines. No puckering at the sleeves or the waist line make it about as plain and simple as it can get.



I knew my goal was to "dress it up" a bit... no slouch-wear around here! So for me, pairing it with a blazer, sequined sandals and a funky necklace was the perfect balance.






How do you feel about dressing up the basics this season? Does it sound boring or like comfort-food for you wardrobe?

Details:
Blazer, Gap (similar)
Hoodie, Gap
T-Shirt, Gap
Jeans, 7 for All Mankind (same fit by mine are old & faded!)
Sandals, Target
Necklace, Unknown (similar)

Thursday, March 25, 2010

what's in your bag?

This is a "tag" that has been going around the blogs endlessly... I will say, I don't tire of it. Milk Tea & Polka Dots tagged me...

I love to see all you ladies' styling bags and just what exactly you keep in them! Seems like I'm a bit of a minimalist compared to others. But I do like to switch up my bags frequently, so I try to keep it streamlined.



So what's in your bag!?!? Feel free to play along... post the link to your post in the comments. Otherwise, I tag:

Spry on the Wall
Karina, Ink
John's Journal

my outfit: tomato top!

The color of this top is "tomato"... if you can't love that, I don't know what you can love. Also, it's on sale for $15 and it's SUPER soft! Double score!

But onto the outfit... I bought these pants (and this shirt actually) this past weekend. I am MOSTLY a jeans girl... which you probably know. But my husband was ready to put an end to that and suggested these while shopping (yes ladies - he shops with me! What a guy, huh!??!) and I never would have picked them up, but honestly I've worn them three days straight and they keep getting better. (Yes, I wear things multiple days... don't you!?!?) They keep getting more comfy each day and I figure if they don't have mac n' cheese or snot ground into them yet, I've got a good thing going.



This outfit also had to get me through a super long day of errands, an eye doctor appt for me (so I had to look "grown up") and reading to my son's class (not too "grown up").



Also, I would highly recommend dragging your husband shopping with you (if he's game...) because he had a unique point of view on some things that I really appreciated.



Pop quiz!!! This outfit has TWO elements from my top ten MUST haves for spring... can you name them?

Details:
Top, Gap
Belt, Gap (similar)
Pants, Old Navy
Jean Jacket, Gap (similar)
Shoes, Nine West (similar)

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

good look for less: EXPRESS, Tara!

good life for less reader, Tara, is headed to Vegas soon. She's wondering what to wear while she's there... here's her note to me:

Hi Jill!
I was wondering if you have any ideas on what to wear for Vegas in April. I know you just went when your husband had a conference and I am doing the exact same thing. Husby will be in meetings all day so I'll probably just be hanging out by the pool and doing a little shopping. I wanted to see what you recommend taking? Thanks so much!


Tara is right, I went last November with my husband for a convention... while he was slaving (yeah, right!) away on the convention floor... I was soaking up the sun and doing some shopping!

In my opinion there are three types of outfits you need for Vegas... let's check them out:

First things first... you're gonna need a rockin' outfit for the pool. "Outfit" you say? Most hotels in Vegas are so big that to actually get to the pool from your room, you are going to need (more likely) want to wear more than the hotel robe or towel and your suit. We usually stay at the Luxor and you have to practically walk through the casino to get to the pool. While Vegas is an "anything goes" kinda town... don't be that gal. In this case a generous bathing suit "cover up" should be perfect... and don't forget a great book!


Next up you are going to need at least one AHHHHHMAZING outfit... chances are you will have a night out. Even if you're not "clubbing" (something I don't really partake of myself) - a night of fine dining is definitely called for. Have a nice looking, but not over the top, outfit at the ready!


Lastly, your going to need some casual but chic clothes for shopping. Vegas is in the middle of the desert, but they don't skimp on air conditioning. Having an outfit that is comfortable and includes layers with a bit of fun will be in order for shopping until you drop!


Have a blast in Vegas Tara! Traveling this spring? Here's some outfits for spring in Paris... I also recently finished some outfits for a trip to Spain that I'll post soon. Need wardrobe planning for your upcoming trip? Hire ME!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

My outfit: spring fling!

Do I sound like a broken record yet? I just LOVE the sunnier days and warmer weather (besides that crazy little snow storm we had last weekend... BOO!). For these warmer days I'm happy to bring back one of my favorite outfit combos... a little dress with skinny jeans. It's simple, it's chic and it works for pretty much all body types.


I'm loving these new sandals!



Are you like me? Once I get a new pair of shoes I instantly am daydreaming about outfit combos including them. And I am already scheming about these sandals with a myriad of outfits. Jeans, dresses, shorts - ahhhhh - so many options!



And NO I'm not pregnant... just enjoying not having to "suck it in" with an empire cut. We are "done," as they say.

Details:
Jeans, Gap
Purple Tank, Old Navy
Dress, American Apparel - I got mine at GILT!
Sandals, Target

personal style, defined: rock & roll chic!

It's safe to say that my "alter-ego" is rock & roll chic! I love the edginess of this look... while still maintaining the good girl image. Maybe it's the juxtaposition that is such a draw for me. Either way... I had a blast pulling together these pieces and looks... because I yearn to be that "bad girl" - well, sorta, not really, just kinda. You know!?!? (Who *doesn't* want to be "with the band" though!?!?). It's a very cliche American girl thing. Don't forget to check out Jackie's rock & roll inspired interiors!


(Details: 1. Biker Jacket, Forever 21, $37.80 2. Keltic Stretch Platform, Madden Girl $39.95 3. Betsey Johnson Sunglasses, Endless.com, $50.00 4. Always Skinny Destructed Jeans, Gap, $49.99 5. High Heel Tee, Forever 21, $8.80 6. Metal Link Necklace, Topshop $22 7. Two Finger LOVE Ring, ASOS, $13.70 8. Stud Loyal Tote, Steve Madden, $88)

How about some outfits now?

Your personal style might be "rock & roll chic" if you like motorcycle jackets and wearing sunglasses after sundown...


Your personal style might be "rock & roll chic" if you like studded accessories and sky high heels...


So whaddya say? Is there a bit of a rocker in you? Stop by Jackie's blog to see her take on this look for your home!

Friday, March 19, 2010

shoe love!

We have totally lucked out with weather this week... 60's and sunny all week! A nice early spring treat - especially since they say snow for early next week. That is Michigan for you people. But I'm walking a little little lighter with these gorgeous shoes in my closet. Although it's true that I really need to stay away from Target more...



... there are no regrets with either of these beauties. Which look better in person, in my opinion. Stay tuned, they will be popping up in outfit posts soon!



They are both a bit different in style, but I foresee a lot of wear for both of these pairs... I especially like the heel height on the wedges - not too tall for moms with kids in tow (you know if I need to break into a run suddenly or carry a 30 lb two year old, all in a day's work!) Now, all I need is a pedicure!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

good look for less: EXPRESS, Katie!

Today's good LOOK for less EXPRESS consult is for Katie... she is a stay-at-home mom that has a penchant for green and blue.

I pulled together some fun spring outfits that are versatile and comfortable, but bringing up the mom-style a bit.

These light weight pieces are great for warmer days. I included some blue, of course... and also a touch of coral to brighten things up some.


Classic pieces like cable knit sweaters never go out of style. This one is a perfect weight for three seasons.


I love this look. White pants are very attractive and slimming and the nautical-inspired pieces keep the look current!


~~~

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

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

my outfit: (sub)urban safari!

One thing that I love about the warming temps is the ability to wear a jacket instead of a coat. See, a jacket can be part of your outfit... a functioning component of the "look" you are trying to pull off. A big down puffer coat that goes to your knees... not so much! So out with the puffer (thank goodness!) and in with the stylish jackets. This one is an oldy-but-goody from Gap. Long before the days I had kids - oh those glorious, fabulous days! But it just goes to show... investing in classic pieces like a simple khaki jacket can pay dividends for years to come (wow, look at me and the financial analogies!).



The other great thing about jackets is that it's hard to "grow out" of them... case in point I wore some type of jacket almost daily while pregnant with my daughter (and working in a male dominant field) - unbuttoned of course. I was able to hide the looming belly until the sweltering heat of the summer made me give in finally. Oh, and when a fellow male co-worked asked another fellow male co-worker if he "thought Jill had put on some weight recently". Ahem, yeah! Like seven months of pregnancy, baby! I figured the cat was pretty much out of the bag by then. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't trying to "hide" it... just perhaps feel a little more confident on a construction site.



This "safari" jacket almost resembles the military look that is all the rage these days and happens to be super versatile so it's been getting a lot of action lately. This was the first time I belted it and I really liked the outcome.

How about you... do you depend on jackets for seasonal (or otherwise) transitions?

Details:
Jacket, Gap (similar)
Belt, Old Navy (similar)
Jeans, Gap
Shoes, Nine West (similar)
Bangles, ? (similar)

 

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