my outfit: inspired by...

This outfit is 100% inspired by this Blake Lively look... ohhhh ahhhhhh.... I love it when I find inspiration places and then it instantly clicks in my head how I can try and pull it off myself. It's, well, inspiring. No?


Also, can the sequin bag get a moment in the lime light. I first saw this bag on Gap's site a while back - and it's said "coming soon" or "not available yet" or something like that. When I first saw it I actually gasped out loud. Like you would if you were with a friend shopping, except I was just shopping with my good friend, my laptop. Then I saw other colorways available on the site and never this grey/brown combo. I was so heartbroken.


Cue SECOND audible gasp, this time I was actually WITH someone (if a {crazy} lady gasps in a forest and no one is there to hear her...???) who was my husband while he and I were Christmas shopping. There were like 10 of them in the store, but I grabbed it first thing and carried it around with me... just in case 10 OTHER people were thinking the same thing I was. Just in case.


'Cuz it's pretty darn hot for a bag. And when the sun shines (although it rarely does here in West Michigan, but WHEN IT DOES) I pretty much am carrying around a disco ball with me. And I don't know how that could be classified as anything BUT cool.

Also, are these jeans blown out or what? I love them so... but I think their future lies in shorts more than pants. We'll see.

I'm OUT until the New Year! Have a fun and safe celebration! I'm ready to kick some good old fashioned bottom in 2011 - who's with me!?!?

Details:

Jacket, courtesy of Tulle - it's on sale now!!

Top, Gap (similar)

Jeans, Gap (similar)

Bag, Gap (similar)

Boots, MICHAEL Michael Kors (similar)

bling in the New Year... (work it wednesday!)

Bling in the New Year, get it!?!? I was pretty proud of that little pun...

How are you planning to spend your New Year? Sequins are definitely in order... and whether you have a quiet evening at home with a loved one, a house party with 100 of your closest friends or a night out on the town... I've got outfits for each. Check them out!

Quiet evening at home...

(leggings, top, cowl, boots, earrings)

Fun night with friends...

(jeans, top, necklace, shoes, coat, ring)

Painting the town red...

(skirt, sweater, shoes, tights, clutch, ring)

~~~

So dish! What are your New Years Eve plans!?!?

my outfit: Christmas duds!

I debated posting these pictures, because well, this is what I wore on Christmas, so I don't know if it's just old news or not. But I was wearing a skirt (THE lace skirt that about every 30/30 lady had! I just took the tags off mine from buying it in September!) which is pretty monumental! So I figured I better...

I knew I wanted to wear this skirt, but I never feel like I am great at putting together "dressy" outfits... so after that I was a little "duh". But I like the way the outfit came together and it was comfy and warm as well, which is always a plus.

I had a hard time deciding on a coat... it was between the white wool coat and the vintage fur collar jacket (I scored it second hand years ago! I think I paid $15 and it's SO warm). So I took pictures of both!

Details:

Skirt, Target (similar, similar)

Sweater, Limited (similar)

Heels, Target

Necklace, courtesy of Towne & Reese

Bracelet, courtesy of Towne & Reese

White Coat, courtesy of Tulle

Fur Collar Coat, second hand

my outfit: fatigues...

Does "fatigues" refer to my pants or my mood... could be both. After the Christmas bubble pops it's always a little hard to know up from down. Am I alone?

Do I post on the blog? Will my readers be there?

Do I clean the house or continue to let the madness reign?

Do I take down the Christmas tree or embrace the season for a few more days?

Do I stop eating cookies for-the-love-of and get to the gym... or keep on chowing like there is no tomorrow?

For now I'll just take it one step at a time... writing a blog post seems like a much easier alternative than cleaning or the cessation of eating.

I took a sip of the "skinny cargo kool-aid" and the verdict is still out. I like them, but I don't know if I love them... but I'll keep keepin' on. Do you have a pair? Do you love/like/other? Except if you are b.a. - I know she is doing the happy dance over in her neck of the woods right now. She's big on cargo.

I definitely went the casual route with them on this outfit. Cozy sweater, messy braid and furry boots. But I would like to try them a little more dressed up... I'm thinking that would be fun too.

Details:

Skinny Cargos, Old Navy

Sweater, LOFT (similar)

Lace top, Charlotte Russe (similar)

Bird Necklace, F21 (similar)

Boots, Minnetonka (Nordstrom Rack)

Earrings, Courtesy of FriedaSophie Jewelry... you can find them here!

Merry Christmas from good life for less!

From my home to yours... Merry Christmas!

my outfit: lovely layers!

I'm taking liberties with layering these days... partly because I'm desperate to stop shivering from the cold and also because I am CRAVING new clothes but I know deep down I don't need them. I have my eye on a few things for the New Year... but until then, I'll be working to come up with new variations of what I own... who's with me?

Remember this tunic? That outfit was perfect for a fall day... and here, with a deep v sweater over top a new variation for winter. Look at me all remixing my heart out over here. I loved the way the gold tunic played off of the flecks of brown in the buttons.

I bought this tunic YEARS ago from F21... I think it was the first time I ever discovered that store (those were the days!). I was instantly drawn to this color... and I've been seeing it more lately at JCrew and Gap. Awww yeah! I love it when something comes back into "style" while you still own it.

And yes I wore my clogs with socks... I'm nerdy (and cold) like that!

My pastor at church last weekend had a funny quote he got from somewhere (eek! source unknown)... He said "When a woman says she has nothing to wear she means she doesn't have anything new... when a man says he has nothing to wear he means he doesn't have anything clean." How true, how true! My husband immediately gave me the stink eye... he's on to my wiley ways. Ha!

Details:

Tunic, Forever 21 (similar, similar)

Sweater, JCrew Factory (similar)

Jeans, Seven for all Mankind (similar)

Earrings & Bracelet, courtesy of Towne & Reese

Belt, Gap (similar)

Clogs, Uggs

shopping guide: kelly green!

This will be the last of my shopping guides leading up until Christmas... if you haven't seen my previous shop-by-color shopping guides check them out: navy, gold, white, berry & black!

It only seems right to end with green... the color of money and oddly enough, also of Christmas. Although it likely has to do more with Christmas tress than money, right!?!

(details: 1. Treasure Island, Crewcuts, $20, 2. Sprout Eco-Friendly Watch, Lord & Taylor, $65 3. Pantone Mug "Pea Green", Velocity Art & Design, $11 4. Fleece Blanket, American Apparel, $28 5. Hour & 15 Minute Glasses, CB2, $29.95 & 9.95 (respectively) 6. 'If Color Could Talk' Necklace, Anthropologie, $36 7. Madison Leather Clutch, Coach, $58 8. OFFI Tiki Stool, 2Modern, $69 9. Chamonix Puffer, Boden, $98)

good look for less, EXPRESS!

Today's good look for less EXPRESS is for Haley, she is a busy mom that works part time as a nurse. She is looking for outfits on her time off while hanging out with her kids, volunteering and the usual mom activities. And then some nicer outfits for church or spending time with adults for girls night or a date with her husband! She's also petite so it can be tricky to find pieces that fit her smaller frame.

Let's take a look at her outfits!

Down time from work and responsibilities can easily fall into the jeans and a tee rut. But here I chose a nicer t-shirt and some great jeans and comfy TOMS. This outfit is very relaxed, but still very pulled together. The perfect outfit for a busy mom.

(bracelet, jeans, top, TOMS, vest, clutch)

For time away from the house like church or time with friends... I chose a simple outfit formula that is easy to recreate with items you own. Or if you don't own items similar to these, I suggest adding them as fabulous staples in your closet. A simple pair of cropped black pants and a fine gauge sweater can work in all sorts of settings.

(pants, scarf, sweater, bag, bracelet, flats)

I love this last outfit... Haley mentioned she tried skinny jeans and didn't like them. And while I do admit that a slimmer fit to jeans, like skinny fit, can take a while to get used to... this pair is a lot more forgiving and easier to wear. It's more of straight fit than a skinny fit and can still be tucked into boots for a modern look. This outfit would be great for a coffee date with a friend or a night out with your husband!

(jeans, earrings, top, boots, blazer, ring)

~~~

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

my outfit: black and blue!

Right off the bat, Jackie's post on 100 Inspirations inspired the color palate for this outfit... I always forget how much I like blue with black. I don't know if you can tell from the pictures, but the scarf has a lot of navy in it as well (and my top is navy). It's usually a scarf I wear in the summer, but with this dark color palate I knew I needed something bold and bright!


This is about the most I've been "dressed" in a while, it's just SO cold. I just wear tons of sweaters and Uggs from morning until night (even in the house). But I didn't have any where to be on this morning so I had fun "dressing up" and feeling like a person again - instead of a snow man! I'm *trying* to get into an every-other-day-hair-wash schedule. Everyone that talks about it loves it... and my hair is tricky (especially the bangs) on the second day. But the dry air that winter provides helps. Thus the "do" today!

Any excuse I get lately I seem to go running for this jacket... I love it so! And yes, those nails are green. Definitely a more "jingle bell rock" for the holidays than "the first noel"... I may switch up to slightly more reverent for the holidays. If that exists for nail polish. Maybe I'm over thinking it.


In my house the cookies are baked, the presents bought (although I need to wrap!) and the gingerbread house is made... now I am twiddling my thumbs for the rest of the week. Right!?!? (If you've got kiddos at home like me, head over to good tots today for fun, easy and cheap ideas for keeping them busy this week!)

Are you ready for Christmas!?!?

Details:

Jacket, courtesy of Tulle

Top, Gap (similar)

Scarf, Second Hand (similar)

Jeans, Gap (similar)

Flats, Old Navy (similar)

yes, please!

I found these adorable shoes at Target earlier this week, I didn't pick them up... because, hello? What are adorable sandals doing in Target in the dead of winter? What a tease! But I can't stop thinking about them and they were only $20 (well, technically $19.99)... are they SO cute or what? I think I'll go back for the dark brown pair. Whaddya say?

(tan)

(chocolate)

Plus, is it just me or are shoes with REALLY high heels easier to walk in when they have an ankle strap? Yeah, totally.

what to wear: weekend!

I'm bowing out for the weekend a little early... so just one short and sweet post today. This blog (and my others) are my job... but sometimes when they start feeling like an actual "job" I know it's time to take a day or so away.

I also know that you fabulous gals will greet me back here on Monday morning like you always do (and for that I am so thankful!). Also, I just bought new bedding for the master bedroom, don't you think some lounging is in order? Simple pleasures...

I'll also have my nose in this book: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, because I just started it and it's AMAZING. It's The Help meets high school biology meets the Best Seller list. WOW it's good!

{I may be laboring the point here... but these faux fur coats are just calling my name... I could spend the whole weekend in this outfit!}

(sunglasses, top, jeans, necklace, coat, flats)

Have a fabulous weekend!

little black dress... three ways!

Technically this is a Work it Wednesday post, but since it's Thursday - I'm just calling it "three ways"! Here are three fun ways to wear a little black dress this season and look super chic and festive!

If you want more fun and festive holiday looks, check out my Winter & Holiday looks:book!

I'm crushing on faux fur coats in all sorts of ways... you may have noticed!

(dress, necklace, ring, shoes, jacket, clutch)

Blue shoes are sure to brighten up any party!

(dress, earrings, bracelet, handbag, shoes)

I love a good long sleeved dress... and it's a little warmer for the winter!

(dress, bracelet, small purse, shoes, scarf, tights)

~~~

Happy holiday party season!

my outfit: high heels and tights!

I am never one to be left out (probably why I started a blog in the first place!?!?).... and while so many other bloggers out there are having a blast with fun colored tights this season I was feeling a little left out. Especially since my Target has bins of every colored tights you can imagine all for $5 each. How can you say no? {excuse the poor picture quality, I had to take them after dark, that is 5pm these days}.


So of course if you know me, and I think you do, you know I love jeans. So I just wore tights under my jeans and had them peak out at the bottom with these adorable heels (my "Vegas" heels as I like to call them).


Let's talk about the many pros of wearing tights with jeans:
a) you instantly feel skinnier - jeans out of the dryer have FINALLY met their match.
b) you instantly feel warmer - I am always cold this time of year.
c) your heels will not give you blisters because your tights protect your feet.
d) you are instantly more popular (well not really, but some people at the party you are at will definitely notice your pink tights with jeans).
e) jeans + tights + heels could also work as jeans + tights + flats.
f) I am definitely on to something.
g) this means you can buy more tights and shoes. {and isn't that the whole purpose to life? more shoes?}


I had a baby shower to go to so I got gussied up a bit. I even walked over about a block of snow and ice in these heels and lived to tell the story. {I had to park kind of far away}

Details:

Top, courtesy of Tulle

Necklace, gift, TJ Maxx (similar)

Jeans, Gap

Tights, Target (similar)

Shoes, Target (similar)

Ring, gift (similar)

my outfit: color play!

After the 30/30 Challenge was over I have to admit, I had a really hard time pulling outfits together.  I would once again gaze in my closet and weep (well, not really, but almost) that I had entirely NOTHING to wear.  I felt a little (I hate to admit this) that I had worn-out the 30/30 items - how many more variations ARE THERE? - and I was a little lack luster about what clothes remained.  So the last week or so has been me mopping around the house in uninspired outfits.

But then I focused my energy on the principles I learned during the challenge...

• Trying new things!
• Mixing new concoctions!
• Boldly wearing outfits that are out of my box!
• Being happy with what I have!

And whaddya know? It worked... for some reason it's easier with less selection - but the principles still work.  One thing I admired in other remixers throughout the challenge was the fun they had mixing and matching colors.  Really the challenge is as much fun to watch as it is to participate in, don't you think?

Plus, I haven't worn this velvet blazer yet this season and it really is one of my all time faves.

My little doll was "photo crashing"... at least she brought porridge.  Photoshoots can be tiring.

Details:

Jacket, JCrew (this season's version)

Tee, Gap (similar color, similar)

Scarf, Urban Outfitters (similar - SUPER CUTE!)

Jeans, F21 (similar)

Boots, Nine West (similar)

Bracelet, courtesy of Stella & Dot

Earrings, courtesy of Towne & Reese

shopping guide: navy!

This year I am doing my gift guides by color... for more shopping inspiration in these last days before Christmas, check out gold, white, berry & black!

Today's color is NAVY!  When Kate Middleton stepped out in that gorgeous navy dress to announce the royal engagement she may not have known that she pretty much sealed the deal for the color navy for years to come.  Of course it's a regal and classic color, one that exudes sophistication and timelessness.  Snag a few of these navy colored gifts for the loved ones on your list!

1. You can always count on Juicy for preppy-chic pieces... my iphone would look fab in this case, as would anyone's on your list! Juicy Couture Phone Case, Zappos Couture, $28

2. Bad name aside (like really, RL?), the Big Pony line carries four manly-man scents that I really like.  Check one out for your guy! Big Pony Men's Fragrance, Bloomingdales, $50

3. This cape looks so cozy warm and the best part it's not super size specific so it's easy to buy for a pal even if you don't know if she is a solid small or sometimes a medium. Knitted Cape, Topshop, $90

4. These coasters are gorgeous... just gorgeous! Perfect for a hostess gift or a friend with a new pad to decorate! Celestial Coasters, Anthropologie, $32

5. What says winter-chic more than a little tartan? Dooney & Bourke Wristlet, Macy's, $75

6. For the ultimate girly girl... Enamel Bow Ring, Coach Poppy, $68

7. A cloth napkin or two can come in handy for throwing in a basket with a hostess gift or wrapping up a bottle of wine.  These are super cute! Mateo Cloth Napkin, Crate & Barrel, $2.95

8. As Kanye would say... "look at this peacoat tell me he's broke..." Nothing like a man in a peacoat.  Men's Peacoat, Gap, $99.99

9. Mmmmm.... midnight nails.  A stocking stuffer for any chic lady!  Essie Midnight, beauty.com, $8

good look for less, EXPRESS!

Today's EXPRESS consult is for Amanda... she is a teacher by day and mom by, well... the rest of the time. She wanted looks that were casual and trendy, yet age appropriate (early 30's) for her busy lifestyle outside of the classroom. Think: activities and sporting events for her kids, spending time with friends and errands. Let's take a look at the looks, shall we?

I love the simple but refined look of this outfit.  A top that has a little bit of a flowy nature is very forgiving and also right on trend.  These jeans are Gap's "straight" fit and are perfect if you aren't into an ultra skinny look but still want something you can tuck into boots.

(jeans, top, earrings, boots, watch, bag)

Pretty much you know that I am ALL about Gap jeans, there is something for everyone and in general they offer the same fit and finishes of the high end brands, just at about 25% of the price.  Their Long and Lean fit, featured below, is a great style for all body types and very flattering.  I added some simple and cozy layers, perfect for winter!

(jeans, top, necklace, shoes, cardigan, clutch)

Leggings are like the magic bullet for busy moms... they are just as comfy as yoga pants, but can be jazzed up with a simple tunic and fun flats to pull off a major chic look with tons of comfort.  Truly the best of both worlds.

(bracelets, leggings, tunic, clutch, jacket, flats)

Happy Shopping Amanda!

~~~

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

my outfit: gettin' cozy!

I was going to name this outfit "apres ski"- but then I remembered that last week I pretended to be a biker chic and if I pretended to a be a skier today, well, I was worried you would think I am crazy. I don't ski, but if I DID ski, I would wear this outfit. Otherwise, I would just wear this outfit on a super cold and snowy day, which is what I did.

I teased earlier that I had snagged these boots recently... and voila! Here they are!



After the 30/30 ended and the snow blew in on a very more regular basis (less magical-first-snow and more seriously-three-months-of-this-crap-snow) I realized that pretty much ALL of my shoes are null and void. They really can't have much of a heel, or show ankle, or be slippery or not be water proof. That leaves, these boots, two pairs of Uggs to choose from and maybe if I'm feeling lucky, the black flat boots from the challenge. That's not much. And the even worse news is that all of those boots really need to go "over" jeans and not under them. So me and my skinny jeans are going to be getting real cozy until about April. Nice.


I feel like I am already over winter and it just started. And usually I'm not so bummed by winter. Pass the Vitamin D.

Moving to Nashville is suddenly making so much more sense to me...

Details:

Snood, TJMaxx, gift (similar)

Sweater, Banana Republic (similar, similar)

Jeans, Gap

Boots, Nordstrom Rack

Earrings & Cuff Bracelet, Charlotte Russe (similar & similar)