my outfit: blue and gold, for the win!

It's a darn good thing I have a blog... wanna know why?  I wore this outfit antiquing with a friend recently... it was (of course) freezing cold and so we popped in and out of stores all morning (scoring NO real finds - ugh, hate when that happens!) and I didn't take my coat off!  No one even saw this outfit except me and my husband.  So here you have it world... what I wore antiquing:

Rocking the blogger bun again... I just love this style.  It takes literally two minutes to whip up and my hair is done and off my face all day.  Feels so good.

How was your weekend ladies? Any fun shopping or treasure finding? I will say that I found two vintage scarves (something that was on my wish list) that were both only $3 - can't beat that!  And a few more license plates - one's we don't have yet! - for my sons collection.

Stay tuned tomorrow... I took about half of this outfit and kept it and switched the other half up for date night with my husband.  I'll post those looks tomorrow!

Details:

Cardigan, Gap (similar)

Cowl Top, JCrew (similar)

Belt, Gap (similar)

Skinny Jeans, Gap (similar)

Boots, MICHAEL Michael Kors (similar)

Earrings, courtesy of FriedaSophie Jewelry

putting it together... floral top

As a follow up series from my recent e-book launch I will be featuring individual items from the 50 things that every woman must own... and giving you even more ideas on how to incorporate these items into your wardrobe.

Many of you that bought the e-book should find this especially helpful...  since the e-book didn't include shopping links for certain pieces (more just simple examples of each of the 50 items) you will now have a resource for buying these items if you desire to add them to your wardrobe.  If you already own items that fit many or all of the 50 things, then here you will find ideas on how to incorporate these items into your wardrobe in fun and fresh ways.

If you didn't buy the e-book 50 things that every woman must own... well, you are going to want to in order to play along with us!  I won't be giving away all of the secrets that the book contains, so don't be left out!

~~~

Today we are going to 'put it all together' with item #16... the floral top.  Think hip and modern when you think of florals... not boring and "old"... here are some fun outfits for winter to spring!

(above: jeans, earrings, top, shoes, jacket, purse)

(above: sunglasses, pencil skirt, top, boots, jacket, purse)

(above: clutch, jeans, top, ring, jacket, clogs)

~~~

Don't forget to check out the e-book now for tons more wardrobe inspiration!

Click here to buy ------->                          

ps, if you are pregnant or know someone that is... check out maternity monday at good tots for super fun outfit ideas today!

what to wear: weekend!

Miracle of miracles, my husband and I actually have a sitter this weekend for a little date-night. It's been way to long, so I am excited to get out of the house and dine where chicken nuggets are not on the menu.

I just snagged this faux fur coat from Urban Outfitters... it was $148 on sale for $19.99 (plus I had a 10% off coupon!). Score! I plan to pair it simply with a warm turtleneck, some bold accessories and skinny jeans.  It will be a perfect outfit for keeping warm and looking good... it's supposed to snow all weekend!

What are your weekend plans?

(necklace, jeans, sweater, boots, jacket, clutch)

my outfit: seeing blue.

Every time I pair this chambray top with jeans I get comments on how I am wearing "denim on denim" (both good and bad comments, mind you...) but chambray is chambray, not denim.  It's blue like denim, sure... but it's very different texture and weave.  

But I suppose that is neither here nor there... fabric is fabric.  It is blue on blue. I'll settle for that.  And how about this ONE lone baby blue shipping crate nestled between a sea of beige crates?  I love it.

This outfit is actually inspired by a Jenna Lyons look that I saw on The Sartorialist (here)... have you seen it? She was wearing a chambray top, skinny jeans and black pumps.  But since it's darrrrrn cold here... this is my winter version.  I love this outfit.

Happy Thursday ~ that mean it's Friday tomorrow!

Details:

Infinity Scarf, Urban Outfitters (similar)

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

Chambray Top, Old Navy (similar)

Jeans, Gap (similar)

Boots, Nine West (similar)

Earrings, courtesy of Towne & Reese

Nail Polish (a few of you have asked...), Hot Cocoa by Essie (similar)

personal style, defined: masculine!

Welcome back to another installment of personal style, defined.  This series is all about finding and exploring our own personal styles in fashion and at home.  Here on good life for less I explore fashion... then pop over to Jackie's blog, Sweetie Pie Style to see her inspiration!

Today we are exploring the "masculine" style... menswear inspired looks have been popular over the last few years... its a fun style and I just LOVE the looks I pulled together for today!  Read on for inspiration of the masculine variety... then head on over to check out Sweetie Pie Style's masculine rooms.

I love the mix of masculine pieces with a touch of feminine flair... it lends itself to a certain practicality.  Let's take a look!

I love this look... it reminds me of Ellen, who rocks the menswear inspired look so well.  This would be a great Saturday afternoon outfit.

(above: necklace, jeans, belt, top, blazer, shoes)

A boyfriend cardigan, driving mocs and a plaid scarf is a simple look that hints at masculinity but still shows off your style and shape (plus, it never hurts to show a little ankle!).

(above: earrings, scarf, pants, top, clutch, cardigan, shoes)

Pinstripe pants, glasses and a large watch say "I'm as confident as a man" in the boardroom but done right, can still show that you are a lady through and through.

(above: bag, trousers, top, watch, glasses, necklace, shoes)

So what do you think... do you like to incorporate a bit of "masculine" style into your wardrobe? Do you already? 

my outfit: I solemnly swear...

My new goal: better outfit pictures.  Starting NOW.  2011 is going to rock and quite frankly... I need to start acting like it, right?  No more boring pictures in my boring hallway.  I promise.

So... formal dining room (well, as "formal" as I get...) meet my readers... readers meet my formal dining room.  Next up I'll do some outside pictures and then further brainstorm on creative photo shoot locations. K? K.

I'll admit... I'm a little "hung over" after releasing the e-book.  It was a huge creative push and now I'm deflated like a balloon.  So I'll try for two posts today... but I'm not making any promises.  You understand, don't you lovelies?

While I'm on the subject... THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! My readers rock and the launch of the e-book was a huge success.  If you haven't snagged one yet - do so! You won't be disappointed!

On to the outfit... shall we? I just LOVE this swing-y cardigan with extra deep pockets.  It's very feminine and flattering without being TOO much like a long cardigan could be if it wasn't careful.

And this extra long necklace I just tied lanyard style for something a little fun... and it's well, fun. Huh?

Details:

Cardigan, courtesy of KUTE clothes

Top, Gap (similar and very cute!)

Necklace, gift bought at TJMaxx (similar)

Jeans, Forever 21 (similar)

Boots, Nine West (similar)

it's here: 50 things every woman must own!

As I "teased" earlier this week, I am incredibly excited to announce the release of my first e-book!

THE FIFTY THINGS!!

This e-book started as an inspiration for myself as I desired to depend more upon timeless classics in my wardrobe than flash-in-the-pan trends. Trends are fun and definitely have a place in our personal style and in our closets. However, the items featured here are staples to your style and wardobe that will last and inspire for years to come. Take some time to peruse the fifty pages and be inspired. The items featured are just examples of what these pieces may look like in your own wardrobe... use them as inspiration and then find something that you absolutely love in its place. You may already own many of the 50 things, have fun finding new ways to wear them! Or, like me, you may still be finding the perfect pieces to round out your simple and classic wardrobe... enjoy!  (for a peek inside the book... click here!)


Click here to buy ------->

my outfit: au naturale!

I'm sure a lot of you gals can relate... but ever since I had my second child (not my first, for what reason I do not know) my hair has completely changed.  After the first it fell out (per the usual) but then went back to normal.  But with the second it kind of hasn't stopped falling out and regrowing and falling out and regrowing.  My hair dresser tells me every time she does my hair that it's getting curlier... curlier and curlier.  At first I didn't believe her, but it's true.  I've noticed it for real.

And while some days I purposely make it curlier, I usually try to straighten it.  But on this particular day I had to let it air dry because the house and kids were out.of.control. and voila... I put some product in it and fluffed it.  These are natural waves peeps.  I know, I was impressed too.

Anyway... enough of that.

We had major cabin fever on Saturday - it was just SO cold and snowy.  So Sunday we spent galivanting all around town.  Now we are ready to bear down for another cold (but not AS cold) and snowy week.  How was your weekend?

Details:

Cardigan, Target (similar)

White Top, Forever 21 (similar)

Jeans, Gap (similar)

Wedges, Target (similar)

Necklace, Forever 21 (similar)

Cuff Bracelet, Charlotte Russe (similar)

what to wear: weekend!

Yay... it's just hours until the weekend is finally here and boy am I ready for it! It's supposed to be really cold this weekend, but I have plenty of stuff around the house to keep me busy, so hopefully I won't have to venture out too much. What is on your agenda this weekend? Anything fun?

Whatever you do... keep warm! I'll likely be sporting something very simple and cozy like this all weekend!

(leggings, top, mittens, scarf, bag, boots)

my outfit: blue brown green brown blue...

Blue, brown, green, brown, blue... got that? Here's the run down:

Blue cardigan.
Brown blazer.
Green top.
Brown boots.
Blue jeans.

I do believe that my layering prowess (or lack thereof...) has reached new heights this winter.  I go in my closet and basically come out when I can't move my arms any more.  Ha, I kid. I can still move my arms!

Speaking of... a lot of you ask when I layer (like the blazer/jean jacket duo from last week) if it gets tight on my arms, shoulders, etc. And the answer to that is NO. I mean, well, sometimes, but if it's too tight I change it up.  So that means I choose thinner layers for underneath and make sure that my top layers are a little roomier.  You know like the bulky sweater or the snug sweater you own... those get paired with the looser blazer or snugger jacket... respectively.  If I can't be comfortable in an outfit I don't wear it.

Basically there are a couple of ways you can go with this many layers... you can be all fancy dancy and carefully choose textures, patterns and solids that all sing and dance together.  Or you can just go all in the same color group and call it good.  Guess which way I went? I'm no pro, I just like to stay warm.

What's new people? Are you surviving the winter doldrums? I'm dying over here... pass the vitamin D.

Details:
Earrings, courtesy of FriedaSophie - check out their amazing offerings!
Blazer, Gap (similar)
Cardigan, Gap (similar)
Top, JCrew (similar)
Jeans, Gap (similar)
Boots, MICHAEL Michael Kors (similar)
Bracelet, courtesy of Towne & Reese

what's new... the Gap.

I always love to check out web retailers this time of year to peep out what is new and hot.  I'll be honest, pre-spring is a little awkward for clothing and not nearly as exciting as spring or fall lines for retailers.  It's a little awkward only because our minds are thinking new and fresh (spring!)... but usually the temps are thinking old and cold.  Regardless, there is nothing like new merchandise.

(from top left: dolman tee, pea coat, dark resin skinny jean, white cropped jean, leopard blouse, zig zag top) 

I'll be peeping out the stores to bring you what's new as it unfolds, of course.  Today... the Gap, who in general has been rocking my socks off and their pre-spring doesn't disappoint. What I love most about these pieces that they are layer-able.  Perfect for pre-spring because it makes them wearable now with extra layers and in two months from now with less layers, really you couldn't ask for more.

my outfit: pink & black!

I had one of those mornings where I tried on 50 million things and nothing felt right. I wanted to be comfortable, but cute.  I know I am not alone here... what's a girl to do when nothing feels right?  Leggings!  Basically they are pjs... but cuter. 

This pink top was just what I was looking for as well... soft and delicate feeling.  Then to make it "wearable" out of the house I added boots and a jacket. Voila.  If only I had thought of this first!

I need more go-to outfits like this one... don't we all?  I'll be keeping this one in mind!

Details:
Jacket, courtesy of Tulle - it's on sale!
Top, JCrew (similar)
Leggings, Gap (similar)
Boots, Nine West (similar)

my outfit: back to brunette!

First things first... thank you for your kind words about changing my hair.  You all are so supportive, I really can't be more appreciative.  Also let me say, there was nothing *wrong* with the color, it just wasn't me.  You all probably know how that goes.

I was excited to get back to my roots, er, my brunette color.  Ahhhhh... I can breath easy!

Do you ever have an outfit that just feels good?  I don't even care if you all like this outfit or not, I loved it.  I have had my eye on this chartreuse cowl t-shirt from JCrew for a while now.  When I saw it on sale + 30% off it was mine faster than you can say "mine."

The pictures didn't capture it as well as I would have liked, but I simply layered a chambray top underneath the cowl t-shirt.  I was surprised it worked, but it did! And I feel like I can never go wrong with black skinnies...  they are always chic and easy.  The best combo!

So how was your weekend? Do tell...

Details:
Chambray Top, Old Navy (similar)
Cowl T-shirt, JCrew (similar)
Belt, Gap (similar)
Black Skinnes, courtesy of Tulle (they are on sale!)
Black Wedges, Target (similar)

think spring, now!

I'm likely not the only one thinking about warmth and sunshine and spring right now... even though the temps are likely to start feeling like spring for a while (at least here in Michigan). But I still long for a certain fresh feeling in my wardrobe regardless.

Here are some fun outfits that look like spring... but that are still practical enough to wear right now. Ands once the temps do start to rise... you can shed the boots and jackets and still wear these items!


Polka dots and red jeans? What says fresh and spring more than this? I just love this outfit!

 (above: boots, red jeans, top, earrings, jacket, clutch)

For some reason navy blue is always a perfect spring color... even though it's dark.  This jacket is perfect for pre-spring and paired with yellow and white: I'm in love.  I need to recreate this soon!

(above: sunglasses, white jeans, top, boots, jacket, nail polish, ring) 

Simple layers and bold colors are always fun for spring. I love the understated sophistication of this look.

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

I'm definitely going to start thinking spring with my clothes... what about you?

what to wear: weekend!

Even though this week was completely nuts around here, it actually flew. I can't believe it's another weekend already, but heck, I'll take it!

I pulled together this fun outfit inspiration for this weekend... it looks spring-ish, but is still warm enough for winter. How about that coat? It is sure to brighten any winter day!

(shoes, pants, sweater, bag, earrings, coat)

So any fun plans this weekend ladies? In a perfect scenario my weekend will include a nap, our fireplace keeping me extra warm, a movie or two and catching up with my husband whom I've hardly seen all week. Have a fabulous one!

my outfit: blonde? no thanks.

There are probably better things one should do when they are experiencing an emotional (hormonal) roller coaster of a week, are ushering their husband out the door for a 3 day business trip (read: flying solo with the kids for three straight days) and haven't slept in a week due to kids that think sleep is optional, than make drastic changes to ones hair.


I'll be honest, if I don't get proper sleep I can't even decide between a bagel and a bowl of cereal for breakfast without tears. (I know, what am I? Like 5? Yes, maybe.) So waking up to a head of hair I don't recognize proved disastrous. Well, as "disastrous" as hair can be... I may be a bit dramatic at times.

I think I can handle a little change here and there without tears... right. Right!?!? Well, if not that, at least I can see the opportunity here. It was a chance taken, a risk wagered and a step far outside my comfort zone. So what if it didn't go according to plan. I can always say I tried. And really, what's life without a good fall flat now and then? Boring really.


My hairstylist is thankfully squeezing me (back) in this weekend. Bless her heart.

It must be mentioned, there is no offense to blondes, in fact while this hair color is "blonde" to me, many won't agree, it could have been blonde-er I suppose. I will say that I do LIKE the color... I just don't LOVE it. I'm thankful for a hairstylist who will help me do something crazy and then help me back out of it. I'm a gal that knows what she likes and goes after it, I thought about giving the hair a week or even a month. But nah, why waste time.

ps, how do you like the blazer OVER the jean jacket look? I saw this some where on the internet, I have to say I am a fan.

Details:

Blazer, JCrew

Jean Jacket, Gap

Necklace, Forever 21

T-Shirt, JCrew

Jeans, Seven for all Mankind

Flats, Sam Edelman