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!

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!

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!

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!

my outfit: come to mama!

The shoes are mine. And now you all can breathe easy... I know it was troubling you as much as me. (no?) Buying $19 shoes from Target is apparently a sleep-losing-decision for me.  Dropping $4 on a latte though doesn't get a second glance. What is my world coming to? Coffee before shoes? 

I will say they are VERY comfy... the key to super high heels for me is an ankle strap.  It steadies my foot or something, makes it a lot easier to walk in than if these were just pumps.  True facts, people. True facts.

This is my 'sitting rock'. Like it? The previous owners of our house had some extensive landscaping done, including having this rock installed. (I'm assuming with a rock this big there is some type of serious installation process).  It blends in in a natural way... in the hot hot summer it's perfectly shaded and the kids love pretending it's a spaceship, race car, war bunker, etc.  In a few weeks daffodils will sprout all around it. I kind of heart it.

I loved the effortless style of this outfit. The super high heels & fancy bun were the perfect ying to my husband's casual belt and ripped jeans yang.  I'm not gonna lie, the belt got ditched after a trip to our favorite local Mexican place. We all ate ourselves into oblivion on chips and salsa and then the food came - am I the only one that does that?!

Details:

Sweatshirt, Target (similar)

White Top, Forever 21 (similar)

Belt, Husbands (similar women's version)

Watch, Michael Kors

Jeans, Gap (similar)

Shoes, Target

Nail Polish, Essie: Topless & Barefoot, my new *absolute* favorite! (dear essie, I better not get weird google hits for that nail polish name, k?)

yes, please...

How about some random goodies on a Tuesday morning?  Sounds good to me.

I haven't owned or wore a polo style shirt since college (and, um, that was a while back).  

I kinda think it would be fun to bring the look back.  What do you think?

(pique polo)

Madewell's scarves are always so unique and inspiring. 

I just love the color scheme on this one!

(scarf)

I am just dying for a little bright red purse of some sort.

This would be so perfect for spring!

(cross-body bag)

While I was perusing the Kate Spade site I found this little number for girlfriend.

She loves peacocks!

(peacock clutch)

I love this painted bangle. Simple. Fun.

(painted bangle)

I obviously need new make-up brushes.

(make-up brushes)

I used to have a pair of these Dr. Scholl's sandals and LOVED them!

I love how they are super retro.

(dr. scholl's)

I think I could spend the whole summer in this top.... dreamy! 

And for UNDER $25 from Forever 21, yes please!

(butterfly kaftan)