what to wear: royally speaking.

Wasn't the wedding just SPECTACULAR today? I am in total awe, I love every minute of it! (even though I am very, very tired right now!)  Today I decided to pull together some fun honeymoon-inspired pieces for the royal honeymoon! I sure hope they are headed some where warm and romantic!

(above: swimsuit, romper, sandals, earrings, handbag)

(above: cover-up, swimsuit, sunglasses, flip flops, essie nail polish in "Happily Ever After")

I'm still just basking in all the gorgeousness of today's wedding... it's just too much. The whole thing was so exquisitely perfect.  I'm gushing - I know!

my outfit: Easter!

Somehow these Easter pictures got lost in the shuffle this week... but this is in fact what I wore on Easter. It's not super Easter-y and it's also not along the lines of any of the potential outfits that I had planned. But when I woke up and started trying stuff on... this is what felt right. So I went with it.

Are you guys sick of seeing my backyard yet? I'm super lazy and just keep having my husband take pictures here. Each time I try to move to a new-ish area to trick you guys. Is it working? I figured you are pretty smart.

These white jeans are amazing... get used to looking at them, because I am going to be wearing them a lot this summer. Sure I have other pairs of white pants, but none compare. Let me tell you!

Details:
Jacket, Gap (similar)
Top, Forever 21 (similar)
Jeans, Gap
Shoes, Target (similar)
Bracelet & Necklace, courtesy of Towne & Reese

my outfit: gingham-get!

I finally bit the bullet and bought a gingham top.  I resisted for a while, but when I found this grey gauzy one on the clearance rack in Old Navy, I knew it had to be mine.  In some ways I feel like I was the last on the planet to finally snatch one.  Isn't that the way it is in the blogging world? A few bloggers show off one piece and it suddenly feels like EVERY ONE under the sun has it.  And that it is *perhaps* (gasp!) old news!

But I'm not buying that last part.  Gingham is still very relevant, very 'summer' and now, very welcome in my closet as well.

To go with some friends for a movie and late night snacks I dressed it up a bit with wide leg jeans and platforms.  But I am equally looking forward to wearing it with shorts and sandals soon as well.  And my white jeans should be warned that I am coming for them soon too...

Really, what WOULDN'T this shirt go with? Not much!

Details: 

Top, Old Navy

Jeans, Gap

Key Necklace, Forever 21 (similar)

Belt, Gap (similar)

Shoes, Target (similar)

Bracelet, courtesy of Towne & Reese

what to pack: quick trip to Chicago!

I've mentioned briefly before that Linda and I are both headed to Chicago this weekend to meet for the first time in person, shop, talk-shop (gab endlessly about blog stuff) and of course, shop some more!  I am super excited for a quick weekend away and also to meet Linda!  She and I have been blog buddies for about a year now (Linda, does that sound right, only a year!?!? Seems forever...) and I learned last fall when I got to meet up with Jackie that the only thing better than having great blog friends is getting to actually meet them!

Any who... this trip is proving to pose some packing challenges.  Linda and I are both taking the train to the city from our respective home towns.  So I don't want a lot of luggage to haul around.  And to top that off the weather looks to be a bit wet and cool, which is always tricky in Chicago... as we will be walking every where.  Oh and that too... comfy footwear is essential!

Here is what I am thinking for outfits this weekend:

My favorite skinny jeans are playing double duty... or at least that's the plan.  We arrive Saturday morning and leave Sunday afternoon... one pair of jeans for 48 hours should be do-able, right!?!?  Then staples like my new black trench and striped top will be comfortable and casual.

(above: trench, watch, top, shoes, scarf, jeans)

Then more wardrobe staples like my black cardigan, chambray top and leopard print flats will layer perfectly for warmth and style... and if we get lucky and it warms up a bit, I'll be happy to shed some layers!

(above: necklace, ring, cardigan, chambray top, shoes, jeans)

We'll be sure to document the whole weekend with photos!

ps. go check out what Linda is packing!

my outfit: bubbles!

My husband is endlessly sweet... Saturday afternoon he grabbed the camera and some bubbles that the kids got for Easter (by the way, these 'bubble wands' that are at all of the stores are AMAZING, they blow the best bubbles ever!!!) and we all proceeded to have a bubble party/blog photo shoot.  Fun was had by all.

Some days I find it endlessly challenging to balance my 'mom' duties with my 'blogging' duties... but other days - not so much!  Speaking of being a mom and a blogger... the other day my six year old asked if all moms had blogs.  What a sweet heart!  Bless his little self.  I bet he just wanted to know if all moms were as crazy as me... as in... 'lunch will be in a few minutes... I just have to do ONE more thing to do...".

I'm single-handedly going to bring back the sweater-over-the-shoulders look.  Are you in? It's the spring version of a scarf... perfectly warm and a little pop of color!

On a side note... do you ever hop out of the shower on a Saturday morning and gaze longingly at your cozy bed? Then decide to just lay down for a minute? Then wake up three hours later with your wet (or not so wet) hair still in the towel? If you answered yes to all these questions - then this hair do is for you.  Uncombed, un-producted, half wet and defying the odds of gravity.  Hypothetically speaking, of course.

Details:
Sweater, Gap (similar)
Top, JCrew (similar)
Jeans, Seven for all Mankind (similar)
Clogs, UGG
Earrings, courtesy of Towne & Reese
Bracelets:
this one, courtesy of Towne & Reese
this one and this one, courtesy of Stella & Dot

life needs flare!

Last night I went out with some friends to see the movie "Water for Elephants" LOVE!  I sported my favorite pair of flare jeans... pictures to come, of course!  But in the meantime I was reflecting on how this silhouette has absolutely stormed the fashion scene when only months ago we still had skinny jeans on repeat play.  Here are my favorite pieces of inspiration from around the web...

Source: jaclynpaige.tumblr.com via Jill on Pinterest

Source: garancedore.fr via Jill on Pinterest

Source: smartset.ca via Jill on Pinterest

Source: buscut.blogspot.com via Jill on Pinterest

Source: cheetahisthenewblack.com via Jill on Pinterest

Source: whatiwore.tumblr.com via Jill on Pinterest

~~~

Gorgeous, no!?!? Here's some pairs that I am loving... are you hopping on this trend?

(top, left to right: 1, 2, 3; bottom, left to right: 1, 2, 3)

my outfit: sometimes you feel like a (blank), sometimes you don't.

How would you complete this phrase: Sometimes you feel like a (blank), sometimes you don't. (and if you answered 'nut' - you are my hero)

For me it would be: Sometimes you feel like a style blogger, sometimes you don't.

And I hate to admit it... but lately I don't.  I don't really feel like having my picture taken or like putting together unique outfits or anything. Doesn't that stink?  I'm sure it's just a little funk.

Don't get me wrong, it's not like I'm not getting dressed at all. I just seem to crave simple outfits with basic pieces and sometimes that doesn't seem very blog-worthy.  What can I say?  We don't all have stellar weeks or, ahem, months for that matter.

I've been wearing skinny jeans pretty much daily (this pair to be exact) and I've worn a lot of t-shirts.  If you've ever though that being a style blogger, or blogger in general is easy, well, it's not.  Fun - yes, mostly. Easy - not so much.

I guess I'm just hoping that my readers will let their (hopefully) favorite blogger off the hook today. Any one? Any one?

Details:
Scarf, Limited (similar)
White Top, Old Navy
Blazer, LOFT (similar)
Jeans, Gap (similar)
Flats, Sam Edelman (similar)

Hello, Monday!

Top of the Monday to you... How was your weekend? My weekend was full of cat-naps, outdoor activities, Easter baskets exploding all over my house and yummy food.  A fun, relaxed, yet busy holiday weekend.

I feel like my whole self needs an alignment this morning, I'm all out of whack.  Plus, I have a super busy week... a dentist appt, a girls night out, the Royal Wedding (duh!), finding a way to get my kids off this Easter sugar high and a trip to Chicago to round it all out. {This is apparently 'busy' for me... I'm clearly a homebody}

This outfit would be perfect for today... a cozy maxi skirt, oversized scarf and fabulous shoes to start the week off right!

(sunglasses, skirt, top, scarf, nail polish, sequined flats)

Happy Monday to you!

ps. if you are expecting a baby and like the look of a maxi skirt... 

head on over to good tots for more maxi skirt looks!

Easter outfits...

You didn't think I would leave you hanging did you?  The time got away from me, but I wanted to pull some Easter outfits together for you all... for one, because I'm still working out what I am going to wear and two, because, well... because!

Whether you have an informal weekend in the backyard with family or a big formal meal with extended family - here is some wardrobe inspiration.   We have a little of both... casual with the kiddos and dressier for church. (ps, how amazing are these pink shorts?!?! I absolutely MUST have them!)

(above: earrings, shorts, top, jacket, sunglasses, sandals)

(above: dress, earrings, bracelets, flats, nail polish)

(above: earrings, trousers, striped top, wedges, jacket, bracelets)

Happy Easter!

what to wear: royally speaking.

Can you believe that the wedding is just ONE week away? It's just TOO exciting... today I pulled together looks worthy of Westminster Abbey for the big day.  The paparazzi will be in full effect (it will be practically a red carpet event) and I, for one, am waiting with bated breath to see not only what the princess will be wearing... but of course, what all of her fabulous guests will be sporting as well!

I would wear any of these outfits... in fact, I'll be dreaming in these outfits for the next week!

(above: dress, hat, ring, clutch, shoes)

(above: dress, necklace, bracelets, shoes, clutch)

(above: dress, jacket, earrings, shoes, clutch)

What will you (hypothetically, of course) be wearing?

cheap thrills: summer fun!

Looking for some cheap thrills? Check out this fun pieces... all $25 and under, of course!

(pink top, brown top, sandals, skirt, sunglasses, ring, bag)

work it wednesday... literally.

Welcome to another fun installment of work it wednesday - the oldest running series here on good life for less!  It's where I take one look, style or wardrobe piece and 'work it' three different ways!  Today's looks are for you working women out there... after a long day of taking care of kids, I actually dream of putting on a suit and pumps and grabbing a brief case and heading out the door.  Don't get me wrong, I love staying home with my crazy kids - but some days I really miss the adult interaction (and fashion sensibilities, of course!) of an office place.

But whether you are a working mom or a working gal - these business casual to business formal outfits will be perfect for any day in the office!

(above: earrings, trousers, top, shoes, blazer, bracelet)

(above: dress, cardigan, earrings, belt, shoes)

(above: earrings, pencil skirt, top, shoes, watch, clutch)

Any particular styles or pieces you would like to see featured on work it wednesday? If so, DO tell!

my outfit: stop the presses!

Stop the presses... momma got a new jacket. And just in time for late spring, because apparently, late spring in Michigan means temps in the 40's and snow/rain at the drop of the hat.  I know it's so cliche to just talk about the weather. And even more cliche to complain about the weather when you live in Michigan.  But seriously people, and by seriously I mean: SRSLY.  I'm cold. And crabby too as it seems.

So anyway, back to the jacket... it's the Asymmetrical Trench from Gap.  They had ONE left in my size marked down to $29.99. Oh, hello!  That sucker came home with me faster than you can say fast.

I was at the Gap this past weekend because they had a buy one top get one free sale - and that is an amazing deal!  And they had TONS of cute tops... but then as I stood in the store with about half of the store in my hands, I had a revelation.  The tops were all so cute, but I didn't really NEED them.  I know - major buzz-kill huh?  That's so not like me.

I'm kind of regretting it now... but, the fact is that I still have half of my new spring clothes with tags on them (see aforementioned weather rant). So it just doesn't make sense. PLUS, I have a little Chicago shopping trip coming up with a blogger buddy - so technically, I'm saving myself.  Err, my money.

Restraint is so boring.

p.s. do the color combos on my outfit look familiar? This was my inspiration!
p.p.s. have you ever seen me in khakis? I know, right!?!? I've had these forever... from my "working" days!  I was thrilled to whip them back out!

Details:
Jacket, Gap (similar)
Cardigan, Old Navy (similar)
Pink Top, Forever 21 (similar)
Khakis, Gap (similar)
Wedges, Target (similar)

color crushing... blue/purple/white!

When I was in the mall recently it seemed like the blues, purples and whites were popping out at me everywhere.  It's a fun and simple combo and one that is easy to recreate with pieces you own, with a few new pieces thrown in!

(above: dress, cardigan, ring, eye shadow, nail polish set, clutch, sandals)

(above: earrings, purse, white trousers, sandals, striped top, necklace, belt)

Are you loving this combo as much as I am? It reminds me of summer and picnics and beaches!

my outfit: tie it up!

Apparently I am 'into' tying up tops now...  I was also thinking of how tying up a maxi dress on the side would be cute (I think I saw something similar somewhere on the internet) and also how an old college t-shirt would look cute tied up on the side with a pair of high waisted trouser jeans.  I'll just ride this fad into the sunset.

Do you outfit brainstorm and problem solve? It's my favorite way to fall asleep at night... then when I wake up I realize I was half out of my mind and have to start all over again.

How was your weekend? We had a lazy and relaxing one with some fun mixed in... my son started soccer (my absolute favorite!), my in-laws were in town which meant some time out for my husband and I (I love built-in babysitters!), and I ate and ate and ate... food always makes for a fun time in my book. I actually tried lobster for the first time... hello!  Where have those spiky little red tails been my whole life? Yum!  And then Andrew and I also went to our favorite restaurant and enjoyed some bubblies (champy for me and beer for him) and MORE amazing food.  I'll be at the gym all week if you need me...

psst.... circle of moms is looking for the top 25 stylish mom bloggers!  Do you think I'm one of them!?!?  Vote here!

Details:
Chambray Top, Old Navy (similar)
White Tank, Forever 21 (similar)
Dove Necklace, gift (similar)
Jeans, Gap (similar)
Flats, Sam Edelman (similar)
Ring, Forever 21 (similar)