July Outfit Round Up!

Not a lot of outfit photos were taken in July... It can be very hard to keep up with during the summer.  BUT, these were some fun outfits!  I don't know why a lot of them were in pants... I felt like I spent the entire month in shorts!

Also, BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!

I can't believe that the summer is almost over... and when I was going through my closet the other day, I couldn't believe how a few of my favorite summer pieces haven't even been worn much these past two months.  So for August I am doing a 30x30 Challenge!

I've done them twice in the past and while they are a challenge, it is fun to use and re-use the pieces that you love and find new ways of wearing them as you go along.  I'm doing it a little different this time though!  While my outfits will appear from time to time in "outfit posts" here on the blog (like they usually do) the ENTIRE 30x30 Challenge will be documented on Instagram and available DAILY (up to the minute what I am wearing posts) on BOTH Instagram (user: JillGG) and good life's Facebook page.  So follow me at those two places to see how the challenge is going down!  And just to remind you... the 30x30 challenge is where I take 30 items (tops, bottoms, dresses, jackets, shoes) and remix them for 30 days - so 30 outfits!

I'm starting the challenge TOMORROW, August 1!  So watch tonight or tomorrow for photos of the pieces I'll be including in the challenge to be posted on Facebook and Instagram!

Hey, and feel free to join me if you are up for a little challenge!

fun finds...

eek! I'm a little late with a post this morning... this is super rare... but I don't have much for you.  With summer going into it's last few weeks here I seem to be a crazy combination of trying to fit every last thing in and being a little burnt out at the same time.  Last night instead of sitting down to write a post, I sat on the patio with my husband and relaxed.  It was wonderful!

I didn't want to leave you empty handed though... and I had these two pieces saved in my "inspiration for a post" file.  So while I won't write a whole post around them, I will say... aren't they stunning together? I don't even know if these two pieces are "my style" per se - but the colors are so striking (especially together!).

(top/pants)

In other news, I'm working on the Fall 2012 looks:book!  

This season I have been brainstorming on a new way to deliver this service to you... and I think that I have come up with something that you gals will love and that will be just as inspiring as it has always been.  Look for that to roll out in August!  

(I'm shooting for August 6, but I am not making promises at this point!)

How to organize your closet (in a meaningful way!)!!!

One of the most popular posts to date here on good life has been the post from about a year and a half ago featuring my closet.  You can find the post here - and in it you will find (amongst blurry pictures) lots of tips and tricks on how I organize my closet.

This past weekend my husband (yes, you read that right) helped me purge my closet.  First of all, let me  say it wasn't planned or even on my radar of things to do.  But I feel about a million times lighter this morning after it is all done and over.  While the previous closet post was mainly geared towards how to organize a closet... this post is going to be about the process of purging or "making under" (as Jess would say) your closet.  This post is about how to organize your closet to bring it back to a place where it completely reflects you and your life.  And let me tell you - this is an amazing feeling!

This whole closet over haul started with a dare from my husband to get rid of (donate) three pairs of shoes.  I needed to take the existing shelf out of my closet, the one holding all the shoes, and put two smaller shelves in it's place.  My husband was helping me move furniture and we quickly realized that the new shelves in the closet would make the closet appear bigger, but would actually serve as less storage space.  I resented it and found three pairs of shoes to get rid of.  Then I realized how good that felt - why was I holding on to those shoes that didn't fit me great, didn't fit my lifestyle, or that I didn't even really like any more?  Seriously? Why? I couldn't answer that question.  I think some of it had to do with the fact that as a "style blogger" I was nervous that my closet wasn't GOOD enough.  (Or that, gasp, even I wasn't good enough)  So I thought - if I have plenty of shoes (and clothes and purses and belts)... well... that makes me something. Right?  Wrong.

After the shoes we moved on to clothes (which I had already recently purged, but found I needed to do again), to scarves, to jewelry/accessories, to belts and to handbags.  In the end I probably emptied over half of what was in my closet.  I bagged it up and sent it all to the Salvation Army.

My husband was seriously my guide in this project (because I do think you need accountability when doing an overhaul to this extent).  He asked me some really great questions and I got down to the nitty gritty with asking myself questions too.  And my answers were kind of lame.

• When was the last time you wore that? (um, I can't remember)
• When is the next time you will wear that? (uh, I don't know!)
• Does that fit you? (kinda?!)
• Does that piece make you feel good? (not recently)
• Does that piece fit your lifestyle? (I was keeping old suits from when I worked outside of the home - no!)
• Is this piece a part of your future or your past? (whoa! good one! A lot of pieces I realized had nothing to do with the current direction of my life)
• Would you re-buy this piece today? (errrr, no)

As I look to start my fall shopping (and shopping for the rest of my life)... it is my goal to make wise investments on clothing pieces that I know I will love and cherish and that hopefully in 6-12 months from now I will look back on and say "Yes, I would buy that again!" or "Yes, that was worth the money!" or "Yes, that piece made me look and feel great this year!"

My husband also had one really great point at the end of the whole project... after I had vacuumed and dusted and cleaned and put everything back in the closet just so - he said: "Now think of how great this closet looks now... when you go shopping ask yourself: 'Is this piece worthy of entering this beautiful and inspired place I have created for myself?' " - Whoa, right!? (he's a keeper!)  So I technically consider the closet pictures from the previous post as my "before" and these photos below as the "after".

In the end... there is still plenty of shoes, purses and clothes in my closet. I didn't "sacrifice" anything that I loved.  This over haul has given me permission to invest in new pieces that I love in seasons to come that follow the direction of my life.  It gives me permission to replace things that I once loved that are worn out (there was quite a few instances of this with worn out shoes).  And even better it gives me a pure view of my wardrobe.  The items I loved were being overwhelmed by the items I didn't love giving me a "I don't have anything to wear" problem every time I walked into my closet.  Now I walk in and feel inspired and invigorated by my clothing choices.  I don't feel guilty looking at pieces I haven't worn in a while or at shoes that are falling apart. I just feel freedom to look and feel my best!

wear it now (and later!)...

You gals loved the wear it now (and later!) post last week... and since my mind is churning with fall looks right now (as I think your is too), I thought I would keep these posts coming until the weather cools.  I still haven't done much "official" fall shopping,  but two things that are on my list this year are: a military jacket in army green (I'm deciding between this one and this one) and suede booties (these to be exact - they are very cute in person!).

So here I styled each of these items in fun outfits that are totally wearable now... and definitely once the weather cools off!

(above: tank, shorts, flip flops, jacket, sweater, jeans, flats, earrings)

(above: t-shirt, scarf, shorts, boots, blazer, chambray shirt, clutch, purple jeans)

Sunday Splurge!

A gorgeous bright blue handbag like the Telegram Mini-Satchel from J.Crew would be my dream handbag for fall.  It's just bright enough for a season that is usually on the 'toned-down' end of the color spectrum.  This bright blue would be perfect with fall staples like jeans, cords, boots and blazers.  (this bag is gorgeous too!)

Or for a "save" version... check out this option!

what to wear: weekend! {Olympic Style!}

Doesn't all this Olympic spirit get you in the mood to get physical?  I've been a total slacker this summer on working out... which is a shame, I really have no excuse.  So for some 'inspiration' I figured some new work out duds might be in order - and also, I desperately need them (my currents have, um... "expired" you could say.  Yeah, they are getting gross).

Plus Old Navy has really stepped up their work out attire lately - so cute! - and I'm curious to give them a try.

So here's to Team USA and to getting back on track with working out... and if these cute work out clothes aren't enough inspiration, well I'm sure this and this are.  Beautiful!

(ear buds, compression pants, pink tank, blue tank, purple sports bra, toiletries pouches, 

gym bag (so cute!) running shoes)

PLUS! Use "ONSAVE25" before Monday to save an additional 25% off at Old Navy (woo hoo!).

summer staples! {birthday edition}

This weekend is going to be one FULL of celebration!  The Summer Olympics begin tomorrow in London... and who doesn't love the Olympics!?!? (Plus, have you seen this amazing Olympic poster? so cool!) I will be watching for sure.  If not for rooting on Team USA then definitely for Kate Middleton sightings.  Shallow, yes. Fashionable, for sure.

Also, I celebrate my birthday this weekend!  Yay!  Another year older and wiser.  Birthdays are fun... and dare I say even more so on weekends!  I'm excited to see my husband again who has been traveling all week and get some fun and relaxation in.  And we have a fun date night scheduled as well.  It's been forever since I've been out with the guy and I'm looking forward to good food and celebration!

So here is my summer staples... birthday edition!  The summer staples series is simple... all I need is a little something to sip on, snack on, wear, read and some great sunnies.  Simply put - they are just my summer style staples!

1. A little bubbly is a necessity for birthday celebrations!  I love these adorable Sofia cans.  

Perfect for picnics or the beach!

2. Let (me) eat cake!

3. I always think I'll 'dress up' for my birthday. But the fact is I am much happier with the basics!  This look would be perfect for a casual date night.  (nail polish, jeans, tank, necklace, clutch, flats)

4. I just snagged this new release from the library.  Gold: A Novel by Chris Cleave is a book about cyclists in the Olympics.  How timely!  I'll have my nose in this book this weekend for sure!

5. Love aviators.  Oldies but goodies.

Must haves: skin care!

Recently a reader asked (via Instagram, I believe!) if I would focus on what some of my "Must Haves" are from time to time.  And of course I love to deliver what you gals are looking for!

For my beauty routine I am always changing things up.  I never used to be a "beauty junkie" but these days I totally am.  Plus, my skin has become very 'difficult' as I age.  Who knew zits are worse now than in high school? Age-fail.  I always try to keep my products on the "natural" side (I know that means different things to different people)... for me that means avoiding products that contain mineral oil, parabens, animal by-products and some other gross things.  I am so thankful that products that avoid these ingredients are now becoming more popular.

Here's what I've been using on a daily bias these days...

• Origins Modern Friction... this is the best exfoliant that I have tried.  Ahem, and I have tried a lot.  My skin is SO soft after using this.  I usually exfoliate in the morning... three times a week or so. (I recommend using this on DRY skin though... if you use it on your skin when it's already wet - like in the shower - it doesn't exfoliate as well)
• Yes to Blueberries Facial Towlettes... I was hesitant to try these cleansing clothes (I don't know why).  But I absolutely LOVE these.  They are perfect to keep in your beach bag after a sweaty day at the pool or beach and leave your skin feeling soft and clean and they are great at removing eye make-up too.
• Origins Checks and Balances... best face wash ever. It's soft and foamy and cooling with it's minty scent.  Plus you can literally use less than a pea size of this and it's all you need.  So this tube is about a lifetimes' supply (not really, but pretty much!).  This is my day and night cleanser when I'm not exfoliating.
• Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Eye Gel... I am a firm, firm believer in eye cream/gel.  The skin around our eyes are the first thing to age, so I use this gel day and night to conquer tired eyes and wrinkles.  If I could go back in time I would start using an eye cream like the day I was born.  
• DermaE Hyaluronic Acid Rehydrating Serum... another great product to combat aging. Serums are a must use every day.  This one is oil free and if you have oily skin can double as a light moisturizer too.  I've tried a lot of the DermaE products and really like them.
• Derma E Very Clear Moisturizer... this is the perfect moisturizer for my skin.  It's very thick, but feels light on my face and is loaded with Tea Tree Oil to stop bacteria from invading my skin.  

3 ways to wear the J.Crew Pixie pant...

Have you seen the J.Crew Pixie pant and asked yourself "How would I style those adorable Pixie pants?"

In real life I wear leggings a lot... and from time to time they even show up here on the blog.  For me leggings are quick and look nice and a comfortable to wear as a busy mom.  I'm seriously in the market for a new pair because I have completely worn out the previous two pairs that I have owned.  While perusing the recent J.Crew catalog I came across the Pixie pant and instantly fell in love with the look.  I'm so excited to try them on as they are a little dressier than a regular "legging" and also a little more of an investment as well.  But after having to trash two pairs of $25 leggings, it seems right to invest more in a pair that will last longer.  Doesn't it?

Here are three ways to style the J.Crew Pixie pant (or style a pair of leggings you may already own!) for the rest of summer... for fall they would be perfect with boots and a blazer - but that's me getting a little ahead of myself!

I always go for loose layers when styling my leggings... that and a salad for lunch and a little "suck it in" action! (wink, wink!)

(above: sunglasses, pants, tank, scarf, flats, bracelet)

(above: pants, top, wedges, rings, necklace, iPhone case)

(above: nail polish, pants, top, necklace, clutch, sandals)

my outfit: minty keen!

I thought I would spare you from my legs today... you can thank me later.

ANY way... some days I want to just grab my yoga pants or leggings and then go.  Then I remember that I have standards.  Damn standards.  So I grab these mint jeans (or the red version works well too!) instead.  They are seriously so soft and comfy.

Speaking of "standards" I just recently started subscribing to The Daily Love as suggested by Jess of Makeunder My Life.  It's really great getting the uplifting emails each morning... but this one quote has been really rocking my world lately (I even tweeted about it!) it's so simple and so true.

" ...self-esteem is directly related to keeping promises to ourselves. When we do, we esteem ourselves. When we don't, there is a part of us that knows that we have let ourselves down."

So simple as it is... NOT reaching for the yoga pants or leggings gives me better self-esteem.  It also reminds me to keep up with other promises I have made to myself: to eat well, to exercise, to follow my faith... and the list goes on.

Do you esteem yourself with the decisions you make? Or work to? It can be difficult... but worth it!

Details:
Top, H&M
Jeans, Target
Shoes, Steve Madden
Necklace, Mimi's the Look (c/o)

I need these! 6 MUST have sweaters for fall!

The first thing I thought of when I saw these sweaters is "I need these!" Which is what I SHOULD have called last week's loafer post. Because I'm still doing the numbers on how I can own each and every pair that I featured there (so far the numbers aren't really working in my favor).

And today I have another doozy for you with these ADORABLE (yes, I'm screaming) graphic sweaters!   And the best part is that each of these is under $25. I mean come on.  They are practically giving style away!

(green polka dots, navy with red heart, white polka dot, 

grey with pink heart, beige polka dot, cream stripes)

I love how they paired some of these with colored jeans... that is EXACTLY how I would style them!  Too fun! Are you loving these fun sweaters as much as I am?

my outfit: tan legs!

Right off the bat... for some reason my legs look freakishly tan in these photos.  I don't know why!  (I'm going to blame the lighting) It couldn't be because I sit at the pool for hours on end, could it?  But no really, I don't know how they even got this tan, I'm not one of those crazy ladies that sits and suns and oils up all day.  Promise. I'm just one of those OTHER crazy ladies that sits at the pool with her kids for endless hours because it's the only thing we can think to do with our time anymore this summer.  To you it looks like relaxation, to me, it's Groundhog Day the movie.

Is there some trick that if I just get the girl to fall in love with me after a snow-ball fight that it will suddenly be September? Let me know if you have the passcode to get out of this endless summer.

I'm not complaining, no, this is better than snow... I will say that.  But maybe I am complaining just a little.  These kids are bonkers.

Details:
Sweater, J.Crew (yes, it's a lightweight sweater... what can I say, I freeze in air conditioning!)
Belt, Gap
Shorts, DIY
Shoes, Sperry
Sunglasses, Warby Parker RX Sunglasses "Mabel" style

wear it now (and later!)

It is usually about this time of year that my mind starts wandering from cut off shorts and tanks tops to fall clothes.  Sure I'm still sweating it out over here in Michigan, summer is by no means even close to over.  But my love towards summer clothes... yeah, that's pretty much over!

So while I've got my eye on some new pieces for fall... I'm thinking we can remix these pieces into our wardrobes now.  So here are two pieces I've really been loving (this navy dress - with pockets! so cute! and these light purple jeans) in outfits perfect for now... and for later!

(above: necklace, tote bag, sandals, dress, blazer, clutch, pumps)

(above: chambray top, purple bracelet, green bracelet, sandals, purple jeans, polka dot sweater, clutch, glasses, flats)

Sunday Save (no splurge required!)

Today's Sunday Splurge (and save!) is JUST a save!  How about that? Old Navy has re-issued it's popular colored skinny jean for fall in 31 (yes thirty one!) colors and finishes.  Whoa!  And since colored jeans aren't going any where for fall... (yep, you betcha they are sticking around!) it's time to add a few new colors to your wardrobe!

I know I have my eye on about two or three new colors... and I'm super excited for a colorful fall. Usually fall clothes are so muted, but this season is definitely going to be a bright one!

Check out my top ten (hey, what can I say? It was hard to narrow down my favorites!) for fall...  and each of these are UNDER $35. Definitely time to stock up!

(Old Navy Rockstar Color-Pop Skinny Jeans)

I have my eye on the "Plum Tonic", "Tsunami" and "Bright Night"... although, given the opportunity I could snag one of each with no complaints!

weekend style!

I've been wanting to try a white on white look all summer... I don't know why I have yet to execute it!  I love the simplicity of the look and all you have to do is add some fun pops of color and you are set to go!

Maybe you will give it a try this weekend too?  I am hoping to relax and unwind a bit this weekend... I've been a frenzied and stressed (worse) version of myself this week.  Summer has gotten under my skin and I'm physically and mentally exhausted.  We still have 6 (six!!!) more weeks of summer vacation around here and most days I don't know how we are going to survive!  Lately I have been taking solace in this Bible verse and for the next couple of weeks my kids have a myriad of summer camps and activities that I am hoping will make the days full, fun and fast.  That's all a busy mom could ask for!

(sunglasses, jeans, top, bracelet, nail polish, flats)

blogger social?

If you follow me on Twitter you may remember me polling my followers recently about a West Michigan blogger meet up.  It will be purely social, purely fun and only for bloggers!  If you are interested, please, please leave a comment or let me know.  I would love to plan an event for 6 of us or 60 of us.  But either way... I really need to know how many to expect!

p.s. I have some fun ideas on how the night would go... but if you have ideas on what would make for a fun night - let me know those too! Comment or email me!

Birchbox July!

I completely missed out on showing you gals my June Birchbox and I'm bummed about that, because as usual there were some great finds in there!  The June box arrived just as I was getting ready to leave for vacation, so it was a little crazy around here.

But now my July Birchbox has arrived and I am digging in to all these fun samples!

If you are not familiar with Birchbox it is a monthly mailing of beauty samples and other miscellaneous items.  The box costs $10 a month and usually has at least one full sized product, so I always feel like the box is "worth it."  This month the theme was the five senses...  Here's what was in my box!

Here's a breakdown of what the box contained:

• Jouer Luminating Moisture Tint - let's talk about this first, because it's my favorite piece in the box!  It's oil free, SPF 20 and feels like nothing on the skin.  But it offers a really great healthy glow feel to the skin that is perfect for summer time. I've been wearing this as my foundation all week and LOVE it!  And I just ordered the full size!  (although, this little sample has about a week's worth!)
• Boscia Blotting Linens - I've never used these and to be honest, wouldn't have bought them on my own. But this summer is a scorcher, so I'm popping these in my purse and can't wait to use them!  A full size package of these contains 100 sheets, but I think 25 is more than enough for a sampler... no?
• Eyeko Liquid Eyeliner - I haven't tried this because it's purple... but it's not to mean that I won't.  I did test out the liner on my hand and it's got a really nice soft tip with a great line.  And I happen to love liquid eyeliner... so this will get put away for a girls night out.  I think this was a full size liner too - great deal!
• Oscar de la Renta "live in love" perfume sample - another one I probably wouldn't have EVER tried and I totally love it.  It's like taking your guys' favorite scent and adding a little femininity to it.  I always love mens cologne, so this is perfect for me! (it's not ACTUALLY mens cologne... it just reminds me of it in the best way possible!)
• Birchbox earphones in neon - these were a fun addition and I'll pop them in my purse for the gym.  They match my gym shoes!
• Uber LARA bar... my kids ate this before I could snap a picture... I guess they liked it!

If you are interested in signing up for Birchbox... I highly recommend it!  Not only is it fun to get a little package in the mail each month, it's also been a really great way for me to find new products without hanging out at Sephora or the beauty counter all the time! (who has time for that anyway?) Use this link!

pattern trend: polka dots!

I'll be honest I didn't really think I was hopping on the polka dot trend wagon this season.  But then I noticed that polka dots were popping up in my posts here recently... and well, I guess unconsciously I was loving them!  (posts are here, here and here!)

Here I pulled together some very fun polka dot pieces that are perfect to wear as the summer wanes... and as a bonus, all the pieces are UNDER $100!

Some of my favorites? This dress, this swimsuit, this blazer (I die!) and these shoes... I mean, how fun are these?

(above: dress, bracelets, swimsuit, jacket, cosmetic case, headband, flats)

(above: blazer, sunglasses, skirt, scarf, top, bangle bracelet, tote bag, wallet, shoes)

Celebrating!

Celebrating this little lady turning a "high five" today!  She loves her brother more than anything, recently discovered she is a little dare devil that loves roller coasters (the Disney variety) and is a total Beach Betty.  She's also going to Kindergarten this fall... such a big girl.  And such a sweetheart.

Abigail... we love you!  Happy Birthday!

3 ways to integrate classic denim into your summer wardrobe!

I'm forever a denim fan.  You probably know this already.  With all the fun colored denim and the warmer temps, the regular old tried and true blue denim has fallen by the wayside this season.  But it's always a classic and most of it still have plenty of it hanging around our closets.  Why not bring this basic back out to refresh your fun and colorful summer wardrobe?

In the first look, pull out a denim top and pair it with your brightest summer shorts!  Or in the second look take your favorite skinnies and dress them up with a tank and structured jacket for a business casual day at the office or an evening out.  And lastly spruce up your favorite maxi dress (this one is so gorgeous and feminine!) with a denim vest.  Don't have a denim vest hanging around? Stop by the thrift store to snag an old denim jacket and cut off the sleeves for this trendy look!

(above: sunglasses, clutch, shorts, top, sandals)

(above: jeans, tank, jacket, belt, earrings, shoes)

(above: initial necklace, bag, vest, shoes, dress)

New Arrivals...

When I polled my Instagram (user: JillGG) followers recently about what new features or series they would like to see on the blog there was a resounding answer: shopping budgets!  And even more specifically, my shopping budget.  This one I totally get, as a lot of bloggers share how much they are purchasing items for in their outfit posts, how much they spend monthly on their wardrobes or do "haul" posts.  None of which I have really participated in in the past.

The fact is, I don't have a clothing "budget".  Not that I get to spend whenever I want or whatever I want. No, that isn't the case at all. I spend as I am able. If there is money in the account and I have paid all the bills and the necessary stuff, then I determine if it is appropriate to spend for myself or the kids.  That's not very scientific, but I always pay with cash (or with debit) so that is how I determine if I can spend or not. If I have it.

In addition, I tend to shop seasonally.  That is doing ONE BIG shop at the beginning of the season by following the guidelines in my seasonal looks:books. (These trips I usually "save up for" in advance)

BUT, I always like to produce content that is interesting and relatable to my readers.  Plus, I claim to be living the "good life for less" - and I don't mind talking about how much I spend on clothes (because it's a number I feel comfortable with). So I thought as I shop, I will update you on my purchases... is this something that is interesting to you?  If so... speak up! I always like your feedback!

When we were on vacation in Florida I shopped at the J.Crew Outlet that was right near our hotel.  Summer can be a tough time to shop because I tend to want to save my money for fall clothes... but I found these two sweaters that were perfect for the in-between.  Both sweaters are cotton, so are perfect for all seasons.  The striped sweater was marked down to $39.99 with an additional 40% off, so it was $23.99.  The orange sweater was $49.50 with 50% off, so it was $24.75.

So total for this trip to the J.Crew Outlet (not including purchases for my kids): $48.74.

~~~

So while this wasn't a very "exciting" shopping trip... does this type of series interest you? I'd love your feedback!

6 sweet loafers you'll adore!

I am absolutely IN LOVE with these adorable loafer collection from the Gap!  They are all under $50 and feature such fun patterns and colors... the fabrics range from canvas to suede to calf hair and it's pretty safe to say that I want a pair of each of these!

Check out these fun styles and then read on for my tips on how I would style each of them...

Pink Suede Loafers... these would be adorable this fall with boyfriend jeans, a vintage tee shirt and blazer.  Simple and refined!

Herringbone Loafers... I would style these with some black skinny jeans, a simple tank and some Wayfarer sunglasses!  

Leopard Calf Hair Loafers... for a casual Friday at the office pair these with cropped trouser pants and a  simple chambray top.

Green Embroidered Loafers... I adore these for the weekend with skinny jeans and your favorite sweater (think fall - it's right around the corner!)

Yellow Tassle Loafers... pair a simple jacket with a pair of cut-offs for a relaxed but sophisticated look.

Polka Dot Calf Hair Loafers... these would be adorable with your favorite pair of colored jeans and a striped top for a fun and graphic look!

my outfit: boyfriend jeans!

I'm a huge fan of boyfriend jeans. But admittedly, mostly on other people.  I think they look fabulous on other bloggers but I don't always get the "I love this outfit" vibe when I wear them myself.  That was until this past weekend when I tried them (again, for the first time) and loved them.  Now our fate is sealed, me and my boyfriend jeans.  They were just the touch of casual and comfortable I needed.

If you are like me and wondering how best to wear boyfriend jeans, I would suggest wearing them with a casual vibe.  Wearing boyfriend jeans with a flowy and relaxed top keeps the whole look cohesive (and comfortable!).  And since boyfriend jeans show off your ankles well... make sure you wear a beautiful sandal or shoe to keep the look flattering!

Details:
Top, Old Navy
Jeans, Old Navy
Sandals, Target
Purse, Tillary Tote by J.Crew
Bracelet, Towne & Reese (c/o)
Sunglasses, Kate Spade via GILT

what to wear: summer concerts!

After I wrote this post showing what (not) to wear to a concert, or specifically, what I wore to a concert... a reader said, "hey, what SHOULD we be wearing to all these super fun summer concerts?" (and festivals, I might add).

Not that there is anything wrong with wearing red jeans and a chambray shirt to a concert (contraire mon frere!)... I happen(ed) to think that outfit was just fine.  But it wasn't very "concerty" - I'm with you on that. (But I should note: I myself am not very "concerty" thus, the outfit).

So here are some bonafide "concerty" outfits.  Just for you stylish ladies, because I know there are some tickets to amazing shows and venues just BURNING a hole in your summer shorts' pockets these days.  (and for that, I am jealous because there is nothing better than a summer concert)

(above: dress, sunglasses, cross body bag, necklace, sandals)

(above: sunglasses, earrings, shorts, top, cross body bag, moccasins)