February... the DAMAGE.

Well it's time to come clean on what the 'damage' was for February... and it's not pretty! ha!  This month I focused more on investment pieces and the "ideal" budget of $300 was blown out of the water due to ONE big-ticket purchase.  Read on to see what I bought, what I spent... and some of my thoughts on both.

Gap, Colorblock Sweater, $54.95 at 30% off was $38.46 (seen here!)

J.Crew, Silk Collar Tee, $75 (investment/splurge!) 

Gap, Hot Pink Luxe Baseball Tee, $22.95 at 2 for $30 promotion + 10% off was $13.50

J.Crew, Shirttail Striped Dress, $88 (investment/splurge!)

J.Crew, Tartine Satchel, $325 (investment/splurge!)*

Gap, White Luxe Baseball Tee, $22.95 at 2 for $30 promotion + 10% off was $13.50 (loved so much I got two!)

J.Crew, Boy Shirt in Chambray, $78 (investment/splurge as my current chambray is getting a lot of use)

*ordered online and I haven't seen it yet, so still up for review if I don't like it in person!

Total: $631.46 (saved $34.39)

Some thoughts on the budget: As I have said before... everyone's shopping budget is a personal thing. I share mine here to show you how I stretch (or not) the dollars I have allotted for clothing each month.  But I definitely feel  self conscious doing it (for a lot of reasons). Obviously the handbag put me over the budget! Without it I would have been right on track, but I was socking some cash away for a new bag for a while... so it all worked out.  This month was definitely focused on investments.  Without the bag I would have gotten only 6 pieces for my $300 budget where last month I got 10 (TEN!) pieces for the same budget. Also, note I made one return last month so I updated that post, here.

Some thoughts on the pieces:   I focused on pieces that will work well for spring and a few were purchased in mind for my upcoming spring break trip (the tees and the dress specifically).  I don't usually buy doubles of items, but I really loved these tees from the Gap.  This month I walked into J.Crew challenging myself to find a few things that weren't on sale that I REALLY, REALLY loved and then to just buy them, even if there was a little sticker shock.  I have always been "scared" to buy more expensive items (like this dress or the collared top) even though I love them. So this month's challenge to "splurge" within the budget was a success. Yay! It just goes to show that $300 can still buy a good amount of pieces and great quality too.

These posts are time consuming to put together... but so far it is interesting to track my spending and my purchases.  Last month you guys really liked this type of post... what do you think of my February purchases?

Please note that I never recommend 'charging' or spending beyond your own personal means, please shop responsibly.

February Round Up!

It was a COLD and SNOWY month here... wow!  All I can say is that I am almost shocked I even got dressed that many times... between snow days for my kids, being sick and in general just freezing my tail off. But I think (considering the circumstances!) - it was a good month!

Here's to March!

thoughts on spring!

I sometimes feel like a broken record saying this, but as time evolves my personal style seems to become more and more simple and classic.  I've been combing my favorite online shops and even went on a little 'research' trip to the mall yesterday and now I think I have an idea of my "spring style" nailed down.  And it all comes down to just a few things: classic & simple.  

My goal for this season is to invest in simple basics and classic staples. In the end I want an uncomplicated wardrobe that makes getting dressed ultra simple while still leaving me feeling feminine and comfortable in my own skin.

Here are just a few pieces from my wish list to give you an idea...

(eyelet top, striped top, luxe baseball tee, denim shorts, boyfriend khakis (aren't these adorable? they come in really fun colors!), tote, sandals)

Have you started thinking about your style plan for spring? Next week I will launch the TOP 10 for the season... it's a series you gals always love and I'm excited to bring it to you. So if you are still working on your spring style plan, I will be here to help!

what to pack: Mexican cruise!

It's that time of year: SPRING BREAK season is upon us!!!  A reader emailed saying that she is headed out on a Mexican cruise for spring break (JEALOUS!) and wanted some tips on what to pack.  She's from the great NorthWest so she was worried she wouldn't have enough "summery" pieces to pack.  Luckily the stores are starting to carry spring break wear... so she can easily fill in any blanks with a quick trip to Target, Gap or Old Navy.

You know I am in general a believer in packing light... cruises may be the exception though. You need pieces for dining (a dress or two, no worries on repeating one during the trip), deck clothes for sunning and lounging and of course some shorts and tees for excursions.  Cruises really do involve a lot of packing!  But items can be worn twice and mixed and matched.  I like to choose a color or two (here I choose greens and blues) as a theme and then mix in neutrals to finish the looks. It's an easy way to pack to make sure that everything will go together for the whole trip.

Here are a few suggestions on what to pack!

(from top, left to right)

swimsuit, I recommend a one piece AND a two piece, depending on your mood!

straw tote, for day excursions and bringing mags up to the sun deck

white button front tank, this can be worn for an excursion or with a skirt for dinner

denim shorts, easy to pull on to go up to the deck or explore cities while in port

striped top, goes with anything from shorts to a skirt

linen blend shorts, perfect for throwing on over your suit.

striped dress, simple and pretty for dinner

mini skirt, so cute and versatile, it will go with everything here!

striped sun hat, shade that face!

swim cover-up, easy and cute to wear after snorkeling or sunning

sunglasses, can't forget these!

wedge sandals, perfect for dinner, they are super classy!

v-neck t-shirt, pair with shorts for grabbing lunch or shopping a Mexican market

eyelet top, this sweet little top will keep you nice and cool

sandals, a basic pair of sandals is perfect for everyday wear

Are you headed somewhere super warm for spring break?

my everyday style: the good news and the bad!

These photos were taken over a week ago before I got sick. As in super, super sick.  Influenza.  That's right, I didn't get a flu shot (never have) and was struck DOWN with this nasty virus. Never (I repeat NEVER) will I skip a flu shot again. 'Sick' is an understatement to what I experienced last week... and really, what I am still experiencing.  The flu is not just a really bad cold, it is devastating to your body.

I won't go into all the symptoms and misery, but it's substantial.  There is a reason why young children and the elderly can die from this stuff... heck, at one point I thought maybe I was on the chopping block.  And even a full week later I still have some mild symptoms and am definitely not back to 100%.     It's scary stuff!

So the bad news: I was super sick. The good news: I am on the mend!

But anyway, enough about that.  I've got another winter look for you here... I don't think I've ever done so much layering in one season before. Maybe I am finally getting the hang of it!  I wore this on President's Day... since the kids and my husband had the day off we played tourist in our own city going to the Van Andel Public Museum and Dog Pit for lunch.  It was a super fun family day!

Details:
Sweater, J.Crew
Gingham Top, Old Navy (c/o) - can't get enough of this top!
Jeans, Gap
Jacket, H&M (similar)
Boots, Sole Society

wear now and later: the classic trench!

March will have FINALLY arrived later this week and I, for one, am ready to put February in the books!  We are supposed to get pounded with snow (again) this week and then maybe (just MAYBE) we will be done with the worst of winter.  It's dreamy to think about.  :)

One piece that is always quintessentially spring to me is my trench coat.  It's classic and simple and is the perfect layering piece for rainy and cool spring days.  But why not whip that baby out right now to get in the spring mood? Simply layer it with a sweater and a scarf now (and a pair of boots, can't ditch those yet!) and then this spring wear it with a sweet tank and your favorite boyfriend jeans and sandals.

Voila!

(above: trench coat, sweater, scarf, boots, belt, black pants)

(above: clutch, boyfriend jeans, peplum top, necklace, sandals, trench coat)

(or check out this less expensive trench... so cute also!)

spring obsession: neon + black and white!

This post started out as 'how to style neon jeans for spring'... because boy do I have a hankering for a pair of neon jeans! (or neon anything...) But as I started to pull pieces and inspiration to write and format this post I realized I have a stronger obsession growing for spring... neon with black and white... or just really bright pants within black and white ensembles.

It's a bold and graphic look but one that is really easy, in fact, to pull off.  Colored jeans are EVERYWHERE again for spring this year and black and white should be hanging around your closet already... and of course, I pulled together some fabulous looks to get you extra inspired! (come on spring... we want you here now!)

(above: jeans, glasses, chambray top, tote, leather jacket, shoes - can I just live in this look from now until eternity? sure? k.)

(above: sunglasses, jeans, gingham top, sweater, necklace, flats, clutch)

(above: jeans, striped sweater, bracelet, 'xo' earrings, nail polish, flats)

What do you think of this fun and fresh (and simple!) trend for this spring? 

Sunday Splurge: dreaming in leather!

I've been thinking for a while now about investing in a new handbag for spring... I've been carrying my J.Crew Tillary tote for a little less than a full year now and while I absolutely LOVE it, I am ready for something new and fresh in my life.

In my opinion, it's always worth it to invest in handbags. They are the one item you use every single day and they really get a lot of abuse so you want something that lasts under pressure.  My bag is always in and out of the car 50 million times a day, dragged around stores, sits on the floor of dirty sports facilities and fields while I watch my kids and lugs everything from my wallet to a veritable buffet of snacks, toys and on and on. I really need a larger tote or satchel type handbag and I prefer one with an open top (rather than a flap) and of course, I would prefer leather.  

I've been terribly indecisive on choosing one and I don't know why! (maybe because I just want one of each!)  Here are my top contenders right now... 

1. tartine tote

2. candace carryall

3. mercer isle

4. courtenay hobo

5. tartine satchel

6. maison bag 

Tough decisions... what are your gals' thoughts? Any one that stands out to you? 

I would love your input!

traditional manicure vs shellac manicure (my two cents!)

This post originally wast posted in February/2013… I have updated it February/2015.

(above left: traditional manicure, above right: shellac manicure)

Confession: I'm kind of a manicure junky. 

Reason: when I was in high school I used to get "acrylic" nails because my friends did and also because I had 'boy' shaped nail beds and my nail lady told me that the acrylics would help shape/train my nail bed to be more feminine.  Also, I babysat for my nail lady and I would just have her do my nails instead of pay me sometimes (not my smartest financial decision looking back).  I always swore that when I "grew up" I would treat myself to weekly manicures (that hasn't exactly happened yet... but it's always something to shoot for, right?)

Outcome: I actually DO think that regular manicures have helped shape/train my nail beds to be more feminine.  And in the past year or so I have been fairly regular with shellac manicures. I know it's a treat that not all can afford, but at this stage in my life it works for me.  I've become a shellac addict! I will take breaks and do clear polish every once in a while but for me, I like that my nails are always "set to go" no worrying about how they look for events, meetings or work or last minute polishing at home then ends up chipped or smeared.

Regardless, this is my honest opinion on the pros and cons of each type of manicure:

Shellac Manicure PROS:

• They last about 10 - 14 days.
• They stay shiny the whole time.
• When you walk out of the salon there is zero drying time, so no dents or smudges while putting your seat belt on.
• They are tough as nails, no need to take it easy on them. (cleaning, filing, picking stickers off things, doing dishes, etc will not effect them)
• Your nails are always ready to go!
• There are now more colors and brands than ever! I never have trouble finding a color I like. 

Shellac Manicure CONS:

• You have to go back to the salon to get them taken off (you can do this at home, but it's labor intensive).  Which either costs about $5 or sometimes they will take them off for free if you buy another manicure (more $$$).
• My nails grow quickly and after about 8 days the blank growth spot at the base of my nails starts to bug me. (this is only a pet peeve of mine though)
• Shellac manicures run about $10 more than regular manicures.
• Shellac manicure colors are more limited than regular nail polish choices.  Although now they are offering more colors than ever.
• Some people say that the shellac and removal process has weakened their nails, I have never experienced this.  My nails feel great after they take them off.
• Sometimes they peel off. When I first started getting shellac manicures the polish would start to peel off around the 7th or 8th day.  This can be SO frustrating. If this happens, talk to your nail tech about it. I found out that the brand CND does NOT peel for me personally. The Gelish brand didn't work as great on my nails. Experiment and see what works best and always ask your nail tech questions!

Traditional Manicure PROS:

• TONS of colors to choose from and you can always bring your own colors from home (I like to do this so that touch ups are a breeze - if needed).
• Cheaper than a shellac manicure.
• You can take the nail polish off on your own.
• A traditional manicure lasts about 4 or 5 days for me. I have to be careful with them though (limit cleaning or be careful while cleaning, etc)  Or you can choose Vinylux which lasts much longer - again there are limited colors - but this is a good go between option!  Again, ask your nail tech what they see is working best!
• If you have "difficult" nail beds, nail shape or cuticles (I totally do) then regular manicures will help keep these at bay, making your "at home" manicures in between salon manicures easier.

Traditional Manicure CONS:

• Extra drying time at the salon - I always get so impatient!
• Minor chips are inevitable. (although I will say the salon manicure lasts longer than an at home manicure)

My verdict… is for shellac nails.  Like I said I've been going strong with them for a while now (with occasional breaks to let my nails breath) and I just love.  I think they are worth the investment.

What is your experience with Shellac or Traditional Manicures? Which do you prefer more?

When it comes to at-home manicures, Essie is the way to go for me. THIS is my favorite color.  What are your favorite nail polishes?

my everyday style: good life + Old Navy denim!

This late in the cold-weather season and my denim supplies are starting to deplete.  A few pairs had completely bit the dust and a few more are on their way out... I wear jeans all.the.time. so my rotation of four or five pairs takes a heavy beating on a regular basis.

I was happy to find that Old Navy has tons of great denim styles right now and these skinnies are ultra stretchy and comfortable... (I wore them for three days in a row as soon as I bought them, a sure sign that they are going to be loved for a good long time).  I also really loved all their colored denim options (I'm thinking of going back for this neon pair once the temps warm) and the skinny boyfriend fit is amazing (they are on my wish list for spring!).

Plus, Old Navy is getting all their pre-spring items in stores now and I seriously wanted to snatch up the whole store - there were so many cute pieces.  I settled on these two crisp button front tops that are the perfect weight for layering now and wearing on their own come warmer temps!

I'm excited to announce that I will be featuring fun and fabulous Old Navy style each month on my blog this year!  I will be partnering with Old Navy to become your Old Navy style source, so make sure you check back to see the other fun looks I create.
(please note that this post is sponsored by Old Navy, but my opinions are my own!)

Details:

Gingham Top, Old Navy (c/o)

Floral Top, Old Navy (c/o)

Jeans, Old Navy (c/o)

Clutch, Gap

Wedges, Sole Society

This post is sponsored by Old Navy. Check out Old Navy's latest fashion lineup in store or online at oldnavy.com.

color trend: mint!

Fresh and fun for spring mint is definitely a trend to try this spring!  Any of these pieces would work great with black, white, denim or mixed and matched with other pastels - so mint is super easy to style.

I am excited to get some good wear out of my mint jeans this spring and I would love to add a mint scarf as well.  And that mint bathing suit? LOVE!  Here I picked 18 mint pieces that are all under $100. Go mint-crazy!

(above: bow ring, bracelet, sweater, t-shirt, shorts, chino pants, clutch, earrings, nail polish)

(above: sunglasses, belt, polka dot jeans, earrings, necklace, top, scarf, swimsuit top & bottom)

Are you loving mint lately? 

5 blog tips LINDA would totally give you if you were bff's!

After I wrote this (very popular) post on the 5 tips I would give you on blogging if we were bff's - my gal pal Linda said... "hey, I want to share my tips too!" Yay! The more the merrier!

On a quick side note I have heard from quite a few attendees of the Alt Design Summit (a blogging conference that took place a few weeks back) say that they wished they would have heard the speakers and experienced bloggers spill a little more about their "secrets" to successful blogging.  I don't know if there is really "secrets" to blogging... I think it is a lot of hard work and a touch of luck/opportunity along the way.  But I definitely think that there are tips and tricks that we can share to boost one another  and our blogs up.

That is why I am so happy to bring you another set of 5 tips from Linda today... they are GOOD and I think you will enjoy them!

Hello Good Life readers! I'm Linda from Rose à la Mode and a long time Good Life fan. In fact, Jill's the one who inspired me start my own blog! I've been blogging since 2009 and have learned a few tricks. When I saw Jill's original post, I asked her if I could join in on the fun. So, here are my 5 tips to hopefully help you out.

Tip One: Figure Out Why You're Blogging. This was a tough one for me and a question that I'm still searching for the answer—maybe because the answer changes. But everyone has a different reason to blog. My husband has been blogging full time for the past 5 years and his main goal was to start a business because that's what he loves doing. My main goal (though it has evolved and changed) was because I wanted to shop everyday. Ha! The reason this is important is depending on your goal, you need to take different action steps. For my husband, it is his full time job. For me, I just want a creative outlet, so although I have a few tricks up my sleeve to make some money, that's not my main goal—so I use shortcuts which may not make me much money, but are accomplishing my goal of a creative outlet.

Tip Two: Use Shopstyle and/or RewardStyle. If you post anything about clothes, you should get familiar with these affiliate programs. It just makes your life easier when finding products and you can make a little dough on the side with every product you link to. You may have to explore them a little to figure things out, but it'll be worth it in the end. (Sign up for a Shopstyle account here.)

Tip Three: Try To Get Links From Other Blogs. Everything from guest posting, joining in on link parties, and taking ads on other blogs sites will all bring you more traffic. I've utilized all of these methods and they've really been beneficial and my blog is what it is today because of it. Otherwise, how else will you get the word out? I also really recommend the It List because it is seriously a great avenue for gaining friends and new traffic.

Tip Four: If You're Getting Overwhelmed, Take A Break From Looking At Other Blogs In Your Niche.  Just quit them. This is not a recommended long term solution for many different reasons. However, I have found that when I get overwhelmed with keeping up with the Joneses, I simply take some time to stop looking at others and focus on what I love and want out of this experience.

Tip Five: Be OK With Not Always Being The Best. I have had a really difficult time wondering why I am not as successful as other people in my niche. So much so, that I took off a good 6 months last year just trying to make sense of things. There's so much pressure to "BE ORIGINAL!" that it makes it almost impossible to do so. And then I realized, I don't have to be the best blogger. I don't have to be the most popular. I know I'm not the prettiest girl in the world, and I live on a budget, so buying everything that is sold in stores is out of the question. And all this is OK with me. In fact, I think being limited makes for a better blog because it increases your creativity. It doesn't mean I have nothing to offer and it doesn't mean I should quit. I have decided that it's better this way, because I get to do my thing and not worry about what anyone else is thinking or saying about me. And for me, that is success.

~~~

Thanks so much for sharing Linda!

what to pack: quick trip to California!

I've been prepping for a quick trip to California for a few weeks now, the packing list (and weather report!) seems to be changing everyday making me want to throw in the towel!  So far the temps call for 60's and honest: I don't even remember what 60's feels like.  Probably warm in the sun and cool when the sun goes down.

So I decided to pack mostly basics that can layer well in case the weather is cooler or warmer than expected.  And I am throwing my suit in just in case there is any chance at ALL that it is warmer than expected (hey, a girl has to dream, right?!?).

top, left to right: boyfriend jeans, red blazer, striped top, grey sweater, flats

middle, left to right: scarf, shorts, chambray top, swimsuit, baseball tee, white jeans

bottom, left to right: leather tote, topsiders, sunglasses, clutch

This should all fit super easy in a carry on! 

I may throw a pair of heels in at the last minute in case I am in a "fancy" mood once I get there! :)

{real life update... boo! apparently the LA area is getting bombed with an Alaskan winter storm or something this week... so our trip is officially postponed - who wants to go to LA and have it be cold and rainy?! Not me!  (sad face) but I couldn't help posting this packing list that I had worked on already!}

weekend style: super casual!

Oh I just love this weekend look... this is my ideal weekend wear right here!  What do your weekend plans involve? Delayed Valentines celebrations? A quick getaway for the weekend? I know my kids have a long weekend for Presidents Day. Or maybe shopping some sales... whatever it it, I hope you have a great one (and of course a stylish one!).

get the look: jeans, sweater, glasses, flats, wrap bracelet, gold bracelet

what to wear: Valentines!

Whether you like an evening at home spent snuggling and munching on chocolates or a night out on the town with your beau - these outfits have got you covered.  I'm more of a stay-in type of gal, but I will need something a little festive for the kids' parties at school.  Then my husband has said he will figure out dinner for the night (swoon - it's the little things that get me!) for all of us.  I'm sure some champagne (for the adults) and treats (for the kids!) will also be included in the menu.

I sure hope that whatever you do for Valentines you show those around you how much you love them and splurge on yourself a bit as well! (I'm thinking a pedicure may be in order this afternoon myself...)

(above: dress, clutch, red necklace, "love" necklace, nail polish, pumps)

(above: jeans, heart ring, pink top, heart sweater, purse, flats)

(above: pants, tank, heart socks, sweater, lips necklace, lip balm)

Happy Valentines!

my everyday style: preppy date night!

This past weekend I surprised my husband with a sitter on Saturday night so we could head out to dinner together...  We have had, I won't say a "bad" but I will say a "challenging" start to 2013.  Everything is gliding on as it should, but the weeks have seemed uphill and "character building" at times and on top of that, the weather is really getting me down. I know I tease about it here on the blog and if you meet me at the grocery store. But full honestly: Seasonal Affective Disorder is a "thing" and it seems to be taking it's toll on me lately.  My heart sinks when it starts snowing (again) or when I hear the wind whipping around our house at night keeping me awake or when the furnace acts up again... (I just really need to get that thing looked at!).

We definitely needed a night out to dinner together to relax and regroup.  I just wanted to be comfortable and warm and since I do have enough gumption to realize that the winter will be over soon... I wanted to get some good use out of this new blazer that I just love!

On another note we spent the evening at Brewery Vivant... if you live in Grand Rapids and haven't been there - you don't want to miss this gem! I definitely prefer it in the summer when the beer garden is open, but the food and drinks (and truffle fries - YUM!) are great any time of year.  We have been there a handful of times but have never tried their "beer samplers" before. We did on Saturday and it was so fun tasting new beers together and discussing them.  It was a simple highlight of the evening!

And yes, the snow really IS that deep (almost to my knees!)

Details:
Schoolboy Blazer, J.Crew
Chambray Top, J.Crew
Striped Button Front Top, H&M
Jeans, Gap
Boots, Sole Society
Necklace, Baublebar (similar in pink or yellow)

fresh finds under $50!

February seems like a transitional month for clothes. While I'm still wearing sweaters daily, my sights are definitely set on spring.  But buying t-shirts in a snow storm does seem a little silly (right? or is that my imagination?).

Next month I will likely start hitting the spring shopping seriously, but this month I am focusing on filling gaps in my wardrobe, season-less pieces and simple classics that I simply can't go wrong on.  So if you are in the mood to shop this month without going full on into spring mode... here are some fun pieces under $50 to invest in!

above: 

linen v-neck tee - uhhh, yes please! (and one in each color too!)

sunglasses - love this classic style.

scarf - a fun pop of color for winter and spring.

bow bracelet - I feel drawn to dainty jewelry for spring

striped sun hat - totally out of season, but totally necessary.

tassel key chain - my keys could use an update, what about yours?

driving mocs - super classic for spring, you are going to want these around for when the temps rise.

above:

dainty underthings (bra & undies) - so pretty and luxurious!

bracelet - a pop of color is always fun!

chambray top - if you don't have one yet... buy this!

leopard flats - SUPER cute, no?

fold over clutch: also, one in each color, so simple and practical.

nude belt - goes with everything. seriously.

my everyday style: wintery mix!

I'm a little behind on posting photos and none of these photoshoots resulted in enough photos for one post each and were all taken before I purchased a new lens for my Canon.   But each little outfit had bits and pieces that I loved so I figured I would share them with you anyway.  Are you cool with that?

So as the weather man says... today I have a "wintery mix" for you... enjoy!

white jeans look details:

Jeans, Old Navy (similar)

Vest, J.Crew 

Sweater, J.Crew

Necklace, Baublebar

Boots, Sole Society

winter boots look details:

Sweater, Gap (similar)

Jeans, Gap

Faux Fur Vest, Zara (similar)

Boots, Sorell (I can't find this pair online, but I really love this pair!)

Personalized iPad Mini Case, DODOCase - I take this little guy everywhere!
Watch, Daniel Wellington (c/o)

black look details:

Glasses, Warby Parker "Huxley"

Cardigan, J.Crew

Button Front Top, H&M

Leggings, Gap (similar)

Boots, Nordstrom (similar)

Bracelet, Forever 21