red, white and blue week...

I thought it would be fun to do some red, white and blue inspired posts for the upcoming holiday. Fourth of July always seems to sneak up on me... but it's such a fun holiday. Especially with the kids... they love to decorate their bikes with patriotic garb for the local bike parade and then the big candy-throwing, fire-truck blaring, local-shmocal parade that follows. Not to mention fun with friends, fireworks, watermelon and popsicles.

Here's some stylin' patriotic outfits... no applique flags or sequins here though folks!

Shortsleeve Tops by Forever 21
Sandals by Tommy Hilfiger

Wide Leg Pants by Old Navy
Sandals by Gap

Shorts by Gap
Sandals by Steve Madden

Are you already looking forward to the long holiday weekend?

speaking of leopard print...

Since posting my outfit yesterday I couldn't stop thinking about how a dash of leopard print can really jazz up an outfit... but in moderation. The thing I love about leopard print is that it acts as a neutral so it can pretty much go with everything.

I would love each and every one of these pieces in my wardrobe to dress up a simple outfit:

A little leopard clutch like this would be perfect for a night out on the town or to stash with the basics and throw in your diaper or gym bag. (Bebe, $19)


Leopard Print sunnies would be fun for a day at the beach... I love the retro look to these. (Urban Outfitters, $10)


I love the idea of having just a little bit of leopard print peeking out on your feet. These sandals are adorable! (Steve Madden, $39.99)


Similar to the belt in my previous post I just LOVE this one from JCrew... (JCrew, $39.50)


I'm currently on the hunt for some great leopard print flats... these may fit the bill! (Steve Madden, $89.95)


How do you feel about leopard print?

good look for less EXPRESS: Britney!

Today's EXPRESS wardrobe consultation is for Britney! Britney is a mom to a nine month old baby, so last summer she was in maternity clothes. Now she's got some catch-up to do to get her wardrobe back in order before summer. She describes her lifestyle as casual and her style as classic and romantic (those Personal Style, Defined posts so handy for readers when they describe their style to me! I love it!)

This outfit is perfect for running errands or early mornings at the park. Layers are both a very classic and a romantic look. I love the floral handbag. Perfect for summer!

Cardigans by Forever 21
Flats by Lucky Brand

I love this outfit... perfect for a rainy day or swap the wellies out for some sandals and this look is great for a sunny day as well. Stripes are instant classic and some flirty earrings and a bangle bracelet complete the look while still keeping it easy.

Shortsleeve Tops by Old Navy
Boots by Chooka

I love the idea of a tunic/mini-dress paired with a straight leg or skinny pant. It's very cute and practical for moms. This floral number is just adorable!

Cropped Pants by LOFT
Sandals by Steve Madden

Happy Shopping Britney!

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Interested in learning more about my wardrobe consultation services? Click here! And don't forget... paid consults are $5 off in honor of the one year anniversary of my consultation services until THIS FRIDAY! Don't miss out!

personal style, defined: rock & roll chic!

It's safe to say that my "alter-ego" is rock & roll chic! I love the edginess of this look... while still maintaining the good girl image. Maybe it's the juxtaposition that is such a draw for me. Either way... I had a blast pulling together these pieces and looks... because I yearn to be that "bad girl" - well, sorta, not really, just kinda. You know!?!? (Who *doesn't* want to be "with the band" though!?!?). It's a very cliche American girl thing. Don't forget to check out Jackie's rock & roll inspired interiors!


(Details: 1. Biker Jacket, Forever 21, $37.80 2. Keltic Stretch Platform, Madden Girl $39.95 3. Betsey Johnson Sunglasses, Endless.com, $50.00 4. Always Skinny Destructed Jeans, Gap, $49.99 5. High Heel Tee, Forever 21, $8.80 6. Metal Link Necklace, Topshop $22 7. Two Finger LOVE Ring, ASOS, $13.70 8. Stud Loyal Tote, Steve Madden, $88)

How about some outfits now?

Your personal style might be "rock & roll chic" if you like motorcycle jackets and wearing sunglasses after sundown...

More Gap...

Your personal style might be "rock & roll chic" if you like studded accessories and sky high heels...

More Steve Madden...

So whaddya say? Is there a bit of a rocker in you? Stop by Jackie's blog to see her take on this look for your home!

good LOOK for less: Tonya of Kotori!

A few weeks back Tonya contacted me to do a quick wardrobe consult for her to spruce up her winter wardrobe a bit! Many of you may know Tonya from her lovely blog, Kotori. She's a busy mom from Texas that not only blogs, but has a little jewelry business on the side that is a MUST SEE for moms looking for timeless ways to honor their children in jewelry form.

Tonya had a budget of about $200, including a gift certificate for Nordstrom that she wanted to use for some new boots and two great pairs of Sevens jeans to build on. Here's what her shopping list looked like:

If your wardrobe needs a spruce up this time of year... think tops and fun accessories! You won't believe how far your money can go! Here's some outfits I put together for Tonya...

I can't say enough about the power of metallics this season. They keep your look modern and sophisticated and every shade between silver and gold are perfectly acceptable - so they are easy too! I love this look because it is very simple to wear, but looks great, no?

You know me... I just love scarves! Add them to this casual outfit for a bit of texture and flair. I am loving this casual "mom-friendly" outfit that is chic as well!

Tonya has an creative side. I wanted to reflect that in her clothing as well, but without going overboard. This bold yellow top and floral necklace do the trick, if I do say so myself.

Happy Shopping Tonya!

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Interested in learning more about my wardrobe consultation services? Click here or email me at goodlifeforless @ gmail.com!

good LOOK for less: Hannah, new mom and nurse-to-be!

I recently got an email from Hannah, a busy, busy new mom wanting to spruce up her wardrobe a bit for the cooler months. Here's a bit of her note to me:

I am a 21 year old mother (to a 6 month old), wife, and a student working to obtain my degree as an RN. I am looking to work on my wardrobe for this fall and coming winter. I have always given into t shirts and sweatshirts and would like to kick my old habits. I like to dress more on the "classic", simple side of fashionable. I love stores such as J Crew, Gap, Anthropologie, Ann Taylor Loft, etc. but dont really know how to work these types of styles into a budget and get the right pieces. I definitely dont mind getting these styles at more budget friendly retailers! Being that I am a mother, wife, and student, I am really busy. I spend my days in the classroom, running errands, or at home taking care of my family & house so I am looking for more of a casual style.

She's smart and busy but that doesn't mean she can't have a stylish wardrobe that can work with all of her needs! Hannah's budget was only $300, but with that I was able to compile 21 new wardrobe pieces and 9 new looks for her! She started off with a pair of sweet grey slouchy boots and two pairs of premium denim. From there I added some great tops and versatile accessories. Check out her shopping list:


(yes, that grey cardigan might look familiar... I snatched one up for myself too! You know, just a little "research"!)

For Hannah I chose several basic neutral pieces but up-ed the style with modern cuts and bold but versatile accessories! Case-in-point. There is nothing over done or fancy about this outfit. But is casual and sophisticated and quickly pulled together with simple accessories.

Black skinny jeans "dress up" the look a bit, but over all this is still a very simple and achievable outfit. Perfect for work, play or maybe even a night out!

Grey sweater, what grey sweater? Oh THAT grey sweater. Seriously peeps. I had to physically make myself NOT wear this sweater today. I'm not going to divulge how many days in a row I have been throwing it on over my outfit. It's just THAT perfect. Here with some simple layers and sassy boots this is one great busy mom outfit!

Thanks Hannah! I hope you had a blast shopping!

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Interested in learning more about my wardrobe consultation services? Check THIS out. And, I am going to start a new wait-list system for the good LOOK for less EXPRESS consults (the FREE ones!) - so email me ASAP to get on the list and tell your gals too! goodlifeforless @ gmail.com