my outfit: cozy layers!

So my son has a joke that I find endlessly funny for I don't know what reason... basically the joke is him just saying: "Hey mom, I'm looking for the thing with the thing with the thing... have you seen it?" Or "Have you heard about the thing with the thing with the thing." Or any variation of those two. Don't ask me why, must be his tone of voice or silliness or seriousness when saying it. But I just die laughing.

This outfit kind of reminds me of that joke... It's "the sweater with the sweater with the jacket." ya know?


Yeah, you got that right... two sweaters. What can I say I get cold!


Any chance I can get a couple of myself cloned... you know for a jill with a jill with a jill? This time of year is always SO busy, with Halloween, my sons upcoming birthday then straight to the holidays, oh, and if you haven't heard... I launched a new blog too. You know... for all of my free time. (yeah right!) You should stop by... it's pretty cute and fun over there!

So I am now taking applications for nannies, email answerers, ghost writers, house cleaners, dinner makers and nap takers (a girl has got to get some rest!). Your name has to be Jill though. And the pay stinks. Sorry!

Details:

Jacket, courtesy of Lands End Canvas (similar style, similar color & really cute!)

White Sweater, LOFT (similar)

Striped Sweater, Forever 21 (similar)

Jeans, Seven for all Mankind (similar)

Clogs, UGG

good look for less: EXPRESS!

Today's consult is for Gena... she and her husband are celebrating 15 years of marriage and are heading to Gatlinburg, Tennessee for a long weekend together (no kids!) to celebrate. How fun! She wanted outfits for walking around and spending time with her husband. I checked the weather there for this time of year (because I'm nerdy like that and I have this dream that I will live in Tennessee someday, I'm weird obsessed with it. Weird.) The temps should be in the 60s and 70s during the day and cool in the evenings. So layers are key.

Let's take a look at the outfits I pulled together for her!

My goal was to pull together cozy, chic, casual looks together. This is one of my favorite of the three looks. It's refined but casual and while it's perfect for a weekend away, it's also perfect for everyday wear. This scarf is so perfect for fall and Gena mentioned she tends towards and apple body shape - so this pair of Long & Lean jeans are perfect for that body shape. This style is UNIVERSALLY flattering. I just LOVE this style jean.

(earrings, jeans, top, flats, scarf, bag)

I love the look of these loose layers over a slim pair of pants. Gena said she wanted to try a pair of slimmer pants like these... a cropped pair is very flattering if it's your first venture away from a bootcut look.

(ring, pants, top, bag, sweater, shoes)

Just for fun I wanted to throw in a nice dressy outfit for a nice dinner or cocktails. A wrap style dress like this with an emphasis on the waist is another great option for apple shaped bodies. It shows off the waist (not the hips!) in a very flattering way. And I just love the subtle print on this dress.

(dress, clutch, bracelet, shoes)

Have a great weekend Gena!

~~~

Interested in learning more about my wardrobe consultation services? Click here!

my outfit: recuperating!

This was my "back to reality" outfit... after arriving late the night before from Vegas and then waking at the crack of dawn to get the kiddos off to school and back to my own schedule after vacation. I am also still battling a nasty cold and cough - yuck! I was actually pleased when the weather decided to play along with my mood... mild temps, cloudy, thundery and a little bit of rain. SUPER cozy!

And really, what can't an armful of bangle-y bracelets not fix? Perfect to perk up a rainy day!

I picked up this sweater at LOFT in Vegas and it reminded me of my cozy duvet when I got out of bed this morning... so I snuggled back into it for the day. I had actually hoped to do MORE shopping while in Vegas - but this is about all I got. Well, make that more "buying" - we definitely did lots of shopping. But once I started shopping I didn't know exactly what I wanted or needed and felt indecisive.

That must mean it's time for another looks:book - is anyone ready for a winter version? I need to get organized about what is good to buy for winter. Am I alone?

Cozy sweaters like this one are definitely a must! And I busted out the puffer vest that I (almost!) forgot I had! This is an oldy-but-goody from JCrew. That is what I love about JCrew - so classic and high quality that the pieces last for years. This one is seriously from like 2004. Perfect for a cozy, rainy day!

I love to see the sunshine... but sometimes I enjoy a "down" day when the clouds roll in. What about you?

Details:

Puffer Vest, JCrew (similar)

Sweater, LOFT

Jeans, Forever 21 (similar)

Bangle Bracelets, various stores

Clogs, UGG

work it wednesday: sequined sweatshirts!

I just LOVE all of the sequined sweatshirts I have been seeing in the shops and online recently... I fell in love with one at Urban Outfitters while shopping in Vegas and I am regretting not buying it now! The thing I love so much about them is they have the casual and dressy textures so well balanced for an everyday appeal.

I thought I would have some fun pulling together looks based on sequined sweatshirts Work It Wednesday style - and the next time one crosses my path I'll be very likely to snatch it up!

(shorts, top, jacket, clutch, boots)

(ring, pants, top, purse, scarf, boots)

(necklace, jeans, top, purse, jacket, flats)

Are you loving the sequined sweatshirt for fall and winter?

good look for less: Holli!

I recently did a wardrobe consultation for Holli... she works in bustling Manhattan and wanted some super chic and classy looks for toting around the big apple! She's mid-twenties so I wanted to be sure to give her outfits a youthful flare... but without being sophmoric. Also, she's not a huge fan of jewelry - so we skipped the accessories and instead went for pieces that made a statement on their own. Let's take a look at the outfits, shall we???

A dramatic collar like the one on this sweater is a sophisticated and feminine way to add some texture to an outfit. Paired with well tailored jeans (Gap's Long & Lean are a really great option!) and simple flats this is a refined look, but still practical for walking and errand running.

(jeans, sweater, flats, cross-body bag)

A blazer can always be counted on to take things up a notch - paired with this delicately patterned top is sublime. I love this outfit... so easy and so put together!

(jeans, top, boots, blazer)

This next outfit is a perfect example of the power of mixing and matching... classic jeans and a blazer can be used together in a million different variations. In this outfit I just love this bubble style top - it's easy to layer with and is great for all body types.

(jeans, top, blazer, necklace, flats, cross-body bag)

~~~

Also, for those of you that are interested in purchasing wardrobe consults! I am BACK and open for business again... after a brief break! If you have already emailed me about one - I will be in touch soon. If you haven't... get your name in now! Check out all the details here!

my outfit: easy does it!

I wore a variation of this outfit (read: pretty much the same exact outfit) to church on Sunday and after a night of literally no sleep (thanks kids!) - this was the first thing I found (on the floor) on Monday morning. I wasn't going to be picky. I swapped a necklace (wore that to church) for this scarf because Monday morning was like 30 degrees (BRRR!!!) and if you haven't slept at all the night before, the last thing you want to do is freeze your tail off at the bus stop with the kids. On second thought, the last you want to do is ANYTHING. So at least I had a scarf to "hug" me.

But Monday is my "work" morning... so I like to look decent to feel more inspired and I do really love this outfit. Note, I DID take a shower... just didn't do my hair. Thank you hair for being long and for liking to be in a bun, really, thank you. Un-Thank you make-up for not putting yourself on my face and making all signs of no sleep disappear. Better luck next time.


Blazer + scarf + t-shirt + skinnies + flats. I could live in a variation of this outfit for the rest of my life. It's so easy and comes together quickly. I added some simple little earrings to dress it up a bit. I happen to love Swarovski's studs. If you are "into" studs... Swarovski makes gorgeous crystal ones that glow like the real "stuff" and are really high quality. My ears are super sensitive so I need really high quality earrings. And these I could wear everyday (and did for a while... and come to think of it... I could use a new pair!).

Details:

Scarf, Macy's (similar)

Jacket, LOFT (similar)

T-shirt, Target (similar)

Skinnies, Forever 21 (similar)

Flats, Sam Edelman

Purse, Kate Spade via GILT - (similar)

shopping guide: faux fur vests!

Faux fur vests seemed to poke their head out last year... but this year they are back with a vengeance. They are available at all price points and several styles and have a very "off duty model just stepped off the runway/Rachel Zoe/Olsen twins" vibe to them. I happen to like this type of je ne sais quoi relaxed but chic look. Plus they look super cozy!

And if you are at all interested in how I would style one... well DO check back! I found one second hand and diy-ed it a bit to get it where I wanted it and will be showcasing it here on the blog very soon!

It's almost impossible to choose a favorite here... so many great options!

(details: 1. Faux Fur Vest, Old Navy, $29.50; 2. Eight Sixty Faux Fur Vest, Piperlime, $92; 3. Faux Fur Vest, LOFT, $98; 4. Faux Fur Belted Vest, Rachel Roy, $149; 5. Janika Vest, BB Dakota, Piperlime, $69; 6. Charlize Vest, JCrew, $595)

good look for less, EXPRESS!

I've got another good look for less EXPRESS consult for you today! Jennifer is a nurse that spends tons of hours in scrubs... when she's off work she wants a classic, preppy and practical wardrobe that is easy to pull together but still very stylish. She's a self-proclaimed clothes horse (nothing wrong with that!) and admitted that she has most of the basics, but just wanted more ideas on pulling together outfits quickly.

What I worked to do for Jennifer was pull together "ideas" for outfits... and to keep in mind that the actually pieces could be swapped out for items that she already owns.

This first look is a classic outfit to pull together. A day dress, with a jean jacket and boots. The specific items I pulled here are gorgeous, but you could easily swap them out for pieces in your closet already - that is Jennifer, or any one else reading this!

(dress, jean jacket, boots, earrings, tote)

In keeping with that theme... I really love this outfit. But if you look at the individual pieces of it, it's really quite basic. A great pair of jeans, a boyfriend cardi, belt and flats. If you are a busy lady, it's great to have looks like this in your arsenal to quickly pull on!

(belt, jeans, t-shirt, cardigan, tote, moccasins)

One of my favorite silhouettes for fall and winter is skinny or straight jeans with an oversized or super chunky sweater. It's not only practical (warm!) but it is also very flattering to most body types, especially when the top has a longer profile like this one.

(bracelet, jeans, top, clutch, sweater vest, flats)

~~~

Best wishes Jennifer!

Interested in my wardrobe consultation services? Click here!

shopping guide: coats!

As the weather continues to cool off it is time to start thinking about your most important accessory for winter - your coat! Depending on where you live you may need more of a jacket than a full-on coat. But if you are like me living in Michigan or really any where in the Midwest or East Coast you need a virtual arsenal of coats and jackets to keep you warm!

I like to have a really practical coat that is super warm. For that I depend on my puffer coat - for trips to the bus stop with the kids... and of course for the yearly Christmas Tree hunt! But, I also like to have a nice tailored coat or two hanging around for making me feel like a lady (and not just a girl wrapped in a sleeping bag) during the colder months.

Any of these options would be great investments for this winter... which one do you love?

(1. Cropped Trench, Gap, $79.50; 2. Double Breasted Wool Blend Coat, Old Navy, $89.50; 3. Minus the Leather Jacket, Express, $98; 4. Corduroy Blazer, LOFT, $69.50; 5. Jack Plush Coat, BB Dakota, Piperlime, $70; 6. Wool Blend Trench, Old Navy, $99.50)

refined casual wear...

As a mom there are days (or weekends!) when I just want to be comfortable... a sweatshirt is the ultimate in comfort, but not usually my style. So when it comes down to getting dressed I choose the style over the ultra-comfortable. Recently I've come across some really great refined and casual pieces that would be perfect for any sweatshirt day!

(top, from left: late riser tee, anthropologie, $48; sequined studio sweatshirt, jcrew, $119.99; zip side sweatshirt, jcrew, $65; bottom, from left: burn-out baseball tee, jcrew, $59.50; every saturday tee, anthropologie, $68; tunic hoodie, LOFT, $49.50)

Here's to a cozy weekend for you! oxo, jillgg

fall retailer preview: LOFT!

The fall retailer previews continue today with LOFT (formerly Ann Taylor Loft)... what I love most about LOFT is that their clothes are very modern and a touch trendy... but also very appropriate for a business or business casual environment. So this is really the best of both worlds. I know personally, when I used to work I would wear lots of LOFT pieces and especially loved their suits and their petite lines (it's hard to find good suits in petite).

Let's dig right into the goods...



1. I love this feminine yet utilitarian bag... the bows and cross body strap are just perfect. Nylon Hobo, $49.99

2. How gorgeous is this cardigan? It would add instant flair and sophistication to any outfit... just gorgeous! Shoulder Ruffle Cardigan, $29.99

3. I just love this skirt... I need to wear more skirts. This one is perfect for an evening out or dressed down with tights and a blazer for a more mature look. Just love! Gold Brocade Skirt, $69.50

4. Cargos, cargos, cargos... this pair has a hint of pink to them. I just love that they feel cozy for fall but look great too... Marisa Slim Cargos, $59.50

5. Modern tanks like this one are perfect for layering with blazers and cardigans as the weather gets cooler. Ruffle Sleeve Bubble Shell, $44.50

6. I could take one of each of the military jackets that retailers are selling these days. I just love each and every one of them. This one is no exception.
Belted Military Jacket, $89.50

my outfit: 2/30!

Today is day 2 of the 30/30 challenge... (check out the details here...)

Also today I am featuring these great skinny pants from TULLE. I would say they are the perfect mix between a trouser and jean. A little of both. And they have adorable little zippers at the inside of the ankles. Sweet! I love that these pants are casual enough for a day hanging with the kiddos, but still look chic and sophisticated.



For a little dash of color I added this scarf as a belt. I'm feeling very "Holly-Go-Lightly" today... the pants definitely help my cause.



What about you? Do you like black pants for everyday wear? They are so versatile... I have about a million outfits running through my head with these pants included in each one. I am in love.



Details:
Skinny Black Pants, courtesy of TULLE
Chambray Top, Old Navy (similar)
Scarf/Belt, Thrifted (similar, similar)
Necklace, LOFT (similar)
Sandals, Forever 21 (similar)
Purse, Matt & Nat (same style in grey, I got mine on GILT for way cheaper!)

good look for less: EXPRESS!

Today's good look for less, EXPRESS consult is for Leana... she is a resident physician in pediatrics and needs a business casual wardrobe. She emailed me and said that she prefers neutrals, but would love to work in some small pops of color into her wardrobe as well.

Let's take a look at the outfits I pulled together for Leana!

I love simple cotton dresses like this one from Old Navy for business casual. They really are so comfortable and they can be easily accessorized in so many ways to create fresh looking outfits each time. Here I just added a neutral jacket and accessories for a very refined business casual look.

Day Dresses by Old Navy
Pumps by Nine West

I just LOVE this outfit... very stylish and modern. The pants may not be 100% business casual compatible... but swap them out for a pair of trousers, if need be. This outfit is ready to go to dinner with friends or errands on the weekend!

Sleeveless Tops by Anthropologie
Wedges by Merona

Neutrals are SO hot this summer season... and the best thing is that they are so easy to pull together to make a fab outfit! I love the details of this outfit... the knotted belt and the embellished top. So fun and chic! And to top it all off the deep magenta bag... love it!

Tees by Forever 21
Flats by Lauren Ralph Lauren

Happy Shopping and best wishes Dr. Leana!

~~~

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