dangerous territory...

I was perusing the internet waaaay too much this weekend. I had a few wardrobe consults to complete and I have a new super fun project in the works that launches WEDNESDAY... so I was busy as busy can be this weekend. All for you ladies!

Lots of time on the internet for me means lots of little treats for you... today's post is VERY dangerous territory. Read at your own risk!

These boots and that price. What is not to looooove? Wow!

(Equestrian Boots, American Eagle, $69.50)

I think I am going to start collecting clutches... I just want to behold them. There are so many great ones out there and the price points are usually quite budget friendly. I'll start with these two. K?

(Antique Metallic Beaded Clutch, Urban Outfitters, $38)

(Soft Leatherette Clutch, Forever 21, $14.80)

Gap's modern take on leopard print. Um, yes please. I'm really loving Gap lately. Really.

(Leopard Print Cardigan, Gap, $59.50)

Faux fur and me have a "thing" going on. This jacket looks SO comfy! You could pull this on with jeans and a t-shirt and still look smokin. Or wear it with a super hot dress and be on fire! LOVE this!

(Faux Fur Belted Jacket, Forever 21, $32.80)

If I bought these pants I would NEVER take them off. I mean come on. Have you ever seen such lovely coziness. Must. Not. Buy.

(Purva Pants, Anthropologie, $58)

I'll be back with a bonafide post later today... Happy Monday!

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!

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

my outfit: 27/30!

There have been points along the way of this Challenge that I say a little prayer before I enter my closet. "Please make these 30 items some how morphed, please give me the strength to put them on again, please make me not sick of them." And then voila! I unearthed a top I hadn't even worn yet. Shame on me!

See that smile... it says... "really, only three more days?"



Here is day-time sequins at it's best... This scarf grounded the sequins a bit, because in most circumstances sequins wouldn't be completely appropriate for the grocery store with two kids in tow. But this seemed to work.



Have you done the day-time sequin look yet? If so, how do you keep it real?

Details:
Top, F21
Jeans, F21
Scarf, gift from Anthropologie
Sandals, F21

Wrap Bracelet, F21

Reader Question!

Lauren emailed me recently and wanted some tips on how to style this gorgeous dress that she bought for an upcoming wedding. She had the dress and the shoes chosen already... from there, I just filled in the blanks!

1. This dress is just amazing... I love the architectural aspect of it with the bold stripes. This dress is almost stand-alone worthy... I wanted to only carefully chose a few accessories that would enhance it's style. Grosgrain Peaks Dress, Anthropologie, $138

2. Kudos to Lauren for already choosing a great pair of shoes. These fit the preppy and refined look that the dress expresses. Tahari Dara Pump, DSW, $69.95

3. I first chose this clutch, I loved it quintessential summer feel. Wicker Clutch, Lori's Shoes, $46

4. Classic studs are refined and understated, but still add a bit of femininity to the ensemble. Blowing Baubles Stud Earrings, Kate Spade, Bloomingdale's, $45.00

5. The woven detail of this bracelet plays well off of the stripes and the wicker clutch. Woven Cuff Bracelet, Aldo, $12.98

6. Along the same lines of classic and refined... a mani and pedi in this classic color would top the look off perfectly! "Fed Up", Essie Nail Color, $8.00

7. I picture this outfit with a very sleek and refined hair look. Either pulled back (to show of the shoulders) or long and sleek. Brilliant Spray on Shine, Aveda, $18.99

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

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?