jillgg's good life (for less) | a west michigan style blog: back to basics

Showing posts with label back to basics. Show all posts

Monday, January 5, 2015

12 gorgeous winter essentials!

Today I've got twelve gorgeous winter essentials for you… because, let's face it Christmas may be over but winter is just getting under way. We've got a few months left of bundling up and multiple layers. So now is the perfect time to invest in a few more basics especially with all the after Christmas sales and Christmas money burning a whole in your designer bag.

Now is a great time to snag new
coats, boots, sweaters, and all the cute winter goodies you didn't get as a gift but still desperately need!

top row, from left:

faux fur cowl, white duffel coat (I'm obsessed with this!), hunter boots, plaid pajamas

middle row, from left:

plaid top, hat, black jeans (on constant rotation in my wardrobe lately!), two-tone back zip sweater

bottom row, from left:

brown ankle boots, navy shawl coat (LOVE!), striped lounge pants, plaid scarf (only $10!)

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

back to basics 2014: get the look!

Yesterday's post really struck a nerve with many of you. I was actually a little hesitant about writing it because I thought to myself "who wants boring clothes?" "who will read this blog if it's boring?" But what it ultimately comes down to is not really "boring." It's really about finding the beauty in simple clothes and really letting ourselves shine through our clothes instead of the other way around.

Getting back to basics surely doesn't involve rules and a stagnant wardrobe, but instead offers us the ability to pass up the trends and flashy pieces (if we so choose) with confidence. Or maybe not even passing them up entirely, but finding the perfect balance of them in our wardrobe. A tiny bit of trend and a lot of classic. That is how I hope to move forward into 2014 with my monthly shopping budget.

Today I thought I would whip up a few examples of some great basic but beautiful looks to get us all inspired! Less is more with a lot of these looks and while part of me was tempted to add more layers, more accessories, more, more! I really tried to simplify style here and make them great looks for everyday that are no fuss, but still really beautiful.

(above: denim jacket, dress - on sale!, purse, boots - on sale!, necklace)

(above: sunglasses, black jeans, sweater - on sale!, trench, flats - on sale!)

(above: skinny jeans, grey top - on sale!, coat, earrings, shoes)

see you around...

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Monday, January 6, 2014

Back to basics for 2014!

After tracking and reviewing my purchases like a hawk for a full year (seen here) I realized a few very obvious trends. I get more wear out of the basics and classics than the trendy pieces and I hate to say it... but the "boring" pieces often end up the stars and the "have to have it" pieces get worn here and there but mostly get lost in the shuffle. Is that surprising to you? It is a little surprising to me. But then again, if I truly truly asked myself if I would love a "have to have it" piece in a year from now I would take a safe bet and say 50-50. It's a tricky situation.

We all want our wardrobes to be fun and exciting and a true reflection of ourselves... but often if we are honest the navy blazer we wear day in and day out make our style more than the flash in the pan trendy top we wear once a month or less. As I enter into 2014 I want to continue to make these basics the star of the show. But I also want to reach the delicate balance of keeping my style fresh and "me" while depending on "boring" pieces. Does that make sense?

There is something about a beautiful and classic piece that leaves it's ego at the door. Do they need to be flashy and self important in order to reflect our true selves and deepest desires? The classics/boring pieces tend to be the more complex and nuanced pieces that let our true self shine through.

So as I think about how I want to spend my shopping budget in 2014. "Boring" is one of the first things to come to mind. Of course, "boring" in the best possible way while never taking it all too seriously. What are your thoughts? Should we start a "boring clothes revolution"? How do you reach the balance of trends vs. classics? I would love to hear!