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!

It's back...

Thursdays are for Rainbows is back... it's been so long, huh!?! I've missed it...

Here in Michigan temps are still hovering around 50 degrees. Which doesn't really make for sandal and flip flop weather yet. But, oh!, how I am craving some "flips" (as we call them in our house) and a pedicure!

Patience is a virtue... so while I am waiting it out over here. I figured why not do some "shopping" for inspiration on what a pair or two of new sandals will look like for this spring. It's not hard to notice that sandals this year are STRAPPY... there is no avoiding it. I'm loving the T-strap look, the gladiator-inspired look and of course, summer is not complete without a pair (or two!) of Havianas. With pops of color being so, well, "pop"ular... a brightly colored shoe can turn a tee and a pair or shorts into an outfit instantly!

I would gladly kick around in any of these vibrant pairs...



What do your feet crave in the warmer temps?

Boden Love.

You know I love me some Boden... nothing like some simple, chic, European clothing. Love, love, love.

Good thing for you the folks over at Boden love my readers too... here's a little special for you all! And then of course, just a couple little things to tempt you. Use the link below for more details on the special! Then spread the love of course.



While the weather continues to stays cool, you can warm your hearts with our very special February promotion at Boden! The Good Life for Less readers can get $10 off when they make a purchase of $120 or more, $15 off $150 or more, or
$25 off $200 or more!

I'm addicted to blazers lately... and this one keeps me on the junkie path for sure. And with that ruffle top underneath. Shut up it's so cute.
Cord Blazer


Loving this easy-breezy top...
Zanzibar Top


This cardigan/scarf combo has me drooling, seriously. How do Europeans do it so effortlessly?
Merino Crew Neck Cardigan

i am NOT buying...

I am on a little spending freeze in this house. I [conveniently] started it after I purchased these jeans and this artwork. It was briefly broken yesterday when I picked up two videos and a bag of Starburst at the video store (yes, that is how strict it is!). So if you are counting that is seven days of no spending. My goal is 25 days, so 18 more to go. Groceries and gas. That is it. And even this week I am cleaning out the pantry and freezer for dinners before I shop.

The more I read out in blog-land, I'm not the only one. But what's wrong with a little "fake" indulgence... in that spirit, this is what I am NOT buying:

I will resist these ADORABLE flats that are on sale for $63 from $108 from the always alluring Boden.


I'm walking straight past this adorable tunic that screams summer and would look so adorable over jeans or with a swim suit on the beach... (only $25)



I will not snatch up one of these adorable prints...even though my heart is all aflutter for valentines.


I'll pretend my skin wouldn't be better off for indulging in this Ginger SouffleWhipped body cream from Origins.


Care to play along? If you do... leave a comment and a link!

After Christmas Sales!!!

Take an Extra 25% off all Gap Sale Merchandise December 26th through December 29. Simply enter “SALE” at checkout. Shop Now!


Shop the Winter Sale today and Save up to 50% off purchases at Bodenusa.com for a limited time! Expires 8-Jan-2009. Start Shopping!

Giggle:
Baby, it's cold outside! So we're warming things up with our giggle winter sale. Shop now and save up to 50% on select gear, apparel and furniture.

Save 25% for the entire month on December at ShopManhattanite.com. Not valid on Pre-Orders. Enter code: Holiday08 at checkout.

After Holiday Sale, Save 50% or more on thousands of books and calendars.


Winter Clearance Sale at Shoes.com

Chic for Cheap: Thanksgiving!

This is me on Thanksgiving...


Me on thanksgiving... by Jill GG

Top (similar to one shown): Banana Republic, last season sale $70
Jeans: Seven for All Mankind, Ginger, Nordstrom Rack sale $60
Earrings: Gift from hubby
Bracelets: Forever 21, $6
Bag: Urban Outfitters, $68 (Early Christmas gift to myself while in LV!)
Shoes: I AM DREAMING, Boden, $148 (I don't have these yet... but in my dreams I do!)

Total: $204 (without the shoes!!)

For more Chic for Cheap, check out Creature Comforts and Melissa Loves!