my outfit: belted sweater!

You've seen this sweater before... (here) and while it's not getting as much play time these days as it was in November and December, it's still a favorite.

For this outfit I wanted a more tailored look, even with an oversized sweater... I decided to belt the sweater. The result was quite bulky, but I think it still looked great. And with the frigid temps, it helped keep me bundled up and warm for a typical day with the kids and then a quick dinner date with my husband. Well, if you consider dinner and Parent-Teacher Conferences a "date". Ha - I do. :)

As I always say - find pieces that you love to wear and then change them up with different accessories.



And I am officially obsessed with these jeans. The pictures don't show great, but they are the ultra-distressed pair from Forever 21. Best pair of $30 I've ever spend on a pair of denim... super soft, super stretchy.





Details:

Sweater, Forever 21 (similar)
T-Shirt, JCrew (similar)
Jeans, Forever 21
Boots, MICHAEL Michael Kors (similar)
Wood Bangle, Forever 21 (similar)
Dove Necklace, Gift (similar)

yes, please.

I'll take two. You know, just in case.

(Stripe Pocket Frock, American Apparel, $41)

fashion formula: Fair Isle!

Who's the fairest of them all? Fair Isle, of course!

Like cross-body bags remind me of junior high, fair isle brings me right to college. And since that was, ahem, over 10 years ago it doesn't seem so unlikely that the trend is back. Word to the wise though... hop on this colder weather trend stat, because come April it will be sayonara to this style as we prep for warmer temps. Which leads me to my next point... while some wardrobe pieces can be carefully and stealthily transitioned from one season to the next, fair isle does lose it's fair-ness (shall we say) come spring!

Here's how to keep fair isle fresh and not frumpy this winter:

Fair Isle Sweater

(from left to right: Patterned Cardigan w/ Tie Belt, Forever 21, $32.90, Hooded Toggle Cardigan, Forever 21, $36.90, Fair Isle Cardigan, Forever 21, $34.90)

Fitted Bottoms

(from left to right: Fab Leggings, Forever 21, $4.50, Stud Rider Pant, Forever 21, $17.80, Real Straight Jeans, Gap, $59.50)

Casual Boots

(from left to right: Leather Flat Boot, Charlotte Russe, $34.99, Frisco Vintage Style Boot, Bronx, $76.49, Ruched Suede Boot, Me Too, $89.95)

Awesome Handbag

(from left to right: The Marseille by Marc B, Topshop, $70, Emma Satchel, Endless, $95, Blondie Shoulder Bag, Big Buddha, $89)

my outfit: cozy chic!

(Excuse me while I brag right quick: like my new purse? Santa must have thought I was very good this year... my dad surprised me with this gem for Christmas!)

Ever have a day you want to feel put together... but you still need to accomplish a lot and maybe get a bit dirty? I've been taking down Christmas decor and rearranging furniture and redecorating some little areas of the house here and there. This is my take on cozy chic... layers for interest (the tee's), some flair (the scarf), simple but cute shoes and jeans with plenty of stretch. (and don't you want to just reach through the screen and tuck that tag in on the scarf... gah!)



I've been reading Who, What, Wear (the book) lately. It is really great info on dressing from the runway... in reality though. One tidbit I picked up on was the suggestion to take a runway look... like neon colors... and tone it down to fit your lifestyle. That way you stay on trend, even in a tee and jeans. That is what I tried to achieve here. I highly recommend the book, by the way. I bought mine on GILT a few weeks back and even got a signed copy, what a treat!



By the way, cross-body bags are back. Kind of reminds me of junior high... but on the other hand, they are quite practical with kids.

I love my well-loved TOMS. Do tell me you have a pair!?!?

Doing "stuff"

Purse, Coach

Scarf, Old Navy

White Tee, Gap (similar)

Grey Tee, Gap (similar)

Jeans, F21

Bracelet, Marc Jacobs necklace wrapped several times (similar)

Shoes, TOMS (similar)

Sunglasses, F21

shopping guide: {pantone color of the year}

It's always fun to see what color will receive the highest honor of the year, that being the "Pantone Color of the Year." Last year it was a gorgeous yellow... Mimosa, I do believe. This year the color is a fun and adventurous one... Turquoise!



Isn't it gorgeous!?!?

If you are looking to add a touch of this fun hue to your wardrobe this year... here are some chic and affordable options...

(1)

Tretorn Skerry Boot, Piperlime, $60

These boots would certainly brighten up any gloomy winter day!

(2)

Studded Zipper Wallet, F21, $13.80

For just a dash...

(3)

Cara Couture Leather Wrap Bracelet, Nordstrom, $28

I'd love to sport this sweet little bracelet peeking out from a cozy sweater this winter!

(4)

Short Sleeve Crew Neck, James Perse, $45

You can't go wrong with a well tailored tee.

(5)

Super Skinny Satin Belt, JCrew, $14.99

So sweet, and on sale!, what more can I say?

my outfit: happy feet!

Inspiration for personal style and fashion can often come in the most unlikely place... take this outfit for instance. I have a tear from a magazine hanging in my closet of a great ensemble that features navy and orange. Stylistically, this outfit here is nothing like it's "inspiration" but the navy and orange comes across well in many wardrobe forms. I challenge you to start putting outfits together based on color inspiration from magazine tears you have... fashion or interior color combos work equally well! Whatever suits your style...





So then why the reference to "happy feet"? Inspiration can also happen on accident... the morning I took these photos I had just been at the gym and forgot to bring my "normal" shoes along with my change of clothes. So I ended up wearing this outfit and my gym shoes home. With the navy and orange and a touch of gold in the necklace... the ensemble actually came together with a really fun and unexpected edge (well, unexpected for me... these babies don't see much "action" besides the gym floor!). Point being, go out of your box... you might surprise yourself!

A usual day with the kiddos.

Scarf, Gap (similar)

Tee, Gap (similar)

Cardigan, Gap (similar)

Jeans, Seven for all Mankind

Shoes, Nike (similar or VERY CUTE)

Necklace, F21 (similar)

shopping guide: [fashion forward gal}

For the fashion inclined women in your life... or a convenient list to "happen" to leave on your husbands night stand...

(1)

Rosebud Belt in Marigold

This is a gorgeous handmade belt that any gal will swoon for! They are available in several colors and Heart of Light also makes the same floral designs for pins, hair clips and more!

(Etsy, Heart of Light, $35)

(2)

Lightweight Metallic Scarf

Prettily wrapped for a babysitter or your stylin' sister, no one will guess this beauty came from Old Navy... or that you scored it for a fab price! (Old Navy, $12.50)

(3)

Wellington Ave. Long Crystal Fringe Earrings

Jess L.C. knows just how much trend to mix with classic for staple jewelry items that are a must have for your wardrobe! I absolutely love these earrings and they are available in gold or silver! (Jess L.C., $23, silver; $26, gold)

(4)

WHITBY Checkerboard Chunky Cowl

I just adore these chunky knitted cowls. They are perfect for throwing over a blazer or for bundling up with on the coldest days! If I could get my knitting needles in gear I could knit myself a couple of these for gifts... in the meantime, let Yarn Over Movement do all the work for you! (Etsy, YarnOverMovement, $40)

(5)

Opal/Natural Clutch

I am loving the all natural materials of this clutch paired with a big carved wooden closure. (Coquese, $62)

*note, Coquese is offering free shipping - for a limited time - and a chance to win a $20 gift certificate to their online boutique!

Fashion Formula: Mostly Black.

Last weekend I pulled together an outfit on the fly and after my husband, my son and a few people I ran into that day complimented me on it, I knew I had a winner. I even had my hair pulled back (which always seems like cheating, but heck, apparently when you are rockin' a great outfit, no one looks at your hair, who knew??).

When the weather turns chilly, I turn to black clothing.

To me it is comforting, comfortable and always chic (unless it's faded, let's just not go there, k?)

Here's a recreation of the outfit:

Oversized Black Sweater

(Left to right, Diesel, $65, Old Navy, $25, Shae, $98)

Super Skinny, Super Dark Jeans

(Left to Right, Rich & Skinny, $59, Charlotte Russe, $29.99, Banana Republic, $98)

Knee-High Black Boots

(Left to Right, Steve Madden, $89, Unlisted by Kenneth Cole, $70, Hive & Honey, $149)

~~~

With this super neutral, yet super chic look... feel free to add an accessory that is over the top and frivolous!

(Left to Right, Glasses: TopShop, $30, Ring: Betsey Johnson, $35, Cuff: M&J Savitt, $179.99, Watch: Adidas, $60)

lust...

the blazer, the jeans, the tee... all of it.

More Theory...

(sigh)

good LOOK for less!

I got a little email recently from a Good Life for Less reader named Angela. It went like this:

"I love following your blogs and posts on Polyvore. I'm a working mom of 2 and find that I have much less time to shop. Have you considered offering personal shopping/wardrobe building? I like your style and would definitely would think about using you for this service."

Well, well, well Angela. Did you ring the right person! If there is one thing I love, that is creating outfits on polyvore and shopstyle - so of course I was up to the challenge of helping this working mom out with updating her wardrobe! (And if there are two things I love, it is working moms - I salute you - and hope to join you! soon!)

So of course I jumped right in to help Angela. This is how she described her desired style:

"I used to work in an environment where I had to wear a suit everyday. That was really easy. Now, I work in a corporate casual environment -- I'm struggling with infusing some style into my look and find myself relying on twinsets and slacks. Nothing wrong with that, but definitely not very exciting.

So, I'm interested in both work and casual attire. I would characterize myself as pretty conservative, but I'd like to be more conservative chic. I guess I'd like to have style more like Kelly Ripa, Debra Messing, Reese Witherspoon, Eva Mendes, Christina Applegate or the ultimate, Michelle Obama. I'm 36 years old, so these ladies are probably closer to my reality than the younger personalities and actresses whom I don't even recognize."

Angela had informed me that she had set aside $700 - $800 for her new wardrobe investments. With that knowledge and the details she gave me about her style desires I compiled a suggested shopping list - I call it the good LOOK for less:



Can you believe that we could add 29 (TWENTY NINE) pieces to her wardrobe within that budget! The new wardrobe includes shoes, handbags, tops, bottoms, dresses, jackets, belts... the whole she-bang!

Then the good stuff... armed with that shopping list I was able to compile 10 (TEN) complete LOOKS for her and posted those to shopstyle as well... here are just a few!







With solid basics and some fun and trendy pieces thrown in... the options are truly endless!

Best wishes to you Angela! And happy shopping!

~~~

Are you interested in getting a good LOOK for less? I am happy to work within any budget and style requirements! Contact me at goodlifeforless (at) gmail (dot) com!

Fashion Friday: Nature Inspired...

When I began to take pictures in the yard yesterday for Fashion Friday (nature inspired!) there were so many amazing flowers blooming, it was hard to choose just one set to inspire Fashion Friday! But the crab apples trees (their name speaks nothing to their beauty!) are in FULL bloom and they have the sweetest most alluring scent that fills the air. So this week... they are my fav.



I wish I had a sunny little summer wedding to wear this ensemble to... a yellow dress, what fun!

crab apples by Jill GG featuring Christian Louboutin Shoes

Happy Weekend all! I have a fun and busy one that I am excited to get a jump on!

real life fashion.

There is nothing I love more than real life fashion... folks hitting the streets in their variation on the latest and greatest. I try to keep it real around here as inspiration for you all too - but seeing as I'm home with my kids most days in jeans and a tee, I'm not always the best "showpiece" of real fashion. Someday when I go back to work, perhaps, someday...

Now while I snap out of it over here...



You NEED to go check out this post at Elle New Blog. It's seriously chic peeps making style statements that can definitely translate into your wardrobe in one way or another. Seriously... GO!

(photo via)

Fashion Friday: Nature Inspired...

As long as my garden keeps blooming and bursting so beautifully... you all will be getting nature inspired Fashion Fridays! The bleeding hearts just popped up this week...

Ahh, they are one of my absolute favorites! The kids in the neighborhood keep asking if they are "fake"! This year I don't seem to have as many blooms (yet) as previous years - hopefully they'll keep coming

Here's a little outfit inspired by their (and your!) natural beauty:

bleeding hearts inspired by Jill GG featuring coordination tote bags

The lilacs are just starting... so stay tuned for those next week!

Everyone have a fantastic weekend!

Work it Wednesday: short shorts?

I'm thinking of adding some short shorts to my summer wardrobe. Let this be prefaced by me stating that I don't really "do" shorts... I could wear jeans all summer. Yes, it gets a bit warm, but then I don't have to be self conscious of my legs... right?

But short shorts are SO cute and they are hot, hot, hot this season. So, concessions may have to be made. Here's three ways to integrate short shorts into your wardrobe effortlessly...

short shorts three ways by Jill GG featuring American Eagle Outfitters shorts

Will you be sporting short shorts this summer?

Fashion Friday... nature inspired!

I quickly snapped some pictures of our daffodils that are beginning to finally open their buds in the yard. I thought it would be fun to dream up some fashion inspired by their simple beauty.

If I were a daffodil... I wouldn't be caught in anything less than this:

daffodils... by Jill GG featuring Tory Burch shorts

If you happen to be a more "budget friendly" daffodil... I get you. Here are some less expensive options:

a little window shopping...

This morning I had to stop by the mall to have my iphone looked at at the Apple store. Of course, there was some other "window" shopping involved! I just can't stop by the mall without popping into a few stores!

I decided to stop at Gap because their windows looked so fresh and spring-y. Now let me say this, I am a huge fan of the Gap, I know it has it's ups and downs... but for the most part they consistently deliver classic Americana fashion. Pieces you will own forever and that likely won't be "in" or "out" of style. But sometimes, for me, this makes the Gap a little boring.

Today I was pleasantly surprised by their selection and COLOR! They have tons of spring and classic pieces that I instantly fell in love with...

These two denim pieces are on my "to buy" list. I know I am a die hard sevens fan... but I loved the unique look of the cropped paint splattered jeans (I think they look a million times better in real life) and the straight leg pair were gorgeous in person! I am a straight leg fanatic right now!



How adorable is this top? With all the knitting I have been doing lately I bet I could recreate this crochet motif... kinda like my ruffled tank I made a couple weeks back, huh? I'll get back to you on that!

More Gap...

I loved the simplicity of this belt... for the summer with a white t-shirt and shorts or jeans, how cute would this be?

More Gap...

I don't think we need to talk about how cute this is. It just is. Cute.

More Gap...

a shmish shmash...

This post has absolutely nothing to do with anything, except for what I have been up to lately.

Monday Mania you could call it!

This past weekend I devoted a lot of my free time to being creative... it's the only thing that gets me out of my own head - and after last week, I needed it. I have a little knitting project in the works for my daughter and while I was working on that I had an epiphany that led me on a bunny trail to a new project. That is what I love about letting the creative juices flow!

I came up with the idea of knitting a simple ruffle (which happen to be my favorite thing to knit - so easy and whimsical) and then gently sewed it onto a old tank. Ruffles are all the rage from the runways, to the fashion mags, to our most favorite retailers (especially jcrew of late!). Here's the outcome:

Ultra close-up of ruffle...

Ta-da...

More ruffle love...

I am just smitten with the outcome! SO simple and sweet for the warmer months!

~~~

Next up... a little shopping. I very quickly swung into Forever 21 this morning with the kids in tow... the finds? Not so bad for being half distracted!

model shot in my powder room quick...


I actually couldn't find the exact pieces online (F21 is kinda weird like that)... but the cardi was $24, the white t $6 and then I layered two gold multi-stranded necklaces that were $6 each. The grand total with tax was just under $40. Not bad and it's a great multi-season look.

~~~

Lastly... Sweetie Pie Pumpkin Noodle is hosting a little blog party today... my fav Happy-Go-Lucky song by far is Young Folks by Peter Bjorn... whistle with me...


Happy Monday all!

wish i.

Women: Oversized striped canvas tote - orange stripe





Women: Mockneck cardigan - new off white





Women: Lantern sleeve ruffle top - demre




If I implode from not shopping, consider yourself warned. How is it possible to resist these?