baby, it's cold outside...

Except for two random days this week where we got both temps over 50 degrees AND sun BOTH in the same day... it's cold. 30s/40s in the morning and rainy, cloudy afternoons that never seem to warm up much.

I've been spending lots of time near our fireplace, sipping tea and watching television or reading a book. But the first thing I think about when I wake up is what clothing I can put on that will be cozy! Unfortunately cozy doesn't always equal stylish... unless it involves these sweaters!

Love this ruffle front cardigan... not too ruffly to add bulk, but maybe some extra warmth!


This sweater plus leggings and a hot cup of tea... hello!


I am swooning over this sweater... with some trouser jeans, flats and some chic gloves!


I don't know about you, but I am not tiring of the floral applique look yet. It is just so soft and feminine. Just love it!


How do you keep it cozy and stylish ladies?

Fall must haves... TOP TEN! (part II)

Last week we went over the first five Fall must haves (Blazers, Layering Tees, Bold Pops of Color, Bold Neck-Wear, Slouchy Boots) and here are the much anticipated second five!

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6. Ruffles... we went over ruffles for all ages last week as well (here). It's not hard to see when you take a look at most clothing retailers that ruffles are key this fall. Stores are oozing with them. They are fun and flirty and feminine.

7. Tights... In every shape, color and style. Pair them with a skirts of any kind or if you are daring pair a deep opaque tight with a long sweater or shirt! Zowie!

8. Bold Cold-Wear... be cool, while "cool" this winter. It's easy to fall into the black and grey rut for outerwear. But this fall and winter... why not shake it up a bit of flair in your outerwear. Think of it as a preview to what's under that coat!

9. Headbands... they feel a bit 80's/90's to me. But it is true that the 80's are back, so it only makes sense, right? They are a fun and inexpensive way to add flair to an outfit.

10. Oversized Handbags... This is nothing new. We talked about them last spring. But it's true... the big bags are here to stay for sure. Plus, who can deny that it's great to have all of your "needs" right on your shoulder!

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So, what's your favorite? What will you be sporting this fall/winter?

more dresses...

I completely fell in love with this dress at Target the other day... now I just need to find an excuse to wear it. How cool would it look with some fun and bold accessories... yellow? red?

More Mossimo...

What do you think?

Could be a contender for my ChiBLOGo outfit... more on this soon, but I will be needing a rockin' outfit for it!

good LOOK for less: Sue, she's heading back to work!

Sue sent me an email recently requesting a good LOOK for less consultation... here's her situation:

I am currently a stay-at-home mom of two. This fall my youngest goes to 1st grade and I have decided to on-ramp back into my career now that the kids will be at school. I am excited and nervous. I will be working as a legal assistant in a near-by city. The dress code for the office is "business casual" but through the interview process I get the feeling it's a touch above business casual and I'll need at least one business suit for special meeting days. I have been out of career-mode for so long I will need ALL new business attire. I'd like to start with some real basics. I love color and some trendy edge to my clothing pieces, but I will be in a conservative office, so I have to balance that. My budget is $400, with hopefully (fingers crossed) a suit included in that amount. I can't wait to see what you are able to come up with for me!

Well, well, well Sue. First off, congrats on the new job and adventure! Now, let's get shopping, shall we?

Seeing as she is just getting started on her career wardrobe I went with really solid mix and match pieces in neutral colors. This will help build the foundation of her career wardrobe that will last for many years, seasons and trends. But of course I included some fun bold hues to add interest and keep it fresh. With her $400 budget I was able to compile 16 new wardrobe pieces... including a suit, two pairs of shoes and a handbag... not bad! This is what it looks like:


Back in my working days I depending heavily on Ann Taylor Loft for suiting. I think they are really great value (cost to quality). A black suit is a GREAT buy, because the jacket and pants can be separated for really easy mixing and matching. Here I love the basic suit with a really bold top.

Pairing a simple wrap-style dress with a suit jacket makes it perfect for days busy with meetings. I love how the bold ring and necklace create interest with ease.

This is a perfect business casual outfit without being boring. The bold scarf and printed shirt add interest without being over the top. A simple black pump can be a really versatile piece... if you are in a business setting this pair of shoes is a must have - especially on a tight budget because they go with almost everything!

To see more of Sue's eight total outfits check out my stylebook at ShopStyle.

Thanks Sue for letting me work with you and good luck on your new job!

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If you are interested in learning more about my wardrobe consulting services... click here! If you would like to see past clients I have worked with... click here!

good LOOK for less: Robyn, mom and part-time Nurse Practitioner!

I was excited to hear from Robyn when she recently contacted me about a good LOOK for less wardrobe consultation. I love working with moms and I have said before that I have a special place in my heart for working-moms! Here is bit of how she described her lifestyle and clothing style:

My current style is very Ann Taylor Loft-esque. I am a part-time working mommy of 2 girls - ages 3 yrs and 1 yr. I am stuck in a clothing rut mainly because I have very little time to shop and I always tend to find things I like at Ann Taylor Loft. My style is pretty conservative. I am looking to be a little more trendy (but not too trendy) and add some jewelry to spice up my outfits. I am a big fan of basics that transfer from season to season.

Robyn also mentioned she had just purchased two new really great pairs of sandals... so instead of including another pair of shoes in her shopping list... I put that money towards some extra clothing items (you will see these great sandals included in her shopping list, but of course they won't count towards her budget).

Robyn's budget is $200 and within that budget (I may have gone a hair over... oops! Only $5 Robyn!) I was able to compile 12 new wardrobe pieces and 6 outfits... although the outfit options are endless with these amazing mix and match pieces!

So here is the overview of her shopping list (click on the picture for the full list):


Here is a peak at a few of the outfits:

I chose a simple and modern color palate for Robyn with some fun accessories like the giraffe print scarf. This outfit would be perfect for a business casual environment or even for a day running errands or at a play-date with the kiddos.

I just LOVE this outfit... it is modern, it is sophisticated and most importantly it is easy to wear! This would be a great date outfit or swap out the jeans for black pants and it is office appropriate!

Robyn mentioned that she likes wearing dresses. I chose this really simple black dress that is appropriate for work (with a cardigan or blazer) or play. By simply adding a scarf the dress is an instant "outfit".

A white skirt for the summer is uber sleek and stylish without a lot of fuss (maybe just a little spot treating at the end of the day... ). This is a perfect outfit for the office and I love the pop of color with the bold coral ring. Take the jacket off and you are ready to hang with the kids or meet a friend for coffee!

Robyn, I truly hope you enjoy your new clothing options! It was a pleasure to work with you!

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If you are interested in learning more about my wardrobe consulting services... click here! If you would like to see past clients I have worked with... click here!

lust...

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

More Theory...

(sigh)

Top Ten Summer Essentials!

Yet another amazing reader emailed me this week wanting to know what I would consider the Top Ten Summer Essentials... she is a college student that is in the midst of changing schools and while "school's out for summer..." she wants to make some updates to her wardrobe in preparation for her move to a new city (Portland - sounds awesome!) and for all the new great people she will be meeting!

I have compiled ten amazingly simple summer essentials, although many can carry you through several seasons, that are great for all women, not just those fun, young, college kids (ah, to be in college again... best days of my life... ahem, I need to snap out of it!)

Lucky you, you get the first five today... and then next five next week. Sound good... well, here we go!

1. Blazer: Seriously, are you sick of me and the whole blazer thing yet? If you don't have one, buy one, OR even better yet... search your old stuff. I have "stolen" jackets from pant/skirt suits and now they are my favorite blazers. Also, if you are a bit fashion-forward. Here's a tip, shoulder pads are on their way back and quick! So go search the racks at the Goodwill for some shoulder-pad laden jackets! As far as blazers go, they should be a high quality piece that can last... Here's one of my favorites (of the moment at least...)

More Gap...

2. Straight Jeans: these are the best of all worlds as far as jeans go these days. I like straight fit because it is in the middle of each and every jean trend, so there is no way you can go wrong. Always have jeans tailored (it will only cost you $5-$10) for length as needed. Again, another item to invest in so that they will last... I really like these pair from Gap. I do believe I have posted about them before. But they are "right" in so many ways... fit, price and finish.

More Gap...

3. Scarves: (yes... in the summer!) A scarf can make an outfit in a moment and on the cheap. I have several, but this season I am really liking light weight scarves in bold colors. I just bought this exact scarf and I have had SO many compliments on it (and seriously people, it was $4.50!!!) Yellow is a great bold color this season and you can throw this on with a t-shirt and some jeans and you are set!

More Forever 21...

4. Flats: Is it just me or are the "trends" these days super easy? Who hates a challenging trend or an expensive one for that matter. And flats are so hot and so easy! I happen to really like them in metallics this summer because metallics go with every thing and versatility means you get more for your money! I will say boldly colored patent and the ever popular animal print (when done right) are a close second and third though.

More Steve Madden...

5. Printed T-Shirts: Again, so simple and so timely. How fun (and cheap?) is this little top? Try to stay away from anything too over the top to reflect maturity (which sometimes a t-shirt can hinder). But this cute top with jeans or shorts is perfect for lazy summer days.

More Old Navy...

I hope you enjoyed the first five... stay tuned next week Friday for the final five!

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And thanks again Liz for the email and for your readership! As always readers... feel free to email me anytime! goodlifeforless (at) gmail.com!

good LOOK for less: Alison, an American mom in Brazil!

Today we meet, Alison, who has a super fab blog and is an American mom living in Brazil. How cool is she? When Alison rang my bell for some wardrobe inspiration this is what she told me about her style:

My style: I typically love just about anything in JCrew or Banana Republic. Needless to say - I love the cool trends, but like your post today said - tend to keep them conservative so as not to to look like I'm "trying to hard." If anything, I keep to the basics with my clothes, and have more fun with accessories...Just bought a pair of fun gladiators - see attached pic!

Lifestyle: My days in Brazil are VERY casual - most of the other moms I hang with are rarely seen in anything other than t-shirts, khaki shorts or cargo pants - it is VERY low key, so I would stick out like a sore thumb if I turn all fashionista - STILL, I'd like to look cute!

Body Type: I'm less than 5'2" tall, probably considered petite, but athletic (not small-boned/dainty) - Anyway, I try to stick with styles that are most flattering to short-stacks! ;)

She also clued me in that she had just snagged these sweet gladiators! There isn't much I love more than gold accessories this season... and glads, no less? Great purchase in my book!

More Gianni Bini...

I am SO excited to help Alison out because she is a mom!!! One that fills her days with hanging out with other moms and kids... a "job" that often is overlooked and whew, the wardrobe is even MORE overlooked! So here's to Alison... stepping up her mom-style! Love it!

You'll see, I have chosen SIMPLE pieces in neutral colors, then added some bold pieces to up the interest a bit and lastly some accessories to pull the looks together. These outfits are not fancy or over-done... just really well pulled together and versatile! So important for moms! Here I have compiled 21 wardrobe pieces for around $360 (I didn't include the sandals that she has already purchased).

Here's the shopping list:


From these items you can pretty much mix and match your way to several outfits... here are just a few:

I chose these shorts that are not full bermuda style, just a touch shorter which I thought would be good for Alison's proportions (as she mentioned). I like the idea of a bold colored short with a basic top and some fun accessories. This will help her blend in with the other "short"-clad women while still having a unique style.

Here again is a classic khaki style cropped pant but in a pale pink instead of the standard taupe color.  It's just as versatile as the "standard" color, but has more interest.  I paired it with a cardigan for chilly mornings, evenings or indoor A/C and some navy accents as well.  I love the bright orange watch to add some fun!

Alison, please tell me you wear Havaiana's in Brazil!?!?!  Their "slim" style is super comfy and sleek enough that they aren't to "floppy" for flip-flops.  I LIVE in these sandals for the summer... so should everyone else (how is that for opinion!?!?).  This outfit is super simple, skirt & tank, but when the belt and bangle bracelet come in it is instantly "put-together" looking.

To see more of my outfits for Alison, check out my shopstyle stylebook. And thank you to Alison for letting me work with you! I hope you enjoy the looks!

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Here's what Alison had to say:

Thank you so much for putting together the outfits! I love them! I can't GET OVER the orange tank watch from Forever 21, and the yellow JCrew bermudas - awesome! I think you did a great job of taking into account my ultra-cash, Brazilian lifestyle!

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If you are interested in receiving personalized wardrobe advice, email me at goodlifeforless (at) gmail.com, check out my details page, or my previous work!