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!

bling, baby!

It's my birthday... let's bling this baby OUT! Ready?

Hot, hot, hot! Less than $40 at Express. Take THAT 32.


When I make it big, Michael Kors will be a guest on my show, or column, or vlog or maybe... here someday on the blog! That guys just GETS it. Less than 80 bones.


I love the idea of this top with jeans, some rockin' shoes and no other accessories... very chic. Arden B, $59.


Gorgeous JCrew sequined fun. Right here. The ouch factor on this is about $600. Yipes, but gorgeous!


Purple sequins from Coach. Yes, and yes. Super cute... the modern day heel-clickers. They are only $79, not so bad.

Take that 32. Although I would say I am aging like a fine wine... or aging with fine wine, which one is it? oh, who am I kidding... I'll take either!

Reader Question: Wedding Reception Dress!

It is wedding season indeed! The last several reader questions I have done all pertain to dresses for attending a wedding in some manner. (check them out if you have summer weddings on your calendar!)

Tara emailed me recently... she has a wedding coming up this August. Her wedding is Friday night and the reception is the following day at a park (what a great idea!). She wanted help styling this dress that she has already purchased. And it's just adorable... let's take a look:

1)

Nick & Mo Sesame Candy Dress, Modcloth, $62.99

I love this dress... it has a decidedly summer-bride feel to it. Upon closer inspection, the belt/sash is actually navy blue. How fun!

2)

Blowfish Festival Wedge, DSW, $49.95

A wedge is a perfect outdoor heel. It won't sink into the grass like a traditional pump, it's easier to walk in and still has a bit of height for glamour.

3)

Sapphire Metallic Hippie, Coach, $228

Playing off the navy in the sash, I chose this gorgeous Coach purse that is a shoulder or cross-body bag. It's small enough to look sophisticated... but big enough for the essentials for the bride. This would make an incredible wedding gift (hint, hint husband to be!) as it is beautiful and a Coach purse is always classic.

4)

Elastic Flower Bracelet, Forever 21, $6.80

Tara mentioned that she is not big into jewelry. And the dress has many details that add flair to the outfit... so that it doesn't need much more. But this gold bangle is pretty and simple.

5)

Messy Bun

I am picturing a sophisticated yet messy bun look for Tara's hair. It will show off the neckline of the dress perfectly.

6)

Chiffon Flower Hair Clip, Forever 21, $1.50

I love the idea of tucking a few of these dainty and delicate flowers into the messy bun. Take advantage of your bride-status to sweeten up the look a little!

Congrats Tara! Have an amazing day!

~~~

Have a question for me? Email me at goodlifeforless @ gmail.com - I do my best to answer them all!

my outfit: all american!

I love a good street fair as much as the next guy... it's true that I hate the crowds, but I love the food. So when The Festival of Arts opened in downtown Grand Rapids this past weekend it was my number one goal to a) get there early (beat the crowds) and b) get my slimy little hands on an elephant ear. It was a touch on the cool side and I was feeling like classic and simple. So I took the plunge on the denim "suit". I know some may not love the look, but I was a fan.



The key here was that the jeans were a very dark rinse and the jacket was a more destructed light color. The contrast of the two made it seem more intentional, less like an accident, I guess. Does that make sense?



This scarf is vintage, I just love all of the colors. So summery. I am also loving that these more handkerchief style scarves are available in stores now as well. I have three of them, all found at antique or thrift stores... so check there if you want some in fun colors before all the hipsters snatch them up!



How was your weekend? Were there any elephant ears involved??? mmmm..... I like mine with cinnamon and sugar or powdered sugar!

Details:
Jacket, Gap (similar)
Tee, Target
Scarf, Vintage (similar, similar, similar)
Jeans, Seven for all Mankind (similar)
Sandals, Forever 21 (similar)
Purse, Coach, gift

Friday ramblings...

Did you check out the "it" list yet this morning? Man... good stuff there. While my brain, computer and body were busy "birthing" that stunning post this week - I feel like the blog got neglected a bit. Although not NEARLY as bad as my house... sheesh! Oh, and did I mention that I have house guests coming for the weekend this evening. My husband is so not thrilled right now... why? Not because the house is a mess... but because he knows he's gonna have to help! Eep!

But let's forget all of that for now... I've got some lovelies that have been on my brain this week. In no particular order:

TOMS finally (FINALLY!) launched their wedge shoe. And, hello... I die! I'm giving this shoe one very excited "yes, please"! Nordstrom's is carrying them for $68.95 (in two colors) and TOMS Shoes website for $69 (in 6 colors I think). The only hard part is deciding which color!


Call me crazy, but I really want to get my hands on some jeggings... (you know jean-leggings?) - I tried some on recently that were too thin - lesson learned. But definitely am on the hunt for a thicker pair. Looks like the cheaper stores like F21 & Charlotte Russe don't have them yet - or at least not online. I figured summer would be a good time to try them out, you know "skin is in", errr, tightly woven fabric, tightly over skin. That doesn't sound as great as it should, huh?


Speaking of TOMS, I am severely wanting the silver ones... mostly after seeing how Style your Life styled hers. Yep, that's me, a big fat copy cat. I don't care. They are adorable!


Introduce me to a bib necklace and I will probably fall in love. This one is no exception... just lovely!


After my dad spoiled me with a Coach purse for Christmas AND Mother's Day (am I one lucky gal or what???) I am a bit hooked. My next conquest? This lovely lilac bag... dad, are you listening?


Scarves with pom poms are not only so sweet you want to pinch them, but are actually popping up on store shelves so fast it will make your head spin. How cute is this green one? It's less than $20 at Old Navy. Sure!


Cheap sandals from Forever 21 are my new favorite. Last seasons (here) got a ton of use for the $8 or so I spent on them. (I should mention here than I had a rather nasty spill down the stairs in those... it's debatable if me or the sandals were to blame... but everything was fixed with some Gorilla Glue - the sandals, not me - and we lived happily ever after). Any who, these are the ones I want this year. $15 - that's it! Love them!


Gap(RED) always has cute graphic tees... this lil hippy chick is so cute and I am loving the coral color. Simple and easy for summer!


Have a super fab weekend! Any big plans?

my outfit: short shorts!

oh boy... I am so not a shorts person. But I maaaaaaay just be coming around. My husband talked me into these (big duh there) and I almost hate to admit it, but I do kinda like them.

When I started putting this outfit together I knew I wanted a very summer/easy/simple/fresh look. But I still felt like it needed a little sumthin'. So I broke out the leather Coach and I think it really balanced the simplicity and brought a bit of sophistication to it all.


Also, the shoes are my new Superga's... when I first got them I thought they were too big. But I had my mom try them on, she has a touch bigger foot than me and they were too small on her. Hmmm. My brother suggested insoles to fill some of the extra space and ta-da! They fit perfect. (BTW, want more ideas on how to style these classic white kicks? I featured them in my Spring looks:book!)



How cute are the yellow striped pockets? But these shorts are short enough as is. thankyouverymuch. I wore this outfit to the library with the kiddos and celebratory Happy Meals for launching my Summer looks:book! Aren't my kids the luckiest? I do the work, they get the fun? Next time I should mix some champagne in there somewhere. For reals.



Details:
Purse, Coach (gift)
Top, Gap (similar)
Tank, F21
Horseshoe Necklace, Marc Jacobs (similar)
Shorts, Old Navy
Shoes, Superga (I got mine at GILT for cheaper!)

reader style: Ambar!

Reader Ambar sent me this adorable picture of herself recently! Her shoes are those that I featured in the Spring looks:book - love them! Ambar is a mother of FOUR children (three girls and four boys... ***originally I had said four boys, but I was wrong, sorry Ambar!), her husband works overseas in Afghanistan and she has lost 40 pounds in the last year!! Basically, she is SUPERWOMAN! No?



Her top is JCrew, jeans are American Eagle, bracelet is Charlotte Russe and sunglasses are Coach. Thanks Ambar! Keep rockin' it!

~~~

Got a picture of yourself inspired by something you have seen here on the blog? Send it to me and I may feature it in a Reader Style post! goodlifeforless @ gmail.com

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

work it wednesday!

About this time of year I start freaking out when I see the new fall lines and want to snatch everything up. All of the new hues and cozy looks are alluring, but even more so I begin to worry I will literally be left "in the cold" in my summer wear.

As we move from summer to fall I thought it would be appropriate to give some tips on how to transition pieces so that they work for both seasons. Hopefully it will stretch your budget and your creativity a bit! (Also a quick shout out to reader Amy that recently wrote me an email asking for some of these exact tips! Here you go Amy!)

Layering is really the key here... I'll show some "summer" wardrobe pieces all dressed up for cooler months below...

summer to fall three ways. by Jill GG featuring Miu Miu

one. notice a maxi dress under there? Recycle your easy, breezy maxis into cool weather wear with chunky cardigan and boots!

two. flats and jean skirts are summer wardrobe staples. With tights and a cozy top, this outfit is set for when the temps drop!

three. don't pack away those flirty, flowy tank tops. Simple pair them with a tailored jacket and boots and your warm through winter! To keep things fun and interesting don't forget to add some fun bangles in bright colors!

Work it Wednesday: Black "Maxi" Dress!

I had a lovely reader email me (seriously peeps, I love it when you email me!) wanting some suggestions on "wedding attire" for this summer... these were her "needs":

I've got a few coming up and I always have difficulty finding dresses that are appropriate, easy to wear in hot weather, and yet wearable after the wedding.

If you are one of those ladies that has a couple (or three, four, five!!!) weddings to attend this summer and you are not in the bridal party, finding a dress that is versatile and affordable can be tricky. And even then, what to do with all those dresses afterward, right?

I thought this subject would be perfect for "Work It Wednesday", no? I chose a simple black maxi dress. The maxi dress first peeked it's little fashion head out last season (I even scored a sweet DVF print inspired maxi dress from Old Navy last summer!) - and I am really excited to see it has gained momentum this season. And before you go all... but I'm short, but my legs aren't long enough, but I can't wear that style.... blah, blah, blah. I have TWO WORDS for you: Try It! And then I have two more words for you TAILOR IT! I happen to like to wear my maxi dress almost to the floor with heels on... but that's only because it makes me feel all sweepy and girly. If you feel like that is too overwhelming to your body, then tailor it up a bit! Tailoring is the cheapest way to update your wardrobe! (It's like paint for your interior walls!!)

So without further ado... here is a maxi dress, not one, not two... but FOUR ways (two for weddings and two for casual days)!

black maxi four ways by Jill GG featuring Coach bags

Want to know where you can snag one? So glad you asked... here are a couple at different price points!

$

More Forever 21...

$$

More Arden B...

$$$

More White House...

Work It Wednesday: gold flats!

After posting about gold flats earlier this week I am obsessed with them! (maybe a little Mother's Day gift for myself?!?) This style is ultra versatile... check out how effortlessly they could work into your wardrobe...

gold flats three ways... by Jill GG featuring Ciao Bella flat shoes

Are you "working" gold flats these days?

"she's changing her name from kitty to karen." - cake

kitty to karen - by Jill GG on Polyvore.com

~~~

Tomorrow is the LAST day of short skirt/long jacket... so sad. I've been having SO much fun with it! Join me here for some more fun and feel free to play along!

"I want a girl who knows what's best."

short skirt/long jacket 2 - by Jill GG on Polyvore.com

~~~

Feel free to play along with polyvore or any other creative means you have! Leave a comment with your link! Tomorrow's line is:
"I want a girl with shoes that cut" (oh! fun!)

work it wednesday!

Today I am going to mix things up a bit here for work it wednesday. A reader, my hairstylist and friend of mine, Summer (hi Summer!) recently asked if I could work on some outfit ideas for the more conservative women out there. Summer wants to take her mom spring shopping for some updated looks, but wants to avoid uber trendy stylings for her mom - and rightly so.

When shopping for items that don't fall in the trendy category (which we outlined a bit yesterday) but still on a budget the mall is a great place to start - just don't fall into the trap of buying what is "screaming" to you in the displays and windows. Dig deeper to find classic and conservative pieces that will stand the test of time.


conservative. - by Jill GG on Polyvore.com

My tips (as highlighted above) for finding classic and conservative pieces are as follows:
1. Find wardrobe pieces that flatter the waist (not hips) and the neckline. Wide leg pants are a great way to flatter your waist - make sure you choose a medium weight denim or woven material for the optimum figure-flattery. Necklines that are boat, scoop, or a slight v all highlight the shoulders and the top of the decollete - and no lower.
2. Choose form fitting items. Although drapey and, conversely, tight clothing may be trendy or "what the kids are wearing" - it doesn't mean it is appropriate for all body types or styles. Choosing a tee or cardigan (like pictured) that hints at the curves of the body but doesn't necessarily show them works well for the conservative set.
3. Let your personal style and the trends (as you feel comfortable) show through in the accessories you choose. This is key: up-to-date shoes, handbags, earrings, bangles and belts are all great ways to spice up the classics. These items can give your outfits a youthful appeal while still being appropriate.
4. Find shoes that are practical but beautiful. You can do anything in a kitten-heel or a flat. Walk the dog, grocery shop, carpool, lunch or dinner dates. Use the versatility of these styles to your advantage!
5. Always have an absolutely fabulous dress waiting in the wings. This is pretty much a given for no matter what your style. But a flirty and feminine dress that you absolutely love will pay you dividends. Always.

I hope these tips come in handy Summer - and of course to all my readers!

work it wednesday!

Hey ladies... it's that time again! Work it Wednesday - where I choose one wardrobe piece and highlight how to "work it" in three different ways. This week I am highlighting some super cool peacock earrings! 

I have seen these at a couple of online boutiques and this past weekend saw them in "real life" and fell. in. love. They just scream fun and whimsy and are super trendy right now. Trendy isn't always bad.  When used in moderation it can take the classics in your closet and instantly make them up-to-the-minute chic!


peacock earrings - by Jill GG on Polyvore.com

So would you rock the peacock earring? Chirp in below...

transition through seasons...

Finding pieces in our wardrobe that can transition through the seasons well is a great way to not only justify adding pieces to your wardrobe near the change of seasons... but is also a great way to shop and invest in clothing in general. One of my favorite fashion "exercises" on polyvore is to take one piece and feature it in three different outfits. I prefer to wear my clothes in a variety of different ways. You'll never see me with the same shirt/pants/accessory combinations. That is part of the fun of fashion! Here I took a really simple top from ruche (LOVE RUCHE!) and featured outfits for winter, spring and summer. All with one top!


blue top: winter, spring, summer - by Jill GG on Polyvore.com

The fun of dressing this way is in the accessories! Spend more on accessories (at least that is what I like to do) and less on gobs of clothes that you will only wear a couple of times. All of the bottoms in these outfits are items you likely have in your closet already (or should!): jeans, classic white pant, bermuda shorts. Then by adding different handbags, shoes and jewelry you easily have three completely different outfits!

fight the winter blahs...

Here is some peachy goodness to fight the winter blahs and to get a conservative start on spring... layers are the key for warmth and to keep the look "in season". And with Valentine's just around the corner... the heart-ed handbag is a romantic touch of whimsy! And of course, you know me, it isn't an outfit without a pair of sevens. My daily uniform of choice.


peachy-keen layers... - by Jill GG on Polyvore.com

Fashion Friday... Toy Watch!

I just CAN NOT believe that it is Friday again already! But you won't catch me complaining! Who doesn't love Friday?!?! In this installment of Fashion Friday (where every Friday I make an ensemble from one of the items I highlighted this week on the 'ol blog)... I chose to go with the Toy Watch. Which I have nothing but pure love for. Oh, and also the pair of $19.50 patent flats I got from Old Navy. Because if lovin' $19.50 patent flats from Old Navy is wrong... I don't want to be right! I got these little sweeties in the mail today and they are adorable! Cuter than in the pic even! Without further ado... Fashion Friday folks:


toy watch love. - by Jill GG on Polyvore.com

Don't forget... if you are interested in joining Gilt - here is your personal invitation!

i'm feeling...

I'm feeling sassy today... a little bit like this:


Sassy... by Jill GG

What are you feeling? Post an outfit to your blog and link to in the comments so I can see!

Inspired by Patent

I just LOVE patent... I have three pairs of shoes and three handbags in beloved patent. Here's some more inspiration from across the spectrum - I'll take one of each Santa!


Purely Patent by Jill GG

Are you inspired by patent? If so leave a comment and show me how!