2 of 30... go with the flow!

I am usually one for more structured clothing... but lately I have a craving for more flowing tops that have a natural feel to them. This top is one of my new pieces for that I bought right before the challenge... I bought this top, the peach tank from yesterday and the blue floral top (all tops can be seen here) - and spent a whopping $57 on them for the Challenge. So if you were guessing which items looked new... those are the ones! I didn't add much at all!

I love this top because it has the feel of being a over-sized like if you were to borrow your husband's (or boyfriend's) shirt - but it fits well through the shoulders and has the pin-tucked details for some femininity. Also it's really soft... what is better than super soft fabric??? Mmmm.....


I told you I would talk a little about how/why I chose certain items... this fur vest for example is one that I debated. In general in the winter I get stuck in a sweater and jeans rut. There is nothing wrong with that, but I don't tend to experiment with clothing or layers in the winter, I just want to be comfy and warm. Then usually by February or March I want to completely trash it all and I feel like a pile of lumps.


For the 30/30 Challenge I decided to actually "challenge" myself with the items in my closet that I LOVE (like this vest) - but that push me to be more creative and daring with my outfits. Usually in a standard 30 day period this vest would only get pulled out once or twice, but now I will be forced to (hopefully) wear it more! And if you are trying new styles or trying to challenge yourself in any way with your clothing: practice makes perfect! If you don't feel comfortable in skinny jeans the first time - dare to try them again!

A year ago, this is a look I never would have tried... but today - I love it!

For clothing details... go here! The gorgeous leaf necklace is courtesy of Linkel Designs!

my outfit: cozy layers!

So my son has a joke that I find endlessly funny for I don't know what reason... basically the joke is him just saying: "Hey mom, I'm looking for the thing with the thing with the thing... have you seen it?" Or "Have you heard about the thing with the thing with the thing." Or any variation of those two. Don't ask me why, must be his tone of voice or silliness or seriousness when saying it. But I just die laughing.

This outfit kind of reminds me of that joke... It's "the sweater with the sweater with the jacket." ya know?


Yeah, you got that right... two sweaters. What can I say I get cold!


Any chance I can get a couple of myself cloned... you know for a jill with a jill with a jill? This time of year is always SO busy, with Halloween, my sons upcoming birthday then straight to the holidays, oh, and if you haven't heard... I launched a new blog too. You know... for all of my free time. (yeah right!) You should stop by... it's pretty cute and fun over there!

So I am now taking applications for nannies, email answerers, ghost writers, house cleaners, dinner makers and nap takers (a girl has got to get some rest!). Your name has to be Jill though. And the pay stinks. Sorry!

Details:

Jacket, courtesy of Lands End Canvas (similar style, similar color & really cute!)

White Sweater, LOFT (similar)

Striped Sweater, Forever 21 (similar)

Jeans, Seven for all Mankind (similar)

Clogs, UGG

shopping guide: orange-you-glad?

It's Halloween week and not only are my kids already buzzing on candy (that is probably my fault!) - so am I! How can you resist those miniature bites of sugary goodness? If you have read this blog for a while you know that one of my obsessions is candy. This year I am particularly enjoying the Sponge Bob Crabby Patty gummis. I know, 32 going on 7. That's how I roll.

I thought it would be fun to do an orange themed Shopping Guide this week... in case you are going to be stylishly dressing the part. I don't usually do costumes... but a touch of orange I can definitely do!


(details: 1. Flamingo Flat, Seychelles, $90.65 2. Merino Wool Sweater, Forever 21, $24.80 3. Nixon Time Teller, shopbop.com, $60 4. Essie Nail Polish, beauty.com, $8 5. Time-In Time-Out Belt, Anthropologie, $30 6. Cotton Desert Shirt, JCrew, $65 7. Cambridge Shawl Collar Sweater, JCrew, $59.99)

How do you celebrate Halloween!?!?

my outfit: mrs. drapey!

That's Mrs. Drapey - not to be confused with Mrs. Draper. The new Mrs. Draper is sweet French-Canadian Megan. She stole Don's heart and about all the women in America lost their dream "bad guy". Although, if you're still single, he may still have you... that's how he rolls, you know.

ANY WAYS....

Last week I was slouchy, this week drapey... The day I wore this outfit I woke up raring to go to they gym... but my nasty cough is STILL with me folks. Still! I figured my fellow gym patrons and the staff wouldn't so much appreciate a lady hacking her lung out on the elliptical or on the abs floor so I took a pass.

For the record it is going on almost three weeks of no gym for me with Vegas and all this sickness. We are on high alert. We are getting scared. We are losing our breath on the stairs again. This is not good.


Instead of heading to the gym I took my energies out on my house, which in retrospect was a good idea. I prepped and organized all the winter clothes for the kids (scarfs, hats, gloves, etc) and inventoried what we still need and got rid of what doesn't fit, etc. I also organized their closets and even the basement a little. I probably did my stairs (basement to 2nd floor) 10 times or so. So maybe I'm even with the gym after all.


If you read this blog last winter you will recognize this sweater... it was deemed the "Mrs. Roper" sweater. Ahhh... good old Mrs. Roper. I was happy to drag it out again. It's warm, but light as a breeze. I look like I could maybe also fly in it... hmmm.

Details

Sweater, F21 (similar)

Tank, F21 (similar)

Jeans, F21 (similar)

Necklace, Etsy - Mandy's Yellow Corner

Belt, Gap (similar)

Boots, Nine West (similar)

my outfit: slouchy sweater!

Hey, hey, hey ladies! First off, a HUGE and I mean HUGE thank you on the successful launch of good tots! yesterday! WOW! I found out that a) a lot of my readers are moms (which I guess I kinda knew) and that b) you want more motherhood, baby, kid stuff. So I really hit the right chord with that! Hooray! I myself am so excited to have more of a "mommy" outlet for myself and somehow unleashing that part of my brain over there... inspires me here in a whole new way. If that makes sense!

Back to business here... I'm going to sound like a broken record here, but seriously... I got the latest JCrew catalog in the mail the other day and I can't. stop. swooning. Every time it happens. Every time! So I have to say that today's outfit is a little inspired by JCrew. At least it's my own execution... using things I already own.


I'm going to try and post my outfits with their respective "outerwear" layer since the weather is cool and I usually try to choose a jacket or coat that compliments the outfit. That is until January when I wear my long puffer coat for 60 days straight. Let's all admit that it might get a little old then. But in the meantime, this is a nylon almost-puffer-but-not-kind-of-moto-cross-style jacket that I got FOREVER ago from Banana Republic. Like really forever. It has a Euro feel to me and has zippered pockets (I love pockets in a coat... don't ask me why... I don't know!) and it's machine washable. It's pretty much perfect.


I got this slouchy sweater at the Gap recently and it's so soft and light, but still has a good deal of warmth to it. The chambray shirt and bold necklace are as close to perfection, I mean, JCrew as I could get.


This is mostly unrelated, but I also decided to start keeping an inspiration file on my desktop with outfits that I see and like... and yes, I'm like 50 years behind on that. BUT, as I start collecting them, I'm hoping to showcase them here and incorporate the styles that inspire me into my wardrobe in a practical way.

I've got to run, but check back later today for another JCrew inspired post... maybe (probably) even more fun that this one! Promise!

Details:
Jeans, Forever 21 (similar)
Sweater, Gap
Chambray Top, Old Navy (similar)
Necklace, Charlotte Russe
Flats, Old Navy (similar)

my outfit: finally!

Finally I have some outfit photos for you! I'm finally feeling better... still a little cough, but not as bad as it was, and I am actually getting dressed in the morning without turning back to the closet for sweatpants a couple hours later. I picked up this pink top to wear in Vegas... which I did, but didn't take photos of (kind of the theme of the trip unfortunately). What I love about this top is that while it looked great hitting the strip in (it's sleeveless) - it also transitions well to everyday wear with a cardi... like so:

The cardigan is navy blue (if you can't tell... natural light is becoming scarce in the midwest as summer is now over!) and I thought made a perfect pairing - jewel tones seem to compliment one another nicely. If there is one color I would love to add more of to my wardrobe it would be navy blue... it's timeless and versatile. Truly.


And of course a little leopard for fun!


I added this gorgeous white coat as the day had a little chill in it, and overall, I think the outfit was simple, but very well pulled together. This coat fits like a glove... it's just GLORIOUS and while it is fitted, it's still very comfortable.

I just love dressing for fall!

Details:

Coat, courtesy of Tulle (this coat comes in tons of great colors... make sure to check them out!)

Cardigan, Gap (similar)

Top, Gap

Belt, Forever 21 (similar)

Jeans, Seven for all Mankind

Clogs, UGG

dangerous territory...

I was perusing the internet waaaay too much this weekend. I had a few wardrobe consults to complete and I have a new super fun project in the works that launches WEDNESDAY... so I was busy as busy can be this weekend. All for you ladies!

Lots of time on the internet for me means lots of little treats for you... today's post is VERY dangerous territory. Read at your own risk!

These boots and that price. What is not to looooove? Wow!

(Equestrian Boots, American Eagle, $69.50)

I think I am going to start collecting clutches... I just want to behold them. There are so many great ones out there and the price points are usually quite budget friendly. I'll start with these two. K?

(Antique Metallic Beaded Clutch, Urban Outfitters, $38)

(Soft Leatherette Clutch, Forever 21, $14.80)

Gap's modern take on leopard print. Um, yes please. I'm really loving Gap lately. Really.

(Leopard Print Cardigan, Gap, $59.50)

Faux fur and me have a "thing" going on. This jacket looks SO comfy! You could pull this on with jeans and a t-shirt and still look smokin. Or wear it with a super hot dress and be on fire! LOVE this!

(Faux Fur Belted Jacket, Forever 21, $32.80)

If I bought these pants I would NEVER take them off. I mean come on. Have you ever seen such lovely coziness. Must. Not. Buy.

(Purva Pants, Anthropologie, $58)

I'll be back with a bonafide post later today... Happy Monday!

my outfit: recuperating!

This was my "back to reality" outfit... after arriving late the night before from Vegas and then waking at the crack of dawn to get the kiddos off to school and back to my own schedule after vacation. I am also still battling a nasty cold and cough - yuck! I was actually pleased when the weather decided to play along with my mood... mild temps, cloudy, thundery and a little bit of rain. SUPER cozy!

And really, what can't an armful of bangle-y bracelets not fix? Perfect to perk up a rainy day!

I picked up this sweater at LOFT in Vegas and it reminded me of my cozy duvet when I got out of bed this morning... so I snuggled back into it for the day. I had actually hoped to do MORE shopping while in Vegas - but this is about all I got. Well, make that more "buying" - we definitely did lots of shopping. But once I started shopping I didn't know exactly what I wanted or needed and felt indecisive.

That must mean it's time for another looks:book - is anyone ready for a winter version? I need to get organized about what is good to buy for winter. Am I alone?

Cozy sweaters like this one are definitely a must! And I busted out the puffer vest that I (almost!) forgot I had! This is an oldy-but-goody from JCrew. That is what I love about JCrew - so classic and high quality that the pieces last for years. This one is seriously from like 2004. Perfect for a cozy, rainy day!

I love to see the sunshine... but sometimes I enjoy a "down" day when the clouds roll in. What about you?

Details:

Puffer Vest, JCrew (similar)

Sweater, LOFT

Jeans, Forever 21 (similar)

Bangle Bracelets, various stores

Clogs, UGG

work it wednesday: sequined sweatshirts!

I just LOVE all of the sequined sweatshirts I have been seeing in the shops and online recently... I fell in love with one at Urban Outfitters while shopping in Vegas and I am regretting not buying it now! The thing I love so much about them is they have the casual and dressy textures so well balanced for an everyday appeal.

I thought I would have some fun pulling together looks based on sequined sweatshirts Work It Wednesday style - and the next time one crosses my path I'll be very likely to snatch it up!

(shorts, top, jacket, clutch, boots)

(ring, pants, top, purse, scarf, boots)

(necklace, jeans, top, purse, jacket, flats)

Are you loving the sequined sweatshirt for fall and winter?

my outfit: go for the bold!

This outfit is totally out of my norm... but I loved it! I was feeling daring and bold and it definitely came through. I know some of you will dislike the denim jacket with jeans but save your comments - ha! - I liked it!


Doesn't it feel good to go out of your comfort zone sometimes??


A lot of people ask me if TOMS are comfortable. I practically go accosted at the Las Vegas airport by two "mature" women wanting details on where to find TOMS and more importantly if they had "arch support" - apparently it's key as you age. I said "oh, yes of course" - but then I realized I don't really have problems with my arches - so maybe not. errr... it's hard to say.


What I WILL say though is that I ran, yes RAN (!!!!!) through pretty much the entire Minneapolis airport in these bad boys last night (damn you Delta!) and my feet were about the only things not hurting (my lungs and calves were another story... my temper and nerves, yet another one entirely). But my feet? Sparkly and happy!

Details:

Sarong as a Scarf, Gap (similar)

Denim Jacket, Gap (similar)

Striped Top, Forever 21 (similar)

Pink Top, Old Navy (similar)

Jeans, Gap (similar)

Shoes, TOMS

Handbag, Kate Spade (similar, I got mine at GILT for cheaper!)

what to wear: Happy Weekend!

Happy weekend gals! I'm leaving on a jet-plane for Vegas soon so I am feeling a little celebratory! How about this amazing outfit this weekend??? Make sure to celebrate in some small way yourself this weekend!

(skirt, top, clutch, necklace, bracelet, shoes)

my outfit: the college try!

I am sure you all are with me on this: do you ever have a piece of clothing (or two) that you like, but you just can't seem to get it right when you wear it?

That is how I have been with this top (it's purple by the way... really dark if you can't tell). It is just a tunic style t-shirt from the Gap. It fits nicely, the color is great and it's very soft. But every time I have pulled it out to wear it I end up not knowing how to style it and putting it back in the closet. Grrr.



Even still, I like how this outfit came together... but I am still a little wary about the top. Maybe it's just a mind hurdle.




Either way... I gave it a good college try. Any way... moving on, I saw a gal at the coffee shop with her skinnies cuffed the other day. It reminded me how much I loved that look, so I had to knock it off. That is one of the main reasons I love getting out to coffee shops and other places I don't usually get to linger as a mom... there is lots of inspiration in what other people are wearing. Especially when you're at a place that you don't usually go!

Details:

Jacket, courtesy of Tulle

Top, Gap

Belt, small local boutique (similar)

Necklace, F21 (similar)

Jeans, Old Navy

Flats, Nine West (similar)

my outfit: ArtPrize!

If you live in West Michigan you are probably (almost) sick of hearing about ArtPrize... but soon it will be gone until next year and we will miss it so! If you HAVEN'T heard of it yet... you should know about it... it's the most amazing open art competition with the largest purse in the world and Grand Rapids is luckier than lucky that it's in our own backyard.

The Top 10 has been announced - did I mention that it's judged American Idol style? Super fun! - and while I haven't seen many of ALL of the entries (there are thousands of total entries), I have seen many in the Top 10. What I love most about ArtPrize is that it's 100% accessible to the public and not at all snooty or overly art-sy. It's just good honest fun and inspiration!

My husband and I had a date night on opening night... here are some of the favorites I saw that night: (iphone photos to follow...)

This was the coolest sculpture... from the side it was several pieces of cut metal...


When you stood directly in front of the piece, it became a woman's face. Isn't this just amazing?


One of my favorites of the evening is this piece made all of red thread... this one is currently in the top ten and deservedly so.


This piece entitled, Cavalry, is showing at the Grand Rapids Art Museum... it was SO busy there, but somehow the crowd split and I got this amazing picture of the artist in front of his piece. Cavalry is a pencil drawing... it's amazingly large.


And here is a close up to get the magnitude of this drawing... look at the detail. Amazing! This piece is in the Top 10 as well.


In the "I want to steal this to take it home" category... this paper cut out wins my vote. This would look amazing in my stairwell. Isn't it so cool? It was rather large... maybe four feet by six feet. I just loved it.


Here's what I wore:

Details:

(the crazy stickers on my shirt are from ArtPrize, admission stickers and artist stickers... random, I know)

Necklace, Forever 21

Lace Top, Charlotte Russe (similar)

Jacket, Courtesy of Tulle

Zip Ankle Jeans, Forever 21 (similar)

Wedges, Cynthia Vincent for Target (similar)

Purse, Deux Lux (similar)

my outfit: casual Friday (again)!

I'm not going to go so far as saying that we have a new series here, but it is true that last Friday I posted a super casual outfit and this Friday too. I seem to start my weeks off on a bang and by the time the week goes on I crave more and more comfortable clothes. Until I land half dead into the weekend... but that's another story altogether.


A simple t-shirt and these most comfortable jeans on the planet (I wear them as a *reward* for a long week... they are THAT comfortable!) is the perfect formula for a great casual outfit. But then I like to add a fun accessory like a leopard belt to add some interest.

Isn't the distressing just perfect? I wish I had about 20 pairs of jeans that were all this comfortable and perfectly distressed.

By the way, thanks you for all the feedback yesterday... it sounds like you gals love the outfit photos that I take and want to see more fashion formulas as well. Which is QUITE the coincidence because my husband and I had a huge brainstorming session (I talk, he nods in agreement) last weekend and taking my fashion formulas to the next "level" was the major outcome of the blabbering I was doing. I have a great project in mind that is going to need a ton of work/organization/time. So when I figure out how to find all three of those I will be all set. My gut is telling me early 2011. In the meantime I can whip up more posts on that though!

Also one commenter said she wanted more outfits for moms. Well is she in the right place or what!?! I am a mom you know... and a part-time, inching to more, blogger. This is what I wear! With my kids! Doing my everyday stuff! Even my kids like to be in my "photoshoots" (see above!).

And I even manage to smile too! Lately my pictures have seemed so glum, huh? I do smile, honestly... it seems when it comes to editing that the pictures where I am smiling either my eyes are closed, my hands are doing weird things or I notice there was a lego or something in the shot. So here is a smile, just to assure you that I'm a normal and happy (albeit sometimes crazy) person. Promise.

Details:

Jacket, Gap

T-Shirt, Gap

Jeans, Gap

Belt, Forever 21

Clogs, UGG

pretty little things...

Lately I have been admiring boho style more and more... in general my style is more tailored or classic. I don't tend towards the whimsical and flowy... except for lately. I seem to be craving loose and flowing tops, florals, fringe and the like.

Here's some beautiful examples:

Topshop Feather One Shoulder Top

Jeffrey Campbell Clogs

Linea Pelle Vintage Hobo

Marlyn Schiff Tear Drop Earrings

Forever 21 Draped Knit Tunic

Do you think it's just a phase? Do you ever crave clothing that is not your "usual" style?