check it out: spooky jewelry!

This isn't my usual style... but it's hard to not get into the spooky spirit of Halloween! If I had an adult party to go to it would be super fun to sport some of these super spooky jewelry pieces! I'm just doing the kid stuff this year though. What about you? Are you dressing up at all for Halloween?


Skull Ring, Asos, $17.24


Jessica Kagan Cushman Cuff, Max & Chloe, $170


Betsey Johnson Skull Earrings, Macy's, $40


Alkemie Spiderweb Ring, Shopbop, $155


Betsey Johnson Spider Statement Necklace, Piperlime, $150

Bwhahahaha! Stay spooky!

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?

Reader Question!

Lauren emailed me recently and wanted some tips on how to style this gorgeous dress that she bought for an upcoming wedding. She had the dress and the shoes chosen already... from there, I just filled in the blanks!

1. This dress is just amazing... I love the architectural aspect of it with the bold stripes. This dress is almost stand-alone worthy... I wanted to only carefully chose a few accessories that would enhance it's style. Grosgrain Peaks Dress, Anthropologie, $138

2. Kudos to Lauren for already choosing a great pair of shoes. These fit the preppy and refined look that the dress expresses. Tahari Dara Pump, DSW, $69.95

3. I first chose this clutch, I loved it quintessential summer feel. Wicker Clutch, Lori's Shoes, $46

4. Classic studs are refined and understated, but still add a bit of femininity to the ensemble. Blowing Baubles Stud Earrings, Kate Spade, Bloomingdale's, $45.00

5. The woven detail of this bracelet plays well off of the stripes and the wicker clutch. Woven Cuff Bracelet, Aldo, $12.98

6. Along the same lines of classic and refined... a mani and pedi in this classic color would top the look off perfectly! "Fed Up", Essie Nail Color, $8.00

7. I picture this outfit with a very sleek and refined hair look. Either pulled back (to show of the shoulders) or long and sleek. Brilliant Spray on Shine, Aveda, $18.99

Bling and Baubles...

Right off the bat I have to say a HUGE thank you for the solidarity on yesterday's post. It is so comforting to know that other women struggle with the stay home vs. work battle that my brain wages daily. Motherhood comes easy to many, I find that my perfectionist tendencies can make motherhood difficult at times - but mind over matter, right!?! I always feel vulnerable putting my more private thoughts on the blog, but you gals lift me up. For that I am thankful. Now let's get to the good stuff...

~~~

I love the bling and baubles that Forever 21 always has to offer. I seem to get compliments whenever I wear them... perhaps for their boldness. But am I alone that my local store has hardly anything to offer compared to online? So then I am always asking myself is it silly to order $7 bracelets and necklaces online? I think that some of these are definitely worth it...















Each of these pieces are UNDER $15 (yes, fifteen!!!)... that means (rough math, here) you could get all these pieces I featured for less than $70. Wow!

Have a great weekend! Any grand plans!?!?

my outfit: jean shorts!

Oh man have I been on the blink... I know you probably can't tell from where you sit, but the past two days (or two years... depending on how bad the day is) I have been having major "what am I doing with my life?" spasms. Basically this blog and my kids are my life right now. And while the kids are a good and noble cause - the thought of spending every waking moment with them this summer has me shaking in my flip flops. Conversely, this lil' here blog is fantastical... but sometimes I'm like "really, a blog Jill, that's the best you can do?" (Harsh, I know.) So I dream of going back to work full time and then immediately feel guilt knowing all that my kids and husband would have to go through for me to achieve this "career" drive (not even to mention that the blog would pop like a bubble on a windy day if I went back to work) that I have and then pretty much I melt into a big fat mess. This is probably WAY more than you all want to know, but heck, I'm human.

Also, it makes me want to wear yoga pants everyday. And if you know me, then you may know that something is a leeeeetle off (or a lot). Also, I eat a lot of Jujyfruits during these times... (again, NOT good)

Whew, but I'm okay. Really. I have these meltdowns and then I remember that life is good, I have an amazing life (and blog) and that I am blessed every day. Even on the super hard days.

Any way, enough of my sob story. How about this outfit? I've gone and cut off a pair of jeans - and I like them!



Last year I remember a JCrew shot with a gal in a blazer and jean shorts and thought: must recreate. I'll be honest... the thought did cross my mind to photoshop some skinnier legs on. But I didn't. Oh well. Again, human here!



So anyway, the shorts... these are my old "painting" jeans. The hole in the knee was crazy big and I thought - I sure would like a pair of new shorts without spending money - and since I'm not much into crime, I had to scrounge my own closet. Voila!



I say, why pay $25, $35 or $50+ dollars for jean shorts this summer... find some old ones that need a new life!

Details:
Jeans (now shorts), Gap (similar)
Blazer, Gap (similar, similar)
Top, JCrew (similar)
Necklace, Forever 21
Wedges, Target

obsessed: necklaces!

I am just obsessed... obsessed with necklaces lately. The bigger, the bolder, the better! Check out these fun options from ModCloth. LOVE!

Any of these would be fun with a simple white t-shirt like I featured earlier today, no?


Puttin' on the Ritz Necklace, $29.99



Fuchsia Fugato Necklace, $25.99



Highlight-her Necklace, $23.99



Coral Corral Necklace, $23.99


Don't you just love!?!?

~~~

Okay folks, I've been telling myself all week that I need to slow down on the posts around here... the summer looks:book is coming out next week and I've got oodles of editing to do so it is ready. Ooodles! So if posting is light, which it should be or I will be running on empty, that is why! Please understand!

Toodles!

read at your own risk...

Warning: you should read this post at your risk (to your wallet, specifically!).

Through my internet perusings of late I notice a few baubles on sale over at the do-no-wrong-store of choice lately: JCrew.
Seriously, it's not fair! How can they be so perfect... all the time?

Gird your wallets ladies. This is gonna hurt.

Crystal Devote Earrings, $29.99 (from $55)


Twisted Neon Magpie Necklace, $79.99 (from $135)


Twisted Treasure Bracelet, $29.99 (from $65)


Layered Crystal Glace Necklace, $49.99 (from $118)


Majesty Stone Cocktail Ring, $29.99 (from $68)


So lovely... no? Happy Weekend gals... don't forget to check back tomorrow for my latest installment of Blogging Bits!

my outfit: sun seeker!

Remember yesterday I mentioned the crazy ups and downs in our weather here in Michigan? This outfit is the perfect example... I woke up and got dressed in this... the weather was supposed to be 80 degrees and sunny. And it was. Then I did some mom-child-rearing-housework stuff and junk and then snapped a few photos and headed outside. Before I knew it the sun was gone, the wind had picked up and while the outfit made for a great photo opp - it was short lived.



For the record, this is the second time I have switched up what is considered a "bathing suit coverup" for a top...



To me this is the perfect outfit for hanging out in the yard with the kids... I usually push the kids on the swings (the neighbor's swings to be exact!), pull a few weeds, sweep the porch, or if I am really lucky... reading my most recent book or magazine for a moment or two. The kids are at this age where they need to be supervised and entertained outside so they just bop over my way when they need me. And perhaps get a touch of sun on my shoulders (I know, I know... but I am a total sun seeker!)



Details:
Necklace, Old Navy (similar)
Top, Old Navy
Jeans, F21 (similar)
Sandals, F21 (similar)

good look for less EXPRESS: Dana!

Today's good look for less wardrobe consult is for Dana... Dana is in love with JCrew (who isn't these days - sheesh!) but needs some help balancing her work wardrobe (business casual) with her weekend wardrobe. My goal here was to offer some outfits that could do double duty with a quick and easy change up. Let's explore!

I love the versatility of this dress... here I styled it for work. For play I would simply swap out the Old Navy issued belt with a fun wide belt in brown and ditch the jacket and you are ready for a night out with the girls or a date with someone special.

Pumps by Forever 21
Shoulder Bags by Pieces

Business casual definitions vary widely... but if these linen trousers don't fit the bill I would swap them for a white or khaki wool trouser. For the weekend or evenings... ditch the cardigan and add a cocktail!

Cardigans by Old Navy
Sandals by Ciao Bella

Dana mentioned that she loves JCrew and has a ton of cardigans. Here I hoped to reflect something she already had in her wardrobe - but that yellow sure is fun isn't it (fingers crossed you have one similar Dana!). Any color cardi would work and then for business casual simply swap out the skinny jeans for black trousers.

Button Front Tops by Old Navy
Flats by BC Footwear

Happy Shopping Dana!

~~~

To find out more about my wardrobe consultation services click here... or enter to win a personalized wardrobe consult from me here!