shopping guide: warm up!

Brrr baby! The temps are dropping... it's time to warm up in style with these fun cold weather accessories! I find each season I need to refresh my scarves, gloves, mittens and hats. They tend to get A LOT of use through out the season. These fun pieces would add tons of fun and personality to the coats and jackets you already own!

(1. Ribbed Beret, JCrew, $39.50 2. Chunky Arm Warmer, Topshop, $24 3. Faux Fur Trapper, Gap, $24.50 4. Slubby Snood, Topshop, $36 5. Faux Fur Wrap, Limited, $39.90 6. Popcorn Knit Mittens, Gap, $24.50 7. Minimalist Effort Gloves, Modcloth, $47.99)

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?

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)

need: scarves!

I am an absolute scarf person... I wear them all winter long and even part of the summer. I was going through my scarves the other day though and thought - oh no! (or, oh yes!) I need some new ones!

The best thing about scarves is they warm you right up, or come off easy if you are hot... and best of all you can find some really great options for inexpensive! All of my selections today are on the cheap!

Doesn't this chunky knit scarf look so perfect for fall? A nice warm color and the thick yarn seems so cozy to me! (Modcloth, $22.99)


This fun scarf could dress up jeans and a t-shirt no problem... it reminds me of a neon pattern Marc Jacobs did a year or so ago. Very chic! (American Eagle, $9.50)


I featured this scarf in the fall looks:book and it continues to be a favorite of mine (and a fav of those that bought the book - everyone has been raving about this scarf!). It's classic and chic! (Modcloth, $19.99)


I love the color combo of this scarf... it would be a great compliment to the popular military green this season.
(Bindya, $42.75)

Do you have your eye on some new scarves this season?

craving...

It must be my subconscious final push towards the end of the summer, but I am craving sweet little fun summery dresses. I almost picked up a few at Forever 21 the other day, but I thought to myself... after the Challenge, there are really only a few weeks left of summer. So sad.

If you aren't participating in the Challenge or you live in a warmer climate... maybe you could squeeze these dresses into your summer wardrobe yet this season. On my behalf?

Isn't this dress just mesmerizing? It draws me in... It's so simple but so sophisticated. It would be great for a casual summer wedding or just for a picnic with your love at the park. I could imagine wearing this dress for many summers to come! (Modcloth, $62.99)


I featured a similar dress to this on in the summer looks:book. I just LOVE the look of this one. This dress may be coming home to me soon. I can see layering it with jeans and boots and a sweater this fall. I just LOVE it. (Forever 21, $16.90)


I've been circling around embroidered dresses and tops like these all summer. I just love their vibrancy and flair, but I never know if they are "me". This one is just so gorgeous. If you thought it was too short (it probably would be for my taste) it would look great with white jeans or with longer jeans shorts. (Forever 21, $24.90)


I love the fresh and flirty style of this dress... I can imagine myself with my hair pulled back in a messy bun, shoulders bare and a glass of sangria in my hand. Preferably at sunset. Doesn't this dress just invoke feelings like that? (Modcloth, $64.99)



Do you have any summer shopping left in you? Or are you like me and "saving" yourself (or your wallet!) for fall??

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!

shopping guide: south of the border!

These hot summer days and warm summer nights have me dreaming that I am actually on vacation... sipping margaritas with little umbrellas in them and eating my weight in chips and salsa would be just my style these days. So it's no surprise that I present to you this south of the border shopping guide... can't you smell the lime juice now?

(details: 1. Hyacinth & Hydrangea Satchel, Anthropologie, $78, 2. Mexico Tank, Forever 21, $10.90, 3. Orchid Embroidered Flat, Sam Edelman, $29.50, 4. Carson Poplin Short, JCrew, $29.99, 5. Lyssa Dolman Top, Forever 21, $24.90, 6. Basic Principles Skirt, ModCloth, $44.99 7. Embroidered Leather Sandals, Old Navy, $19.50)

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!

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 (on Thursday)!

Sorry Work it Wednesday is a day late... This is one of my favorite "series" around here, but yesterday got away from me! So, whew, here we are... let's work it ladies!

So do you "tunic"? To me tunics are easy, breezy and beautiful - er, that is a commercial. But no really, a tunic is usually highlighted by beautiful detailing and adornments, they are tailored in a way that allows for comfort and movement... and as you can see with my outline below - they make an "outfit" in a snap! So yes, beautiful, breezy and easy! Isn't this Tory Burch tunic to die for!?!?! (sigh)

tunic three ways by Jill GG featuring Roxy Bags

Love the tunic look and want some cheaper options? Glad you asked...

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?

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...