good look for less: Holli!

I recently did a wardrobe consultation for Holli... she works in bustling Manhattan and wanted some super chic and classy looks for toting around the big apple! She's mid-twenties so I wanted to be sure to give her outfits a youthful flare... but without being sophmoric. Also, she's not a huge fan of jewelry - so we skipped the accessories and instead went for pieces that made a statement on their own. Let's take a look at the outfits, shall we???

A dramatic collar like the one on this sweater is a sophisticated and feminine way to add some texture to an outfit. Paired with well tailored jeans (Gap's Long & Lean are a really great option!) and simple flats this is a refined look, but still practical for walking and errand running.

(jeans, sweater, flats, cross-body bag)

A blazer can always be counted on to take things up a notch - paired with this delicately patterned top is sublime. I love this outfit... so easy and so put together!

(jeans, top, boots, blazer)

This next outfit is a perfect example of the power of mixing and matching... classic jeans and a blazer can be used together in a million different variations. In this outfit I just love this bubble style top - it's easy to layer with and is great for all body types.

(jeans, top, blazer, necklace, flats, cross-body bag)

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Also, for those of you that are interested in purchasing wardrobe consults! I am BACK and open for business again... after a brief break! If you have already emailed me about one - I will be in touch soon. If you haven't... get your name in now! Check out all the details here!

shopping guide: faux fur vests!

Faux fur vests seemed to poke their head out last year... but this year they are back with a vengeance. They are available at all price points and several styles and have a very "off duty model just stepped off the runway/Rachel Zoe/Olsen twins" vibe to them. I happen to like this type of je ne sais quoi relaxed but chic look. Plus they look super cozy!

And if you are at all interested in how I would style one... well DO check back! I found one second hand and diy-ed it a bit to get it where I wanted it and will be showcasing it here on the blog very soon!

It's almost impossible to choose a favorite here... so many great options!

(details: 1. Faux Fur Vest, Old Navy, $29.50; 2. Eight Sixty Faux Fur Vest, Piperlime, $92; 3. Faux Fur Vest, LOFT, $98; 4. Faux Fur Belted Vest, Rachel Roy, $149; 5. Janika Vest, BB Dakota, Piperlime, $69; 6. Charlize Vest, JCrew, $595)

shopping guide: coats!

As the weather continues to cool off it is time to start thinking about your most important accessory for winter - your coat! Depending on where you live you may need more of a jacket than a full-on coat. But if you are like me living in Michigan or really any where in the Midwest or East Coast you need a virtual arsenal of coats and jackets to keep you warm!

I like to have a really practical coat that is super warm. For that I depend on my puffer coat - for trips to the bus stop with the kids... and of course for the yearly Christmas Tree hunt! But, I also like to have a nice tailored coat or two hanging around for making me feel like a lady (and not just a girl wrapped in a sleeping bag) during the colder months.

Any of these options would be great investments for this winter... which one do you love?

(1. Cropped Trench, Gap, $79.50; 2. Double Breasted Wool Blend Coat, Old Navy, $89.50; 3. Minus the Leather Jacket, Express, $98; 4. Corduroy Blazer, LOFT, $69.50; 5. Jack Plush Coat, BB Dakota, Piperlime, $70; 6. Wool Blend Trench, Old Navy, $99.50)

shopping guide for fall... boots!

I have gotten tons of reader emails about boots lately... what are the fall trends for boots? how do I wear boots with skirts? boots? boots? boots? I thought I would lay out a few of my favorite styles and shapes for fall this year in response to those questions.

Speaking of reader questions... I just completed an FAQ page (found here) featuring commonly asked questions, it also addresses how I manage all the nice (ahem, and some not nice) emails and questions I get from you all. Read up!

1. I love a simple wedge suede boot like this one this fall. I would pair these with cuffed jeans that just reached the top of the boot. So cute! (Chinese Laundry At Once, Piperlime, $89)

2. Fold-over boots like these are popping up at several retailers... sometimes boots can look very "dressed up" - I love that these have a slouchy relaxed feel to them. (Steve Madden Carlsen, Piperlime, $89)

3. Over the Knee (OTK) boots are super popular this season. And this pair has a fun equestrian feel to them. (Restricted Marine, Piperlime, $99)

4. I am in love with anything Minnetonka this season! This little zip bootie looks comfortable and chic... it would be fun with a dress or with jeans! (Minnetonka Short Boot, Net-a-Porter, $45)

5. I love this semi-slouchy mid-height boot style, this is a carry over from last season... so you may already have a pair of these in your closet for this year! (Sam & Libby Profess Boot, DSW, $49.95)

6. Wellies are not only super cute, but are also very practical for cold and wet fall days. These have a touch of sophistication with the herringbone fabric. I really love this pair! If you are a soccer mom like me you know you need something warm and dry for rainy games! (Chooka Herringbone Boot, Footnotes Online , $70)

7. Booties are just as popular this season as they were last year. These would be great with cuffed jeans or a sweet floral dress and tights! (Enzo Anglioni Rachey8, Zappos, $79)

work it wednesday: sarong!

If you subscribe to my newsletter (and you should!) you already got a sneak peak at this Work It Wednesday... (Work it Wednesday is the longest running series on my blog where I take one wardrobe piece and make it "work" in three different ways...)

After doing some digging through last years clothing for swimsuits, shorts, etc I came across this sarong that I purchased from the Gap several years ago... I am really good about remembering when I buy things, in like a really weird way. And I dated this purchase back to when I was pregnant with my first - that would have been the summer of 2004. It matched my (hideous) pink maternity swim suit. Aaaaany way, how is that for useless knowledge?

Without further ado (or useless knowledge....) here it is... three ways! (And while not one includes a swimsuit - I'm not that crazy to put myself up here in a swimsuit... any of the variations could and will include a swimsuit... just not on this blog!)

I definitely went out on a limb with the tank option. But in the end, I really, really like it and will definitely keep this look cued up for a summer party (any one want to invite me to a summer party?). This just shows that sometimes going out on a limb with your clothing works (we all know that at other times, it definitely does not).
(Sarong/Tank, Gap; White Pants, Gap; Wedges, Cynthia Vincent for Target; Bangles, Various)

The skirt version was actually my first and favorite... I wore this to the beach on Memorial Day weekend. I don't know a girl alive that doesn't like to cover her hiney at the beach or pool now and then. I mean come on, how did guys get full length shorts as an option and we get fig leaves?
(Sarong/Skirt, Gap; White Tee, Gap; Necklace, Old Navy; Wedges, Cynthia Vincent for Target)

When I look at all three of these outfits and try to choose a favorite, it's almost impossible. Really. SO many good options here. But the scarf version is great because it is the most practical (and I'm nothing if not practical). I could see this scarf brightening any fall/winter/spring day.
(Sarong/Scarf, Gap; White Tee, American Apparel; Skinny Jeans, F21; Wedges, Cynthia Vincent for Target)

I tried to scrounge up some similar sarongs... this is all I could find (at a decent price):

Roberta Roller Rabbit Clara, Piperlime, $55


Roberta Roller Rabbit Francesca, Piperlime, $55


Roberta Roller Rabbit Gwen, Piperlime, $55


I am very happy to report that all three of those are amazing options. I would like one or three of those myself! And really when you see how versatile it can be... how can you not?

If you are an amazing DIY'er (which I am not) I think you could use some fabric from the fabric store too... really a sarong is a rectangle piece of fabric. Nothing more!

good LOOK for less: EXPRESS, Katrina!

Today's good LOOK for less EXPRESS consult is Katrina... here's a bit about her:

I am a working mom and my husband and I have a beautiful 22 month old son. I work full time for a community college. I'd say my work environment is business, but I rarely wear suits. I consider my style classic and my absolute modern fashion icon is Reese Witherspoon. I need work appropriate, fashionable, classic outfits but also something I can wear on outings with the family - running errands, heading to the Christmas tree farm to pick out our tree and running about with an active almost two year old. I love fashion, but wouldn't say I'm trendy. I also recently found out we have a new baby on the way next summer so transitional outfits maintaining style will be important. I strongly believe that just because I'm a mom doesn't mean I can't have style!

A baby on the way! How fun! Here's a couple of looks I pulled together for you Katrina:

This is a simple and transitional outfit for hanging out with the kiddo, running errands or even dinner out with your husband... if you can find the time! The top and cardigan can get you through the first months of pregnancy and the first few post-natal months as well. Just swap out some maternity jeans in between and you are all set!

This is a great holiday activity outfit, whether ice skating with the kids, attending a tree-lighting or doning a saw and cutting your own tree, you will be comfy and picture perfect in this outfit for all of your outdoor holiday activities!

For holiday parties or a day at the office, this dress will again work through the beginning months of your pregnancy comfortably. Paired with some snazzy hoisery and a ruffly handbag this is a fun and festive outfit!

Enjoy and Happy Shopping Katrina!

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If you would like to get on the "list" for one of my good LOOK for less EXPRESS (free) consults, email me at goodlifeforless @ gmail.com - or click here for more info on my wardrobe consultation services!

good LOOK for less: Jo, stay at home mom ready to bounce back!

I received an email from Jo recently (who I happen to know IRL too... fun!) wanting some help jazzing up her wardrobe a bit! Here's a bit of her note to me:

I am a stay-at-home mom. My wardrobe has never really recovered after 2 pregnancies. Most things I have are super casual and simple. Lots of tee shirts and jeans. I'd love to take things up a notch to simple yet kinda sassy. I love to wear large earrings or a big bracelet to have one outstanding accessory. I desperately need to figure out some great every day shoes in brown and black. Lastly, I need a new handbag for the winter. I need a big one that will work with my new clothes!

Jo's budget was about $250 and for that I was able to compile 13 new wardrobe items and 5 new outfits... Let's take a look at her shopping list:



For the outfits I tried to incorporate updated denim cuts and colors to keep the outfits comfy and chic all at the same time!

Adding details like ruffles is easy to do to an outfit and really brings it up a notch. Add in some funky earrings and practical but sophisticated boots and voila! Updated mom!

Adding a metallic shoe can help you get out of the brown/black debate with shoes and isn't near as boring and flats are great for comfort and ease. And here is a great oversized bag in a bold color that will easily jazz up any outfit!

Having one of those days when you are not "feeling the skinny jeans"? Simply add a extra long top or dress and it's comfy and chic and VERY mom friendly!

Thanks Jo! Happy Shopping!

~~~

Are you interested in finding out more about my wardrobe consult services... click here!

And don't forget - every Monday morning at 8 AM (EST) I will accept emails for two free consults a week!

work it wednesday!

Last time I did a Work it Wednesday for "age groups" - I got a great response!

Here I am featuring RUFFLES... a MUST HAVE in your fall and winter wardrobe and so easy to wear!

ruffles three ways by Jill GG featuring Marc by Marc Jacobs

More great ruffle-ly looks:


Are you sporting ruffles these days?

Top Ten Summer Essentials!

So last week we went over the first five of the the Top Ten Summer Essentials... and now we will finish with the second five!

So let's get right into it!

6. Statement Jewelry: Statement jewelry should be something simple and fun in your accessories "wardrobe" that can dress up a t-shirt or dress up a little black dress... and every where in between. I usually opt for inexpensive and interesting pieces that are sure to spark up conversation and one's imagination! Push the envelope a bit with this one and make it memorable... let the ladies at work call you the "feather lady" or your girlfriends gently tease you when you pull out the "feather necklace." Be daring! I could see this fun necklace being worn with a white t-shirt to the farmer's market or with a flirty top on a date!


7. Oversized Handbag: Again, I may seem like a broken record on this one, but those little-itty-bitty purses that hold your phone and a lipstick are so boring (unless it is purposely a "clutch")! Be fun, be dramatic, stand out! If you are a mom, a large handbag can act as your purse and a diaper bag (oh, don't even get me started on "diaper" bags) or if you are a student you can load your laptop or a couple of books in these. It's doesn't have to be as big as an overnight bag... just somewhere comfortably in between.


8. Ribbed Tanks: These are just a given for warm summer months! They are comfy and colorful and come in at ALL price points. I have a bazillion of them and could seriously go for a bazillion more! No need to go fancy or frivolous on these... Old Navy has them for less than $10 and in plenty of colors... how about bright yellow!?!


9. Cardigan: There is hardly anything more versatile in your wardrobe than a nice cardigan, it can cover your shoulders on a chilly night, fend off cold air conditioned office cubicles and take the chill out as afternoon turns to evening at the beach. For this season I am loving the "boyfriend" style cardigan that is a bit looser, has good drape and in general a deep v-neck. I recently purchased a similar style in black and that thing is getting good use this season. Most people don't think of cardigans in the summer, but layering is always key no matter what the season!


10. (last but not least!) White Pants: I just LOVE white pants this time of year... and yes I have two kids, and yes they get crap all over them and yes I spot treat them like crazy in the wash. But still. White pants rock! They are slimming and fresh looking and go with pretty much everything! I prefer a wide leg white pant... straight leg or even skinny are great options as well. Whichever you prefer!


I hope you enjoyed this little mini-series on the season's basics. Keep those reader emails and questions coming to goodlifeforless (at) gmail.com!

Happy Weekend!

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...

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More Arden B...

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More White House...

Work it Wednesday: Destroyed Denim!

I am just loving all of the destroyed denim that is popping up on sites and at retailers this spring... I feel like we got a glimpse at this trend earlier this spring and that going through the summer and into fall it will gain speed.

But being 30 and being a mom and being a bit on the conservative side... I have to ask myself: is this trend appropriate for me? If you aren't 19 and have thought about sporting this trend you may ask yourself the same thing. If you are 19... well, just go for it girl!

Here are three conservative and appropriate ways to wear destroyed denim:

destroyed denim three ways by Jill GG featuring Miu Miu bags

Here are a couple of affordable and chic options...

I almost can't believe that cut-off shorts are coming back... I remember how I used to obsess over them in junior high. Ah, what goes around, comes around.

More Arden B...

I absolutely LOVE this pair... the cuffs, the distressing... the price tag! It's all just perfect!

More Charlotte Russe...

I love this skirt... I'm not such a skirt person, but I am seriously contemplating a denim skirt purchase soon.

More Forever 21...

Are you rockin' destroyed denim these days? Do tell!

Fashion Friday: Nature Inspired...

As long as my garden keeps blooming and bursting so beautifully... you all will be getting nature inspired Fashion Fridays! The bleeding hearts just popped up this week...

Ahh, they are one of my absolute favorites! The kids in the neighborhood keep asking if they are "fake"! This year I don't seem to have as many blooms (yet) as previous years - hopefully they'll keep coming

Here's a little outfit inspired by their (and your!) natural beauty:

bleeding hearts inspired by Jill GG featuring coordination tote bags

The lilacs are just starting... so stay tuned for those next week!

Everyone have a fantastic weekend!