Reader Question!

On Twitter, the following question was posed:

from linniferjenn:

@JillGG Got any suggestions for affordable bridesmaids dresses that are also flexible enough to keep in your wardrobe after the wedding?

This is a really great question, because haven't we all spent hundreds on bridesmaid dresses only to have them later hauled off to Goodwill or Salvation Army because they haven't a use past that day? Sure you could always have them tailored, hemmed or dyed to be more usable, but then don't you just have an even more expensive dress?

I claim no expertise on wedding details and I know there are a million bloggers out there that can blog a wedding like no other. But here I think I'll speak only to versatile dresses that would make a blushing bride and her attendants equally happy. Weddings these days are so different than they were even when I got married. (and that was only 7 years ago!) With the constant modernization of weddings and the less fill-in-the-blanks type planning going on these days (i.e. it's no longer plug and play a dress, a reception hall and a cake) there is so much more freedom and expression in weddings.

For a versatile bridesmaid dress I would definitely go with a cocktail-style dress that is about knee length - not too short, but something that someone could pull out and wear to a holiday party, etc.

This dress from Ann Taylor Loft would be gorgeous for a bridesmaid dress. Add a belt to tie in the season or wedding colors and you are all set!

(Shimmer Dress with Petal Trim, $98)

JCrew always can be counted on for classic silhouette's and great quality. If you can find a style on sale that fits all your bridesmaids, even better. I love this sophisticated neckline and a great peachy-pink that would work with all skin tones.

(Super 120's Jayne Dress, $99.99)

If black and white fit in your weddings color scheme, then White House|Black Market is a go-to spot for amazing dresses in conservative yet stylish cuts. I am love, love, loving this simple satin strapless option.

(Full Satin Dress, $158)

So there you have it Jennifer! Happy Bridesmaid dress shopping or wearing!

Got a burning question for me? Email me at goodlifeforless @ gmail.com or Twitter me (you are following me on Twitter, right?) @JillGG

stylish stationary

sending anything via post these days is oh so stylish. not only do you look good for spending the extra cents on a stamp, but the recipient is perfectly pleased to open something hand addressed to themself. it just feels good and seems so polite. in many cases it can be a keepsake as well. i personally have a little box at home labled "correspondence" that gets filled up with love notes from my husband and little cards (thank you or otherwise) that i receive from girlfriends and my mom.

there are so many online services these days that offer personalized stationary, special occasion cards, invitations and announcements. but let's separate the "boys" from the "men" if you will here and highlight one particular company that is doing it best.

tiny prints is an innovative online company that has a variety of personalized stationary for every occasion. i just used this company for my own christmas cards. and, well, if i do say so myself, i got plenty o' compliments. this my friends is the good life for less.

let me explain. the site is oh so navigable - seriously easy. the print quality (if you use pictures) can not be matched by most "photo card" sites. and lastly the selection is so hip and fun - you will get cool points without even trying.

i will say this is not the cheapest online service - but that's not what it is about friends. it's about making your money work harder for you and saving you time, which to me has so much more value.

here's some of my favorites...

so go ahead... live the good life for less.