summer staple: the little white dress!

Each summer I am pulled like a magnet to all the sweet and spunky little white dresses that are on the market.  The pull to these dresses is likely that the window in which to wear them is so small… but also because they are just so versatile. You can dress them up with heels, or down with sandals or even sneakers.  Simply popping a blazer or denim jacket on over top of a little white dress pulls the look together or makes it more weather appropriate as needed.  And don't stop there… the options are limitless with accessories and jewelry as well.

I hope you have fun wearing a little white dress this summer!

one, two, three, four, five

six, seven, eight, nine, ten

summer beach essentials 2015!

Can you feel it in the air? The freedom of summer is finally here.  I don't think I have ever been so ready to kick off a new season… my kids still have a few days of school left which is hard to believe. But I am not letting that kill my vibe. We are officially in the midst of summer, friends. And it feels fantastic. 

While I don't get too personal here on the blog very often, this spring was one of the toughest seasons of life I think I've ever had.  With my ankle injury that kept me down (literally on my butt) all spring, my husband's travel schedule and one unexpected twist and turn after another for months on end I am finally ready to shed that season of my life and move into a new fresh season as a renewed and inspired being. 

My favorite way to spend time in the warmer months are by the pool or beach… with such limited sun in the winter months in these parts - I really like to maximize my relaxation and vitamin D consumption all summer long and near the water is the only way to do it!

So here is to one stylish and splashing summer friends… 

sunglasses: shown or less expensive option

sunscreen: go safely into the sun with the beautycounter protect

cover-up: shown or less expensive option

suit: shown or bikini version or less expensive option

sandals: shown or less expensive option

tote:  shown or in blue

set up: chair (how fab!?!) + towel

12 summer basics…

Roll call… how is your closet looking for summer? Here are 12 summer basics you will want to have on hand all summer. 

denim skirt, sneaker, maxi dress, sun hat, chambray top, carryall, sandal, white short, stripe top, easy dress, denim short, tunic

Summer Pool Essentials 2015!

Can you believe that Memorial Day is only one week away? Since the un-official - but pretty much official - start of the summer is just around the corner I have teamed up with Garnet Hill to make sure we are ready for the season!

My must-haves for the summer season are mostly pool and beach related… you can find me at one of those two places as much as humanly possible in the summer!  To ensure pool readiness this time of year… make sure you are stocked up on some fab swimwear, an awesome pool bag, some bright and bold pool deck shoes, a flashy towel to claim your space and a little cover-up for trips to the tiki bar!

swim cover up, swim top & bottom, pink nail polish, birkenstock sandals, striped tote, graphic print beach towel, sunglasses

This post was sponsored by Garnet Hill. All opinions are my own.

Thank you for supporting the brands that support this blog. 

swim-tastic for summer!

Pool lounging and beach frolicking season is here! No matter what your swim style, "boho babe", "glamour puss" or "gal next door" I've got you covered with all your swim style needs…

the suits: striped top & bottom, pink one piece, periwinkle top & bottom - on sale!

the cover ups: blue/white, black/white - on sale!, pink/white - on sale!

the footwear: brown sandals, black sandals, gold sandals

the shades: aviators, black sunglasses, round sunglasses

the spf: super goop!, mineral sunscreen roll on, "healthy" sunscreen

the tote: distressed denim tote - on sale!, silver tote, straw tote - on sale!

(NOTE: Since today is the end of the month I usually would be posting THE DAMAGE this morning… but I didn't buy anything in May, so check back next month for June's shopping update!)

summer is here - you better be ready!

Can you believe Memorial Day weekend is finally upon us!?!? After the never ending winter it almost seems to good to be true…

But now that it is (un)officially summer I thought I would round up a few of my favorite summer pieces for inspiration… I sincerely hope you have the best first weekend of summer ever!

seersucker swimsuit top & bottom, black linen tank, white maxi dress/cover up, sunglasses, sunscreen, sandals, sweatshirt, sunnylife beach radio (on my wish list!), denim shorts, striped tote bag (LOVE!), sun hat, striped beach towel, espadrille shoes

Have a fabulous weekend! We will be hanging at the beach and pool for the weekend… check me out on Instagram (user: JillGG), where I will be hanging for sure!  What are you up to this weekend?

see you around...

Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin

my summer essentials...

I've had so much fun getting the inside scoop on some fab bloggers' Summer Essentials... haven't you?  Today I'm going to feature mine...

1. White shorts and jeans... I'm almost wearing one or the other every day it seems like lately.  They are just TOO easy to throw on with any top!

2. My sun hat... I take it every where and it gets a lot of use!  Best couple of bucks I ever spent.  It keeps me cool and keeps the sun off of my nose which always seems to burn.

3. Gin and Tonics... this is my favorite way to unwind after a long day in the sun and heat.  My husband mixes them up the best.  I always like to let the ice melt to water it down a bit... 

4. My Kate Spade tote... usually it holds my laptop and other boring stuff. But for the summer I can stash it with hoodies for the kids, magazines for the pool, sunscreen, the camera - you name it!

5) Top knots... my hair is the longest it has been in forever, I'll be happy to start styling it up again in the fall, but for now a top knot is just perfect!

~~~

Did you miss any of your favorite bloggers!?!? If so... here's a quick run-down!  A huge thanks to each of these ladies for sharing!

Paula of Two Ellie

Maria of Johns Journal

Christina of Just Call Me Chris

Rebecca of Bex a Style Diary

Jackie of Sweetie Pie Style

Linley of Dwelling & Telling

Linda of Rose a la Mode

Jess of MakeUnderMyLife

Molly of My Favorite Things

summer essentials {paula, two ellie}

Hi! I am Paula from Two Ellie. I was ecstatic when Jill asked me to participate in this fun series. Summer is quickly becoming my favorite time of year and I have a few essentials to carry me through the crazy heat of Alabama summers.

1. Denim shorts and stripe tops have rapidly become my summer time uniform. It's also sort of odd since I rarely wear blue jeans.

2. Gladiator sandals are cute with whatever I choose to wear, especially my uniform. Perfect to wear at the park with kiddos or on dates with the Mr. I love a versatile shoe.

3. While outdoors sunglasses rarely leave my face. The scorching summer sun always leaves me with headaches if I forget to wear them. Aviators are my style of choice.

4. A good book is a must for me. Love sitting on the porch while the kiddos play and be able to just sit and read. This book, One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, has been rocking my world lately.

5. A Fujifilm Instax MINI 2 is a must for me. Being able to capture memories and instantly have them hand is so much fun!


~~~


psst... check out what's going on at my other blogs today!

• patriotic, pregnant and fabulous!
• the perfect summer ensemble - celebrity inspired, of course!

summer essentials {maria, John's Journal}

Hello lovely readers, thank you Jill for having me your blog continues to inspire me daily! 

My name is Maria of John's Journal where I write a lifestyle blog dabbling in all my loves! I'm actually a nurse in real life and chase after my 4 year old with one on the way next month!  Being nine months pregnant in the midst of summer presents its own unique challenges, mostly staying cool! Here's my top five essentials  in no particular order!

1. Bronzer- My irish skin really appreciates a little help with a dusting of bronzer on the cheeks for the summer instead of heavy makeup!

2. Sunscreen- We live at the pool during the summer and carry about 4 bottles of spray sunscreen in our bag, I love how easy the spray is to put on!

3. Essie 'Mango Bango'- I can't get over this punchy color for summer its lived on my toes for two months now!

4. Dresses- My baby bump really appreciates an elastic free waist in the thick of the heat! Thank God for sundresses!

5. Smoothies- There's nothing like fruit in summertime, especially with everything in season such a wonderful refreshing treat!

summer essentials {Christina, just call me Chris!}

Today's Summer Essentials are from Christina... she writes a fab blog, has an adorable etsy shop and is also the 'busy bees' editor at good tots!

1. Sam Edleman Gigi sandals: Just as comfortable as flip flops, but much more chic.

2. Sunglasses: I never leave home without sunglasses. Kate Spade makes great options for smaller faces.

3. Miami Beet, by OPI: My current favorite toenail color. The perfect mix of hot pink and purple.

4. Lucky Magazine: I keep a copy in my bag...perfect for some light poolside reading while I'm waiting for swimming lessons to end.

5. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer: I always convert to a tinted moisturizer in the summer to avoid foundation meltdown; this one is great, and I love that it has built-in SPF.

summer essentials {Rebecca, bex a style diary}

Hello, I'm Bex from bex... a style diary.  Here are my top 5 Summer Essentials:

1.} Color!  I'm very much addicted to it. Specifically coral & gold, something about this combination shouts Summer and vacation to me. (watch, bracelets, top)

2.} A great big straw tote.  Perfect for the beach and for feeling like you're at the beach when you're stuck in the city.

3.} Wayfarer sunglasses.  Timelessly cool and always polished in appearance. Also these bad boys are some seriously sturdy shades!

4.} A nude lip gloss.  I prefer to wear a nude gloss in the Summer its much more relaxed and carefree than lipstick and it doesn't compete with all the bright Summer colors you'll be wearing. I go with a highly pigmented liglass from MAC, Florabundance, its perfect.

5.} Berry water. We make our own berry infused water and its so addicting. When it gets warm outside the last thing you want to drink is a heavy sugary beverage and plain ol water gets boring. This stuff gives you tons of flavor without the carbonation and sugar of a pop plus its so pretty to look at. Slice up a lemon a few strawberries plop em in a pitcher of h2o and chill in the fridge.

summer essentials {Jackie, sweetie pie style}

Hi all! I'm Jackie from the blog Sweetie Pie Style, and am excited to share with you my top 5 summer must-haves!

1. Colorful boho bag - This summer I will be toting all my essentials is a roomy boho bag.  I love the way it adds a pop of color and pattern to your look, in a nice casual way. Just perfect!

2. Sunnies - How can I not add a pair of sunglasses to my list? Is it just me or is the sun getting brighter by the year? Jeesh! (Or maybe it is just me getting older and more fragile-hah!)  I've been obsessing over these Karen Walkers for some time now-and in the perfect world, they would be my go-to pair.  But alas, my budget does not allow, so I settle for a knock-off look instead.

3. Spray sunblock - Nothing is easier than spraying down my two girls and myself with this type of sunblock.  Lotion takes ages to blend in, and my little ones don't have the attention span to deal with that.  Just a quick spray is all you need and you are ready for fun in the sun!

4. Beach Towel/Blanket - We pretty much live outside in the summer, and love throwing down a few nice big beach towels on the grass to have lunch, color, read, etc.  

5. Denim Cut-offs - My official summer wardrobe staple.  A must.

summer essentials {Linley, dwelling & telling}

Hello Good Life for Less readers! So nice to meet you! I'm Linley from Dwelling and Telling - a place where I share my life and my style. I'm excited to share with you five of my summer staples. Although I try to stay simple and easy during the summer, these are five things I just cannot do without!

1. Easy and loose clothes. I'm from the south. Last year my husband and I made the move from NC to Alabama - I thought summers were rough in NC... they are nothing compared to the hot, humid air here in Alabama. When I'm hot, I want clothes that are easy to wear, will allow a nice breeze through my body, and that are simple. (shorts, similar top, similar sandals, similar dress)

2. Bright nail polish. Essie is by far my favorite nail polish brand. I love the way the formula goes on my nails and I love all the colors they have to choose from! One of a Kind is perfect for an indecisive mind like mine - it's a blend of red, orange, and coral which are all colors I love for the summer. It's on my toes all summer long! 

3. A moisturizer that provides color and SPF.  This DDF Enhancing Sun Protection moisturizer is perfect. Not only does it moisturize and protect your skin from the sun, it also has "self-blending" color spheres that give you a more even skin tone and a hint of color. During the summer I usually skip foundation and lather up in this!

4. Lip Butter. Anything that will keep my lips moisturized is in my bag - no matter the season. This particular lip butter provides the perfect pink-coral tint you want during the summer months. 

5. A fishtail braid. Much like my clothes, I like my hair to be easy. I like it to be easy and out of the way. A fishtail braid is the perfect way to keep your hair out of your face and off your neck, but still looking fabulous. I honestly love a fishtail during any season of the year, but summer time just screams fishtail braid - for me, anyway!

summer essentials {Linda, rose a la mode}

Hi Good Life For Less friends! I'm Linda from Rose à la Mode! Jill is one of my (very few) daily reads and she inspires me everyday. So, I was absolutely thrilled and honored when she asked me to share some of my favorite things this summer with you guys! Here we go!

1. A small purse or clutch.  I don't like carrying a big bag any time of year. But in the summer with no giant coat or bulky sweaters I like to use a tiny purse that only carries the essentials—license, credit cards, lipgloss, keys, and phone. Then, if I have to carry extra stuff with me, I can just throw the tiny clutch into a much larger bag and use it as a wallet. I recently got one like this from the Coach outlet that I love!

2. Cold Beverages!  My ultimate summer drink is a Green Tea frappuccino from Starbucks. I love to order them with half the ice so the flavor is really strong! Yum! But since I don't want to spend $5 on a beverage everyday I've been making iced Peach Tea and I'm obsessed! Just get some peach tea bags from the grocery store, steep double the suggested amount of tea bags in hot water, add some honey and then pour over ice. Delicious!

3. Sunglasses. Sunglasses always make you look cooler, if you chose the right ones, that is. Aviators work every time. One of these days I want to invest in a pair from Ray Ban, but there are so many good, less expensive options out there. I also love the Ray Ban Wayfarer style. Got a pair from Target a few years back and they're great!

4. Summer Dresses. The best way to keep cool is in a great summer dress, like this fun blue one. You'll look good, and feel good. I recently went on a 12 hour road trip and decided to wear a dress instead of jeans—best road trip decision I've ever made!

5. Nail Polish. I always keep my little piggys polished in the summer. Right now I'm loving a coraly pink color (like Essie Tart Deco). But if I could only pick one color to wear the rest of my life I'd pick a light pink (like Essie Made to Honor). It is beautiful and always looks classic.

~~~

What are your summer essentials?

summer essentials {Jess, makeunder my life}

Jess Constable is the brilliant and savvy gal behind JessLC out of Chicaco, she offers amazing jewelry and handbags and blogs at Makeunder My Life.

Here are her summer essentials...

1. Essie Ballet Slippers nail polish for nails, any hot pink nail polish, like Essie Status Symbol, for toes - I love doing my nails and in the summer a sheer color on my nails and a bright pop of pink on my toes is perfect.

2. Gold Sperry Boat Shoes.  I was lucky to get a gold pair of boat shoes for Valentine's Day that I can't wait to wear with cuffed white jeans and t-shirts this summer.

3. Navy and White Dot Print J.Crew Bikini (top & bottom).  Though I don't honestly know how much I'll wear it - my goal each summer is to go play by the water on the weekends.... here's to hoping this year it actually happens!

4. The Green City Farmers Market. This market happens each Saturday (and Wednesday) morning and I always love to walk down there and grab a scone at the Hoosier Mama's table before they sell out.

5. Riding around on my new bike. I got an early birthday present of what I call a "fast farmer's market bike." I can't wait to take day trips with it this summer.

~~~

What are your summer essentials?

summer essentials {Molly, my favorite things}

Hello to my loyal good life for less readers... as you've read on the blog, I'm getting ready to head out on a family vacation pretty quick here.  In order to keep my work load a little lighter I've enlisted some of the best and brightest bloggers out there to share their summer essentials with us!  So keep an eye out for these fun summer inspired posts while I am away and through out the month of June to get us all summer ready!

~~~

Hello readers! My name is Molly Elmer, founder of the blog My Favorite Things. I am just a girl with freckles, married to a boy with a beard and together we have three rambunctious boys. I reside in the great state of Texas where the summers soar into the triple digits. It gets hot here friends, very hot.

My top five summer essentials, in no particular order....

1. A great nail color for my toes. Essie in mint candy apple tops my faves currently.

2. Sunglasses. Ray Ban is my go to choice.

3. Reading material. My mother-in-law gifted me a Nook Color and I love it. 

 No games, just books + magazines for ME. I don't have to share.

4. A great pair of sandals/flip flops. In love with my gizeh birkenstocks. 

 A step up from the normal flip flop. Uber comfortable. Great for a stroll or sitting poolside.

5. A sturdy (& stylish) beach tote, like this one. Needs to be big and roomy.

~~~

What are your summer essentials?