dangerous territory...

I was perusing the internet waaaay too much this weekend. I had a few wardrobe consults to complete and I have a new super fun project in the works that launches WEDNESDAY... so I was busy as busy can be this weekend. All for you ladies!

Lots of time on the internet for me means lots of little treats for you... today's post is VERY dangerous territory. Read at your own risk!

These boots and that price. What is not to looooove? Wow!

(Equestrian Boots, American Eagle, $69.50)

I think I am going to start collecting clutches... I just want to behold them. There are so many great ones out there and the price points are usually quite budget friendly. I'll start with these two. K?

(Antique Metallic Beaded Clutch, Urban Outfitters, $38)

(Soft Leatherette Clutch, Forever 21, $14.80)

Gap's modern take on leopard print. Um, yes please. I'm really loving Gap lately. Really.

(Leopard Print Cardigan, Gap, $59.50)

Faux fur and me have a "thing" going on. This jacket looks SO comfy! You could pull this on with jeans and a t-shirt and still look smokin. Or wear it with a super hot dress and be on fire! LOVE this!

(Faux Fur Belted Jacket, Forever 21, $32.80)

If I bought these pants I would NEVER take them off. I mean come on. Have you ever seen such lovely coziness. Must. Not. Buy.

(Purva Pants, Anthropologie, $58)

I'll be back with a bonafide post later today... Happy Monday!

my outfit: pattern play!

Did you have a fabulous weekend? After a hot day at the pool with the kiddos and a little cat nap I was in need of a serious refresher to finish out the day. I hoped in the shower, put on this dress, some earrings and pulled my hair back and voila! I was ready for an evening of making dinner, taking the kids to ice cream and cocktails with my husband later. Ahhhh.... A perfect Saturday!



You have probably noticed by now, but I don't wear a lot of pattern. I love pattern, but have a hard time committing to one that I love. But this dress... I just LOVE it! I look forward to pulling it out each summer. I usually pull it out each year for my birthday (how cheesy is that?). My birthday is next month and I always feel great in this dress. So it's perfect!

Also, this purse is definitely the "bag du jour" - but I'm going to switch it up next week. New month, new purse (well, new purse from the closet!)... I think it's fun to include the purse, I take it everywhere. So really, isn't it part of the outfit?



I originally got this dress at Urban Outfitters when I was pregnant with my youngest. It was a perfect maternity top with jeans. But it really is a dress... although sometimes I still like to pair it with skinny jeans. That a great maternity tip though... buy dresses as tops and pair them with leggings or maternity jeans while pregnant and then you still can wear them post pregnancy as dresses!

Since this dress is long-gone from the stores... I picked out a few fun patterned dresses that would be just as fun and easy to wear this summer.

Day Dresses at ModCloth
Dresses by Forever 21

Details:

Dress, Lux, Urban Outfitters

Earrings, Charlotte Russe (similar)

Sandals, F21 (similar)

Purse, Deux Lux (I got mine on GILT) (in black, blue & red)

hi & lo

I had so much fun doing THIS post last week... and just recently a few of these handbags jumped off the page at me. So I had to do a handbag version!

If you love the vintage styling of this handbag... like I do...
Treesje Asher Satchel, $498

Then it will be impossible to say no to this much less expensive version from UO. How summery is this bag? Perfect with jeans or a sundress alike.
Kimchi Blue Satchel, Urban Outfitters $48

I love good girl/bad girl vibe of this little clutch... but not the price tag so much...

Eyelet Clutch, Rebekah Minkoff, $365

Save yourself almost 300 big ones with this equally fun and studded clutch.
Hype Studded Clutch, $75

If pockets and zippers are your thing...
Dylan Shoulder Bag, Linea Pelle, $395

Check out this version at a fraction of the price (pennies on the dollar people! Do I sound like a used car sales man?). This bag is a perfect alternative to a diaper bag for any mom on the go!
Zipper Pocket Handbag, Old Navy, $17.99

This Kate Spade is so cute you want to pinch it...
Take a Dip Tote, Kate Spade, $195

But in real life, I think the Old Navy version is actually even more cute! It's fixin' to be my summer pool bag. How can you not love that price? This version looks bigger too!
Two Tone Canvas Beach Bag, Old Navy, $16.50

I about freaked when I saw this bag...
L.A.M.B. Freestyle Sak, $225

because THIS one from Old Navy has been on my wish list for a few weeks. Perfect for early morning soccer games on Saturdays. I can throw in snacks and sweatshirts and I'm set to go.
Crescent Tote, Old Navy, $10

What do you think? Do you think "hi & lo" should be a new feature here on the blog? I am kind of digging it!

scrumptious saturday...

I just love Saturdays... don't you? It's fun to pop in here on a Saturday unexpected and give y'all a little sumthin. I won't go promising Saturday posts from here on out. I'll just surprise you!

I had to quick post this amazing dress though from Urban Outfitters... It's the Ecote Silk Strapless Dress. It's comes in four delicious colors for only $58. The only tough part would be choosing which color.

The grey is my first instinct... but the blue is juuuuust right. Then again the berry is adorable. Hmmm, and black is so easy to style. It's nearly impossible.



Any of these would be perfect for a summer wedding, baby shower, or even paired with some skinny jeans and some boots (maybe even cowboy boots... dang, that would be cute!) or leggings and a little jacket. The options are endless ladies!

I'm not one to "call eating disorder" per se, but really... would somebody get grey dress girl a hamburg please. So any way, what color do you like?

a handbag you should know...

When I ordered this handbag from GILT I didn't pay much attention to the brand, I just really liked the bag.



And by the way, I am IN LOVE with this bag... haven't stopped using it since it arrived (and I usually like to switch up bags often!).

When the bag finally arrived the tag reading "Deux Lux" sounded familiar... I have another bag of this same brand that I got a few years back at Urban Outfitters. Another very big bag that I also love dearly. Hmmmm. I thought, I better check out some more of their offerings.

And that's when I realized I am not just in love with the Deux Lux bags I already have... I am pretty much in love with their whole line of handbags. (this is the part where you fall in love too!)

I love that they have a bit of edge to them... but in an everyday-glam type of way.













There is definitely something for everyone here, no?

Fashion Formula: Maxi Dresses!

It's been waaay too long since I have thrown a "Fashion Formula" your way, no?

Today we are going to layout the formula for what I think is one of the SIMPLEST and CHICEST looks for spring and summer. The maxi dress. This dress works with all body types and for many different occasions.... they are instant chic!

So without further ado... let's dig in!

Simple & Bold Accessory

(from left to right: Starfish Necklace, Target, $39.99, Chandelier Earrings, Bloomingdale's $25, Scarf, Topshop, $32, Stone Cuff, Fossil, $42)

Maxi Dress

(left to right: Ruffle Maxi Dress, Arden B, $69, Drawstring Maxi Dress, Old Navy, $29.50, Knit Dress, Urban Outfitters, $68, Cross Stitch Maxi Dress, Forever 21, $29.80)

Strappy Flat Sandals

(from left to right: Gladiator Sandal, Madden Girl, $29.95, Studded Thong, Cynthia Vincent for Target, $24.99, Wedge Gladiator, Urban Outfitters, $38)

So will you be sporting a maxi dress this spring and summer! I have a couple waiting for some sunny days in my closet... can't wait to whip them out!

easy accessory: bold belts

You know me, I am all about comfort, ease and practicalities. If your clothing isn't versatile and simple you likely aren't going to reach for it on a regular basis.

But it is still absolutely necessary to look great and feel great at the same time. A tall order... I know!

One of the keys can be great accessories... take these belts for example, paired with a simple pair of jeans and a t-shirt or a great suit (for all you working ladies) it can add instant sophistication and fun to an outfit!

Leather Skinny Belt, Gap, $14.99

Skinny Belt, The Limited, $19.50

Skinny Belt, Asos, $10.65

Linked Leather Belt, Urban Outfitters, $24

Dot Ribbon Belt, Urban Outfitters, $16

Which is your favorite? I have my eye on that sweet purple one!

personal style, defined: Romantic!

I am so excited to start a new feature here on good life for less in partnership with Jackie of Sweetie Pie Pumpkin Noodle called "personal style, defined"... I'll put a new button in the sidebar for it soon. Last week when I discussed personal style in this post it seemed to strike a chord with many readers.

So,

What is personal style?
What is YOUR personal style?
Should personal style be changing or evolving?
How can defining personal style help while shopping for yourself or your home?

I hope to answer a lot of these questions and more with this feature! I will be covering the "fashion" portion of personal style and Jackie will be covering inspiring interiors ('cuz that's her thang!).

The first "personal style" we are tackling is "romantic". Many people want an Anthropologie look to their clothing without the hefty price tags. If you tend towards JCrew, Anthropologie, Free People or ruffles, layers, details and feminine silhouettes... then "romantic" is for you!

Many of you may find that you are a mix of a couple different styles... I know I often do, depending on my mood or the setting. So follow along and find your combo!

(1. Floral Neck Tank, Charlotte Ruche, $14 2. Madras Scarf, Gap, $24.50 3. Multi-Stone Cluster Ring, Urban Outfitters, $24 4. Crochet Cardigan, Forever 21, $19.80 5. Printed Square Neck Dress, Old Navy, $19.99 6. Cuffed Sailor Pants, Old Navy, $19 7. Wide Waist Band Short, Forever 21, $19.90)

Now let's bring these items together to complete the look:

So do you relate to the "romantic" style? If not, what other styles would you like featured? Speak up!

And don't forget to head over to Sweetie Pie Pumpkin Noodle to check out Jackie's "romantic" interiors!

obsessed with...

... wrap bracelets. Aren't these the coolest?

Aqua Double Wrap Bracelet, Black/Gold, Bloomingdales

Ettika Horseshoe Silk Wrap Bracelet, Max & Chloe

Grommet & Studded Leather Wrap Bracelet, Linea Pelle

Studded Wrap Bracelet, Urban Outfitters

Blu Bijoux Studded White Leather Wrap Bracelet, Max & Chloe

Gorjana Studded Wrap Bracelet, ShopBop

Would you wear any these? Any favorites?