the damage: october!

At the end of each month this year I am planning to pause to take a look at my spending as it's related to my closet. I call these posts "the damage." Each month my target budget is $300 and only 5 pieces of clothing or shoes. I haven't even really tried to keep to the 5 pieces lately… it just wasn't working for me.  This "goal" will for sure be revised for 2015.

 For some this budget may sound like a lot and for others it may not... for me personally this is my monthly goal. It works for my budget and lifestyle and doesn't break the bank. Shopping budgets are a personal thing, but I share mine here to show how I stretch my budget and work to create a well curated and fully stocked closet.

Let's take a look at the pieces I purchased this month…

J.Crew, Buffalo Flannel Top, $89.50 paid $62.65 (seen here)

Old Navy, Cable Knit Sweater, $49.95 paid $44.95

Old Navy, Distressed Black Skinny Jeans, $34.50 paid $25

J.Crew, Side Zip Sweatshirt, $78 paid $54.60 (seen here)

Old Navy, Boxy Dress, $29.94 (seen here)

Gap, Legging Jean, $69.95 paid $34.97 (seen here)

Gap, Always Skinny Jean, $69.95 paid $34.97 (seen here)

J.Crew, Striped Turtleneck Top, $55

Coach, Black Ankle Boots via TJMaxx (similar to shown), $119.99 (seen here)

Piperlime, Dolce Vita Flats, $129 paid $71.99 (seen here)

Total Spent: $534.06 (saved: $191.72)

Thoughts on the budget: For the month of September I was way under budget and October way over. Everything evens out right!?!? As 2014 comes to a close (hard to believe) I am already thinking of how I will budget for 2015.  Or if I will.  I need a plan and I will definitely work to figure that out over the coming months.  This month there were a few things that I bought in the stores that I could have gotten a better deal online. I hate when that happens and it reminds me why I love to shop online. But a good find like those Coach boots couldn't have been found online. So smart shoppers always have to do a little of both.  Overall I think I got ALOT for my money this month.  Three pairs of jeans, two pairs of shoes, a dress, two sweaters and two tops.  That's a lot of clothes for $500.

Thoughts on the pieces: I had some stock up to do for jeans this month.  A few old pairs got put in the Goodwill pile that were old and worn out or just didn't fit great.  It definitely felt good to get some new jeans in the rotation.  Besides that I had some fun finding some warm fall and winter pieces now that the cool weather is here to stay.  I also found these amazing boots at TJMaxx (where I should really shop more often!) and am thrilled with them.  For the price and quality they were a steal.  The leather is butter soft and they are really comfortable.  This month was a great month as far as investing in some winter pieces I know will get a lot of wear.

All past "the damage" posts can be found here!

Are you budgeting your clothing purchases each month?

falling for leopard coats… three ways to style them!

Each fall and winter I find myself falling for leopard coats.  They seem a little wild and crazy and somehow classic at the same time.  But one thing is for sure… not only are these coats super fun to style but they would also add a lot of "happy" to any dreary winter day!

Here I found a few fun leopard coat styles at several price points and styled them up… I hope you like them as much as I do.

Tell me, would you wear a leopard coat for winter? Do you have one already?

(above: jeans, sweatshirt, coat, bag, ring, flats)

(above: coated jeans, jeweled top, earrings, clutch, flats, coat)

(above: necklace, jeans, t-shirt, cardigan, bag, boots, coat)

my everyday style: shades of noir!

The easiest fall or winter outfit formula? Throw on a bunch of black or grey and call it good.  Then add a few fun accessories and it's an outfit. Voila! 

I will be honest, I was super excited to jump on the grey denim trend this fall and then I was a bit stumped on how to style them.  So black has been my answer so far - not the most ingenious way to style grey jeans. But I've worn it a few times now and I really like the combo.

Have you worn grey denim yet this fall? How do you style it?

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:

Sweater, LOFT

Necklace, Kensie ℅ - old (similar or similar less expensive)

Jeans, Old Navy (similar or similar distressed)

Bag, J.Crew (similar or similar or similar less expensive)

Boots, Coach (similar or similar less expensive)

my everyday style: fall finds with Forever 21!

We have had the most glorious fall so far… the leaves have stayed on the trees for longer than I remember in the past. the afternoons have been sunny and warm and the crisp evenings are just magical. I love that scarves and sweaters and layers have been the preferred outfit of choice and that my winter coats have (so far) stayed in the closet. 

Today I've partnered with Forever 21 to showcase their great fall offerings so that you can layer it up and keep those winter coats in the closet for a little bit longer too!  Here, I am wearing this cardigan and this tee.  Scroll down for more of my Forever 21 fall picks!

 (above: cardigan, tee, shoes, jeans)

top row, from left: black/white plaid scarf, cape, shawl collar black coat, boyfriend jeans

middle row, from left: tasseled poncho, comme ci comme ca tee, red plaid scarf, double breasted coat

bottom row, from left: leopard coat, plaid top, distressed jeans, baseball tee

This post is brought to you in partnership with Popsugar/Shopstyle and Forever 21, all opinions are my own.

pinterest perusing…

I think I'm going to start a new tradition on Fridays… just a few Pinterest inspirations for you & me.

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swoon… it's sweater season!

What's better than a fresh crop of sweaters this time of year?  I'm loving the monochromatic and graphic selections at J.Crew Factory lately. These are just begging to be layered under or over your favorite fall and winter pieces to keep you looking stylish and warm all season!

one, two, three, four (love!), five, six, seven (want!), eight, nine

my everyday style: everything plaid!

My plaid obsession has reached a new height this fall… everything plaid is basically my new mantra.  I just can't get enough!  Plus we've been having great weather where you can go with a coat or without and just throw on a scarf… it's the perfect fall set up in my opinion!

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:

Scarf, Zara (sold out but: similar or similar)

Sweater, H&M (similar)

Jeans, Gap (similar or similar less expensive)

Shoes, J.Crew Factory

Bag, J.Crew (similar or similar)

dress your home/dress yourself with #targetstyle!

This blog has been a discovery of my personal style over the past 6 years… and as I've slowly honed my personal style as it relates to my clothing choices, I have also found that my personal style for my home has fallen into place as well.  

It actually came as a surprise at first that how I dress my body is also very similar to how I dress my home.  Now I am comfy cozy with the idea and wish I would have realized it sooner.  When getting dressed in the morning I go for classic pieces with great texture that mix and match easily and add in a few stripes or plaids (especially this time of year).  The same goes for my home… I like classic pieces with great texture that mix and match easily - and even at home I throw in a few stripes here and there!

Isn't that just one of the reason we all love Target so much? We can dress our homes and our selves all with one simple stop (and stock our pantry/fridge, grab a few things for the kids and a couple of cleaning supplies and call it good!).

Here I pulled together a few of my Target favorites for home and closet… and these you don't even have to leave home to shop for!

dress your home:

throw pillow, throw blanket, desk, graphic rug, striped jug, fabric storage bins

dress yourself:

plaid scarf, earrings, ankle boots, pleather skirt - love!, miracle gel set (have you tried these yet? I'm dying to!), faux fur vest, flannel top

This post was created in partnership with Target and Popsugar all opinions are my own.

my everyday style: shopping my closet and a red blazer!

Shopping my closet when the season changes is one of my favorite activities.   I love to see what  basics I've left behind from seasons before and re-invent them into new looks.  The only "new" pieces in this look are the earrings and the handbag and even those have been hanging around for a bit. 

I have found that the more I take time to thoughtfully add to my closet each season that it pays off in future seasons as well.  Then I have a few things on hand already and don't need to do a complete closet overhaul each season.  I'm slowly building it up instead. 

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:

Red Blazer, J.Crew (similar color or same style)

Chambray Shirt, J.Crew (or similar less expensive)

Jeans, Gap (similar)

Earrings, J.Crew Factory (similar or similar)

Bag, J.Crew (similar or similar)

Shoes, Madewell (similar or similar)

Sunglasses, Warby Parker

Also if you follow me on Instagram you know there is an awesome giveaway going on over there! If not… you should follow me (user: JillGG)!  A $400 Nordstrom gift card is up for grabs… what a great way to shop for fall goodies!

pinterest perusing...

My recent Pinterest inspirations…  follow me there if you want more…

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my everyday style: a pale pink coat!

I am equal parts totally in denial that cold weather is on it's way and also a little excited for wearing cozy layers and gorgeous winter coats (and the holidays are coming… but I'm getting ahead of myself!).  The change of seasons is always a little tricky like that.  Plus, we are having an awesome fall - the colors are so pretty! - that I am trying to enjoy the moment.

Like I said, awesome winter coats make the cool mornings and cool forecasts much more bearable.  H&M recently asked me to check out their new outerwear line for fall and winter.  I got inspired for winter by shopping their budget friendly outerwear options - most of them under $100 and right on trend for winter.  It seems like I've seen pale pink coats on Pinterest quite a bit lately… so when I saw this ultra feminine pale pink double breasted coat at H&M I snagged it right away!

Isn't it fun? And a steal at $80!

Details:
Coat, H&M - ℅
Scarf, H&M - ℅ (similar)
Sweater, J.Crew (similar)
Jeans, Old Navy
Bag, Madewell (similar)
Sunglasses, Warby Parker
Flats, Piperlime

currently obsessed: burgundy!

I'm obsessed with burgundy these days… I've purchased a few new burgundy pieces for myself, which you will see later this month (stay tuned!).  In the meantime, here are a few other pieces that have been catching my eye.

(sweater, scarf, vest, plaid jacket - less than $50!, boots, bag, vans sneakers)

Are you loving this color lately too?

on my radar: october!

Cozy sweats, socks and scarves, my new ALL time favorite beauty product that is rocking my world, sleek shoes and fuzzy purses.  Just a few things that are on my radar this month.

I'm a sucker for a pointy shoe… how gorgeous are these flats?

Sock season is here. Are you ready? I love these black and white socks.  

Time to wrap up in a warm and beautiful scarf. I think this one is a definite winner.

My new ALL time favorite skin care product.  The Lustro Face Oil from Beautycounter has seriously transformed my skin in the last month I have been using it. Plus, it is actually safe for your skin and your body.  I can't recommend this stuff enough. (because I am so passionate about this brand - join me on FB if you have more questions or want to know more about safe beauty!)

Awesome sweatpants and a jeweled sweatshirt for fall? You got it!

How cute is this sherpa bag? With a plaid top, some ankle booties and fall, this would make for a super cute look!

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Plus a few fun blogs that are on radar this month too…

Hello Fashion… edgy and casual, I always love her looks.

The Vault Files… I've been reading her forever. She is one cool cat.

Classy Girls Wear Pearls… her picturesque East coast style gets me every time.

Abby M Interiors… is a blog friend and a real-life friend too. She has the best clients ever - I love to see what she is working on for them!

my everyday style: cardigan weather!

This is the time of year that I begin to wear as many layers as I can in order to avoid my winter coats.  It IS exciting to break out the winter coats… but we will have plenty of time to wear those later this winter. For now at least I am trying to rely on cardigans, jackets, blazers and sweaters to ward of the growing chill in the air.  I have a feeling this may not last for long though…

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:

Cardigan, Banana Republic - 40% off today!

Top, J.Crew (similar or similar or similar)

Necklace, J.Crew (similar or similar)

Jeans, Gap (similar)

Shoes, Sole Society (similar or similar)

Sunglasses, Warby Parker

Clutch, J.Crew Factory

splurge worthy basics for fall/winter!

A well rounded wardrobe is all about balance. Finding the perfect pieces at high and low price points helps to build a great closet while still watching your budget.

Over the years I have found that there are certain items that are always worth the investment.  For quality and for style… these ten pieces will never fail you!

leather shoes… I've never regretted any of the quality leather shoes I have bought.  Sure they are a little more money, but they will end up being much more comfortable and longer lasting.

leather gloves… a great pair of leather gloves is not only a gorgeous addition to your closet, but a warm one!

chambray top… I wear mine chambray top so much that the cost-per-wear is probably the lowest out of all of the pieces in my closet, even though it's at $80.

leather boots… for long mid-west winters a pair of boots that is warm, well made and beautiful will be an asset for your wardrobe.

blazers… many of the blazers I own are several years old and they still get worn a ton.  Invest in great cuts that fit well and you will have them for years to come.

cashmere sweaters… this is something I hope to invest in this winter, beautiful cashmere can last for years when cared for right and will always add an extra touch of femininity and class to your wardrobe.

warm winter boots… warm winter boots that you love will pay you back ten-fold on freezing cold winter days. These will keep your feet unbelievably warm and you won't look like an eskimo wearing them!

leather bags… a real leather bag will last forever. Literally.  I have a collection of a few bags that I know I will keep forever or that hopefully I can pass on to my daughter. I've never regretted spending money on a beautiful bag.

winter coat… treat yourself to a gorgeous wool coat this year.  You can dress it up or down and it's another piece that you will have for years and years to come.

denim… I love to go high and low with jeans. But I always make sure there are at least a couple of kick-a$! jeans in my closet at all times for days when my ego needs a little boost or I have somewhere to be that I want to feel my best.  Madewell's skinny-skinny is my current favorite - but you should find your own favorite!

my everyday style: blazers and scarves!

I blinked and we are already heading into the second full week in October. Where did September even go? Before I realized it, it's bundling up season.  While I don't necessarily look forward to winter, I do love breaking out the layers like blazers and scarves.  There is something quite exciting about it.

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:

Scarf, Lole

Blazer, Gap (similar or similar)

Striped Top, J.Crew (similar or similar)

Jeans, AG "Prima"

Shoes, Madewell (similar or similar less expensive)

Watch, Daniel Wellington - ℅