navy lace dress… 3 ways!

I'm obsessed with lace dresses this season… they are so beautiful, yet highly versatile. I bought a similar navy lace dress recently and I can't wait to wear it for a wedding we will be attending later this summer.  In the meantime, I've been brainstorming other ways to wear it… any dress that can go from the office to girls night to a wedding is a win in my book.

Here are three great ways to style up this dress… what I love about this dress is that it's so beautiful on it's own that it's the perfect backdrop for whatever your occasion is.  And while it's definitely a no-brainer to dress this look up… I love the idea of taking it down a notch too.  Dressing this dress down is unexpected and of course make the piece even more versatile!

What is your favorite style below? Which way would you be most likely to wear it?

GET THE LOOK:

navy dress (or less expensive option!)

the office: blazer, clutch, pumps (less expensive option), necklace

girls night: denim jacket (less expensive option), clutch, sandals, earrings

summer wedding: earrings (less expensive option), clutch, bracelet, sandals

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closet staple: military-inspired jacket!

One of my staple jackets - pretty much for any season - is this military-inspired jacket… I love to layer it up with sweater, tees, tanks, oxfords, you name it.  It goes with absolutely everything in my closet and it's comfortable to the max.  So it's no surprise it gets ton of wear.  

Here are a number of ways I have worn it… not all of these styles are for summer, but it speaks to the versatility of this piece, for sure.

Enjoy the inspiration and see my top picks for this style of jacket at all price points below…

Military-inspired jacket (save $ | spend $$ | splurge $$$)

above: similar clutch

above: jeans, similar shoes

above: jeans, bag - on sale!, sweater, similar flats

above: necklace, similar jeans

above: top, similar bracelet

above: shorts, tank, shoes

above: bag

my everyday style: a tank and a jacket!

No surprise here.  I always seem to have a jacket with me in the summer, I'm sure I've mentioned it before.  I'm also the jacket police before we leave the house as a family "who wants a jacket? who has a jacket?" are how my kids will likely remember me someday.

The jacket. Never leave home without it.

That's my motto. But seriously, I get chilly in the summer when the AC is pumping.  And if you have a cute and comfy jacket (or two) hanging around, why not take it out for a spin?

Are you a jacket addict like me?  One of my FAVORITE little jackets is this army green version… it's easy to wear and works from spring all the way into fall.

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:

Jacket, H&M (similar, similar or similar or I love this vest version)

Tank, Old Navy (I'm hooked on these!! Also seen here and here)

Shorts, Old Navy (similar in linen, similar or similar scalloped!)

Shoes, Vince Camuto - ON SALE! (similar or similar less expensive!)

Bag, Milly ℅ Nordstrom Rack (similar or similar)

Bracelet, House of Harlow via Rocksbox (get your first month FREE with code: jillggxoxo)

gorgeous new arrivals from LOFT!

LOFT has been bringing their A game continuously for quite a few seasons now. I love their clothes because they are refined and pulled together but so so wearable. Nothing is too casual and nothing is too dressy.  Somehow they reach the perfect balance every season.

LOFT's background in business and business casual wear helps give their casual and everyday wear a certain sophistication that I love.

Here are some of my favorite new arrivals at LOFT that I think you will love too.  These pieces are quintessentially summer to me.  Simple colors, relaxed silhouettes and easy to wear styles - these pieces are top notch in my book.

top row, from left: denim skirt, striped beach tunic, earrings, striped maxi dress

middle row, from left: striped caftan, grey fluid sweater, striped sweater, black sandals

bottom row, from left: ankle tie pumps, striped skirt, scarf, off the shoulder top

Happy Memorial Day…

I hope you are enjoying your long weekend… I have been kicking back and relaxing and spending time with my family and it has been a welcome break from my everyday responsibilities.   I'm pretty darn excited about the start of summer… I can't wait to really break out my summer wardrobe and start enjoying more relaxed days with my kids on the regular.

This is the perfect summer outfit in my opinion… maybe it will be inspiration for a picnic or bbq you plan on attending today! I've got alternatives linked at all price points as well… so you can get this look no matter your budget!

striped dress, save | spend* | splurge

sun hat, save | spend* | splurge

lip gloss, save | spend* | splurge

bracelet, save | spend* | splurge

tote, save | spend | splurge*

sandals, save | spend* | splurge

(* indicates items shown above)

Don't forget to shop all the amazing Memorial Day sales… I've listed a few of my favorites here! 

my everyday style: an Alex + Ani addiction!

A few years ago my sister-in-law got me hooked on Alex + Ani bracelets.  Since then it has been so fun to wear and collect these unique bracelets.  Each one has a different charm and meaning and you can collect them and stack them all together at once or just a few at a time… however you like.  They are perfect for marking special occasions, showing off your personal style, rooting for your favorite sports teams or sorority ties and my husband even gifted me bracelets with my kids' birthstones for Mother's Day.  The best thing about them is there really is something for everyone… they are like a modern day charm bracelet.

Do you have any Alex + Ani bracelets… here I am featuring a few of my favorites, but I would love to hear which are your favorites? Let me know and I might just have to add that one to my wish list!

bracelets from left to right: 

feather (℅), fleur de lis, peacock feather (℅), beaded (similar), beaded tassel, studded (℅), path of life

Outfit details:

Leather Jacket, Zara (similar on sale or similar less expensive)

Black Tank Top, Old Navy - one of my new favorite pieces… so simple and beautiful!

Jeans, 7 for all Mankind - on sale!! (℅ of Fitcode)

Flats, Aldo (similar, similar on sale or similar less expensive!)

Necklace, Gorjana via Rocksbox (use code "jillggxoxo" for your first month FREE!)

Sunglasses, Nordstrom Rack (℅) (similar or similar)

10 wardrobe staples for busy moms!

In honor of Mother's Day weekend I thought I would pull together some great spring and summer wardrobe staples for busy moms on the go!  Classic white tees, slip on shoes and sandals, simple skirts, cozy sweatshirts and boyfriend jeans are just a few of the pieces that busy moms should have on hand in their closet.  They are easy to wear, layer and mix and match and they all make for super easy outfit combos whenever you need to look great with minimal effort.

Have an extra special Mothers Day weekend to all the moms out there!!

above: pale pink scarf, leopard sandals, boyfriend jeans, weekend sweatshirt, maxi dress, slouchy chambray shorts, grey skirt, white t-shirt, slip on espadrilles, navy tank top

my everyday style: the perfect summer tunic!

Tunics have become one of my favorite warm weather pieces… they are great with jeans or with shorts, they make for great beach or pool cover ups and on top of all of that - they are comfortable! This  striped version is less than $25 and I'm in love!

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details: 

Tunic, Old Navy (other options I love: this one, this gingham one, this black and white one and this navy one!!!)

Jeans, Gap (or without distressing)

Flats, Vince Camuto

Bag, Madewell

Necklace, Gorjana via Rocksbox - get your first month free by using code: jillggxoxo

Earrings, Kendra Scott

my everyday style: black and white!

I have been all about simple and classic combos lately… and black and white is another great combo that is a snap to throw together and is definitely one of my favorites to wear as well.  I love this look because it's casual and effortless, but can easily be dressed up.  You get a ton of bang for your buck with this look… often times looking and feeling crazy-sexy-cool for minimal effort.  That's my kind of outfit.

This leather top has been a real winner in my closet lately… it was one of those tops that I took a risk on buying and never regretted it.  It instantly dresses up just jeans and is great for layering.

(photos by Tracy Carmody)

Details:

Leather Top, LOFT (similar or similar less expensive)

Blazer, Banana Republic (similar or similar)

Jeans, Gap (similar with no distressing or similar less expensive)

Flats, Sam Edelman (similar less expensive)

Bag, Madewell 

Bracelet, House of Harlow via Rocksbox - get your first month FREE with code "jillggxoxo"

Earrings, Gorjana via Rocksbox - get your first month FREE with code "jillggxoxo"

Also wearing:

Foundation: Beautycounter Tint Skin in Linen 

Blush: Beautycounter Color Sweep Blush in Tawny/Whisper

Eyeliner: Beautycounter Color Outline in Black

Mother's Day Gift Guide!

It's time to spoil all those amazing mama's in your life (and maybe that includes you spoiling yourself… wink wink!)  Here are all my top picks for Mother's Day this year… I hope that however you spend the day you relish in your own motherhood or you spoil those that have mothered you throughout the years.

This bag! Those tassels! J.Crew does it again with another GORGEOUS and classic bag!

Wine for mom? Why not? Club W is an awesome personalized wine delivery program that mom is sure to love… I have been using this service for a few months and I really love it.  Besides new shoes, what is more fun than getting wine delivered by the UPS guy!?!?

Mere, Mama, Mami tee. So so cute!

This Kendra Scott bracelet is the perfect gift for any mom (really ANYTHING by Kendra Scott is a good gift idea).  It's delicate and beautiful… maybe just like a very strong woman you know.

Turkish T towels… I am OBSESSED with these.  I use mine for a hand towel in my powder room and people are always complimenting me and asking about it - they are crazy soft. These would be awesome beach towels because they wouldn't hold all the sand. Buy 1 or 100 for mom, she will thank you!!!

Art & Sole… this is an amazing photo book with shoes crafted by artisans inspired by Stuart Weitzman. My daughter and I have been pouring over it on the sofa together. It's perfect for any shoe enthusiast. (Please note a copy of this book was gifted to me by the publisher, all opinions are my own)

Arquiste No. 31 for J.Crew… my new signature that is bold and sexy. I really love this scent!

Tassel Earrings… because, really, so cute and sweet! Even the smallest of gifts count with heart.

Grey Leopard Clutch… a hot little clutch for any hot mama in your life!

A classic red lip… for your mom, yourself, your grandma, your aunt, your bff.  This color is gorgeous and would look beautiful on any lady in your life.

spring staples at all price points!

There are a few wardrobe pieces this time of year that are absolute staples to have on hand. These are the pieces that get worn over and over again and really become the foundation for your spring wardrobe.  These pieces work great with the trendier pieces you may choose this spring and also are great for the sometimes cool, sometimes warm weather that the spring season throws our way.

Shop these pieces below at all price points… so that no matter your budget your closet will be set for spring!

striped top: steal, spend (shown), splurge

white jeans: steal, spend, splurge (shown)

field jacket: steal, spend, splurge (shown)

sunglasses: steal, spend (shown), splurge

classic tee: steal, spend (shown), splurge

boyfriend jeans: steal, spend, splurge (shown)

clutch: steal, spend, splurge (shown)

cross sandals: steal, spend (shown), splurge

sneakers: steal, spend (shown), splurge

striped dress: steal (shown), spend, splurge

delicate necklace: steal, spend (shown), splurge

summer sweater: steal, spend (shown), splurge

my everyday style: spring layers!

I think there are about two months out of the year that I don't layer my clothes… that would be July  and August (when I am mostly in my swimsuit, God willing, or it's just plain hot). Layering isn't just a "spring" thing or a "winter" thing - sure we layer clothes differently in spring that we would in winter but the reality is that layering clothing is a season-less idea.

For spring it's important to wear layers that work both ways - on and off (versus winter wear you don't generally shed layers throughout the day).  If you head out in a top and jacket and you don't like the way the lower top fits and you are just covering it up with a jacket or your bra shows through the lower layer, etc you won't be comfortable for the entire day. Conversely, if you wear two very comfortable layers you will prepared for whatever the day holds.

Ever had a spring day where you have to change your outfit like 4 times because you are cold then hot then cold again? That is what I try to avoid… one versatile outfit that I can wear all day. This outfit is perfect for that… a few of my favorites all layered together.

(photos by Tracy Carmody)

Details:

Jacket, H&M (similar or similar or similar, all under $50!)

Sweater, Banana Republic - on sale! (or similar)

Jeans, Bananan Republic (or similar less expensive)

Bag, Madewell

Leopard Flats, Madewell (similar or similar or similar less expensive)

my everyday style: your new favorite jeans with Fitcode!!!

You gals know that I am a hard core jeans gal… I just love jeans. I love collecting them (wink, wink) and wearing them, and I especially love discovering new favorites!!  Enter Fitcode. These are two rocking awesome ladies running an amazing new start up that I love, and I think you will love too!

You simply log on to the site… and take the fit quiz.  I was blown away about how spot on this quiz was - these gals have seriously done their denim homework.  So many of the questions they asked I totally "got" - or they totally "got" me. Either way, first take the quiz, then the site will give you a whole slew of denim selections that are perfect for your Fitcode.  Then you simply order up the jeans you love.  Oh, and no guessing on sizing either. You know how sometimes you are one size and other times you are another size. Based on your quiz results they will suggest what size you would be in that specific fit.  They really take all the guess work out of denim shopping.

It's like a denim gals dream come true when shopping online for jeans!  After I answered the quiz questions I chose this High Waist Slim Illusion from 7 for All Mankind.  These babies fit like a dream right out of the box!  So go check out Fitcode - I know you will love it!

Details:
Jeans, 7 for All Mankind (℅ Fitcode)
Blouse, J.Crew Factory (similar or similar)
Coat, J.Crew Factory (similar or similar)
Flats, Sam Edelman
Necklace & Earrings, Gorjana via Rocksbox - use code "jillggxoxo" for one free month!

my everyday style: pretty in peplum!

This white peplum top is going to be a spring and summer staple for sure.  It's so easy and comfortable and while it's perfect for layering… it's also great on it's own. You know, once it's open arm season. Whenever that is. Hopefully soon!

Paired with these 'girlfriend' jeans I can't stop wearing and my black leather jacket that is also on serious repeat - this is going to be a go-to outfit this spring for sure.  Do you have a few spring staples that you are already wearing and over-wearing?!

(photos by Tracy Carmody)

Details:

Peplum Tank, Gap (or similar in other colors)

Girlfriend Jeans, Gap (or in a darker wash)

Leather Jacket, Zara (similar less expensive or similar)

Bag, Madewell

Shoes, Sole Society

Bracelet and Earrings, House of Harlow (via Rocksbox! get your first month discounted by using code: jillggxoxo)