my everyday style: everyday!

I aim to keep it real here on the blog… there always seems to be a delicate balance of what outfits I show here and which ones I don't.  Everyday style is what I really want this blog to be about… but sometimes (most times for me) my everyday style is pretty low-key.  Hey, I'm a mom. My summer days consist of chores, work, refereeing, sports pick up and drop offs and if I'm lucky a little time at the pool with a book or a quick nap (my number one guilty pleasure, hands down).  But these daily events are more non-events than anything.

So I walk the delicate balance of not getting dressed (i.e. yoga pants or last nights sweats) or being overdressed (heels and anything outside of jeans and shorts aren't really required) on a daily basis.  And while keeping all those balls in the air I also try to keep the look a little inspiring for myself (getting dressed should be fun!) and for you gals as well.  Because we are all in this together, right?

HIgh waisted jeans (or mid-rise) and a flowy top have really been my go-to lately. I haven't been to the gym as much as I have liked these days and these two pieces of clothing are VERY forgiving in that department.  I would wear some version of this everyday if I could!

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:

Top, J.Crew (similar, similar or similar or I love this flowy top too!)

Jeans, 7 for all Mankind ℅ Fitcode (or these are awesome too for less!)

Sandals, J.Crew - on sale (or similar or similar - love these!)

Bag, J.Crew (similar or love this or less expensive version!)

Bracelet, Loren Hope via Rocksbox - use code jillggxoxo to get your first month free!

10 everyday easy "mom" outfits! (summer edition)

This past spring I wrote a VERY popular post featuring 10 easy "mom" outfits that you gals absolutely LOVED.  And since the original post was mostly for fall/winter looks - I decided to do another post updated for the summer.

Because let's be honest… while our minds are starting to shift to fall fashion, back to school supplies and getting our kids out of the house and at school again (oh, only on that last one?!?! wink, wink) the fact is that there is still PLENTY of warm weather left to dress for.  And you can't go naked. (although I am with you, some days that just sounds easiest! haha!)

So here are 10 summer appropriate looks that are SUPER easy to pull together and likely feature items you already own.  These are my summer go-to formulas for easy outfits and I think you will like them too.

And just to brush up… here are my tips for pulling together practical and beautiful mom outfits:

7 tips for easy "mom" outfits:
- Make the foundation of your wardrobe machine washable basics. Jeans, shorts and properly fitting t-shirts are a great place to start.
- Always keep a few "add-ons" on hand to mix up the jeans/shorts and a tee (or sweaters or tanks) look like blazers or scarves. These keep outfits looking pulled together and keeps your basics feeling fresh.
- Necklaces, earrings, or bracelets can always add creative element to any look. If your babies are very young you may have to forgo these for a few months if they are pulling or chewing on them - but keep perspective on how quickly this phase goes. You'll be back in jewelry in no time!
- Easy to wear but stylish shoes are key.  It's easy to run for flip flops and gym shoes time and time again but if you have a few nice pairs of flats or sandals you will be surprised how easily they can dress up a look.
- Ditch the yoga pants.  Find a few pairs of jeans or really high quality ponte leggings (or for summer, dresses and skirts if you don't love shorts) that fit you really great and that you feel amazing in.  Pair them with classic tees and tanks and you will instantly feel feminine and beautiful.
- Stock up on stain treatments.  I love the Shout Wipes for my purse and the Oxy Stain Spray for at home. The stains I have gotten out of clothes with these two is amazing.  Stains and spills are a part of motherhood so make sure you are prepared!
- Have fun getting dressed each day! Treat your outfit as a sacred part of your daily routine.  Get up, get dressed and have some fun with it - be that confident and beautiful woman that your kids and husband already know you are!

1. Tank with jeans… I love this simple look that is perfect for running errands or a date night. 

(similar jeans, similar tank, similar clutch, similar sandals)

2. Graphic tee with a skirt… a fun look that is easy to pull together!

(similar skirt, similar top, sandals, bag)

3. Denim on denim… no just for cooler weather denim on denim works for all seasons!

(similar top, similar shorts, similar sandals, bag)

4. Stripes with sneakers… this is a classic combo that is so easy for moms on the go - pair sneakers with  stripes and shorts and you are set to go!

(similar top, similar shorts, similar bag, sneakers)

5. A dress with a denim jacket… grab a dress and a denim jacket (or vest) and you are out the door in minutes!

(similar jacket, dress, sandals, similar bag)

6. Denim shorts with an oxford… craving fall clothes but the weather isn't cooperating? Pair shorts with your favorite oxford with the sleeves rolled up for the back to school cool, while keeping cool.

(similar top, similar shorts, similar sandals, similar bag)

7. Graphic tee with black shorts… black shorts are an unexpected summer staple. With a graphic tee this look is refined but easy.

(similar top, similar shorts, similar sunglasses)

8. A dress with a vest… grab a dress, grab a vest. So so easy!

(similar dress, similar vest, sandals)

9. A tunic and denim shorts… a tunic is the perfect breezy summer top or bathing suit cover up, paired with shorts it's the quintessential summer look.

(shorts, similar sandals, similar top)

10. Graphic tee and jeans… Jeans aren't just for fall/winter, pair them with a summery tee and sneakers and this comfortable and practical look is great for summer.

(similar tee, similar necklace, jeans, similar clutch, sneakers)

my everyday style: navy and white!

Me and tunics lately.  Yeah, we've got a little thing going on for sure… 

There is definitely a time to be adventurous with your clothing and then there are definitely times to just go with what works. I've been having a "go with what works" summer for sure.  Navy, white shorts, tunic, etc, etc.  This is what works and it's about all I have the time and energy for these days.  Why overcomplicate? Why re-invent the wheel? That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

What about you? Are you adventurous with your wardrobe lately? Having fun trying new things? Or are you pretty happy with where things stand and know what you like? I think it's important to have season's of both.  This just happens to be the season I am in now. 

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:

Sunglasses, Warby Parker (similar less expensive or obsessed with these!)

Tunic, J.Crew (similar or similar or this top is gorgeous!)

Shorts, Target (similar or similar)

Bag, Madewell (or a smaller version… or a bigger version - love these!)

Shoes, Soludos - just restocked with more sizes!

Bracelet, Banana Republic (similar or similar less expensive)

Hair: (my hair is shorter than in this video, but I still do it the same)

Loose Waves Hair Tutorial, Conair Curling Iron, L'Oreal Volumizing Mousse, Aveda Dry Remedy Hair Oil, Aveda Air Control Hair Spray

Makeup: 

Beautycounter Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer,  Beautycounter Blush in Tawny/Whisper,  Bare Minerals Volumizing Mascara, Bare Minerals Well Rested Luminizer, Bare Minerals Long Lasting Eye Liner

my everyday style: a chambray blazer (pt 2)!

As promised, here is the same outfit from yesterday with shorts swapped out for jeans… This just goes to show if you are more of a jeans gal - wear it like I did yesterday. If you can't imagine summer in jeans at ALL then these shorts are the perfect look for you.   Like I have mentioned before, I usually start the summer strong in shorts and then start losing my bravery and the jeans start creeping back into my looks more.

The scallops on these shorts paired with the small scallops on my top were too cute not to pair with one another. Sometimes it can be so fun to be matchy-matchy that way, you know? 

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:
Shorts, Gap (similar, similar or similar in chambray)
Linen Top, J.Crew Factory
Chambray Blazer, J.Crew (similar or similar in linen or similar in stripes - love that + it's 40% off!)
Sunglasses, Warby Parker
Bag, Madewell (or I think you will love this one too - for such a great price!)
Sandals, J.Crew - 40% off! (similar in leopard on super sale or similar less expensive)
Earrings, Kendra Scott - via Rocksbox, use code jillggxoxo for one month FREE!
Bracelet, Margaret Elizabeth - via Rocksbox, use code jillggxoxo for one month FREE!

Hair: (my hair is shorter than in this video, but I still do it the same)

Loose Waves Hair Tutorial, Conair Curling Iron, L'Oreal Volumizing Mousse, Aveda Dry Remedy Hair Oil, Aveda Air Control Hair Spray

Makeup: 

Beautycounter Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer,  Beautycounter Blush in Tawny/Whisper,  Bare Minerals Volumizing Mascara, Bare Minerals Well Rested Luminizer, Bare Minerals Long Lasting Eye Liner

my everyday style: a chambray blazer!

This chambray blazer has quickly become a closet staple for me. It's a great summer layer and will hopefully translate to fall as well (fingers crossed!).  It's the perfect addition to any outfit, but I really love it over this peek-a-boo open back linen top.  I mentioned last week that jeans are still on outfit rotation for me in the summer… as you can see.  But if you aren't into jeans, stay tuned tomorrow and I am going to switch up this look with shorts… I think you will like it!

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:
Jeans, Target (similar - $10 off!, similar - $10 off! or kind of obsessed with these!)
Linen Top, J.Crew Factory
Chambray Blazer, J.Crew (similar or similar in linen or similar in stripes - love that + it's 40% off!)
Sunglasses, Warby Parker
Bag, Madewell (or I think you will love this one too - for such a great price!)
Sandals, J.Crew - 40% off! (similar in leopard on super sale or similar less expensive)
Earrings, Kendra Scott - via Rocksbox, use code jillggxoxo for one month FREE!
Bracelet, Margaret Elizabeth - via Rocksbox, use code jillggxoxo for one month FREE!

Hair: (my hair is shorter than in this video, but I still do it the same)

Loose Waves Hair Tutorial, Conair Curling Iron, L'Oreal Volumizing Mousse, Aveda Dry Remedy Hair Oil, Aveda Air Control Hair Spray

Makeup: 

Beautycounter Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer,  Beautycounter Blush in Tawny/Whisper,  Bare Minerals Volumizing Mascara, Bare Minerals Well Rested Luminizer, Bare Minerals Long Lasting Eye Liner

my outfit: black & jeans in the summer? plus, espadrilles (we need to talk about these ladies)!

So three things:

1) Do you wear jeans in the summer? You all know that I am a die hard denim fan, so for me this is a no-brainer. Yes. I wear jeans in the summer. Now, no I don't wear them when I'm at the beach or to the pool or anything crazy. But if I am going to be home working or out running errands or out for the evening I tend towards jeans even in the summer.  I thought I was kind of alone in this but then I asked a few friends and they do the same!  I think jeans and a tank are pretty much the PERFECT date night or girls night combo, personally.  But there is one other piece to this puzzle. I don't *love* my thighs (I mean, who does!?!? If you do - I salute you!!!).  I gained a ton of weight in that area with both of my pregnancies and they never really recovered. So about this time of summer I am not so "brave" with shorts any more.  Jeans feel like a safety net of sorts.  Can you relate?

2) Black is kind of an obsession for me lately. Yes, even for the summer.  A black tank and jeans is preeettttty much my ideal outfit. So yea, this is heaven for me.

3) Espadrilles. Do you own a pair?!?! I am OBSESSED.  They are so comfortable. The only way I can explain it is that they feel like pajamas for your feet. They are soft and cushiony and the best part is they look great.  Both these lace up espadrilles and these other espadrilles sandals that I just purchased are a dream come true. By far my summer shoe obsession!

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:

Top, J.Crew Factory (I love the front pleat on this top - the floral version is gorgeous too!)

Jeans, Target (similar or similar or similar)

Bag, Kate Spade (similar or similar scalloped or I love this laser cut version!)

Espadrilles, Soludos (in pink stripe, leather or without the laces if you prefer)

Bracelet, Loren Hope (or in white, coral, pink or blue!) via Rocksbox - get your first month FREE with code jillggxoxo

closet staples: how to style a summer tunic!

Today I am pulling some inspiration together on how to style summer tunics.  As I mentioned earlier this week… tunics have quickly become a mainstay in my summer wardrobe. They can be paired with shorts and jeans alike and on top of that they are perfect over swimwear for the summer.  So they can really be a workhorse in your closet in the spring and summer.

I have used tunics as a kind of "cheat" a lot so far this summer.  While they are laid back, they are also a tailored piece that makes an outfit look instantly pulled together.  So every time I throw them on I feel like a little bit more dressed up than maybe I really am.  Which is always a bonus.

one, white tunic - on sale!

two, pale blue - on sale!

three, grey/white striped - under $30!

four, lilac - under $30!

five, black/white striped - under $15!

six, blue/white striped

tip: pair these tunics with your favorite cut off shorts, white jeans, distressed jeans or over a swimsuit!

~~~

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my everyday style: leather + ripped jeans!

I've been a fan of distressed jeans for a while… but these ripped jeans take the obsession to a whole new level.  Forget the mild distressed look.  These jeans are straight ripped up!  It can be hard to justify spending money on ripped jeans… but these were on super sale so I thought I would give it a go.

You could definitely style these jeans with a slouchy sweater or tee for an ultra-relaxed look, but I thought I would contrast the ripped jeans with a more structured leather top for a more pulled together look. I like the way it turned out and I can't wait to get more wear out of these jeans. They are definitely outside the box for me… but it can be fun to experiment a bit.

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:

Leather top, LOFT (similar or similar or similar)

Jeans, Blank NYC (similar or similar)

Shoes, Aldo (similar or similar or similar)

Bag, Kate Spade (similar or similar less expensive)

Bracelet, House of Harlow - ℅ Macy's

Necklace, Gorjana via Rocksbox, use code: jillggxoxo to get your first month FREE!

my everyday style: a dress + cardigan combo!

I love when the weather turns and you can finally break out a few dresses here and there.  This striped one is a favorite.  I usually pair a spring and summer dress with denim jacket but I was craving a little something different and decided to pair this striped dress with a chunky cardigan instead.  It's the perfect extra layer for cool spring mornings and it was fun to wear a classic spring dress in a fun new way.

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:

Cardigan, J.Crew - on sale now! (similar or similar)

Dress, Old Navy (similar or similar or similar)

Bag, J.Crew (or less expensive option)

Sandals, Sole Society (similar or similar)

Watch, Daniel Wellington - ℅

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

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