my everyday style: dressy joggers! (I'm addicted!)

It took me a while to warm to the "dressy jogger pant" trend.  I tried on a ton of pairs and just couldn't find the perfect pair for me.  They were either too tight or too loose or weird fabric.  So when I stumbled on this pair I was skeptical, but I loved the feel and drape of the fabric and the zipper accents.

I'm glad I gave them a go, because they are definitely a new favorite and will be worn plenty this fall and winter.  They are perfect for everyday wear but can also be dressed up.  They are the perfect fresh pair of black pants to add to your wardrobe.  They would be perfect for the office as well, paired with heels and a sweater or a blouse and blazer combo.

Here I paired them with a chambray top, which is ultra easy.  They would work well with a striped top or a jewelled sweater too.

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:

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

Pants, J.Crew Factory (also avail be in blue or burgundy! or less expensive option)

Earrings, Loren Hope via Rocksbox - get your first month FREE with code: jillggxoxo 

Shoes, J.Crew (similar)

Bag, Milly via Nordstrom Rack - ℅  (similar or similar)

wear it now and later: boyfriend jeans!

I walked into my closet the other day totally, over the top, forget about it sick of summer shorts and found this pair of boyfriend/girlfriend jeans that I had completely forgotten that I owned.  Don't you love it when that happens?!? It seriously made my day.  Then I wore them for multiple days straight.

Yes, it's hot here.  And really, really humid. Like you walk outside and your whole outfit and body feels soaking wet instantly.  But the past few weeks have been heads-down-g.s.d. days so I am mostly in AC all day.  Otherwise jeans wouldn't be possible at all.  But this is the thing with where I am at with summer right now. My kids still don't start school for three weeks (kill me!) and I am swamped with work (I've got some super fun projects coming to the blog soon!) and fall sports are in full swing.  So we are at max capacity.  I'm over shorts. So I let myself wear jeans. I'm over being the camp counselor mom promising fun and action at every turn. So I let my kids run wild with the neighbors. My house is a disaster from neglecting it all summer. So I let it just go, or try to (I'm not good at letting this one go).  We've been traveling every weekend. So I let dinner planning go out the window, cereal anyone?

My point is that boyfriend jeans are just what I need right now… maybe you need them too? Maybe life is feeling a little upside down for you like it is me and these slouchy devil-may-care jeans are just up your alley right now too.  If so, I've got good news… you can wear them now and later.   These boyfriend jeans are perfect with a little lace top for hot days now… then layer them with plaid and a vest and some cute little boots this fall.  Voila!

wear it now: boyfriend jeans (or less expensive option), lace top (or less expensive option), wedges (or less expensive option), earrings, tote

wear it later: boyfriend jeans(or less expensive option), plaid shirt (or less expensive option), ankle boots (or less expensive option), fringe clutch (or I love this one!), vest (or less expensive option), earrings

my everyday style: tunics!

I've already raved quite a bit about tunics this summer… to say I've been wearing them quite a bit is an understatement.  They are classic and breezy and elevate an outfit instantly.  At this point in the summer I am actively thinking of how I can transition the summer wardrobe pieces I love into fall and tunics are no exception.  I will definitely be layering these with my leather jacket, blazers or a denim jacket this fall. 

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Outfit Details:

Top, J.Crew - on sale! (or in blue or similar)

Shorts, Gap (similar or similar less expensive)

Sandals, J.Crew - on sale! (similar or similar less expensive)

Bag, Madewell (similar or similar)

Sunglasses (similar), via Nordstrom Rack - ℅ 

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

what to wear now… and later!

This is the time of year where blogging (for me at least) gets a little tricky… we have our minds on fall. Right!?! We are thinking about sending our kids back to school, maybe going back to school yourself, or cooler weather and cooler weather fashion.  But, and this is a big "but"… it's still summer.  We all still want to live in the moment of these last special days of our favorite season and soak it all in at the same time!

So we have to live in this limbo of planning for what we will wear in a few months (combined with the plain old excitement for new fall clothes!) and living in the moment (and heat!) of these last sweet summer days.   At this point I, at least, have my mind on transitioning my wardrobe from summer to fall. That's why I always love working on these now & later posts.

I haven't always loved cardigans, but lately they are my jam… for extra layers in the winter/fall or those  cool summer nights to throw over a tank or tee.  I just picked up this cardigan (in grey!) and it will definitely get worn a little now and a lot later.  It's super soft with dolman sleeves so it's really easy to layer.

shop the look: cardigan (or I love this one!), tank, denim shorts (similar less expensive), necklace, sandals, gold stripe tote, striped top, jeans (similar less expensive), cross-body bag (similar less expensive), boots (or I am kind of obsessed with these!)

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

fresh ways to style your summer dresses...

This time of year I am always looking for new ways to style my summer dresses.  My summer style evolution goes something like this… I start out strong with shorts, get sick of shorts, then move to dresses.  Then I get sick of dresses and I am looking for new ways to style them.  It's like clockwork.  Are you ever in the same situation?

Here I've got three fresh ways to style a dress this summer… add a vest, tie a denim top around your waist or pile on the accessories.  What is your favorite way to style a summer dress this summer?  I'm always looking for new ways!

vest look: dress, vest, cross body bag, espadrilles, bracelet

accessories look: dress, watch, bracelet, earrings, shoes

denim shirt look: dress, denim shirt, hat, tote, sandals

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