9 pieces | 9 outfits… spring 2015!

My 9 pieces & 9 outfits posts continue to be super popular here on the blog… and it's not hard to see why.  (check out the archives here)

We all want our wardrobes to be more versatile and as hard working as possible for us.  Mixing and matching 9 pieces into 9 outfits is proof that simplicity and style is not only within reach for all of us… but it's easy too.

This spring my style is all about neutrals, but it's fun to add a small pop of color in there as well.  Here I relied on a little pop of pink and a little dash of red to bring life into these simple spring looks.  I think you will like them… and I hope you get a little inspiration for how to build a versatile wardrobe this spring!

the 9 pieces: 

chambray blazer, cream cardigan, red sweater, striped dress, white linen blend tunic, navy camisole top, striped tank, denim skirt, white jeans

the accessories:

black cross body bag, sneakers, baby blue scarf, nude pumps, camel satchel, black sandals, coral d'orsay flats, gold bangle bracelet, earrings

instagram style!

Like I mentioned last month… I have been putting more and more outfits on instagram lately as I am able.  If you aren't following me there already… you should! (user: jillgg)  I absolutely love Instagram. Of all the social media out there, it's definitely the most fun.

It's fun to have seen my outfits subtly go from winter to spring-ish here.  I've definitely tried to ditch the boots and heavy coats this month in exchange for layers and flats. The days aren't super warm yet, but we've definitely seen a warm up in the temps and that is very welcome after this long and very cold winter!

Here are a few of my winter to spring Insta looks…

(above: flats, or similar flats, similar top, bag - on sale!)

(above: similar sweatshirt, flats, my new *favorite* jeans) 

(above: similar flats, white jeans, sweater, similar vest)

(above: jeans, scarf, similar sweater, similar sneakers, bag)

(above: tee, leggings, similar scarf, similar denim jacket)

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram for more daily outfits… user: jillgg

on my radar: march!

March is a tricky month because we are all so ready for spring… but the weather sure takes it's time!  We've had days in the 60s and days in the 30s and everywhere in between.  It's easy to go overboard getting excited for spring weather and clothes… but the reality is that we still need some layers and warmer clothes for those chilly days.  So it's kind of an in-between month for shopping.

Here are a few things that are on my radar this month even though it's a tween-er month...

Pink Gingham Top, pink is really catching my eye lately - I actually think it does every spring! - and this sweet gingham top would be perfect for warmer days or for wearing with light spring layers.

Gorjana bar earrings, these are my new favorite earrings. I wear them almost every day. They are simple and pretty and easy to wear because they are super light weight.  Mine arrived recently in my Rocksbox subscription - which I love! - you can get your own Rocksbox subscription for a discounted rate right now using code: jillggxoxo 

Downing Tote, I have seriously been eyeing this tote for ages. I needed a new tote that is suitable for everything from carrying my laptop to day trips to a travel carry-on.  I finally purchased it and LOVE it. It is the perfect size tote for everything… it's going to be a workhorse for me this spring and summer, I can tell already.

Alexa Chung for AG, I thought by now I would be done with the distressed denim trend. But I can't quit it. These Alexa Chung for AG skinny jeans are pure perfection.  They are on my wish list for sure.

Beautycounter Blush in Tawny/Whisper, this is my new spring blush… it's the perfect combo of blush/bronzer to give my face new life for spring!  Plus, it's one of the cleanest blushes out there… if you are worried about chemicals in your personal care and cosmetic products I can't recommend Beautycounter enough.

Linen Miracle Tee, another wish-list item for me is this simple but gorgeous linen tee. It's so simple and I love that it's sort of a tank and sort of a tee and drapes perfectly.

Tassel Sandals, THESE are everything for spring. I am swooning over these tassel sandals right now… so fun and laid back. They would be perfect with dresses, shorts or even jeans this spring.

What's on your wish list this month?

my everyday style: transitional dressing!

Layers are layers. But in my mind spring layers are much preferable to winter layers (well, at least at this point in the game).  This time of year can be tricky because our minds are all "spring" and the weather is all "spring/winter/spring/winter/winter/spring".  It's hard to plan for to say the least.  Transitional dressing are those not quite spring and not quite winter outfits that are necessary to employ this time of year.

Lightweight and versatile layers like a sweater over your shoulders, light layers or even lightweight jackets are absolute essentials this time of year and are the hallmark of transitional dressing.

(photos by Tracy Carmody)

Details:

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

Sequin Oxford, J.Crew - on super sale! (or similar or similar)

Jeans, Gap (similar or I love these similar!)

Sneakers, J.Crew (similar or similar)

what to pack : spring break!

Spring break season is here friends… I myself can't wait to jet out of town for some sun and relaxation and I know a lot of you gals are feeling the same these days.  If you do spring break "right"… you don't need a lot of clothes, just a few loose and comfortable layers for over your swimsuit, maybe a few pairs of shorts and sneakers for a day or two of exploring, and a couple of dresses for dinners out. Or at least that is my dream spring break… total max out relaxation.

Lately I've been craving a lot of blue and white and loose flowy layers. I think it's a perfect motif for spring and summer; and spring break is no exception.   Whenever I pack for a trip I always try to base the entire packing list on just a few colors. This helps make all the pieces really easy to mix and match.  Other things to keep in mind… always pack plenty of sunscreen, Coola is my favorite… so light and refreshing!  And I always like to pack a larger bag to carry to the beach or pool with snacks and reading materials and then a smaller cross-body bag for adventures, shopping or dining.

So dish, what awesome places are you headed to for spring break? What are your must-haves when packing?

white strapless eyelet dress, striped tote, denim shorts, lilac swimsuit, navy/white scarf, sunglasses, ankle strap sandals, white tee with striped sleeves, loose oxford, Coola sunscreen, white denim shorts, blue maxi dress, nude cross-body bag, white sneakers, arrow bracelet, white beach cover-up, flip flops

12 spring bags to love!

In fresh and fun silhouettes and candy colored hues… a new spring handbag is the ultimate indulgence!

top row, from left: graphic blue tote, camel saddle bag, striped tote, camel bucket bag

middle row, from left: citron tote, white bucket bag, mint tote, 'oh la la' pouch

bottom row, from left: pink tassel tote, pink/chili color blocked satchel, pale pink zipper top satchel, cream tote

my everyday style: wardrobe foundations (+ a giveaway)!

Classic wardrobe pieces are the foundations of our closets AND our everyday outfits.  Lately I've been trying to focus more on the foundations… both acquiring them and wearing them on a regular basis.  The more I do this, the more I find getting dressed easier each morning.  I know I talk a lot about "making getting dressed easy" - sometimes I feel like a broken record - but really the easier it is to get dressed each morning, the better I feel all day.  When what I am wearing fits great and feels great it's less trips in and out of the closet each morning and less second guessing ourselves.  Do you feel the same?

Wardrobe foundations like black jeans, classic cardigans and timeless tops like this silk one seem to make my life so much easier!  Let's not forget the foundations under the foundations either.  Perfectly fitting and gorgeous intimates are the foundation to any outfit also - and are just as important!  Today I am partnering with Kohl's to chat about their intimates as an essential piece of any outfit.  They have an absolute HUGE selection of intimates for whatever your body style and preference. I am always blown away when I visit the store to try bras on.  There are literally hundreds of options.  Or you can shop online too… and don't forget to access their measuring resources before you go. You never know if your size has changed and I find their online tool to be helpful in determining your correct size.

Read on to see my favorite bras I found at Kohl's recently and for an awesome giveaway!!!

(photos above by Tracy Carmody)

Outfit Details:

Cardigan, Forever 21

Blouse, J.Crew Factory (similar or similar)

Jeans, Old Navy (or similar)

Flats, Sam Edelman

Necklace, Gorjana via Rocksbox (use code: jillggxoxo to get a FREE month of Rocksbox subscription for a limited time, or 50% off your first box after that)

top two lace bras, middle strapless bra, bottom two lightly lined bras

or shop the entire collection here!

Now for the fun part!  Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter to win a $200 gift card to Kohl's - how awesome is that!? Winner must in the US (48 states) and must follow the Rafflecopter guidelines to be properly entered.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway