on my radar… april 2015!

Just a few things that have been catching my eye lately…

I am majorly crushing on these sunglasses. The have major Holly Golightly vibes.

I just snagged this sun hat for under $15… I have a feeling it's going to get worn a lot this summer.  I love how big and floppy and incognito it is… no makeup needed!

This "oui" clutch is my newest blogger obsession. Oui, oui, oui!!!

A classic safari style shirt seems like the perfect spring top… this with jeans, white jeans, shorts or skirts this summer would be the perfect breezy look. 

I've been obsessed with Alex + Ani for a while now and just added this peacock feather bracelet to my stack. I'm in love with it!

Wrap/cross/X sandals… whatever you want to call them they are the hottest shoe for spring.  These gold wrap sandals are giving my hearts in my eyes.  Or find a similar option for a steal here!

I've mentioned before I am working on making beauty and household decisions that are less toxic for our family. I'm officially OBSESSED with The Honest Co.  I've tried a bunch of their cleaning and body products and love them all… but this organic body oil takes the cake.  Their lines are targeted at children and babies but this oil is great for moms (or any one) too! I mix it with my lotion each morning for spa-like skin everyday. 

I feel like I keep gushing over Old Navy lately, but seriously, their spring clothes are SO cute! I love just ordered this little sleeveless shirt dress, and I can't wait to wear it!

(ps, on another note… a few of you have been asking where "the damage" post was at the end of March. I am going to take some time off from posting those for now. I know a lot of you love them and will be sad to see them go, so I thought I should let you know!)

Elements of Style v16!

I'm back with another fun Elements of Style for you today… simply put, I have a little formula for quickly pulling together amazing outfits in a snap and I call these posts 'elements of style'. I like to choose something casual, something neutral and then a few dressy pieces to amp the look up! It's really so simple and makes getting dressed ultra easy.

Each individual will translate "casual", "neutral" and "dressy" different depending on your personal style and what event or environment you are dressing for.

I have an unreasonable obsession with white dresses lately… they just seem so carefree and summer-y. Which is exactly what I am craving lately.  A white dress will be a great wardrobe staple all summer, but for spring it still needs a little layer to keep warm with.  This creamy white cardigan makes the look comfortable and practical for chilly spring days while still offering the major summer carefree vibes.  Then I dressed up the look with a blinged out clutch and some earrings.  Simple slide sandals and classic sunglasses pull the whole look together.

cardigan, dress, sunglasses, sandals, earrings, clutch

my everyday style: warm weather accessories with Nordstrom Rack!

Now that spring has finally arrived (rejoice!) it's time to take a look at our accessory game.  As the weather warms so does my tendency in accessorizing my outfits. I like to break out light weight and simple accessories that feel as fresh as the spring air.  Cross body bags replace large cumbersome purses, delicate jewelry can finally show off a wrist or neck that's been covered all winter and a new pair of sunglasses is ALWAYS in order now that the gloomy cloudy winter is gone.

Today I am partnering with Nordstrom Rack to feature just a few of my favorite warm weather accessories from their amazing selection.  This cross body bag is perfect with dresses and shorts as the weather warms, this beautiful and delicate gold bracelet is the perfect addition to any spring look and I'm wearing these gold aviator sunglasses on repeat!  Nordstrom Rack has tons of accessories to keep you stylish for less this spring… and the best part is that you can shop it all online!  The selection is changing all the time, so there will always be a fresh selection. Read on for some of my favorite Nordstrom Rack finds…

Cross Body Bags (similar to shown)

Or check out: this leopard one! a fun boho style by Rafe! or a coral Valentino for a song!

Delicate Jewelry (Gorjana Bracelet Shown)

Or check out: this sweet knotted Kate Spade bracelet! Rebecca Minkoff stackable bracelets! Gorjana infinity knot bracelet!

Sunglassess (similar to shown)

Or check out: these Kate Spade cat-eyes, meow! a fun pair of wayfarers! rose tinted aviators - for over 75% off!

And also for a limited time they are stocked with tons of Kate Spade Saturday goodies… so hop on over! The deals are amazing!

Thank you to Shopstyle and Nordstrom Rack for sponsoring this post, all opinions are my own.

my everyday style: white and grey!

White and grey is a long time favorite combo of mine… and this look is so effortless and simple that I can see why. To me this is the perfect spring or summer look for running errands, heading to the park, or just out with girlfriends for a casual coffee or lunch.  Just don't wear it out to your favorite Mexican food joint, I did that… and well, let's just say white jeans should never get that close to salsa. I don't know what I was thinking.  Thankfully some stain remover should do the trick!

When it comes to simple outfits that are worth repeating… this look is one of those.

A lot of you ask how I tie my scarves like I did here… stay tuned next week for a fun little scarf tying demo that I think you will like!

(photos by Tracy Carmody)

Details:

Scarf, Banana Republic (similar or less expensive option that is REALLY cute!)

Top, Gap - on sale, limited sizes so hurry!!!

Jeans, Gap (or less expensive option, or I love these!)

Sneakers, New Balance

Bag, J.Crew (similar less expensive or similar drool-worthy!)

Earrings, Gorjana via Rocksbox… use code "jillggxoxo" to get your first month subscription box FREE!

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)

Beautycounter Giveaway!

In the past year I have become more and more diligent about ridding my life and our household of toxic chemicals as best I can. I am not perfect at it, but day by day I try to seek out alternative beauty and personal care products and even cleaning products that are better for me and for the environment. I believe in making small changes here and there. So that is what I am trying to do.

Last fall I became involved with Beautycounter - a beauty and personal care company that is committed to getting safe products into the hands of consumers without fail. So many companies say they are 'green' or 'natural' these days but don't really walk the walk.  Beautycounter is different.  With The Never List they have committed to keeping dangerous and toxic ingredients out of their products (even though our government won't even help consumers by doing that!).

I absolutely LOVE these products, everything that I have tried is simple and beautiful and it WORKS.  Today to share the love I am giving away three of my all time favorite Beautycounter products (shown below): a Color Sweep blush of your choice (I recommend "bloom/tulip" it's seriously the best I've ever tried!), the Lip Conditioner Peppermint Balm (so soft and silky with a zing of peppermint!) and one Lustro Face Oil of your choice (my favorite is Jasmine, your face will thank you!).  Once you try these products you will fall in love with them… and you will know that they are safe from harmful ingredients as well.  It's a win win!  For more on Beautycounter's mission - click here!

Other products I am currently using and loving: Vibrant Eye Perfector, Color Outline in Black, Color Sweep Blush in Tawny/Whisper and Tint Skin Complexion Coverage.

To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below… only entries placed there will eligible to win!
a Rafflecopter giveaway