Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale - OMG it's good!!

Nordstrom's sales NEVER disappoint and this go-round is no different. I am always amazed at the high quality name brand prices that they mark down, down, down for these sales.  When it comes time to shop sales like these I always have a few simple strategies.

How to shop Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale:

• Make a bee-line for the handbags. Hot brands and on trend styles go QUICKLY so definitely check those out first.  This is a really great time to splurge on a handbag that may have been out of your price range full price.  
• Double up on premium denim.  Premium denim rarely goes on sale… so when it does you don't want to miss out.  My tip is to know your sizes in advance (a little try on sesh in store to educate yourself is the best way to do it) and search by your favorite brands since SO MUCH denim will be on sale, you don't want to wade through all the styles to get to the good stuff.
• Get ready to stock up on footwear. Nordstrom is known for no holds barred sale offerings on the current styles.  This is the perfect time to add in season and ultra current pieces into your closet.  And bonus, while sandals, espadrilles and flats for spring and summer are on sale… don't forget to comb a little further if you want season ends from winter like boots, because there are always a few great deals for those thrown in too. (Next season's Uggs, anyone?!?!)
• Throw in a few baubles for good measure. Scarves, sunglasses and jewelry from your favorite brands aren't left behind either.  It's a great time to grab some of these gorgeous accessories that are normally a bit spendy, but now are just the right price.

See my top picks below… you are sure to find something to love!

handbags, from left:

blue bucket bag, mint shoulder bag, carmel satchel, mini cross-body

denim, from left:

one, two, three, four

shoes, from left:

gold espadrilles, leopard espadrilles, d'orsay flats, pink sandals

accessories, from left: 

earrings, sunglasses, watch, scarf

This post was sponsored by Nordstrom and Shopstyle. All opinions are my own.

Thank you for supporting the brands that support this blog.

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!

Instagram Style | May 2015!

I always enjoy documenting a few outfits here and there exclusively on Instagram. While regular blog photos have to be planned out in advance - these are the outfits I just throw on as the day needs.  Playing with clothes and trying new things with my wardrobe is always fun… follow me on Instagram (user: jillgg) to join in on the fun!

above: grey tank, similar leopard flats, alex + ani bracelets, white jeans

above: similar leather jacket, similar striped top, similar necklace

above: similar striped dress, cream denim jacket, sandals, tote

above: white top

above: cardigan, sneakers, shorts, similar tee

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram for more photos! (user: jillgg)

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

12 new arrivals from J.Crew Factory for summer!

Time to stock up on some fun summer duds from J.Crew Factory! Their spring/summer new arrivals are super cute and I would love to add any of these to my closet right now!  This season I am obsessed with striped shorts, flirty dresses, jumpsuits and peasant tops.  So basically J.Crew Factory is ready to fill my dream closet.  And of course the prices are always right at J.Crew Factory… all these pieces are under $100 and most are under $50. Which makes summer shopping a breeze. I am envisioning lots of summer bbqs, trips to the farmers market or fairs or patio date nights in these gorgeous pieces.

striped shorts, green dress, leopard flats

grey striped scarf, white flutter sleeve dress, navy jumpsuit

black embellished tank, cream bucket bag, blue peasant top

palm tank, striped sandals, white top

Summer Pool Essentials 2015!

Can you believe that Memorial Day is only one week away? Since the un-official - but pretty much official - start of the summer is just around the corner I have teamed up with Garnet Hill to make sure we are ready for the season!

My must-haves for the summer season are mostly pool and beach related… you can find me at one of those two places as much as humanly possible in the summer!  To ensure pool readiness this time of year… make sure you are stocked up on some fab swimwear, an awesome pool bag, some bright and bold pool deck shoes, a flashy towel to claim your space and a little cover-up for trips to the tiki bar!

swim cover up, swim top & bottom, pink nail polish, birkenstock sandals, striped tote, graphic print beach towel, sunglasses

This post was sponsored by Garnet Hill. All opinions are my own.

Thank you for supporting the brands that support this blog. 

Spring style under $25!

Spring is the best time to stock up on shorts, tanks, tees and dresses… with shorter hemlines and light weight fabrics is easy to find the steals and deals that your wallet loves this time of year!  Here I pulled together two simple and fun spring and summer looks featuring pieces all under $25.  Your closet will love you.

top look: grey dress, hat, espadrilles, tote

bottom look: chambray peplum tank, white shorts, earrings, cross strap sandals