my everyday style: a tank and a jacket!

No surprise here.  I always seem to have a jacket with me in the summer, I'm sure I've mentioned it before.  I'm also the jacket police before we leave the house as a family "who wants a jacket? who has a jacket?" are how my kids will likely remember me someday.

The jacket. Never leave home without it.

That's my motto. But seriously, I get chilly in the summer when the AC is pumping.  And if you have a cute and comfy jacket (or two) hanging around, why not take it out for a spin?

Are you a jacket addict like me?  One of my FAVORITE little jackets is this army green version… it's easy to wear and works from spring all the way into fall.

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:

Jacket, H&M (similar, similar or similar or I love this vest version)

Tank, Old Navy (I'm hooked on these!! Also seen here and here)

Shorts, Old Navy (similar in linen, similar or similar scalloped!)

Shoes, Vince Camuto - ON SALE! (similar or similar less expensive!)

Bag, Milly ℅ Nordstrom Rack (similar or similar)

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

9 gorgeous handbags...

There are few investments for your wardrobe that will last as long or give as much return for the money as a gorgeous handbag. A few years ago I made a promise to myself that I was done buying one-off cheap handbags and that I was going to invest in gorgeous quality handbags, preferably that were leather or other high quality materials, even if that meant owning less handbags or getting to purchase them less often.  It's a decision that I have never regretted especially since now I have a collection (albeit, small and practical) of beautiful bags for any occasion.

Investing in a gorgeous handbag is the way to go in my opinion! Here are a few of my favorites right now…

one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine

closet staples: sneakers!

Like I mentioned last week, once a week I want to pull back from the new-new-new and really focus in on what the staples in my closet are right now.  While I, like most gals, just absolutely love getting new clothes and shopping in general. There is equal joy in pulling out an old favorite from the closet… especially when you know that the pieces that you have in your closet already fit you great, integrate into your wardrobe and your life well and of course, make you feel good when you are wearing them!

These sneakers have become an absolute necessity in my life! I don't know how I lived without them before… they are great for busy moms and weekends, farmers market and toting around town, sporting events and any time you have to walk for far. I just love 'em.  Here are some of my favorite ways I have worn them in the past!

If you are looking for a pair, these are from J.Crew… they don't make this EXACT color anymore but they still have very cool styles… HERE or HERE.  Nordstrom also has very similar pairs to these but they keep selling out, so if they don't have your size, check back. They can be found HERE, they also have some other fun colors here and here if you like bright and bold.

above: jeans & bag

above: jeans & bag

above: jeans & similar sweater

above: similar jeans & similar top

above: similar jeans

above: shorts & similar bag

above: jeans (or un-distressed version), similar tee, bag

So what do you think? Are you loving sneakers too? 

Father's Day Gift Ideas with Nordstrom!

I love celebrating Father's Day every year… somehow I hit the baby-daddy jackpot with my husband. He is all the things I am not - adventurous, spontaneous, full of energy and endlessly kind and patient - the life he has created for our kiddos is unparalleled. He is always up for fun and shooting hoops, always has an ear to listen or a kind word to encourage and he never let's out a grumble for pitching in with whatever I can't handle in a day.

This year for Father's Day I was excited to spoil him with a new weekender/gym back.  Poor guy has been carrying a ratty old duffle to and from the gym from his college days.  But my husband is picky when it comes to his wardrobe and accessories.  He likes the, ahem, finer things in life and has been known to pour over every style decision to the ends of the earth (that patience, I tell ya!).  I knew when I wanted to find him a new bag it was going to have to be something special.

Enter Nordstrom… they have an awesome selection of stylish bags for men, which can be surprisingly difficult to find.  When I found this Will Leather Goods tote at Nordstrom I knew it was "the one"… it's roomy and sturdy, with handsome leather accents. I can see this one lasting another… oh, 20 years or so!

Nordstrom has ALL your Father's Day gift needs… 

Similar Will Leather Goods items: tote, wallet, iPad case, briefcase, dopp kit

Or other fun Father's Day gift ideas from Nordstrom that my husband would love:

Ray Ban sunglasses - always a classic!, THESE sneakers, whisky acoutrements, monogrammed growler (!!!), retro turntable (so fun!), beer making kit for all those connoisseurs out there…

Happy Father's Day to all the amazing dads out there! 

This post is sponsored by Nordstrom & Shopstyle. Thank you for supporting the brands that support this blog!

Lee & Birch Anniversary Party… For the local ladies!!!

Hey ladies!  This post is for the local ladies… join me and some other very fabulous and stylish bloggers in celebrating the anniversary of Lee & Birch!  They are going to have a braid-bar and ice cream, shopping and discounts! I would love to see you there: Thursday June 18, 6-9pm at their Grand Rapids location.

If you aren't local… check them out online or be sure to follow their uber-stylish Instagram feed!  Plus, if you want a sneak peek of what I'm wearing to the party (Lee & Birch duds, of course!) check out my recent try-on sesh that I had on Instagram.

Here's a little eye candy to get you inspired… hope to see you there!

(images via Lee & Birch Instagram)

Instagram Style...

I love hanging out on Instagram (user: jillgg) and if you follow me there you know it's an extension of this blog in that I love to share daily looks that don't make it to the blog, fun behind the scenes stuff and generally I get a whole lot more personal on Instagram than I do here.  Check me out there if you want to join in on the fun…

If you just want the highlight reel… well, here you go! Here are a few of my favorite Instagram looks from the past few weeks…

above: The Woman I Wanted to Be (LOVED this book!), swim suit top & bottom ℅, sandals, t-shirt dress, similar tote or similar tote

above: similar bucket bag, similar striped top, sandals, jeans

above: similar bag, shoes, shorts, striped sweater

above: similar bag, chambray, white jeans, sandals

above: sandals, similar clutch, blazer, similar striped top, jeans

my everyday style: striped shorts!

I wanted to take a minute to say a huge "thank you!" to all of your amazing support from Friday's post. Comments on the blog and social media and emails came flooding in all weekend saying you gals were with me 100% (well, except for the haters… haha! haters gonna hate! those comments don't even phase me anymore, they go straight to the trash!) and I couldn't have been more thankful for all the support.

I will be mixing up the "everyday style/outfit" posts with the "closet staples" posts and I am aiming for a little of both each week.  Just so you know what to expect going forward.

Annnnnyway, back to business around here.  I am pretty sure I have blogged multiple times about wanting striped shorts and how to style striped shorts and I had never pulled the trigger on them (don't know why!). Until recently… when I found these at Old Navy I knew they were the ones. And I do plan on wearing them plenty this summer.

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Outfit Details:

Striped shorts, Old Navy (similar or similar)

Peplum Top, Gap (similar or similar or similar very cute!)

Denim Jacket, American Eagle (old but similar)

Sneakers, New Balance (similar or similar)

Bag, Kate Spade (similar or similar)

Sunglasses, Warby Parker