Wednesday, 12 August 2015

Instagram style lately…

Instagram continues to be a great place for me to touch base with my readers on what I am wearing on a daily basis.  I literally just throw together a look, get dressed and then post it up there.  It's so quick and fun and without the pressure of taking photos for the blog. Follow me there for (almost) daily looks… 

Here are a few of my recent favorites...


above: striped dress (similar or similar), tote (similar or similar less expensive), sandals


above: jeans (similar or similar), striped tank (or a fun flowy version!), white purse (similar or similar less expensive), sneakers (similar or similar)

above: t-shirt (similar), vest (similar or similar less expensive), denim shorts (similar or similar), espadrilles


Make sure you join me on Instagram for more daily looks! User: jillgg

Tuesday, 11 August 2015

my everyday style: double the denim!





(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details: 
Denim Jacket, American Eagle - ℅ (old but similar or this one is nice!)
T-shirt, J.Crew (old but similar or similar or I love this one)
Sneakers, New Balance for J.Crew (similar or similar or similar in navy)
Sunglasses, Warby Parker (or I just ADORE these!)
Bracelet, House of Harlow ℅ Macy's (or similar less expensive or I love this one and it's on sale!)



Monday, 10 August 2015

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.






Thursday, 6 August 2015

fall style crush: boden!

Each fall I'm always drawn to classic and preppy pieces to round out my wardrobe.  Something about the crisp air makes me double down on my blazer, oxford and stripe obsessions.  I recently stumbled upon this black dress on Pinterest and fell for it hard.  Once I realized it was from Boden I fell down a rabbit hole of their new arrivals and just had to share them here.  Refined denim pencil skirts? Tweed blazers? Snappy capes? Updated sweatshirts? Yes, yes, and yes please!!!

Aren't these pieces just gorgeous? 



Wednesday, 5 August 2015

fall shoe guide 2015

The fall buying season is here… can you believe it? Buying fall clothes is admittedly a favorite of mine… rich leather shoes, cozy knit sweaters and crisp new jeans are what dreams are made of this time of year. Over the coming weeks I'll be featuring the best of the best for fall and we can walk through what's what for fall style together.

My mind usually goes to shoes first… let's be honest, I can't wait to get my hands on some new sweaters too - but shoes are a little easier than sweaters to try on in August (can you say sweaty mess!?!).  For me, the shoes set the tone for the season… they are the basis for any great outfit and for me, also the basis for my entire seasonal wardrobe.

This fall boots, sneakers, flats with a few trendy options thrown in are the basics for shoes.  A few of these pairs are on my own personal wish list and I have a few pairs of boots from previous seasons that need updating as well.  What are you looking for for shoes this season?

flats

sneakers

boots

new + trendy


Tuesday, 4 August 2015

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:
Jeans, 7 for all Mankind ℅ Fitcode (or these are awesome too for less!)
Sandals, J.Crew - on sale (or similar or similar - love these!)
Bracelet, Loren Hope via Rocksbox - use code jillggxoxo to get your first month free!

Monday, 3 August 2015

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. 

2. Graphic tee with a skirt… a fun look that is easy to pull together!

3. Denim on denim… no just for cooler weather denim on denim works for all seasons!

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!

5. A dress with a denim jacket… grab a dress and a denim jacket (or vest) and you are out the door in minutes!

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.

7. Graphic tee with black shorts… black shorts are an unexpected summer staple. With a graphic tee this look is refined but easy.

8. A dress with a vest… grab a dress, grab a vest. So so easy!

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.

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.