my everyday style: spring sweaters!

A few weeks ago I decided I was officially OVER winter sweaters for the season, and really it was about time. So I did a quick comb through of the sweaters in my closet to see if any would translate to spring nicely.  In general a 'winter' sweater can translate to spring as long as it's a neutral color (stay away from wintery jewel tones), contains little to no wool (with the exception of merino which can often be seasonless) and isn't a turtleneck. There are always a handful of sweaters that fit this bill in my closet and likely in your closet as well.

Having a few sweaters on hand during the warmer months may seem unnecessary, but you never know when a spring chill will hit, and mornings and evenings can still be quite cool.  Here I paired it with an untied scarf and some moccasins… it's a simple look, but one that is perfect for a classic spring day.

(photos by Tracy Carmody)

Details:

Jeans, Banana Republic (similar - love these!)

Sweater, Banana Republic (similar or similar less expensive)

Scarf, Banana Republic (similar or similar less expensive)

Bag, J.Crew (similar less expensive)

Mocassins, Coach (similar or similar or similar)

Mother's Day Gift Guide!

It's time to spoil all those amazing mama's in your life (and maybe that includes you spoiling yourself… wink wink!)  Here are all my top picks for Mother's Day this year… I hope that however you spend the day you relish in your own motherhood or you spoil those that have mothered you throughout the years.

This bag! Those tassels! J.Crew does it again with another GORGEOUS and classic bag!

Wine for mom? Why not? Club W is an awesome personalized wine delivery program that mom is sure to love… I have been using this service for a few months and I really love it.  Besides new shoes, what is more fun than getting wine delivered by the UPS guy!?!?

Mere, Mama, Mami tee. So so cute!

This Kendra Scott bracelet is the perfect gift for any mom (really ANYTHING by Kendra Scott is a good gift idea).  It's delicate and beautiful… maybe just like a very strong woman you know.

Turkish T towels… I am OBSESSED with these.  I use mine for a hand towel in my powder room and people are always complimenting me and asking about it - they are crazy soft. These would be awesome beach towels because they wouldn't hold all the sand. Buy 1 or 100 for mom, she will thank you!!!

Art & Sole… this is an amazing photo book with shoes crafted by artisans inspired by Stuart Weitzman. My daughter and I have been pouring over it on the sofa together. It's perfect for any shoe enthusiast. (Please note a copy of this book was gifted to me by the publisher, all opinions are my own)

Arquiste No. 31 for J.Crew… my new signature that is bold and sexy. I really love this scent!

Tassel Earrings… because, really, so cute and sweet! Even the smallest of gifts count with heart.

Grey Leopard Clutch… a hot little clutch for any hot mama in your life!

A classic red lip… for your mom, yourself, your grandma, your aunt, your bff.  This color is gorgeous and would look beautiful on any lady in your life.

my everyday style: chambray and white denim!

Chambray and white… or really any hue of blue paired with white is the perfect spring/summer combo. This is one of those outfit combinations that is handy to keep in the back of your mind for days when you don't know what to wear.  You can pull this look together in a snap.

(photos by Tracy Carmody)

Details:
Blazer, Gap (similar or similar for less expensive)
Chambray, J.Crew (similar less expensive)
Jeans, Gap (or similar less expensive)
Tote, J.Crew (or similar less expensive)
Mocassins, Coach (similar or similar or similar)
Sunglasses, Warby Parker
Earrings, Kendra Scott via Rocksbox used code: jillggxoxo for your first month FREE!

spring shoe trends at all price point!

We all love the change of seasons especially when it means we can kick winter to the curb and finally welcome spring… but let's be honest, one of the best parts about the changing seasons is the new shoes! Am I right?

Here I've rounded up my top six spring shoe trends for 2015… these are the shoes that I will personally be wearing all season and into summer.  They are stylish, easy to wear, comfortable and will put the perfect finishing touch on any spring or summer outfit!  Plus, I've got links below for each of these styles at all price points. So no matter what your budget… you are all taken care of here, friends!

The Espadrille: steal, spend (shown), splurge

The Wedge: steal, spend (shown), splurge

The Cross Sandal: steal, spend, splurge (shown)

The Classic Sneaker: steal, spend (shown), splurge

The Tassel Sandal: steal, spend (shown), splurge

The D'Orsay Flat: steal, spend, splurge (shown)

uniform dressing!

It's always fun to mix and match your clothing into new and creative outfits.  There are definitely days when you are feeling daring or the creativity is really flowing and great things can happen.  But if you are like me, there are some days when this is more challenging than others.

That is why I always like to have a few "uniform" outfits on hand to fall back on… it's not that these looks are uninspired or lackluster, they are just your memorized looks.  The ones you don't have to think about in order to get dressed and look great.  This spring I've already got two "uniforms" that I am falling back on regularly.

A striped dress and denim jacket outfit is nothing new… but this season is seems to have new appeal for me. I could wear a different striped dress and denim jacket every day it seems! It so easy and it can really be dressed up or down. You could easily swap out a short dress for a maxi dress or even add in a pair of sneakers for running errands or hanging out with your littles.

The tank and boyfriend jeans combo is another one I love to depend on in the spring. Mornings and evenings can be chilly - so you can simply throw a jacket or blazer over this look.  You could also really dress this look up for a night out with friends by simply adding a pair of heels and a clutch purse.

striped dress look: dress, denim jacket, sandals, bag, earrings

boyfriend jeans look: jeans, tank, necklace, purse, espadrilles

my everyday style: the basics!

When the seasons change my basic staples seem to magically change with them. Suddenly my chambray shirt isn't for layering for winter… it can now stand on it's own for spring and feels fresh and new.  Or my black jeans don't have to be paired with boots, but seem to have new appeal when paired with sandals.

When you dress for the full four seasons like we do here in the midwest, even the season-less basics can look and feel a little different each season.  That is the fun (or challenge!) of dressing for a 100 degree swing in temps in a year.  Now don't get me wrong… especially after spending a little over a week in California recently, I wouldn't mind less of a swing in temps, but that's the reality of living in Michigan.  

(photos by Tracy Carmody)

Details:

Vest, Old Navy (old but similar or similar)

Chambray Top, J.Crew Factory (similar or similar)

Black Jeans, Gap (or similar less expensive)

Bag, Madewell 

Sandals, J.Crew (or similar less expensive)

Instagram style!

I love to post daily outfits on Instagram as I am able to… follow me there, user: JillGG.  The outfit posts here on the blog are styled, thought out in advance and shot by a professional photographer. But on Instagram it's more of a peak into what I am throwing on everyday and wearing around the house, to work, to the grocery store or like with this past month when I am on vacation… what I am wearing to "play" in.

Here are some of my favorite recent Instagram looks…

I wore this tunic a ton on vacation… it was perfect with jeans or shorts! 

(items above or similar: hat, sunglasses, sandals, shorts, tunic)

You can see me wearing this look here…

(items above or similar: denim jacket, sandals, cross body bag, dress) 

This was a super popular look on Instagram… featuring this steal of a deal for a linen top!

(items above or similar: linen top, white jeans, espadrilles/less expensive espadrilles)

This tank top is my new favorite… it's got the perfect slouch to it! And as you can see these sandals are getting tons of wear lately...

(items above or similar: tank, jeans, bag, sandals)

These 7 items were worn over and over again on my recent vacation… sometimes you just need a few basics to get you through!  It's not hard to see why they are on constant repeat.

(items above or similar: tunic, white jeans, black tank, striped sweater, shorts, sandals, striped dress)

Pulling out old favorites from last year is always fun to do… these sandals are a definite favorite from last year and they are still available!

(items above or similar: graphic tee, white jeans, leopard sandals, cross body bag)

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram (JillGG) for more looks!