jillgg's good life (for less) | a style blog

match made in heaven: leopard & green!

noreply@blogger.com (Jill GG (good life for less)) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

I've been loving endlessly on green lately... and paired with leopard, well - the loving isn't going to stop soon! I love that leopard is the perfect neutral to green. It's perfect for winter and it will transition well to spring also. What more could you ask for this time of year?

(above: sweater, skirt, ring, earrings, pumps, scarf, bag)

(above: bag, bracelet, flats, jacket, belt, purse)

Have a great weekend... do you have anything fun planned!?!?

the IT list... January 27, 2011!

noreply@blogger.com (Jill GG (good life for less)) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Happy Friday ladies!

Enjoy these great links this weekend...

suze wears clothes brings us words of inspiration each and every Sunday. I love this week's installment, especially this colorful quote on joy! (find suze wears clothes on twitter!)
gs lillian found these adorable "spike" necklaces at Target... pop on by her blog to see what other fun pieces she found - including a few that are perfect for Valentine's Day! (find gs lillian on twitter!)
my soul is the sky is back with another great hair tutorial - this one, the 'bohemian side braids' look great on her and have inspired me to try a similar style! (find my soul is the sky on twitter!)
what the frock recreates an outfit featuring a neon skirt, a cozy sweater and an unusual hem-line. Sound like fun? It is! (find what the frock on twitter!)
live a lot goes for the all black outfit. Do you ever fall back on this simple outfit formula? It happens to be one of my favorites! Check out her look!
rachael really looks stunning in stripes and faux fur. Then she adds red wellies and a pearl necklace for the win! (find rachael really on twitter!)
free to be stacia lee is hosting a giveaway for a gorgeous amethyst necklace. Stop by her blog to enter! (find free to be stacia lee on twitter!)
here & now sports the perfect weekend outfit and looks fabulous doing it! Especially since she had just run a 5K that day! You go girl!
fabulously average is rocking what she calls "the new neutrals" - and I couldn't agree with her more, they totally are! What are the "new neutrals"? You'll have to stop by her blog to find out! (find fabulously average on twitter!)
behind the dressing room door has the perfect accessory for cold winter days - a bold and colorful scarf! See how she styled it! (find behind the dressing room door on twitter!)
the capital barbie tracks down some absolute darling bowed-tops. I love how feminine and flirty these tops are! (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
sweetie pie style takes this mint green maxi dress and styles it three ways that are perfect for late winter into spring! It's so versatile! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
a fashion fixation introduces us to a new online shop called Vestique - have you heard of it? I love their bold and colorful selection, like this blazer! (find a fashion fixation on twitter!)
the tiemann girls are showing off their gorgeous taupe finds from Target! Taupe never looked so good ladies! (find the tiemann girls on twitter!)
stay in the lines makes homemade oreo cookies. I think I know how I'll be spending a cold, winter Saturday in my near future - baking and eating these! (find stay in the lines on twitter!)

the IT list is produced weekly by Jill of good life - for information on how you can be involved, click here!

my outfit(s): the seasons!

noreply@blogger.com (Jill GG (good life for less)) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Although I do tend to complain about the harsh winters in Michigan, I do love to see the seasons change. Especially when I am taking photos in my yard (or here specifically, my driveway) on a regular basis it's fun to see the changes all at one glance!

wardrobe consult: Ms E!

noreply@blogger.com (Jill GG (good life for less)) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Today's wardrobe consult is for Ms. E, and similar to this recent consult she wanted a good mix between work and casual clothes and everywhere in between. Buying refined tops that look just as good with flats and jeans as they do with trousers and pumps is definitely the key. And as usual I picked several neutral pieces to off-set a few fun and bold pieces like the green top and pink pants. This was a really fun wardrobe consult to put together! Take a peek at just a few of the looks!

(above: necklace, jeans, top, pumps, bracelet)

(above: black skinnies, green top, blazer, earrings, flats)

(above: necklace, pink pants, white top, navy cardigan, pumps)

(above: necklace, pants (or these pants in green would be fun too!), top, blazer, pumps)

my outfit: party time!

noreply@blogger.com (Jill GG (good life for less)) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Last weekend was my friend Jen's birthday. In her honor, she and her husband hosted a little party at their place to celebrate. There was delicious food, plenty of wine and great company - all the makings for a very fun evening!

Since I'm still in that phase of parenthood where an evening out with only adults is considered "exciting" - I wanted a fun and casual outfit, but one that also said "my kids are at home with a babysitter (party time!)". In these scenarios all I need are some fancy shoes. My black patent wedges from Zara were perfect.

And the black shoes perfectly completed the black, blue, green trifecta that I seem to tend towards these days. Perfect indeed.

Jen has always been a huge supporter of my blog (have I properly thanked you for that Jen?)... and she's a fellow mom that is a very busy lady but still takes time to look her best everyday. So she definitely deserves a shout out here, no? Fun night Jen!

Details:
Blazer, American Eagle
Green Top, Old Navy
Jeans, Gap
Shoes, Zara
Necklace, Towne & Reese (courtesy of)

work it wednesday: leopard loafers!

noreply@blogger.com (Jill GG (good life for less)) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

I bit the bullet and bought a pair of leopard loafers (very similar to the pair I featured here!)... I really {like, really really} wanted a pair but every time I went to buy them I just didn't pull the trigger. But the other day I was killing time in TJMaxx - not recommended by the way - and I saw a pair for a great price and just had to buy them. Now if we would just have some warmer weather so I can actually leave the house in something other than boots I will wear them!

In the meantime I thought it would be fun to pull together some looks inspired by them - I plan to wear them casual and dressy and in between!

(above: jeans, top, shoes, nail polish, bling bracelet, bangle bracelets, clutch)

(above: ring, red jeans, chambray top, striped cardigan, shoes, tote)

(above: black skinnies, top, blazer, clutch, earrings, shoes)

Now it's your turn! Link up with your Work it Wednesday looks below!

For info and buttons click here!

(please follow the rules, it's only polite)

(seriously, this week I am deleting you if you don't play by the rules!)

my outfit: green, blue, black!

noreply@blogger.com (Jill GG (good life for less)) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Lately outfits have without fail included blue or black. Today I add green and then tomorrow's outfit (you'll have to wait for that) will bring the whole thing full circle. I'm a in a clothing rut. It's January-induced. That's all I'll say about that.

This is my black velvet blazer and I feel like I need to say it again - this thing just doesn't photograph near as nice as it is in person. It's rather dressy, but here I enjoyed dressing it down a bit.

My husband and I rented Moneyball this past weekend... have you seen it? I'm not a big sports person, but this movie is so amazing. I loved that the main character wanted to make his mark on baseball, but the way he did it was different than what he thought it would be in his youth. Often times as we age it easy to get disappointed about the days that are in our past (did we live them the best we could?) but this movie reminds you that it's never too late to take a risk or influence the world around you - or to be the best in your field.

On a lighter note, we also rented I Don't Know How She Does It - so funny! Just as good as the book, definitely!

Details:
Blazer, Gap
Striped Top, H&M (similar!)
Jeans, Gap
Belt, Gap
Earrings, Wendy Mink via GILT
Wellies, Sperry via Nordstrom Rack (courtesy of)

your dressing room! {the nerd-ess!}

noreply@blogger.com (Jill GG (good life for less)) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Today I introduce to you the "Nerd-ess" - part nerd, part goddess. She's nerdy and chic and everywhere in between.

She embraces her nerdiness and femininity alike.

She unwinds to NPR and symphonic melodies.

She's got a crush on Ira Glass.

She embraces her four-eyes.

Blazers and cords never looked so good.

Intellect and wit always catch her eye.

A classic outfit is her uniform:

Blazer, check. Cords, check. Turtleneck, check. Book bag, check. Penny loafers, check. Scarf, check.

Her dial is always tuned to This American Life, or she catches up with episodes on iTunes.

Nerdy glasses are her favorite accessory. (Warby Parker "Fillmore")

Quirky and witty art? You bet. (element of surprise! art)

Erik Satie and Downton Abbey are made for rainy days in her mind.

my outfit: snowy whites!

noreply@blogger.com (Jill GG (good life for less)) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Nature has it right... all of these birds flying south, mammals hibernating and the rest of them growing thick coats of fur to protect themselves all winter - now they know what they are doing. Me I just dream of flying south, of sleeping for two months without being disturbed and then pile on the layers to keep warm (with not near as much success).

Winter is just, uggghhhh, winter. And we are for sure in the thick of it. Sure the snow is magical and blah, blah, blah... but what I could use right now is a fresh farmers market, a little sun on my shoulders and a day where the sun not only shines, but doesn't set until 10pm. Who's with me?

In the meantime it's business as usual: lots of layers, warm gloves, Vitamin D supplements and a little bit of lipstick on the days that are most unbearable.

Details:
Scarf, H&M
Short Black Sweater, H&M
Striped Top, Gap
Jeans, Gap
White Coat, Tulle (courtesy of, last year)
Leather gloves, Target

a weeks worth!

noreply@blogger.com (Jill GG (good life for less)) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

The "a weeks worth" posts simply lay out inspiration for a whole weeks worth of outfits in one fell swoop! To me it's important to have pieces that mix and match well and I'm not afraid to wear something (creatively!) more than once in a week.

This week I need comfortable and warm outfits that will keep me going all week! The key to that? Some fun colors, some leggings (yes!) and plenty of layers to keep warm (although this week is slated to be a little warm than last weeks temps in the teens, hooray!). I just bought these pink jeans and can't wait to wear them...

What does your week hold for you? Whatever it is... I hope these outfits inspire you and make getting dressed a little easier and a lot more fun!

(one. sweater, bracelets, scarf, pink jeans, pumps

two. blazer, chambray top, leggings, wedges, necklace)

(three. gingham top, yellow sweater, leggings, flats

four. button up top, nail polish, ring, pumps, wide leg jeans)

(five. gingham top, blazer, wide leg jeans, clutch, wedges

six. chambray top, earrings, belt, flats, pink jeans)

sunday splurge: loeffler randall!

noreply@blogger.com (Jill GG (good life for less)) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

After reading the recent issue of Matchbook magazine featuring the designer behind Loeffler Randall shoes I immediately wanted to move to Brooklyn and start a shoe business. I mean how cool is this gal? Since then I've been stalking her shoes online and while they aren't cheap, they SURE are beautiful. (like, sure, sure)

See what I mean...

(navy pumps, boots, leopard flats)

Sometimes they do go on sale... like these and these which would be accepted into my closet with open arms!

color trend: brilliant blue!

noreply@blogger.com (Jill GG (good life for less)) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

I'm officially obsessed with this color: brilliant blue! It's shockingly bright but also very fun and has an air of sophistication too. What more could you ask for!? Here are some fun pieces in this fun color!

(above: dress, earrings, sunglasses, scarf, tank, flats, clutch, studded bracelet, belt)

(above: necklace, baseball tee, striped tee, polka dot scarf, jeans, skirt, nail polish, pumps)

~~~

So are you missing "what to wear: weekend" today? I wanted to switch things up a bit and find a new series for Fridays. I'm thinking "Reader Questions" would be fun... or do you have any suggestions?

(if you have reader questions... email them to me!)

the IT list... January 20, 2012!

noreply@blogger.com (Jill GG (good life for less)) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Happy Friday!

Take some time to warm up this weekend and check out these awesome links!

gs lillian says "yes" to the sweater skirt. She seriously rocks this look and has me wanting a sweater skirt for myself! (find gs lillian on twitter!)
rachael, really makes "four eyes" look impossibly chic. Go check out her new glasses and fabulous red shoes! (find rachael, really on twitter!)
the tiemann girls are crushing on Essie's new spring nail colors! And because they are loving them so much they are giving some away! Check out their little giveaway.
suze wears clothes is winter-chic, which is a common theme here today! I love her cozy winter look! (find suze wears clothes on twitter!)
fabulously average is rocking one of my favorite dresses (which happens to be on super sale right now!) while in Florida. This look is gorgeous on her! (find fabulously average on twitter!)
free to be stacia lee is keeping warm in bright pink! I love bold colors like this for winter, it makes the grey days bearable!
my soul is the sky found the perfect red lipstick! Find out where she bought it and see how it looks on her (hint: very pretty!). (find my soul is the sky on twitter!)
the capital barbie is crushing on grape-hues. And how fabulous is this handbag in purple? You will love the price too! (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
what the frock has a fun celebrity copycat look featuring Kristen Bell. I love this outfit for Valentines or a fun date night! (find what the frock on twitter!)
live a lot has another fun winter look - she went without tights, but if it's cooler where you are, just add tights! Check out her look.
here and now is sporting winter white! I absolutely love this look if you have the guts to pull it off - I'm glad here and now reminded me how fun this is! (find here and now on twitter!)
behind the dressing room door takes us into the dressing room again for another fun "try on" session. I am loving this unique top that is long in the back and short in the front! Cute! (find behind the dressing room door on twitter!)
sweetie pie style found these super fun crocheted flats from The Sak that are so bright and fun for spring! Check out more styles on her blog as well. (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
a fashion fixation is rocking one of my favorite trends that was here and then gone and is now back! Boyfriend jeans. Check out how she styles them! (find a fashion fixation on twitter!)

the IT list is produced weekly by jill of good life, for information on how you can be involved - click here!

my outfit: denim and diamonds!

noreply@blogger.com (Jill GG (good life for less)) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0000

I found this sweater at Old Navy the other day for like $7 - score! At it's really soft and cozy - double score! I have to be honest though, I never thought that I would have even liked this sweater unless I saw a similar one styled here. Now if I could only get my hands on that striped top she is wearing underneath the bright blue one! Gorgeous!

If it wasn't snowing buckets the day I wore this outfit and if I wasn't heading to the (thankfully indoor) soccer fields for the morning, I totally would have paired this outfit with some black wedges. A little dressier than the boots I am wearing. It would have been perfect, no? But alas, snow and motherhood does SOMETIMES cramp my style. Oh well.

And how gorgeous is this necklace? I love that it instantly dressed up a simple sweater and jeans outfit. I felt so glamorous all day!

And also, how gorgeous is all this snow? It was our first big dump of the year and it was so magical and pretty. I love it when it stays in the trees for a while, so pretty!

Details:
Sweater, Old Navy
Chambray Top, Old Navy
Jeans, Gap
Neckalce, Spike the Punch (courtesy of)
Boots, Nine West

mix and mingle! {mid- to late winter}

noreply@blogger.com (Jill GG (good life for less)) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

I'm starting to feel like my wardrobe needs a little spruce up for these last couple months of winter going into spring. I don't really need a lot of items, just a few to perk things up a bit. And looking forward to the Texas Style Council, I would like a couple new pieces to wear while in Austin.

When I shop for more than one piece of clothing at a time I try to make my selections form a cohesive look or whole. I don't bring home any pieces that I don't know what I would wear them with. I work to make all the pieces mix and match with each other so that when I get home I can add a jacket or shoes or a belt that I already own.

These items are some that are on my wish list right now... they all easily mix and mingle and would be great additions to my wardrobe. How cute would the striped top be with the pink jeans? And the orange or green top with the boyfriend jeans and leopard loafers? LOVE! This is my mid- to late winter haul wish list... what's on yours?

1. orange top 2. green top 3. 'cowboy' chambray top 4. striped top 5. pink jeans

6. boyfriend jeans 7. leopard loafers 8. citron yellow loafers

my outfit: nice neutrals!

noreply@blogger.com (Jill GG (good life for less)) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0000

When the weather allowed recently (i.e. it was above 40 degrees) I whipped out the holey knee jeans. You know, my favorite piece of "junk" in my closet. I think I have some type of weird attachment to these jeans. I don't know. I solemnly swear that I will make these into jean shorts this summer... but for now I'm going to hang on to them as is, they are my all time favorite!

How have you ladies been? Life is a little crazy for me right now, but I'm just working on staying positive and looking in the right direction. It's a little insane having your kitchen torn up for so long. But I know it will be worth it in the end. My husband is working so hard each night, I'm super proud of him!

How are your resolutions coming along? I didn't really make a "resolution" to work out more, but this past fall I really got off the rails with working out. And then self-loathing always follows. Plus, it's really hard to get back into the habit of it after being out of the habit, you know? I'm always so sore afterward and it's so cold going there in the mornings.

But yesterday I had a revelation. For the hour that I am in the pilates studio doing my thing - I feel amazing! In lots of pain, sure... but I feel good about myself, separate from my body. And the more I practice pilates and work out with weights the better I can perform in class, so then I end up spiraling upwards. Before I was just focusing on how much I hate putting on my gym clothes and going there - but now I'm working to focus on how amazing I feel during that class. I think it's helping. Fingers crossed.

We also just got a Pure Barre studio in Grand Rapids. Have you ever been? I'd love to try it! It's a little hard to justify since I'm already paying for my gym membership. But I would like to try one class - it's supposed to be amazing!

Details:
Jacket, courtesy of Tulle (previous season)
Top, Old Navy
Scarf, Gap
Jeans, Gap
Clogs, Ugg
Earrings, Forever 21

work it wednesday: the dog days of winter!

noreply@blogger.com (Jill GG (good life for less)) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

I'm feeling it... are you? I step into my closet and think... not another sweater!?!?! But the sad truth is that cozy sweaters are about all that will keep me warm on these cold, cold winter days anymore. So sweaters it is.

Here I took a simple but elegant sweater and worked it three different ways that keep it looking fresh and stylish. With skinny jeans and a belt for a casual look, with boots and a fun scarf for a night out with friends and lastly with bold blue pants and neon accessories for a night out on the town! Boring outfits be banished - even if they do include sweaters - right?

(above: jeans, sweater, boots, earrings, watch, belt)

(above: bracelet, pants, sweater, scarf, boots, handbag)

(above: jeans, sweater, wedges, lip gloss, ring, bag - so gorgeous, right!?!?)

Now it's your turn! Link up with your Work it Wednesday looks below!

For info and buttons click here!

(please follow the rules, it's only polite)

(seriously, this week I am deleting you if you don't play by the rules!)

video tutorial: the "bob" hair style (no scissors required!)

noreply@blogger.com (Jill GG (good life for less)) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0000

I've been wanting to do this video for a while... it's a fun little up-do/down-do style that is perfect for date night (Valentines day, perhaps?) or any night out on the town! Have a little look-see why dontcha!?!?

Let me know if you have any questions in the comments... I'll be more than happy to answer them!

your dressing room... the New Years Resolutionist!

noreply@blogger.com (Jill GG (good life for less)) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

As I brainstorm on ways to continually improve the blog and your experience here I love to come up with new ideas for series'. My favorite part of blogging is the constant reinvention and experimenting. I think it is so fun to come up with new ideas and see what sticks and what works.

I feel like I talk a lot about clothing here on the blog and what to wear and why and where. But as women our clothing makes up only a percentage of our selves. (I'd like to argue a LARGE percentage... but still) And as women (and especially mothers) we wear many hats in any given day, week or month. One day we are a force to be reckoned with and the next we are in a low-key mood where the sofa and re-runs are just our style. Our entire experience of life makes us who we are, not just the clothing we wear... but the tea we sip to rejuvenate ourselves, the books we read, the trashy reality tv we can't get enough of and the beautiful things we surround ourselves with are just a big a part of the whole.

So today I introduce to you "your dressing room": the series. It gives a persona to the many women that we are and strive to be and sums them up in one fun and engaging post. Today we take a peak into the life of the "New Years Resolutionist". This lady is one with goals and dreams. Her year is off to a fabulous start and she working on making 2012 the best year ever. How does she do it all? Read on...

She's written out her list of goals and checked them twice.

She aspires to health and a life well lived.

She lives and dies by organization.

She knows sweat builds equity.

She believes in fresh starts.

You can find her in workout clothes first thing each morning. (sports bra, workout pants, gym shoes)

Later you can find her stylishly and effortlessly dressed. (jeans, blazer, striped top, flats)

Green tea is her healthy choice of beverage. (Bigelow Green Tea)

Moleskin monthly notebooks keep her ideas & appointments organized. (Moleskine Monthly Planner)

She knows a good book can change her life. (A Million Miles in a Thousand Years)

A fabulous watch keeps her impeccably accessorized and right on time. (Marc Jacobs watch)

A quote from Diane von Furstenburg is her mantra. (quote via)

my outfit: simple plaid!

noreply@blogger.com (Jill GG (good life for less)) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Just a simple outfit today. I don't even remember when I wore this outfit. For serious. I am so behind posting outfits/taking pictures/etc. Oh well!

Our kitchen remodel is coming along... a little slowly, but surely. Since my husband is doing all the work (well, we will be hiring a plumber for some of the water stuff) it's at his pace. The situation so far has been him putting together all the cabinets after the kids go to bed while I sit there, drink wine and talk his ear off! Ha! So far I've just been SO excited for the final product that I don't mind the craziness (also he has finished the half of the kitchen that includes the pantry, so the food at least is organized). But next is the demolition phase which means no sink which will make things a little trickier!

It was last year at this time that I was redecorating our living room. Funny to think back to that... already a year ago and that room is still evolving and getting better all the time. That's how it goes with a house, or my house at least - constantly changing! After the kitchen is done I would like to start working on redecorating the basement. It's total wasted space that I want to eventually be a family room and creativity hub for the house (goes with my resolutions!). Winter is such a great time to make changes around the house... there isn't much else going on!

Do you get in nesting mode this time of year?

On a completely different note... our church kicked off an amazing new series this past weekend... I don't get too preachy on my blog but I did want to share what was one of the most inspiring sermons I have heard in a long time. If you are set on making 2012 an amazing year and if you are a spiritual person, or even if you are not. This sermon packs a seriously inspiring punch. I highly recommend it!

Details:
Scarf, Old Navy
Blazer, American Eagle
Striped Top, Forever 21
Jeans, Seven for all Mankind
Flats, Old Navy
Glasses, Warby Parker

wardrobe consult: Ms. T (part II!)

noreply@blogger.com (Jill GG (good life for less)) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Last Monday I brought you Part I of Ms. T.'s recent wardrobe consult... if you remember she wanted outfits for work and fun and in between. Here are a few more looks... and check out the other ones too!

(above: bracelet, pants, sweater, blazer, flats)

(above: necklace, suit: trousers & jacket, chambray top, pumps)

(above: earrings, pants, leopard top, cardigan, wedge)

(above: red jeans, sweater, jacket, wedge, earrings)

For more information on my wardrobe consultation services... click here!

sunday splurge: boots!

noreply@blogger.com (Jill GG (good life for less)) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:05:00 +0000

With all of the snow we got this weekend I sure am wishing I would have invested in a big ole pair of super warm boots like these right now! With leggings or skinny jeans and a super warm sweater I would be all set!

Especially since there is more snow in the forecast this week... winter has finally arrived!

(sorel boots)

Want the look for less Here is Target's version!

what to wear: weekend!

noreply@blogger.com (Jill GG (good life for less)) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Who has some fun weekend plans in store? We got a decent amount of snow last night... so whatever my plans include, it will likely be boots, coats, and mittens for me!

Today is a "snow" day for the kids... so I'm thankful for a lazy day around the house with them. Maybe some baking and painting will be in store and then later likely some suiting up to play in the snow! My kids also have a long weekend due to Martin King Jr. Day on Monday. So whoa nelly... this will be a long snowy weekend!

Hopefully you will enjoy some snow where you are.... this is our first big (err, moderate) snow of the year and it sure is beautiful!

(scarf, coat, cords, turtleneck, earrings, mittens, boots)

the IT list... January 13, 2012!

noreply@blogger.com (Jill GG (good life for less)) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Happy Friday ladies! I hope you have a fabulous weekend, but first...

take some time to check out these amazing blogs!

suze wears clothes tries something new (to her)... you know that feeling when you take a leap of faith with your wardrobe and it works? Love it! Check out what she wore! (find suze wears clothes on twitter!)
the tiemann girls offer up some eye candy and a thought on fairy tales... do you still read them? Believe in them? Maybe you should (if you don't)!
rachael, really says sequins aren't always for the evening... I couldn't agree more. Check out her gorgeous (and cozy!) winter sequined look. (find rachael, really on twitter!)
gs lillian takes dressing monochromatically to a dramatic (and gorgeous!) new level. Check out her red, red, red look! (find gs lillian on twitter!)
fabulously average has a sneak peek of Jason Wu's new collaboration line for Target. Check out her favorites - there are some really great pieces here! (find fabulously average on twitter!)
see me rwar is wearing hot pink pants. Enough said, right? Check out how she styles them! (find see me rwar on twitter!)
what the frock? gives us a super cute 'celebrity copycat' look from the always stylish Pippa Middleton. Check out how she recreates the look! (find what the frock? on twitter!)
my soul is the sky never fails with great hair tutorials, I love this 'braided headband' video - I seriously need to try this! (find my souls is the sky on twitter!)
free to be stacia lee has some fun mixing and matching patterns. Have you ever tried this? I love her mix - stop by and see what it is! (find free to be stacia lee on twitter!)
live a lot sports a fun winter outfit in the snow - you have to check out her amazing triple twist hair do! Whoa! Gorgeous!
the capital barbie features chains and ribbons... a little tough and a little lady-like, these jewelry pieces are very hot right now! (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
sweetie pie style is showing off some shoe eye-candy! I am in LOVE with this navy and gold version of this wedge. So gorgeous! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
behind the dressing room door takes you into the dressing room showing side by side comparisons of the stock photo and the piece of clothing actually tried on. This is a really cool post - I love the lace back dress. Gorgeous! (find behind the dressing room door on twitter!)
here & now wonders if you've gotten on the denim on denim bandwagon? She resisted for a while... but now she's loving the look. You?

the IT list is produced weekly by Jill of good life, for information on how you can be involved - click here!

my outfit: be bold!

noreply@blogger.com (Jill GG (good life for less)) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Lately my life as a mom has been changing so quickly it almost makes my head spin. The craziness of toddlerhood and baby days have so quickly been replaced by packing lunches and backpacks, hustling to practices and the beginnings of meaningful conversations with my kids. It's crazy. People tell you that it goes fast - and just to be cliche, I'll tell you again. It goes fast. But I never believed them because I was so engrossed in boogers, tantrums and messes. But it does go fast. If you are a mom and still "entrenched" - you absolutely HAVE to read this post a friend of mine posted to her Facebook page recently. Seriously, it is so true and I wish someone would have written that about two years ago!

Last night we had a super fun conversation at dinner about what jobs would be fun for my kids when they get older. More than anything I want my kids to be happy and involved teenagers and adults. I want them to know what they want in life and go after it. I don't think there is any greater gift you could give your child as an adult. And as our pastor at church always says... "You are raising adults... not kids." So true.

I fully expect my kids to work once they turn 16. Summer jobs if their schedules are too busy, or at least something on the weekends for fun and spending money. I started working right away when I was 16. Mostly because my friends were doing it - but later it was because I needed the money for class trips (if I remember correctly I had to raise half of the cost of my HS trip to France - it was worth the hard work!), spending money for the weekends and then college.

My kids couldn't believe that I worked at a movie theatre and got free movies and popcorn (I did!) and that I only made like $4 an hour (I did!). They also couldn't believe that I worked as a summer camp counselor (to kids with special needs) when I was in college where I got paid to do things like go to the zoo, eat popsicles and go swimming (I did!). Instilling the idea in them that work is fun is a great start to a happy and healthy relationship to their calling - don't you think? And if there is one gift on Earth that keeps on giving... it's your calling. I know that for sure.

My husband and I constantly remind our kids that we love our jobs! They are hard work - but that it's always worth it. They make us better people and a happy family. I hope that becomes my legacy to my kids... that I helped them chase after their calling. What is a legacy you would like to leave for your kids?

Details:
Red "pocket" scarf, J.Crew
Sweater, J.Crew
Gingham Top, Old Navy
White Turtleneck, J.Crew
Jeans, Zara
Wedges, Dolce Vita
Bracelets, J.Crew and Forever 21 and the anchor one is a gift from J.
Lipstick, Heat Wave by NARS (I'm hooked on this stuff!)