Guest post: Advice from a stylist

by kirwin on July 2, 2009

Today’s post comes from a lovely guest blogger, Jill. A couple of weeks ago, I stumbled upon her blogs — that’s right, she has two of them! Each of them, good life for less and one hundred inspirations, have quickly become two of my must-reads on my blogroll. I was thrilled when Jill agreed to do a guest post and give us all a little advice on putting a week’s worth of outfits together. Thanks again, Jill!

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Hello lovely readers of Graceful Creative! It’s Jill from good life for less and one hundred inspirations!

First off, a HUGE thank you to Karen for having me here today! Graceful Creative is a newer blog read for me, I have enjoyed getting to know Karen through her blog and I am really, truly excited to be writing to you all today!

Today I am taking over her Signature Style series - so we are going to talk some fashion today and not froofy-to-do fashion either! Real fashion for real women! I know that Karen recently challenged all of her readers to compile a weeks worth of outfits and I think that is a great idea! I am here to give you gals a little nudge in the right direction…

Here I have compiled several wardrobe pieces from pants to skirts to tops to shoes to belts. Truly a little of everything! All these pieces will transform into 7 days worth of outfits… although if you use some of the tips I lay out today, you may find you could make far more than seven outfits from all of these items. I tried to integrate some really basic pieces here, that are both practical and easy to get our hands on. It is important that you have solid classics in your wardrobe to depend on and then mix it all up with some fun tops, some versatile “third pieces” (blazers, cardigans, jackets…) and top it off with fun, and again versatile, accessories. Here is a peak at all of the items: (click the picture to see each and every item…)

Now let’s dig into the outfits shall we?

Outfit One:

We’ll start really basic, but super chic and pulled together here. A classic white button-up and jeans with some bold accessories and up to the moment shoes. How easy is this? And it looks amazing and fits all body types!
Charlotte Russe at ShopStyle

 

Outfit Two:

Bermuda shorts are a must-have for the summer months. I like them because they are a touch more mature than other styles of shorts without being matronly. Combined with some great earrings and a blazer (for chilly nights or A/C blasted work-spaces) this outfit is again, effortless but very put together.
Charlotte Russe at ShopStyle

 

Outfit Three:

White pants. Love them. If you don’t own a pair, seriously - go online now and find a pair. I don’t care if you have dogs or kids that can get them dirty. They are super flattering (comparable to black and who doesn’t look good in black?) and they can pair up simply with anything. I put them with bright colors for a fun and vibrant look…
Banana Republic at ShopStyle

 

Outfit Four:

I just love to layer… and the thing about layering is when done right it can actually be really comfortable for all your daily activities, convenient for shifts in temperature and look great too! I am really loving gold accessories for this season (can you tell?)… the more muted and subdued the better (no “we are going to Vegas” gold belts ladies, okay?). These gold pieces will melt into the background of your outfit, not be the spotlight of it. Although, they are no doubt spotlight worthy.
Anthropologie at ShopStyle

 

Outfit Five:

Here we have simple black capris… doesn’t every one own a pair? They are versatile, but don’t get into the the lazy capri phase. Pair them with a really great top and accessories. I love the monochromatic look of the pink tee with a darker pink scarf. Accessories are SO KEY to a really great and effortless look!
Steve Madden at ShopStyle

 

Outfit Six:

Again, this outfit is completely basic. Khakis and a white top… but when you add some really great accessories to the pieces it is instant outfit. And again with the gold accessories… remember to keep them sophisticated and elegant.
Charlotte Russe at ShopStyle

 

Outfit Seven:

Last but certainly not least! A fun and flirty skirt with a bold pattern is easy to match a top too and fun to wear as well! The blazer brings the outfit to the office or lunch with the gals, or simply with no blazer is perfect for running errands or heading to the park with the kids!
Banana Republic at ShopStyle

Wow, was that fun or what? I could go on for days mixing and matching these pieces (seriously…), but that is where the fun lies! So tell me, which outfit do you like best, which outfit do you think you could scrounge out of your closet (or something really close to it) right this minute? Try you might be surprised…

Or the true test… come up with your own combination!
Or, lastly, if this was all a blur to you… I offer personalized wardrobe consultations… check out the details here… and would love to help you out!
Big thanks again to Karen and I hope you all have an amazing holiday weekend!

oxo, Jill

This creative post has been shared with Get Your Creative On!

Are you inspired? Are you joining us in creating your own Week’s Worth of Style?

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Signature Style — Buying multiples
July 16, 2009 at 9:50 pm

{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }

pk @ room remix July 3, 2009 at 6:27 am

Excellent work as usual Jill! Love these outfits!

Denise July 3, 2009 at 6:49 am

very fun. I just don’t think of accessorizing when I run to target.

Jen July 3, 2009 at 7:50 am

So great Jill. I have been appreciating your advice as of late and feel so much better about myself when I take a few minutes to love the way I am dressed. Now, I must decide which of those Steve Maddens to buy and I can’t stop thinking about the white blazer from the Gap.

Positively Present July 3, 2009 at 12:06 pm

I love this guest post! Kirwin, thanks for posting it, and, Jill, thanks for sharing your great insights here. Off to check out Jill’s blogs now! :)

Amy @Feasibly Fit Mom July 3, 2009 at 12:30 pm

LOVE the concept and what a fun guest post to get things started. I have a little money tucked away for an upcoming shopping trip and this will be great help!

White pants, though? Really? I have the hardest time finding lined ones. J Crew? Where else could I try? Thanks to you both for this post.

Jill July 3, 2009 at 1:18 pm

Amy - you probably won’t want lined white pants for summer (in general lining is for warmth in the winter)… just a nice pair of woven white pants and nude undies and you’ll be fine. I have a couple of pairs from Gap that I really like. I am sure that Old Navy or JCrew have great options too. Even white denim would look great.

Sami - Life, Laughs & Lemmings July 3, 2009 at 1:30 pm

I really do need to get myself some white pants. I really like the idea of the monochromatic look too. Some great tips. Thanks Jill (and Kirwin)!

kirwin July 3, 2009 at 7:19 pm

@ pk~
Thanks for stopping by! Jill makes it look so easy, doesn’t she?

@ Denise~
Since I’m still wearing my gym clothes from this morning, I can’t judge. BTW, it’s 7 pm right now and my workout happened 13-14 hours ago… *ahem*

@ Jen~
Welcome! I’m so glad you stopped by…lured by Jill’s talent.

@ PP~
I’m sure you’ll love Jill’s blogs — I know you and clothing… ; )

@ Amy~
Wasn’t it fun? Let me know if you end up getting some white pants. Maybe after a few more butt-blasting workouts, I’ll join you.

@ Jill~
I never new that white pants were as flattering as black pants — I’ve always been very wary of them. Maybe I’ll give them another chance! Thanks again for guest-posting

@ Sami~
I’m all about the monochromatic look! Usually all black, but other colors work, too.

Denise July 3, 2009 at 8:47 pm

if it makes you feel better - it is 8:47pm, and I am still in my running clothes - yuck : )

Danica July 5, 2009 at 5:02 pm

Fun guest post - I LOVE the visual pictures that create each style and how you can mix/match it all!

kirwin July 5, 2009 at 8:04 pm

@ Denise~
Actually, that did make me feel better! Misery loves company, right? ; )

@ Danica~
Wasn’t she great? I want to be able to do what Jill does!

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