personal style, defined: uptown vs. downtown!

Welcome back to another installment of personal style, defined!  This is how it goes down... I explore the fashion half of personal style and Jackie takes a look at interiors. We make a pretty rad duo... if I (we) do say so ourselves.

Today we are pitting uptown versus downtown in a good old East coast style showdown.  It's almost impossible for me to compare uptown and downtown without thinking of my favorite gals Charlotte and Carrie. Do they not embody both ends of the spectrums perfectly? I cheated a bit and thought of both of them as I put together these outfits today.

First let's look at downtown.  It's edgy and chic, need I say more?

(above: clutch, jeans, tank, bracelets, necklace, wedges)

(above: sunglasses, romper, cardigan, bag, belt, butterfly ring, sandals)

Next up... is uptown.  It's always classic and a touch preppy.  Just like so:

(above: sunglasses, skirt, top, flats, scarf, earrings)

(above: bracelet, trousers, top, heels, purse, nail polish)

So sound off!  What style do you tend towards? Uptown or downtown? I have to say, I relate to both... I love the edgy-ness of the downtown look but I do love the simplicity and ease of the uptown look as well. I'm curious to hear your thoughts!

Then head on over to Jackie's blog to take a look at her uptown/downtown interiors!

personal style, defined: vintage!

Welcome back to another installment of personal style, defined.  For this series, my girl Jackie and I showcase various style genres for fashion (done by moi) and home decor and interiors (done by Jackie).  Today we are diving into 'vintage' style and this is going to be fun!  So let's dig in...

While I don't get too much into the procurement of actual 'vintage' goodies for my wardrobe... I love hints of vintage touches in an outfit.  By the way... did you know that "vintage" loosely refers to items from the 1920's to the 1980's, "antique" is anything before the 20's and "retro" is considered anything from the previous era (i.e. the 90's).

Perfectly worn denim jackets, box frame handbags and some flapper-esque earrings are all some fun vintage elements that can be creatively grouped for one simple and chic outfit.

(above: earrings, leggings, top, purse, denim jacket, shoes)

Vintage flared jeans that are ALL the rage these days plus some fun oversized sunglasses make this look very reminiscent of the 70's.  This outfit would be such a blast to wear!

(above: sunglasses, jeans, cardigan, bracelets, scarf, shoes) 

Delicate floral mini dresses and leather hobo handbags are definitely items you could pick up in your local vintage clothing store.  They are very applicable pieces for today's style paired with some cat-eye sunglasses and a military inspired jacket.

(above: dress, jacket, sunglasses, shoes, purse)

So are you a vinage-y gal? I definitely want to look to integrate more vintage pieces in my wardrobe... sound off, let me know your thoughts on the vintage style!

And don't forget to head on over to Jackie's blog for vintage inspired interiors!

personal style, defined: masculine!

Welcome back to another installment of personal style, defined.  This series is all about finding and exploring our own personal styles in fashion and at home.  Here on good life for less I explore fashion... then pop over to Jackie's blog, Sweetie Pie Style to see her inspiration!

Today we are exploring the "masculine" style... menswear inspired looks have been popular over the last few years... its a fun style and I just LOVE the looks I pulled together for today!  Read on for inspiration of the masculine variety... then head on over to check out Sweetie Pie Style's masculine rooms.

I love the mix of masculine pieces with a touch of feminine flair... it lends itself to a certain practicality.  Let's take a look!

I love this look... it reminds me of Ellen, who rocks the menswear inspired look so well.  This would be a great Saturday afternoon outfit.

(above: necklace, jeans, belt, top, blazer, shoes)

A boyfriend cardigan, driving mocs and a plaid scarf is a simple look that hints at masculinity but still shows off your style and shape (plus, it never hurts to show a little ankle!).

(above: earrings, scarf, pants, top, clutch, cardigan, shoes)

Pinstripe pants, glasses and a large watch say "I'm as confident as a man" in the boardroom but done right, can still show that you are a lady through and through.

(above: bag, trousers, top, watch, glasses, necklace, shoes)

So what do you think... do you like to incorporate a bit of "masculine" style into your wardrobe? Do you already? 

personal style, defined: eclectic!

My girl Jackie and I are bringing back an oldy-but-goody series on our blogs today! yay! Personal Style, Defined is a series we started almost a year ago where we explore various styles for home and fashion. It's a fun exercise in creativity and I know that many of our readers (and myself!) enjoyed exploring our own personal style as well.

We are going to be doing some new styles we didn't touch on last time and re-visit some of the favorites as well... if you are interested in checking out past posts, check the archives here!

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Eclectic is such a fun style to feature! It can be bold and outrageous or you can even do eclectic a little understated as well with one quirky piece here and there. Here are some fun eclectic pieces I pulled together...

(from left to right, top: top, perfume, necklace, coat; bottom: shoes, sweater, nail polish, glasses)

Are you thinking that eclectic is a style you want to pursue more or start working into your repertoire? Here are some fun eclectic looks that are easy to wear as well!

(above: jeans, watch, top, shoes, necklace, coat, clutch)

(above: clutch, skirt, sweater, shoes, necklace, tights)

(above: glasses, cords, top, clutch, jacket, shoes)

These looks are high on layers, texture and color... I love this style and am currently working to make my wardrobe and outfits look more eclectic! Now head on over to Sweetie Pie Style to check out her eclectic interiors! I can't wait to see what she has come up with!

personal style, defined: what's your combo?

Personal Style, Defined is a series (in case you're new to these parts) where Jackie, of SweetiePiePumpkinNoodle, and I define different personal styles each week. I explore the wardrobe portion of style and Jackie covers interiors.

Over the past couple of months we have explored many styles (get a re-cap here!) and have realized that usually one person isn't just one style... but maybe more of a mix and match combination of several.

Today we are being completely indulgent and are filling you in on what our OWN Personal Styles, Defined are. So read on to see what my combo is and then head over to Jackie's blog to see what her's looks like!

While it's hard to choose just a couple of styles, I think I have narrowed my own style down to: Casual, glamorous, modern. Let's take a look:

(Details: 1. Metallic Bon Shopper, Kate Spade, $225 2. Embellished Bib Necklace, Arden B, $29 3. Easy Straight Destructed Jeans, Gap, $39.99 4. Sequined Starland Tank, JCrew, $138 5. Skinny Glitter Belt, Forever 21, $2.50 6. Leather Ballet Flat, Gap, $39.50 7. Knot Back Top, Forever 21, $10.90)

Now let's take a look at some outfits...  these are both so "me" - hard to choose a favorite!

I super-want this necklace... and how simple and cute is this t-shirt? Very mom friendly!

Relaxed Denim by Gap
Clutches by Topshop

And for a little more dressy look... I am loving daytime sequins this season! This outfit would be great for church or a Mother's Day Brunch (hint, hint!).

Tanks by J.Crew
Sandals by Mia

So this is my glamorous + casual + modern style... what combo are you?  Check out past styles here and then dish! Don't forget to check out Jackie's style combo!

psst... just so you know... Jackie and I are taking a break from Personal Style, Defined posts after today.  But don't be bummed... we are thinking of bringing them back in the future again.  Until then, we are going to brainstorm on a super rad summer series for you all!

personal style, defined: special maternity issue!

Today by reader request we have a special issue of Personal Style, Defined! We will tackle a few of the styles we have featured in the past... romantic, preppy, boho and modern - all with a mother-to-be in mind! Here you will find some great maternity outfits and over at Jackie's blog, SweetiePiePumpkinNoodle, you will find nursery inspiration! Pure goodness! Let's jump in...



First up... romantic... I love this simple flowy (couldn't be anything else while pregnant, of course!) with very chic and embellished accessories. Here I am picturing this fun headband accompanying a perfect messy bun.

Maternity Tops by Topshop
Flats by Nine West

Next we have preppy... always a classic look - here I paired nautical stripes and Chuck Taylors and a bold watch to keep the whole look very classic and a touch academic.

Maternity Pants & Shorts by Gap
Athletic Shoes by Converse

If you are a flower child about to have a flower child, then this look is for you! A great flowing dress, a floppy hat and of course sandals!

Hobos by Topshop
Bracelets by Topshop

Lastly, if modern is your type of style... here I've paired neutral colors with plenty of visual interest like this embellished t-shirt and feathered clutch!

Maternity Sweaters by Topshop
Sandals by Kelsi Dagger

Don't forget to check out Jackie's amazing nurseries... I'll be over there swooning (especially since we are done having kids)!