helpful hints + how to : by Jill of the good life for less.

Hello, it's Jill here from "good life for less"... I am stay-at-home mom to two little kiddos and my blog is all about dressing your best on a budget (and even with kids in tow!). I was SO excited when Molly asked me to do a little "how-to" on dressing simply and stylishly from start to finish. That's my specialty!

Today I will lay out three whole looks from start to finish... and hopefully include lots of tips and tricks along the way to make the never ending and oft dreaded "what am I going to wear?" question a lot easier each morning. For each of these outfits I set a general formula that I use myself to feel great and look put together. This is the formula:

top + bottom (first layer)

+ two accessories (second layer)

+ a jacket for the seasons (third layer)

Using this formula to dress in "layers" will help you streamline your thoughts in the morning as you choose items out of your closet.

This first look is one of my favorite hat tricks as a mom. The casual day-dress over jeans. I'm a bit conservative when it comes to showing some leg and quite practical when it comes to my outfits being wear-able for everyday activities with my kids. Here I put on a pair of mid-height nude wedges - they are sophisticated and pair well with most outfits. I highly recommend a pair of nude colored shoes. Then my two accessories are a bangle bracelet and a pendant necklace. The finishing touch for when the weather cools is a longer trench style jacket.

This next look is a great summer into fall look. White pants or white jeans are my favorite wardrobe staple (yes even as a mom! At little stain-stick goes a long way...) paired with the "it" item right now, the striped top. Then I pulled it together with leopard print flats, a multi-strand necklace and a gold cocktail ring. Then for cool nights or as fall approaches a classic cotton blazer is the perfect addition.

As a mom, jeans and a white t-shirt is the easiest ensemble to pull together to get me through the day. I love distressed jeans like these patched pair for added interest. Then I added a pair of nude sandals, three little bangle bracelets and a gold belt. So simple and quick! When the weather chills a little safari jacket is a versatile addition.

Thanks again to Molly for having me here today! I hope you all picked up some easy quick tips about pulling together a great outfit quickly and effortlessly!