hello, it's me

Oof, October was truly not my month for blogging. Chalk it up to still sharing a car (that’s now resolved – hallelujah!), something different after work most nights of the week for most of the weeks, being out of town for at least part of the weekend almost every weekend, a very slow laptop and a very ill desktop computer, and, most likely the real culprit, a lack of motivation.

I’m trying here, but I’m feeling quite uninspired lately: by my wardrobe, and to write. I’m not sure why – I’m purposely cutting back in some areas of my life, and perhaps that has translated its way to the screen/keyboard? Whatever the reason, even though my outfits have not been that great for the past month (months, let’s be real), I do have a few to share here. Perhaps I just need to ease off, throw away any “schedule” and let this be a place to come hang out when I’m inspired, instead of forcing it. That sounds quite deep, yes? We’ll see how that pans out for this schedule junkie...

And now, a monochromatic look to share with you, made interesting with the use of different textures, and a belt. Obviously, this picture is not TOO recent (late September, methinks) - it’s too cold for open toesies now. In an effort to not look like a black blob of clothing, I wrapped my sweater around me and belted it, almost creating a karate-style-type jacket, but not quite (the wrapping of the sweater was essential, because I tried it hanging open and belted, and be glad I’m sparing you those terrible scars on your eyeballs).

Bear with me, as it’s now dark at noon (exaggerating), and my pictures will be relegated to a quick weekend outfit shoot (not my favorite), if they happen at all. Still friends?

black sweater: Ann Taylor

black belt: thrifted

black pants: c/o Aéropostale

black sandals: Kohl's

Blizzard-ing

Sunny Sunday errands call for Dairy Queen Blizzards. Can you believe I got away with bare legs in November?? It was really short lived though - we had snow the following evening.

This look is composed of a few layers. First, a black American Apparel tank dress with Zeta Tau Alpha running down it in neon pink, layered under a slouchy pink striped sweater from Aéropostale. Secondly, a gray statement necklace paired with gray faux pearls. I'm all about adding dimension and texture, especially when it's the same color, or within the same color family - gives it a little something extra.

Accessories here include: jewelry, sunglasses, bag, and my fave - the Blizzard.

dress: ZTA Recruitment via American Apparel

sweater: Aéropostale

shoes: Payless

purse: T.J. Maxx

gray faux pearls: Kohl's

gray statement necklace: WalMart

Blizzard: Dairy Queen

time change

Here are the borrowed oxfords again (yesterday, too). One way to expand your "accessories palate" is to borrow items from a friend - for a day, a month, a longer period of time. You get the benefit of being able to wear the item, coupled with the money savings of borrowing, and without the commitment of purchasing an item you might not love just yet. It's a great way to try out a trend before diving in headfirst. 

Another way to incorporate accessories into your outfits is with headbands, headscarves, hats, hair clips, and maybe the occasional butterfly clip (kidding! this is NOT 1999). I added this headband, layered a variety of bracelets, and pattern-mixed a floral scarf over a striped tee. Just some subtle upgrades to pull my whole fall look together.

Also, this time change has really messed with my picture taking. Even when I get off work early, it's dark by the time I get home. I'm trying my best to not take pictures inside, but, please bear (bare?) with me until the sun's schedule is more accommodating for office-hours-working-people like me.

shirt: GAP

sweater: Aéropostale

pants: Aéropostale

scarf: Target

headband: WalMart

bracelets: Walmart, Hobby Lobby, Lia Sophia

shoes: Frye (borrowed from a friend)

ah-sessoreez (accessories)

 

This evening, the Mr. and I went out to frolick with my bestie and her boyfriend, who was in town. I knew I wanted to wear my new Frye boots, so I (kind of) built my entire outfit around it. My bestie had also told me that when I wear this jacket, I should pair it with something very feminine – the epitome of juxtaposing. Since the jacket is so dark and utilitarian, she thought it would look great with a flirty or twirly skirt or dress underneath. So, I paired it with a lace/crochet skirt and a soft cream sweater.

Sweet and girly, topped off with a utility jacket.

AND NEW BOOTS.

Additionally, another good friend of mine, Lyndsie (she took some of our wedding photos - check out her website here) mentioned to me several months ago that she doesn’t know how to wear accessories, and could use some help and ideas. So, I’ve decided to do my best to focus on accessories for the month of November – how to wear them, how to pair them, how to use them to complete, or enhance, an outfit (thanks for the idea, Lynds!). 

I tend to view accessories as "finishing pieces," or "completer pieces." Without them, you're fully clothed, but your look might be a bit "blah," or "basic." I tend to be running late in the mornings when I'm getting dressed and forget to ah-sessorize, but have lately tried to make an effort to complete my looks by being thoughtful with my jewelry& scarves&hats&tights&newglasses.

In the above look, I added some jewelry, switched to a fun clutch, and added herringbone-print nude tights. And the jacket counts, too, I would say (and I guess the croakies and sunglasses, too...). Without all of those items, I'm still dressed, but it's not too exciting - accessories help to add depth and dimension.


sweater: American Eagle
skirt: Aéropostale
scarf: gift from a friend
tights: Old Navy
boots: Frye via Nordstrom
jacket: thrifted (Land's End)
clutch: thrifted

Mission 30 for 30: Complete

Here it is. All of my 30 for 30 outfits in 1 big picture & 1 post (my 30 items here). What do you think? How'd I do? I think this one went pretty well, considering I moved in the middle of it, and have been missing a washing machine since the move (surprise! we currently don't have a functioning washing machine - supposed to get one tomorrow...)

I'm not going to rehash everything like I did last time, but I will say, the items I chose for November's 30 for 30 seemed to jive better than the ones I chose in June. However, there still seems to be room for improvement - i.e. maybe you don't pick a navy leopard print skirt next time, or, if you do, make sure you have more tops you can wear with it, for example...

I'm glad I did this before Christmas - it's really helped to drive home that I don't NEED anything. I've got a full closet that I'm more than capable of remixing & wearing in different ways almost every time.

However, if someone were to gift me something for the upcoming holiday, I'd be happy to share my favorite stores & sizes...

anyone?
Bueller?

linking up here & here for the first time, and over here, too!

30 for 30: 30 items (finally!)

Here they are, as promised. 

My 30 items I will be have been wearing for my 30 for 30 challenge for the month of November.

Ta da!

7 tops 

(left to right)

1) pink peplum top (looks neon orange here, but I assure you, it's a nice, pretty pink) [Kohl's]

2) blue plaid flannel [Old Navy]

3) light chambray [Kohl's]

4) cream 3/4 length sleeve top with light brown stripes [GAP Outlet]

5) short sleeve cream lace shirt [gift]

6) long sleeve cream sequined top [Kohl's]

7) black & white striped top, 3/4 length sleeve [Old Navy]

5 pairs of pants

(left to right)

1) olive skinnies [Aeropostale]

2) navy cords [thrifted - Joe Fresh]

3) bootcut jeans [thrifted - Old Navy]

4) pink & maroon polka dot pants [Ann Taylor LOFT]

5) black skinnies [Aeropostale]

2 dresses & 3 skirts

(left to right)

1) navy blue dress [clothing swap]

2) chambray dress [Kohl's]

3) leopard print pencil skirt [thrifted - Target]

4) black pencil skirt [Target]

5) houndstooth skirt [GAP]

3 jackets/blazers

(left to right)

1) pink tweed blazer [thrifted - Express]

2) vegan leather jacket [thrifted - Miley Cyrus / Max Azria]

3) velvet blazer [gift from my brother - Eddie Bauer]

4 sweaters

(left to right)

1) green fair isle sweater [American Eagle]

2) taupe single cable knit sweater [thrifted - GAP]

3) oatmeal cardigan [thrifted - Kohl's]

4) long black cardigan [Maurice's]

6 pairs of shoes

(left to right)

1) brown boots [Rack Room Shoes]

2) black boots [KMart]

3) booties[Old Navy]

4) black flats [Kohl's]

5) oxfords [thrifted - Not Rated]

6) leopard print flats [Kohl's]

Look how little space my 30 items take up in my closet! It's amazing!

We are currently packing up, tossing out, and sorting our things to pack up and move to our new house - one of the biggest challenges I have with moving is my closet (there's JUST. SO. MUCH). I've got a whole blog post on this tomorrow, but just giving you a heads up that I'm getting rid of 132 items! Which makes me feel great! But a bit defeated at the same time, since my closet is still PACKED. However, the above picture gives me some ease...

1) I can completely pack up and move the rest of my closet

 2) look how little stuff there is! and how little space they take up! 

3) not having full use of my whole closet is making me thing of different ways to wear the things I CAN wear, and 

4) it's making me think of ways to wear the other items in my closet when I can wear them again

Here are the items I chose for my last 30 for 30 challenge in June - how do they compare?

30 for 30: Days 3 & 4

Day 3

I did some necklace layering, and wore a fancy new bracelet from my mom / from Lia Sophia

This ensemble spent the day at my in-laws house, watching football reading and taking naps. Did I mention the naps? The naps were great - the bulldogs agree, too. Hard to see in the pics above, but I was wearing my olive green skinnies. They are so. comfortable. Perfect for lounging, napping, and reading books instead of watching football...

Day 4

this whole getting-dark-before-5-thing is really cramping my style. BIG TIME. so, a goofy pose to brighten up these dark & orangey photos in our entryway...

Again, hard to see my pants in these pictures, but these are my navy corduroys - never would have thought to wear them with this sweater before (aaah, before, when I had full use of my closet). Now, I have to look at things differently, squint a leetle bit, and take a creative license and assure my husband that my clothes DO actually go together :)

30 for 30: Days 1 & 2

Day 1

Day 1 of my 30 for 30 challenge. I chose my 30 items late on the 31st of October, and threw this together in the morning - not too bad for the first day ;)

Day 2

 

my Dad took these pictures for me, right after we had dinner last weekend.
this is me asking "do I have anything in my teeth?"

I LOVE this necklace I got at a consignment shop #truelove

Last weekend we made a trip to visit both sets of parents. They live pretty close (I could make it home for curfew in about 13 minutes), so we get to see both sets of folks. And this trip, we really DID get to see everyone - we got to see our good friends, M & L, who just moved back to our beautiful state after having spent the last year and a half out east. We are SO glad they're back - we missed them so much!

More headed your way, including a post that lists my 30 items for the rest of this month. Hope your weekend is off to a great start!