30 for 30: Day SIXTEEN (11/30/10)

I've been struggling to inject this sweater into my remix. I know, it doesn't seem like it would be a big deal - it's a tan sweater for jeepers sake. I think my issue has been the fact that it is cut a bit longer so I wasn't liking the way it paired with my skirts/dresses. I finally threw my hands up in the air and kept it super simple, which ended up working perfectly.


Wet Seal Camel Colored V-Neck Sweater, Thrifted: $3.99
Express Design Studio Black Wide Leg Pants, Thrifted
Alicia White Tie Neck Shirt, Thrifted
Earrings: old!
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
I predict I will wear this tie neck blouse about a gazillion times, guys. I love it. It mixes so well with a lot of my clothes. I think I fell in love with tie necks a few months ago when I saw Rachel Zoe wearing the most impeccable black tie neck scarf. I've yet to find the perfect scarf to replicate her look but I'm still searching. This blouse is my little substitute for now.


The only thing missing from this outfit? An amazing vintage necklace that I was so excited to wear and looked amazing with this outfit. Where is it, you ask? It broke almost first thing this morning. I was walking through our file room at work when I felt it suddenly feel a little loose. I looked down and noticed one of the strands had come loose and was losing beads by the second. Ugh. I guess I can't be too upset - I am pretty sure I caught all of the beads and it seems like the only thing I need to do to fix it is restrand it. The string it was made with was just very old and delicate.


Here's to hoping for a sunnier day tomorrow! I can live without another super-rainy, dark and dreary day like we had today. :)

Confused? Learn more about the 30 for 30 Closet Remix at Kendi Everyday. Want to see who else joined the remix? Click here for a full list of all remixers. Want to see how I am doing? Check out all of my 30 for 30 posts right here.

30 for 30: Day FIFTEEN (11/29/10)

OK, admit it, you guys thought I gave up on the challenge. I didn't! I swear! I know I normally post Monday-Friday but Friday was so crazy with Black Friday shopping that I never had a chance to photograph my outfit and post it. This is how my Thanksgiving-Black Friday went: Wake up 8am Thanksgiving morning, eat/eat/eat/eat, leave my brother's house at 10pm, sit around for a few hours (note: no sleeping), drive to my mom's house at 2am and begin our shopping at Kohl's at 3am. Yes, we are hardcore Black Friday shoppers. (My main purchase was a new set of pillows. Watch out! Wild woman on the loose!)

Onto today and getting back on track!


Hot Pink Shirt Dress: No tag, Thrifted
Black Braided Belt: No tag, Thrifted
Opaque Black Tights: Merona, Target, $7
Black Shoes: Joan and David Too, Thrifted, $5.20

I love the color of today's dress. You would love it too if I could have photographed this outside to show you the true color... but just pretend you love it too. :) It's hot pink and it has pockets and the skirt is perfectly full anddddd it has pockets.

I figured for its first appearance within my remix, I would keep it pretty simple. My favorite black braided belt, opaque black tights and oxfords completed the look.



Confused? Learn more about the 30 for 30 Closet Remix at Kendi Everyday. Want to see who else joined the remix? Click here for a full list of all remixers. Want to see how I am doing? Check out all of my 30 for 30 posts right here.

30 for 30: Week Three Recap

The 30 for 30 Closet Remix is steadily helping me gain some insight on myself and my closet. I honestly think it is helping me tread new ground and open my mind up to the fact that I don't need a closet bursting at the seams in order to be happy and fashionable. Check out some other thoughts/ideas/reflections I had on this past third week of the remix...

FAVORITE OUTFIT
That's a toughie! I actually really liked every outfit I put together this week. I think I will go with Day 13 because I wore one of my favorite shirts - the gingham black and white button up. This shirt is so easy to mix in with nearly anything in my closet. I think I hold a special place for it because I'm normally not very good at remixing but this is one piece I have constantly mixed into different outfits. It's my first born remix piece, if you will. :)

DID I MISS MY CLOSET?
OK, I admit it... I had a few instances this week where I wished I could open my closet up for business again. I think I only felt this way because I had a few look specific ideas in my head but then had to remind myself I couldn't work with certain items. It does kind of stink when you have a really good outfit idea that you can't put together because a certain piece isn't in your 30 pieces. I will say, however, that I quickly snapped out of it and saved away the outfit idea for an After-30x30 day. See, the remix is even helping me plan outfits for when the remix is done!

THINGS I NOTICED
Number one important lesson for me this week: You can wear a piece of clothing twice in the same week and not die. (The piece of clothing in question being the tan vest.) Seriously, I have issues with this. I cannot tell you the last time I wore a piece of clothing within the same week. Now, this is just a baby step considering I wore the vest the first day to work and the second day on a day when I didn't have to work. I will consider myself completely cured of the One Day A Week Disease when I wear the same piece twice within a work week.

Oh! And apparently when in doubt just add a belt! I wore every single look this week with a different belt. I clearly have a bit of a belt obsession lately.

WHAT I LIKED
This week I enjoyed building more layered looks. I tried to use a couple different 30x30 pieces within each outfit so as to change it up a bit. A lot of these items are things I probably would have never layered together so I'm definately becoming more accostomed to shopping my closet and trying new things!

Confused? Learn more about the 30 for 30 Closet Remix at Kendi Everyday. Want to see who else joined the remix? Click here for a full list of all remixers. Want to see how I am doing? Check out all of my 30 for 30 posts right here.

30 for 30: Day FOURTEEN (11/25/10)

Happy Thankgiving... yes, a day late. You'll have to excuse my absence - I was doing a little bit of Black Friday shopping. Don't worry, don't worry - it wasn't for myself. The only thing I purchased that could qualify as something for myself was a new set of pillows. I think the 30 for 30 Remix will be ok with that purchase. Girl needs her beauty sleep.

Anyway, let's get down to business. Here is what I wore for Turkey Day -


Black Shirt: Forever 21, Thrifted
Red Plaid Dress (worn as skirt): Merona, Target (clearance): $9.99
Tan Vest: Worthington, JCPenney (clearance): $5.97
Belt: Black ribbon found in my closet
Black Boots: Franco Fortini Black Boots, Ebay: ?
Bracelet: (Necklace worn as bracelet) Vintage, Grab Bag $5
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
I'm in love with this dress. When I found it on the clearance rack in Target a few weeks ago, I about died of delight. Great colors, plaid and HOUNDSTOOTH? I live for houndstooth. And it was my size! Surely I figured it would be out of my "comfortable" price range (aka Cheapo Territory)... Yet lo and behold, it was marked down to $9.99. SOLD! That is just another thing I love about Target - they are really good about marking down their inventory as they are always getting new items in. This plan works out especially well for frugal ladies like me.


I've actually been "saving" this remix piece to wear on Thanksgiving. Ever since I was a little girl, I have been one to have a special outfit for each major holiday. My mom always made sure my sister and I each have special dresses and the accessories to match. A little over the top? Maybe... but it's become part of my tradition. I made myself save this dress to wear on Thanksgiving day so it would feel fresh and new just like it would if I would have gone out to buy something new to wear for the holiday. The plan worked and I loved every second of wearing this dress. Do you like how I even wore the same vest as yesterday? This is unheard of for me! I just gave it a new ribbon belt and off I went!


You're probably thinking I bought this necklace (worn as bracelet here) to go with this dress but I assure you, I did not! I bought them at two separate times without even thinking about the other piece. I had forgotten I bought this big grab bag full of vintage necklaces weeks and weeks ago so when I found it, it was like a kid in a candy store all over again. There is literally nothing that makes me happier than finding a store that packages up a bunch of old jewelry into a bag and sells it for $5. Gimme, gimme, gimme. This was one of the treasures waiting for me inside this particular bag.

And, finally, for entertainment purposes, here's an out take of me telling my neighbor Happy Thanksgiving. Oops! :)

Confused? Learn more about the 30 for 30 Closet Remix at Kendi Everyday. Want to see who else joined the remix? Click here for a full list of all remixers. Want to see how I am doing? Check out all of my 30 for 30 posts right here.

30 for 30: Day THIRTEEN (11/24/10)

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody! I'm a bit behind on posting this outfit because I had an early Thanksgiving dinner to attend last night. Yes, that means I am extra blessed and double stuffed on the Thanksgiving goodies!

I don't know why I have waited so long to wear this gingham shirt. I have worn it constantly since I bought it years ago at Old Navy. If there is one item that I constantly remix on a normal basis, it's this shirt.


Black Dress: (Worn as a skirt) Karen Kane, Thrifted
Black/White Gingham Shirt: Old Navy
Tan Vest: Worthington, JCPenney (clearance): $5.97
Socks: Very old
Shoes: Joan and David Too Black Heeled Oxfords, Thrifted: $5.20
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
I think I may need to break down and read the manual to my camera to figure out how to take better photos inside. I'm positive my camera can do better than this if it had a more knowledgeable user behind it. :) For now, you have to deal with this - I apologize.


I have finally jumped on the socks and shoes bandwagon. If you know me well, you would know that I am not usually a socks kind of girl. The vast majority of my shoes are shoes that you would not need to wear socks/hose with. I have always liked being barefoot. That being said - I think I may be broadening my horizons. I've spied so many inspiring looks online lately where you all pair adorable socks with your shoes. I wouldn't say I exactly have a very wide selection of socks, but these are probably my favorite pair. They have a nice design and are comfortable - what more could I ask for.

I'll admit, the socks with shoes, bare legs and skirt look made me feel a bit like a 5th grade school girl but I felt a bit better after getting some sweet compliments on the look from the girls at work. It's always nice to hear good words about a look you're new to trying, am I right?


Ernie decided he could no longer stay away from fashion. He had to get in today's photo. He declined from having his face photographed but you can view his very fashionable uber-furry tail in the photograph above. :)

Confused? Learn more about the 30 for 30 Closet Remix at Kendi Everyday. Want to see who else joined the remix? Click here for a full list of all remixers. Want to see how I am doing? Check out all of my 30 for 30 posts right here.

30 for 30: Day TWELVE (11/23/10)

I have been waiting to wear this black and white stripe vertical button up top. I bought it probably two months ago but felt it needed the perfect sweater to top it off because it's so light. Naturally, I gravitated toward my favorite animal print sweater. I love this sweater because the colors are black, white and grey as opposed to normal brown tones... in case you've noticed, in terms of neutrals, I am much more a black girl than a brown girl.


Black/White Vertical Stripe Top: Mossimo, Thrifted
Grey/Back/White Animal Print Sweater: Bogari, Thrifted
Black Pants: New York and Company, bought IONS ago
Boots: Xhilaration, Thrifted, $8.99
Brown Braided Belt: Thrifted, $1
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
I was pretty excited to be able to take photos outside today... until I took my coat off and felt like I was going to die of hypothermia. You get cheese ball faces as a result. Enjoy.


I'll be honest - prior to blogging/30x30, I probably would have never paired a brown belt with an outfit with no other brown involved. I think I am pretty experimental but mixing black and brown have never been my thing. Well, leave it to the internet and all you lovely ladies and you have me sold. Hello, black and brown... at the same time. I love you.



Maybe you're wondering what's going on with my pants? I wasn't loving them paired with these boots this morning so I bloused them. I had to fix it halfway through the day but other than that, it worked out quite well. You dig?

Confused? Learn more about the 30 for 30 Closet Remix at Kendi Everyday. Want to see who else joined the remix? Click here for a full list of all remixers. Want to see how I am doing? Check out all of my 30 for 30 posts right here.

Great Deals: Naturalizer Handbags

I don't know about you, but I'm not fairing very well on the Christmas presents so far. Each year I intend to start my purchases early but this never seems to happen. This year I vowed that I would buy soley handmade items or buy/recycle/create gifts myself. Well, it's now barely a month away until Christmas and I have yet to begin on a single gift. This is when I decide to give myself a break from making myself crazy and buy at least a few gifts that are ready to give. That, however, does not mean I need to spend a fortune! You're talking to Queen Frugality here, people!

Tonight, I was able to buy an adorable purse for a family member for under $11. I give all my praise to My Bargain Buddy for letting me know that Naturalizer not only has amazing deals going on right now, but that I could also get an additional $10 off when I spend at least $10! Just enter coupon code ECU810 at checkout - but hurry! This is a limited time offer for Naturalizer e-club members only. Not an e-club member? Don't worry, it's easy to sign up!

Oh, and did I mention that Naturalizer is offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders now through December 25th? No coupon code needed for that amazing deal.

Here are some of my favorite finds - Perhaps you will find the perfect gift as well!


Naturalizer Spencer2 in Black - Original Price: $69, Sale Price: $19.99, Sale Price with Coupon Code: $9.99! I love the side detail on this bag, in addition to how roomy it looks.


Naturalizer Studlie3 in Black - Original Price: $59, Sale Price: $29.99, Sale Price with Coupon Code: $19.99! I love that this is a cross-body bag - it is the perfect size and has just the right amount of detail.


Naturalizer Studlie in Elephant Grey - Original Price: $89, Sale Price: $29.99, Sale Price with Coupon Code: $19.99! I really like the size and color of this bag.
Naturalizer Charlet in Bronze Cheetah - Original Price: $19, Sale Price: $14.99, Sale Price with Coupon Code: $4.99! I think this deserves the Stocking Stuffer of the Year award. Are you with me on that?

You can view these and all other bags at Naturalizer.com. Are you specifically looking for all bags on sale? You can find those right here.

Happy Shopping!

30 for 30: Day ELEVEN (11/22/10)

Was it rainy in your part of town today? Sleeping while raining = A+. Having to get out of bed and go to work while it's raining = D. Especially on a Monday, am I right?

Black/White Stripe Turtleneck: Mossimo, Target, $12.99 (on sale)
Vintage Black/White Dress: BGB Ltd, Thrifted
Black Boots: Franco Fortini, Ebay
White Patent Belt: Unknown, Thrifted, $1.00
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
I'm about as lackluster as they come today. I have a pile of things to do and grocieries to buy but all I feel like doing is laying in bed and reading a good book or watching a movie.



Confused? Learn more about the 30 for 30 Closet Remix at Kendi Everyday. Want to see who else joined the remix? Click here for a full list of all remixers. Want to see how I am doing? Check out all of my 30 for 30 posts right here.

Week Two Reflection: 30 for 30

The 30 for 30 Closet Remix has already helped me gain some insight on myself and my closet. I honestly think it is helping me tread new ground and open my mind up to the fact that I don't need a closet bursting at the seams in order to be happy and fashionable. Check out some other thoughts/ideas/reflections I had on this past second week of the remix...

FAVORITE OUTFIT
This is a toughie. I kept it pretty simple all week with all of my outfits but ended up really liking the majority of them. Sometimes I'm in the mood to get all dolled up and sometimes I like to keep it really simple. This week was a simple week. I think my favorite outfit was DAY SEVEN for the fact that it was so comfortable. This week was the first week that it has really felt like winter is on it's way so comfortable clothes were winners.

DID I MISS MY CLOSET?
Nope, not a bit. In fact, the only time I went in my closet this week was to empty it. I did a big closet clean out earlier in the week and it felt amazing. I asked myself the following questions as I took a look at each piece of clothing: When did you wear it last? How do you feel when you where this? Does this go with more than one other clothing item? Is this outdated? Do you have something that looks just like this? I mean, seriously, how many plain black shirts does one girl need? Probably not five, am I right?

THINGS I NOTICED
I didn't care so much about looking amazing this week... That sounds bad but it's true. Sometimes I just want to take it easy, not wear makeup, barely wear any jewelry, and just keep it simple. I think I accomplished that.

My shoe choices became even more lackluster this week when I realized that the pair of shoes I have only worn once once are falling apart. Oops. You may not see these making an appearance again - which means my 30 is turning into 29. I'll suffice.

WHAT I LIKED
I liked that this second week proved to me, yet again, that I don't need all the clothes that are currently hanging in my closet. Sometimes you get so wrapped up in things and it's hard to untangle yourself from that web. I made baby steps this week by doing a big closet cleanout but I still have a far way to come. I have made a pledge to myself to do a closet cleanout each week of the remix (and, of course, beyond) because I think as I get deeper in, I will realize I need less and less. It's amazing how freeing getting rid of things can be when you realize how much you don't need them... and all the space it gives you to breathe (literally)!

Confused? Learn more about the 30 for 30 Closet Remix at Kendi Everyday. Want to see who else joined the remix? Click here for a full list of all remixers. Want to see how I am doing? Check out all of my 30 for 30 posts right here.

30 for 30: Day TEN (11/19/10)

Sometimes KISS is best...
Keep It Simple Stupid :)

Black V-Neck Top: Forever 21, Thrifted
White Blazer: Chadwicks, Thrifted, $2.50
Dark Jeans: Xhilaration, Target
White/Black Polka Dot Socks: ?
Shoes: Joan and David Too Black Heeled Oxfords, Thrifted: $5.20
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
Herein ends a long day that just couldn't stop: Woke up late, bad hair day, annoyances at work, dribbled coffee on my white (of course) blazer, my right blinker won't work on my car (but only when my lights are on... mmm, ok), and having to pick my boyfriend up at work because his blood sugar was so low he almost passed out. And breathe.


Flip that. Reverse it. Let's think about the bright sides: Got some extra sleep, Messy hair is sexy hair (ok, I'm pushin it on that one...), accomplished a ton at work today, my coffee was perfectly hot on a cold almost-winter's day, it was sunny today so I didn't need to turn my car's lights on (and therefore my blinker worked) and my boyfriend is safe and sound and feeling better and snuggled into bed. It is nice to think on the sunnier side of things. (See also: BFFs that tolerate random text messages from their directionless friends and moms who handle daughters that are having mildly teary fits.)


What made your day a bit brighter today?

Confused? Learn more about the 30 for 30 Closet Remix at Kendi Everyday. Want to see who else joined the remix? Click here for a full list of all remixers. Want to see how I am doing? Check out all of my 30 for 30 posts right here.

30 for 30: Day NINE (11/18/10)

Old man winter has arrived and has forced me to photograph inside today. Don't worry, he'll be getting a big old knuckle sandwich from me for that one.

Black Dress: Karen Kane, Thrifted
Tights: Nude nylons under fun black footless tights
Belt: Kohl's, $15
Black Boots: Franco Fortini, Ebay
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
I went through many reincarnations of outfits last night with this dress. The best thing, as you know, about a black dress is that you can pair so much with it. I'm pretty sure my entire bed was filled with tights, scarves, and jewelry before I finally decided on what I wanted to wear with it today. And then I woke up this morning and completely changed everything. Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't. :)


I wish I could tell you where I bought these tights from. I don't remember! My guess is probably JCPenney. I bought a lot of tights there last year and I know I had have this pair for a while now, so that's my best guess. How fun are they? They're actually footless too - so they pair great with almost any shoe.


You're going to be shocked: I paid $15 for this necklace. I'm a bit annoyed to say that now but I did it because it looked so good with an outfit I put together last year around this time. I was going to a holiday party and had found the most perfect black, velvet vintage dress at my favorite local vintage store... this necklace just called out to me and before I knew it, I had bought it. I haven't worn it since. Oh, Katie. I figured now was the time to re-introduce it back into my wardrobe - this time I reincarnated it as a belt. The ladies at work went wild over it. What do you think?

Confused? Learn more about the 30 for 30 Closet Remix at Kendi Everyday. Want to see who else joined the remix? Click here for a full list of all remixers. Want to see how I am doing? Check out all of my 30 for 30 posts right here.

Winning Wednesday: 10 Fashion Giveaways

Winning a giveaway is fantastic for two reasons: 1.) You have a new item to add to your wardrobe for free. What could be more frugal than that!? 2.) You are (most likely) introduced to a new company/store/brand/what-have-you. This is a great way to try something you either might not have bought on your own or try something you may have never heard about prior! I love that. This, my friends, is why every week I write a little post called Winning Wednesday. I hope you like this week's picks!

1. Vince Camuto is giving away three pairs of his beautiful shoes via his facebook page. Like his page to find out more information! Ends: November 22, 2010

2. Boutique La Fleur is giving away the Allison Parris Batwing Cardigan, ant Tolani scarf in stock, and any Chan Luu bracelet in stock to one lucky facebook fan. Click here for more information! Ends: December 20, 2010

3. Delias is giving one lucky winner a year's supply of jeans, boots and tops! Click here to enter! Ends: December 6, 2010

4. de*nada is giving one lucky winner their Slouch Beanie, Cowl Zig Zag Scarf, and a pair of Fingerless Gloves. Click here to enter! Ends: November 22, 2010

5. WhoWhatWear and Gilt are giving away a $4,500 shopping spree on Gilt.com! Yes, please! Click here to enter! Ends: November 22, 2010

6. Belle De Couture is giving away an adorable purse from The Trunk Stylists. I love the color of this bag! Click here to enter! Ends: November 22, 2010

7. Pretty Shiny Sparkly is giving away an amazing Arden B leather jacket from Shop It To Me. I absolutely love the color of this jacket! Click here to enter! Ends: November 20, 2010

8. Work Your Closet is giving away a $25 gift card to Recessionista. Click here to enter! Ends: November 19, 2010

9. Adored Austin is giving away a $100 gift card to Shopbop. This would make a great early Christmas present to myself! Muh ha ha. Click here to enter! Ends: November 28, 2010

10. Chic 'n Cheap Living is giving away a $100 gift certificate to Shopbop. Make sure to check out her great rundown of the boots available at the shop! Click here to enter! Ends: November 30, 2010

Good luck, guys!

30 for 30: Day EIGHT (11/17/10)

I'm going to be honest... I hated my outfit today. I was pretty jazzed about it last night but once I put it on this morning, I was sorely disappointed. Apparently I have either never realized that these pants are too big on me or I have suddenly lost weight. I'm going to guess that I've just ignored the fact that they are too big on me because I only wear them every so often. Case point: Having too many clothes causes the "ignorance" disease. Because you only wear a certain piece every so often, you're more likely to overlook its flaws. Not good. I love these pants dearly - we all know I have quite the love affair with houndstooth - but it's not worth keeping them when they don't fit nicely. They will be getting donated when the remix is complete.I know they look semi-decent in this picture. I'm hiding how baggy that are in me.


Black Sweater: Moda International, Thrifted, $4.99
White Tie Neck Blouse: Alicia, Thrifted, $2.99
Houndstooth Pants: Merona, Thrifted
Shoes: Joan and David Too Black Heeled Oxfords, Thrifted, $5.20
Glasses: SEE Eyewear




Do you suffer from the closet ignorance disease? Sometimes it's really hard to get rid of clothes, isn't it? I always worry I will think of a great way to wear something once I get rid of it. (That was pure hoarder speak right there, seriously. Wow. Ha ha.)

Confused? Learn more about the 30 for 30 Closet Remix at Kendi Everyday. Want to see who else joined the remix? Click here for a full list of all remixers. Want to see how I am doing? Check out all of my 30 for 30 posts right here.

30 for 30: Day SEVEN (11/16/10)

I love November. Why? Because it feels like I barely work. I get a lot of days off from work in November - Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Veteran's Day, etc. And today! Well, I took today off myself to spend some time with my boyfriend. So my remix outfit today? Pretty easy going.


Black Shirt: Forever21, Thrifted
Olive Green "Dress": American Apparel, Via Rue La La, $7.90 (w/ credit&shipping included!)
Skinny Jeans: Xhilaration, Target
Boots: Xhilaration, Thrifted, $8.99
Black Knit Cowl: FREE! Won from Nerdlike.com - Buy one from jehnpenne!
Pin: FREE! Gift from my little brother
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
I'm slowly but surely going through my closet and all boxes of my clothes in order to rid myself of needless items. Yes, I even have boxes full of clothes. Ridiculous. I found a few gems I have been missing and also got rid of a ton. I honestly can't believe I was holding on to half of the items I had. I'm a hoarder. There. I said it.




Confused? Learn more about the 30 for 30 Closet Remix at Kendi Everyday. Want to see who else joined the remix? Click here for a full list of all remixers. Want to see how I am doing? Check out all of my 30 for 30 posts right here.

30 for 30: Day SIX (11/15/10)

It was a bare bones kind of day. There are certain days I enjoy getting all gussied up and there are certain days where I'd like to feel like I am wearing pajamas (without actually wearing them, of course). Today was a pajamas kind of day.


Shirt: Mossimo Supply Co, Target: ?
Pants: Express Design Studio Black Wide Leg Pants, Thrifted: ?
Belt: Came with dress (which is also in my remix!)
Boots: Xhilaration Tie Up Boots, Thrifted: $8.99
Bracelets: One was a gift, The bangles are from Forever21
Glasses: SEE Eyewear



What do you like to wear when you aren't in the mood to be dolled up? I work in a professional office so I obviously still have to keep my look office-ready. Today was supposed to be the warmest day of the week so I figured I better enjoy short sleeves outside while I can. I hear snow is in our future a few days from now...

Confused? Learn more about the 30 for 30 Closet Remix at Kendi Everyday. Want to see who else joined the remix? Click here for a full list of all remixers. Want to see how I am doing? Check out all of my 30 for 30 posts right here.

Week One Reflection: 30 for 30

The 30 for 30 Closet Remix has already helped me gain some insight on myself and my closet. I honestly think it is helping me tread new ground and open my mind up to the fact that I don't need a closet bursting at the seams in order to be happy. Check out some other thoughts/ideas/reflections I had on this past first week...

FAVORITE OUTFIT
I would say my favorite outfit was Day #2. I love the mix of prints, the cream with the black, the comfort of the outfit and the way it made me feel. This outfit was 100% me with no substitutions.

DID I MISS MY CLOSET?
I'm shocked to tell you no. Joining the 30 for 30 Remix was a decision that didn't come easy for me... and now I feel so silly to admit that! The fact that I felt I couldn't live without ALL of my clothes is downright ridiculous. I have already proven to myself in five short days that I don't need as much as I have. I know, I know, I may very well change my tune the deeper I get into this... but I'm hoping I won't. And if I do, please kindly remind me to read this post and to get the heck over myself.

THINGS I NOTICED
I need to get my jewelry box in order. It's a mess and it is a big reason why I rarely accessorize. It's too much of a hassle to me to search through every messy drawer AND shoe boxes filled with accessories. I have a huge jewelry box - there is no reason why I should have items thrown into shoe boxes.

Also, my shoe choices are lacking. I knew this getting into it. I toyed back and forth, front and back as to which shoes I wanted to wear... Nothing REALLY struck my fancy. That's a problem. It's telling me that out of my 285736 pairs of shoes, I don't really LOVE any of them. However, I do also have to say that a lot of the shoes that I really do like are not something I would wear to work or wear to work on a daily basis. That meant they wouldn't work in the remix. Regardless, I think once this challenge is complete I will be making a few shoe purchases that will work with the majority of my wardrobe and be shoes that I love.

WHAT I LIKED
I loved not standing in my closet every night staring at my clothes wondering what to wear the next day. I loved having only a few options which has forced me to be more adventurous. I love not having oodles of laundry to do. (Though I have lots to catch up on, oops.) I love having the inspiration to clear my closet out of items that just aren't working for me anymore. I've been trying to do that for a while now but this remix is really helping me complete the task. (And as an added bonus, my co-workers are getting some nice new pieces! One's trash is another's treature!)

Confused? Learn more about the 30 for 30 Closet Remix at Kendi Everyday. Want to see who else joined the remix? Click here for a full list of all remixers. Want to see how I am doing? Check out all of my 30 for 30 posts right here.

30 for 30: Day FIVE (11/12/10)

Oh, black and white. A mixture that never lets me down... or anyone for that matter. If I let myself, I could live in a swirl of black and white everything. It's just so easy and yet looks so good. I'll be honest, I like easy. Black and white always looks fashionable yet there isn't a lot of thought involved. Personally, I live for that type of outfit. Black and white always reminds me of France where literally every single person looks amazing yet effortless. I went to France twice while in high school (school trips) and not once has it left my mind.


Top: Black/White Stripe, Mossimo, Target, $12.99
Jeans: Xhilaration Dark Blue Skinny Jeans, Target, clearance
Shoes: Unlisted Black Low Top Tie Up Shoes, Thrifted: $2.49
Scarf: Black/White Houndstooth, Plato's Closet
Black Metal Earrings: Thrifted ions ago
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
Casual day at work - I know it's hard to tell here, but these are dark denim jeans. I wanted to be comfortable today above all else - Fridays are busy for me at work anyway but coupled with the fact that we were closed yesterday makes things especially crazy. I didn't want to worry about feeling constricted/uncomfortable in whatever I was wearing on top of all of that.

This top fit the bill perfectly. You may have noticed that it is rare for me to buy something that is neither A) thrifted or B) over $10. It's true. But I had been searching for a black and white stripe top for what seemed like ages when I came across this one at Target. It was on sale for $12.99. I was so sold. I think I can handle paying a bit more for something every once in a while. You laugh, but I have come to notice that I often need to remind myself that it is ok to spend more on certain items at certain times.


This is when you ignore my problematic skin. :)
One of my favorite pairs of earrings. I am almost completely sure I bought these on one of my very first thrifting trips so, so many years ago. It's shocking I have yet to lose one or both - I am terrible at keeping track of earrings - but I guess that goes to show you how much I love them. They are the perfect size, the perfect dangle, the perfect shape - for me, anyway.


Comfortable, scuffed up shoes? Check. I swear that not a day goes by without me adding scuffs to all of my shoes. I don't even know how or when this happens! Ah well... it adds character, right?

30 for 30: Day FOUR (11/11/10)

I had today off work so I wanted to keep it comfortable. Honestly, I didn't really feel like getting out of my pajamas but I got cleaned up just for you guys. :)


Black Dress: Karen Kane, Thrifted
Army Green Top/Dress: American Apparel, Rue La La, $7.90 (w/ credit and shipping included)
Boots: Xhilaration, Thrifted, $8.99
Nude Fishnet Knee Highs: I've had these for so long, I have no idea where I bought them from!
Dogtags: Belonged to my boyfriend's dad
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
I thought I would pay a little tribute to Veteran's Day and all of the amazing people who make the freedoms we have in the United States possible by wearing a military inspired outfit. My boyfriend has multiple members of his family serving in the armed forces so this is an idea near and dear to my heart.


Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to my day-off-of-work-veg-fest. Thank you!

Winning Wednesday: 10+ Fashion Giveaways

Winning a giveaway is fantastic for two reasons: 1.) You have a new item to add to your wardrobe for free. What could be more frugal than that!? 2.) You are (most likely) introduced to a new company/store/brand/what-have-you. This is a great way to try something you either might not have bought on your own or try something you may have never heard about prior! I love that. This, my friends, is why every week I write a little post called Winning Wednesday. I hope you like this week's picks!

1. Fazed Girl is giving away a $100 gift card to Shopbop. $100 to spend at a fabulous store? Yes, please. Click here to enter! Ends: November 18, 2010

2. Dooney & Bourke is giving away their Short Shopper bag and leather gloves this month. Dooney & Bourke makes such amazing, classic bags - I just love them. Click here to enter! Ends: November 30, 2010

3. Chic Galleria is giving away a Zirconmania FireBall Bracelet. This looks like quite a stunner. Click here to enter! Ends: November 30, 2010

4. exPress-O is giving away your choice of item from the Blog Couture Shop. I am madly in love with their Bloggers Have More Fun shirtdress! Like it too? Click here to enter! Ends: November 14, 2010

5. Get Palmd is giving away your choice of ring from Up To Much. Even better - There will be two lucky winners! Click here to enter! Ends: November 12, 2010

6. Fashion Cents is giving away your choice of jewelry from LuShae Jewelry. I'd love to get a new pair of long, dangly earrings. What about you? Click here to enter! Ends: November 12, 2010

7. On The Racks is giving away a gorgeous crochet tunic from Thrifted.net. Thrifted is one of my all time favorite vintage online stores. Click here to enter! Ends: November 16, 2010

8. Statements in Fashion is giving away a $50 gift certificate to ModCloth. Hmm... the hard part would be deciding what to buy! I think I love every single item they sell. Click here to enter! Ends: November 13, 2010

9. Fern and Dandy is running an End of October giveaway for a very pretty vintage button hair pin. I have short hair, as you know, so I love little hair do-dads like this! Click here to enter! Ends: November 11, 2010

10. Pretty Shiny Sparkly is giving away a gorgeous pair of earrings from Pradman Jewelry. This contest is open worldwide! Click here to enter! Ends: November 14, 2010

11. Polish or Perish is giving away a BRAND NEW bottle of Essie Smokin' Hot and a Pradman Jewelry Labradorite Ring. The two paired together look out of this world! Click here to enter! Ends: November 26, 2010

Good luck, guys!

30 for 30: Day 3 (11/10/10)

Confession: I had never worn or even tried on this dress prior to this remix. I bought it weeks and weeks ago at a thrift shop because I was suddenly obsessed with what I like to deem grandma dresses. I tried it on last night and realized that the length makes me very drab. Basically, I kind of felt like a school marm all day - especially considering my shoe choices didn't help the situation.


Dress: BGB Ltd Black/White Vintage, Thrifted
Shoes: Joan and David Too Black Heeled Oxfords, Thrifted: $5.20
Belt: No tag/Vintage, Thrifted years and years and years ago
Scarf (on head): No tag, Vintage, Thrifted
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
I like to think that I gave it some sass with a scarf tied messy in my hair...


Even better... I like to think I added a bit more sass with this fun vintage belt that was one of my favorite thift finds found while I was away at college. I rarely wear it so I was happy to bring it out of hiding today.



What do you like to add to outfits to add a bit of sass?