My 30 Pieces: Winter 2011 Challenge

OK, I finally finished getting my act together yesterday and put together my final thirty items. I added in a lot more color for this round and while it is making me a little nervous, I'm also totally excited for the challenge. Winter tends to make me dress in black with a side of black, so this will help me put an end to that a little bit.

Note: I love Lauren's style and her way of posting her outfit pictures in instax photos. I was inspired to do the same with this post... but I faked it a bit with the help of Poladroid. :)





Old Navy bright blue turtleneck: $7, Old Navy Outlet Store
GAP tan/white vertical stripe button up: $3.80, Thrifted
J. Crew red/white vertical stripe button up: $1.75, Thrifted
Persaman New York black/white floral button up: $3.60, Thrifted
Blue Asphalt denim button up: $1.40, Thrifted
Mossimo black tee: ?, Target, OLD
Charlotte Russe white tee: ?, Charlotte Russe, OLD
Old Navy gray tee: $6, Old Navy




Mossimo gray sweater with black stripes: $4.50 (clearance), Target
Joseph A. sweater in burnt cinnamon: $4.40, Thrifted
Old Navy coral jersey knit button up: $4.00 (clearance), Old Navy
Old Navy tan/gray/black/green sweater: $2.30, Thrifted



Weaver black/grey animal print vest: $2.50, Thrifted



Banana Republic black velvet blazer: ?, Thrifted, OLD



Old Navy wide leg tweed pants: ?, Old Navy, OLD
New York and Company black pants: ?, New York and Company, OLD
Xhilaration dark denim skinny jeans: ?, Target
Mossimo Premium Denim jeans: ?, Target




Peter Popovitch black pleated skirt: $1.50, Thrifted
Juno grey pleated maxi skirt: $2.99, Thrifted
Black/White polka dot skirt (tagless): $2.00, Thrifted




Olive green maxi dress: $7 (clearance), Target
Old Navy black/white gingham dress: $15, Old Navy outlet store
Coldwater Creek tan shirt dress: $3.50, Thrifted
Leslie Fay vintage print dress: $1.70, Thrifted





Merona animal print flats: $4, Thrifted (with tags still on!)
Franco Fortini tall black boots: ?, eBay, OLD
Dolce Vita for Target black oxfords: $7.48 (clearance), Target
CA Collection by Cirrini black heeled booties: $6.50, Thrifted
St. John's Bay tall brown boots: $4.60, Thrifted

So, what do you think?

30 x 30: Finalizing the List

Look familiar? I'm a list maker... what can I say. The only bad thing is that I waited to the very last second to plan this go around of the 30x30. I'm blaming it on not feeling well all this week, trying to get laundry done and good ol' procrastination.

Here's the thing... I'm currently stuck at 21 items. Is this good or bad? I'm not sure. I'm leaning towards bad because I'm missing key pieces I really wanted by now - the perfect denim shirt, some pink, sweaters that are open/button down. I'm spending a lot of time visualizing what I want instead of using what I already have. Not good.

If there is one thing I love about the 30x30 challenge it's that it has taught me to look at things I own with a more critical eye. I see so much of my closet now as useless... just so many items I bought on a whim without thinking about how I could use them more than just one time or with more than one outfit.

Are you taking part in the 30x30? If you're still on the fence, I urge you to participate. I was SO scared I wouldn't be able to handle it the first time I took part but the exact opposite happened - I loved it. It will help you look at your closet with totally new eyes.

I'll see you all back here tomorrow... with the grand list of 30 items that made my list!

FBFF: Blogger Mechanics

This week's Friend Friday is focusing on all the important "tools" that help us all blog.

1. What technology do you use in blogging? My camera is nice but nothing top of the line - It is a Kodak EasyShare Z1012 IS that my mom and boyfriend bought for me for my birthday years ago. I'm pretty sure it could take better photos (especially inside!) if I learned to use it a bit better but I have yet to take the initiative to do so. My camera and I have a love-hate relationship. I love it when I take photos outside - they pretty much always turn out amazing. I hate it when I take pictures inside - they always turn out pretty terrible... but that has a lot to do with the terrible lighting inside my apartment and my lack of know how to work on it.

2. What computer and online technology do you use? I use a DELL desktop computer. Don't even bother asking me what the exact model is because I wouldn't be able to tell you. As for online technology... I think I am a purist. The only image program I use is the free version of Irfanview and I use that next to never... I will sometimes play around with photos in this program or Picnik but I usually end up just using the original version straight from my camera. I honestly change next to nothing about my photos - what you see if what you get. Whether this is a good thing is up to you! :)

3. What is your process for taking pictures? It usually goes like this: Get out of work at 4:30pm and rush, rush, rush to get home and hope that there is still enough light outside to allow me a good photo taken outside. This is what it is like lately: Never happens as it gets dark so early in the day. Thanks, winter. I prefer to take photos out on my balcony because 1.) My camera takes way better photos in natural light and 2.) I like the way the brick looks as a backdrop to my photo. Also, I take all of my own photos. I had my boyfriend take my picture once and I looked like a turd in every single shot because he was either talking to me (so I chatted back) or was making me laugh. I work better as a solo artist - just me and my Walmart tripod. I usually take at least ten photos (usually more) a day, look at each using the Irfanview program, then upload my favorites to my flickr account, which is where I host all my photos. I can't say enough good things about flickr. I've had an account there for years!

4. When it comes to backdrops for your photos what do you consider? Do you scout locations or shoot the same spot daily? I would love to take photos in different spots daily but I'm just not that cool. :) I personally think I'm too shy to take photos in public places, especially when it's just me and my tripod. Plus, I work full time so I don't feel like I have the time to do that often enough anyway. My background of choice? The brick of my apartment exterior wall. Nice and simple.

5. If you could splurge and get one new piece of equipment what would you be buying? A new camera, for sure. I would love to get a new camera as the one I have now is getting up there in age.

What is FBFF? It's a weekly discussion hosted by Katy at Modly Chic. Want to learn more and participate in Fashion Beauty Friend Friday? Click the link and learn how to join in!

Red, White & Blue in January

I went back to work today after staying home sick yesterday. I felt better yesterday afternoon but woke up feeling worse this morning. I think I'm allergic to my job.


Navy Sweater: It's Our Time, Thrifted
Gingham Top: Old Navy
Polka Dot Dress: No tag, Thrifted
Boots: St. John's Bay, Thrifted, $4.60
Belt: ??, Thrifted, $1
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
Don't ask what I was thinking going out with bare legs in super snowy weather today. (Especially when sick!) What can I say... when I have something in mind, there is no undoing it. I was determined to wear this dress and this shirt together. The sweater was for added layers.

I've had this dress for so long, I don't even remember where or when I bought it. That's kind of a feat for me because I can normally pinpoint where and when I bought every single piece of clothing I own. Is that strange?


My favorite part of this dress? You're lookin' at it right here. It's miles and miles of pleats - so much so that it sways perfectly when you walk. I kind of have a thing for dresses that do that.

Winning Wednesday: Great 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.

Another great week chock full of fantastic giveaways! Here they are in no particular order...

1. The Well-Heeled Society is giving away a gorgeous pair of punk ballerina flats from Candela NYC. Studs are currently limited in my wardrobe so these would make an awesome addition to my closet! So fun! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: January 30, 2011 (Big thank you to A Few Goody GumDrops for spreading the word about this giveaway!)

2. Aly Walansky is giving away a pair of those gorgeous Cate the Great Sorel boots! I think I need to own these for the sole reason that they're named after me. Sort of. Almost... Whatever, close enough! :) Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: February 1, 2011

3. ShoeClips.biz is giving away a set of their Caliente Carnation shoe clips to THREE lucky winners in honor of Valentine's Day! Talk about a very frugal way of spicing up a pair of shoes you already own! I'm ALL about that! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: January 30, 2011

4. Tablet Hotels is giving away a five day trip to Paris for two PLUS $2,500 from DVF! I don't think I even need to tell you how much I want to win this! Click here to enter! Sweepstakes ends: January 30, 2011

5. The Good Girl Gone Blog teamed up with Shoeline.com and is offering one lucky reader a pair of boots of their choice (worth up to $200)! I LOVE all of the outfits she came up with while styling her boots! Click here to enter! HURRY! This giveaway ends: January 28, 2011 at 5pm!

6. Clothed Much is giving away a pretty necklace and ring from Ruche to one lucky reader! Click here to enter! HURRY! This giveaway ends TONIGHT!

7. The Pretty Life Anonymous is giving away a pretty ruffle Stella Scarf from Loletta Designs. Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: January 28, 2011

8. Pretty Shiny Sparkly is giving away a $30 Le Mode Accessories shopping spree! I am in love with their Keys to Happiness necklace! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: January 28, 2011

9. Style Obsession is giving away a gorgeous Elsa necklace from Taylor Kenney Jewelry. I think this necklace would be the perfect new piece to add to your spring wardrobe! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: January 28, 2011

10. XOXO Netta P is giving away a wide calf pair of boots from Bennetts Boots! I LOVE companies that make wide calf boots as this is a problem I run into ALL the time! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: February 2, 2011

Oh! Can't forget about these two wonderful giveaways, too -

11. Collette at Statements in Fashion is giving away a $25 gift certificate to e.l.f. cosmetics! These are my absolute favorite cheap cosmetic find - they work great! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: February 2, 2011

12. Rosy + Tart is giving away one of her lovely readers a $25 gift certificate to Modcloth. Fantastic! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: February 2, 2011

Good luck!

Every Body, Every Wear: Breton Stripes

Let me preface this by telling you I'm sick today. I'm looking a bit disheveled in this picture and I apologize. That happens when you're not all there and kind of rushing because all you want to do is jump into your pajamas. (Oh! P.S. I need a hair cut really bad too. And I haven't vacuumed in a while. Hey, it happens. OK, now you know everything.)


Top: Mossimo, Thrifted ions ago (and then DIYed)
Skirt: Isaac Mizrahi for Target, Target, bought ions ago
Tights: ??
Shoes: Naturalizer, Thrifted ions ago
Belt: ??, Thrifted, $1
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
Did you know that today is Breton Stripes day over at Every Body, Every Wear? Well, now you do. And to be honest - I didn't exactly know what breton stripes were when I first heard about this. A little research led me to believe that they are normally: horizontal and evenly spaced. They also usually come by way of a boat neck top and don't usually start their pattern at the top of the shirt. I didn't own anything like this so I did a quick DIY version using an old top that I had in my donate pile...


Not much of an tutorial is needed for this one: Grab a top, grab a Sharpie/Marker/Whateva and something straight and get to stripe making. I couldn't find my ruler so I used a Christmas card. It worked. I also started not feeling well the night I made this so I stuck a magazine inside the shirt and did it in bed while watching How I Met Your Mother. I do recommend sticking something between your shirt while you do this so nothing leaks on the back - unless that is the look you are going for. :)


Not too shabby, right? I like the way the lines look messy - I personally did that on purpose. I intended to go over each line to make them darker but it got late, I was tired and sick and so it is what it is. I think, looking at it now, I like it as is because it's very subtle so it's easy to pair with anything without it looking messy, you know what I mean?

And, as usual, bring on the pattern mixing:

Miscellany Monday: Under the Weather

I'm feeling a bit under the weather today so I thought I would join in on Miscellany Monday instead. You know it's not good when you don't even have the energy to set up your tripod... I haven't been sick in a while so this was bound to happen sooner or later.


SOUP If you follow me on twitter, you've probably already realized I have an obsession with soup. I could eat it everyday. It's probably my favorite way to consume vegetables. Cook them up, add a bunch of garlic, and puree it. Works for me. I gathered up the energy to cook this creamy broccoli and white bean soup tonight. I found the recipe in my Whole Living magazine. It's amazing. I highly recommend adding more onion and garlic... but that's just how I naturally roll. (P.S. I hate beans. Pureed beans? I'm ok with those. My stick blender is my best friend.)

SHOES I need new shoes. OK, I don't need need new shoes, I just want them. Honestly, though, I'd like to add a pair of suede black boots to my closet but I feel like every single pair of shoes I buy lately is black. I think that's just winter for me though. I tend to just wear black shoes during the winter.

WINTER As much as I love my winter coats... Please go away, winter, and bring spring in your place. I'm sick of sitting in front of a space heater every second of the day. Seriously, I even have one at work. I want to open my windows, air out my apartment and breathe some fresh air. Plus, my cat misses talking to the squirrels through my windows.

SPEAKING OF MY CAT He is fantastic... and I will leave you with a little bit of photographic evidence to let you in on how fantastic he is. Behold my Ernie in all his Sunday snoozy splendor:


BRETON STRIPES What are you wearing tomorrow? I hope you plan on wearing breton stripes because then you can join in on the fun at Every Body, Every Wear. I actually don't own any breton stripes so I ended up DIYing myself some. You can read more about that tomorrow... so long as I'm feeling better and don't end up spending the day in bed. :)