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.

1. Bauble Bar wants to know, on twitter, what your one spring must have is and why! What's in it for you? They will pick their favorite response(s?) and graciously thank you with these floral rose gold-tone hoop earrings! So, so pretty. I've been wanting some rose gold jewelry lately - these look like the perfect piece for spring, no? Click here to learn more and enter! Giveaway ends: April 8, 2011 (Thank you to Stripes and Sequins for letting me in on this great giveaway!)

2. Foley + Corinna is giving three SheFinds readers a classic Jet Set Tote in the colors of their choice! FYI - This bag is leather, retails for $495, and is gorgeous! The poppy colored tote is my favorite! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: March 31, 2011

3. Statements in Fashion is giving away a Zikawa Fique Mochila Bag - which was recently featured in a Free People catalog! I can totally see this bag being the perfect summer bag to travel with you on day trips, to garage sales and farmer's market mornings. Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: April 3, 2011

4. A New Found Love is hosting her first giveaway - a pair of Betsy Johnson bow earrings! And don't we all need a pair of bow earrings in our life? Yes. Yes, we do! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: April 11, 2011

5. The Accessories Junkie is giving away an adorable pair of starfish earrings from Tiffany Chou. This summer influenced design is perfect for a day at the beach! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: April 7, 2011

6. The Fashionista Lab is giving one lucky reader $100 worth of The Body Shop products! Healthy skin? Yeah, that's in fashion. Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: April 1, 2011

7. The Button Owl is giving away a $50 gift certificate to The Vintage Ramble. I'd be buying their chambray trapeze shirt for sure... perfect twist on chambray for summer! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: April 4, 2011

8. Moms Have Style 2 is giving away a dainty Stella & Dot necklace! Turquoise is just begging to be worn in spring and summer, right? Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: April 15, 2011

9. Illustrated Moodboard and Hallelu are giving Illustrated Moodboard readers the chance to win THREE House of Harlow 1960 by Nicole Richie pieces! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: April 2, 2011

10. Stripes and Sequins is offering three of her readers the chance to win a pair of Crocs. OK, calm down, I know what you're thinking... CROCS?! Crocs!? Just check them out - they've gotten a makeover and have some adorable new styles! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: April 8, 2011

11. The Trend Boutique is giving away a Blue Life chiffon back swing top as part of their Free Day Friday blog posts! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: March 31, 2011

Lesson in Frugality: Tribal Necklace

I have been obsessed with Nicole Richie's House of Harlow line since it hit the market. I will admit to being a bit of a jewelry minimalist, at least lately... I don't wear much of it on a daily basis and when I do, it's just one of two small pieces. The House of Harlow line, though, is one I find myself drawn to time after time. Rarely do I like every single piece in any given line... but this one? Yes, please. However, with each jewelry piece ranging in price from $25 and up (and most pieces being on the up), it's not something I see myself readily dropping money on anytime soon. In case you didn't get the memo yet - this girl is cheap.

This is why I am constantly on the hunt for pretty pieces that either model the look and/or feel of the House of Harlow line. And let me tell you, when I found this vintage piece at Miskabelle Vintage I about did a jig! It easily captures the tribal feel of the House of Harlow Triangle necklace.



FRUGAL: Vintage Teal Enamel Triangle Necklace at Miskabelle Vintage
---------------------------------------------------
...NOT SO FRUGAL: House of Harlow 1960 Tribal Triangle Necklace in Turquoise at Singer22.com

Truth be told, I'm actually a bigger fan of the vintage necklace from Miskabelle Vintage than I am of the House of Harlow necklace. The fact that it is vintage is icing on the cake. I love that it has an actual cut out design to it too.

So, my question is, which necklace would you rather wear?

GREAT DEAL ALERT: SEE Eyewear

I think we all know by now that I have a deep love affair with glasses. Truth be told, I've worn glasses since probably the 5th grade and I have never once had a contact touch my eye. A lot of people hate having to wear glasses - I love them. They not only help me see, they're something I can accessorize with and create a fashionable look to add to any outfit. Yes, please!

Yes, click on any outfit post and you'll see me sporting my spex. I change it up between a dark brown square shaped pair and my two-tone cat eye pair. I'm sure you've noticed that I gravitate more to the cat eye pair. I'll just say this - once you go cat eye, you never go back. I love mine.

Lately I've been wishing for a pair of prescription sunglasses. I had a pair years ago and really liked having the option to wear them, especially during the summer. Plus, the only time I have ever had contact/perfect eyesight jealousy is when watching friends pick out new sunglasses to wear. I want to be part of the sunglasses brigade! That is why I was so excited to see today's Groupon deal:


SEE Eyewear is where I purchased my glasses. Not only do they have an amazing selection of super fun spex, they are also super friendly. I purchased my glasses at the SEE Eyewear store in Rochester Hills, MI. Erin assisted me in trying, well, probably every single pair of glasses on. Look, I'm picky and knew that the second I tried on the right pair, I would know it... it just so happens that I tried both of them on after trying every OTHER pair on. Ha ha.

In the mood for a new pair of prescription glasses or sunglasses? I strongly urge you to take advantage of this amazing deal at Groupon and check out your local SEE Eyewear store. Then come back and show me what you bought!

THE QUICK DETAILS
- Available through the Detroit Groupon but this is available for use at ANY SEE Eyewear store!
- AVAILABLE TODAY ONLY! Three hours left to buy!
- Be sure to read the fine print!

Just to let you know - I have nothing to do with SEE Eyewear other than being a super fan. Neither Groupon nor SEE Eyewear are paying me to write this post - I just want to share a great deal, a great site and a great store! I do, however, earn $10 in Groupon bucks when you sign up under me and buy your first Groupon deal. Not cool with that? That's fine! Just click here and signup to join Groupon without my referral link! :)

Shop & Meet: Clothes Hound (with exclusive discount code!)

Clothes Hound recently contacted me to see if I would be interested in checking out their online shop... Me? Check out an online shop that is new to me? Don't mind if I do! While I was window shopping, I came along some fast favorites that I would love to share with you!


| C Luce Ruffle Sleeve Dress: $45 |
This is my current favorite little black dress. It's classic with it's sleek shape yet modern with the addition of a ruffle sleeve. Absolutely perfect for spring and summer occasions. Dress it up for weddings with heels, dress it down for a night out with strappy wedges. Plus, I personally love how it has great waist definition yet a more loose look in the hips - that works perfect for this girl!

| Round Enamel Global Design Tile Earrings: $13 |
These were actually the first item I fell in love with. I love a dangle earring for spring and summer. These are the perfect seasons to pull your hair back, let your neck finally breathe and show off a great pair of earrings! I think these would be perfect to pair with any outfit - whether it be a bohemian look or something a bit more preppy. Imagine them with your favorite maxi dress and a pair of strappy sandals... or maybe a crisp, cotton shirt dress and a pair of espadrilles. Love it.

| Peacock Feather Hair Clip: $15 |
Check out this pretty hair clip! These are perfect for girls with all lengths of hair but I have to say that being a short-haired girl, I am particularly fond of hair clips. They are the perfect way to add some flair to short hair on days where you're sick of the same old look. I love the idea of this particular clip paired with a breezy maxi dress. Such an easy, effortless look yet absolutely pretty!

| V Fish Twist Belt: $26 |
A good brown belt is important in any wardrobe! I particularly like the wavy design of this belt. My other favorite part? It has an elasticized band - allowing you to wear this belt around your hips, your waist, anywhere! I like to buy belts with elasticized bands because they are so easy to style in so many different ways.

These are just the tip of the iceberg of what is available on Clothes Hound. They also offer many other pretty items from Gentle Fawn, C. Luce, Free People, French Connection, and Karlie. Plus, if you're in their local Raleigh, North Carolina area, you can host a Clothes Hound Party for you and your friends - you pick a time and place, they will bring their boutique to you in person! Sounds like a great girl's night to me!

Shop & Connect with Clothes Hound
SHOP: ShopClothesHound.com
BLOG: ShopClothesHound.blogspot.com
TWITTER: @shopcltheshound
FACEBOOK: Clothes Hound

Are you ready to shop? GREAT! Because Clothes Hound is offering all Fashion Frugality readers 20% off their purchase! All you have to do to take advantage of the savings is enter fashfru20 in the discount code box at checkout! (And, of course, let me know what you buy!)

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.

Can we talk for a minute about all the amazing giveaways going on this week!? I am SO excited over this list because every single giveaway is really, really great. I'm crossing my fingers AND toes that I win those cowboy (ahem, girl) boots! :) Good luck, guys!

1. Sandy A La Mode is giving away a gorgeous tank from Plum Pretty Sugar. Oh, how I have lusted over all the pretty pieces at Plum Pretty Sugar for some time now! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: March 25, 2011

2. ShoeClips.biz is giving away a pair of their pretty Guinea Hen Feather Shoe Clips to one lucky winner! It's amazing how much these can transform any pair of shoes in your closet! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: March 25, 2011

3. OakNYC wants to give one lucky winner a $1,000 gift certificate. What would you buy with this? I'd love to get a pair of the shakuhachi croc cut out boots!
Click here to enter!

4. Tres Chic Now is giving away a $100 credit to Dace.ca. I am loving their Spring 2011 collection - it's so light, airy and chic. Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: March 26, 2011

5. Shoed-In.com is giving away a pair of Heart and Soul GlamRockChic heels! I love these! I just added them to my Kaboodle list the other week! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: April 8, 2011

6. Dirty Hair Halo teamed up with Fox House to offer one lucky winner a $25 gift certificate to the store. I'd love to buy one of their new sheer blouses! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: March 31, 2011

7. Stolen From Grandma wants to let you know about a $150 voucher giveaway going on right now with The GingerFox. Click here to learn more on how to enter! Giveaway ends: April 1, 2011

8. The BonBon Rose Girls are giving away a pair of Ariat Boots from Langston's Western Wear! I have always wanted a pair of black cowboy boots! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: March 29, 2011

9. Calivintage is giving away a $50 gift card to Lola Vintage and perfect-for-sprint vintage wicker purse! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: March 29, 2011

10. Chic n Cheap Living is giving away YOUR choice of item from J.E.M. Apparel! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: March 30, 2011

11. The Style Du Jour Blog is giving away an adorable little black dress from C Luce thanks to Clothes Hound! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: March 29, 2011

Paper Doll Project: Take One

I was super excited when I learned that Suze was putting together The Paper Doll Project. I had enjoyed her blog posts that had started it all between her blog, Liz and Erin... I couldn't wait to join in!

Today marks the first edition of the Paper Doll Project! My chosen item was this vibrant red sweater. I picked it because I wear it next to never. I always have a hard time styling it because I don't normally wear A) thick sweaters or B) sweater that don't button down. Determined to find a new way to style it, I chose it as my initial clothing piece. Check out what my partner, Lauren at Consumerism Killed My Soul, picked out for me to wear...


Sweater: Old Navy, thrifted, $2.50
Dress: Karen Kane, thrifted, ?
Belt: Gift from my boyfriend years ago
Shoes: Merona, Thrifted, $4
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
Comfortable and classic yet with a little added flair by way of the animal print flats. Perfect for work! Truthfully, Lauren and I each exchanged a few different looks with each other and then chose the one we liked best to wear. I actually liked all the ideas she gave me but decided to go with this look this morning because it was so soft and comfortable. That was the exact mood I was in so this was a perfect fit.


It's a shame you don't see how vibrant this sweater is in these photos. My dim inside lights don't do it justice. I would have loved to take an outside photo but it is snowing as I write this. Yes, snowing. Again. After being 63 degrees on Monday. Oh, Michigan.


Truth be told, I would have never thought to pair this sweater with these shoes. The cable knit design of the sweater would normally lead me to pull some quiet looking black shoes out of my closet to pair with this preppy sweater. Lauren really liked these animal print flats so she paired them with the outfit...


I've got to hand it to her! The animal print with the red looks gorgeous. This outfit was actually probably the most simple outfit idea she sent me - the other outfits had more layers to them - but I think this one works so well together, just three pieces all in good harmony!


Want to see more? First, take a look at how I styled Lauren! Then, check out the complete list of Paper Dolls below!

Paper Doll Project partners!
Windy City Fashion and Doc Starr Chic
A Fashion Fixation and Snappy and Savvy
A Monkey Fatshionista and Matters of Merry Making
After My Fancyy and Style Within Reach
Closet Confections and Diary of a Chic Mommy
Made by Maison and Queen of Oz
Unusual Form and Curvy with Confidence
Fashion Momma and Employed Panache
Better in Sepia and Silver Pool of Light Girl
The Brunette One and The Stylish Housewife
From the Mixed-up Files and Hope and the Dress Code
Second Star Style and Effervescent Evelina
Pieces of My Earth and The Average Girls Guide
Consumerism Killed My Soul and Fashion Frugality
Kate Olmstead and Lemon Drop Love
Oranges and Apples and Watch Me Dress
Skrush and Tart Lemon Drop
Lindsay Living and Elle Enchanted
Snappy Casual and Chasing Davies
Leaving the House in This and Sweet Laundry
Coffee and a Cardigan and Inner Cupcake
Stumble into Style and Image Envy
Miss Vinyl Ahoy and Ordinarily Urbane and Lori's Wardrobe

The 30 x 30: My Recap

I started this edition of the 30x30 out much less organized than my last go round. I did quite a bit of planning and thinking about what I wanted to include in my first try at the 30x30. That worked out very well as I honestly loved every single piece I included in that edition. This time around I feel like I threw things into the mix very quickly without thinking about it enough...



I guess I thought I would try this new "throw it together" approach. Always the planner, I should have realized this wouldn't work for me. Regardless, I'm still happy I gave it a try as that is what life is all about right?

I also chose to throw in a few pieces that I rarely wear, which is something I want to change. I have an over abundance of clothes to the point where I will go sometimes a year without wearing something. That is ridiculous. Ridiculous to the point where if I don't think about it enough to wear for a year... I need to start really asking myself if I need it to be taking up space in my closet.

I'm happy I pushed myself to add items I normally wouldn't pick. I've had these pants for years now, wear them every so often, and then back they go in my closet for months. I added them to my remix to see how I could change up the way I styled them. And you know what? I finally came to the realization that they just don't work for me. Off they go to find a better home and a little bit more breathing space is made in my closet...

Now, don't get me wrong, cleaning out my closet isn't the only reason I remix in the 30x30, it's just a perk. For me, joing the 30x30 has always been about pushing myself to create more outfits. I'll be honest - I think I stink at remixing. I tend to pair certain things together all the time and never seem to stray too far from that. The 30x30 remix helps me hone my remixing bone. I may not be the best at it yet, but I'm getting there, slowly but surely.

Finally, I'll just say that this 30x30 was especially hard for me. Between the suuuuuuuper long and very snowy winter and feeling and being sick through a lot of it, I'm honestly quite proud of myself for sticking it out and making it through. Go me. :)



Oh, did I say thirty? I apparently meant 29 because I skipped over day #9 without even realizing it until now! Please forgive me! I'm not good at math. :)

30/30: Finale!

This is it. My last outfit for this edition of the 30x30. Taking all things into account: Being sick for what seemed like forever and the endless winter... this 30x30 felt more like 300x300. I'm pretty excited that not only am I done, but I made it through.


White Top: Charlotte Russe, OLD
Black Skirt: Peter Popovitch, thrifted, $1.50
Scarf: Bijoux Terner, Salvation Army, $3.99
Tights: ??
Shoes: Merona, thrifted, $4
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
I didn't give these flats enough love during the challenge. I think this happened because it has been so gosh darn cold and wearing flats with tights/socks isn't my thing. I prefer a naked foot with flats. However, in the spirit of all things 30x30, I gave it a whirl and I like the way these look with the tights. Plus, it was a nice change away from heels... which I feel like I have had to live in considering both pairs of boots I picked for the remix both has a heel. My feet were thankful for the flat break.



It was easy to tie the black and brown in the shoes together with this scarf and skirt. The brown tones in the shoes actually ended up being a nearly perfect max to this scarf that I've had since December. I bought this scarf at a Salvation Army store near my aunt and uncle's house. My sister and I made a pit stop at the SA on our way home from celebrating Christmas with my dad's side of the family. I was pretty excited when I found this as I have found that it's hard to come by good, quality, big scarves at thrift stores.

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.

I missed posting Winning Wednesday last week when I was sick... and I hate that because I missed out on sharing so many great giveaways with all of you! Have you won anything lately? Tell me about it in the comments!

1. Skyejuice is giving away a $30 gift certificate to spend at the Skyjuice store! I'm currently coveting these dark purple chalcedony earrings. The color is gorgeous! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: March 18, 2011

2. Adiel at It's Because I Think Too Much is giving away FIVE packages of Sally Hansen Nail Strips to one lucky winner. These look AMAZING... I mean, they come in houndstooth! How can they not be amazing!? Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: March 20, 2011

3. Devorelebeaumonstre is giving away a kiwi chrysanthemum flower ring from Bobbins and Bits. Perfect ring for spring, no? Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: March 20, 2011

4. The Trend Boutique and Nicole Richie News is giving away a House of Harlow pendant necklace. I LOVE this necklace - it would look great with so much! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: March 21, 2011

5. Stolen From Grandma is giving away a gorgeous vintage purse and velvet hair bow clip. Don't forget to check out her amazing cape while you're there! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: March 18, 2011

6. Little Chief Honeybee is giving away an amazing pair of platform shoes from Blowfish Shoes! Shoes likes these are on my MUST HAVE for spring list! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: March 17, 2011

7. BelledeCouture is giving away a pair of gold leather geometric prism earrings from Boo and Boo Factory. Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: March 19, 2011

8. BelledeCouture is also giving away a vintage seashell skirt! It would be the perfect vintage skirt to add to your summer wardrobe! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: March 18, 2011

9. Statements in Fashion is giving away a $50 gift certificate to Free People! I would love to add a wispy, sheer summer dress or top to my wardrobe with this! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: March 20, 2011

10. The BonBon Rose Girls want to help you add to your wardrobe with a $40 gift certificate to Wardrobe Avenue. Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: March 22, 2011

11. Statements in Fashion is giving away handmade sterling and ruby hammered teardrop earrings from Chic Metal. Gorgeous! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: TONIGHT (March 16, 2011) at MIDNIGHT!

29/30: Black and White All Over

I finally hit on an outfit that I loved... on day 29. Does this figure or what? It's ok, though... better to have loved one than to have never loved at all!


Velvet Blazer: Banana Republic, thrifted
Gingham Dress: (as top) Old Navy, Old Navy Outlet Store, $15
Skirt: Tagless, thrifted, $2
Socks: Target
Boots: Franco Fortini, eBay, OLD
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
And of course I loved this outfit! It is black and white and a mix of prints. I seem to always go back to that get up. It's my trusty sidekick. It never lets me down!

In other news, I am going through a messy hair stage. This is thanks to being lazy in the morning, waking up late, bangs that need to be cut and my cat, who is more fun to play with in the morning than to do my hair. True story.

28/30: A Touch of Spring

I'm happy I waited until today to post yesterday's outfit because I needed the dose of sunlight they provided. Isn't it amazing the different a bright, sunny day can make? Today Michigan was back to it's normal rainy, damp, cold self. It's March, it's to be expected, but yesterday was such a nice change...


Cotton Cardi: Old Navy, $4 (clearance)
Vintage Dress: Leslie Fay, thrifted, $1.70
Boots: St. John's Bay, thrifted, $4.60
Bracelet: ??
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
Whoah, Fashion Frugality on location. I know you're shocked to see me step away from my front door. I convinced my boyfriend to take a few photos for me outside while our lasagna was cooking. It didn't take much to convince him considering it was so sunny and, dare I say it, WARM outside!



The only disadvantage to having my boyfriend take my photos? I ended up talking to him the entire time so my mouth looks wonky in nearly every photo. The other photos? I'm giggling in all of those thanks to something silly he said. :)



This dress has given me silky dress fever for spring. Expect a post on that soon! I'm determined to find some affordable options for us!

The Catch Up Game!

Are we all ready to play the catch up on Katie's 30x30 game? I'll warn you - I took the majority of these photos within 15 minutes or so tonight. Let's be honest, it's not very fun to get all dressed up in outfits you've already worn and am over with - hence the quick photos and blah expressions. I suppose it only gives way to to the truth, though, considering that I wore all of these outfits over the course of last week when I wasn't feeling well...

24/30: Easy Friday 03/04/11
Also known as: The last day I felt well for a week. I had an easy day at work and hit the bar after work for a quick drink with co-workers which quickly turned into more than one drink and me and my boyfriend walking home from the bar. Perhaps this cold, rainy walk is what did me in... one will never know.


Black Tee: Mossimo, Target, old
Grey Tee: Old Navy, $6 (on sale)
Jeans: Mossimo Premium, Target, old
Boots:CA Collection by Cirrini, thrifted, $6.50
Glasses: SEE Eyewear


25/30: Polka Dot #EBEW 03/08/11
Although I didn't feel well on Tuesday, I went to work with the high hopes that I would feel better throughout the day. Yeah, no. You know those days when you're so sick that you're in a complete daze? That was Tuesday for me. I know I worked all day but I honestly couldn't tell you what I did. Awesome. I even intended to come home and make an actual post because it was an Every Body, Every Wear day but I didn't even have the energy to accomplish that! I came home, snuggled under five blankets on my couch and passed out until the next morning. In these clothes. Oops.


Grey Sweater: Mossimo, Target, $4.50 (clearance)
Black/White Top: Persaman New York, thrifted, $3.60
Polka Dot Skirt: Tagless, thrifted, $2
Boots: Franco Fortini, eBay, old
Glasses: SEE Eyewear

26/30: Comfort at Work 03/10/11
After another day off from work, I was finally feeling a little bit better. The flu felt like it had finally passed but the cold I was working with kept me from feeling 100%. Sniffly eyes, sniffly nose and sniffly voice were the leftover unwelcome house guests. I intended for my outfit to keep me warm and comfortable all day and I think it worked well with that intention.


Black Pants: New York and Co, old
Gingham Dress: (as top) Old Navy, Old Navy Outlet Store, $15
Scarf: Old Navy, old
Boots: Franco Fortini, eBay, old
Glasses: SEE Eyewear

27/30: Under the Weather 03/11/11
I still didn't feel well on Friday but managed to put together another comfy type outfit. I figured that if I had to be at work all day, I might as well pretend I was at home relaxing. This maxi dress allows me to feel that way every time I wear it. So roomy and so soft... it's like wearing a nightgown to work. Strange, yet fantastic. (And do you like the very emo photo I caught that day? I was out of energy to even stand.)


Maxi Dress: Target, $7 (clearance)
Jean Shirt: Blue Asphalt, thrifted, $1.40
Scarf: Bijoux Terner, thrifted, $3.99
Boots: St. John's Bay, thrifted, $4.60
Glasses: SEE Eyewear

Since I'm playing catch up today, today's outfit will be posted tomorrow. Look forward to more color, more sun and a not-so-sick Katie! :)

Long Time No Blog

Well, hello there! After a week of rest and relaxtion, I am finally back in the blog world! I apologize for my extreme absence... the flu and a nasty cold bug teamed up against me so I pretty much spent the majority of this week passed out on my couch in a haze. I am so happy to be back among the living and feeling like myself at this point!


And, shockingly, I haven't given up on my 30x30. I am determined to plow through to the end, guys. I fit in a few outfits here and there this past week and so I will officially be finishing it up this week!

Did you guys have a good week? I'm busy working on catching up on blog posts so if you see a few late-in-the-game comments from me, this is why! :)

Oh! And I almost forgot! Have you signed up for Suze's Paper Doll Project yet? Registration closes TOMORROW! Click the link below to learn more and sign up!

23/30: Suitable

I think I finally styled these pants in a way that made me like them! If you remember, I wore these a few times early on in the remix and struggled with them. I'm not sure if they've swayed me enough to keep them after the remix, but I did like them in this outfit today.


Pants: Old Navy, OLD
Black/White Top: Persaman New York, thrifted, $3.60
Velvet Blazer: Banana Repubic, thrifted, ?
Boots: CA Collection by Cirrini, thrifted, $6.50
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
Bracelet: Handmade by my BFF!
I've always enjoyed reading The Daybook's Awkward and Awesome Thursday posts. I think today is the perfect day for me to join in because it was definitely one of those days for me... and then some.

AWKWARD:
- Getting an email from your boss that makes you totally sad for about an hour and then totally mad the rest of the day. And the content not being worth your time being sad or mad about. Stupid. (Don't worry... it was nothing that was necessarily bad. I haven't done anything wrong. I'll get over it.)
- Eating fast food for dinner for the second time this week.
- Skipping the gym after work. Mr. Gym and I officially now have dates scheduled for Friday night and Saturday morning.
- Dropping a glass on my tile floor during lunch and having it shatter. Everywhere.

AWESOME:
- Kicking ass and taking names at work today. I got so much done despite being crazy busy.
- Sweet customers who comment on the bracelet my BFF made me and my glasses.
- Enjoying fast food instead of going to the gym!
- Ernie, my kitty, giving the best cuddle ever when I picked him up after my terrible day at work.
- For scheduling a day off this Monday weeks ago for no reason... well, now I have a reason: MENTAL HEALTH and relaxation!
- Planning a DIY project for this weekend...
- My mom bringing me packages tomorrow that I have received in the mail (I send most things to my parents house to ensure I get them)!

How are you awkward and/or awesome today?

22/30: The Outfit That Didn't

So, I woke up late today. Stumbled around to get ready. And then the terrible stomach ache I dealt with yesterday afternoon hit again. UGH! Not sure what the situation was but I can tell you I did not feel well whatsoever. So, this is what I was about to wear to work today before I called in sick...


Skirt: Peter Popovitch, thrifted, $1.50
Gingham Dress (shirt): Old Navy, $15, Old Navy outlet store
Purple Tights: ??
Boots: Franco Fortini, eBay, OLD
Belt: Target, clearance rack
Bracelet: Inherited from my grandma
Glasses: SEE Eyewear

A little bit of a lumberjack mix, if you will. I threw in some purple tights just to throw you off a bit - not that you can see them. I always envision this skirt being shorter though I've worn it a zillion times.


I bought this belt two years ago as part of a Halloween costume. (I was dressing as Rachel Zoe, if you're wondering.) And when I say I bought it as part of a Halloween costume, I mean I purposely bought it as "part of a Halloween costume" because I really just wanted it. Don't act like you don't do this! :) I think it was only around $9 but I just couldn't justify a $9 belt I would only wear here and there unless I had a specific purpose for it. The Halloween costume filled that purpose.

P.S. Ignore the fuzzies on my skirt. They come by way of the Snuggie I was wearing. Don't worry, I changed into pajamas soon after this. Much more suitable for Snuggie wearing.


This is quite possibly my most treasured bracelet. I inherited it, along with lots of other pieces and her actual jewelry stand, from my grandma. I would love to tell you a story about remembering all the great times I had with my grandma while she was wearing this bracelet but I honestly don't have one. I don't ever recall seeing her wear this and I honestly can't imagine her wearing this - it isn't something I would have ever expected coming from her... but I think that that is what makes it so special and interesting to me. It's clearly a vintage piece, obviously most likely from the 1970s... why did she keep it all those years and never wear it? Who was it from and where did she wear it? What did she do while wearing it? I love imagining the places it might have gone with her and that is good enough for me.

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.

Side Note - Um... is it just me or are the giveaways going on this week absolutely fantastic? Read on and enter all of them - you won't be disappointed!

1. The Daybook is giving away an Athelia Dress from Edelweiss by Sarah. Super, super pretty and perfect for any wardrobe! Click here to enter! Ends soon!

2. The Daybook is also giving away a $50 gift certificate to Spool No.72! I've never shopped here before but the items look super pretty! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends next week!

3. Jessica at What I Wore is giving away two MICHAEL Michael Kors trenches! I have dreamed of owning the perfect trench since the beginning of time and this would fulfill that dream! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: March 9, 2011

4. The Daily Julie is giving away a Ray Cuff from Amrita Singh. It's black, white and gold. Do I even need to tell you how much this bracelet needs to be part of my wardrobe? I think not. :) Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: March 3, 2011

5. Inspired Design is giving away a gorgeous Stella + Dot Revival Tassel Necklace. I'm loving the tassel look in jewelry right now! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: March 10, 2011

6. Style Obsession is giving away three pretty items from Little L.A. Boutique: a ring, a bracelet and a purse hook. I'm all about statement rings! Would love to add this to my growing jewelry collection. Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: March 6, 2011

7. Melanie's Randomness is giving away a gorgeous dress from Shabby Apple. I think this dress would help any lady welcome spring with open arms! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: March 7, 2011

8. Fashion Momma is giving away an awesome fashion package of goodies to celebrate reaching 300 readers! Could you be her next reader? Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: March 4, 2011

9. exPress-o is giving away an essential stripe top from EmersonMade. You NEED this if you don't already have a stripe top in your closet. Already have one? Enter anyway... you can never have enough stripes! Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: March 6, 2011

10. Still have EmersonMade on the mind? Good, me too. Hop on over to Doodalee-Doo and enter to win a gold coin lion necklace! Click here to enter!

11. A blog that never ceases to inspire me, A Pair And A Spare, is giving away two of her handmade crystal rock rings to one lucky winner! (That winner would be me. Hopefully.) Click here to enter! Giveaway ends: March 21, 2011

Good luck! :)

21/30: Greige

I think I'm obsessed with this dress. It pairs well with a lot of items... it makes me excited to see what else I can cook up for it when my closet is free reign! This isn't my first choice on how to style it, but I think it worked out ok...


Sweater: Old Navy, thrifted, $2.30
Dress: Coldwater Creek, thrifted, $3.50
Grey Tights: Xhilaration, Target, $3 (clearance)
Boots: Franco Fortini, eBay, OLDDD
Ribbon Belt: Came on a different dress (so, freeish)
Earrings: Gift from my Secret Santa this year (from Dizz Demey Designs)
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
You will have to forgive the wrinkles in the skirt and the wripples under my sweater from the dress... it's been a little bit of a long day. (Oh! And I just noticed the bottom part of the sweater is folded under. Wow, I win the Fashion Blogger of the Year award today, huh!? Ha ha.)

It's hard to tell here but the color of the dress can actually be found within the sweater I'm wearing. The wavy lines are the same exact tan shade that you see on the dress.


This is yet another gift that my Secret Santa at work gave to me this year. They are so sweet and dainty... hard to see with my hair in the way most of the time... but still sweet all the same. My favorite part? I couldn't even tell I was wearing them all day - which is always a plus for earrings, in my opinion.

How would you style this dress? I'm thinking all black accessories with it next time.