Man, I feel like a Woman

Today’s look is on loan from Kendi via Kendi Everyday. Oh so cute and comfortable, I absolutely love this outfit! I fell in love with this look and just had to replicate. The casualness and the femininity are such classics. Kendi always seems to pull off girly outfits without looking like she put any effort. Jealous!

On Me: Converse Button-Up: Target, Pleated Skirt: Forever21, Jessica Simpson Wedges: DSW

On Kendi: Button-up: Anthro, Skirt: c/o Lulu’s, Bag: Gift, Shoes: c/o Payless

Did you follow my journey through my first 30 for 30 remix challenge? Well, Kendi is the mastermind behind it all so stay tuned to her blog for an update on the Fall remix if you’d like to join!

28 July 11 Permalink

30 for 30 Recap: The final 15

So there you have it ladies and gentlemen, the final 15 of my very first 30 for 30 remix challenge. I think i finished strong.

So what did you think of my final 15 outfits? Have any favorites? Here are mine:

Outfits 16-20: Big fan of outfit #18 and a big fan of my first pair of high-waisted shorts. Comfy and sassy all at the same time.

Outfits 21-25: I LOVE LOVE LOVE outfits 21, 22, and 23. Outfit 21 even got me featured Little Tin Soldier’s Wednesdays’ Link-Love! However, outfit 24 (along with the remainder of the weekend) was a bust.

And the final stretch of the 30 for 30, Outfits 26-30: The final days were pretty rough, I felt so much pressure to finish. ButI like 27 and love 30, it was the perfect thrift shopping outfit.

So, my first remix challenge has come and gone. I think I got the jist of it and although I didn’t quite learn the moral of the story I think that it has prepared me for future challenges. It has also taught me a valuable lesson in my shopping habits: I shop too much. If you want to read my final thoughts and conclusions click here for my indepth insights.

Want to see the first half of my 30 for 30? Click here for the recap.

17 July Permalink

30 for 30: Final Thoughts

One of the main goals during the 30 for 30 challenge is to learn how to work with what you’ve got and decrease the need to spend. This appealed to me because I have a tendency to over shop. Now, I’m not talking about dropping $100 on a single item, I’m way too cheap for that. I’m talking about spending $100 on an entire outfit. To me, it’s all about the rush of a sale item. I justify those purchases because of the numerous items I buy but it is still a problem. A problem that has gotten me into trouble in the past and now that I’m part of a family of three (me, K, and our dog Chandler) I have to be financially cautious.

I personally think that I failed that part of the challenge. Yes, this was my first 30 for 30 remix challenge and while I did learn to successfully remix my wardrobe I don’t think I quite learned the ‘moral’ of the story. I really did want to not shop during the last 30 plus days but I just couldn’t do it. (See below for a sneak peak at my amazing purchases)

I’ve taken some time to think  about what money and my wardrobe mean to me. I am certain that everything I’ve got in my closet and dresser is enough to have a stellar outfit every day of the week. The deciding factor on whether an outfit is everything I want it to be (and more) is up to me. The 30 for 30 challenge has taught me that much – I can make an exceptionally cute outfit out of the most basic items. I just need to add some flair.

With all that being said, I’m cutting myself off. Yep, you heard me right. My paycheck will  be used for more efficient purposes like home appliances and grownup things. And the rest, well that will be safely kept in my savings account for the future of my family. When I told my husband what I was doing I don’t think he bought it. So yes, I’m doing this for myself and my families future but now I’m also doing it to prove my husband wrong, which makes it a win win for him.

So it begins today, no more shopping. But I’m going to be realistic with this goal. I’m going to set a date where I will go shopping, if I find it necessary. The date being set: September 1st. So join me if you’d like. If you want to try your hand at being financially responsible I wouldn’t mind a friend or two for moral support. Message me here or feel free to contact me via email  or twitter. And if you’re based out of Arizona, totally reach out!

Now, what did you learn during your 30 for 30 remix challenge? Any insights to your shopping habits or your remixing abilities? I’d love to hear your conclusions! (BTW- Later today I’ll try and have a round up on my entire 30 for 30 and I’ll include my favs of the second half.)

Well, that’s enough for me (right now). Sending positive mojo your way, have a great week!

17 July 1 Permalink

30 for 30!

Worn July 16, 2011 while thrift shopping and to dinner and a movie

I MADE IT! I don’t think there is any way I could describe the excitement that I’m feeling. Yes, I’ve said it many times this week: I am very happy to start paying attention to the rest of my abandoned wardrobe but I’m also elated to have completed my first 30 for 30 remix challenge!

K and I are dog-sitting for our pals Meghan and Bryce while they visit family in Minnesota. Everyone, meet Jewel! Today was a pretty stellar Saturday, I cleaned, got a massage and played around with the pups. Once K got home from work I went thrifting and boy did I hit the jackpot. (I’ll post pics of my goodies later)

Later K and I went on a little date, our usual: sushi and a movie. You can’t get any better than that!

Wearing Maxi:TJ Maxx, Tank:Target, Jelly Sandals:DSW, Earrings:DC Vendor

So, there you have it boys and girls my very first 30 for 30 completed. I’m awfully proud of myself, especially because there were days when I just wanted to fold. To tell you the truth, it might be a long while before you see any of the 30 items again. I’ve already pushed them to the back of my closet, hehe.

Well, you can get back to your weekend now:)

16 July 1 Permalink

30 for 30: Put it in the Bag

Worn July 15, 2011 to work and dinner

Sorry for the blurry pictures, my camera died and I had to resort to my phones’ crappy camera. And because I’m so close to the end of the remix challenge (I could taste it) I had to provide proof acknowledge today’s outfit.

It also didn’t help that K and I were in a rush to make it to dinner on time with his co-workers.

I know I don’t normally photograph my purse but like I said, we were in a rush. I don’t like to include bags in my posts because I don’t like changing it up and unlike other style bloggers my bag doesn’t always match my outfit. I also get annoyed with the transferring of the purse items, I always forget something important (lotion, lip gloss, hand mirror, etc.).

Guess Top from Macy’s -Similar | PacSun Jeans - Exactly  |Tank - Exactly  

Sandals from Old Navy - Similar | Esty Necklace -Exactly |Thrifted Bangles -Savers

Bag -TJ Maxx

15 July Permalink

30 for 30: Outfit 28

                         Not Really Similar Top |Ankle Pants | Similar Wedges | Sunnies

14 July 1 Permalink

30 for 30: The Countdown has begun…

Worn July 13, 2011 to work

I’m getting to the point in the remix challenge where I’m in a funk. I’m extremely tired of the 30 items that I chose and cannot wait to explore my closet and all the potential. I think that the 30 for 30 challenge has successfully taught me to create ensemble in various ways instead of the usual possibilities. I have a new outlook on outfit creations and love that the remix challenge has opened me up to different blogger styles and inspirations (stay tuned for my self-given inspiration challenge within the next couple of weeks!).

                Similar Tunic | Black Tank | Flats | Similar Skirt

Anyhoo, I hope everyone is having a fabulous week!

13 July 1 Permalink

30 for 30: EBEW- Golden #26

Worn July 12, 2011 to work

Have you ever heard the term ‘Golden Birthday’? You know, the birthday when you turn the same age as your birth date. Well, in 30 for 30 terms today’s outfit is my golden outfit, hence the golden tanks. And in addition to my participation in the 30 for 30 remix challenge today I am also participating in Everybody Everywear. Gotta love the style blogging community, I sure do!

26 has given me more of a shock than any other age. Why? Well because I’m 26!? I’m married, have a grownup job and own a home (almost). All those facts legitimize my adulthood, right? And it seems so surreal, I still feel like the lost 18 year old kid from high school. Yet however stunned I may seem, I am extremely happy with where I am.

Outfit number 26, so close to the end of my very first remix challenge! And like I was told two weeks ago (by a 19yr old kid), it looks good for 26 (yeah, I was bewildered by the comment).

Let’s finish strong!

              Similar Shoe | Black Tank  Similar Yellow Tank | Simliar Skirt 

12 July Permalink

30 for 30: Back to School

Worn July 11, 2011 to work

First off I would like to apologize for the mockery that is last Friday’s post (outfit 24). So boring, so uninspiring, so lackluster. Again, my sincerest apologies. It was the start of horribly hormonal weekend. And to top it all off, I couldn’t muster the energy to post an outfit during said weekend. But I have a really good reason. For all my ladies reading, we’ve all been there. I felt fat in absolutely everything I owned, I was bloated and I basically cried myself to sleep on Saturday night. Oh emotions, how you toy with me.

But enough about this past weekend, it’s a new week and here is a new outfit- number 25 to be exact. I’ve worn these exact items (minus the cardigan) during the 30 for 30 challenge but in a different combination. You like?

I felt like quite the school teach today or like I should be attending a private school. 

Well, I’ll keep this one short for you today. Enjoy your week!

      Dress | Cardigan (in mustard)| Sleevless Golf Shirt | Similar Shoes

11 July 1 Permalink

30 for 30: I’ve got the blues

Worn July 8, 2011 to work It may be Friday but my week of sitting dazed, confused and bored out of my mind doesn’t end today. 

While you spend your Saturday sleeping in, lounging at the pool and having fun in the sun I will be confined to a little room with other reckless drivers. Yep, that’s right. Tomorrow I will be spending my entire day (from 8am to 4:30pm) in a defensive driving class. Yay! I can’t contain my excitement (sarcasm).

Me? A defensive driver? Of course not! But when your home sick from work, feeling miserable and dizzy, apparently you shouldn’t be behind the wheel. But who else was going to take me to the Urgent Care down the road in the middle of the day?

Wearing: top (Target), skinny jeans (PacSun), Mix No.6 denim sandals (DSW)

As a result I ran a red light for my safety and the shmucks at the Arizona Motor Vehicles office decided to force me to attend a defensive driving class. And I say force because if I don’t do it (within the allotted 60 days) then my license will be suspended. Oh. No.

So tomorrow will be a fun filled day of learning the rules of the road and people watching.

Have a great weekend!

8 July Permalink

30 for 30: Nobody likes you when you’re at 23

Worn July 7, 2011 to work

Is it just me or am I extremely far ahead in the 30 for 30 challenge. Some of my favorite bloggers like Keira from A Pretty Penny, Linda of Little Tin Soldier and Kelsey of Snappy Casual  are just breaking the half way mark. Kendi herself is only at number 19. Man, I need a life… or a hobby. But this is my hobby.

Today I was asked by a co-worker if I already had my first non-30 for 30 outfit lined up for when I finish the challenge. I don’t and that makes me nervous. What if there are too many options for me to choose from. During the 30 for 30 remix challenge I have been steadily arriving at work on time (because I don’t have to riffle through my closet). I could see it now, first day free to wear other items and I will resort to my 30 chosen items.

I guess I’ll continue to forge ahead and count the days until I have complete access to my closet.

Wearing: dress worn as a skirt (Victoria’s Secret), Guess lace top (Macy’s), flats (no clue), earrings (DC street vendor)

Btw- Nobody likes you when your 23

7 July 1 Permalink

30 for 30: Deuce Deuce Remix

Worn July 6, 2011 to work

Aren’t you happy to see this skirt again, cause I sure am! So comfortable and fierce all at the same time. 

When I last wore this skirt it hit quite the high note, especially as the second ensemble in the challenge. I personally think that I haven’t quite surpassed the chic-ness that the entire outfit brought to the table. But that’s okay, right?

Wearing: black tank top, skirt, wedges, earrings (Target), vest (TJ Maxx), sideways cross necklace (Luluka on Esty)

22 down, 8 more to go…wow time flies! 

6 July Permalink