Remix Recap

Before the 30x30 challenge fades into the recesses of my mind, I want to recap the outfits, and lessons learned over the past month. First things first, I really enjoyed the challenge and will absolutely participate again this fall. While I did step into my closet and hug my other summer dresses over the weekend I did far better than anyone who knows me expected me to do, and that's a pocket-sized piece of pride I can hang my fedora on. Here are all thirty (albeit miniature) outfits:

Lessons Learned: 1) I have two very separate closets, one for work and one for play. When selecting my thirty items I was very concerned about what I would wear to 4 weeks of work without being asked if my washer and dryer were broken. While my office has a "casual summer" policy, rolling up in shorts (Bermudas excluded) or tank tops wasn't going to happen. In retrospect, I wish I included a few more items from my weekend wardrobe rather than wear "work" clothes on the weekend. This would have added some spice to my outfits, and would have challenged me to remix more casual items into work-appropriate outfits. 2) Piggy-backing off the first lesson, next time I need to throw more prints, bright colors and a pair of crazy shoes into the mix. Everything I picked was fairly neutral and felt slightly boring, especially by the end. For this reason I found myself yearning for brighter, bolder pieces and discovered my love of gold accessories.3) Speaking of accessories, I leaned heavily on them, more so than I normally do and I liked it, I really liked it! I reached for necklaces, scarves, headbands/hats and bracelets that rarely see the light of day in a given month. I think the accessories are the reason my favorite outfits were 4, 14, 17 and 28. 4) Packing with a limited wardrobe is so easy! We were out of town every single weekend of the challenge and my husband can attest, I've never packed so quickly or so lightly. If there's only one take away from this experience its learning to remix on vacation. Remind me of this in August when I pack for California! 5) I own WAY too many dry clean/hand wash only items. The guys at Zips knew me and my 4 items very well, thank god for $1.50 dry cleaning! As for those hand wash items...ugh, I used half a bottle of Woolite this month and those items are going to the very back of my closet for awhile, until I get over the trauma of so much hand washing.6) The blogging community is amazingly supportive, complimentary and welcoming. As a new blogger and new remixer I really enjoyed seeing my sisters in style assemble amazing outfits day in and day out. You all are truly inspirational in your creativity, eye for detail and ability to sparkle everyday. I'm honored to have my blog listed alongside yours on Kendi's list of remixers. It's been grand gals, until Fall when we do it all over again!

That's a Wrap!

Happy! Happy! Joy! Joy!  I finished the 30x30 challenge on Friday! Hooray for different clothes!  Later this week I will recap all 30 outfits, the overall experience and lessons learned but for now here are outfits 26-30.

Day 26: Monday, Brand Loyalist.  This outfit is brought to you by Ann Taylor Loft; not really, but I'm pretty sure a portion of my salary keeps the store afloat.  Speaking of floating, I wore this after a perfect day hanging out on the cold, clear waters off Cape Cod.  It was such a perfect weekend at home, I'm Cape-sick already.

Top/Shorts - Ann Taylor Loft, Shoes - Nordstrom (Seychelles)

Day 27:  Tuesday, The Blues.  This oufit is indicative of emotional dressing; does anyone else do that?  I was feeling pretty blue about traveling back to D.C. and its sauna-like weather so I put on my bluest items.  While more dressy than my typical airline attire, I tend to err (no pun intended) on the side of caution and overdress for travel. Sloppily dressed travelers (ex: sweatpants and Uggs) are a huge pet peeve of mine.

Cardigan - Ann Taylor Loft, Tank - Old Navy, Skirt - Banana Republic, Shoes - Nordstrom (Sofft), Necklace - Gift 

Day 28:  Wednesday, Ruffles Aplenty.  I completely forgot about this skirt after wearing it during week 1, so sad!  I knew I needed something bright to power me through my Monday so I paired these pieces together and added a bright scarf and bangles to complete the look and put some pep in my step.

Shirt - XXI, Skirt - Marshall's, Shoes - Nordstrom (Seychelles), Scarf - Permanently borrowed from Mom,  Bangles - Target

Day 29: Thursday,  Flower Power.  Back in the day I said this was going to be a tough skirt for me to remix because I have very set ways I wear this skirt and I showed you my favorite way already.  I cheated a little here by wearing a non-remix hot pink shirt under this shear number since my white tank was in the wash.  I hope you can forgive me!

Shirt - Marshalls, layering shirt - Old Navy, Skirt - Marimekko for Anthropologie, Shoes - Nordstrom (Sofft)

Day 30:  Friday, Beach Bum.  I would love to have ended the challenge with a bang or at least a punch of color but these shorts and tank were clean so I opened the dryer and poof, instant outfit.  I added some gold accessories and my leopard print belt to spice it up, meow!

Tank - Old Navy, Shorts - XXI, Shoes - Nordstrom (Sofft), Belt - Betsy Johnson, Necklace - Ann Taylor Loft, Bracelets/Earrings- Filene's Basement, Watch - Borrowed from Husband

And that's all folks! Tune in this week for a summer book review, mac and cheese recipe and the 30x30 recap!

Rounding Third

I just returned from another spectacular beach weekend, this time with my family on Cape Cod.  I'm already itching to go back.  Until I can give you a full recap of the weekend, here are outfits 21-25, I am getting so close to the end!  Fresh clothes and shoe options await, yes!

Day 21: Wednesday, Pretty in Pink.  This outfit was a no-brainer, the pink of the dress and the cardigan match each other perfectly, not to mention they are easy and comfortable to wear to work.  The pattern at the base of the skirt also reminded me of the fun earrings my friend Sini brought me back from India so I had to put those on.

Cardigan - Christopher & Banks; Dress/Bracelets - Filene's Basement; Shoes - Nordstrom (Seychelles);  Earrings - India

Day 22: Thursday, Surprise Date.   This "top" is a dress I wore on Day 7 tucked into a skirt I wore on Day 14.  Prior to this remix I never would have worn a dress as a top, but desperate times call for desperate work outfits.  I like how this turned out and obviously my husband did too as he took me out for a surprise dinner date after work.

Dress as Top - Marshall's; Skirt - Old Navy; Bracelets and Necklace - Gifts/Flea Market; Shoes - DaniBlack;  Wallet - Urban Outfitters; Sunnies - Cole Haan

Day 23:  Friday, Bad Omen.  On Day 16, I wore this top and did not have a very good day.  On Friday, after busting serious butt at work and playing in weekend I-95 traffic, I got to the airport just in time for my flight to be cancelled.  This shirt is bad news.  I'm putting it in time out until it can shape up and behave properly.

Shirt - Mexico; Dress as Skirt - Marshalls; Sandals - Kino, Key West;  Jewelry-Eastern Market/St. Lucia; Bag - L.L. Bean

Day 24: Saturday, Braids, Braids Everywhere.  After basking in the glorious sun all day on my Dad's boat, I reached for this outfit when we headed out for dinner on the water.  We were in a hurry so you can't see the braided shoes or headband very well but they are there, trust me.

Shirt - Anthropologie; Jeans - Marshalls (Michael Kors); Sandals - Nordstrom (BP); Bangle - St. Lucia;  Headband,  DIY here, Sunnies - Oscar de la Renta

From a different day but for braided outfit effects.

Day 25:  Sunday, Camouflage.  Hydrangeas are my absolute favorite flower (bush?) and they are in bloom everywhere in our front yard.  I was so inspired by the beautiful blossoms that I grabbed this floral top to be photographed in amongst the flowers.

Shirt - Dillards; Belt - Betsey Johnson; Shorts - Macy's; Sandals - Kino's, Key West, Sunnies - Cole Haan 

Stay tuned this week for a weekend recap, outfits 26-30, and hopefully a new craft project.  I know I owe you one!  Happy (almost) Hump Day!

Hi friends!  I hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend, I certainly did.  We just arrived home from Hilton Head, SC where we were waited on hand and foot all weekend long by our friend's mom.  I'm talking homemade cheese puffs, margaritas, chili dip, rum punch all served to us pool side.  Not a bad way to spend three days.  While I wore bathing suits and cover-ups most of the weekend (and those you will never see), this is what I wore when we weren't lounging poolside.

Friday: Day 17, Life Is A Highway.  I wore this on our 12-hour ride to Hilton Head. Comfort and layers are key when traveling; while this doesn't scream t-shirt and sweats, I was perfectly content all the way to South Carolina (except when my carmates refused to stop at South of the Border so I could visit the Reptile Lagoon, jk...sorta.)  

Sweater - TJ Maxx, Tank - Old Navy, Shorts - Macy's, Shoes - Nordstrom, Necklaces - Gift/Charmed City, Scarf - Permanently borrowed from Mom, Purse-  Gift from my MIL, Shades - Filene's Basement (Oscar de la Renta)

Sunday: Day 18, Imma be.  Every time my husband hears that song he adds, "I'm a, I'm a bumblebee" at random intervals during it.  This outfit is a bit bumblebee-sque, being black, white and yellow.  I forgot all about these shorts, which is crazy as I'm mildly obsessed with their shape, cuffs and subtle polka dots.  You've officially seen all 30 items, I have no more surprises! 

Fedora/Shirt - XXI, Shorts - TJ Maxx, Belt - borrowed from another dress, Sandals -Daniblack, Shades - Filene's Basement (Cole Haan), Bracelet - Provincetown, MA

Monday: Day 19, Pastel Patriot.  Pink, white and blue is as close as I could get to being a patriotic American given the lack of red in my 30 items.  While not over-the-top Americana, I'm happy with the fun feminity of this holiday pairing.  It was perfect for iced coffee runs, BBQ eating and firework watching.

Shirt - Marshalls, Tank - Old Navy, Scarf - Permanently borrowed from Mom, Shorts - Macy's, Shoes - Nordstrom, Earrings - XXI, Shell Necklace - St. Thomas, Purse - Gift from my MIL, Shades - Rue La La (Cole Haan) 

Tuesday: Day 20, On the Road Again. This is what a silk shirt looks like after sitting in a car for 11 hours, in case you were curious.  So much for no traffic on the way home.  I tried to knot my shirt ends to remind me of beach style while playing in traffic; I'm not sure I accomplished that but we did make it home in one piece.  It's the little things.  Forgive the tired pictures, I'm so beat!  

Top - Anthropologie, Shorts - TJ Maxx, Belt - Filene's Basement, Shoes - Daniblack

  

Pardon me while I go crash and burn in my own bed!!

Life ain't a Sprint

As Ice Cube says, "Life ain't a sprint, its a marathon."  If this challenge were a marathon, right about now is when I'd start to complain about calf pain.  While calf pain has been solely limited to the days I wear my black heels, this challenge is growing tougher by the mile day!  I've been reaching neglected accessories left and right, quite like I did with popsicles on Heartbreak Hill during the Boston Marathon. (Apparently I'm itching to sign up for another marathon.)

Mile 14/Tuesday/Fascinating Specimen:  When I got in the elevator Tuesday morning, my fellow rider looked at my head and asked me, "is that one of those British things?" Oh boy. While the British certainly rock headgear more than us stateside, they have not cornered the market on fascinators as I've loved them for awhile.  This blue top and black skirt were the last clean items in my 30-day arsenal so I  paired them with my fascinator and leopard print belt to go for a full animal-inspired look.

Fascinator- XXI, Top - Anthropologie, Belt - Betsey Johnson, Skirt - Old Navy, Shoes - Daniblack

Mile 15/Wednesday/Teal Appeal: The back of this dress is the best part of it, however its not work appropriate and after last week's sheer debacle I had to wear a cardigan all day.  This belt was such a steal; $2 at Gap Outlet a few years back.  Hmm, it was much looser back then...another bit of marathon inspiration!

Dress - Marshalls, Belt - Gap Outlet, Cardigan - Ann Taylor Loft, Sandals - Nordstrom, Jewelry - Gifts, Flea Markets

Mile 16/Thursday/Bright Spot:  This top was sadly the only bright thing today, I felt like Grumpy Bear all day.  Do you remember Grumpy Bear (the blue Care Bear with the blue rain cloud on his tummy?) Did I just date myself?  Anyway, not the best workday and then UPS and USPS ran me through the ringer.  Fortunately my holiday weekend starts tomorrow!

Shirt - Mexico, Jeans - Michael Kors, Scarf - Mom, Flipflops - Kino, Hair clip - Kauai

Thank goodness for a pedicure tomorrow! 

What are you doing for the 4th?  Whatever it is, I hope it involves great food, great people and the great outdoors.  Be safe sweet readers! 

Days 10-13

Sometimes I play too hard during the weekend, and end up so tired on Monday afternoon that I need another weekend to recover.  Today is one of those Mondays.  We celebrated our friends wedding this weekend and maybe I channeled Ramona of Real Housewives of NYC and had one too many Pinot Grigios before awkwardly cutting a rug on the dance floor.  Anyway, I have survived Monday and almost two weeks of the 30x30 challenge.  Here's what I wore starting Friday:

Friday: Day 10, Shear Stupidity.  This shirt has quickly become a favorite of mine because of the embroidery and adorable buttons down the back.  Too bad I got dressed in the dark and forgot how shear this shirt was and wore it to work without a tank underneath.  Fortunately, no one works in my office on Fridays or it would have been quite a frightful sight.

Shirt - Marshall's, Skirt - Old Navy, Sandals - Nordstrom, Hat - Tyson's Corner, Watch Necklace - Gift

Holy sheerness Batman - let's just admire the detail, shall we?

Saturday: Day 11, The Mane Event.  Friday night we stayed at my in-laws beautiful farmhouse. Before the wedding we spent some time visiting the horses and eating the world's sketchiest breakfast in what appeared to be someone's garage complete with old furniture, Kinect toys, cobwebs and bad creamer.  At least I looked cute for what might have been my last meal.

Shirt - Anthropologie, Shorts - Macy's, Shoes - Nordstrom, Necklace - Key West, Bangle- St. Lucia

Sunday: Day 12, Brilliant Disguise.  In the wake of surfing the Pinot wave Saturday night, I pulled this together while searching for sunglasses, a hat and two Advil.  I thought I had brilliantly disguised my hangover until the cashier at Wawa had to swipe my ATM card for me while ringing up two barrels of Gatorade as I longingly stared at the donut case...mmm donut.

Shirt - Ann Taylor Loft, Shorts - XXI, Shoes - Nordstrom, Earrings - Laila Rowe

Monday: Day 13, Coral Cardi. Back to work, back to work-length shorts.  Thank goodness for casual summer attire!  Coral is very hot this summer which I love because it's one of the most flattering colors for picking up any semblance of a tan, not that I have one...yet.  Hooray for Hilton Head this coming weekend!

Cardigan - Christopher & Banks, Tank/Shorts - Old Navy, Shoes - Seychelles (Nordstrom),  Necklace - Handmade Gift, Purse - Permanently borrowed from Mom

One of these days I promise to take a picture before the gym aka before my hair looks like a dry mop.
I've got one more good work outfit up my sleeve and then the remixing begins!