Thank you all so, so much for the sweet birthday wishes yesterday!!! You all are so kind and those totally brightened my day! For all those who asked if I had anything special planned, things were fairly low-key yesterday and I decided not to bake a cake for myself. Ice cream, considering the hot weather, was far more appealing, so SH treated me to a trip to the ice cream parlor and we did that instead! Opened a few gifts after dinner and spent most of the evening on the phone with my family–a pretty perfect way to start off my 26th year!
I did it! At the beginning of this challenge, I wasn’t sure I would be able to mix 30 pieces into 30 interesting outfits; I had visions of running out of steam towards the end and repeating outfits. Thankfully this challenged proved otherwise, and I can safely say that if I could continue for another week if I wanted to before I truly ran out of combinations. (I won’t though. I’m slightly challenged-out now!) Here’s a roundup of the last of the daily outfits, and then a little overview and my thoughts on this challenge at the end…
top: made by me | black 80s skirt: thrifted | boater: Old Town San Diego | belt: thrifted | bag: thrifted | wedges: ASOS | necklace: H&M
Day 26: Last Friday we took a day trip to Cocoa Beach in an attempt to watch the next space shuttle launch. Alas, the launch was cancelled, but we had a great day at a little park near the beach, hanging out and listening to music, grilling and reading. I opted for this comfortable ensemble, with my favorite beach-going hat!
checked blouse: thrifted | skirt: thrifted | red clutch: thrifted | cherry brooch and bracelet: made by me | ballet flats: Bakers
Day 27: I was exhausted Saturday both from the day trip on Friday and not going to sleep until in the wee hours Saturday morning. Nothing too exciting or inspired–just comfortable and good for laying around reading!
blouse: thrifted | print circle skirt: vintage | belt: thrifted | clutch: thrifted | necklace and earrings: Target | bracelet: thrifted | wedges: Steve Madden
Day 28: This circle skirt proved to be one of my favorite pieces throughout the challenge, and I will venture to guess for the rest of this spring and summer as well. This outfit was one of the more simple of the bunch, but I loved the lightness of the color scheme–especially since it was in the 90s over the weekend!
lace top: thrifted | 30s style slacks: made by me | scarf: thrifted | chain necklace: vintage | handbag: vintage | earrings: MET, NYC | shoes: ASOS
Day 29: Another light and airy color scheme! One thing this challenge really did push me to do was combine accessories in different ways. For instance, this scarf and chain necklace that I wrapped together to create more of a “statement” necklace; it’s not something I would have immediately thought of had I not been faced Monday with the problem of not wanting to wear the same necklace again. I really wish I had utilized the scarves I own a bit more during this challenge though!
blouse: antique | skirt: thrifted | belt: estate sale | crocheted bag: family heirloom | bracelet: Forever 21 | ballet flats: Bakers
Day 30: Another really favorite piece during this challenge: the polka dot skirt! I’m completely in love with this skirt right now, and although I’ve worn it multiple times in the past month, have still not tired of the possibilities (especially considering now I can wear it with all the blouses in my closet! lol.). This is a very “lady like” outfit with the lacy top and bow belt, but I think the polka dots keep it a bit playful and not too precious. My final day for the challenge too! I was more than a bit excited I could wear whatever I wanted the next day!
I’m not usually the sort to pat myself on the back about things, but I think I did pretty good for my
first time doing a wardrobe challenge. There are things I would do differently the next time (such as swap the extra pair of shoes I never wore for another skirt or pants). One or two pieces that were never worn (I could have paired that blouse with the cream slacks, but I had already done that combination in the past and was trying to come up with new outfits rather than rehashing old ones). And yes, one retail slip-up in the midst of the challenge. (In my defense I only bought a couple accessories, including a much-needed pair of sunglasses to replace the two that had bit the dust in the past month.) The exercise for me wasn’t so much about a “shopping diet”, as in the grand scheme of things I don’t even thrift on a weekly basis! But I learned what I set out to discover was true: given a limited closet, I could create interesting and creative looks. In many ways I felt far more freedom and imagination when it came to my clothes with fewer pieces than I normally have to select from. Which makes me think that perhaps having everything out and hanging in the closet is not the wisest idea; it’s overwhelming and makes me reach for the easiest tried-and-true look rather than flex my creative muscles. I love dressing up and enjoy the process of picking outfits for each day, but if I can’t see the gems in the midst of chaos, what point is there in having lots of clothes? I’m working on a plan for purging and reorganizing things (such as rotating my clothes on a regular basis to keep things fresh), and am feeling enthusiastic about the lessons I learned during the 30 for 30 exercise.
Thank you for all your kind words, ideas and encouragement during this journey! I really appreciate it! I think the only question left would be: would you like to see outfit posts on a somewhat regular basis (once a week, perhaps)? The whole point of this blog isn’t so much about showing off outfits as encouraging creativity, both for myself and others. One thing I really enjoy is putting together “outfits on a dime” and rather than just showing an outfit, creating posts around the concept of “cheap chic” would be more interesting? Something to mull over!
Missed previous outfits? Be sure to catch up with posts #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6 and #7! As always, more photos have been uploaded to my Flickr page.
May 5, 2011 ·
37 lovely thoughts
posted in outfits + wardrobe
· tags: 2011 wardrobe, 30/30 spring, outfits
Hello, friends! My apologies for the lack of posts the past few days–as of Wednesday evening my computer went on the fritz, and I’ve been unable to access any of my image files until yesterday. The prognosis still isn’t great for my computer (it’s just old and tired…), but I can borrow time on another right now and hopefully can get mine to work for a tiny bit longer so I can wrap up a few projects! *fingers crossed* So I’m hoping to be able to continue with “business as usual” here, but please understand if things are a bit spotty (both here and replying to emails) for the next week or so while I weigh my options for replacing my trusty old computer!
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(Written last week–as of today I only have two days left!) Just five more days of the challenge! Which means just two more outfit posts–I do hope no one has been getting bored of this? I’ve been trying to keep things varied here with the usual inspiration and tutorials! I’ve been compiling a big image of all the outfits together in sequential order, and have to say that for my grumbling in my last post, I’m really happy that I’ve toughed it out. These sorts of challenges are something I never have done well with; I’ve started others in the past and either forget or loose interest. Being so close to finishing I’m very excited. Have to admit though, Sailor Husband has been great about keeping me on track too (in-house accountability!).
red blouse: thrifted | pencil skirt: made by me | multi-colored belt: thrifted | purse: Etsy | scarf: thrifted | shoes: ASOS | earrings: Dillards | necklace: Forever 21
Day Twenty-Three: Monday’s outfit, and as usual fairly simple. I wasn’t so sure how this red top and blue pencil skirt would look together, but the multi-colored belt really helps tie the two bright pieces together. Not much else to say about this outfit–the bright colors just make me smile!
dress: thrifted and refashioned | lace collar: antique store | belt: thrifted | flower clip: made by me | purse: thrifted | shoes: ASOS | necklace: ???
Day Twenty-Four: The refashioned dress is back! This time I basted an antique lace collar to the neckline (basting so it’s temporary). I really like this dress with the collar; it rather reminds me of a cross between a 1910s and 1930s look. The belt, yes, I am wearing backwards–because who ever said that you had to wear a buckle in the front?! The flower is actually one of the ones I pin in my hair, but I just clipped it to the belt. The only problem with this outfit? I’m wearing the same shoes from Monday again! lol.
vintage eyelet dress: estate sale | floral belt: thrifted | phone cord purse: estate sale | shoe: Steve Madden | earrings: Etsy
Day Twenty-Five: I’m rather surprised I wore a dress again; I was trying to spread the dresses out at the beginning and not wearing them that often, but since I have less than a week to go (yipee!), I can get away with it. Once again I paired a patterned belt with this dress; a solid color one seems rather boring. I have to say as cute as this outfit is, I really like my 60s inspired hair! Wasn’t too hard either, which is always a plus for me.
Missed previous outfits? Be sure to catch up with posts #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 and #6! As always, more photos have been uploaded to my Flickr page.
May 2, 2011 ·
74 lovely thoughts
posted in outfits + wardrobe
· tags: 2011 wardrobe, 30/30 spring, outfits
Only one week left! I have to admit that as fun as this whole experience has proved to be, having to take daily outfit photos (which I have never been consistent about prior to this) has started to become a bit of a “chore” (if I dare call it that). Not because I don’t enjoy this project, but I forget when things get busy. Like Saturday: it completely slipped my mind again (somehow I’m starting to think it’s a Saturday problem? lol.) and then became a moot point when I got a killer headache and threw over picture taking for a couple of Tylenol and a nap. I am partly hoping that upon completion of the 30 for 30 project I’ll be better about documenting outfits on a weekly (not daily! lol.) basis, but I’m also really looking forward to not having on my “must do this today!” list. Or maybe I’m just being cranky because I’m starting to look longingly at the rest of my clothes that I currently can’t wear… lol.
40s vintage dress: antique store | bow belt: estate sale | crochet purse: inherited from my great grandmother | shoes: Remix “Rita” pumps | necklace: vintage sweater guard & lace | bangles: Forever 21
Day Nineteen: This was the outfit I wore Wednesday evening when SH and I had a last-minute date. This dress has a bit of a fun story behind it. When I originally unearthed this 1940s beauty at an antique dealer’s shop (who was going out of business), it was much longer and had quite a few holes in the lower portion of the skirt. I suspect it dated to the mid 40s, judging by the narrow shape and wide shoulders (though pads were strangely absent from the dress). It also has a matching jacket which I also still have. But the holes in the hem meant it needed a little TLC and rehemming. I shortened it to day dress length and had a new dress! I love wearing it, and probably don’t pull it out often enough. Mostly because I don’t want it to fall to pieces if it can be helped. Plus who wouldn’t love the flirty little peplum ruffle on the back?! Also, the “necklace” is really one of those vintage sweater guards that I just clipped to a piece of lace for an instant necklace! I think it would work superbly with the sort that has more of a brooch on either end, as mine is just a plain rhinestone chain, but it was still a neat way to use a sweater guard when not wearing a cardigan!
blouse: antique nightgown | 30s slacks: made by me | print handbag: vintage | belt: thrifted | necklaces: made by me & vintage | bracelet: vintage | shoes: Steve Madden
Day 20: Honestly I feel like this is a bit of a ho-hum outfit. Inspired by some similar looks in old Anthropologie catalogs, I tried this out. Wearing a blousey top and wide pants is not a look I usually try, but I thought I would go out on a limb for a day. It’s just not me; I rarely wear outfits that have no figure definition, and this just looks like too much fabric to me. Still, it was fun to try a look that I normally shy away from–even just once! (So it’s not a total mistake!)
tropical shirt: thrifted | 40s nautical shorts: made by me | saddle shoes: Muffy’s | handbag: Nine West | bracelet: vintage | earrings: J Paul Getty Museum
Day 21: Back to the 40s again! Friday’s look was for dealing with a few things that required comfortable walking shoes and dressing for the nearly 90-degree heat. I really felt like going all-out with this look: from the saddle shoes to the rolled bangs! Got a lot of questions about this outfit from people, and I think I’ve found a new favorite hot-weather outfit! Also you can’t see it in the photos, but I was sporting polka dot nails on Friday. For some reason I was seized with the idea of doing something other than my usual solid-color nails and added some fun (albeit uneven) white dots atop the red. Fun!
linen top: thrifted | skirt: Anthropologie | belt: thrifted | leopard clutch: made by me | necklace: H&M | earrings: Target | bird brooch: vintage | bracelet: vintage | shoes: Steve Madden
Day 22: Easter Sunday was spent mostly sewing. Which was nice because I hadn’t spent much time the past week with the pile of projects that have somehow taken over my sewing nook! I really just wanted a simple, comfortable outfit (especially since I had another massive headache–it’s the weather!), mostly neutral but with a pop of pattern. Obviously I like the leopard print purse and skirt together, since this is the second time they’ve met up! I am also realizing that I need to add more earrings into my jewelry collection; I am getting tired of rotating the same 6 or 7 pairs over and over. I have plenty of other things like necklaces and bracelets, but not enough earrings!
Missed previous outfits? Be sure to catch up with posts #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5! As always, more photos have been uploaded to my Flickr page.
April 25, 2011 ·
45 lovely thoughts
posted in outfits + wardrobe
· tags: 2011 wardrobe, 30/30 spring, outfits
blouse: antique nightgown | skirt: made by me | shoes: Remix “Rita” pumps | headband: Giant Dwarf | bag: Etsy | belt: thrifted | bracelets (necklaces): thrifted
Day Fifteen: Halfway through! I dressed up a little bit Sunday morning and also decided to wear an accessory I don’t think I’ve shown here before! One of my Christmas presents this past year was one of the Giant Dwarf felt flower headbands that I had been coveting for… seemingly eons. I of course picked out red (anyone surprised?). Sailor Husband has dubbed this my “munchkin outfit” because of the flowers. hehe! Once again I’m wearing that red, white and blue combination that is a favorite of mine, but always seems to get comments about it being “too early for the Fourth of July”. lol. I wonder if I lived in another country if this would be easier to get away with? Hmm…
shirt: thrifted and altered | 50s print skirt: vintage | telephone cord bag: vintage, estate sale | shoes: Bakers | belt: estate sale | bracelets (necklaces): thrifted
Day Sixteen: More pattern mixing! Not as amazing as my first go with combining wild patterns into an outfit, but I’m still pleased with this nonetheless. I feel like maybe I’m getting over my fear of adding different patterns into an outfit and having things completely match. Just wearing the stripes and 50s print combination made me smile all day. Plus I pulled out the vintage telephone cord purse I picked up last year at that epic estate sale, which is the first time I’ve used it. Does anyone else have one of these wonderfully kitschy bags? I’ve seen some amazing ones using multi-colored cords that the local vintage shop has (and I drool over).
top: made by me | skirt: thrifted | belt: thrifted | handbag: vintage, thrifted | shoes: Steve Madden | earrings: Etsy | bracelet: thrifted
Day Seventeen: Do you notice something different about this polka dot skirt? (Which yes, I admit I am wearing an awful lot. I think we can safely say I pretty much think it’s the bees knees right now!) I shortened it a bit! But don’t worry–only temporarily with a few pieces of double-stick tape. I would have just hemmed it up a bit more, but since I didn’t want it to last more than a day, tape it was. This trick also works very well when you’re layering a skirt over a dress, and the dress hem is slightly too long. The floral belt (which I also altered–it was too long so I cut the buckle end off and reattached it!) and polka dots reminds me of those “Daisy Kingdom” patterns from the early 90s for some reason… Anyone remember those? I think it was Simplicity that sold them? All I remember is really wanting one of those frilly dresses just like in the illustrations.
pink striped blouse: Banana Republic | 40s shorts: made by me | saddle shoes: Muffy’s | anchor pin: vintage (gift from SH!) | earrings: Target | bracelet (necklaces): thrifted
Day Eighteen: I’m throwing in an extra day because I wore two outfits on Day Eighteen (which I guess means I’ll file it as “Day Nineteen” even though it’s not from day nineteen, only outfit nineteen? lol.). Had an impromptu date-night yesterday with SH and went to a game. So I changed because as cute as this was, I wanted something a little different since he was going to be in uniform. I always like to doll up a bit when we attend events together and he’s in his blues or dress whites. But back to this outfit… I originally paired it with this blouse (which I realize I haven’t worn yet during the challenge!), but instead of the “laid back 40s girl-next-door” vibe I wanted, it just looked mismatched. Something about the nautical and sweet-floral styles clashing. Which just reminds me I really need to make some new shorts for myself this year; this is literally the only ones I find comfortable at this point (the other ones I’ve made have just had it from the constant wearings). Another sewing project to add to my miles long list…
Missed previous outfits? Be sure to catch up with posts #1, #2, #3 and #4!
April 21, 2011 ·
46 lovely thoughts
posted in outfits + wardrobe
· tags: 2011 wardrobe, 30/30 spring, outfits
dress: vintage, estate sale | shoes: Remix | belt: vintage | bracelet: vintage sale | petticoat: thrifted | earrings: 60s vintage, flea market
Day Eleven: Wednesday was Sailor Husband’s birthday, so in true form to how I approach birthdays I decided to dress up a bit. I included this dress in the challenge because it’s something I like, but do not wear very often. I suspect I’m still a bit on the fence about it, and just haven’t made up my mind one way or another. To offset the sweetness of the bubblegum pink eyelet and bow clips on the Remix shoes, I added the leopard belt for a bit of fun. This had been on my accessories wishlist for months and I was delighted when I found it last winter when I was in Virginia. It reminds me a bit of something Solanah has. I tend to wear it with more feminine pieces because I love the juxtaposition. hehe!
blouse: vintage | 50s print skirt: vintage | parrot brooch: antiques fair | wedges: Steve Madden | purse: thrifted | earrings: J Paul Getty Museum
Day Twelve: Still feeling the soft, pinkish tones that dominated the previous day’s outfit. Have you noticed that I seem to go through little phases for a couple days with colors I favor? I’ve been realizing that as I look at the past two week’s worth of outfit photos! Wore my favorite vintage parrot brooch for some sparkle. Even if a girl doesn’t have anywhere super-special to go, it’s always fun to glam things up a bit with costume jewelry! I haven’t worn this piece as often during this challenge, but have found it’s great to add to just about any outfit for both color and as a conversation piece.
“blouse”: 40s dress | polka dot skirt: thrifted | belt: thrifted | “necklace”: charm bracelet, vintage sale | earrings: J Paul Getty Museum | handbag: gift from inlaws | brooch: thrifted | wedges: ASOS
Day Thirteen: I really loved Friday’s outfit–partly because I wore my favorite polka dot skirt again, and the outfit had a bit of a surprise! The “blouse” is actually a vintage 40s dress that I layered under the skirt, which made the outfit look completely different. I’ve done this a few times before and found that the most successful versions of layering a dress and separate skirt are those that involve lightweight layers. It gets a bit more tricky if one or the other is super-bulky. Since both pieces are lightweight rayon, it was a perfect mix. Plus the dress bodice was almost the exact same weave as the skirt! (Not that anyone but me would notice.) Sporting one of my go-to hairstyles for busy days. The “necklace” is actually a charm bracelet I attached to another (plain chain) bracelet to make a short necklace; something I’ve been doing a lot lately and really expands the possibilities with my bracelet collection! (One can use ribbon or a longer chain as well to creat “ties”.)
shirt: thrifted | skirt: thrifted | hat: Old Town San Diego, CA | cross-body bag: thrifted | scarf: thrifted | bracelets: thrifted/vintage | earrings: Target
Day Fourteen: Saturday was one of those deliciously warm and sunny days that I wish we could have spent at the beach. But instead we had tickets to a ballgame and then went out to dinner with some friends at a fun contemporary Mexican restaurant. (I totally forgot to take outfit photos, so these are actually from Sunday when I changed back into Saturday’s outfit in the afternoon!) I was slightly inspired by the cute late 40s/early 50s two-piece looks with the cropped tops and long skirts, and a little of my favorite bohemian/hippie touches as well. Was very comfy to wear and allowed my little belly to expand after the amount of chips and guacamole I managed to consume! hehe! I also did Maegan’s side French braid that has been making the rounds. Mine is pretty messy, but considering it took me a few tries (I haven’t French braided my hair in… longer than I care to admit!), I’m pretty happy with how it looks.
Missed previous outfits? Be sure to catch up with posts #1, #2 and #3!
April 18, 2011 ·
71 lovely thoughts
posted in outfits + wardrobe
· tags: 2011 wardrobe, 30/30 spring, outfits
