Tale of the Long-Lost Skirt

August 30, 2010

white ruffle racerback tank—Old Navy, remixed
red patterned skirt--Banana Republic, retail days
blue belt--Old Navy, remixed
silver t-straps--J.Crew, remixed
triple-strand headband--Anthro, remixed

Hey everybody!*

How was your weekend?  Lovely, I hope.  I headed back into the lion’s mouth of campus ministry with the arrival of the new first-year students and their parents over the weekend.  It was a lot of fun meeting everyone and seeing returning students again—this is certainly one of the most exciting and energizing times of the whole year.

This skirt has been in my dry-cleaning pile since….oh, last summer.  It’s too bad because I love it and forgot how pretty it is and how it moves!

Heat wave up here in New England—90 degrees and up every day this week until we get the hurricane effect this weekend.  Eep.   Naturally, we’re going on retreat with our student leaders this weekend, so we’ll see how that goes. 

I have to tell you, I loved this outfit today!  It just worked for whatever reason and even fit the temperature and humidity and the fact that I had to haul several boxes of extra newsletters up to my office.  Hooray for function and fashion that made me feel great all day!

*said in my best Dr. Nick voice, cf. The Simpsons

Sequins and Utility

August 25, 2010

silver sequin henley—J.Crew, 2008?
black tank--Banana, old & remixed
denim leggings--Gap, remixed
wellies--Banana, old & remixed
green sailcloth trench--LOFT, remixed

Yesterday was Day 3 of rain and cooler temps but it was nice to pull on jeans and boots for the first time in….forever, practically!  I’ve had this top in my closet for a while, but it’s sort of a weird fit in that it’s so loose it always looks sloppy, but with the fall trend of sequins for the day, I pulled it on out again.  I think in theory it probably goes with pretty much anything, so I’ll have to try and work it into rotation.  I think this is the trend I am the most excited about for fall: I’m not super into cargo pants or the menswear look, but I love lace and sequins and all things girly, so I’m just excited for a chance to wear them during the day.  I do like the utilitarian trench juxtaposed with the sequins, though!

Semi-Professional

August 24, 2010

black & green sweater—LOFT, remixed
silver pants--Limited, remixed
patent mary janes--J.Crew, remixed

It was raining again today and so we’re still stuck with indoor photos.  For whatever reason, I wasn’t happy with any of the ones I took this afternoon, so here’s the best of the worst.  :)

With the rain, I wasn’t up for my rubber flats again or my wellies, so I went with patent pumps, which are basically waterproof anyway.  I put on pants that aren’t capris or shorts for the first time in….months?!  It was so strange, but I felt very professional all day with my pants and collar & cuffs.  Plus, these shoes are comfortable enough for walking from my car, taking the dog out, and running errands.  All that and a pop of pink patent peep-toe (say that three times fast!)?  Yes, please.

Lingerie When It’s Light Out

August 23, 2010

striped blazer—Limited, old
black lace tank--H&M
black capris--NY&Co, remixed
rubber rhinestone flats--J.Crew, remixed
necklace & earrings--Limited, old

So, so many problems with this outfit.  Oh dear.

First of all, I should make it very clear that this shirt does not look sheer in real life—it must be the flash of the camera.  Really and truly. Secondly, I fully realize that this shirt is pretty low-cut and I wore the jacket buttoned up all day, so there was no cleavage visible.  Which brings me to the jacket itself.  Sad though it is, this blazer has made its way home to the donation pile.  I’ve had it for quite some time and I love it on the hanger, but I just never love it on me.  The sleeves are too puffy, the cut too short---something is off.  But hopefully, someone else will love it and get a great deal!

And even though I feel like I’m just throwing my bust out there on the internet, here’s the pretty lace detail. 

Some Randoms

Oh friends, it’s been far too long!!  Things have been busy with a whirlwind romantic get-away to Maine last weekend, and then my birthday and ensuing festivities this past week with another quick day-cation on Saturday.  Whew! 

Let’s catch up!  Brace yourself for a slew of outfit photos below and a recap of our awesome weekend away to come!

August 11, 2010

What:
yellow beach dress—J.Crew, old
white braided belt--American Eagle, remixed
espadrilles--J.Crew, old

Where:
This was just a work outfit on a day when I was feeling especially beachy!  I love this dress, but it’s old and the stays on the inside poke through the fabric and rub, making it incredibly uncomfortable.  Boo—but I was happy to get another summer out of it!

August 12, 2010

What:
red wrap shirt--Limited, old
black lace cami--Target, old
patterned skirt--Limited, remixed
peep-toe flats--Madden Girl, remixed
necklace--Limited, remixed

Where:
work!

August 16, 2010

What:
red striped tunic--Urban Outfitters, remixed
white pencil skirt--Limited, remixed
peep-toe flats--Madden Girl, remixed
double torsade necklace--Anthro, remixed

Where:
work work work

August 19, 2010

What:
corset dress--Urban Outfitters, sale
pink tutu--Forever 21, remixed
blue belt--Old Navy, remixed
double torsade necklace--Anthro, remixed
beige platforms--BCBG, remixed

Where:
It was my birthday so I took the opportunity to don a tutu :)

August 20, 2010

What:
floral ruffle top--Liberty of London for Target, remixed
black ribbon skirt--Limited, remixed
white braided belt--American Eagle, remixed
peep-toe flats--Madden Girl, remixed

Where:
office, lunch with a new friend!

What:
black & white dress--Limited, old
beige platforms--BCBG, remixed
earrings--Express, remixed

Where:
dinner with friends, surprise party courtesy of my sweet, sweet husband :)

That about catches us up…sorry for the absence—I’ve always been an excellent procrastinator, but it feels good to be back!

Poppy & the Real Girl

August 10, 2010

red patterned dress—Banana, remixed 
navy vest--H&M, remixed
green wedges--Madden Girl via DSW.com, remixed
gold earrings--Target, remixed

By now, you’ve inevitably seen the Coach Poppy Project on my site and, more likely, all over the internet on a variety of blogs.  Honestly, I first saw it on Third Floor Closet and thought, “How cute!  I love the flower decor!” before reading more and learning that it was actually a fun way to interact with Coach and Coach fans across the internet and give folks a chance to win some free Coach swag!  So, please, be my guest and play around with the banner here and elsewhere on the web.  Try tweeting with #CoachPoppy to make the patterns everywhere grow (or “liking” it on Facebook) or add my hashtag #gospelofstyle to give this one in particular a special boost.  Full info here.

Full disclosure: I just joined Twitter and have no idea how to use it.  So I just continually tweet Coach.  They haven’t kicked me off yet. :)

I have a lot of trouble styling vests, as it turns out.  I have a couple of them: this navy, fitted one and a gray knit, ruffled one and I love them both, but am never quite sure how to wear them in different ways.  They’re one of those items that look so cute on everyone else and so I’m inspired, purchase it, and then can’t figure out how to wear it.

That said, I like this nautical-ish navy vest over the print dress from last summer.  Although I feel like this dress is a tad snug /short /something not-quite-right, I really love the pleat in the front that gives the skirt some lift and I think the fitted vest up top accentuates that. 

Any other ideas for how to wear either of these vests?  Input much appreciated.

What items do you find look cute on others that you can’t seem to style yourself? 

The Irony of Victory Day

August 9, 2010

white ruffled tank—Old Navy ($5!)
madras miniskirt--American Eagle, old
red-striped wedges--TOMS, remixed
sunglasses--Target, remixed
bag--Coach, old

Oh Rhode Island…dear, sweet little Rhode Island.  RI is the only remaining state to celebrate Victory Day as a state holiday with closed banks, libraries, government offices, etc.  Never heard of such a holiday?  Congratulations—you live in an area that no longer commemorates dropping the atomic bombs on Japan during WWII.  Technically, the celebration is for the end of the Second World War, but it’s no longer a federal holiday because of the nature of that ending. 

Forgive my political rants, if you will.  I’m certainly thankful and awestruck by the men and women courageous enough to join the armed forces and fly overseas to the unknown and am horrified by the still-climbing death tolls in the current U.S. wars.  I’m just saying: there’s a (solid) reason 49 other states no longer claim Victory Day. 

But you’re not here for politics!  You’re here for clothes—to enjoy, draw inspiration from (What Not to Wear?), or offer feedback.  So, on to the outfit…

It’s still hotter than Hades here so breezy minimalism is where it’s at, as far as I’m concerned.  I bought this tank on super clearance for $4.99 at Old Navy pre-30 for 30 challenge and then didn’t wear it as I left it out of my 30 items.  It’s cute in the back too, with a racerback and continued ruffles along the edges. 

This skirt has been around for several years and while I still love the pattern, I no longer love the length or cut or the fact that it’s slowly become much too small for these thighs.  What do you think—consignment/Goodwill pile after this summer?

Missing Pieces

August 5, 2010

printed miniskirt—Express, remixed
white tank--Banana, remixed
gray knit blazer--Gap, remixed
green beads--J.Crew, old
silver t-straps--J.Crew, remixed

Somehow when I was catching up the other day I skipped from Wednesday to Friday without posting Thursday’s outfit—must have been the post-challenge celebration-induced stupor…

This skirt was another item I wanted to wear and had even debated including in my 30 items, but ultimately didn’t.  I really love the pattern and fun ruffles and that after lusting after it for a bit, I finally got it on sale.  I tried to office-ify it here by putting a knit blazer over my tank top, but seriously, I’m basically breaking every professional rule in the book: I’m wearing flip-flops and a miniskirt to work, after all.   Yay summer!

August 7, 2010

purple maxi dress—Forever 21, last year
green sandals--American Eagle, remixed
earrings--Forever 21, remixed
sunglasses--Target, new!

Although this maxi dress was a staple for me last summer, this is the first time I’ve pulled it out this year.  I love the rich color and halter neck of this one and it’s like walking around in a nightgown, which is always a bonus.

I haven’t exactly been a shopping animal since my ban “ended,” since the husband and I are buckling down to get out of debt by the end of the year.  SO excited for that possibility that even if I buy nothing between now and January 1, 2011, it will be worth it.  I’m not promising that will be the case (dare I even hope that it’s not?), but we have concrete goals and putting money towards things other than credit cards will be lovely.  Ugh.

In any case, I did purchase a new pair of sunglasses at Target since the ones I’d bought from there three years ago randomly cracked and broke for no apparent reason the other day.   Practical purchase?   Yes.  But also thrilling given the lack of spending I’ve done over the last month.

See?  It did work!  I’m overjoyed at a pair of $15 sunglasses and still realistic about going spendy-spendy. 

For now.

Friday Dance

August 6, 2010

black wrap top—Ann Taylor, old
brocade skirt--Zac Posen for Target, remixed
blue belt--Old Navy, remixed
peeptoe flats--Madden Girl via DSW, remixed
gold necklace--Limited, remixed

Let me get one thing straight—my hair is only flat because I got it cut today and she kindly gave me a blow-out despite the insane humidity.  Hooray for my amazing stylist—I’m going back for color next week. :)

Next up on my post-challenge list was this Zac Posen for Target skirt that I had only worn once before and needed to get the cost-per-wear drastically reduced.

Post-Challenge Blues Already?

August 4, 2010

sleeveless sweater—Ann Taylor, old
white chinos--J.Crew, remixed
big brown belt--Banana, remixed
silver t-straps--J.Crew, remixed
leaf earrings--10,000 Villages, remixed

I really had no idea what to wear the day after the 30 for 30 ended so I made a list of things I wanted to wear again.  Admittedly, it was a short, random list, so we’ll see how far that gets me.  This top was on that list—it’s at least five years old but I hadn’t worn it yet this summer. 

I like the neutrals trend and the ease of pairing them together for hot, hot days like we’ve had all summer.  Wearing white just makes me feel cooler. 

The Finale

There they are!  I’m unbelievably pleased with myself for finishing: some work for world peace, research medical break-throughs, and I remix outfits.  We all do our parts, I guess. 

So, fellow remixers, have ye favorites?  I have to say that my least favorite was #22.  Poor dear. 

Favorites included #7, #12, #28, & #30, especially because most of them were re-workings of beloved items that made me love them even more for their new looks and possibilities.

I was certainly stretched in creativity!  As someone who tends to figure out one way to wear something and then always wear it that way, it was great fun to challenge myself to remix the same items in new ways.  I practiced my tried-and-true belting, I rolled my jeans, wore dresses as tops & skirts, and both simultaneously.

And how my perspectives on shopping and the amount of clothing I have have changed…

First of all, I just blatantly have a ridiculous number of items in my closet.  To be honest, while I missed the rest of my clothes, I was pretty content wearing and re-wearing these 30 items and it made me realize I could get by (happily) with much, much less. 

Secondly, remixing requires a lot more laundry than I’m used to.  Maybe I’m just a sweaty beast and it is summer, after all, but I rarely do laundry more than every three weeks or so (another testament to the insane quantities in the bowels of my dressers).  Over the course of this challenge, I had to wash specific items to re-wear, which cost me more.  Although, no, you’re right, not as much as a new dress instead.

I have to say that I also felt incredibly liberated by my limited choices of what to wear.  I’m often guilty of standing paralyzed in the closet for twenty minutes or more in the mornings, overwhelmed with options and unable to settle on anything.  Having already worn certain items or combinations, my choices continued to grow more and more limited, making getting dressed that much quicker and less anxiety-producing.

Blog-wise, I liked having a purpose!  I felt like part of a community of bloggers all laboring through this same challenge, which I loved.  It was fun to watch others remix and see how they got creative, tired, and reinvigorated at the same time.  And I discovered some great new blogs like AJ, Ashley, and Angeline!

As far as the raw materials go…

I have to say, I was actually pretty content with my choices.  My superstars were my blue tube dress, my layering tanks, and my pant choices of khaki shorts & black capris.  Surprisingly, I also got three wears out of this floral skirt, a gold t-shirt, and my teal cardigan. 

I liked the number of each item I had, although maybe fewer dresses and more tops or layering jackets/cardigans next time around.  Call me crazy, but there was no way I could have gotten by with any fewer than six pairs of shoes. 

I can’t wait to hear everyone else’s thoughts as you finish up!  Congratulations, friends and well-done. 

 

So…what’s next?  :)

30 of 30 AKA FIN.

August 3, 2010

colorblock tank dress—Express, remixed
gold tee--NY&Co, remixed
peacock belt--Modcloth, remixed
beige platforms--BCBG via DSW, remixed
earrings--American Eagle, remixed

I. did. it. 

Friends, I cannot believe it’s true, but I managed not only to remix 30 items into 30 outfits, but to go without shopping for a month.  Therein lies the victory.  I’ve learned a lot, but I’ll save that for a recap post with the photos, remixes, and life lessons.

I was pretty happy that outfit #30 didn’t end up as a dress on my head and me collapsed in my underwear in a corner somewhere.  That is to say that I like this outfit and I’m glad I figured out a way to remix this tank dress that I rationalized buying because it was “just so versatile.” 

I took the necklaces off and added this tee on top, knotting it in the back so it would stay in place.  And I know that last time, I also wore this dress with these platforms, but I really do love them so much that any chance to wear them must be taken.  I’m not sick of any of my shoe choices, believe it or not, but maybe because they would have all been my go-to shoes this summer anyway.

Re-cap of the whole challenge and my 30 outfits coming soon!

 

29 of 30

August 2, 2010

green buttons cardigan—Limited, remixed
khaki shorts--Banana, remixed
gray tank--Banana, remixed
pink patent belt--American Eagle, old
boat shoes--Sperry, remixed

If it looks like I’m on a golf course in these photos, it’s because—surprise!—I am.  I spent yesterday volunteering with my sorority alumni association at a charity golf tournament in Quidnesset (man I love Rhode Island village names).  It was gorgeous—perfect day in the 70s, sailboats on the water, immaculate landscaping. 

I spent the majority of the afternoon during the tournament at the tee for the Hole-In-One $35, 000 prize.  I told the golfers about the prize, laughed with them about the odds, and then watched to see if just maybe someone would hit a hole-in-one (they didn’t). 

So what’s a girl to do for hours on end between foursomes of golfers?  I took these photos, finished a book, and filled divets. 

Speaking of books, have you heard of Jen Lancaster?  Because if not, you’re missing out.  She is beyond hilarious and I just finished her first book: Bitter is the New Black.  Seriously.   I was laughing so hard at some points that I woke up the husband over the sounds of the TV and a/c who came running because he thought I was choking. 

Also, I sound like I’m choking when I laugh.  Highly inconvenient.

But no joke: read this book and laugh.  I’m already requesting her other ones from the library since this is the one I finished on the golf course.  Be warned if you are of a ginger spirit or easily offended, though: this books contains adult material and language.

28 of 30

August 1, 2010

blue tube dress—J.Crew, remixed
white lace top--Forever 21, remixed
big brown belt--Banana, remixed
red striped wedges--TOMS, remixed
yellow necklace--Limited, remixed

Slowly, slowly….we are getting there.  The challenge is almost over and my closet feels like a department store full of shiny new things. 

I told you this tube dress was versatile—I finally wore it as an actual dress today, under this lace top for church and then on its own for a picnic in the park with friends.  It really makes the perfect shape skirt when belted and a great empire waist dress or bathing suit cover-up.  Have I mentioned I love it?

In case you were wondering why my hair looks greasy, curly and pulled back in nearly every picture lately, I desperately need a haircut AND it’s that point in the summer when it’s just too hot (and time consuming) to break out the hairdryer and I can’t stand it on my neck.  I may go for style from the neck down, but on my  head it’s all practicality, people. 

26 & 27 of 30

July 31, 2010

black patterned shirt—Banana, thrifted & remixed
floral skirt--H&M, remixed
peeptoe flats--Madden Girl via DSW, remixed

Some more photos from this weekend…

I threw this on when my husband and I decided last-minute to go see Inception on Saturday afternoon at the IMAX.  We loved it!  The big screen and effects were pretty fun, not to mention the fact that we snuck in our own snacks and wine in coffee mugs. :)

white tank—Banana, remixed
floral skirt--H&M, remixed
blue belt--Old Navy, remixed
gold sandals--Madden Girl via ebay, remixed
pink beads--Banana, retail days

Later, I changed into a tank and sandals to go downtown for Waterfire.  It’s kind of a big deal.