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. 

 

24 of 30

Wow!  It’s been a long time!  Somehow, I forget to post for a day or two and then it just gets away from me.  Steel yourselves for a bit of a slew of posting….

July 29, 2010

striped shar-bit tank—Express, remixed
teal buttons cardigan--Limited, remixed
jeans--Joe's Provacateur via ebay, remixed
gladiator platforms--Simply Vera, remixed
pink pearl necklace--J.Crew, remixed

So, remember when peg-rolling your jeans was totally awesome in 6th grade and now people are doing it again?  I tried and failed, my friends.  Or else it’s just not a look for me. 

Not a planned outfit, just something I threw on to go work at the coffee shop around the corner for a bit, but I’m okay with this disheveled look and the random heels.  And I still love this cardigan—she will be around after I’m sick of all of the other 30for30 items, for sure.

Victor, Victoria

white blouse--LOFT, old
pink striped skirt--H&M, remixed
nude platforms--BCBG via DSW, remixed
pearls--Forever 21, remixed
Although I didn’t really have anywhere in particular to go today, I wanted to dress up for an entry to Jessica’s “Victor, Victoria” contest!  The options were menswear-inspired looks or something “super lady-like” and naturally, I went for the latter. 


What could be girlier than pink, pleats, and a bow topped off with pointelle and pearls?  :)
 
I bought this skirt at H&M during the winter and have actually only worn it once since then.  I like looking back: in January, I wore it with all black and a green scarf.  Now, it’s been summer-ized with white pointelle, pearls, and nude sandals. 

Since I’ve been a ghost this week in the blog-world, here are some of the menswear-inspired looks I wore earlier in the week/weekend while we were visiting our nephews and the in-laws!

A Few Items of Business

Gooooood morning, everyone!!  I have an outfit post for today, but a few things I keep meaning to post and forgetting are first.  Story of my life, right?
1.  I uploaded Saturday’s look for Weardrobe’s latest contest featuring high heels!  I’d love some hearts if you’re so inclined, so check it out and maybe even upload your own entry!  The prize is a $100 gift card to Urban Outfitters, which I am unlucky (for my wallet) enough to walk by every day since it’s a block from my office.

2.  The beautiful LyddieGal who runs Chic on the Cheap left this sweet blog award for me a while back and I’ve never had the chance to post it or pass it on.  Thank you so much!!  It’s my first one!!
Be sure to check out her great finds and how she *works* TJ Maxx like you wouldn’t believe!!

Her blogroll has also introduced me to some great new blogs—I need to update my list and my Google reader to accommodate all of this inspiration!