30 for 30: Day 17

I get the strangest comments when I get caught taking my outfit pictures in my neighborhood. When I was taking the picture above yesterday, I was asked if I was taking my prom pictures. Prom pictures in late July? Lol! I just smiled and nodded. I'm sure my neighbors refer to me when I'm out of earshot as that narcissistic girl that takes photos of herself with her tripod everyday. The sacrifices we make for blogging...

Top: H&M
Skirt: Forever 21
Shoes: Target

30 for 30 Mid-Point Recap

Do you have a favorite so far?

30 for 30: Day 14 and 15

So today is a two-for-one because I didn't get around to posting yesterday's outfit. I'm halfway through the 30 for 30 challenge! 15 more days until I can wear other items in my closet and I might even treat myself to a small shopping excursion to celebrate (or maybe not...)!

This challenge has definitely made me realize that as much as I love buying new items, I can remix what I already own and practice a little fiscal responsibility from time-to-time. Style isn't about having a new closet of clothing every season, but it's about your 'swag' for lack of a better word. I'm gonna 'swag surf' more in the future because we've all got a certain amount of 'swag' going on and confidence is the best accessory you can put on every day to make yourself look AND feel 100% better.

It's probably apparent from my last few sentences, that I've been listening to a lot of Hip-Hop lately (Lupe Fiasco to be specific)...

Anyway, make the second half of the week count folks!

Outfit 14
Top: Nordstrom BP
Skirt: H&M
Belt: Nordstrom BP
Shoes: Calvin Klein via Marshalls
Necklace: Thrifted
Earrings: H&M

Outfit 15
Top: Target
Cardigan: Nordstrom BP
Skirt: H&M
Shoes: Target
Pearls: Forever 21
Earrings: random accessories store in Philly

Currently Wishing For...

ASOS Leather Satchel

Colored Pencils

Moleskin Notebook

None of the items I'm wished for are clothes, but I decided to limit all my spending for the duration of the 30 for 30, so the pictures of the items above will have to do for now...Can you tell that I'm feeling 'creative' by the items I'm wishing for lately?

Outfit photos for day 14 and 15 of the 30 for 30 challenge will be posted later today, so stay tuned!

30 for 30: Day 13

As much as I love the combo of black and white, I'm feeling a little blah about today's look. I think I'll punch up the color for tomorrow. I should have gone with my first thought this morning and added a brightly colored accessory to this look.

I still haven't felt much temptation to purchase any clothing 13 days into the 30 for 30 challenge, but I do feel tempted to wear other items in my closet beyond the 30 I've limited myself to for the duration of the challenge...I won't give in though. I almost thought an event I have to attend later this week that requires specific attire was going to throw me off the challenge, but I think I can make it work. Stay tuned for more specific details on this outfit later this week.

Top: H&M
Skirt: Target
Shoes: Calvin Klein via Marshalls

Song Currently on Repeat: 'A Million Days' by Prince

30 for 30: Day 12

The weekend really flew by! Here's to a positive and productive week!

Top: Target
Skirt: Thrifted
Shoes: Target
Earrings: random accessories store in Philly
Bracelet: Thrifted

30 for 30: Day 11/Sweltering Summer

It's unbelievably hot outside today in DC! It's the kind of heat that you loathe to go out into unless absolutely necessary because the shortest walk leaves you dripping in sweat. I feel appreciative of my lone pair of shorts today, I'd be tempted to break the 30 for 30 if I hadn't included them in my items. I'm tempted to venture out to the mall to window- shop and utilize their air conditioning instead of burning my own...but that's probably not a good idea seeing as though I'm on a shopping hiatus. Maybe a trip to the movies is in order instead...Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun today folks!

Denim shirt: Forever 21
Shorts: H&M
Shoes: Nine West via Zappos
Belt:? (ancient)
Bracelets: H&M
Hoops: random accessories store in Philly
Sunglasses: Target

Song Currently on Repeat: 'Everything is Everything' by Lauren Hill
(*patiently awaiting Lauren Hill's next album*)

30 for 30: Day 10

In hindsight, I probably shouldn't have included a vest in my 30 for 30 items. But since my clothing items are a bit limited at the moment, I decided to incorporate it into today's outfit. I'm actually wearing my shirt backwards, because the front has writing on it. Do I get points for versatility for doing that?

That's all I have to say for now, I'm wiped out from this week, have a great weekend!

Shirt: Out of Print T-Shirts (worn backwards)
Vest: Old Navy
Skirt: Urban Outfitters
Shoes: Target

30 for 30: Day 9

My Mom sent me this article today on people curbing their urge to buy clothes by limiting themselves to 6 pieces of clothing for a month which is considerably more stringent than the 30 for 30 challenge I'm participating in. I guess I could restrict myself to 6 items of clothing for a month, but I really wouldn't want to unless I was backpacking to one of my dream travel destinations and didn't want to carry too much stuff for the duration of the trip. Come to think of it, spending a solid month traveling sounds fun! I'd definitely sacrifice clothing variety to take a trip to somewhere like Paris, Cape Town, Toronto, Costa Rica or one of the other numerous places on my travel wish list. I think I'll add it to my 'bucket' list of things to do before I turn 30 in a few years...

Shirt: Forever 21
Skirt: H&M
Shoes: Target
Belt: Nordstrom (BP Junior's)

Do you think you could limit yourself to 6 clothing items for a month for any reason?

30 for 30: Day 8

On a whim today, I signed up for a beginner's sewing workshop here this Friday. If I like the two hour workshop I'm taking, I think I'll take a comprehensive beginner's class here. I've wanted to learn how to sew for a long time, so I figured that I should start taking some action. I have no illusions of being proficient enough to be a contestant on Project Runway, but I would like to learn how to follow simple patterns and hem my own dresses, skirts, and pants. I plan to buy more thrift, vintage items, and it would be more cost effective if I could avoid taking items to the local dry cleaners (which has a tailor) to get altered.

On another note, this cardigan instantly cheers me up with it's bright (almost neon) color. In hindsight, despite the 90+ temperatures in D.C., it probably would have been wise to include more than one cardigan in my items for the 30 for 30 challenge. I spend most of the work day in nearly arctic air conditioning, so cardigans really come in handy. So, it looks like this cardigan will be worn several times a week for the next 22 days...

Dress: Target
Cardigan: Nordtrom BP
Shoes: Thrifted
Necklace: JessLC
Belt: Urban Outfitters

Song currently on repeat: 'Get Up Offa' That Thing' by James Brown

30 for 30: Day 7

Over the past few days I've been enjoying looking at how some of the other participants in the 30 for 30 are remixing their looks. It's amazing how versatile 30 clothing (and shoes) items can be! I don't miss items in my closet that are off limits temporarily, but I'm only seven days into the challenge. I will probably feel differently about my 30 items by the time I'm at the mid-point. There used to be a time when I always made efforts for my shoes to exactly match my top to my shoes. My 14-year old self would be horrified that I now occasionally mix prints and wear shoes that are complimentary to my outfit but not 'matching.' I still have a ways to go to challenge myself more style-wise, but all in due time...

Top: H&M
Skirt: H&M
Shoes: Target
Earrings: Modcloth

30 for 30: Day 6

The one benefit of having a smaller amount of clothing to choose from is that I can get ready faster in the morning. I rarely pick my clothes out the night before and have the habit of spending precious minutes in the morning staring blankly at the contents of my closet like my clothes will advise me on when and how I should wear them. The sun didn't want to cooperate with this morning, and hid from me. I thought I'd have time to retake my photos during the course of the day, but the sun didn't make a long enough appearance to make retaking them worth while. I don't have much more to say today because I'm a little preoccupied with finishing an assignment for one of my two summer classes. I'm so relieved that this is the last week of my summer classes! Now I'm off to do some work before I get too sleepy.

Top: Target
Skirt: Target
Blazer: Delia's
Shoes: Target
Pearl necklace: Forever 21
Hoops: Spotted Moth

30 for 30: Day 5

Top: Nordstrom
Shorts: H&M
Shoes: Nine West via Zappos

Would you believe that these shorts are the only pair I own? I'm not including workout clothing in this number because they will never be seen on this blog
: ) I do own a romper which I guess could count as my second pair of shorts, but that's it. I did wear shorts more often as a teen, but I have given away every other pair except the ones above. I never feel compelled to buy shorts when I see them in stores. I see other people in real life and on other style blogs wear shorts so nicely, but I am usually wary of wearing them. As a testament to how personal style evolves over time, I'm starting to come around again to the idea of wearing shorts. I might have to incorporate shorts into my wardrobe more often; wearing heels with shorts makes me feel a little more "like myself" in them. I could definitely see myself wearing a pair of shorts with heels and a blazer for those rare occasions when I go to a club as well. I think I may DIY a pair of old jeans into shorts to wear after the 30 for 30 is over.

Here's to moving outside of your style comfort zone!

30 for 30: Day 4

I like hats, but rarely remember to wear them, unless it's cold or raining outside. I decided to break out my straw fedora today to add another "accessory" to a rather simple outfit. I admittedly did not wear the hat the entire day.

To get a respite from the heat today, I saw Inception, which I thought was very good by the way. I won't give away the plot for those who plan to see it, but it definitely makes you think of your dreams and thoughts in a different way. It has plenty of action as well for those that like that sort of thing and impressive 'effects' that are reminiscent of the Matrix in some moments. I also thought the movie score was pretty good, does anyone else pay attention to the music in films? In my opinion, the music can evoke emotion just as much as the actors in certain films. The next time you watch a movie, just imagine it without any music to help move the plot along or evoke a certain emotion; some of your favorite movies wouldn't have the same appeal, would they?

Well that's enough talk about films and music... happy Saturday!

Tank: Target
Skirt: Urban Outfitters
Shoes: Target
Necklace: Forever 21
Fedora: Amazon.com
Bracelets: H&M

Song currently on repeat: 'How I Got Over' by The Roots

30 for 30: Day 3

I wish I was creative enough to come up with cool titles to correspond with the number of the outfit I'm wearing like some of the other 30 for 30 participants, but I'm literally drawing a blank for song titles, movies and pop culture references with numbers...oh well. I can happily report that I didn't run into anyone with the same clothing items that I have on today, though I am wearing an H&M-purchased skirt for the second day in a row. That store must have a magnetic-field around it, I can't manage to walk by it without going in to "window shop." "Window shopping" usually translates into at least one purchase which means I'm staying far away from H&M and any other store I usually frequent until the 30 for 30 shopping hiatus is over.

I'm so happy it's Friday, I really love the weekends! The only possible thing that could make my weekend better is if I could spend at least part of it at a beach relaxing. I'm going to have to make that happen sometime soon.

Denim shirt: Forever 21
Skirt: H&M
Shoes: Target
Faux glasses: Urban Outfitters
Belt: Nordstrom's (Junior's section)

30 for 30: Day 2

I was feeling pretty good about today's outfit until I saw a girl with the exact same skirt as I had on when I was getting off of the Metro today....oh well. That's one of the hazards of shopping in stores like H&M. I still love this skirt, but I'm more encouraged to shop beyond 'fast fashion' stores so I don't have run-in's with people wearing the exact same clothing items as me. I discovered that having a limited selection of clothing items to wear in the morning prevents me from staring at my closet in the morning trying to figure out what to wear!

Top: H&M
Skirt: H&M
Belt: Nordstrom's (Junior's section)
Shoes: Calvin Klein via Marshall's
Earrings: Mod Coth

Song currently on repeat: "You" by Q-Tip

30 for 30: Day 1

I sort of forgot that I owned this skirt until I was trying to decide what items to choose for the 30 for 30 challenge I'm participating in. I was cheered up a little every time I looked down at my skirt during the course of the day because honestly, I woke up on the "wrong side of the bed." But I feel much better now! The sun even started to peak out this evening in honor of my improved mood.

On another note, I recently started reading Water for Elephants during my Metro commute thinking I wouldn't really be able to get through it, I typically have little interest in the circus, but it's actually quite engaging! One of the reasons why I enjoy taking public transportation is for the time it allows me to read. Driving has its perks, but having built-in time to read (for pleasure) each day is great in my opinion.

Song currently on repeat: "Little Bit" by Lykke Li

Items for 30 for 30 Challenge

After staring at my closet for a while, I've decided to choose these items for the 30 for 30. Two items: one pair of shoes (blue sling-backs) and one skirt (black and white printed) are not pictured. Accessories won't be included in my clothing/shoes count. I've taken the liberty to also not count this bathing suit which is a recent acquisition in case I actually make it to a beach in the next 30 days which I really hope I can make happen! I'm sure there are gaps I don't see in the items I've chosen right now, but hopefully I can make it through the remix without repeating a full outfit.

30 Pieces of Clothing for 30 Days

After sitting on the "sidelines" for a few days, I’ve decided to join in on the 30 for 30 Challenge that Kendi Everyday started. By the way, if you aren’t already reading her stylish (and often humorous blog), you should add her to your Google Reader now. I thought it would be a fun challenge to look at the contents of my closet in a different way and double as an exercise in fiscal responsibility since I’ll forgo any clothing shopping while I’m participating. This challenge will also be an effort to consistently photograph my outfits for 30 days straight, because frankly, I’ve been cheating on this blog with my school work for the past several weeks…Stay tuned for an update on the 30 pieces of clothing I’ve chosen for the challenge.

Mellow Yellow

I thought perhaps if I wore the lightest colors I could get my hands on this morning, that it would trick my mind into thinking it wasn't hot and humid outside...no such luck. I'm amazed I didn't melt standing outside to take these pictures, it's been so darn hot outside! I love the summer and sunshine, but I would appreciate a little less humidity. I hope everyone that lives in areas that are having excessive heat are staying hydrated and wearing sunscreen.

Hot weather makes me think of cold snacks. I'm not big on eating ice cream but I could go for a Mango flavored water ice; pronounced "wooder ice" because I'm from Philly... I've never had what would be considered a "Philly accent," but I still continue to butcher the word water though I've lived in DC since college. I just realized there is a whole Wikipedia page on Philadelphia dialect, who knew?

Top: H&M
Skirt: Forever 21
Shoes: Calvin Klein via Marshalls
Earrings: vendor from the Eastern Market
Necklace: JessLC
Sunnies: Kenneth Cole via Marshalls