30 for 30 Challenge...again?

Am I crazy? I must be. I loathed this thing last time, seriously. However, thoughts of doing this have been haunting me for the past couple of weeks. It’s a different season, I have different clothes to wear...and I’m a bit braver with my style now. I’m evolving...{but not out of my corny tendencies, har har}. Anyway, the decision has been made, so don’t try to talk me out of it. {Wait, are you sure you don’t want to try? For real, it wouldn’t be hard...}. Le sigh. So here we go...

9 Tops...

Pink blouse/Old Navy, thrifted :: Pink Cami/f21 :: Red/Black Abstract Tshirt/Daisy Fuentes, thrifted :: Black ¾ sleeve sweater/Gap, thrifted :: Rust Short Sleeve sweater/f21 :: Navy Polka Dot Blouse/Old Navy :: Ivory Lace Long Sleeve Blouse/f21 :: Sequin Black Tank Top/Charlotte Russe :: White button blouse/gifted

5 Pants

Skinny Jeans/a.n.a, J.C. Penny :: Boot cut jeans/Lee ::Black cuffed slacks/old, thrifted :: Khaki Slacks/thrifted :: Bright Blue Skinny Jeans/f21

3 Dresses & 2 Skirts

Button down dress/Maurices, thrifted ::Neon Orange knit dress/f21 ::Striped Dress/Shirt, thrifted

Black flare skirt/thrifted ::Zebra pencil skirt/thrifted

4 Cardis

Black Shrug/Gordman’s (old!) :: Cream Shrug/Kohl’s :: Lime Cardigan/Merona, thrifted :: Purple cropped Cardi/Kohl’s

7 pairs of Shoes

Brown Boots/Merona, Target :: Black Mary Jane Heels/Kohl’s :: Grey heels/Target :: Tan Sandal heels/Kohl’s :: Brown flats/American Eagle for Payless :: Teal Gladiators/gift :: Black Flats/Payless

Also, this will probably take me longer than a month to post. Mainly, because I don’t plan on blogging on weekends, but I will continue with the challenge. In fact if I’m being totally honest, I’m already on like Day 5 on the challenge. :P Maybe I’ll double up on some of the posts, or only post my favorites and then do a recap of all at the end? Okay, now I’m just thinking out loud and this post is too long as is. 

Enjoy your Monday :)

#15 Halfway There!

 
Holy cow, I’m halfway through my 30 for 30 challenge!! To be honest, I’m a bit shocked I’ve made it this far. For the past week or so I’ve had to have a pep talk with myself nearly everyday. Now, that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel I have much more drive to see it through! However, I don’t plan on doing this challenge again any time soon...or ever. Ha! I do think I will try Feathers & Freckles 10 & 2 challenge. It will be a bit less intense and still help me learn to restyle my closet [and appropriately fill my “Donate” box].

On the outfit, I love this dress, but never wear it [obviously, it’s #15 and you are seeing it for the first time!]. This is the prime reason for including it in my 30 items. I thought the length might be a bit questionable for work, but that’s what dark tights are for, right? I’ve always subscribed to the rule that wearing dark tights gives you a few inches allowance!  Also, when I see it in the pictures it doesn't look as short as it feels.

#12 & 13 - Double Duty!

 Outfit #12 - Top/thrifted, Cardigan/a.n.a. via JC Penny, Trousers/thrifted, Boots/Merona via Target

Outfit #13 - Pink sweater/Maurices, White long sleeves/SO via Kohl's, Necklace/gift, Wing earrings/Claire's

You get 2 in one today! I have outfit #12 and #13 for you! I obviously meant to post #12 yesterday, but the day took a hideous turn around 8:30...AM! So, by time I got home I had called it quits on the day. I did get part of my mom's Christmas present done though. I also browsed pinterest for way too long to gather other DIY gift ideas, so I’m all prepared for the holidays now!

Oh and yes, yes I did wear the same pants two days in a row.  Which is why I scrapped the full length shots from day #13 [plus they all looked like crap!].

Anyway, enjoy the double post and have a great Thursday!

#11 Polka Dots & Boots

Holy cow, I didn’t even realize this. Yesterday was outfit #10 - that means I’m ⅓ done! Woot! Only 20 more outfits to go! Wait, no 19 more outfits!

It was supposed to get near 70 today, so I took advantage of that and wore a skirt with no tights. It wasn’t that warm, but I still survived. It’s Tuesday which means gym night, so I took some quickie photos over lunch. I would like to get out again, though as the curse of the midwest moves in [cold weather, wind, snow] I feel like I should try to find some warmer [indoor] places to take some photos.

This probably isn’t the best location in my house, but I thought it would be sort of fun with the Halloween decoration and all (but then I cropped them out for the most part, ha!). So, what’s the rule on Halloween decorations...can I leave them up until Thanksgiving. :P

Did anyone else dress up and/or pass out candy to the kiddos? Any particular cute/creative costumes?

#10 Teal & Bronze

Another boring one, my bad.  I actually wasn't planning on doing a 30 for 30 outfit this AM, becasue I was sooo tired.  Yet, somehow I surprised myself by even bothering to get dressed.  The party Saturday night went great and hopefully I'll have a post up on that soon!

At the moment, I'm handing out candy to the kids.  Theo isn't a fan because he's been banished to his kennel.  :(  Only 22 more minutes little guy!  While we are on the topic [sort of], the kids last year were so ridiculously horrible (like throwing tantrums on my front porch when I refused them another handful of candy!) that I almost didn't pass out candy this year.  I had a last minute change of heart and I'm glad I did.  There have been some major cuties in the crowd.  Although, message to the "big kid" (big as in age] - a zip up hoodie, jeans and sneakers is not a costume.  If you're going to trick or treat past an acceptable age you should at least make a small effort!  Oh wait, maybe he was supposed to be Donnie Darko?  :P

Happy Halloween everyone!!

#9 Easy Peasy

For real, this outfit is a total cop-out. You know, I know it, my dog knows it. That’s okay though, because I was just too comfortable to care. For real, these pants are like wearing old pj’s to work. Plus, I spruced it up with some fun feather earrings! :)

Okay, this top is not in my original items, but I haven’t worn the baby blue sweater yet, so I’m swapping it out. Not that I think this top will be any easier to style, but I wanted to have other colors besides the green/blues I originally chose. To be 100% honest, I have no clue how else I’m going to wear this top. Maybe I could try throwing the gray blazer over it? We shall see I suppose. *Note: The top in the photo is not my actual top, mine has a hood and a small pocket on the front.I I went to take a picture of mine, but it was in the laundry! Ha!

I really would like to get out and take some more photos, but I’m just swamped this week. This will have to suffice for now. Want to know one reason why I’m crazy busy? I’m throwing a Halloween dinner party tonight!! Yes, yes, I am so very excited! It’s a casual-wear-your-costume sort of dinner, then we will be going to the local bars for some costume contests! I have some very fun spooky inspired food planned and you can bet I’ll be taking lots of pictures for a very special Halloween post!

Have a great weekend!

#8 Prepster

*Note: I had this all ready yesterday and just forgot to post! Sorry! 
 

There is something about wearing a button up under a sweater that makes me feel so preppy. I wouldn’t necessarily call my style “preppy”, but then again I’m not really sure what my style is. Maybe that’s something I’ll figure out on this challenge? I definitely don’t mind a preppy look...once in awhile, just not daily. Although, with the items I’ve chosen, I feel like I have been and will be doing this type of button down/sweater combo again. Oh well!

I tried something different with my hair today...a fish tail braid down the back! I love fish tail braids! Wearing it straight down the back like this is fine [and it was my first real attempt at one, so I’ll give myself a break], but it feels a bit...conservative. Haha, I don’t know if that’s the right word, but that’s what comes to mind. I think I would just like something a bit messier and/or off to the side, like these!

 Source: bellamumma.com via Erica on Pinterest

Source: runningonhappiness.blogspot.com via Callie on Pinterest

#7 Got The Blues

[Top/Merona via Target, Blazer/iz byer via Kohl’s, Skirt/iz byer via Kohl’s , Tights/Selena Gomez via Kmart(lol!), Boots/Merona via Target]

I didn’t get good pictures of this outfit either! I went to the gym right after work and then I looked gross, so meh. I just don’t have the time to make a big fuss about getting pictures, although I wish I did. Maybe I’ll plan out my outfits for the week and just go take pictures all at once...is that cheating? Ha! Anyway, I wasn’t sure about the blueish-teal tights, but I went for it anyway. Go Bright Or Go Home! :P No one really said anything either way about this outfit, which generally means they think I’m crazy. That’s okay, it’s fun and colorful like me! I guess maybe I’m a little crazy too, so that works out.

I’m already getting outfit block and it’s only my 7th one! Yikes! Maybe I should have put more planning into my pieces? I thought I did, but now I’m not so sure. Oh well, I’ll keep trucking on!

Also, keep your eye’s peeled for a couple fun Halloween posts later this week! Best. Holiday. Ever.

What are your costume ideas?

#6 - Black & Brown

I remember a particular shopping excursion I had a few years back, and when I say a few years back, I mean l was a teenager [so like 10 yeras...yikes!]. I saw this black sweater that came with an attached brown belt. I thought it was cute and picked it up to try on - fully aware of the cardinal rule every young girl is taught: Don’t wear black AND brown together! I didn’t get two steps away from the rack when both shopping buddies all but tore said sweater out of my hands and put it back on the rack. This was a traumatizing experience. Still, over the years I have almost wore brown and black together, but then I am haunted by this memory and quickly change my outfit.

Not today my friends, not today. This brave woman, along with many others have restored my faith in the brown/black combo. I will wear it with pride, despite all stares of disgust and confusion.

This is all I have for this, no real photo, sorry. I know you are disappointed, but I swear I’m not coping out! I DID wear the outfit....last Friday. I even met up with family for lunch and they didn’t stare at me in disgust or confusion. In fact I received multiple compliments. So maybe this whole traumatizing event was just in my head? Or maybe it’s just that grandmothers always think their granddaughters look fantastic? :)

#5 Breezy Boots

I did it. I went and took photos out in the world today! I love them! It was so much fun and I think they turned out pretty great! Of course, it was also incredibly windy outside. At one point, my tripod even started to tip over, but somehow I magically caught it. Oh well, that crazy wind blown look is in now, right?

 I really like this outfit. I don’t usually wear pink, but that’s one reason this sweater is in my 30 items. I love these boots. LOVE. I got them at Target for $30. I told you I would break the no shopping rule. I broke it and it feels so good! These shoes will be taking the place of my grey heels. I haven’t worn the grey ones yet, plus I have no clue why I even put them in my 30 items. Probably because we were having this crazy heat wave when I was selecting my items and now it’s crazy cold. I’m also switching out a couple other items [sorry], but I haven’t worn any of the switcheroos, so that’s allowed right? I’ll address the new items as the appear in outfits.

Back to the boots, best 30 bucks I’ve spent. Ever. These things are so flipping comfortable they should be illegal. I want to sleep in these boots. That’s how comfortable they are. I have planned several outfits around these boots. In fact, I will be basically living in them this weekend.

Speaking of this weekend, it’s my friend’s wedding - yippee!! So, I won’t be around for a couple days. Plus, I don’t think either of my festivity outfits will be fitting into my 30 for 30, but that’s okay!

Have a great weekend!
Kassie

#4 Office-ally Teal

Lots of teal going on today. Looking over my 30 items there is a lot of blue/green/teal! Rule for my birthday shopping trip: NO TEAL. For real, I need new colors. I’d really like to try some rust colors and maybe even something in mustard?

I was a little braver today - I took pictures outside of my house, my back patio. I do want to go to this prairie place, however I didn’t think this was the right outfit for that. I couldn’t think of any other places without people, nor do I have the time! My friend’s wedding is on Saturday [and it’s back home, about 4.5 hours away], so I’m crazy busy until then! I volunteered to make some things for her “photo booth”, so I need to do that. Plus, I made her a gift and that needs finishing. I also have a DIY project I’d like to do tonight and I need to bake cookies for my co-workers birthday! Phew! Fingerscrossed that I get it all done!

Oh and yes, my dog is ridiculously adorable...and fluffy!  :)

#3 Purple Haze

I love this purple top. I think the color is what does it for me, purple haze. That’s what I call it anyway. This technically is dress length, I just folded it under. Sadly, it’s not long enough for work! Maybe I can restyle it with some leggings for a weekend outing.

I’ve haven’t been brave enough to leave my house for photos yet. I was going to just try going out in my backyard, but it’s shared with my duplex neighbors and I didn’t want them staring at me! I actually haven’t even told anyone I know about this blog and challenge yet. Is that weird?

I emailed Megan over at Feathers and Freckles for some tips about taking photos. Visit her blog if you haven’t! She’s super sweet and a fellow ginger! :) Anyway, I know she takes her own photos [like I do] and they always look great! I think I will be attempting to take her advice and just find a location without any people. I have one in mind, so I’ll just need to find some others.

Maybe while I’m at it I’ll tell my boyfriend about my dirty little secret. [this blog...but you got that right?]

peace, kassie

#1 Avocado Polka Dots

I am absolutely in love with this skirt. The best part? It cost $3. I didn’t get a photo of my outfit today, but I’ve worn it before!

This is my first outfit of 30! Yikes! I doubt I’ll get photos everyday, but I’ll do my best. Full disclosure: I wore this outfit last week, I'm just behind on posting a couple days. That’s okay right? Right! I’m accustomed to answering myself, apparently even while typing.

Happy Monday!!

30 for 30!?

Okay, it’s official. I have decided to do Kendi’s 30 for 30 Challenge. It’s quite possible that I won’t follow through with it, very possible in fact, but I’m going to try. I’ve thought about doing it for awhile now and I’ve decided I have enough good reasons to go for it.

Basically, I know I have enough cute clothes that I shouldn’t be wearing the same outfit every other day. I’m getting lazy. I think this challenge will definitely help me learn to work with what I have, which is super important since I’m on a strict budget. I think it will also help me choose a few nice pieces I’d like to add to my closet [especially since Christmas AND my birthday are around the corner!] as well as help me purge my closet a bit. Finally, I think this challenge will help me be braver. Too many times I have planned out an outfit in my head...or literally, and then not worn it out of fear. Fear of what others would think of me, fear of the unwanted attention, fear that I in fact do not look cute, but rather quite ridiculous. I’m tired of that!

I know the “rules” for 30 fo 30 are pretty lax, so here are the guidelines I’ll be going by.

• The shopping ban - I rarely shop anyway, so I’m not too worried about this. However, I will say that if I find the perfect brown boots that I’m looking for I will be purchasing them guilt free. Also, if it gets chilly, I may not have enough tights to get me through, so I reserve the right to buy a couple pairs if needed! 

• Weekends off - for the most part. If I have somewhere to go, of course I’ll try to include it in the 30 for 30. Otherwise, the weekends are freebies, so obviously this will take me longer than a month to finish. 

• Friend’s Wedding - another freebie! I am going to try to include the rehearsal dinner in the 30 for 30, but the wedding is a no go! I’m pretty sure I can’t/don’t want to restyle that bridesmaid dress for a month. :P 

• Jeans - When you see jeans listed below...it means whatever pair I feel like wearing that day! I have like 3 pairs I rotate, so I’m going to let them count as 1. This is one place my wardrobe needs a little help! 

• I will not be counting cami’s I wear under stuff, tights, leggings, scarves or jewelery. Maybe I should count camis if they are showing, but meh. The others are all accessories, so they are freebies.

I’ve actually already been doing this for a couple of days....so here are my 30 choices!

Yikes! I’m a bit nervous about this...

peace, kassie