Showing posts with label 30 for 30 Fall 2010. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 30 for 30 Fall 2010. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Final Thoughts



All Outfits


Use per item tally:
  • All shirts were worn twice, except for the chambray shirt (5), the stripe tee (6), and the floral blouse (3).
  • Both dresses worn once.
  • Black skinny jeans won pants category with 7.
  • Black skirt wins skirts with 5.
  • Black boots wins shoes with 10.
  • Navy blazer (4) just edges out grey (3) with lace well behind (1).
  • Yellow and stripe tie cardigan category (4) leaving red in the dust (2).

What I would have done different (clothing wise):
  1. Exchanged James Jeans for a pant with a different silhouette. All outfits with skinny jeans look more or less alike. I would have chosen a wide leg black trouser, something entirely different.
  2. Less shirts. Most were only worn twice, and some of those only because I forced myself to wear them a second time.
  3. Lose the lace blazer (only worn once) in exchange for a more causal topper.
  4. Lose the black dress (not as versatile as I would have hoped). Similar looks can be achieved with a black skirt.
Lessons I've learned:
  1. Limits encourage creativity. I chose bolder outfit combinations than I do when I have my entire closet at my disposal. When my wardrobe feels stale, I need to experiment with what I've got instead of rushing out to buy something new.
  2. Neutral aren't necessarily more versatile. I chide myself for buying so many crazy prints and colors, thinking, "These aren't versatile, I need to buy more neutrals." However, when it came to the 30 for 30, some of my neutral pieces were the ones I wore the least. I could have done without my black tank and also my black dress. They seemed like no-brainers when I added them, but in the end were not as useful as I had hoped.
  3. Shop in a more conscientious, thoughtful way. I need to stop using shopping as a hobby or pass time, and instead use it as a way to make wise additions to my wardrobe that will enhance, but not duplicate, what I already own.
  4. I need to thin out my current wardrobe. Less can be more. I'm starting by selling some of my closes here starting tomorrow.

It's funny, looking at all the outfits together, so many more combinations come to mind. Maybe I should have kept a big file with all the outfits the whole time.


Finally, did I cheat?

Perhaps, but only once. Last Saturday my mom and I went shopping. She bought me a few items for my birthday (which is coming up next week). I haven't worn any of them yet. Was it cheating? I don't know, you be the judge.

30 of 30!!!

The last day! The last outfit! A post full of exclamation marks!!! I will be back with a full round up of the 30 for 30 challenge and my final thoughts on it later in the afternoon.


Outfit 30

Day 30!!! (Student presentations)

Navy Blazer - Gap
Teal Tank - Altered, Vintage (via Etsy)
Floral Skirt - Vintage, Altered, Thrifted
Boots - Frye
Necklace - Yard Sale
Belt - Flea Market


Week 4


I feel like I should have a 31st outfit just so that I can have a full grid. Ha!

If you want some jewelry inspiration, be sure to check out Jewelscapes. She has a link-up party every Wednesday.

Monday, December 6, 2010

29 of 30

ONE MORE DAY!!!!!


Outfit 29

Day 29 (Lunch with my parents, then back to the big city)

Chambray Shirt - Gap
Black Skirt - Banana Republic
Boots - Frye
Necklace - Vintage (Great Aunt's)
Belt - Gap
Bracelet - Mexico

Sunday, December 5, 2010

28 of 30

Okay so this is really the second outfit for today, but I wanted to get back on track so that I could finish the 30 for 30 challenge on schedule (this coming Tuesday). I pulled out two of my favorite accessories that have yet to make an appearance during the 30 for 30. The necklace is faux Anthro from J.C. Penney's, but the belt is real Anthro. Check out that ikat fabric on the back. It is to die for.


Outfit 28

Outfit 28 (Back to church for missions banquet/fashion show, more on that later)

Cardi - Old Navy
Tank - Target
Jeans - James
Earrings - Vintage
Necklace - J.C. Penney's
Belt - Anthro
Boots - Vintage


Outfit 28

27 of 30

Ooh! I don't see how you Minnesota girls do it. Outdoor outfit photos are so cold in the winter and it was only 37 degrees in my neck of the woods. I'm a fairly good actress, but it is hard to act like you're not cold, even when it's just long enough to get a couple of outfit shots.


Outfit 27


Day 27 (Church and lunch with the fam)

Yellow Cardi - Loft
Floral Blouse - Tucker for Target
Black Skirt - Banana Republic
Heels - Gianni Bini
Necklace and Belt - Vintage

Saturday, December 4, 2010

26 of 30

Outfit 26

Why am I laughing so hard in the photo above? See the photo below. I chose to wear my flounciest, flowiest skirt on the windiest day of the year. I'm laughing because I'm holding both my skirt and my hair down to keep it from going crazy.



Outfit 26

Day 26 (Out about town with my mom)

Stripe Tee - J.Crew
Maroon Skirt - Vintage, Thrifted
Boots - Frye (via consignment)
Necklace - Loft
Belt - Flea Market

Friday, December 3, 2010

25 of 30

I'm getting so close to the end of this challenge, I can practically smell victory. Today, I finally decided to wear my lace jacket for the first time. I could have finished the challenge without it and then it would have been the 29 for 30 challenge, but I had it so I thought that I might as well use it. This is also only the second time that I've worn this top during the challenge as well. I've been keeping a running total of how many times I've used each of my pieces and I'll be sure to report on that after the challenge is over.


Outfit 25


Day 25 (Lunch with Mom)

Jacket - LC by Lauren Conrad (Kohl's)
Tank - Old Navy
Legging Jeans - Gap
Heels - Gianni Bini
Sunglasses - Vintage
Necklace - Anthro
Vintage Fabric Buttons - Local Boutique
Belt - Vintage
Purse - Simply Vera Vera Wang (Kohl's)

Thursday, December 2, 2010

24 of 30

I felt tres francais today. The stripes, the silk scarf, the red lips. If only I could really be as chic as a French girl everyday. Le sigh.


Outfit 24

Day 24 (Student Presentations)

Stripe Tee - J.Crew
Black Skirt - Banana Republic
Boots - Vintage
Scarf - Sheppard (Estate Sale)
Belt - Flea Market
Tights - Old Navy
Bracelet - Mexico

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Week 3 Wrap Up

One more week to go and I'm getting antsy. I really want to go thrift shopping. Black Friday held no allure for me neither did that 40% off coupon from Gap that my mom was trying to tempt me with. But Goodwill, oh the hold you have over me. My dad asked me yesterday if they had a layaway. I'm already planning a thrifting expedition for the day my 30 days are up (sounds like a prison sentence when I put it that way).


Week 3


What I've Learned (Week 3):

  1. I kind of like not spending money. It's nice to look at your bank account and to see that it is not dwindling.
  2. I thought I was having an outfit block for my last week, but I've come up with more outfits than I need.
  3. Perhaps limits are the best catalyst for creativity.
  4. I can spruce up my wardrobe with things I have on hand (see Outfit 23).

23 of 30

I found out that I can update my wardrobe using things I find on my apartment floor. Yes, you read that right. Yesterday, I found myself yearning for something new. I still have a week left in the 30 for 30 challenge, so I knew it had to be something I could make from what I had on hand. I headed to the good old internet for some inspiration. A short time later, I found this fabric flower tutorial. I literally picked up a scrap of fabric off my living room floor that was left over from a recent project. It took me 30 minutes, tops, to knock this baby out. The project was so easy that even someone who is not particularly skilled at sewing could make it. All you need is a needle, thread, a scrap of fabric, and a scrap of patience.


Outfit 23

Day 23 (Day Off)

Blazer - Gap
Grey Tee - Gap
Skinny Jeans - Banana Republic
Black Flats - Banana Republic
Fabric Flower - Self-Made


Fabric Flower


The fabric I used for the flower is vintage thrifted. I've previously used it for my kitchen curtains. The button in the center was a vintage one I had on hand. Those who are new to my blog may not realize that I really enjoy sewing and crafting. Check out my blog archive and Flickr page for my past projects.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

21 & 22 of 30

Still playing catch-up a bit. Below are the outfits I wore Monday and today. The majority of Monday was spent driving home. Five hours. In the rain. The entire time. Needless to say, I did not look nor feel up to taking outfit photos when I got home, so I recreated it today for your viewing pleasure.


Outfit 21

Day 21 (Driving Home)

Yellow Cardi - Loft
Stripe Tee - J.Crew
Skinny Jeans - James
Boots - Frye
Necklace - Dillards


I realized that I hadn't taken any of my photos with my glasses on. This is a bit of a misrepresentation of myself, because I almost always wear glasses. There is a stereotype about architects that they always wear black and have weird glasses. This is a stereotype that happens to be completely true. I can pick out architects in any city I visit just based on their apparel and eye wear.

For the most part, I've managed to not reinforce the stereotype. Even though architecture school gives you many things to mourn (loss of free time, loss of sanity), I never went completely black with my outfits. I do own lots of black clothing, but I try to pair it with color or print. Try as I might to break the mold, I could not pass up the "architectural" glasses. My friends and I joke that there is a special case of glasses that they pull out if you show them your AIA (American Institute of Architects) card. All joking aside, the glasses do serve a purpose. We've all spent entirely too many hours staring at a computer screen and our eye sight is shot.


Outfit 22

Day 22 (Teaching Non-Western Architecture)

Blazer - Banana Republic
Honeycomb Blouse - Banana Republic (via consignment)
Black Skirt - Banana Republic
Boots - Vintage
Glasses - Kate Spade
Necklace - Vintage

Today before class, one of my students asked where I shopped. I guess I'm still dressing stylishly even 22 days in.

Monday, November 29, 2010

19 & 20 of 30 - Playing Catch-up

The last few days I've had spotty internet availability, so I'm playing catch-up today. The two outfits you see below are what I wore Saturday and Sunday.

I've had these red tights for a while, but haven't been able to summon up the courage to wear them. I was afraid that I would come off too Christmasy. I wore them on Saturday to watch our team's football game on TV. It was rather appropriate because our team color is red. They must have been good luck, because we won. Go Hogs!


Outfit 19


Day 19 (Watching the big game)

Stripe Tee - J.Crew
Polka Dot Skirt - Thrifted
Necklace - Vintage (From Grandma)
Belt and Tights - Target
Flats - Banana Republic

In case you were wondering, yes I do appear to have an abstract painting going straight through my head. My boyfriend (the artist) has been taking my pictures the last couple of days. Thanks for the art direction, hon.


Outfit 20


Day 20 (Hanging Out)

Stripe Cardi - Old Navy
Ruffle Shell - Anthro
Black Legging Jeans - Gap
Boots - Vintage
Belt - Vintage (Etsy)

Friday, November 26, 2010

17 & 18 of 30

Look! A new venue. My dad actually took these pictures since I was home for Thanksgiving. This necklace is one of my favorites. I've been saving it as a secret weapon. Is there anything you are holding back just to give the last half a boost?


Outfit 17

Day 17 (Thanksgiving Dinner #2)

Stripe Shirt - J.Crew
Yellow Skirt - Vintage, Thrifted
Boots - Vintage
Necklace - Dillards
Belt - Vintage
Tights - Old Navy



I didn't participate in the Black Friday festivities. It wasn't even a temptation for me. We hardly ever go out on Black Friday and when we do it's like 2:00 PM. Why you may ask? A) I value my sleep. B) I hate the cold. C) I hate crowds. We're talking about the family that left Times Square on New Years Eve, because we couldn't stand the crowd.


Outfit 18


Day 18 (Driving 5 hours to my Boyfriend's house)

Red Cardi - Banana Republic
Navy Ruffle Tank - Gap
Skinny Jeans - James (Finally)
Boots - Vintage
Sunglasses - Vintage
Necklace - Vintage (From Grandma)
Belt - Thrifted

Yes, I always like to match my outfit with my car when driving long distances.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

16 of 30 - Turkey Time

Okay, so this isn't really day 16. It's my second outfit for day 15, but I'm behind, so I'm counting it. I changed after my big meeting into something a little more comfortable for driving to my parents house for Thanksgiving Dinner #1. This is the first time my $0.50 polka dot skirt has made an appearance, but you will see it again.


Outfit 16


Day 15 (Outfit 16): Going Home

Chambray Shirt - Gap
Polka Dot Skirt - Vintage, Thrifted
Necklace - Charlotte Russe
Belt - Target
Bracelet - Vintage
Boots - Vintage

Week 2 Wrap Up

Okay so these are not exactly weekly roundups. Being sick put me behind a few days and 8 photos fit better in my layout than 7, so you're getting a wrap-up on Wednesday.


Week 2


What I've Learned (Week 2):

  1. I can do multiple poses. New locations coming next week.
  2. I should have picked a different style pant. I love my James jeans from Anthropologie and wear them all the time in real life, but they have yet to make an appearance in the 30 for 30. Let's face it. All outfits with skinny jeans look more or less a like. I could have multiply my outfit options by instead including a pair of trousers.
  3. I could still use another cardigan. I'd like another causal topper option because the blazers are nice for work, but not necessarily for chilling.
  4. I am going to do a major purge after this is over.
  5. I'm overwhelmed by the possibility of having my entire closet at my disposal when the 30 days are up. I may just introduce a few pieces at a time.
Anyone else have any mid-way revelations?

15 of 30 - Half Way

Today I had a meeting with an executive board about a project that I've had a part in for the last year. In planning my outfit, I started out pretty conservatively. I was going to wear my grey blazer and black skirt, maybe one of the colored shells, then I thought, heck, this is boring and it's not me. So instead I choose to wear yellow! and print! and the black skirt. So what if all my colleagues were in black and tan. This is me. I enjoy color. Why shouldn't I wear what I want (within reason)? So I did. And maybe I brightened some old guy's day in the process.


Outfit 15


Day 15: (Big Meeting)

Cardi - Loft
Shell - Anthro
Skirt - Banana
Necklace - Banana
Belt - ?
Heels - Gianni Bini

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

14 of 30 - Back with a Vengeance

Today I'm really back fashion-wise. The last two days were "fillers" so to speak.

Lately, I've been thinking about how the way you dress effects the way people perceive you. I feel like sometimes if you dress too fashiony (at least in my area and profession) then you aren't taken as seriously. Like you can't be fashionable and academic at the same time.


There are certain items/outfits that I won't wear to teach, because they're not serious enough? Not professorial? I'm not quite sure, but I do have a fear of looking too young. I teach a class of 18 year-olds and am often mistaken for a student myself, even though I am in my late-20s. I guess my main goal when dressing for work is to seem older and more credible. Therefore, I tend to avoid trendy items that might make me look younger. I pass on cute outfits that might mess with my "professional image". Oh well, I guess that is what the weekends are for.

Outfit 14

Day 14: Teaching (Non-Western Architecture)

Dress - Banana Republic
Blouse - Tucker for Target
Locket - Vintage (with random children inside)
Belt - ?
Bracelet - Vintage
Heels - Gianni Bini

Monday, November 22, 2010

12 & 13 of 30 - I'm back!

Though not 100%, I am back to the land of the living. Below is a recreation of the outfit I wore to the doctor on Friday. I did not accessorize or even wear makeup that day. I somehow feel that your appearance should look as bad as you feel when going to the doctor. My twisted mind thinks that if you make the effort on your appearance, the doctor will somehow think that you're not really sick, as in, "If she feels well enough to put on makeup and pick out a necklace, then maybe she really isn't that sick." I know this is just me being paranoid and probably no doctors think this way, but oh well.


Outfit 12

Day 12: Went to the doctor (boo)

Chambray Shirt - Gap
Black Legging Jeans - Gap
Black Flats - Banana Republic



Outfit 13


Day 13: Working on my lecture for tomorrow

Stripe Shirt - J.Crew
Skinny Jeans - Banana Republic
Black Flats - Banana Republic
Pendant - Vintage
Bracelet - From Mexico

Saturday, November 20, 2010

? of 30 - Short Hiatus

I have developed some sort of seasonal cold, so I'll be out of commission for a few days. Trust me, my pajamas are not very blog-worthy. I'll try to be back on schedule by Monday. Have a good weekend everybody.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

11 of 30 - Looking Pretty Good, Feeling Pretty Crummy

I may look put together in this picture, but I'm currently in my jammies and I'm about to take a nap.


Outfit 11 copy

Day 11: Teaching (Non-Western Architecture)

Dress - LC Lauren Conrad (Kohl's)
Navy Blazer - Gap
Bead Necklace - Banana Republic
Bracelet - Vintage
Heels - Gianni Bini

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