Promises - Outfit 29

I finally did laundry last night, so I'm picking up where I left off on my 30 for 30.  I promised you I would get to those last two outfits.  So here's outfit 29 in all its freshly laundered glory.

Blouse - Thrifted

Capris - Old Navy

Sandals - Lucky, Dillard's

Necklace - Simply Vera, Kohl's

Bracelet - Vintage

Opposites - Outfit 28

Sorry ladies. I've got other things on my mind today. I could try to write something really witty and pithy, but I'm just going to leave you with my outfit photos instead. 

Chambray - Gap

Skirt - Liz Claiborne, Resale Shop

Sandals - Lucky, Dillard's

Necklace - Target

Bracelet - Vintage

More Yellow - Outfit 27

Everybody looked so sunny yesterday, I thought I might just continue the yellow streak by getting this skirt in one last time before the end of my Summer 30 24 for 30.  Can you believe this 30 for 30 is almost over?  I feel like it's been fairly easy.  I haven't done all the charts and grafts and planning like I did with the other two challenges I participated in, yet I haven't been short on outfits.  I don't know if it's easier because now I'm experience or because most outfits only take two pieces, three if you count shoes.  Probably the later.

Tank - J.Crew

Skirt - Vintage, Thrifted, Altered

Sandals - Lucky, Dillard's

Necklace - Vintage

Hazey Shade of Yellow - Outfit 26

Well, I'm still in a post-engagement haze, as well as a trying-to-get-a-job haze, and a still-trying-to-move-into-that-apartment haze.  I feel lucky to just be dressed today.  I would like to point out that I did manage to pull off Step 4 of my Pattern Mixing Tutorial.  I think that's a pretty good accomplishment.

Cardigan - Madison, Belk

Skirt - Odille, Thrifted

Belt and Flats - Thrifted

Jewelry - Vintage

I'm pretty sure that a picture of my ear should never be this close.

Surprise Weekend - Outfit 24 &25

Part Two of my engagement surprise (aside from the engagement itself) was that my boyfriend had, unbeknownst to me, planned a weekend getaway to Kansas City.  After dinner Friday night, we rushed back to pack bags and then hopped in the car to head out.  He actually wanted to have my bag packed for me, but he knew better than to try to pick out clothes for me, plus I would have noticed the missing clothes.

We spent most of the car ride up calling friends and family to share the good news.  D had booked a hotel within walking distance of The Plaza which is a major shopping district in Kansas City.  The man certainly knows the way to my heart.  We spent Saturday morning perusing the shops and then went Saturday afternoon to the Nelson-Atkins Museum.  We were equally in awe of the new addition by architect Steven Holl and the special exhibit of Monet's Waterlilies.

Blouse - Urban Renewal, Resale Shop

Capris - Old Navy

Belt - Gap

Flats - Thrifted

I feel like Emily standing in front of such cool architecture.  Now if only I can get my boyfriend fiance to take more than two outfit photos at a time.

Saturday night, we went to dinner at a Spanish restaurant that had been recommended to us.  This was my first experience with Spanish food (outside of Spain) and let me say, it was amazing.  That dinner alone made it worth the drive.  Seriously, I had the best mushrooms I've ever put in my mouth plus the sausage, chorizo, the cheese, these potatoes covered in garlic, on and on. All I can say is, "Yum!"

Sunday morning we got in a little more exploration of the city before heading back home.  All in all it was a fun trip and a great addition to an already memorable weekend.

Chambray - Gap

Shorts - Mossimo, Target

Flats - Thrifted

New Accessory - Outfit 23

Friday afternoon one of my friends texted me to see if I wanted to go on a double date that night with her and her husband (who works with my boyfriend).  I said sure and she said we could meet at 6:00 at a local Mediterranean restaurant.

After my boyfriend got off work, we freshened up and headed out to meet them at the restaurant.  We got there on time and grabbed a table.  By 6:10, I started to wonder about our friends and voiced my concern.  My boyfriend then admitted that our friends were not coming and the real reason we were there that night is so that he could propose.  He then pulled out a ring and asked me to marry him.  Of course I said yes.

I was quite surprised. I certainly wasn't expecting the proposal to happen when it did. He is such a sneak. He used our friends as a cover because he knew that if he asked me to go to a nice restaurant, I would suspect something. He also knew that I would get more dressed up for dinner with our friends than if it was just him and me on a night out.

The surprises didn't stop there. On top of the proposal, he had secretly planned a weekend in Kansas City. After dinner, we rushed back to pack some bags and hopped in the car that night.

In true blogger fashion, I did manage to grab 30 for 30 items for the trip. I'll post my outfit photos and a couple of shots from the trip this afternoon.

Twenty-Four - Outfit 22

Sooo...This is Outfit 22 of my Summer 30 for 30 and so far I've only used 24 items.  I have several other outfits planned, so who knows?  I may not even need those last 6 pieces.  How are all you other challengees doing?  Are you finding the Summer Challenge easier or harder than the others?  

I think in someways it's easier, because most outfits only take two pieces of clothing.  I picked three jackets for this challenge, but with Arkansas' 100 plus temperatures, they were pretty much useless.    

Button-Up - J.Crew, Plato's Closet

Skirt - Simply Vera, Kohl's

Necklace - Talbots, TJ Maxx

Belt - Thrifted

Flats - Thrifted

Keep the Old - Outfit 21

I'm really excited because tonight I'm going out to dinner with a group of ladies.  It's been quite a while since I've been invited to a girls night out.  I guess that's the benefit of moving to a city where you already know people, you don't have to built friendships from scratch. 

Blouse - Urban Renewal, Resale Shop

Skinnies - BCG, Urban Outfitters

Heels - Gianni Bini, Dillard's

Belt - Gap

Jewelry - Vintage

Step 5 - Outfit 20

No, I have not entered a 12 step program for shopping (though I probably should).  I'm talking about the 5 steps of Pattern Mixing that I'll introduce to you later today.  Step 5 is the most complicated and challenging, mixing two multi-color patterns.  And I did it today as a demonstration for you.  

I am wearing two multi-colored patterns, but they do have some common colors, yellow and green.  Also, the top is a small scale pattern and the skirt is a large scale pattern.  Finally, I added a belt as a division between the two pieces and keep my other accessories simple.

Be sure to check back in a little while to read my entire post on pattern mixing.

Blouse - Odille, Thrifted

Skirt - Odille, Thrifted

Belt - Thrifted

Flats - Thrifted

Back in the Swing - Outfit 19

Did everyone have a nice weekend?  I went to the lake and spent some time with the fam.  Needless to say that didn't result in any photo-worthy outfits and I'm not about to put up a photo of me in a bathing suit.

I'm back in the swing of things.  This should be a big week because I'm finally moving into my new apartment.  I'm a homebody and nothing will please me more than having my own apartment with all my things accessible (not in boxes and bags).  Maybe I'll do an apartment tour in a few weeks once I get everything organized. 

Cardigan - Madison, Belk

Dress - Vintage, Grey Dog Boutique

Flats - Thrifted

Belt - Thrifted

Bracelet - Mom'd

Time to Party - Outfit 18

It has now been a respectable amount of time, so I thought I should break out the yellow skirt again.  This time I've pair it with the floral tank and a dotty sash, for a festive look.  Since I have the pattern mixing going on, I decided to keep the jewelry simple.  I hope everyone has a great weekend and I'll see you back here next week.

Tank - Tucker for Target

Skirt - Vintage, Thrifted, Altered

Sash - Thrifted

Flats - Thrifted

Bracelet - Urban Outfitters

Style Deception - Outfit 17

Alright, I admit it. I look like I'm dressed for some kind of rock PR event rather than a day of running errands in Arkansas, but that's how I (rock and) roll. Even though the heat index will top 100 today, I just couldn't resist grabbing an outfit shot with my new cream blazer. Will you all feel terribly deceived if I reveal that the blazer only made an appearance for the photo and probably won't actually be worn until October? It's that hot here. 

Blazer - Thrifted

Blouse - Thrifted

Jeans - BCG, Urban Outfitters

Heals - Gianni Bini

Necklace - Dillard's

Bracelet - Vintage

The Streak Continues - Outfit 16

Wow! With the luck I've been having, I should head straight to Vegas. Can you believe this? Two Anthro pieces, two different thrift stores, in two days.

I found this lovely blouse while on a mission for bar stools. Come on, you know you've done it too. I had been to this thrift store fairly recently so I planned to only pop in a see if they had any bar stools. I was not going to look at any sections other than the furniture but I thought, "Well, I'll just walk through the boutique section (the nice stuff)". And Bang! There it was. Odille blouse. $5.00.

I still don't have any bar stools.

Top - Odille, Thrifted
Capris - Old Navy
Flats - Thrifted
Belt - Gap, Thrifted
Bracelet - Mexico

Unbelievable - Outfit 15

Alright. I stand corrected. I take back everything I said. You can find honest to goodness Anthropologie at an honest to goodness thrift store. Anthropologie like this Odille skirt, for example. For $3.92. Yes, miracles do happen.

Chambray Shirt - Gap
Skirt - Odille, Thrifted
Belt - Thrifted
Bracelet - Vintage, Flea Market
Flats - Thrifted

Okay, so I'm haven't exactly abstained from thrift shopping this time around for 30x30, but this is the 30x30 with no rules. Right? Regardless, I'm glad I did go shopping yesterday because not only did I find this fabulous skirt, I also found the matching belt I'm wearing and two pieces on my wishlist, a cream blazer and a lady-like jacket, $5.92 and $2.92 respectively.

Imitation = Flattery - Outfit 14

I was perusing Tomboy Style the other day and saw this picture of Anjelica Huston. I thought, "Hey, my 30x30 includes all the items I need to recreate this look. Score!"

Okay, so I don't come off as smoldering as Anjelica does, but I still think I've achieved spirit of the outfit.

Shirt - J.Crew via Plato's Closet
Shorts - Mossimo, Target
Flats - Thrifted

If I look awkward in my photo it's because I decided to take outfit photos in the front yard for the first time and just as I was taking my pictures, the neighbors drove up.

Proper Lady - Outfit 13

Since I doubt any one is keeping track (I barely am), this dress is item number 18. The blush blouse from yesterday's post is number 17.

This dress is a fairly new acquisition. It's from my favorite vintage store in the area, Grey Dog, a vintage boutique. If you're ever in the Northwest Arkansas area, you really must stop by. They don't just sell vintage, but vintage that has been altered to be slightly more modern. Take this little number for example, I have a feeling it was shortened, nipped in at the waist, and altered at the shoulder. All in all you get a unique piece, but without the weird fit issues of thrift store vintage.

Dress - Vintage, Grey Dog Boutique
Belt - Thrifted
Flats - Thrifted
Bracelet - Vintage, Flea Market

Check out that pattern. Fab, isn't it?

Weekend Wear - Outfits 11 & 12

I've been wanting a blouse in blush for spring. (We all know it's been one of the hot colors.) I even considered using one of my five 5PFW spots on it. I resisted and then low and behold I found the perfect top at a thrift store. It was in the "Vintage" section, which normally means the price is marked up, but it was just $4.00, the same price as the regular tops. The tag doesn't specify the material, but it's either silk or some silky substitute.

Once again a perfect example of being able to find a second-hand version of something that is currently in fashion.

Top - Vintage, Thrifted
Shorts - Gap
Jewelry - Vintage, Garage Sale
Flats - Thrifted

Cardigan - Madison, Belk
Tank - J.Crew
Capris - Old Navy
Sandals - Lucky, Dillards
Jewelry - Vintage

Brightside - Outfit 10

I waited a little bit late in the day to try to get outfit photos. I had to go for deep shade and then Photoshop it within an inch of its life. Oh, well. On a brighter note (ha ha, get it?), this outfit features a new (to the challenge) skirt!!! The black pleated skirt makes item #16. I'll try to grab a photo of all the items I'm adding to the challenge once I decide what they are going to be.

Tank - J.Crew
Skirt - Liz Claiborne, Resale Shop
Sandals - Lucky, Dillard's
Necklace - Simply Vera, Kohl's
Belt - Vintage, Thrifted

Conversations with Myself - Outfit 9

The problem with a 15 for 15 is that you have to wear your items too closely in succession. I just wore this skirt on Monday. I didn't want to wear my denim shorts and I am saving the white capris for a weekend event, so there you go. Yellow skirt it is.

My life is not changing as quickly as I had hoped (i.e. I haven't got a job yet), so I will probably be extending my 15 for 15 into a 30 for 30. I'll be adding some new items over the next few days.

Chambray Shirt - Gap
Skirt - Vintage, Thrifted, Altered
Dark Blue Necklace - Talbots via TJ Maxx
Turquoise Necklace - Coldwater Creek
Belt - Thrifted
Bracelet - Urban Outfitters
Flats - Thrifted

"What's that on my foot?" "Oh, it's just a smudge."

Double necklaces. What do you think about that? Not so fashion forward as it once was. It's actually quite standard now, but it's not something I do often. I usually rely on pre-matched, multi-strand necklaces.

I Love Neutrals? - Outfit 7

Today I went for yet another lighting situation. I would call this "dappled light". Not so bad.

Sweater - Madison, Belk
Tank - Tucker for Target
Shorts - Mossimo, Target
Necklace - Resale Shop
Bracelet - Vintage, Mae's Emporium
Flats - Thrifted

Today's outfit certainly has a lot going on. Floral, ikat, red, yellow, glimmer, sheen. This kind of "more is more" outfit is generally my dressing M.O. In light of that, it is interesting how neutral my items for my Spring 5 Piece French Wardrobe have turned out. Aside from the poppy orange cardigan, all are true neutrals. It's interesting that when I limit the amount of new pieces that I buy, I naturally gravitate towards items that are versitile versus items that are signature, one-off pieces.

I have found myself staring down a lovely ikat print tank at Gap. It was cute and in another life I might have bought it. However, with the limits of the 5PFW, I question whether I really want to spend one of my five items on this piece. The 5PFW has turned out to be a really great filter. It makes me more considerate in my shopping and I purchase only what I really need and really love.

I'm starting to think about my 5PFW for Fall. It too is shaping up to be neutral heavy. I suppose that my wardrobe is so filled with "signature" pieces that I actually need more neutrals to mix them with. It's pretty interesting how all this is shaping up.

5 Piece French Wardrobe (Spring) by Unusual Form featuring nylon jackets