There are a lot of people who are great fashion bloggers and who do what I wanted to do way better than I ever will. I want to keep reading them and being inspired by them. I just don't want to try to be them anymore.
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Finished
In December I wrote that I wasn't having fun or finding inspiration from this blog anymore. I took a little break and then thought that I would be revived enough to create what I wanted this blog to be when I started it. Unfortunately, it never really seemed to take off. I have been doing a lot of thinking and self-evaluation lately, and I've decided that I'm finished with this little blog. I love fashion. I love reading other people's blogs and finding inspiration in what they post. I love writing too, but I just don't love this. I still feel awkward taking pictures of myself. I feel awkward posting pictures of myself. I don't like remixing challenges. I don't like promoting myself and forgetting to pin outfits, tweet things, and participate in linkups in the hopes that I'll see those little counter numbers get bigger.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Tiny Closet Challenge: June 15-21
Week three! As I wrote Friday, I have been tempted to quit, but since I'm already halfway through, I might as well stick it out, right? =)
I debated making a couple of tweaks this week, but I realized that since I'm so close to the end, I need to stick with what I have and really work on the remixing aspect of the challenge.
Also, I have some funky pictures this week. I've been in more of a rush to take pictures lately, and it definitely shows!
Now, for the week three outfits:
On to week four!
I debated making a couple of tweaks this week, but I realized that since I'm so close to the end, I need to stick with what I have and really work on the remixing aspect of the challenge.
Also, I have some funky pictures this week. I've been in more of a rush to take pictures lately, and it definitely shows!
Now, for the week three outfits:
Sunday, June 15:
Stayed home all day
Monday, June 16:
Tuesday, June 17:
Wednesday, June 18:
Thursday, June 19:
Out of work today
Friday, June 20:
Out of work again today
Saturday, June 21:
On to week four!
Friday, June 20, 2014
Tiny Closet Challenge: Thoughts at the halfway point
Tomorrow marks the halfway point of the Tiny Closet Challenge. I'll confess- on Wednesday night as we were going to sleep, I told my husband that I didn't think I was going to do this anymore, I was sick of not getting to wear all of my clothes, shoes, and jewelry, I didn't like repeating outfits, etc. However, I woke up yesterday morning feeling rundown, so I might have been whining because I didn't feel well.
This challenge isn't easy, and sometimes it isn't fun. I'm continuing to swap things, make tweaks, and bend the rules. But, I am sticking to the spirit and heart of the challenge. I've never stuck with a remixing challenge this long either! I don't know that I'll want to do one again...well, maybe during the cold weather months just to see if it's easier or more difficult.
The challenge is teaching me a lot about my style. I'm finding that I have too many things that don't really go together. I need a more cohesive style, rather than one that's made up of clearance rack buys and thrift store finds. I also like a lot of variety. I know that people say that no one notices if you wear the same things over and over again, but I notice when people do! I can't help but be paranoid that my coworkers are going to notice. I know that's silly, and maybe I'll break through that mental hurdle as the challenge continues.
I'm also finding out a lot about what I do and don't like to wear. I don't really like above-the-knee dresses unless I'm wearing them with leggings or tights. I don't really think I like shorts either. Or sandals either...wow...what am I going to wear for the rest of summer? This is helping me redefine professional work style also. There was an outfit that I wore this week that seemed completely unprofessional. I tried to justify it because we're in the summer semester and a little more laid back (plus, it's hot in my office), but I really shouldn't have worn it to work.
Overall, the challenge is making me more organized. I like having a small selection to choose from and not feeling overwhelmed in the mornings. I also want to explore minimalism more. I've always been a bit of a hoarder, so this small peek into minimalism has given me an idea of how much simpler things could be.
And let's not forget how much less I'm doing laundry. If that doesn't inspire me to keep going, then I don't know what will!
I'll have a wrap up of this week's outfits and the latest tweaks early next week. Have a great weekend!
This challenge isn't easy, and sometimes it isn't fun. I'm continuing to swap things, make tweaks, and bend the rules. But, I am sticking to the spirit and heart of the challenge. I've never stuck with a remixing challenge this long either! I don't know that I'll want to do one again...well, maybe during the cold weather months just to see if it's easier or more difficult.
The challenge is teaching me a lot about my style. I'm finding that I have too many things that don't really go together. I need a more cohesive style, rather than one that's made up of clearance rack buys and thrift store finds. I also like a lot of variety. I know that people say that no one notices if you wear the same things over and over again, but I notice when people do! I can't help but be paranoid that my coworkers are going to notice. I know that's silly, and maybe I'll break through that mental hurdle as the challenge continues.
I'm also finding out a lot about what I do and don't like to wear. I don't really like above-the-knee dresses unless I'm wearing them with leggings or tights. I don't really think I like shorts either. Or sandals either...wow...what am I going to wear for the rest of summer? This is helping me redefine professional work style also. There was an outfit that I wore this week that seemed completely unprofessional. I tried to justify it because we're in the summer semester and a little more laid back (plus, it's hot in my office), but I really shouldn't have worn it to work.
Overall, the challenge is making me more organized. I like having a small selection to choose from and not feeling overwhelmed in the mornings. I also want to explore minimalism more. I've always been a bit of a hoarder, so this small peek into minimalism has given me an idea of how much simpler things could be.
And let's not forget how much less I'm doing laundry. If that doesn't inspire me to keep going, then I don't know what will!
I'll have a wrap up of this week's outfits and the latest tweaks early next week. Have a great weekend!
Monday, June 16, 2014
Tiny Closet Challenge: June 8-14
Week 2! Woo hoo! This week was a little more challenging for me because I'm starting to feel wardrobe fatigue. I really want the option of more clothes, which makes me wonder if I chose poorly or if I just really don't like a lot of the items I chose.
I had to make a couple more tweaks this week. First, since my silver sandals haven't been repaired yet, I swapped them out for the pink flats I wore on June 12. Second, my black cardigan is uncomfortably small. I don't know if I washed it incorrectly or what, but I had to switch it for the pink cardigan I wore on June 10. Third, I swapped the graphic t-shirt I had selected and not yet worn for the bicycle button down I wore on June 13. I am thinking about adding another shirt and removing the necklace from the pile since I haven't worn it.
I kind of feel like I'm cheating with all of these swaps and exchanges, but the rules even say to modify this as needed, so I guess I'm okay!
Here's what I wore this week:
I had to make a couple more tweaks this week. First, since my silver sandals haven't been repaired yet, I swapped them out for the pink flats I wore on June 12. Second, my black cardigan is uncomfortably small. I don't know if I washed it incorrectly or what, but I had to switch it for the pink cardigan I wore on June 10. Third, I swapped the graphic t-shirt I had selected and not yet worn for the bicycle button down I wore on June 13. I am thinking about adding another shirt and removing the necklace from the pile since I haven't worn it.
I kind of feel like I'm cheating with all of these swaps and exchanges, but the rules even say to modify this as needed, so I guess I'm okay!
Here's what I wore this week:
Sunday, June 8:
N/A- didn't go anywhere
Monday, June 9:
 |
| Right before the dog jumped on me and muddied my shirt |
Tuesday, June 10:
 |
| Skirt kind of looks like it's moving... |
Wednesday, June 11:
 |
| Favorite outfit of the week |
Thursday, June 12:
 |
| Least favorite (and blurriest) outfit of the week- it felt really short! |
Friday, June 13:
 |
| Pouring rain outside. Yay indoor picture |
Saturday, June 14:
N/A- only wore workout clothes
I've now worn everything I selected. It should be interesting to see how week three goes since I'll really start "remixing" things. See you next Monday!
Monday, June 9, 2014
Tiny Closet Challenge: June 1-7
Phew! I survived the first week of the Tiny Closet Challenge! =) I knew I was going to be in trouble when I told my husband on the second day that I was already tired of the challenge. He not so gently reminded me that I had said that the last time I attempted to do a 30x30 remix challenge. Well played, Mr. Section 391.
Here's my lineup from my first week that I so bravely survived (ha!).
A few observations:
First, I switched out the skirt that I had selected. Since I decided to join this challenge kind of last minute, I didn't try things on (or really think through my combinations and how everything was or was not going to work together). I wore my original skirt to work on Tuesday, but I found that it was a little too snug and uncomfortable, so I swapped it for another black and white skirt.
Second, I'm debating exchanging the necklace for another pair of close toed shoes. Even though it's pretty warm outside, I don't always like wearing sandals, so I may do better with a pair of flats or another pair of TOMS-esque shoes. Also, my silver sandals broke on Friday! My husband is going to try to fix them, but if he can't, then I'm going to replace them with another pair by using some of my Amazon gift cards.
Third, this has made getting dressed and doing laundry quicker and more efficient, plus I've purged a little more of my wardrobe this week. If I keep cleaning things out during the challenge, I may only have about 33 things left by the end!
Fourth, I didn't do very well choosing colors that go together- or at least that's how it seems at this point. I should've stuck with a more defined color palette, like black and white and pops of color. Instead, I've got a random blue and white dress, bright shorts and capris, and some reservations about how this is going to play out. Oh well. One day at a time!
(Also, it wouldn't hurt me one bit to learn what my camera settings mean and how to use it so I don't have blurry or washed out pictures!)
See you at the end of week 2!
Here's my lineup from my first week that I so bravely survived (ha!).
Sunday, June 1:
 |
| Wind blown hair |
Monday, June 2:
 |
| Closed eyes! |
Tuesday, June 3:
 |
| Favorite of the week |
Wednesday, June 4:
 |
| Blurry! |
Thursday, June 5:
 |
| Least favorite of the week |
Friday, June 6:
 |
| A bit washed out |
Saturday, June 7:
 |
| Dog butt and closed eyes again! |
A few observations:
First, I switched out the skirt that I had selected. Since I decided to join this challenge kind of last minute, I didn't try things on (or really think through my combinations and how everything was or was not going to work together). I wore my original skirt to work on Tuesday, but I found that it was a little too snug and uncomfortable, so I swapped it for another black and white skirt.
Second, I'm debating exchanging the necklace for another pair of close toed shoes. Even though it's pretty warm outside, I don't always like wearing sandals, so I may do better with a pair of flats or another pair of TOMS-esque shoes. Also, my silver sandals broke on Friday! My husband is going to try to fix them, but if he can't, then I'm going to replace them with another pair by using some of my Amazon gift cards.
Third, this has made getting dressed and doing laundry quicker and more efficient, plus I've purged a little more of my wardrobe this week. If I keep cleaning things out during the challenge, I may only have about 33 things left by the end!
Fourth, I didn't do very well choosing colors that go together- or at least that's how it seems at this point. I should've stuck with a more defined color palette, like black and white and pops of color. Instead, I've got a random blue and white dress, bright shorts and capris, and some reservations about how this is going to play out. Oh well. One day at a time!
(Also, it wouldn't hurt me one bit to learn what my camera settings mean and how to use it so I don't have blurry or washed out pictures!)
See you at the end of week 2!
Monday, June 2, 2014
No Shop Summer and the Tiny Closet Challenge
I recently did a closet inventory and discovered that I have around 375 items. I was shocked! Plus, that doesn't even include all of the items that are in storage as I'm working to lose my "newlywed spread." For that reason, I want to institute "no shop summer" for myself. From June 21 to September 23, I will be giving up clothes, shoes, and accessory shopping, even if I receive gift cards for my birthday!
If you're a longtime reader or have an elephant-like memory, you may recall that I determined to stop shopping last summer. I didn't stay disciplined or committed to that plan at all! There are a few reasons why I think I'm going to be successful this year. First, this is a shorter time frame. It was unrealistic to think that I was going to go from shopping like crazy to cold turkey. That may work for some people, but I don't operate that way. Second, I'm more disciplined overall this year. I still have a long way to go and grow, but the act of getting up and working out 4-5 times a week has made me more focused in other areas. Third, we REALLY need to save money because we want to buy a house! There's nothing like knowing that a mortgage company is going to be looking at your financial history that makes you question how many times you want retail establishments appearing on your bank statements!
(I also have written a few times about shopping more ethically and have been failing at that as well. I have a couple of ideas about why I'm having trouble in that arena that I may share soon).
After I counted all of my clothes, I started thinking more about remixing. During my research, I started reading about the Tiny Closet Challenge from Alison Sherwood at fresh. The challenge runs from June 1 to July 12 and involves remixing 33 items (including shoes and jewelry- but not including jewelry you wear regularly, like your wedding ring) during this 6 week period. It took me a few days to figure out my items, but this is what I settled upon:
The breakdown:
If you're a longtime reader or have an elephant-like memory, you may recall that I determined to stop shopping last summer. I didn't stay disciplined or committed to that plan at all! There are a few reasons why I think I'm going to be successful this year. First, this is a shorter time frame. It was unrealistic to think that I was going to go from shopping like crazy to cold turkey. That may work for some people, but I don't operate that way. Second, I'm more disciplined overall this year. I still have a long way to go and grow, but the act of getting up and working out 4-5 times a week has made me more focused in other areas. Third, we REALLY need to save money because we want to buy a house! There's nothing like knowing that a mortgage company is going to be looking at your financial history that makes you question how many times you want retail establishments appearing on your bank statements!
(I also have written a few times about shopping more ethically and have been failing at that as well. I have a couple of ideas about why I'm having trouble in that arena that I may share soon).
After I counted all of my clothes, I started thinking more about remixing. During my research, I started reading about the Tiny Closet Challenge from Alison Sherwood at fresh. The challenge runs from June 1 to July 12 and involves remixing 33 items (including shoes and jewelry- but not including jewelry you wear regularly, like your wedding ring) during this 6 week period. It took me a few days to figure out my items, but this is what I settled upon:
 |
| The jewelry |
 |
| Not a great shot but my entire wardrobe! |
TN necklace
silver hoops
silver studs
garnet ring
silver ring
plain white tank
plain white tanks
gray lace tank
black lace tank
chevron tank
chambray tank
lacy t-shirt
graphic t-shirt
black and purple polka dot shirt
white 3/4 shirt
light red button down
chambray tunic
white cardigan
purple cardigan
black cardigan
pink shorts
green shorts
white capris
green capris
black capris
denim capris
black and white polka dot skirt
black and white maxi skirt
anchor dress
tan sandals
silver sandals
black sandals
flowered TOMS
Here's the first outfit. It was super windy, so this isn't the best picture!
I am going to try to take pictures daily, but if I don't, I will at least keep a list of what I wear and have a breakdown at the end of the challenge. I'm excited about this (and a little nervous). Wish me luck! =)
Here's the first outfit. It was super windy, so this isn't the best picture!
|
| Summer to-do list: Pressure wash house Learn to apply self tanner to legs |
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