On my radar: Spring/Summer needs and wants

Sure, it may be just weeks into 2011, and sure we may be getting more snow this week, and haven't even entered into our snowiest months of the year, but I've got Spring fever!

As part of my attempts to not only shop smart, but also to spend less money, I'm already working on things I'll need for my Spring and Summer wardrobe. I've been working on editing my closet, and finding out what I'm lacking, and removing what I don't wear anymore and I've noticed that there's quite a bit that will be needed for the warmer weather. Here's what I'm eyeing so far.

What I need:

White button-down top

Banana Republic Wrap shirt

Gap Cuff Sleeve Blouse

Black sandals that can be worn with cropped pants (replacement of a pair I have and wore to death)



Guess Aero4 Slingback
These are nearly identical



Nine West Nacia
I'm a sucker for a wedge heel

 

White pants (that won't make me look like a marshmallow)

Gap Boot Surplus Jean

Light-weight skirts

J. Crew Lace Dobby Skirt

Express Floral Smocked Waist Skirt

Bright Sandals



Nine West Stylin'



Summery dress (1 or 2)



J.Crew Shelby Dress



Work-in-Progress Dress. Anthropologie

Limited Pleated Panel Strapless Dress



Metallic flat sandals (another replacement pair. this pair will actually replace a pair of gold gladiators and silver J.Crew Capri flip flops, so I may want to get 2 pairs)



Rampage Prance Sandal



Report Chenola

Sam Edelman Gigi Sandal

And of course, while browsing for things I need, things that I want always pop in. If I have the money, or find a way to make them work, these are things I want:

Love these black sandals (peep toes?), they're fierce, but not practical if I plan on walking further than the block I work on.

Michael Antionio Tricia Platform

A lovely dress very similar to one I already own. (I live in dresses in the summer)



Free People Flutter Away dress

Also on my radar: nude pumps. I don't own a pair and really want to get a pair. I was going to include them here, but the list started to get a bit lengthy!
Now, if we can only get through the next 3 months of cold, gross and miserable (overly snowy) weather. Think I can get away with hibernating? No? Darn.

Baby got Back

While browsing the interwebs, I've been coming across a lot of tops for Spring that are pretty simple from the front, making your entrance just kind of average, but when you look at the back, you can tell that with these tops, it's all about the last impression as you walk out of the room. Here's a few back details that have caught my eye:

 Past Reflections Pullover (Anthropologie): I love the back detail, but overall this top falls short for me. I don't care for the candy cane like stripes, or the knit, and the fabric just isn't doing it for me. Maybe in a different fabric/non-knit, I'd dig it.

 Bow Back Corset Top (Free People): I love bows, and Free People has been infiltrating my closet at a rapid pace. I like the fact that the cutouts get smaller as they go down the back, helping nip in the waist, while the floaty almost peplum ruffling beneath helps hide any pooch. This needs to be mine. Paired with cuffed skinny jeans and flats or even wedges, and a cardigan on top for the workplace, perfect.

 Lace Back Cardigan (Gap): Someone give this model a booty, stat! I love this cardigan, it's lace back is unexpected, and perhaps just what I need for a spring/summer work cardigan to leave at my desk. This would be great with a few dresses and sleeveless tops I already own. I'm picturing my Free People floral trapeze tank under this awesome lace detail, how feminine!

 Chic Taupe Top (Lulus):  Okay, part of me loves the lace racer back tank under this. Part of me thinks this top got into a fight with Freddy Kruger, Edward Scissorhands, and Shredder from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Fidelity Black and White Striped Top (Lulus): I like the drape and I'm a sucker for stripes. You could most certainly get away wearing a bra with this top, but the draping may make a booty look larger. I picture this more for the beach or a cookout, than any other kind of situation, just add shorty shorts, and sunblock.

In my wishes to shop smarter, I'm already working on my Spring and Summer wish list and needs. I've got a few things that need to be replaced for those seasons, and I'm looking forward to a little seasonal wardrobe update. I'll be sure to share what I come across. In the meantime, what say you on the back details? Yay? Nay? Did I miss a totally amazing top somewhere?

29...and 30!!

DONE!!!! FIN!!!! FINITO!!!! END!!!!!!

First the nitty gritty:

Day 29: Anthro top, Gap Modern Boot pants, Nine West pumps, petal & pink Icicle earrings

Where: Work. Plan and Simple

Day 30: Anthro top, J.Crew Jackie Cardigan, Express Editor pants, Target heels, petal & pink Icicle earrings.

Where: Work and errands.

Thoughts: Honestly, I am so so so so so happy to be done with this challenge. I've taken a lot from it, sure. But really, honestly and truthfully I've missed the diversity of my overflowing closet. Primarily with shoes, secondly with layering pieces. About a week or so into the challenge, I read a blog post from Amber, who said that she couldn't (wouldn't) do a challenge like this limiting her wardrobe because she's a layer-er. Any of my friends who know me, also know that I too, am a layer fiend. Summer, Winter, it doesn't matter, I layer it on. It's primarily why I chose 6 cardigan pieces. To layer. However, even picking 4 "fancy" tank/camis, I just couldn't get into it, and my dressing took a turn towards the simple. Sure, I've got PLENTY of jewelry to pick from, and a fair share of scarves and belts, but looking at my outfits, I really just wasn't feeling it. I stuck to it though, I'm not a quitter, but in the end, I don't think I got what others take away from it. I've really enjoyed this challenge, and I've found a few new twitter friends and blogs to read, but I'm just happy to get back into my closet, my precious shoes, and dress like me again...dripping in layers.

Now if you'll need me, I'll be rolling around in my closet, petting my shoes I've been longing for.

And, if you need something to do, be sure to check out the giveaway over at Amber's Notebook. It's a good one! (including a coupon code!).

Days 25-28. Almost done!

Alright, lets just get straight to it, shall we? I've got a tree to decorate and soup in the crock pot!

Day 25: Gap cardigan, Gap skinny jeans, Mod Cloth scarf, Naughty Monkey Detective boots.

Where: Work.

Day 26: Express lace trim cami, J.Crew Jackie Cardigan, Gap skinny jeans, Steve Madden flats, petal & pink necklace (coming in January to my shop!)

Where: Work.

Day 27: Gap black tee, Gap Skinny jeans (have I mentioned I live in these and own multiple pairs? Can't say enough great things about them!), Naughty Monkey Detective boots (also love love love these), petal & pink necklace and earrings.

Where: Christmas tree shopping, Shopping for holiday decor, dinner out with husband. Overall a nice Saturday!

Day 28: Express lace trim cami, Gap Cardigan, J.Crew Vintage Matchstick Cords, Nine West flats

Where: Laundry and grocery shopping. (I won't lie, I needed to do laundry so I can wear my skinny jeans again.)

Thoughts: Okay, this challenge has been eye opening. Especially when it comes to my warm weather wardrobe, but I'll get into that on day 30. I can say that I am missing the rest of my clothes and getting really tired of these pieces. I also didn't account for the fact that while it was still 60 degrees when the challenge started, it is now only going to be in the 30's this week, and I don't have much that accounts for chilly temperatures.

Just 2 more days, I will make it!

Days 21-24. What I wore.

This isn't original, but this is clever. I wore TWO outfits yesterday! Which means I'm all caught up from my lazy pajama day after Thanksgiving! This is a big deal to me not because I want to shop (although, boy do I!) but because now my challenge will end on Tuesday, and I am free to wear whatever I want the day of my work Holiday party. Which just seems really refreshing.

How did I wear two outfits you may ask? Well, I went to work like I do most other days, and while at work, my husband emailed me asking me out on a date. A date?! Sure thing! Of course, going out in work clothes is not really my thing, so I came home and changed. I figured it was the perfect chance to put on a new outfit for the challenge and catch up. (I'm missing the rest of my closet at this moment, and this is a big deal to be one more outfit closer to reuniting with certain items). So now, I'm on track to finish on time. Huzzah!

So here are my outfits:

Day 21: Target dress and tights, Nordstrom scarf, Nine West flats

Where: Work.

Thoughts: I really wasn't feeling styling my hair that morning. Hence the poodle on my head.

Day 22a: J.Crew Jackie cardigan, Banana Flower embellished top, Express Editor pants, Target shoes, petal and pink necklace (an old favorite)

Where: Work again my friends. I walked to the PO and the shoes were comfy, they always impress me for Target shoes.

Thoughts: I need to cut back on soup at lunch, the sodium is making me puffy.

Day 22b: Same BR top, Gap Cardigan, Gap Skinnies, Naughty Monkey Detective boots, petal and pink necklace

Where: A super sexy date to Office Depot, Starbucks and Barnes and Noble. Starbucks and BN was supposed to be the date, but I was out of mailing envelopes and Office Depot is across the street.

Thoughts: I was so much more comfortable in this outfit than what I wore all day at work. I also drank my weight in water, so that may have helped.

Day 24: Anthro top, Grey Gap Modern Boot pants, Nine West pumps.

Where: work

Thoughts: Why yes, those are my Steve Madden flats in the picture. You see, while I still wear the "death shoes" I have taken to switching in and out of flats to get to/from my office. I left work and realized. Yup. Shoes are still at my desk. I got to my car and realized "ugh. I forgot the asparagus and buttermilk in the fridge, now I have to go back." (What doesn't everyone buy random groceries at lunch?) On the walk back to my office thought "Well, at least I can pick up my shoes..." and then drove home with my asparagus and buttermilk and cursed at my shoes...still sitting next to my desk. It was one of those days.

My other impressions? Well, I'm thinking now I should have gone by outfit numbers instead of calling them days...Also, at this point, I just want to be done. I feel like I have worn every single article of clothing this week alone, and even though I know it's not true, I just want something different. A plain sweater (it's getting cold!) or my pinstripe pants...just something not these clothes. Although, I do have some fun (to me) outfits planned for the next few days. Here's hoping they turn out!

Don't forget, just a little longer until my giveaway closes, don't forget to enter!

Days 18-20

10 more days left. I think this is the part where I start going a little bit crazy. Or maybe it's the onslaught of all things Holiday for the next month that's coming on...either way, here's what I wore for days 18-20!

Day 18: Top, Cardigan, and Skinnies: Gap. Boots: Steve Madden, socks: Target, Neckalce: Forever 21 (or 29 in my case. *wink wink*)

Where: Thanksgiving dinner (house hopping for the best eats!)

Day 19: J.Crew Jackie Cardigan, Anthro top, Gap skinnies, Steve Madden boots

Where: Running errands

Day 20: Anthro Cardigan, Gap Forever Straight Jeans, Steve Madden Flats

Where: My parents house

Thoughts: First of all, I tweeted on Thanksgiving about wearing my black dress and this cardigan. But, I really wanted to wear those boots. I live in them. But when I put them on, the proportions were all off. So I tossed on this instead. The cardigan was still great when it came to hiding the extra servings of cheese potatoes, rolls, and cake/pie gallore.  Also, I'm now a day behind on the challenge. You see, the day after Thanksgiving...I don't leave my apartment. I have always taken the day after Thanksgiving as a sort of mental health day. The most strenuous thing I did all day was shower and put on clean lazy clothes. And I'll tell you this...It. Was. Glorious. I also REALLY love outift 19. I love the way the boots and teal go together. I also think that I wore this outfit in a way, that made it look new to me (on me?) I don't know. All I know is that my husband asked me if this was a new shirt. 1. I wore it last week. 2. It's over a year old. Either way, I'm taking it as a win for the challenge!

I faux hemmed my pants again today. I will have that how-to for you later on this week. I have currently over 160 pictures to go through. I was a beading machine, and created a ton of new jewelry and photographed the hell out of it. I also have the DIY steps for my earring holder to go through, and the faux hem. My computer and I will be inseperable over the next few days. However, if you follow me on twitter, you've seen a few of the pieces I've created for my etsy, and the final product of my earring holder/display. And if you don't follow me...these are the kind of things you're missing out on. Well, that, and my giveaway. ;)



Days 14-17

For days 14-17, this is what I wore:

Day 14: J.Crew Jackie Cardigan, Banana Republic top, Gap skinny jeans, Steve Madden boots (Target boot socks over jeans), Tiffany & Co bangle

Where: Errands and laundry

Day 15: Anthropologie top, Express Editor pants, Nine West heels

Where: Work

Day 16: Gap cardigan, Express lace trim cami, J.Crew Matchstick vintage style cords, Steve Madden flats

Where: Work, walking about the city on my lunch break

Day 17: Express ruffle fly away cardigan, Express lace trim cami, Gap skinny jeans, Naughty Monkey Detective boots, necklaces by me.

Where: Work, running errands after work.

Thoughts: There isn't much I have to say about many of the pictures. However, day 16...I had a 2 hour ride home and needed to take the picture of my outfit. So, I got home grabbed my camera, turned it on, only to find out it was on...and my battery was drained. I threw the battery on the charger and stuffed my face with Triscuits while waiting for a slight bit of a charge. I was hungry, and cranky. So that was me in a post Triscuit, 2 hour commute haze. I actually had better pictures but I got a little delete happy and this was the only picture I had left. Luckily I caught myself when I had this one lonely picture left. I wouldn't be happy if I had to change to retake a picture!

In general, I'm going through withdrawal from the rest of my wardrobe. My other clothes are calling to me, and I miss them. I suppose I could take a day off, but I know if I fall off the wagon, it's going to be hard to get back on it. I'm going to push through. I will make it. I may have to remove all my clothes for this challenge from my closet, but I will get through it! Accessories, I'm calling on you now. Help me push on!

In other news, I've got free shipping going on in my Etsy shop for Thanksgiving weekend. (Including "cyber Monday") so if you're looking to get a start on your Holiday shopping, be sure to check it out. The free shipping extends into any custom orders placed in these days.

Also, be sure to check out the giveaway I have going on now. I've reached my twitter milestone!

Days 6-13 of the challenge

Whew! It has been a week for me! I'm both sad and happy it is over. I've run the gamut of emotions, and I'm looking forward to some stability. Not to mention that Thanksgiving is coming up fast! I've got plenty to be thankful for, but I haven't quite caught the holiday cheer. Here's hoping this short week at work will help me along. And if not, I'll get the holiday "spirit" via Pumpkin Pie Martini's at my aunt's house. (if you know what I mean...and I think you do.)

Now, onto the outfits!

Day 6: Anthro blouse, Gap skinnies, Steve Madden boots.

Where: A baby shower. Like the hundredth it seems within the past few months. (or third whatevs). This was husband saying "Show me happy to go to a baby shower!" I think my sarcasm is obvious.

Day 7: Gap top, Gap skinnies, Nine West flats, Coach Tote, DKNY sunnies

Where: Road trip with the husband, errands.

Day 8: Anthro sweater, Express lace trim cami, Gap skinnies, Steve Madden Flats, petal & pink bracelet

Where: Work. We were moving files from one cabinet to another. I work in HR, there's a lot of files. We all dressed casual Monday for this.



Thoughts on these days: My hair looked way better in person on Day 6. Looking at it in the picture though, you'd never know! I also swear I washed the skinny jeans Sunday night (Day 7). I live in my skinny jeans, and I actually own 2 pairs of them. I considered just switching to the clean pair, but felt it might be cheating. lol. I love the sweater in Day 8. It's comfortable and the colors are fun. I don't know if it's the angle of the picture or not, but seeing it in a picture, I question the proportion of the print though. I guess we'll see what else happens during this challenge and that sweater.

Day 9: Anthro top, Gap Modern Boot pants in grey, Nine West pumps, petal & pink bracelet

Where: Work. It wasn't too much of an eventful day, honestly.

Day 10: J.Crew Jackie Cardigan, Express Editor pants, Target Mary Janes, DIY bracelet via Beadin' Path

Where: Work. Running a few errands after work.

Day 11: Gap sweater, Express lace trim cami, Ann Taylor Loft pencil skirt, Target Mary Janes

Where: Work, Training session, drinks with husband.



Thoughts: Day 9, I was inspired by another piece of jewelry I've made. I don't know why I never think of mixing jewel tones with my dark grey pants. It was a really warm day, and I enjoyed not having to wear a cardigan or jacket at work. Day 10, I really wanted to wear my coral toned layered bracelet, and love the combination with a silver-grey shade. Day 11, I'm not sure of the proportions of the outfit, but my calves look diesel! Thank-you, Body Pump!

Day 12: Gap Cardigan, Express lace trim cami, Gap Forever Straight jeans, Nine West pumps, petal & pink earrings

Where: Work. Casual Friday. Not feeling color. It happens

Day 13: J.Crew Jackie Cardigan, Express lace trim cami, Gap Forever Straight jeans, Nine West flats, T&Co bangle.

Where: Errands, errands, and a few more errands.

Thoughts: I purposely wanted to post these two pictures together. It's the same pair of jeans, but the hem is different lengths. I've found an amazing trick to hemming long jeans to make them flat-appropriate. You even get to still see the original hem on the jean so it looks really natural. I've also been slowly working on mixing prints. The leopard print with the print on the bangle were big for me. The bangles print is subtle, but the shape/design of the print actually compliment each other nicely.

Overall 30 for 30 thoughts: So far, so good. I really feel like I need to start kicking it into gear with the accessories. Scarves, belts, etc. I've got them all. I don't know why I'm so lazy with them lately. 

Coming up: I still need to do the DIY on the jewelry holder, and I want to also show you how I do the hem on my pants, so that will be coming up too. And I'm preeety sure that there's a giveaway this week since my twitter is at 1,000 followers!! I'm just waiting to maintain that number for a few days since twitter counts can vary often!







Day 4. Comfort

Cardigan: Gap (last year)

Ruffle tissue tank: J.Crew (last year)

Jeans: Gap Always Skinny

Boots: Steve Madden (via DSW)

Earrings: petal and pink

Sunnies: Michael Kors

I realized today that I was in charge of my own destiny...er...photos. Husband was out after work, and I went to the gym. So what's a girl to do? Set the camera on the bookcase, do the timer and try to get some outfit shots. All of this was happening when I was supposed to be heading out the door. Talk about a lack of planning.

I will say that I like morning light much better in my pictures, and it's more agreeable for me when it comes to fiddling with my camera settings. I'll probably do this more often.

Comfort was key in today's outfit, and this cardigan is so cozy. I just wrap myself up in it and it is like a blanket around me. These boots I got for a steal. Between my $10 reward, $5 birthday coupon, a sale ($50 off $150 purchases) and a gift card, I only paid $30 for these, and I live in them. I was concerned originally about the contrast zipper when I saw them online, but I figured I could grab a fabric marker and make it black if it bugged me. But it turns out, I don't even care. I actually kind of like it!