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!

Day 3. Monochromatic

Dress: Target

Ruffle fly-away top: Express (last year)

Belt: Nordstrom

Tights: Gap

Boots: Naughty Monkey Detective

Jewelry: White house/Black Market, Petal and pink

Today's outfit is one that I pictured in my head, and was worried may come out a hot mess, but I like how it turned out. Sometimes this happens. 99% of the time it's a disaster. The only disaster in this, is the picture. I was not in the mood to fix lighting and camera settings, and sadly the best picture is this out-take (as you can see, husband pointed out that my buckle on my boot is acting out). Oh well, it happens! I have never claimed to be a model or a fashion blogger. In fact, I'm far from both.

This dress is hands down the best $10 I've ever spent at Target. It's pretty versatile, and lucky for me I'm short, which means it's not nearly as short on me as it is on the model online. I have to say, that the hemline pushes work appropriate-ness, but thanks to tights I feel like hemlines can be a little shorter in the workplace now and it's okay. The v-neck on this is narrow, but somewhat deep. Thankfully I've got small bubbies, and it's not inappropriate or vulgar. Although, the depth of it has caused some fidgeting when I wear it to work. My boss said she liked my outfit today, and being HR and all, if she didn't, I would also know. Length and depth are a-okay this way in the workplace!

I bought this belt during one of Nordstroms big sales back in 2004. I'm surprised that I still have it, and that my 2004 Erin bought it. Style was just something I wanted, but seriously lacked back then. I do need to find out how to adjust this belt though, it's a bit big, slides around, and goes from sitting in the right spot to the "omg no. just no" spot, and in general has caused a constant adjusting of my top to make sure all the pieces stay in place. I thought I could just adjust it (there are holes for it) over the silver part, but apparently not. I have, however, successfully broken it or at least loosened it and have had to fix it a couple times today. (Note: It looks like I have to unscrew to rivet-y thing and adjust that way...I'll have to bust out my tools when I get a chance)

Tonight, I plan on getting my craft on. I want to make something, for an outfit I may wear Friday. I have a reception thing at work with the President, and I need to be President appropriate, but I also want to wear jeans. Accessories will be key in pulling this off.



Day the second. Updated 70's?

Cardigan: J.Crew

Tank: Express

Pants: Gap (modern boot)

Shoes: Nine West

Jewelry: petal and pink (necklaces aren't in the shop)

This outfit, isn't a risk per se, but I for some reason never thought of wearing this cardigan with my grey pants. Which is strange...I like these colors together! I have earrings in my shop in this color combination, I've made myself a bracelet with it...why I didn't translate my jewelry and beads into real wearable clothing is beyond me! I was feeling all excited and confident when I passed a coworker who said "I like your outfit, the colors are like an updated 70's office attire". I said "thanks." but I don't think I meant it.

I have a love/hate relationship with these shoes. I love that they're comfy, tall, the essential black heel for me, and I wear them multiple times a week. However, they've been nicknamed my "death shoes". The leather stretched (after 1 wear!) and as I was walking in my parking lot at work, I stepped out of one shoe, plummeting the 4 inches to my death. As I was trying to (not so gracefully) hold my bag, purse, coffee and catch myself from falling flat on my face, the other shoe kicked me out and I found myself standing barefoot with a horrified look on my face in the grody parking lot. I've put heel bumper things to help with the fit and to help prevent me from walking out of my shoes, but I still don't trust these shoes just yet. I now find myself carrying a pair of flats with me "just in case". I might go to a cobbler (is that what they're still called?) and get real inserts since the ones I buy seem to fall off after a few weeks. I haven't attempted these shoes in a night out, because of this fear, and really, these bad daddies are just screaming for a night out.

Anyone have any suggestions for keeping these shoes on my feet? I haven't been able to find the Foot Petals brand, so I do have those on my radar, and I may just have to do it through Amazon. Also, colors? 70's? Nay?

Day the first. a big ol' yawn of an outfit

top: Gap

pants: J.Crew

flats: Steve Madden

jewelry: Tiffany's, petal and pink

I guess I'm easing into this challenge. Taking a simple outfit with simple accessories. Some people like to start off with a bang, not me. I like to set the bar low, so I can then exceed expectations and always keep people on their toes.

Actually, a lot of this outfit has to do with a few things:

1. I've had an emotionally draining weekend. This is easy dress, and that's all I had the mental capacity for.

2. After work, I'm going shopping with my mom for a baby shower gift. Last time I did, I wore an outfit that could have led others to think I was the one expecting. Lesson learned.

3. Since I'll be shopping straight from work, I needed to wear my flats. My other shoe options aren't quite how I want to start out my work week (boots would mean jeans, heels are a no-go for all day on my feet followed with a shopping trip).

4. I've just recently started to be more experimental with my wardrobe selections, which means this challenge will help pull me out of my comfort zone...but today all I wanted was comfort and since work doesn't approve of yoga pants, flip flops and a 10 year old hoodie, this is what they got.

On a positive note, I should say I bought these cords over the summer and I was quite relieved they still fit. I've had a few lazy months when it came to working out, and it was nice to know they fit. Even after eating my face off in Milwaukee. Better yet, these cords pass the "voop, voop" test. You know, the sound corduroy pants can make when you walk? These are silent. As all pants should be seen, not heard. Score!

Gap also has gotten quite a bit of my money lately. They have been so far removed from my closet for so long, and now the majority of my remix items are Gap. Way to make a comeback, Gap!

 I'm going to have to study up on how others pose. This pose makes my booty look large...not a good look. I promise a more interesting outfit tomorrow, and more of an effort going forward.

In conclusion, I'd also like to thank New England weather for the giant "F-you" that it gave me this morning. As if I wasn't dealing with enough already, I walked out to my car to find a sleet-y, slushy, almost snow like substance on my car. Thanks, that makes this mood all the better.

Better post tomorrow. Promise.

30 for 30 remix items

Alright, without further ado, here are my 30 for 30 items!

I have to say, it's 75% inspiring 25% intimidating. I feel like I have a good bunch from my closet to work with. I was pulling things thinking "Thank goodness I don't work in a corporate setting." that would be harder I think. I say this all so smugly now, but I'm sure by day 20 I'll be in want for something different.

Husband is thrilled for the no shopping bit of this. So much so, he suggested I do this every month. Oh Dan. I'm putting him to work though. He's going to be the one to take all the pictures since he poo-poo'd the tripod idea I had. Take that, Mr. Money-pants!

The week in review

This week has been pretty eventful for me! A lot of risks were taken, and I've certainly stepped out of my comfort zone. But, it's all a part of taking strides towards my bucket list to my 20's!

Numbers that I've been working on:
#9 shop smarter. I've got a lot of clothes. I've worked on the part where I'm no longer donating clothes that still have tags attached (that was always such a huge waste of money). But I still shop. A lot. So, in an attempt to reacquaint myself with my closet, and the clothes I do have, I have decided to join in Kendi and her 30 for 30 clothes remix. I'm to pick 30 items from my closet, and remix those into outfits for the next 30 days. And the big catch. NO SHOPPING! No shopping for 30 days will be a second to me. Followed only by that one time I did it after college, and the end result was a giant shopping binge at Banana Republic where I then spent the money I saved, and the entire following months shopping budget. That would be a major fail right there, my friends. So, I'll be posting my 30 items, and my 30 outfits over the next 30 days. I will rely heavily on accessories (which are not included in the 30 items) so we'll see just how much it does change things up. It will also spark my creativity I'm sure as I'm looking for new accessories, which will also mean, I'll be making more things, which brings me to my next part of this week.

#8 expand petal & pink. I entered the Martha Stewart Crafts Department "Call to Crafty Arms"! Ah! I wanted to vomit the second I clicked send. And I didn't stop shaking until just now. According to the official rules, they'll be posting the 5 finalists as early as 6pm today, or as late as sometime on November 12. Needless to say, I'll be stalking that page for awhile! I don't expect much, but it would be nice to see my little petal & pink up there! Also, there will be new items created, and posted as a result of the remix challenge, which will be great just before the Holiday season kicks into full blast!

Also happening this week, Dan turned 30! I've been giving him a hard time and teasing him relentlessly about being an "Old Man". He keeps on telling me something about payback, but I'll just cry. Tears always work. (amiright?) Also, it means, as I've pointed out, he's a "decade" older than me! My husband is in his 30's, while his youngin' of a wife is in her 20's. What a stud he is. However, this was more fun when we first started dating and he looked like a cradle-robber being in his 20's, with a girlfriend who was just a teenager. Ahh young love...I still have no idea how he's put up with me this long! (especially after that time when we were past the 3 month dating mark and I told him I could no longer return him to the boyfriend store...)

I'll be sure to keep you updated about the Crafts Dept contest, and be on the look out for my 30 items this weekend!

You can't win if you don't try!

This morning on twitter, I saw someone mention "A Call to Crafty Arms" and read it. And sat on it. Thought about it. And read it again.

Do I think I will be picked as a finalist? No. I'm sure the Crafts Dept. at Martha Stewart is being inundated with amazing crafters hoping for the same opportunity. And selling jewelry, an already overly saturated handmade market, I realize I stand a better shot at winning the lottery. However, when I sent it to my husband, his reply was "You can't win if you don't try!"

And then I realized (for the millionth time).

Rejection is part of this whole handmade/selling world. Not everybody is going to love what I make. Not everyone is going to want to buy it. Every time someone looks at my shop and doesn't buy anything, in essence, they're rejecting me. But, some people do buy. When I'm dedicated to petal & pink, I sell. And I sell regularly. Someone out there likes it, and really that's what drives me. Creating is therapeutic to me. Be it jewelry, paper crafts, photography, baking, something about these things calm me, refresh me, and drive me.

Really, the worst thing that could come out of this, is they totally ignore me and move onto someone who I'm sure is amazing and fabulous, and just as deserving as the opportunity. And really, just sitting it out means I don't even get the chance to win...and how cool would that be?! (And I've got plenty of time off I can take at my 9 to 5 to create away for it.)