October 1, 2010: I've Got Minimalism

First of all I would like to thank all the lovely ladies who joined me in this challenge especially: Frances Joy from Mad Dress Game, Shey from Modesty is Pretty, and Lyddiegal from Chic on the Cheap! The outfits they came up with were truly inspired and completely trendy. Just more proof that you don't need to break the bank to dress stylishly, what you really need to do is head to your closet!

I feel like the outfit I have chosen to wrap up the challenge is a little anticlimactic but, it's going to be wet and gross outside all day and I have some cleaning organizing to do at work, sorry. Also, I'm still stuck in the stairwell after my escape attempt yesterday. It didn't go as well as I planned and exciting clothes is hard to come by... but, I digress. I think this look falls under the minimalism trend for sure, what could be more basic than a white tee and jeans? I am so excited for the weekend (even though it is chock full of things errand to run) do you have any fun plans?

• Top: white rosette embellished t-shirt, LOFT (same shirt different color here)
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: teal leather flats, Aldo via Re/Dress NYC (same shoe different color here); gray scarf, H&M; black spy bag, Fendi

Items from this outfit are previously and remixed seen here, here, here, here:

Powered by GoodWidgets.com

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

September 30, 2010: I've Got Camel Print

 

Camel and animal print... yeah I know, I'm so witty! Anyway, I have a job fair to go to today so, I am dressing the part of a young Human Resources professional... like every other day. Why am I trying to escape, you ask? I don't know what you are talking about! Ok fine, job fairs are mixed bag, sometimes they can be really fun but, I have a feeling that today is not going to be one of those occasions. Hopefully it will go quickly so I can get back to the office. You didn't see anything... Except for my awesome outfit, that is!

• Top: camel v-neck sweater, GAP; gray leopard tank top (for the modesty), Express/gift from BF's mom
• Bottom: ivory and black animal print pencil skirt, LOFT/birthday gift from BF's mom  
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black spy bag, Fendi

 

 

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

 

September 29, 2010: I've Got A Long Skirt

Actually, what I really have is a a maxi dress disguised as a long skirt. I was inspired by other bloggers who make their clothes (mainly dresses) do double duty; whether it's a skirt as a dress, or a dress as a shirt, or some other cool thing that I couldn't come up with it's absolutely motivating but, I digress...

I honestly wasn't really sold on this fall trend... I'm still not sure how I feel about it... no, not yet... not now either... How about you? I just think that shorter skirts are more flattering on me and long skirts make me look oddly proportioned. But, as they (whoever they are) say: "you never know until you try" and I'm glad I did but, I'm not sure I would do it again. Are there any fall trends that you're not sure about?

• Top: pink ruffle embellished t-shirt, LOFT (same shirt different color here)
• Bottom: black maxi dress, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cut-out flats, Merona for Target (similar and on sale here); silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black spy bag, Fendi

 

September 28, 2010: I've Got Jewel Tones, Skinny Pants, and a Little Leopard!

I have another training in the city today, exciting I know! The last time I was in the city for training I was the only person who was wearing jeans. I felt a bit under dressed to say the least. I was also the youngest and most "junior" position wise so it felt even more awkward. Today I decided to dress it up a little more to avoid that but without going overboard. The trends weren't the only focus but, I still made a concerted effort to include a few. I mostly wanted to keep it casual and comfy for the commute, a long bus ride in a suit doesn't work for me. But, this comfy sweater, skinny jeans, and flats are perfect for that. I think I reached a nice middle ground, no? I'm also throwing on a khaki green jacket (not pictured) to ward off any chill which gives a little military vibe.

• Top: purple sweater, ABStudio via Mom; white embellished tank top for the modesty, LOFT
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories:  leopard print flats, New York & Company; brown fused glass earrings, craft space in Laguna Beach; black spy bag, Fendi

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here and here:

Powered by GoodWidgets.com

September 27. 2010: I've Got Lace

 

First of all I just wanted to say a special thanks to these ladies who indicated that they would be joining me (in one way or another) and shopping their closet for fall trends, don't forget to check out the looks that they come up with!

• Melanie - Unravelled Threads
• Frances Joy - Mad Dress Game
• Marilou - 20 York Street

One of the things that I really wanted this fall was a lace top but, as stated before, I am really trying not to spend money on anything unnecessary which that shirt became when I remembered that I have this awesome lace skirt. It's been a while since I wore it (it's a little big) but, that's what the whole idea behing this challenege (and this blog) is! Is lace one of the fall trends that you are excited to style?

• Top: blue short sleeved sweater, Ann Taylor Loft (same shirt different color here and here)
• Bottom: gray lace skirt, Tara Jarmon for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, Ann Taylor Loft; black beaded necklace from a craft space in Laguna Beach; black onyx earrings, V'ta; yellow alley bag

 

Items from this out are previously seen here:

 

 

"You've Got This!" Week - Fall 2010

I have a confession... I have been SUPER tempted to buy things for fall. I know, it's the complete opposite of what I should be doing given my personal style challenge but, nevertheless I have been making a mental shopping list (ivory lace shirt anyone?) and popping into a few favorite stores to look for some new "must have" trendy items on the cheap. That is, until I realized that I already have so many of these things in my closet already and it would be a shame for me not to utilize them! Enter, "You've Got This!" Week - Fall 2010!!

We've been here before but, I'll go over it again. Basically, the theme of this coming week for anyone who wants to join me is to form trendy outfits with things you already have in your closet. No buying anything new! I a little nervous about this one because although it was getting cool things are starting to warm up again. I have this awesome camel sweater that will not work at all in 80° weather but, I hope am sure I'll figure it out. It just seemed so apropos to announce this challenge on the first day of autumn tepid temps or not but, I digress... If you are interested in joining me please leave a comment with your name and a link to your blog, I will compile a list of all participants for the first post on Monday, September 27, 2010. Also, please grab the banner and link back to 260 Days, No Repeats,

Here are some Fall 2010 trends we can be inspired by:

• leather (or faux) jackets
• faux (or real) fur 
• animal prints
• camel (as the new neutral)
• military chic
• lace
• jewel tones
• longer skirts
• capes/ponchos
• chunky knits
• pants suits
• menswear inspired
• minimalism
• layers
• skinny pants/jeans
• pearls

The Roundup: 3 Months

Having completed the first three months of this personal style challenge I am in a mood to reflect on what has transpired so far. I feel that I have been (and will continue to be) successful in my initial goals of not repeating outfits but, also showing myself and others that you can make great things with what you already have not just "make-do." In the past three months I have worn 57 different outfits to work; 49 different tops, 6 dresses, 14 skirts, 14 pairs of pant like things (slacks, bermudas, capris, gauchos, etc) and 3 pairs of jeans. Although I'm not really counting them in the outfit as a whole I have used 26 pairs of shoes, 10 necklaces, 19 pairs of earrings, 1 bracelet, and 11 handbags to spice up my outfits. If you do the math you might ascertain that here are some individual pieces that I have worn more than once and that is ok! In fact, that is kind of the point...


I've answered a few reader questions. Please feel free to ask more! I have also shared a few choice weekend looks with you! Is that something that you would like to see more of moving forward?

260 Days, No Repeats has helped me see the potential in my wardrobe and being part of this "blog-o-sphere" has inspired me tremendously. Thanks to everyone who takes the time to check out what I wear, read what I write, and leave me comments! I'm like a kid a Christmas when my BB beeps with an email and I see it's something from one of you! I am also inspired by the challenges that people undertake themselves, as well as, pose to this blogging community. In the first three months I participated in 3 style challenges and even tried for one of my own. Many thanks to Frances Joy of Mad Dress Game for joining me!

This challenge has also helped me curb my spending! I was not a crazy shopaholic but, I had my moments... I found it most difficult to turn down a great deal only to get home and realize that I had something exactly like what I had purchased in my closet or that even though it was a great deal I didn't really love it and therefore didn't use it. That was all money (which is tight for everyone these days) down the drain. In the past three months I have spent $46.00 on clothes and accessories and each one of those things is something I really wanted, still really like, and have used.

One thing that I feel I haven't done a great job of demonstrating as I had wanted to is the use value of my clothing. I would have loved to keep track like some other bloggers do but, to be honest some of my clothes are so old I don't remember when I bought them or how much they were. I will say though you can see that some items (especially the accessories) are used very frequently and naturally have higher use value.

Overall, I am so happy with how things are going to far and really hope that I can keep it up heading twoards the 6 month mark! If there is anything new you would like see please let me know. Again thanks so much for supporting and motivating me, you're the best!!

June 4th, 2010

Yesterday was a rough day for me... While I was using my old laptop to update, check e-mails, and everything, including a clock, I was unaware of the fact that the time in Windows was an hour BEHIND the actual time so... I ended up having to run out the door 40 minutes late to work. Suffice it to say I boycotted all computer activities when I got home but, am ready to share my last "You've Got This" Week outfit.

I've got a denim skirt and gladiator(ish) sandals! I suppose I could have been more exciting with all the great options but, I needed to throw something together in a hurry. BF took the picture after work, he is relentless in making me laugh! O, and that is our cat, The Fuzz...

• Top: red short sleeve embellished t-shirt with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: denim skirt, GAP via Melissa
• Shoes & Accessories: bronze sandals with genuine stone embellishments, bo'em via DSW, gray Balenciaga Le-Dix/motorcycle bag (not pictured)

June 3, 2010

I've got nude shoes! Which I also had yesterday but, they weren't the focus. It's a 9 AM meeting kind of work day but, fun "date night" with one of my girlfriends after. I'll have flip flops in my bag, for sure, since I probably won't get to make a stop at home and these shoes are comfy but, not that much. I'm excited for a laid back dinner and mildly amused by the prospect of Sex and The City 2. I fear that by the end of the night it will turn into a general disappointment but, I digress... The dress on the other hand, I could wear for days, SO comfy! Either way I think the shoes really pop being the only thing I'm wearing that is not black! Too severe?

Speaking of black next week I will be taking the blackout challenge, no black for one week. I am gettin it all in today but, since I don't generally wear an overwhelming amount of black I'm going to try and go all the way, no shoes or accessories either! That will be more of a challenge and I'm not sure I'm going to be able to pull it off but, I'm definitely willing to give it a try!

• Top: black dress, Luna Luz via local boutique
  
• Bottom:
• Shoes & Accessories: nude patent leather pumps, Apt. 9 via Kohl's; black beaded necklace from a craft space in Laguna Beach;black onyx earrings, V'ta; black Fendi Spy Bag (because I don't feel like dumping it all into a new one), Saks Fifth Avenue

June 2, 2010

It's the second day of my (short) theme week and I've got military(ish) style with a side of nude shoes! I originally thought I was going to be representing cargo pants but, when I pulled these out of my closet I found that they didn't possess the key characteristic of side pockets... Tradegy! But, I think on my feet (sometimes) and pulled this khaki green blazer that I have since high school out. The somewhat "edgy yet professional" attitude of the outfit is kind of perfect for the job fair I had to go to today... Success!

• Top: white short sleeved sweater, Ann Taylor Loft; khaki green blazer, GAP
• Bottom: gray cropped pants, Bitten vis Steve & Barry's
• Shoes & Accessories: nude snake print sandals, Bandolino via Unique Thrift; coin pearl necklace, V'ta; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from mom then altered; black Fendi Spy Bag, Saks 5th Avenue

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

June 1, 2010

Today starts my foray into theme weeks of my own creation and conscious utilization of spring trends! I am being joined by Frances Joy at Mad Dress Game! It's not too late to join us if your interested...

I've got ruffles today! I was gifted this shirt in the fall (I think) but, these ruffles are still spot-on! I am head to toe LOFT today! I'll take a sponsorship please, thanks. I have to laugh at my outfit shot because this picture looks super posed but, it's not it's just the best out of the five I snapped in a hurry before I bolted to work.

• Top: white ruffle button down blouse, Ann Taylor Loft
• Bottom: gray skirt, Ann Taylor Loft
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, Ann Taylor Loft; tourmaline earrings, V'ta; black Fendi spy bag

"You've Got This!" Week

I racked my brain trying to come up with an idea for a theme week and after much consideration (and help from friends) I came up with "You've Got This!": Spring 2010 Trend Week. The title is too long I know but, it was hard to come up with a shorter version and still convey the message.

Here's a little background; I would consider myself to be a stylish person but, I can't afford to jump on the bandwagon for every single trend that graces the covers of glossies throughout the changing seasons. To be honest, sometimes I wouldn't want to but, there are some good ones this spring. After taking a good look at some of the on trend things this spring I realize what mom says is true, things always come back in style and I can wear clothes representative of "new trends" from my current wardrobe.

That is basically the theme of this coming week for anyone who wants to join me; form trendy outfits with things you already have in your closet. No buying anything new! I am honestly a little nervous that I am not going to be able to come through but, I am willing to give it a try. Also, I didn't realize this but, it's a short week so I should have a little more faith! If you are interested in joining me please leave a comment with your name and a link to your blog, I will compile a list of all participants for the first post on Tuesday. Also, please save the picture to use in your posts and link back to 260 Days, No Repeats,

Here are some Spring 2010 trends we should be inspired by:

1. Statement Necklace
2. Boyfriend Blazer
3. Belts
4. Florals
5. Ruffles
6. Trench Coat
7. Bangles
8. Gladiator Sandals
9. Hobo Bag
10. Cargo Pants
11. Military Inspired
12. Nude Shoes
13. Denim Skirt
14. Skinny Jeans
15. Wedges
16. Boyfriend Jeans
17. Turquoise Jewelry
18. Nautical Themes
19. One Shoulder Dresses/Tops
20. Fringed Handbags