Update: I Complete You Product Challenge

Over the past month I have been very diligent about working my way through the overwhelming cacophony of lotions and potions that I have. After incorporating my face things I wonder how I will ever finish. Maybe this is just one of those things that can keep on going forever!

Moving forward I am was on my last bottle of body lotion, FINALLY! When my mother gave me a gift card to Bath & Body Works and they announced a buy three get two free sale shortly after it felt like the universe was trying to tell me something: "Buy more lotion!" I listened and picked up five more bottles of random scents. I hope I like them all, it's hard to get a feel for specific smells when you're in a store immersed in a bouquet of them. Considering I had nothing left (yummy smelling lotion wise) I'm ok with my move and I'm sure I'll be fine for a while. On another note, with the imminent season change are there any scents you are craving in particular?

Check out my progress here.

Two Years, No Repeats

I’m not going to start this post out my being self-deprecating. Life is what it is… things come up, end of story. It might sound a little short/harsh but, it is the truth. I don’t want to sit around and wax poetic about how busy my life is or how overwhelming blogging can be… to blog is something that I (still) want to do and will keep trying to be consistent with. It has been beneficial for me in so many ways i.e.: helping me rock my budget, meet new friends, and utilize my wardrobe to the max. I just don’t know how to quit you it. That being said…

This year presented some new challenges that I honestly was not expecting. This weight thing is one of them. Am I largely obese? No. Am I having trouble fitting into some of my clothes? Yes. Am, I too stubborn/poor to buy a whole new wardrobe? Yes. Is there anything wrong with that? I don’t think so but, it has limited the clothing that I can wear that is occupying space in my closet. I hope things will be on the lighter side (literally and figuratively) if when we revisit this topic.

Another thing that has provided a challenge has been the expectations (wardrobe wise) at work. While I went into it thinking that I would be working in a slightly more professional “business casual” environment it is not. It is 100% a formal professional/business formal/business professional office AKA suits and blazers 24/7 however you want to catalog that. The thing that I am realizing (since it has been mentioned to be a few times) is that I need more suits… thrift store here I come? We’ll see what happens with that. Does anyone know any secret suit spots that I should check out?

An unexpected challenge is my (fairly) newfound inability to spend money. I know… it sounds perfectly in line with the purpose of this blog/my frugal life style but, it has grown beyond that. I am now extremely frustrated by shopping. I know that I will go into a store (clothing, grocery, whatever) and only be able to purchase absolutely necessary things, if that, even if someone else is footing the bill! It honestly pains me to say this but, for the most part, shopping isn’t fun anymore. Or at least, isn’t fun that way it used to be. It’s an aggravating task to complete that costs me time and money neither of which I have an abundance of. Depressing much? The worst part is, I’m not really sure what the solution is. No wait, I do: win the lotto!

So, overall how did I do? Other than no repeats again, I only spent $248.89 this year. While it is more than last year I did have that one month of extreme freak out when I replaced a bunch of summer shoes that were falling apart, Totally fair but, a far cry from last year. Even so, it brings the total for the past two years to only $397.49. This is where all those frustrating shopping/no shopping moments are worth it (maybe). If I was really crazy (which I’m not) I would say that I wanted to make it to the end of Year 3 having spent only $500! But, that would mean that I only have $102.51 left to spend and momma needs a (five) new pair(s) of shoes!

Here are some of my fav outfits:

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

January

February

March (see I was still taking pictures)

I just realized that all of these fav outfits are with skirts, the only two without are jean ensembles... weird. On a positive note,  I don’t think it could be any clearer to everyone that you don’t need to spend a ton of money to have an evolving and varied wardrobe. I find new ways to wear the same old things everyday and I see no point in stopping now. I’ll do my best to keep it up. 

Update: I Complete You Product Challenge

I have been keeping on with this personal challenge to use all the products that I have before I run out to the store to buy more. I have developed a preference for bottles (lotion, face wash, etc.) that have pump dispensers. It is such an easy way to keep yourself from over-using things when just a dab will do ya. That being said, it is definitely prolonging the process as I am becoming less and less wasteful. Yay?

On another note, I was a little sad to finish this bottle of Jojoba Oil lotion from Crabtree & Evelyn. The proverbial “they” are not kidding when they said the strongest sense tied to memory is smell. The aroma of that lotion reminds me so much of my grandmother it is out of control. I don’t get to see her that often and it’s always nice to be reminded of her in little ways. What smells make you nostalgic? 

Check out my progress here

Update: I Complete You Product Challenge

Do you remember last year for Christmas when I got a million 10 new additions to my product arsenal? After that I was expecting this year to have the same kind of results but, luckily for me that was not the case. All I got was this one bottle of shower gel from my Secret Santa at work. Lucky me?

On another note, I have someone new joining me on my product challenge! Mary from Budget Grad Student will be tackling her own product excess with the hopes that she will be able to use everything and save money. If you are interested in joining us just shoot me an email!

Update: I Complete You Product Challenge

When I first started this product challenge I thought it would have an eventual end but, for every thing I finish I feel like another one pops up. Now the holidays are upon us which means probable additions to the already large group of lotions and potions that I have are imminent. Now I realize it will never end and there will always be another bottle of good smelling stuff looming in the distance. Is it a bad thing? No, I guess not but, I was hoping to get down to a more manageable amount of things. How would you tackle the product challenge? 

Check out my updated list here!

Don't forget to enter the $100 Shopbop Gift Card Giveaway!

I Complete You Update

I like to smell nice! I swear I have been using other things too I have just gotten very good at not using more than I need. I guess deodarent is one of those things that doesn't get rationed out as stringently or that I wasn't overusing to being with. I would go with that latter...

Check out my updated list here.

Update: I Complete You Product Challenge

I'm still chiseling away at the mountain of products that I have. I am seeing less and less of those tell tale Bath & Body Works bottles under my bathroom sink (that's where I keep most of the extras). At this point I don't know if I would go into B&BW to purchase my favorite fragrance but, then again maybe I would. Cotton Blossom was a refreshing and crisp scent that I always got compliments on.  

Check out my updated list here.

One Year, No Repeats

I have finally gotten around to this monster of a post. I started this whole project with the idea that I had 260 posts ahead of me I was nervous about the number even more than the idea of not repeating an outfit. Now, 374+ posts later I am ready to try and wrap up this experience and all those posts in one potentially paltry (in comparison) collection of summations.

I won't put it all in pictures and links... In this past year I have worn 213 different outfits to work; 111 different tops, 10 blazer, 24 dresses, 37 skirts, 23 pairs of pant like things (slacks, bermudas, capris, gauchos, etc) and 6 pairs of jeans. Although I was not counting them in the outfit equation I have used 49 pairs of shoes, 23 necklaces, 38 pairs of earrings, 1 bracelet, and 16 handbags to spice up my outfits. That all being said, there are still things in my closet that you haven't seen! Here are some of my favorite outfits from each month but, I'll be honest there were some months where it was really hard to choose there were just so many good ones! Did you have any favorites? 


April 2010: 

May 2010:

June 2010:

July 2010:

August 2010 (toughest month to pick a favorite):

September 2010:

October 2010:

November 2010:

December 2010:

January 2011:

February 2011:

March 2011:

I continued to post weekend/night out outfits when I thought they were noteworthy. Someone had commented that they used the weekends to repeat all the outfits that they wore during the week but, as you can see that is not the case for me! To be honest some days during the weekend I spend the entire time in sweats because I don't go anywhere and no one really wants to see pictures of that, do you?

I participated in a number of challenges and theme weeks which really broke up the monotony of remixing from my existing wardrobe. I also started participating in other blogger projects which helped in a similar and more consistent way.

One of the main challenges of this whole experience was not shopping. Once I started getting into the groove of remixing from my closet it was easy to go to the mall and walk away from cute clothes and "good" deals. I am no longer a recovering drug addict dating crack! If you don't understand watch this video and laugh. Or not, your choice but, I digress... I learned alot about the things that triggered my urge to shop (boredom, unhappy feelings) and also learned that stores put everything on sale all the time! There is no limited time only offer, it's such a scam. Armed with this new knowledge there were some months that I didn't buy anything at all and in this past year I ended up spending (drumroll, please) $148.60!!! It is such an extreme difference but, only those who knew me before 260 Days, No Repeats would understand the stark contrast.

That being said there were times when my Mom or other generous people gifted me with clothes or store credits. I am not going to look a gift horse in the mouth and tell them to stop. The point of this experience was not to avoid increasing the size of my wardrobe, it was for me to stop spending so much money on clothes. Those two things are definitely linked but, are not synonymous. That being said, I think moving forward I will be a little clearer about new or new to me things that enter my wardrobe.

One of the biggest (and unforeseen) challenges that arose was that I gained some alot of weight. A moment of  honesty, probably about 30/35 pounds.It is a challenge on so many levels! Of course there is the natural unhappiness that one feels when gaining weight but, there is also the discomfort I felt when getting in front of the camera to take the pictures. I see the difference in how I look in older pictures compared to now and I feel how my clothes fits. The most difficult part of this is that since I am trying not to shop I can't pick up a pair of black "fat" pants so I need to work with what I have. I just need to get to the gym!

I wasn't sure when I started 260 Days, No Repeats that it would grow as much as it has. I couldn't be happier! In the past year I have had 18,971 visitors and there have been 40,258 page views. I know that is something that other more popular bloggers experience in a month or so but, I'll take what I can get. Either way, it has been good enough to get some fun free goodies and sponsored giveaways which I'm sure we have all enjoyed! I have been thinking about connecting with some affiliates/monetizing the blog but, all in good time I guess...

Moving forward, as you might have guessed I will keep things going with year two! Excited? I am... Here are the new(er) rules. We're still following the original rules but, with a caveat for dresses. I wore some really fantastic dresses last year but, wasn't sure how to remix them all according to the rules. Then I realized, I am writing the rules! Have I mentioned, 2 + 2 = 4? Revelations people... but, I digress. All dresses are fair game as they are! I will try to mix it up with snazzy accessories but, don't feel the need to go out of my way all the time using dresses as skirts and so on...

Lastly I just wanted to give a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has been reading and following along. I wouldn't have stuck with this challenge as long if it wasn't for you! I appreciate everyone who has commented, collaborated with me, linked back to me, or just popped in. You are all fantastic!! I also want to say thank you to the people who are "behind the scenes" like BF and my family/friends. They help me with the everyday stuff  like pictures and outfit selection (ex: is this outfit too crazy?) but, also with the special situations that arise whether it's an event or just me stressing out! I love you all!!

Update: I Complete You Product Challenge

It has been a while since some of these types of posts. I have still been cleaning, lotioning, and perfuming myself I guess not as quickly as my list needs me too... or maybe I just have too much stuff. O, wait I think we already established that.

Check out my updated list here!


Don't forget to enter the Orient Watch USA Giveaway!

FBFF: Beauty Products

1. What's your favorite drug store makeup product and your favorite higher-end product?

I don't really wear makeup or more specifically, I tend to only wear makeup on special occasions. Can you tell the difference? Maybe a little? Ok, that's fair... I would say that one thing I like when I do wear makeup is spray on foundation, it's so lightweight and really covers nicely!

2. Is there one type of product that is your go-to, can't live without?

I cannot be without lip gloss. BF thinks it's an unnecessary thing like, my chapped lips are all in my head... he's so completely incorrect!

3. What's the best hair product you've ever used?

I have really thick curly (sometimes) and frizzy (most of the time) hair. I am IN LOVE with Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment! It is, at this point, the only thing the only thing I put in my hair and when I was wearing my hair curly... it was one of two things. It's on the pricier side but, totally worth since for regular use just a dab will do ya. I literally had one jar for years! Just a little in your hair after blow drying and it looks perfect; it also works great as an overnight treatment every once and a while.

4. Fess up, what's the worst beauty look you've tried to rock and look back at now with a little shame or apprehension that you actually did that?

Well, I don't really wear make up but, when I was high school I used to wear lip-liner (I have no idea why) and super shiny lip gloss thing. My mom called them chuleta lips... which means pork chop in Spanish. I wouldn't say that it was shame or apprehension inducing at this point; just silly of me.

5. When it comes to beauty products, we all use the same basic products. What do you use that helps show off your personal flare and personality?

We all know I have a product addiction but, I don't know if any of the things I like show off my personality. 95% of the things I use on a daily basis are meant for cleansing/smelling nice. Yes, I like to smell nice how indicative of me as a person... no wait, that's not right. I suppose the scents I choose sad something about me. For the past few months I've been into really musky scents but, now that the spring is upon us I'm excited to change to lighter, sweeter scents.

Update: I Complete You Product Challenge

So I have knocked a few more off the list! Deodorant is, of course, necessary. O, not for you? Well... you smell. This colder than normal winter is also making lotion a critical item, my skin is really taking a beating! Is it the same for you or do you have another essential winter item in your beauty arsenal?

Check out my updated list here!

Rainbow Tights Week

As I continue to iterate, Santa was very good to me this year, thanks big guy! One of this things that was on my wish list after I saw them all over the blogosphere was colorful tights (because I am wearing my purple ones to death) and when I asked he (AKA my fab family and friends) answered! Those teal babies were only the beginning...

I'd like to introduce you to my new rainbow hosiery collection. They are just itching to be worn so, I am declaring next week Rainbow Tights Week! That's right 4 days of business casual attire with some bright show stopping legs in the mix. Why not 5 days, you ask? Well, Casual Friday + Tights = I don't know I'm bad at math. Maybe I can make it work we shall see... If you are interested in joining me grab the banner and leave me a comment, I will link back to you at the start.

Update: I Complete You Product Challenge

So, we're here again: I've finished something else. Black Amethyst (the fragrance from Bath & Body Works, not the real deal) is one of my favorite smells especially in the cooler weather. It has a more sultry scent that says I'm bundled up in sweaters and tights and still kinda sexy. O, that's not what it says to you? Fine, maybe someone is a little off today! We digress... I have been wearing it like crazy as the temperatures drop and went through what I had left in this bottle pretty quickly. But, I see something lurking in the shadows... what could it be?

Hmm... another bottle. I don't mean to complain but, sometimes this challenge seems a little insurmountable. I'm all for having extra of a good thing but, my extra amounts can be daunting. Are there any products that you keep multiples of on hand? This specific situation I can explain, someone (me) must have sent out a bulletin said when asked about gifts last Christmas that this was one of my fav smells and I got a few lotions as gifts. When I finish this challenge (if that ever happens) I would totally buy this smell again; like I said before, it's one of my favorites. What are you're favorite fragrances?

I also lost deodorant on my way back from California. I don't know if I left it in BF's parent's house or the hotel we stayed at in Vegas but, it is MIA. At least it didn't lose it on my way there, eek! But, if that had been the case I would not have spend a week without deodorant, I would have followed my own advice, not panic, and head to the local CVS.

Check out my progress here

The Roundup: 6 Months

As I mentioned before October is the sixth month of my personal style challenge so far and it's not slowing down! I am having a blast making my wardrobe work for myself while continuing to save money! In the past three months I have worn an additional 54 outfits to work utilizing 29 never before seen tops, 9 new to you dresses, 4 pairs of pant like things, 9 not worn yet skirts, 2 new pairs of jeans. I also utilized 4 additional pairs of shoes, 12 pairs of earrings, and 4 new handbags. I think it will get more difficult as the weather starts to cool down, I feel like I don't have as much clothes that is suited for this type of weather. At the same time, I'm pretty sure I said something like that when I finished my first three months...

In the past three months I have spent $79.60 on clothing and accessories. The number is a little high because it was my birthday and I treated myself but, I don't think it is unreasonable at all. There was even one month of no purchases! The grand total for the past 6 months is $125.60. I can't imagine that I have spent that little on clothes in quite some time and I'm ok with that. Hopefully I can stick with it!

I also participated in an additional three challenges (two of my own design.) I welcome all those that have joined me and shopped their own closet for fall trends, as well as, completing their products. I hope that more people continue to do so with the latter, I appreciate the company and there is a good reason to participate in that one. I also did my first closet makeover for a friend, it was so much fun!

Thank you so much for all the comments and support, it totally keeps me going as I move closer to the end of this year. I can't wait to see how it all turns out!

Update: I Complete You Product Challenge

I remeber when I was growing up and I would watch my mother get ready to leave the house. She would always quickly dust some blush on her cheeks and slick some pink lipstick on her lips, press them together and out the door we would go. It seemed so glamorous and I could not wait to be able to partake in that ladylike practice. But, the only thing that I was allowed to purchase or use for the longest time was Chapstick. Ironically, lipgloss is one of the only things I use on a daily basis, I just finished one and had to thrown one away, it looked funky... What was your first make up item?

Check out my progress here

Update: I Complete You Product Challenge

 

I'm sticking with this and have finished another lotion and the first (of many) deodorant although, I threw away the containers before I took a picture. Do you really care? If so I will make sure to get that done the minute I have finished the next one. Thanks for all the support when I post these updates, I really appreciate it!

 

I have been working on putting a stand alone page for this challenge but, things have been crazy busy, hopefully I can get to it this weekend... It's not to late to join me in this or my fall trend challenge just comment (here for the trend challenge) and I will include you. I love having company!

• philosophy Raspberry Mousse Shower Gel
• Bath and Body Works Green Clover and Aloe Body Lotion
• Boots Mediterranean Bergamot, Orange, and Olive Body Butter
• Jergens Soft Shimmer: Skin Radiance Moisturizer
• Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula
• Bath and Body Works Cotton Blossom Body Lotion
• Bath and Body Works Peony Body Lotion

"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

Update: I Complete You Product Challenge

 

And so it continues; two down and a very long way to go! I guess it's good that it is taking me so long. I am saving alot of money by using the products that I have but, when I'm out shopping my senses are bombarded with new scents and product promises that I want to cave to. Keep calm and carry on...

• philosophy Rasperry Mousse Shower Gel
• Bath and Body Works Green Clover and Aloe Body Lotion
• Jergens Soft Shimmer: Skin Radiance Moisturizer
• Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula
• Bath and Body Works Cotton Blossom Body Lotion
• Bath and Body Works Peony Body Lotion

Update: I Complete You Product Challenge

 

This past weekend I was gifted/found a few more things to add to the list. At this rate I am never going to have to buy soap, lotion, or fragrance ever again!

• philosophy Rasperry Mousse Shower Gel
• Jergens Soft Shimmer: Skin Radiance Moisturizer
• Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula
• Bath and Body Works Green Clover and Aloe Body Lotion
• Bath and Body Works Cotton Blossom Body Lotion
• Bath and Body Works Peony Body Lotion