So I don't wear yellow. The scarf I have used as a belt in this outfit is literally the only item of clothing I could find in my expansive closet with any yellow in it. I really, really don't wear yellow. But this month's Everybody Everywear challenge was yellow, so I did what I could.

I'm wearing:
#4 Merona black, tan, white, and gray patterned skirt (thrifted)
#20 Ann Taylor sleeveless pin-collar black top (thrifted)
#25 Aerosoles mint green strappy sandals

with:
-Gustav Klimt scarf as cumberbund (gift)
-vintage green beaded necklace (thrifted)
-wooden wrap bracelet (Forever 21)

AND today is also the last day of the Summer 30 for 30, at least for me! Can't say I'm going to be sad to see it go--just like last time, 30 days seemed like about 5 days too many, but it was a good exercise. Should we look back?

What was my best outfit?

So I had a major weekend Summer 30 for 30 fail. I wore 30 for 30 clothes, but I never took pictures. I was out of town all weekend, visiting a friend with infant twins, and I just didn't get to the picture taking portion of my days. I thought just skipping them altogether and making today Day 27, but honestly, I am sick to death of my 30 for 30 clothes and ready for this whole thing to be over, so you're just going to have to take my word for the boring outfits I wore:

Day 27: 30 (black Merona shorts) + 19 (purple Converse One-Star top) + 28 (red Naturalizer flats)

Day 28: 30 (black Merona shorts) + 21 (Old Navy floral ruffle front shirt) + 28 (red Naturalizer flats)

Which brings us to today, Day 29. In which my camera is once again malfunctioning.

I'm wearing:
#9 gray Loft pants (thrifted)
#18 black and blue patterned Gap dolman sleeve shirt
#24 Antia black wedges

with:
-Old Navy blue camisole
-Betsey Johnson charm necklace (Ebay)
-Jewelmint Scarab ring

The weather has moved past what I'd call appropriate for using jeans to signify the importance of a Friday, so today I decided to make a more subtle "yay, weekend!" gesture with my clothing. I'm celebrating Friday with a short skirt. And earrings, just because I'm a rebel like that.

I'm wearing:
#6 St. John's Bay navy skirt with flower pattern (thrifted)
#23 NY & Company gray-green cowl neck sleeveless shirt
#24 Antia black wedges

with:
-Liberty of London for Target brown belt (thrifted)
-chunky jade necklace (gift)
-small jade earrings (gift)

If today's outfit says to you "I overslept and I am getting really tired of this 30 for 30 and oh by the way I need to do some laundry," then you're not wrong.

I'm wearing:
#8 AT Loft black pants
#22 J. Crew pintuck neckline lavender floral sleeveless top (thrifted)
#25 Aerosoles green high-heeled sandals

with:
-Forever 21 tassel necklace
-threaded bangle bracelets (Etsy)
-round bead bracelets (gift)

Today's outfit may not seem risky, but it was indeed one of my "try something new" 30 for 30 combinations. What I was trying here was mixing neutrals, which I've heard a million times is doable, but haven't done much of myself. I think it worked, though! In this outfit, I've got navy, cream, black, and brown going on!

I'm wearing:
#3: navy and cream patterned silk skirt (thrifted)
#20: Ann Taylor pin-tuck neck sleeveless black top (thrifted)
#24: Antia black wedges

with:
-Liberty of London for Target brown leather belt (thrifted)
-turquoise threaded bangles (Ebay)
-painted shell on ribbon necklace (gift)

Apparently, stripes are Americana to me, as I wore them for both the 4th and the 5th of July!

Day 22: 4 + 16 + 28

This outfit was worn for a little thrifting and and at-home dinner. Nothing fancy, but comfortable, and I am kinda digging the pattern mixing.

I'm wearing:
#4 Merona tan, black, gray, and white printed skirt (thrifted)
#16 Old Navy white with red stripe scoop neck t-shirt
#28 Naturalizer red flats

No accessories!

Day 23: 15 + 26 + 29

This is a work outfit, albeit a casual one. I like the pink tank layered under this white shirt--I find the shirt too sheer on its own, and the pop of color is fun.

I'm wearing:
#15 Gap white v-neck t-shirt (thrifted)
#26 Sofft black wedge sandals
#29 black and white striped maxi skirt (Nordstrom Rack)

with:
-Banana Republic hot pink camisole (outlet store)
-silver faux vintage owl necklace (Ebay)
-braided leather bangle bracelets (Ebay)

Today's outfit is courtesy of date night, without which I never would have changed out of my exercise clothes. I think it turned out very nicely.

I'm wearing:
#2 New York & Company black ruffle-front maxi dress
#27 A. Marinelli studded green high-heeled sandals

with:
-purple and silver dangly earrings (Anika Burke)

Shall we have a look at Day 11-20? Which was your favorite? Least?

At first glance, there is absolutely nothing exciting about this outfit. But I do find it exciting. Why? This purple shirt, #19 in my 30 for 30 items? It was the only thing I hadn't worn yet. With this outfit, I have worn every single item I picked out at least once. That totally feels like victory.

What am I doing with my feet in this picture? I have no idea.

And here, this picture taking is suddenly very. serious. business. Also, I am pointing at...my thighs? Again, no idea.

I'm wearing:
#7 Eddie Bauer curvy bootcut jeans (thrifted)
#19 Converse purple embroidered detail shirt (Target)
#28 Naturalizer red flats

with:
-Steinveka enamel pendant necklace (Etsy)
-three string glass bead necklace (gift)

Two days of maxis in a row? Do you think perhaps someone is avoiding shaving her legs? Just a thought.

I kinda love this outfit. I wasn't sure it would work to button the jacket up over the ruffle front of the dress, but it does. I feel very boho-yet-put-together in this.

I'm wearing:
#2 NY & Company ruffle-front black maxi dress
#11 NY & Company white safari shirt/jacket
#24 Antia black wedges

with:
-silver chain and leaf necklace (Ebay)
-lavender, teal, and magenta silk wrapped bangles (Etsy)
-Liz Claiborne faux blue snakeskin belt (thrifted)

What, 29? 29? There is no item 29! That, kittens, is because I stood in front of my clothes rack this morning and went "ug, really? I have to wear this stuff?" and decided that it was time to bring in a ringer. I'm using one of my wild-card spots, #29, on this striped maxi skirt. I think it's a good decision.

I'm wearing:
#29 black and white striped maxi skirt (Nordstrom Rack)
#17 Ann Taylor black scoopneck t-shirt (thrifted)
#28 Naturalizer red flats

with:
-purple wooden beaded bracelet (Anika Burke)
-peacock feather necklace (Forever 21)

I've been going back and forth for days about what body part to feature for Academichic's Dress Your Best blog event this week. As I tried to decided, I noticed that several of Academichic's posters chose to feature body parts they'd once loved less, including pregnancy-induced body changes and a delightfully uneven face. Coincidentally, I'd been in a discussion elsewhere online about learning to embrace and even love body parts you used to dislike, so I decided that would be a good guiding principle for my Dress Your Best contribution.

From there, it wasn't hard.

I have really big arms. It's hereditary--all of the women in my mother's family have big arms, even the ones who are thin. My grandmother has what my grandfather referred to as "blacksmith arms." She's a big, strong woman and she's got natural guns. Apparently it's a strong gene.

Having big arms is something hard to love as a woman, at least early on. For one thing, nothing about you (with the exception, to a point, of your breasts) is supposed to be big. For another, it's a hassle--shirt-sleeves quite often to do not fit around my upper arms, even in shirt sizes that are otherwise too big. I can't take my blood pressure with the machine at the drugstore, because my arm doesn't fit properly in the cuff. These are small things, but the annoyances add up.

I've never hated my arms enough to try to hide them--I wear sleeveless shirts more than most people do, and certainly more than a lot of people my size do (in part because of the aforementioned sleeve fitting issue). But they've never really been something I fully embraced.

Until now. Over the past six months, as I've spent more time and the gym and lifted higher weights, my arms have changed. They've--no joke--gotten bigger. They've also gotten much more developed musculature, and they've gotten stronger. Suddenly, it's clear what an asset they are. I have a greater natural strength than many, many women. I have the ability to fairly easily build serious muscle. And I like that.

I like that a lot, actually. Muscular arms have always been a back-of-my-mind goal, ever since, as a pre-teen, I saw Linda Hamilton doing pull-ups in Terminator 2. While I know I'll never be built like Linda Hamilton, I've since noticed some other really impressive arms that are more within my reach:

Photo via Fitness Magazine

And so, I'm inspired, today, to celebrate my arms.

Who needs subtle?

I'm wearing:
#8 Loft black cotton pants
#20 Ann Taylor black sleeveless pintuck collar top (thrifted)
#26 Sofft black wedges

with:
-Forever 21 rhinestone and feather bib necklace

Woohoo, the halfway point! I decided to celebrate with an outfit that looked a whole lot better in my head. Subtle pattern mixing, paperbagging a too-big skirt waist...it may just be too much for me.

I think the sad truth is that this skirt needs to be either altered or retired. It's way, way too big. But I had to try.

I'm wearing:
#5 Anne Klein black with white polka dots full pleated skirt (thrifted)
#14 Apt. 9 pink with white pin dots cowl neck (thrifted)
#24 Antia wedges

with:
-Old Navy pink camisole
-black stretchy belt (can't remember where it's from)
-silver charm bracelets (Ebay)
-antique typewriter key necklace (gift)

I did not want to wear 30 for 30 clothes today. In fact, I didn't want to wear clothes at all. Had it not been for 30 for 30, I would almost certainly be headed to Target in yoga pants with dog hair on the ass. Though they'll never know it, the folks at my Target owe 30 for 30 their gratitude for that.

Instead, I came up with this casual weekend ensemble. Nothing ground-breaking, but a pretty big step up from what I would have worn if left to my own devices.

I'm wearing:
#8 Loft black cotton pants
#18 Gap black and blue patterned dolman sleeve shirt
#28 Naturalizer red flats

with:
-Lucky charm necklace (Ebay)
-turquoise print headband/head scard (Cost Plus World Market)

When I did the 30 for 30 last time, I didn't do weekends--it was work week only. And so, it took over six weeks to finish. I didn't like that. So, this time, I'm including weekends, at least if I leave the house. Today, I left the house to run some errands and do some shopping.

I'm wearing:
#4 Merona black, tan, gray, and white printed skirt (a total MVP item so far!)
#23 NY & Company green-gray cowl neck sleeveless shirt
#26 Sofft black wedge sandals

with:
-Forever 21 wooden beaded wrap bracelet
-gold owl pendant (Ebay)

I woke up this morning with what I think of as "free-range hair"--that is, hair I went to sleep on while it was wet and is now huge and unruly. Usually, when this happens, I attempt to tame it, or at least put it up. Today I decided to consider it a style opportunity and dress to compliment it, in as 70s an ensemble as my job and my 30 for 30 choices allow.

And I kinda love it.

Look at that hair!

I'm wearing:
#7 Eddie Bauer curvy bootcut jeans (thrifted)
#22 J. Crew sleeveless lavender and white floral top (thrifted)
#26 Sofft black wedge sandals (Nordstrom Rack)

with:
-Forever 21 True Feathers necklace
-large purple stone pendant (Ebay)
-Forever 21 Gypsy Wrap bracelet (no longer available)
-Exotic Bangles magenta wrap bangles (Etsy)

I put this outfit on intending to use it for my submission to Academichic's Dress Your Best event. With the long straight line of the pants and the high-heeled sandals, I thought the outfit would work very well to highlight my height, which is something I am trying to not only make peace with, but embrace (it's a process, people). But looking at the photographs, I don't think this came off at all the way I'd envisioned. So I'm going to try again later.

In the meantime, here I am in my nearly 6'4" glory.

I don't know what's going on with this one, sorry for the pissy face.

Since I forgot to take a detail shot, these are the shoes:

I'm wearing:
#9 Loft gray trousers (thrifted)
#21 Old Navy floral ruffle-front sleeveless top
#27 A. Marinelli Rayne green studded high-heeled sandals (6pm)

with:
-Exotic Bangles purple and henna striped wrapped bangles (Etsy)

Yay, vintage! This vintage 1950s dress is one I put in my 30 for 30 because I've been holding on to it for months, looking for a perfect time to wear it. This forces me to make Wednesday a perfect time! I love this style more than any other in the world, and could quite happily wear it every day.

Look at that 5 yard skirt!

And I couldn't resist a motion shot:

I'm wearing:
#1 vintage 1950s pink print dress (Eons Vintage in Pittsburgh)
#24 Antia black wedges

with:
-Etienne Atigner slim black leather belt (thrifted)
-silver charm bracelets (Ebay)

Day 10 already! Let's look at where we've been:

What's your favorite so far? Least favorite?

I hope you all like this outfit, because I'm pretty sure modifications on it are what is going to get me through this 30 for 30. Full skirt + fitted shirt + red flats. It may not be the summer look I cultivated, but it's the one I got!

I'm wearing:
#4 Merona black, gray, tan, and white print cotton skirt (thrifted)
#17 Ann Taylor black scoop neck t-shirt (thrifted)
#28 red Naturalizer flats

with:
-chunky jade necklace (gift)
-circular beaded bracelets (gift)

I was not feeling it this morning, y'all. It's raining, I'm exhausted after the weekend, and getting dressed was just not all that inspired an experience. Some days are like that.

I'm wearing:
#10 Loft black pants
#13 August Silk short-sleeved ruffle collar black cardigan (Nordstrom Rack)
#16 Old Navy red and white striped scoop neck t-shirt
#24 Antia black wedges (Shoebuy)

with:
Lucky charm bracelet (Ebay)

We had a busy out-of-town weekend, and I have to say, having only by 30 for 30 options while packing made things a lot easier!

On Saturday, we had a memorial picnic for Mark's grandmother, who passed away this spring, followed by dinner at a Spanish restaurant with Mark's parents.

2 + 28

I was really happy with this outfit. It was comfortable for the 4+ hours I spent in the car in the morning, and appropriate for both the outdoor picnic in the afternoon and dinner in the evening. I felt like I looked really cute, too!

I wore:
#2 New York & Company Ruffle-Front Maxi Dress
#28 red Naturalizer flats

with:
-Forever 21 Boho necklace
-Frosted Williow woodland bangle bracelets (Etsy)

On Sunday, we had a nice Father's Day brunch with Mark's parents, brother, and SIL, and headed back home. I needed something appropriate for a nice brunch in the city that I could still wear in the car, and what I wore worked out OK. I didn't take these pictures until we got home at around 11pm, though, after I'd had it on all day, so it comes off a bit sloppier than it actually was. Earlier in the day my shirt was tucked in, and I was wearing a belt.

6 + 10 + 28

I'm wearing:
#6 St. John's Bay blue skirt with floral pattern (thrifted)
#10 Loft short-sleeved teal cardigan (thrifted)
#28 red Naturalizer flats

with:
-green tank top (Target)
-Exotic Bangles teal wrapped bangles (Etsy)
-Betsey Johnson charm necklace (Ebay)

I was very thankful for casual Friday when I woke up this morning. Apparently it's going to be warm later, but it stormed last night and was still plenty wet and gray when I left the house, so jeans seemed just right.

This outfit irritates me, because I have that compulsion not to wear jeans with blue shirts. Still, I like more than I dislike about it. I look kinda strange with my hair up, though.

Emo downward stare!

And some details:

I'm wearing:
#7 Eddie Bauer Curvy bootcut jeans (thrifted)
#18 Gap blue and black patterned dolman shirt (outlet)
#24 Antia black wedges (also worn on Day 4)

with:
-Forever 21 Boho necklace (no longer available?)
-blue and turquoise beaded earrings (LBB)
-braided leather bracelets (Ebay)

So I looked at my clothes rack this morning, loaded with its meager fewer-than-30 items, and groaned. I did not want to wear ANY of this stuff. How long does it take to get sick of 30 for 30? Apparently, for me, 4 days.

But I knew this would happen, and had decided upon two coping strategies for days like today well in advance:

1. Wear old standbys. A day like today is a bad time to try to be creative. Just get something I know works on my body and get out of the house.

2. Cheat. Just a little.

Today, I employed both strategies. Both the skirt and the shoes are old standbys--pieces I have worn a lot and know I am comfortable with. The tank top is a cheat--it's not a 30 for 30 item. I decided at the beginning that since tanks under things are a summer wardrobe staple for me and I wear so many of them, it wasn't going to be reasonable to include them in my 30 for 30 items unless I wanted to wear the same one over and over. So, the rule I set is that as long as I am not going to wear them alone, with nothing over them, tanks are freebies.

And it all turned out OK.

Plus? This skirt has pockets. That improves everything, pretty much. Which is apparently why I felt the need to smirk about it in this picture.

I'm wearing:
#5 Anne Klein full polka-dot skirt (thrifted)
#13 August Silk short sleeved black cardigan (Nordstrom Rack)
#24 Antia black wedges (Shoebuy)

with:
-Banana Republic red tank top (outlet)
-Forever 21 Matte Bead Necklace
-silver concentric circles necklace as bracelet (thrifted)

This skirt is one of the challenge pieces for me in this 30 for 30--I thrifted it recently, and I love it--the silk fabric, the pattern, the drape, it's great. However, I haven't quite figured out to wear it yet. It's navy and white, and those aren't colors I use much, and it's silk, a fabric I don't wear that much, so I am not quite sure how to pair it yet. So I decided to add it to my 30 for 30 set to force myself to wear it.

And I think this kinda works. What do you think?

In this one, I think I'm trying to show you how impressed I am with myself that it took 3 days for me to pull out the wide elastic belts:

I'm wearing:
#3 blue and white silk skirt (no tag, thrifted)
#23 New York & Company green-gray sleeveless cowl neck (old)
#25 Aerosoles Women's South Role sandals (Shoes.com)

with:
-cream and blue Forever 21 stretchy belt (no longer available, from what I can tell)
-Exotic Bangles brown and burgundy silk wrapped bangles (Etsy)
-Superhero Chlorine necklace

Things are looking much better today! I'm happier with this outfit, the pictures are in focus, and I am even feeling a little bit better.

I like the sorta 80s vibe of this, without going too ridiculously 80s. I am also really loving my new jewelry, which is from Forever 21! I never would have guessed they'd have so much fun stuff, but they really do.I made a pretty big order recently, so look for more pieces from them in future posts.

Also, I wanted to give a shout-out of thanks to Kris at A Thrifty LA Life for adding me to her Go-To 30 for 30-ers list! Kris' blog is a recent favorite of mine, and I am really excited to see how she remixes her mostly-thrifted and totally fabulous wardrobe for this challenge. I definitely recommend checking in on her, and I'll be having a look at the other blogs on her list, as well.

Now, the outfit:

I'm wearing:
#4 Merona black, tan, white, and gray full printed skirt (thrifted)
#15 Gap white v-neck t-shirt (thrifted)
#28 Naturalizer red flats (Zappos or Shoebuy)

with:
-Forever 21 Outback Spiral Bracelet
-Forever 21 Assorted Charms Necklace

Since today is the first day of the summer 30 for 30, and I want to make a good impression, I thought I'd take arty photos! Just kidding. In reality, I forgot to take the macro setting off the camera and my pictures are very out-of-focus. Sorry about that. Not exactly an auspicious beginning.

But it's not exactly an auspicious outfit, either, so I guess that works. The reality is that I woke up late, I have a cold, and this is what I threw on. It will only go up from here, right?

I'm wearing:
#9 AT Loft gray wide legged pants (thrifted)
#14 Apt. 9 pink pin-dot cowl neck (thrifted)
#26 Sofft black wedge sandals

with:
-Mossimo white tank top (Target)
-silver bangle (no idea)
-white and silver bib necklace (NY & Company)

Not that you can tell in these pictures, but I also got a really good haircut this weekend, at a new salon. So I'll be reviewing that place later--if you happen to be local to me, keep an eye out for that!

I'm doing it again! Kendi Everyday's 30 for 30 Remix Challenge! Starting tomorrow, I'll be making 30 outfits out of the 30 items I picked from my closet, no repeat outfits, no clothes shopping!

I wish I had the photographic talent and was willing to put in the effort to show you the pieces I am going to use, like Kendi and others do, but I don't, so some hasty shots taken on my bed will have to suffice:

2 dresses:

1. Vintage dress I bought on my last trip to Pittsburgh
2. Ruffle-front black maxi dress (NY & Company)

4 skirts:

3. blue and white silk skirt (no tag, thrifted)
4. black, gray, and tan print cotton skirt (Merona, thrifted)
5. black and white polka dot full skirt (Anne Klein, thrifted)
6. blue skirt with floral pattern (St. John's Bay, thrifted)

3 pants:

7. bootcut jeans (Eddie Bauer, thrifted)
8. black pants (Loft)
9. gray pants (Loft, thrifted)

3 top layers/cardigans:

10. teal short-sleeved cardigan (Loft, thrifted)
11. white safari shirt/jacket (NY & Company)
13. black short-sleeved cardigan (August Silk via Nordstrom Rack)

6 sleeved tops:

14. pink pin-dot cowl neck (Apt. 9, thrifted)
15. white v-neck t-shirt (Gap, thrifted)
16. red and white striped scoop neck t-shirt (Old Navy)
17. black scoop neck t-shirt (Ann Taylor, thrifted)
18. black and blue patterned dolman shirt (Gap Outlet)
19. purple embroidered front shirt (Converse One-Star via Target)

4 sleeveless tops:

20. black pin-tuck collar top (Ann Taylor, thrifted)
21. floral ruffle-front shirt (Old Navy)
22. lavender and white floral pin-tuck collar top (J. Crew, thrifted)
23. green-gray cowl neckline top (NY & Company)

5 pairs of shoes:

24. black wedges (Antia, only repeat from my last 30-for-30!)
25. light green strappy heels (Aerosoles)
26. black wedge sandals (Sofft)
27. green high-heeled sandals with studs (A. Marinelli)
28. red flats (Naturalizer)

I left myself two wild-card slots to add things later that I can't foresee needing now, which is kind of a cheat, but I'm OK with that.

Last time I did this, I noticed that I could have used more shoe options, and that I didn't include enough basic layering tops in my choices. I am attempting to fix that this time. Do you see any holes? Any outfit suggestions? Hit me with your ideas in the comments!

I'm finished!!!

Today I went with classic, since the only way I was going to get any green in was with accessories. What is most amazing to me, though, is the way these pants fit today, versus when I started this 30for30.

I'm wearing:
#10 Ann Taylor short sleeved ruched black sweater (also worn on Day #4, Day #6, Day #19, Day #23, and Day #26)
#7 Ann Taylor Loft Ann black and white mini houndstooth wide leg trousers (also worn on Day #3, Day #9, Day #13, and Day #24)
#26 Antia black lace-up wedges (also worn on Day #4, Day #9, Day #11, Day #14, Day #18, Day #19, Day #23, and Day #29)

With:
-green plaid Land's End scarf (thrifted)
-black Tommy Hilfiger belt (Ross)
-green stone necklace (worn as bracelet, thrifted)

Let's see how all 30 days have looked, shall we?

What did you like? What did you hate and I should never ever wear it again?

I wondered, as I was going along, what my 30for30 MVPs would be--I suspected the short sleeved AT sweater I am wearing today, since it was one of my only layering pieces, and my tall black boots. I was right on those counts, but I wore other things nearly as much. Here are my most worn items:

#25 Ros Hommerson Sidney flat black boots--worn 10 of 30 days
#26 Antia black lace-up wedges--worn 9 of 30 days
#8 Ann Taylor Loft Ann charcoal pinstripe wide leg pants--worn 6 of 30 days
#10 Ann Taylor short sleeved ruched black sweater--worn 5 of 30 days

The shoes aren't surprising, but I was sorta shocked at how much I depended on pants. I don't think of myself as a pants person. That might be partially seasonal, though--it was cold here for most of the challenge.

I'm relieved to be finished, but happy to have done this. I definitely learned something about my wardrobe (it's way more extensive than I thought, and less may actually be more). The most interesting thing for me, though, has been watching my body change through the six weeks or so I took me to string together 30 days of work outfits. It's encouraging!

I gave myself a pep talk this morning about finishing strong. I have no idea what I'm going to do about tomorrow (St. Patrick's Day, as well as the last day of my 30for30!), but today, I'm wearing an outfit that I out-and-out love.

I'm wearing:
#2: Navy and white Dockers floral shirt dress (also worn on Day #8)
#26 Antia black lace-up wedges (also worn on Day #4, Day #9, Day #11, Day #14, Day #18, Day #19, and Day #23)

With:
-red grommeted belt (thrifted)
-vintage silver flower brooch (thrifted)
-Superhero necklace
-silver cuff earrings (gift)

I'll admit it, I phoned it in today. I'm sick of these clothes, I have a cold, and I'm tired of it being cold. But I'll shake the cold, we're expecting to see 70 degrees by the end of the week, and there are only two 30for30 outfits left!

What I didn't realize this morning, which is embarrassing, is that I wore these pants in snowy/salty Buffalo last week, and there are salt marks all around the hems. Classy.

And in today's photos? Mark makes coffee!

I'm wearing:
#18 Ann Taylor Loft burgundy scoop neck sweater (also worn on Day #9 and Day #16)
#8 Ann Taylor Loft Ann charcoal pinstripe wide leg pants (also worn on Day #5, Day #11, Day #18, and Day #22)
-#28 Softspots purple suede wedges (also worn on Day #3, Day #7, Day #12, Day #17, Day #22, and Day #26)

With:
-black leather Coach belt (thrifted)
-vintage floral silk scarf (thrifted)
-silver and purple bead earrings (LBB)

Nothing like time change to make your Monday feel extra Monday-ish. Why don't we spring forward on Friday afternoon? Wouldn't that make more sense?

Anyway, I'm in the home stretch. Four more days of 30for30, including today. Today's outfit is one I had in mind early on and didn't particularly care for, but I'm down to dire straights (half of my 30for30 clothes are in desperate need of a dry cleaning), so here it is:

I'm wearing:
#11 Old Navy printed button down shirt in pink ditzy floral (also worn on Day #7 and Day #12)
#6 Anne Klein taupe fluted skirt (also worn on Day #6 and Day #17)
#25 Ros Hommerson Sidney flat black boots (also worn on Day #1, Day #5, Day #6, Day #10, Day #13, Day #16, Day #21, Day #24, and Day #25)

With:
-pink camisole (Old Navy)
-black studded Betsey Johnson stretch belt (Ross)
-circular bronze beaded bracelets (gift)
-Broken Plate Pendant Company necklace (gift)
-black knee socks (no idea)

I was thinking of Allie when I got dressed today. Allie is a huge advocate of well-made, well-fitting basic, classic pieces. For me, this Ann Taylor short-sleeved black sweater fits the bill. It's been a tireless workhorse during this 30for30, and I am sure I'll still be wearing it a lot after next week. It's comfortable, flattering, and professional looking. The details (neckline, side ruching) are very well done. And it's cotton/silk blend, so it is an easy season-hopper. Love it.

These pants, on the other hand...they'd fit the bill if they fit. I don't think they ever really fit quite right, and they seem to be getting worse all the time. Too bad, too--I love the color and fabric.

I'm wearing:
#10 Ann Taylor short sleeved ruched black sweater (also worn on Day #4, Day #6, Day #19, and Day #23)
#9 Banana Republic Jackson wide-leg suit pants in gray alloy (also worn on Day #7, Day #15, and Day #20)
-#28 Softspots purple suede wedges (also worn on Day #3, Day #7, Day #12, Day #17, and Day #22)

With:
-black leather Coach belt (thrifted)
-pink multi-strand seed bead necklace (thrifted)
-silver matte bangles (not sure)
-silver hoop earrings (not sure)

Also, a makeup note--most of what I am wearing today (well, the eyeshadows and lip gloss, anyway) comes from the Smashbox Burlesque kit. Which is on sale now. I bought it at full price and have no regrets--it's been my go-to for months for this sorta soft femme look. Run. Don't walk.

Today, my criteria for getting dressed was very simple: what will feel the most like pajamas? In a really fantastic conflation of circumstances, I have a cold, it's pouring rain, I'm going to be sitting in a training session all day, and it's that one day of the month where the idea of clothes touching me at all, especially anywhere near my mid-section, is revolting. Definitely no belts or buttons today. Nothing that doesn't stretch if I can get away with it.

And so, this:

I'm wearing:
#4 Ann Taylor teal ponte shift dress (also worn on Day #10)
#22 Purple v-neck cardigan (also worn on Day #15)
#25 Ros Hommerson Sidney flat black boots (also worn on Day #1, Day #5, Day #6, Day #10, Day #13, Day #16, Day #21, and Day #24)

With:
-purple paisley silk scarf (thrifted)
-black leggings (Long Tall Sally)
-silver charm bracelet (Ebay)
-butterfly earrings (LBB)

Wearing purple and teal together always makes me think I'm dressing like The Joker. And I don't love the proportions in this outfit, either. But it looks better than my pajamas, and nothing is pinching or pulling at me, so I'm going to call it a success.

Back in town and back to your regularly scheduled early morning kitchen pictures! I had intended to wear this shirt and this sweater together from the beginning of the 30for30, since the necklines work so well, and time is (thank God) running out, so today seemed like a good day to do it!

I'm wearing:
#15 Ann Taylor chunky black short sleeved sweater (also worn on Day #7 and Day #21)
#14 Banana Republic green and black cowl neck top (also worn on Day #11)
#7 Ann Taylor Loft Ann black and white mini houndstooth wide leg trousers (also worn on Day #3, Day #9, and Day #13)
#25 Ros Hommerson Sidney flat black boots (also worn on Day #1, Day #5, Day #6, Day #10, Day #13, Day #16, and Day #21)

With:
-black leather Coach belt (thrifted)
-jade and agate chunky necklace (gift)
-bronze circular beaded bracelets (gift)

I am not 100% happy with this. I think it needs a different belt. And these pants, like the gray ones, are fast becoming too big. But it's not too bad.

The question: do you all want to keep seeing my clothes when this 30for30 is over? Should I keep doing outfit posts?

Today's outfit had to meet a lot of complicated criteria. It had to be appropriate for a meeting. It had to be packable in a small bag without wrinkling. It had to use 30for30 clothes. And it had to contain polka dots. Polka dots? Yep. Why? Because it's March 8, Polka Dot Day for Everybody, Everywhere!

My 30for30 items contained two polka dotted contenders, the black with white polka dots shirt dress and the black with white polka dots cardigan. I also have a black with white polka dot scarf. I considered wearing them all together, but decided that might not make the best impression on new co-workers. So instead, I played it safe and went with a very slight variation on an outfit I already wore:

I'm wearing:
-#5 Josephine Chaus black a-line skirt (also worn on Day #4, Day #16, and Day #19)
#10 Ann Taylor short sleeved ruched black sweater (also worn on Day #4, Day #6, and Day #19)
#19 reversible black and white polka dot cardigan (also worn on Day #4)
#26 Antia black lace-up wedges (also worn on Day #4, Day #9, Day #11, Day #14, Day #18, and Day #19)

With:
-blue faux snakeskin belt (thrifted)
-black patterned tights (Norway)
-red circle shell necklace (somewhere in Austin)
-silver charm bracelet (Ebay)

This is a near replica of my Day #4 outfit--same shoes, skirt, sweater, and cardigan. It's also pretty close to my Day #19 outfit--same shoes, skirt, sweater, and belt. At this point, though, I'm considering myself lucky if I don't wear exact duplicates, accessories and all. Only seven more days.

Again, odd looking pictures are due to being photographed in advance, on Sunday night, without makeup and in fairly terrible light. My apologies.

I really want to quit. And I was presented with a perfect excuse--a last minute two-day business trip! I couldn't possibly wear the same tired 30for30 clothes on a business trip, could I?

I thought about throwing in the towel. And I thought about taking a two day break for the trip. And then I decided I wanted to complete the challenge more than I wanted to quit, and I wanted to complete it as soon as possible more than I wanted to take a break. So I am pushing on.

Today is the first day, which is a regular work day and then a travel day. I'm dressed for comfort and plane coziness:

I'm wearing:
-#16 Calypso blue Banana Republic whipstitch v-neck sweater (also worn on Day #3 and DAy #13)
#8 Ann Taylor Loft Ann charcoal pinstripe wide leg pants (also worn on Day #5, Day #11, and Day #18)
-#28 Softspots purple suede wedges (also worn on Day #3, Day #7, Day #12, and Day #17)

With:
-black Coach leather belt (thrifted)
-green and blue striped cotton and linen scarf (thrifted)
-turquoise glass bead and silver earrings (LBB)

If these pictures look strange, by the way, it's because they were taken in advance, on Sunday night--and I'm not wearing any makeup!

By now, you all are used to my vintage-inspired outfits. I love the 40s, 50s, and 60s. Today, however, I thought I'd try something different. How about...the 80s?

I'm wearing:
#15 Ann Taylor chunky black short sleeved sweater (also worn on Day #7)
#30 NY&Co skinny jeans (also worn on Day #2 and Day #13)
#25: Ros Hommerson Sidney flat black boots (also worn on Day #1, Day #5, Day #6, Day #10, Day #13, and Day #16)

With:
-red grommeted belt (thrifted)
-black cotton camisole (Old Navy)
-teal pashmina (Ebay)
-wooden bead wrap bracelet (AJ Wright)
-orange glass bead and copper earrings (LBB)

Mark had the nerve to LAUGH at this ensemble this morning. Then he said he liked the scarf. Whatever. He doesn't understand my hawt 80s style. I wish I could have feathered my hair.

This is just a hot mess. It's a I-got-up-late mess. It's a I'm-sick-of-these-clothes mess. It's a these-pants-don't-fit mess. That's really all I have to say about it.

So there.

I'm wearing:
#20 Charter Club red and black cropped cardigan (also worn on Day #6 and Day #14)
#9 Banana Republic Jackson wide-leg suit pants in gray alloy (also worn on Day #7 and Day #15)
-#26 Antia black lace-up wedges (also worn on Day #4, Day #9, Day #11, Day #14, Day #18, and Day #19)

With:
-gray and black paisley Ann Taylor camisole (outlet store)
-black leather Coach belt (thrifted)
-black stone earrings and necklace set (A.J. Wright)

So let's get on to something more fun! It's Day 20, so let's look at the last ten days of outfits.

Which is your favorite? How about a poll!

As sick as I am getting of my 30for30 clothes (which are really 28for30, since I've declared two of my pieces unwearable), some days it's still fun to put things together. Today was one of those days. This outfit is dead simple, but I think it looks good, and it feels great. I love the super subtle pattern mixing, too (tights, belt, scarf).

I'm wearing:
#5 Josephine Chaus black a-line skirt (also worn on Day #4)
#10 Ann Taylor short sleeved ruched black sweater (also worn on Day #4 and Day #6)
#26 Antia black lace-up wedges (also worn on Day #4, Day #9, Day #11, Day #14, and Day #18)

With:
-Land's End teal and black silk scarf (thrifted)
-narrow blue faux snakeskin belt (thrifted)
-silver matte bangle bracelets (no idea...)
-black patterned tights (DKNY, I think)

Now, will you believe me if I tell you that this outfit is inspired by Gloria Steinem? It totally is. There's this group called the Feminist Fashion Bloggers, which I have recently joined, and they hold blog events (days where the members all blog about the same thing). Today's event is "Fashionable Feminist Icon." So, we're all to post about a fashionable feminist icon. And I was so excited about mine I decided to try to create an outfit inspired by her today as well!

How, exactly, is this outfit inspired by Steinem? Well, I spent a good chunk of time last night going through pictures of her, and these were the common threads I found:

1. Gloria loves an all-black ensemble.
This seems to be true no matter what decade it is.

In all black in 2008, photo via StyleHive

In all black in the late 60s, photo via Smith College

2. Gloria always rocks a great belt.

In a wide conch shell belt in 2010, photo via The Harvard Gazette

In a 1970s macrame belt, photo via Gifted

3. Gloria has been wearing straight, center parted hair for 50 years.

Gloria's amazing mane in the 1970s, photo via Life Magazine

The 2009 version of the same style, photo via Minnesota Public Radio

4. Gloria embraces glasses.

Rocking huge aviators in the 70s, photo via Life Magazine

Round frames, but still making a statement in 1993, photo via Getty Images

5. Gloria likes a nice scarf.

An around-the-shoulders scarf in 2010, photo via Day Life

A flowy, neck-looped number in 2008, photo via Digital Journal

So, when I got dressed this morning, I put these elements together. All black+great belt+long straight hair+glasses+a scarf. And that is how this outfit became a tribute to Gloria Steinem.

Power to women!

Wanna check out the rest of the Feminist Fashion Bloggers' Feminist Style Icons?
Björk - Oranges and Apples

Christine Lagarde- Rags Against the Machine

Cindy Sherman - Mrs Bossa Does the Do

Claude Cahun - Cervixosaurus

Diane Von Furstenberg - For Those About to Shop

Elizabeth Smith Miller - Techie Style

Ellen Page - SK{ru}SH

Frida Kahlo - La Historiadora de Moda from Fashionable Academics

Frida Kahlo - Knitting Up the Ravelled Sleeve of Care

Gloria Steinem - Ef for Effort

Gloria Trevi - Feministified

Grandmother - The House in the Clouds

Griselda Pollock - Magic Square Foundation

Hedy Lamarr - Adventures in Refashioning

Marjane Satrapi - Jean of all Trades

Joan of Arc - Interrobangs Anonymous

Julia de Burgos - Mad Dress Game

Margaret Cho - What Are Years?

Oroma Elewa - Fishmonkey

P.J.Harvey - Northwest is Best

Rachel Carson - Aly en France

Siouxsie Sioux - Yo Ladies

Sydney Fox - My Illustrative Life

Vivienne Westwood - Seamstress Stories

I had a rough night last night--I am having some very painful problems with my foot and they kept me awake for hours. My hope is that skillful makeup application (ha!) and an outfit I both like and feel comfortable in masks my exhaustion this morning. What say you?

And my emo picture:

I'm wearing:
#8 Ann Taylor Loft Ann charcoal pinstripe wide leg pants (also worn on Day #5 and Day #11)
#21 Cream cardigan with black beading (also worn on Day #8)
#26 Antia black lace-up wedges (also worn on Day #4, Day #9, Day #11, and Day #14)

With:
-gray ribbed tank (Target)
-black leather Coach belt (thrifted)
-gold concentric circles necklace (thrifted)

In the mirror, I liked this outfit a lot. In the photos, it doesn't work for me at all. I can't quite tell you why, except to say that I feel blocky in it. I also don't think the belt works, but the skirt doesn't have belt loops and definitely requires a belt, so I'm not sure how I could have done it better.

Oh well. It feels like spring here today,and that has me daydreaming about wearing clothes that are as far away from my 30for30 selections as possible!

I'm wearing:
#29 Banana Republic navy blue boatneck long-sleeved tee (thrifted, also worn on Day #2)
#6 Anne Klein taupe fluted stirt (thrifted, also worn on Day #6)
#28 Softspots purple suede wedges (also worn on Day #3, Day #7, and Day #12)

Accessories:
-cocoa brown tights (Hue, TJ Maxx)
-tan wide elastic belt (thrifted)
-recycled sari scarf (gift)
-silver charm bracelet (Ebay)
-silver and turquoise bead earrings (LBB)

This morning was one of those mornings where just getting out of the house with clothes on was an accomplishment, so I'm thinking I get bonus points if I look at all cute.

This outfit, like the majority of those I've worn this week, brings two things to mind:
1. I am getting really sick of these clothes.
2. A scarf makes everything better. Seriously, this is what I am taking away from the 30for30--if anything is wrong, just add a scarf.

I'm wearing:
#18 Ann Taylor Loft burgundy scoop neck sweater (also worn on Day #9)
#5 Josephine Chaus black a-line skirt (also worn on Day #4)
#25 Ros Hommerson Sidney flat black boots (also worn on Day #1, Day #5, Day #6, Day #10, and Day #13)

With:
-purple paisley silk scarf (thrifted)
-wide black elastic belt with leather buckle (Steve Madden via TJ Maxx)
-black tights (Hue)
-green glass bead and silver earrings (LBB)

Over the course of the first half of the 30for30, I've identified three items in my 30 that I just don't like. This cardigan is one of them. It's just...not quite right. It should be longer, the neckline shouldn't be so wide, it should have different buttons, and so on. I'm attempting to wear it anyway, and I'm not particularly happy with the results.

Rest assured that I did re-tie my scarf after I took these pictures. Sorry about that.

I'm wearing:
#22 Purple v-neck cardigan (thrifted)
#9 Banana Republic Jackson wide-leg suit pants in gray alloy (also worn on on Day #7)
#27 Franco Sarto Moto brown boots (also worn on Day #2 and Day #8)

With:
-lavender floral tank top (Target, counting this as a freebie, like tights, since it's basically underwear)
-lavender and gray striped linen and cotton scarf (thrifted)
-bronze circular beaded bracelets (gift)

So tell me what you think--does this sweater look awkward to you? Should it go in my "to donate" bag?

So some days, it's a chilly Wednesday morning and you just wake up with that va-va-voom feeling. I say go with that.

However, it would behoove you (you meaning me, of course) not to balance your camera on a stack of shiny vintage saucers to photograph your hawtness. Because glare? Not hot.

Sorry about these pictures. I just didn't have time to re-do them.

'

And, because it is cold, the cardigan contingency plan. With pattern mixing, even!

I'm wearing:
#1 Charter Club black with white mini polka dot straight shirt dress (thrifted)
#20 Charter Club red and black cropped cardigan (thrifted, also worn on Day #6)
#26 Antia black laced wedges (also worn on Day #4, Day #9, and Day #11)

With:
-brick red elastic belt with brass bird closure (Ross, I think)
-silver hoop earrings (some little shop in Boston)
-black tights (Hue, TJ Maxx or Marshall's)

Now, on to my rant. Yesterday, I had the displeasure of overhearing one of those "she was so fat..." conversations. It was, of course, couched in polite terms, like "not good for her health," but it was really your basic judging talk about how some woman had "let herself go." And the kicker? The part where one of the conversants said, "she must weigh close to 200 pounds."

OK. Go back up to the top and look at my pictures. The woman in those shots, as of this morning, weighs 223.6 pounds. Yes, I am also six feet tall, but even at my height, that puts my (bullshit) body mass index at 30.3. Obesity is a BMI of 30 or greater.

I have been working very hard over the past seven weeks to improve my physical condition. I attend the gym 3-5 days a week (shoot for 5, insist on 3, usually end up with 4) for 60-90 minutes. I do a trainer-created weight routine and a 30 minute cardio routine at each visit. I can feel myself getting stronger, and I'm observing changes in my body (and needing belts for my pants). What I am not doing, however, is losing any weight. I have been fluctuating between 220 and 225 lbs the whole time, depending on time of day/place of day in cycle. I haven't lost an ounce. Still just as "obese" as I was seven weeks ago.

I'm realizing, the more I get into feeling better and being stronger, that it really doesn't make a whole lot of difference if I ever lose any weight. I like the way I look, and the more I work out, the better I like the way I feel. As a clotheshorse, I would like to go down 1-2 clothing sizes, just for the sake of easier availability, but if I can do that without ever getting below that dreaded 200 lb. mark, that is totally fine with me.

My point, I guess, is two-fold. First, this is what a 223.6 lb woman looks like. I think some people are confused. Second, the number has almost no relationship with how you feel. I feel miles better than I did when I started trying to get into shape. I've made huge progress. And the scale just isn't any part of that.

A little tease of spring and now we're right back to winter. More sweaters and scarves, at least for a few days.

Showing you how cold it is:

Today I'm wearing:
#7 Ann Taylor Loft Ann black and white mini houndstooth wide leg trousers (also worn on Day #3 and Day #9)
#16 Calypso blue Banana Republic whipstitch v-neck sweater (also worn on Day #3)
#25 Ros Hommerson Sidney flat black boots (also worn on Day #1, Day #5, Day #6, and Day #10)

Did your sharp eyes catch me? Yep, I'm (unintentionally) wearing the same basic outfit (sweater and slacks) I did on Day #3. Different shoes and accessories, though, so hopefully I'm still OK with 30-for-30 rules!

Accessories:
-blue plaid and floral scarf (Topshop)
-Coach black leather belt (thrifted)
-turquoise and wooden beaded earrings (Little Black Box)

Have you noticed that 90% of my earrings are from the LBB? They are. I never buy earrings, but I almost always keep the ones that come with the LBB.

The other day, my friend Emily and I were discussing whether or not it is appropriate to wear skinny jeans to work--on a casual day, obviously. We have casual Fridays at my office (though I so far haven't typically participated in them), so I decided to try it out today.

Appropriate?

Personally, I'm not loving this. I think it makes me look a bit bottom heavy.

I'm wearing:
#30 NY & Co. skinny jeans (also worn on Day #2)
#11 Old Navy printed button down shirt in pink ditzy floral (also worn on Day #7)
#28 Softspots purple suede wedges (also worn on Day #3 and Day #7)

Accessories:
-chunky jade choker (gift)
-purple jade earrings (gift)

This shirt is another one of those wardrobe problem pieces that I added to the 30for30 to force myself to figure out a way to wear. I like it--the print is great and I like the style--but the shininess always strikes me as suspect, and it's both too short to tuck in and not structured enough to leave out.

I think this works, though. What do you think?

And are you tired of my new love of belts yet?

I'm wearing:
#14 Banana Republic green and black cowl neck top (outlet store)
#8 Ann Taylor Loft Ann charcoal pinstripe wide leg pants (also worn on Day #5)
#26 Antia black laced wedges (also worn on Day #4 and Day #9)

Accessories:
-Betsy Johnson studded black stretch belt (Ross)
-silver matte bangle bracelets (no idea...)
-silver concentric circles necklace (Ebay)

And a question: I'm really starting to hate my hair. Should I change it? How?

This outfit is one of the reasons I decided to do 30for30. It's something I've put on before, decided was cute, and then not worn because other things seemed easier, or because I was afraid it wasn't really work appropriate. When he saw me this morning, Mark asked if I was channeling Joan (from Mad Men). So what do you think--appropriate for the office?

I'm wearing:
#4 Ann Taylor teal ponte shift dress
#23 Lapis black swing jacket (thrifted)
#25 Ro Hommerson Sidney flat black boots (also worn on Day1, Day 5, and Day 6)

With:
-black tights (Long Tall Sally)
-silver and amethyst chip necklace (Overstock.com)

And it's Day 10! I'm 1/3 of the way there! Shall we take a look at the first 10 days?

Which is your favorite look so far? Least favorite?

Apparently, my camera had its special "double chin" feature on this morning...

Do you think I'm becoming obsessed with the belts?

Wearing:
#7 Ann Taylor Loft Ann black and white mini houndstooth wide leg trousers (also worn on Day 3)
#18 Ann Taylor Loft burgundy scoop neck sweater
#26 Antia black lace-up wedges (also worn on Day 4)

Accessories:
-narrow blue faux snakeskin belt (thrifted)
-turquoise, amber, and purple silk drip-dyed scarf (gift)

Today's outfit is a study in mixing neutrals, and I gotta tell you all--it works for me. What do you think? Too much neutral mixing? Does it seem intentional?

And a Valentine's Day kiss for all of you!

Today's is also an almost-all thrifted outfit! I'm wearing:
#2: Navy and white Dockers floral shirt dress (thrifted)
#21: Cream cardigan with black beading (thrifted)
#27: Franco Sarto Moto brown boots

And accessories:
-wide tan belt (thrifted)
-gray tights (Hue via TJ Maxx)
-Banana Republic gold interlocking circles necklace (gift)

I didn't really want to wear pants today, but it's freezing here, so I made a last minute change. I'm realizing just how limited my options are as I keep trying to reach for things that aren't included in my 30for30. I guess that's part of the challenge. I do wish I'd bothered to try everything on before I started, though, so I could at least reject items that don't fit well!

Today, though, I'm looking pretty cute and feeling pretty cozy:

Wearing:
#9 Banana Republic Jackson wide-leg suit pants in gray alloy
#11 Old Navy printed button down shirt in pink ditzy floral
#15 Ann Taylor chunky black short sleeved sweater (outlet store)
#28 Softspots purple suede wedges (also worn on Day 3)

With:
Ling Glass pink stained glass pendant necklace
dela chic crocheted green leaf earrings (via Little Black Box)

Does this outfit look challenging? It really was. I love the shape of this skirt, but it has two major flaws: first, it's too big around the waist, even though it's a size smaller than I typically take these days, and secondly, it's brown. I just don't do brown. Earth tones are my least favorite. So I'm never quite sure how to style it.

All that said, I think this worked out OK in the end. The belt helps a ton with the waist problem, and in reality, wearing it with black (which I know some people frown on!) is the only way I'm ever going to make this skirt work.

Showing off my belt:

WHAT is going on with my hair (with gratuitous Illy sighting)?

The players:
#6 Anne Klein taupe fluted skirt (thrifted)
#10 Ann Taylor short sleeved ruched black sweater (also seen on Day 4, this is going to be a workhorse item)
#20 Charter Club red and black cropped cardigan (thrifted)
#25 Ros Hommerson Sidney tall flat black boots (also seen on Day 1 and Day 5)

The supporting cast:
-thick black tights (another buy on my trip to Norway, I think)
-Betsy Johnson studded black elastic belt (Ross)
-copper and bronze tubular beaded bracelets (gift)
-resin butterfly earrings (via Little Black Box)

I woke up this morning, put on this outfit, and immediately fell back to sleep. Seriously, this one is boring. I was hoping the addition of a bit of turquoise jewelry would wake it up a little bit, but the pictures aren't giving me much confidence in that.

And I have officially started to freak out about the 30-for-30. I made some TERRIBLE choices, particularly in the "I don't have enough shirts" and "why the hell did I include two jackets?" departments. Turns out that picking mostly clothes you don't typically wear is probably not the smartest novice move.

Anyway, here's today:

I'm wearing:
#8: Ann Taylor Loft Ann charcoal pinstripe wide leg pants
#17: Martin & Osa red cashmere and silk v-neck sweater (I miss Martin & Osa)
#25: Ros Hommerson Sidney flat black boots (Amazon, my first duplicate item, also worn on Day 1)

And also:
-Ann Taylor black, white, and gray patterned camisole (outlet store)
-Tommy Hilfiger black leather belt (Ross)
-silver and turquoise beaded earrings (Gems by Jerri via Little Black Box)
-silver chain and turquoise bead necklace (A.J. Wright)

First, my apologies for the pictures. They're getting worse every day!

This is my inspired-by-fashion-bloggers outfit, I think. It all started with my love of Erin's bright pink tights. I don't have tights quite so bright, but I do have pink tights, so I thought it was time to show them off. Then I picked shoes inspired by Sal's awesome architectural collection, and took her advice to bring a pop of color into an outfit multiple times to make it intentional. Finally, I thought of how all four ladies at Academichic make such judicious and flattering use of belts (especially over cardigans!).

This is what I came up with:

Love that last picture. Apparently, I'd like you to notice my shoes.

I'm wearing:
#5 Josephine Chaus black a-line skirt (Ross)
#10 Ann Taylor short sleeved ruched black sweater
#19 reversible black and white polka dot cardigan (vintage, I think, thrifted)
#26 Antia black lace-up wedges (Shoebuy.com)

Accessories are:
-candy pink tights (We Love Colors)
-vintage pink seed beaded necklace (thrifted)
-narrow black Etienne Aigner belt (thrifted)

And WHAT is going on with my hair??

First, can I just say that I take the worst self-portraits known to woman? These are just awful. I think I need one of those flexi-tripods so I can set the camera up higher and not have every shot be below my face level (all the better to produce glare off my chins). But for now, we'll make do with what we've got.

It's Monday, kids. Today we're going for cozy, simple, and professional enough to get me by.

What you see here is:
#7 Ann Taylor Loft Ann black and white mini houndstooth wide leg trousers
#16 Calypso blue Banana Republic whipstitch v-neck sweater
#28 Softspots purple suede wedges

Accessories are:
-wide black leather Tommy Hilfiger belt (Ross)
-vintage Vera Neumann lavender floral scarf (thrifted)

I actually like this more in live action that I do in the photos. I think it makes me look kinda shapeless in the pictures, but it's a bit more flattering in real life. I also LOVE the softness of the sweater and finally figuring out how to wear this great scarf.

I swear, the forces that be do NOT want me to get into this remix. I'd barely started and I was informed that today (my Day 2) is "jerseys" day at work. We're all supposed to wear football jerseys in honor of Super Bowl weekend.

Hm. OK. As I'm sure you noticed, a football jersey was not included in my 30for30 items.

At first, I thought I'd just not count today. Then, I decided to work with it. The jersey itself would be a freebie, because there was no way I was going to wear it again in the next 30 days, but whatever I wore with it would either have to come from my 28 previously selected items or fill in my 2 blanks.

I really tried to make a the jersey work with something I'd previously picked out. At one point, I was wearing it over a shift dress, with a jacket over the top. It just didnt' work. It looked like something I'd have come up with at three years old.

So, I filled my #29 and #30 spots. With things that will likely not be that helpful when it comes to making 28 more outfits. But I've got spirit, dammit!

Oh, also? My jersey is a British Premiere League football jersey for Mark's team, Arsenal. So yeah. Soccer. Hopefully that's close enough.

I'm wearing:
Arsenal 2009 season away jersey (freebie, belongs to Mark)
#29 Banana Republic long-sleeved navy boat neck t-shirt (thrifted)
#30 NY&Co skinny jeans
#27 Franco Sarto Moto boots (no longer available, sadly)

As promised, today I'm wearing my first outfit. It hasn't been an auspicious start. First, I realized that my #1 item, the black dress with the small white polka dots, isn't actually fitting me at my current weight. Nice. Then I discovered that it was 25 freaking degrees and all thoughts of style were secondary to concerns about warmth and coziness.

So I went for warm and cozy. And...monotone.

What you see here is my thrifted BCBG sweater dress (item #3), worn with my new Ros Hommerson flat black boots (item #25). All I've added are a pair of thick patterned tights I bought in Norway a long time ago and an old gifted Banana Republic gray and black floral silk scarf as a belt. So much for embracing accessories.

I don't hate this outfit, though. It's boring, but it does the job of being cozy and comfortable and it's still pretty cute. It'd like it better if the dress wasn't a turtleneck. And I did try to force myself a bit out of my comfort zone by tying the scarf as an obi-style belt, but it just looked odd, so this was my compromise.

Also? In the future I'll try to remember to take photos without my uber stylish work ID already attached.

At least I started! Hopefully I'll do better tomorrow.