The Thirtieth

TA-DA!

dress: ?, cardigan: Gap, jeans: Aeropostale, shoes: New Balance,  the usual.

This is as excited and awake as I can look after spending 13 hours at school with a brutal cold. I thought I'd revisit the pulled-up dress look with jeans this time. I've decided I like it in both outfits, so I will revisit it. Maybe in spring. It looks a little busy and distracting for fall/winter.

Reflecting on this 30 for 30, I think I see now that my wardrobe strengths are layering, layering, and layering. My wardrobe weaknesses are ridiculously hot weather, accessories, and shorts. I feel like I did better in this 30 for 30 than the winter one, but I can see winter and fall 30 for 30s are definitely more up my alley. It was just too hot to layer and switch it up! I still have an Idaho summer wardrobe after so many years in Iowa. I'll have to work on that.

In any case, it was really fun again and I look forward to another (after I've had some time to enjoy my wonderful closet full of fall clothing :D)! Thanks for joining me! And many thanks to Eliza for hosting!

The Twenty-Third Through Twenty-Ninth

John and I are sick. It's miserable. I also have a lot of school stuff to do, so my posts are going to be short and sweet this week (I hope!). Today I'm going to share my few remaining 30 for 30 outfits. I'll have the 30th for you tomorrow with my WIPs.

top: Banana Republic, shorts: Banana Republic, shoes: Merona, accessories: beach scarf, Relic watch, Avon rings and Mom's pearl.

Apparently this is my favorite outfit. I think I've worn it 3-5 times this 30 for 30. It's so easy and comfortable! But I need to shake it up a bit.

top: pulled up dress, shorts: Banana Republic, cardigan: Gap, shoes: Merona, accessories: the usual.

I wish I had thought of this sooner! I have this super-form-fitted dress that I've always called my "First Date Dress" (for winning a guy, though I've never worn it on a date...ever). I put it on as usual, pinched the fabric on my ribs, and pulled it up to the elastic top. It's so slinky that it stayed there all day! Presto, peplum top! I could have gone a little shorter to show the shorts a bit more. The skirt is asymetrical, so this is the most anyone saw of the shorts all day.

top: Banana Republic, jeans: Aeropostale, shoes: New Balance, accessories: hand-knitted shawl!, the usual.

I told you! Love this shirt! The shawl wasn't a great choice, but it was the only way I could spruce up this outfit I keep wearing over and over and over and over again.

dress: Cabbages and Roses, cardigan: Gap, shoes: New Balance, accessories: dress socks and the usual.

I got my dress shoulder straps shortened! Not enough, but they are as short as possible. It was a struggle all day to keep the world from seeing down my front, so I had to come home and change. I wish I had found a light pullover in my closet to do this. Alas, I forgot this cardi doesn't button above the navel. I could have worn my long grey cardi with a belt....Next time. The tennis shoes were practical. I walk a lot on Wednesdays.

Twenty-four -five, and -six got lost to Labor Day Weekend. They were largely uneventful, though twenty-five was a repeat of another outfit I didn't photograph and wish I had. :/ Last one tomorrow! I haven't even worn it yet, so it will be a surprise for everyone! :D

Though they all got done on time, you should go check out Eliza and the girls' final outfits.

The Twentieth, Twenty-first, and Twenty-second

It's been a while! I didn't take photos of eighteen and nineteen, so that's why I didn't post Monday (or Tuesday as the case ended up). I'm going to cheat and repeat Saturday's outfit, so you'll see it. Sunday's wasn't that great. It was like the first, but with a yellow tank underneath and not buttoned-up.

top: Banana Republic, cardigan: Gap, pants: ?, shoes: Merona, accessories: the usual.

 Still need to hem the pants. :P They are really great pants. They fit perfectly, feel great...almost like a favorite pair of sweatpants. Except you can wear them to a meeting. If you haven't worn holes in the hems. :)

 dress: Cabbages and Roses, cardigan: handknit!, shoes: Blowfish, accessories: the usual plus a new headband.

It's my dress! Finally! The more telling photo of the outfit was a terrible one of me, so you can't really tell, but I had to wear a tank under the dress because I haven't shortened the straps like I need to. I haven't yet determined how to do it, but I'm going to my grandma's this weekend and she will certainly know. I should take those pants, too....

top: Banana Republic, blouse: Banana Republic, shorts: Banana Republic, shoes: Blowfish, accessories:  the usual.

You may note that I am sans bangs this week. They need to be trimmed. I have definitely learned how to hide unruly bangs. Bobby pins, elastic headbands, clippy barrettes, and random ribbon-like belts have been my new-found friends lately. This outfit won't live to see another day. The tank needs something under it. I can't tell you how many times I had to hike it up over the girls today.

There are eight outfits left and I can only think of one piece I haven't worn yet! 

The Fourteenth Through the Eighteenth

tee: Banana Republic, slacks: Banana Republic, shoes: Merona, accessories: gifted necklace, Relic watch, Avon rings.

I suppose my lip studs count as accessories too? I need new ones. The balls are two different sizes and it drives me crazy, though not a soul can possibly tell the difference. I loved the ease and simplicity of this outfit. It may be a go-to in the future.

dress: I got it at Penny's?, cardi: Gap, shoes: don't remember..., accessories: the usual, except the belt, which came with the dress.

This guy was a dud. Besides that, it was probably about 90 degrees that day. The cardi is my 30th item. I would have just worn the dress, but I thought that was a cop-out, I'm self-conscious about my armpits, and I wasn't feeling the bright embroidery on the collar that day. My dream for this dress is to some day acquire enough sewing skills to replace the bodice with something more...normal-looking? It's highly impractical and strange to wear, but I do like it, for all the complaining.

top: Mossimo?, shorts: Banana Republic, shoes: probably Blowfish, accessories: yellow tank and the usual.

I totally felt like I was cheating in this outfit. I changed out of the dress and into this for a class from 6:30-9:15 pm. I just wanted to feel comfortable for a little while. It worked! I don't think it looks so terrible, either. I'm exhausted, if you can't tell. :)

top: Banana Republic, jeans: Aeropostale, shoes: New Balance, accessories: gifted necklace, Relic watch, Avon rings, handknit shawl!

It was just barely too hot for the shawl, but, fortunately, it was cool enough in my office and all my classes to justify it. AND it covered my poor-posture shoulder-slump and my shy armpits. Win win win!

top: Banana Republic, pants: ?, shoes: Merona, accessories: the usual.

This is the face I make when I realize I have a lot to do yet and it's Friday, so I don't know whether to be happy or stressed, haha. It doesn't help that I don't have make-up on. The clothes are comfortable and cute, though, I think. These pants need to be hemmed because I've literally walked through the backs of them and they are super tattered, but I haven't gotten around to it (still!).

Okay, I won't go so long without posting next week! Go see what Eliza and the girls have mixed-up!

Heeeelloooooo!

I survived my first day back at school! Yay! Now let's see how day 2 goes....

I have loads of outfits to show you. I think I'm up to outfit 13/30, but I won't swear it.

I forgot to document Thursday's, but it looked like this:

But with Aeropostale jeans, my mismatched Sketchers and a pony-tail instead of a braid. Oh, and bangs.

top: Banana Republic, jeans: Aeropostale, shoes: New Balance (finally looked at them), accessories: gifted necklace, Relic watch, Avon rings, Mom's pearl (didn't mean to put it on).

This outfit totally needs a jacket or something. I hate wearing tanks, but now I can see that I just shouldn't. It's my posture. If I could square my shoulders, I could do a tank. Yoga. Yoga helps. I just have to...do...it....

top: gifted, everything else: see above.

This outfit is actually from the same day as the one above. I just changed shirts. I had a nerdy night with the girls in my department, so Wonder Woman was fitting. :) It's not a great outfit, it's just one...I wear.

top: Banana Republic, sweater: handknit!, shorts: Banana Republic, shoes: Merona, accessories: Relic watch, Gap belt, Avon rings, Mom's pearl?

I was really stoked about this outfit, but I now realize that I already wore it in the same week! I just did shorts instead of jeans. :P Oh well. I like it. :) Bonus pic without the sweater (which is actually cuter, I think):

Yeah? Maybe?

top: Banana Republic, shorts: Banana Republic, shoes: Blowfish (I told you they exist!), accessories: Gap belt, Relic watch, Mom's pearl, Avon rings, beach scarf.

I was proud that I thought up this outfit without any inspiration, then Kendi posted her outfit. Maybe I inspired her telepathically? That would be cool. I fought with my collar all day. In any case, it's a pretty good look.

There! It won't be a post-fest Wednesday or Friday, promise. And there will be knitting! Now, go see Eliza's outfits. She's been doing better at posting than I.

Oops...

I forgot to come back with knitting Friday. I also forgot that Monday was Monday and that I usually post on Mondays and that I was going to share my weekend outfits with you. I was at the Iowa State Fair. It's kinda hard to remember it's Monday when I'm at the fair. I took pictures on John's camera so I'm not sure a) whether they are any good or b) I'll get around to getting them off it and on here, but if they are and I do, I'll share. There are some good ones of me eating a double bacon corn dog, at least. It was good.

In any case, here is what I wore Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and today. I don't go anywhere Saturdays, so I chill in my pjs all day. Maybe next time I do the 30 for 30, I'll actually pick some pjs so I have something to show you Saturdays. :) Now check out these really awful photos!

top: Banana Republic, jeans: Grane, shoes: Merona, accessories: gifted necklace from Gma's collection, Avon rings, Relic watch, Gap belt.

Sunday I hosted a Closing Ceremonies party at the shop for our Ravthletes. It was a good time with good mimosas and good company! John asked why I was so dressed up. I wonder if I hadn't worn the necklace whether he would have said the same thing? I'm rockin' a double pony straight from the 90's, too, though you can't see it very well.

Got the outfit idea from Kendi.

top: Banana Republic, shorts: Banana Republic, tank: Mossimo, shoes: New Era? New Age? New somethin', accessories: mystery belt/headband (that you can't see very well), Relic watch, Avon rings, Mom's pearl.

I have a ton of Banana and Gap clothes because I have an in. I knit with a woman who works at Banana and shares super sweet deals with us. She's an awesome personal shopper, too, so I took advantage of that once (or twice) and she pulled this top for me (and the shorts too, actually). I kind of hated it because I never wear tanks and I hate red, but it was an excellent deal and looked good on me, so I bought it. This is probably the second time I've worn it. I've decided I like it a good deal. A second outfit with it has just occurred to me, so be prepared to see it again!

This photo pushed me to think of this outfit.

top: Banana Republic, skirt: eeeerrmmm...?, shoes: Blowfish (you might think they're invisible by now), accessories: the usual suspects plus a hidden belt that came with something I mixed in the winter.

I'm not sure I pulled off this look the way I wanted to, but it works all right. The shirt isn't fitted enough, maybe. I was going to wear my Wonder Woman shirt, but I had to make a first impression on my orientees, so I thought I'd class it up a touch. :) I'll try the Wonder Woman shirt next week, I think.

top: Banana Republic, sweater: handknit! Slow Motion in my Rav projects, jeans: Aeropostale, shoes: New whatever, accessories: Gap belt, and the usual plus handknit Dexter socks. :)

I may have to go back to posting three days a week. I've started orientation for classes that begin next week (:S), so I'll be busier than I ever wanted to be again. I'll keep up with the 30 for 30, just not posting every day. In the meantime, go see what Eliza and the gang have mixed up! I"ll be back later with knitting.

The Picks

Finally! Here are my 29 picks for the 30 for 30. I have no idea what to pick for the 30th....

From top left clockwise to the center, I've got two pair of tennis shoes, one pair of heels, five tees (the coral one is in the laundry and I'm wearing the fifth), one knit tank (not knit by me), a black dress, the coral dress (needs its shoulders shortened a touch), two pair shorts, four blouses, two pair flats, four pair jeans (I'm wearing one), two pair slacks (one is in a "hem me" pile), a circle dress linen skirt, and two hand-knit sweaters (yes, in August).

I may swap the striped sweater out, I have a look in mind and that was the only sweater that came to mind that would work, but if I finish Exeter in time, I'll use it instead, I think. I could steal one of John's too....I'll decide the 30th item when I hate everything I've got. :)

Here's my fourth outfit:

top: Arizona, gifted, jeans: Aeropostale, shoes: Blowfish (forgot to put them back on!), accessories: Avon rings, Relic watch, Mom's pearl.

I'm going to cheat a little by claiming camis as accessories. I have a ton of them and for as badly as I thought I needed them all, I never wear them. With this shirt in the mix, I am going to go through them all and see what I've got, what I like, and which ones I really need. This one is dark blue. I just grabbed it, not much thought. I didn't see much of the world today. :) I think it's American Eagle, but I'm not sure. I am sure I got it as a gift.

I'll be back with something knitted that is finished. Whether it will be Rams and Ewes, though, I cannot promise. I'll try! In the meantime, go see what Eliza's wearing today!

The Third

top: Banana Republic, jeans: Gap, shoes: Merona from Target, accessories: scarf I found on the beach, Relic watch, Mom's pearl, Avon rings.

That's right. I found that scarf on the beach in Washington in May. John thought it was super sketch of me to keep it, but it wasn't like it washed up from the ocean. I found it left on a rock by a group of people we had seen not twenty minutes before. It smelled like it had been bathed in perfume that day, so I washed it and now it's beach and perfume free and I love it. For the record, I actually picked it up in anticipation of finding its owner on our mile hike back to the car. I asked every girl I met, but no takers, so I kept it.

I took this outfit idea from Kendi. I need some jeans in a color that's not blue or grey. I also need to hem them, not roll them up. These are regular length and I try to buy short because they are only a little long for my tiny legs. :)

Go see what Eliza and the gang have mixed up! I'll get around to sharing my picks with you tomorrow.

School Starts Soon

So I've been cramming in some reading which I've been doing for a while, but not to the necessary capacity. It makes me really tired. How does mental work wear me out more than physical work? I might be getting sick. That would contribute....

In any case, here's my second outfit. Perfect for school starting soon. Why did I only put it on to go to the store? Got me!

top: Banana Republic, jeans: Grane (gifted), shoes: Merona from Target, accessories: gifted necklace, Avon rings, Gap belt, Relic watch.

I always think I hate these jeans. I don't like flared jeans on me. But then I wear them and I do like them. I've decided it's the whiskers. I may need a pair or two more of flared jeans sans whiskers. No make-up or curled bangs again, but look! I accessorized. :) Gettin' there!

So I think in my first two days this round I already have more good pictures of myself than in my whole winter 30 for 30. I really like my new camera! Now I need to get a remote....

Oh! P.S. totally yanked this from Kendi. I'll try rolling up the cuffs next time I wear the jeans.

The First

Yay! It's time for:

I was going to share my picks, but I'm too lazy to drag it all out for photos, so I'll do it later this week. Here's the first outfit!

blouse: Gap, top: gifted, jeans: Aeropostale, shoes, Skechers, accessories: Relic watch, Avon rings, and Mom's pearl.

I didn't think about tying the knot until I was just now practicing poses in the mirror (looks like I need more practice), but I dig it. Makes me wish I had a little tail. Random. But true.

I've seen a lot of rolled up jeans this summer, so I thought I'd try it. Maybe not quite the right look in skinny jeans, but otherwise, very nice. It's much cooler than I thought, too. Cooler as in breezier. It got hotter than I expected today, but I handled it with cool ankles.

No make-up, no accessories, my bangs aren't curled...but I promise I'm working on it. I'm lazy. That's why my shoe laces are different colors. They came that way. Five years ago. One of my all time least favorite activities is re-lacing shoes, so these will look goofy for years more, I suspect. I don't know why I don't wear them more often.

Go see Eliza's outfit! I haven't seen it yet, but I bet it's cute. :)

I Totally Started This Post Yesterday

And then my cousin came to town a little early, so I hopped up and went downtown. :)

I don't have any progress on anything to show you today, so I thought I'd tell you my grand plan for the rest of August: FINISH. ALL. THE. THINGS.

I have racked up a ton of WIPs in recent months, mostly due to my HPKCHC knitting eyes being bigger than my little hands are fast (I'm Slytherin, after all). The clutter of it all is driving John nuts and it's beginning to drive me nuts too, but mostly only because I haven't finished a damn thing in quite some time. It's uncharacteristic and I don't like it.

Now, I've got a full and luscious stash just waiting to be knit up. At least half of it has a pattern just dying to come to fruition, but I won't cast on anything until the WIPs are done. Well...except one Ravellenic project, but it's for the good of Bunny Slaves everywhere.

I actually only have 9, which is about where I left the list last December. If I can knock it down to 6-7, I'll be super happy. Looking at the list...I think I can actually get it down to 2. That would be kind of awesome!

In other news, Eliza is doing another 30 for 30 starting Monday and I told her I'd join in! The last time I did it, I was trying to figure out how to dress up a bit and what to buy to revamp the 'drobe. Now that I've got the new style and digs, I'm going to have to figure out how much of my old stuff is still viable. This weekend I'm going to clean out my closet and take a trip to Goodwill, I think. Then, I'll have fresh eyes for my picks and the start on Monday. The good news for you is that we have a new camera and John's pretty great at using it, so my photos should be oodles better. You should join us!

For some working WIPs and real Summer Sweater KAL posts, go here and here respectively.

Thirty!

Here it is! My final outfit!

Dress: Old Navy
Pants: Gap
Shoes: Blowfish

Kinda lack-luster (and a terrible photo), but you get the point. It was actually really warm today, so I was able to walk around without a jacket (in buildings, anyway). I'll tell you what, though, my hair is a flippin' chore. There's a reason I never do anything to it: it doesn't like to do anything. I had this cute, high pony all day, but I have so much hair that it kept sliding down the back of my head and the more I tugged it back up, the fuzzier it got and here you have the completely re-done pony...that still looks a mess. :P I used to straighten my hair every day when it was shorter. If it wouldn't take me an hour, I would totally start again. It's cute. Maybe I'll show you some time. :)

So here's a good way to sum up my experience (which has really been great!):

At left is how I have been dressing since I started college (the photo is from last August :S) and at right is today's post-30 for 30 outfit. I'm put-together! Thoughtfully dressed! Comfortable! Accessorized! I'm so excited to delve back into my closet. We'll soon be packing our winter clothes away and bringing out the spring/summer clothes from storage. I anticipate that I should be able to pare down a lot of my not-so-great clothes and invest in better fitting, more flattering, more age-appropriate clothing. It's all very exciting. :D

Eliza is doing a spring 30 for 30 in April. I hope to be able to participate for at least a week (a 7 for 7!), but we're too pressed for time to try a full 30 for 30 again right now. I've decided Mondays or Sundays will be my own blogging day. I'm sure those posts will be knitting, bunnies, school, and fashion posts as I feel like writing about each. I hope to share with you other successful outfits as I figure them out (especially if they feature knits), but I'm not going to make it a thing. Eliza does that pretty well. :) Go check out her giveaway, by the way! It's fantastic!!!

Thanks for putting up with my terrible autophotography as I embarked on this journey through my closet. It was fun!

Twenty-nine of Thirty

Top: ?

Jacket: ?

Jeans: Aeropostale

Boots: Blowfish

Necklace: Gma

Prior to 30 for 30, I always wore this top with this jacket. In fact, I'm almost certain that when I bought them, they came together. Almost certain. I never, however, wore this combo with jeans. I like it. This is a good way to sum up the 30 for 30 challenge. I look pretty thoughtfully-dressed and like a grad student instead of a high school student. I'm much more excited about getting dressed in the morning than I used to be, too.

Unfortunately, my last outfit isn't very exciting, but it'll be here for you tomorrow. Eliza did a fancy collage for her wrap up, but I think I'll do something a little different. Her photos are much better than mine and better suited for collaging. :) I'll have to figure out something more suitable for mine. I'll see you tomorrow!

Twenty-eight of Thirty

Here's an I'm-super-weird-when-I'm-exhausted pose:

Sweater: Gap

Pants: Gap

Belt: Gap

Shoes: Blowfish

It was a Gap day! Even the undershirt I wore was from Gap. :) It was a lazy outfit, but does the job. Only a couple days left!

 Did you see Spike's post? That sneaky little poop. I'll see you tomorrow!