30 for 30, Day 7: Celebrating

Hi everyone! Have a nice weekend? Did your team win? Are you still in a pizza and beer coma?

I had a very nice and busy weekend, but more on that in a minute.

Today, I was looking for something comfortable to wear to while studying and to school later this evening. Within my limits, that meant cardigan and jeans.

Outfit In Theory.


The green sweater, the white top, the jeans, and the tan heels are all part of my 30 for 30.

Outfit In Practice.


I decided to add a necklace to give it a little more something. I like it, it's comfortable, and since it's green, we can say I'm still in Super Bowl spirit.

Nice an' easy (round two, I guess)

Oh, here's a few pics from my weekend adventures.

Went to the Philharmonic's production of the Three Phantoms, and we had a really nice time. Here's a photo of the orchestra before things got started.


Amy and I went antiquing and made some new friends, Mike and Warren. We figured out that Amy just nominated the guy on the right's (Mike's) grandson as her student of the month. I was singing it's a small world the rest of the day.


Here's our swag: I bought a neat-looking mirror and the book that Heather is holding called What Every Young Woman Ought To Know from 1905. It was silly. Amy's holding her 1930's GE fan, still working and in great condition.


Ok, time for my day. Happy Monday!

30 for 30, Days 5 & 6: Weekend Wear

Hope everyone's weekend is going well. Mine is going to be very busy, so I thought I'd share my outfits for Days 5 and 6 of the 30 for 30 now, and give you a general update.

Tonight, Stephen and I are celebrating our own Valentine's Day (since he will be at guard duty next weekend). We are going to the Three Phantoms, which promises to be a good show. So, since it's a nice date, I have planned a nice outfit within the allowable 30 for 30 rules.

Cuz that's what I do.

Outfit in Theory.


The black dress, the green cover-up, and the red shoes are all part of my 30 for 30.

Outfit in Practice.


I think this works well for a nice evening out. I still have to figure out my purse situation, but I won't bore you with it. What are your Valentine's Day plans (for the real Valentine's Day)?

I'm also going to jump ahead to tomorrow since I have a busy day of church, antiquing, and, oh yeah, the Super Bowl. Which is why I'm wearing green, for the Packers.

Yeah... that's why.... Because I care about the Super Bowl.

Outfit in Theory


The green blazer, the skinny jeans, and my new boots (a necessary addition to the 30 for 30) all count.

Outfit In Practice.


Perfect for both walking around antique booths and sitting on your butt watching commercials.

New boots, you are beautiful.


And since I need to give up an item from my 30 for 30 swag since I've added these boots, I will now forgo my black pants from this challenge.

And it's only, like, 30% because "I can't find them." It's 70% because "It's just the right decision."

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30 for 30, Day 4: I Call Sub

I remembered why I never wear these boots.

They are falling apart. The interior insole is peeling away from the bottom of the shoes, sliding down towards the toe with every step. Either this is a new condition, or, like I do with leftovers in the fridge, I put them back in the closet anyway.

My socks were very sticky. Not cool.

I call sub.

Since I have to have another pair of shoes for this challenge, I will now substitute these shoes...


...with these shoes.


I had ordered some new boots before the challenge started, but they haven't arrived yet. If they arrive during this challenge, I may add then in and get rid of another 30 for 30 item so that I can still have some versatility in my outfits. I don't know if that is in the rules, but I'll allow it. I'm my own ref today.

As a farewell to the brown boots,* here is my outfit for today. I am not doing much walking around, so I figured we could show them one last time with the outfit I planned.

Outfit In Theory


The brown shirt, the jeans, and the now-defunct shoes are all 30 for 30 items. The scarf was a gift from a friend many seasons ago, and the belt is a recent purchase.

Outfit In Practice


See my face? This is the face of a woman who thought she had rediscovered a relic from her very own closet, a relic that was going to free her, make her new again, and open up a new world of possible outfits with the color brown.

Such disappointment.



Goodbye, boots.

How do you say goodbye to items from your closet that have to go?

UPDATE: The new boots just came in! They definitely need to be part of my 30 for 30. OK, what to eliminate? Pictures soon!

*OK, hopefully not a farewell. I borrowed some superglue from crafty people who have superglue and plan to fix those suckers. Hopefully it will work, although things don't look promising. That, or I might glue the soles together and create a throwing dart the size of a platter. There's the bright side.

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30 for 30, Day 3: Warming Up

If you look at me, and I'll assume you've done this at least once, you'll notice that I am super-pale. I definitely got more Irish than Italian in the looks department. Oh, and since I am Mexican by marriage, that means my skin is extra-confused.

Anyway, I'm also cool-toned, which means that colors like blue, purple, pink, cool green, etc. look best on me. That also means that warm tones like brown, army green, and some khaki don't.

I'm just fine with this.* When I'm out shopping, I try to keep this in mind so I don't waste my money on another piece that just won't look right on me.

Today's outfit is full of those items that I thought were a waste.

Well, not exactly. At the time I bought them all, I thought I was being so versatile, expanding my wardrobe and all. However, when I got each of these items home I tried mixing each with stuff I already owned. Nothing worked. Nothing worked until I recently purchased an army green striped top, and my closet yelled out "BINGO!" because I had finally put together five in a row (or something like that).

And now they are all part of my 30 for 30 swag. Go figure.

Outfit In Theory.


The khaki blazer, the army green striped top, the jeans, and the brown boots are all part of my 30 items.

Outfit In Practice.


While this outfit is not my favorite of everything I own, it all works well together. And, I can't remember why I don't wear these boots more often. I like 'em.

Do you tend to lean more towards either warm- or cool-toned clothes, or stay neutral?

Oh! And guess what?! This is my hundredth blog post! I think that earns me a cupcake or something. Thanks for making it possible! (So you deserve a cupcake, too)


*You could even say I'm cool with it. Sorry, had to.

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30 for 30, Day 2: 6 More Weeks

I don't know what Punxsutawney Phil predicted this morning, but my assessment of the weather said that I would be OK if I wore a skirt with tights.

This is not my normal winter routine. My normal winter routine goes something like this:

1) Wake up.

2) Try to figure out how when asleep you felt fine, but upon waking your body temperature dropped to negative -12 Fahrenheit.

3) Stay in bed 17 minutes longer than you should.

4) Get up and put on your j'denim of choice, some Uggs, and a sweatshirt.

5) Sit very still the rest of the day until you can crawl back into bed.

This 30 for 30 is really making me branch out.

Outfit In Theory.


The white button up, the gray "paper bag" skirt and the boots (a repeat from yesterday) are all part of my 30 for 30 swag. The tights are extra, but totally necessary.

Outfit In Practice.


I like the look. It feels really comfortable, and I think I look put together (despite that crazy red eye). It also makes me think, "I've had all these items forever. How come I never thought of this outfit before?" I guess that's the type of inspiration the 30 for 30 brings. Closet enlightenment, of sorts.

Side note: Sorry, but no matter what I do, I can't get that flash out of the corner of the picture. I think it's because I have my little-Canon-that-could on a shiny counter top and it keeps catching that reflection.

Or maybe it's a sign. Maybe summer is coming sooner than we think....

30 for 30, Day 1: Nice And Easy Does It

Day 1. Today I was running some errands and had class in the evening, so I went for something a little more on the comfy side.

Outfit in Theory.


The striped top, the blue top, the skinny jeans, and the black boots are all items from my 30 for 30. Hurray!

Outfit in Practice.


Something you should know before I comment on the outfit is that I decided to blow dry my hair to go with my first outfit of the 30 for 30. Special occasion and all. I also remembered why I never blow dry my hair. That reason is that it takes FOR-EV-ER, like how long Hercules from The Sandlot had to be locked away so he wouldn't eat any more children, bad guys or police officers.

Now you understand why I rarely do it.

All in all, I like the outfit for Day 1. Makes the other twenty-nine days seem like they are going to be a cakewalk.

"And those, sadly, were her last words...."

"Ooops" Doesn't Cover it

So, remember when I told you guys I was definitely not perfect?

Nothing's changed.

Me and my blog here have been imperfect in very different ways. Me, I am neglecting my laundry RIGHT NOW. My blog, though, has been neglecting to man-up and share the wonderful comments you all have left for me with me.

Deal with it blog. Those belong to both of us.

I gave my blog a stern talking-to and made it sit in the corner for five minutes to think about what it has done. Now we're best friends.

I have now, finally, fixed the comment problem. And, I have discovered that Heather from A Warrior Surviving Life has nominated me for a Stylish Blogger Award. I feel quite undeserving at the moment, but I am super thankful that she thought of me!

So, now I have the job of sharing 7 things about myself. Eh-hem:

1. I really like to cook. Like, Stepford Wife status.
2. I have a weird and unnatural devotion to a room filled with candlelight.
3. Upon organizing my closet, I realized I don't own anything yellow.
4. My favorite personal features are my eyes and my hands.
5. My secret indulgence is eating sea salt and vinegar potato chips with Nutella while shamefully hiding in my pantry.
6. I am afraid of dogs. I am fairly certain your dog will not be the one to cure me.
7. Um...I'm neglecting my laundry....

And, tag, you're it! (a.k.a. It would be cool if you want to play, but here are 15 blogs that are all really different that I like)

Cable Car Couture
Little Reminders of Love
A Working Mom's Closet
I Heart Fresno
The Eyes Have It
Better Off Wed
Now What?
How About Orange
The Beginning of a New Chapter
Betty Begulies
Breakfast at Gigi's
Cardigan Empire
Karen Edmisten
Catholic Drinkie
Just A Dream

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30 for 30: The Swag

The jig is up. Time to show my hand. Et Cetera. Other gangster phrases.

The point is, it's revelation time. Time to reveal the thirty items I've selected from my closet to be part of the 30 for 30 challenge. Remember, for the next thirty days, I can only wear outfits that include at least one item from my 30 for 30 list. I must, or I sleep with the fishes.

Here they are:

(Oh, and I pinky-promise to iron everything)

These three shirts...


...and these three shirts.


These three tops...


...these five sweaters...


...and these two jackets.


These three pants...


...these two skirts...


...and these two skirts.


These three dresses.


And lastly, these four pairs of shoes.


OK, Off to the races. Ready, Set, Go! Et Cetera. Other racing phrases.

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The 30 for 30 Challenge

I have been in need of a challenge lately. Sure, I have recently started school, which will definitely keep me busy, but I haven't done too much in the way of trying to beat a challenge.

(Cue "challenge" music, which sounds a lot like the Rocky score because, hey, I'm no composer. If you think of better music, let me know)

Me and this here blog will be participating in a challenge dubbed by one of my favorite fashion bloggers as the "30 for 30."

The favorite blogger? Kendi from Kendi Everyday. She mixes perfectly-timed dry humor into her quest for what-the-heck-to-wear-today, and I freakin' love it. She always has an idea or two that inspire my own wardrobe (when I'm trying). She's also inspiring me to find a new, creative name for my blog, but one thing at a time. You should check her out.

The 30 for 30? You can read about it here, but the idea is you pick 30 items from your closet (shirts, bottoms, shoes, etc.) and remix them for the next 30 days. You should include a few items that you haven't worn in a while or that you always wear in the same outfit. It forces you to branch out.

The catch(es)? 1) You must wear* at least one item from the 30 for 30 for the next thirty days, and 2) You cannot go shopping. These are catches that you think will be no sweat until they happen. Then they are extremely painful. Except for your wallet, your closet, and probably other inanimate objects, like your car.

The 30 items from my closet? They are on their way! Check back in this week to find out what (totally basic) items from my own (mish-mash of a) closet I've picked for the (make an amazing wardrobe out of nothing) challenge, a.k.a. the 30 for 30.

So, what do you think? Is this going to be an interesting challenge? Too easy? If you tried it, could you succeed? Do you want to try it along with me? Am I asking too many questions?


*For some reason, in this blog post I kept wanting to write the word "where" for wear. Am I in the right place? Are you trying to tell me something, subconscious?


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My Own 12 Step Program

It's been a while since I've done an official "Fashion Friday" post on this "blog*," but I figured when I set to a certain task this week that it would be the perfect band-aid for the wound that is the temporarily-but-quite-noticeably-absent feature. I know I've missed it, and we're not all that different, you and me.

About now, everybody is all gung-ho about resolutions. Well, those that don't give up their resolutions on January 4th around dessert time are still gung-ho. Good for you, endure-ers. I know you all are so glad I shared some of my resolutions, but one that wasn't shared but should have been is cleaning out my disastrous excuse for a closet.



Look at it, people. This is what I would wake up to every day. This is where I hoped the appropriate outfit would just leap out of that poorly-lit closet and give me a big morning hug. Alas, never did this happen.

So, I had to organize it. While I am what many consider to be an organized person, this personality trait hadn't made its way into my closet. Call it prioritizing. Call it being busy with other things. Heck, call it plain being messy.

No longer.



Ta-da! (Are your eyes watering, because I know mine are)

How did it happen? How can you make it happen? Will your life be better afterward?

To question #3, YES! To questions #1 and #2, get to reading:

Jennifer's 12 Steps to Having a Better Closet, and Thus a Better Life:

1) Open the closet door, turn on the lights, and accept that things are a total mess. Only berate yourself for about 30 seconds.

2) Make yourself a White Russian so you can properly cope with the closet.

3) Take all your shoes out of the closet. This makes reaching everything else so much easier, which will make you less frustrated during this task.

4) DO NOT TAKE ANY CLOTHES OUT OF YOUR CLOSET YET. (I feel this is truly the secret to getting this done for real).

5) While keeping all clothes in the closet, organize everything you own by color and length. All of the shirts go from lights to darks, and all of your longer items like coats or dresses do the same (wherever they fit in the closet, that is).

6) Relish that a color-coordinated closet looks organized, even if it isn't. Sip your White Russian satisfactorily.

7) Now you can start taking out some clothes: Starting from the lights and moving toward the darks, take out the items that you a) haven't worn in a while, b) aren't sure if they fit, or c) don't care for anymore. I find it's easier sort through your white T-shirts when you know exactly how many white T-shirts you have because they are all sitting right next to the other white T-shirts. Please note that I only have one white T-shirt and used that for example only.

8) Depending on how you feel about the particular piece in your hands, you can try it on if you think you will wear it (really, I mean it: don't go kidding yourself).

9) If you don't care for the piece, I'm a big fan of either finding something new to do with it (e.g. dye it, tailor it, etc.) or donating it. Someone out there can use your clothes.

10) Try on any questionable shoes, like those you haven't worn in a while because they are out of season, or because you secretly hate them because while they are very cute they hurt your feet like crazy. Resist the temptation to keep them because they go with that one skirt from that one time.

11) Return your shoes to the closet in whatever manner you prefer (me, I like using a shoe rack).

12) Put all of your donated clothes into bags whilst both marveling at your accomplishment and finishing your White Russian.



At least that's how I do it; do you have a better strategy?

And how do you like Fashion Friday's return? Happiness, yes?


*And, actually, I'm considering a special theme for the blog in February to make up for the oh-so-many times I've missed a Fashion Friday Blog. Stay tuned.