30 for 30 Confessions

This is my first time doing the 30 for 30 Challenge, although I believe it's the third time Kendi has posted it.  After wearing the same 30 items of clothing (including shoes!) for 30 days, a few things became incredibly clear about my style, and wardrobe in general.

Low maintenance clothes are best.

When choosing items, I found myself gravitating towards pieces that don't have to be ironed or dry cleaned.  It's not just a matter of spending the money on dry cleaning, but the time it takes to iron a button-down top or linen pants.  

Accessories are king.

I love my accessories.  Scarfs, statement necklaces, tights, and belts helped differentiate all of my outfits.  I'd like to beef up this part of my closet before buying new tops and bottoms.

I have a lot of clothes for a very practical reason. 

The reason being, I don't want to have to do laundry a bazillion times a week.  My biggest issue with the challenge was that I had to laundry two times a week, instead of my usual once, in order to ensure that I have clean clothes for both work and play.  By having a couple of weeks of clothing available, instead of one, I'm saving myself some time on weekdays.  

Don't do the 30 for 30 challenge in the winter.

Seriously.  I did not pick the right items for days that included 70 degree afternoons and 20-degree date nights.  Too much fluctuation for February in DC!

Style evolves.

Anyone who knew me in high school will tell you that I was an eclectic dresser.  And I probably still am (I get "quirky" a lot in my family!).  After looking over the outfits I felt most comfortable and me in, I realize that I'm gravitating toward more classic silhouettes, less prints, and using jewelry and color to imbibe an outfit with personality.  

In the end, it's great to be forced to take a picture of yourself in every outfit you wear for a month; I (kind of) enjoyed seeing what works for my body and what doesn't, what colors and pieces I wore more often.  I did throw open my closet and hug my poor unworn dresses on March 3, though!

30 for 30!! Done!

Outfit 30!

Sweater and jeans: Gap
Shoes: Nine West
Scarf: Vintage
Man, it feels good to be done with this challenge.  As much as I like trying new fashion things, I'm tired of washing the same clothes over and over again and, with the exception of my jeans, I'm ready to not wear these items again for a while.  Now I get to shop my closet again!  It feels pretty awesome to get free reign of my wardrobe choices.

Outfits 28 and 29 (almost to the end...)

Outfit 28

Pants and vest: Gap
Shoes: Nine West
Belt: F21
Something about this outfit made me feel a bit like an elementary school art teacher.  Maybe it's the swingy pants paired with a flowy top, or the statement belt, or the hair tied in a messy bun...it all sort of came together like that.  It was actually in the 70s (briefly) on Monday, so I got to bear my arms!  It felt pretty great.  Until it started raining.  Oh well; I got to finish the day with a Johnny Rockets' hamburger and a showing of Anne of Green Gables.  That movie kills me; the puffy sleeves, Matthew and Marilla, the rivalry with Gilbert.  Thanks for renting it, Summer!

Outfit 29

Skirt and top: F21
Boots: Anthropologie
John Paul said I look like a cowgirl in this outfit, when really I was going for a modern Swiss Miss.  Oh well, I can't get it right every time.
Why do I always seem to wear twirly skirts when it's windy out?  Fellow commuters almost got a couple of eyefuls on the walk to and from the Metro.  Man, a girl just can't catch a break!

Outfits 25, 26 and 27!

Outfit 25

Tunic (worn as a top): Anthro
Skirt: F21
Sweater: Gap
Boots: Nicole
Necklace: H&M
On Friday, one of the grad assistants in my office said, "Abbi, you are really bringing the attitude with that outfit!"  I hope she meant it as a compliment; that's certainly how I took it.  Sometimes, when it's been a long week, the best thing to do is just kick it up a notch and own a look.  I should confess, though, that the necklace I'm wearing is held together with staples; halfway through the day, one of the ribbons came off and I had to fix it quick!

Outfit 26

Sweater: Urban
Leggings: Puma
Boots: Anthro
Trench: Gap
Necklace and scarf: H&M
Saturday was a very low-key day for the Shelton-Diego family; some house cleaning, lunch out at our favorite Korean place, a couple episodes of Friends.  These sorts of days call for an easy outfit: long sweater, leggings, knee-high boots to tie everything together.  It was a windy day, so I had to get a trench out to keep out the chill.  I didn't bother with a belt, so I could splurge on my bibimbap.  Yum!

Outfit 27

Sweater: Urban
Blouse and jeans: Gap
Flats: Nine West
Earrings: Anthro
Another low-key ensemble.  I spent Sunday grocery shopping, then went to Eastern Market to check out the goods.  Although I didn't find the perfect piece to complete our place (really, isn't every house a work in progress?), it was a beautiful day to be outside and just wandering about.  I felt really comfy in my outfit; sometimes, it's a feat just to be dressed well for the weather.

Outfits 23 and 24!

Outfit 23

 Tee: Madewell
Jeans and vest: Gap
Flats: Matisse
Necklace and bracelet: Banana Republic Outlet
This is actually this second outfit I wore; the first was with black work pants.  I figured you've probably seen enough of those, though, and took this instead!  After work I hit up my local library for a book discussion and lecture on Turgenev's Fathers and Sons, which covers generational divides in 19th-century Russia.  I felt a bit studious in my outfit, with the muted colors and loose vest.  Nothing is more invigorating than a dialogue about nihilism and serfdom!

Outfit 24

 Skirt, blouse, cardigan: Gap
Shoes: Nine West
Belt: F21
Scarf: ? (birthday gift!)
I'll be honest; today I felt a bit underwhelmed by the items I chose for this challenge.  I'm definitely ready for this to be done so I can embrace the rest of my closet!  I had a budget meeting for work, so had to look moderately office-ready.  Nothing says "professional" like a pencil skirt and white shirt with some buttons, even if the buttons don't go all the way down.

Outfits 21 and 22!

Outfit 21

Cardigan and pants: Gap
Blouse: Target
Belt: Banana Republic
Shoes: Matisse
This might be one of my favorite outfits from this challenge.  John Paul even labeled it "very chic," which is always wonderful to hear.  You obviously can't tell from this picture, but this pants have a nice movement, which complements the ruffles on the blouse.  Even though there's a lot of black, the zig-zag shoes and yellow cardigan keep it from being too monochromatic.  There was a big meeting at work on Monday, and I wanted to look put-together for it.  Mission accomplished!

Outfit 22

Cardigan, tights, and camisole: Gap
Skirt: J.Crew
Earrings: Simple Gestures (Saint Augustine store)
Shoes: Nine West
Right after this photo was taken, I took this outfit off and went to a hardcore show with John Paul (wearing dark jeans and a work-out hoodie, not picture-worthy).  This is the opposite of what you would wear to a hardcore show: tights, cute pale skirt, wool cardigan.  You can't even wear earrings like this, because they'll whip you in the face when you're moving your head around.  It's kind of nice having the kind of life where you come home from your administrative assistant job at Catholic University, only to leave again for a Thursday/Underoath show.  I like it!

Outfits 18, 19, and 20!

 Sweater: Urban Outfitters
Dress: F21
Boots: Anthro
Bracelet: J.Crew (Christmas gift from my man!)
JP thinks this outfit was a bit silly, what with the sweater underneath the dress and all, but it made a lot of sense.  It was really windy, and I wanted the tight layer to keep the heat close to me.  Plus, I really like stripes and floral prints together.
Yes, I realize this is untraditional thinking, Aunt Nesi!  : )

Jeans and sweater: Gap
Tank: Target
Shoes: Nine West
Belt: J.Crew
Scarf: H&M
Saturday was such a wonderful, wonderful day!  Woke up, went to brunch, hip-hop dance class (I drop it low), then off to a movie and dinner with some of my favorite people in DC.  This outfit was perfect for the double date night, and I could just adjust the belt when I ate too many Thai vegetable drunken noodles.
Oh, and the movie was Inside Job.  Really great documentary that covers the 2008 financial recession.  You should check it out!  Maybe then you could enjoy some Thai food with good friends.  Just make sure you wear a belt that can be adjusted.

Leggings: Gap
Dress: H&M
Camisole: Arden B.
I'm a huge fan of this dress, and am enjoying finding new ways to wear it.  This time I went for a half-open at the chest with leggings look.  JP and I had Summer, Luke, Aunt Nesi and Uncle Rob for Sunday dinner (recipe for dessert tomorrow!), and I wanted a cute hostess outfit.  It's not overly casual, but it's a bit more dressy than my usual dinner attire.  Yes, please!

Outfits 16 and 17!

Outfit 16

Skirt: F21
Blouse: Target
Boots: Ciao Bella
Belt: Anthropologie
Something about this outfit makes me want to go square dancing.  Maybe it's the ruffly top, the twirly skirt, or the knee-high boots...whatever it is, it's got me tappin' my toes to a country song.  The only one I really know all the words to, "Dry Town" by Miranda Lambert.  At least it's a good one!

 

 

Outfit 17

Jeans and blouse: Gap

Oxfords: Aldo

Belt: Banana Republic Outlet

Purse: Style & Co.

Scarf: Oscar de la Renta

At times I feel like I live in a J. Crew catalog: cuffed skinny jeans, red lipstick, silky button-down sloppily tucked in.  Then I wake up, remember that I'm sick with a cold, and throw on my version of Jenna Lyon's vision.  I had to stay home Thursday to nurse this cold, and put on real-people clothes for a brisk outing to the post office and CVS (tissue refill).  Don't worry; after the stroll, it was back to pajamas and How to Train Your Dragon.  What a fun movie!

On another note, here's a brief ode to my new purse: 

Oh beautiful brown bag

Of you, I love to brag

You have lots of zippers

And make me feel chipper

The scarf is a cute little flag!

Okay, I'm not a great poet, but this purse has everything I wanted: functional pockets inside, adjustable strap, cell pocket outside, and a great color that goes with anything.  So happy with it!

Outfits 14 and 15!

Outfit 14

Cardigan and skirt: Gap
Shoes: Nine West
Necklace: vintage
The weather is beautiful here!  I got to show off my legs with a basic pencil skirt on Valentine's Day, which is always a nice thing.  Do you celebrate V-Day?  JP and I usually just lay low; it falls so close to Christmas and our anniversary that it adds more pressure than anything else.  I did find some flowers on the dining table when I got back from work.  Romance is always appreciated!

Outfit 15

Sweater and pants: Gap
Shoes: Aldo
Hat: Madewell (Christmas gift from my man!)
So it was beautiful on the 14th, and super, super windy on the 15th.  Windy enough that I got to wear my favorite hat.  Oh, I love windy days that allow for cute accessories!
That having been said, are you noticing a trend in the stores I frequent?  I've always been a Gap girl.  No ifs ands or buts.

Outfits 11, 12, and 13!

Outfit 11

Dress: Anthro
Sweater (and tights): Gap
Shoes: Nine West
Necklace: Goodwill
Shoes: Marissa via Tootsie's
Maybe it's just me, but I'm seriously feeling the colorblock of this outfit.  Navy and yellow is one of the most classic color combinations, and the pearls just add to the casual elegance (a bit overboard?).  I'm telling you, this tunic get so much wear and tear it's amazing it's not in tatters.  Thank goodness I also have it in white!  Also, long cardigans are a godsend.  The length of this one is perfect for the tunic, and makes it feel a bit more dressed up.

Outfit 12

Leggings: Puma
Sweater: Urban Outfitters
I'll be straight with you; Saturday I was feeling very under the weather.  I didn't leave the apartment.  Not once.  John Paul had to man up and take Mia out while I curled up with tea and a blanket.  Hence the reason there are no shoes pictured.  My eyes look great, though, because I got about 15 hours of sleep throughout the day.  And I got to witness cute moments like this one with Mia and her dad (he's reading Calvin and Hobbes to her).  I melt.  Too much cuteness!

Outfit 13

Tank: Target
Skirt: F21
Shoes: Aldo
Tights: ?
Bandeau: ? via April Daze
Ok, so Sunday I was up and about.  Went for a run, grocery shopped, cleaned up the condo, baked cookies for Valentine's Day at work, and tried to have a date with my man.  Turns out, though, that the Oscar-nominated animated shorts are very popular, though, and all of the showings were sold out!  Don't cry for me, though, because John Paul bought me some ice cream while we walked around Gallery Place and chatted about wedding stuff.  He really knows what makes a girl tick.

Outfits 9 and 10!

Outfit 9

Drape cardigan (and camisole and tights): Gap
Skirt: F21
Shoes: Nine West
Belt: Bershka
We had some company for dinner on Wednesday night , so I had to wear something cute for work that could transition well into the evening.  This is perfect: cute and covered for work, then I removed the belt right before dinner so my tummy could expand.  I felt really cute and girly all day in my twirly skirt!

 

Oh hey there, Summer!  Aunt Nesi, we're both sending you big ol' hugs through this blog!

Outfit 10

Shirt (and socks): Madewell

Dress: H&M

Boots: Ciao Bella

This dress recently went through a makeover; I'll post the "Before" pictures next week.  In the meantime, this wasn't the perfect outfit I envisioned it to be, but didn't have time to change before work.  Sometimes we just have those days!  

In another piece of useful trivia, my great-grandmother painted this beautiful piece of art on the wall.  Not only is this our first landscape (at least in the traditional sense), but it's amazing to have something with so much personal history behind it.  It looks so lovely in our place!

Outfits 7 and 8!

Outfit 7

Blouse: Target
Skirt: J.Crew
Sweater: Gap
Shoes: Nicole via Piperlime
Necklace: Gift from Daddy Man years ago!
Oh my goodness, I looooove this blouse!  I'm usually not huge on ruffles, but these aren't too crazy, and the same fabric as the rest of the top.  It's sleeveless, making it the perfect layer for my office, which has been warm as of late.  The weather was beautiful on Monday, so I got to show off my legs.  Woohoo!
P.S. I love that the nude color of this skirt makes my legs look longer.  How do we feel about nude?

Outfit 8

Top: H&M
Pants and scarf: Gap
Shoes: Nine West
Belt: Banana Republic
Thank goodness I picked these pants for the remix challenge; they're really the only work appropriate slacks I own!  They're really comfy and perfectly hemmed for me.  And, ahem, they make my heiny look good.  That's what I really look for in my bottoms.
This is the top's first time on the blog, but I actually wear it a lot.  It has a great vintage feel to it, but can be dressed up just by tucking it into whatever bottom is paired with it.  As for the scarf, the colors go well with the top, even if the patterns don't work.  Hey, it's all about the first thing you grab while running out the door!

Outfits 4, 5 and 6

Outfit 4

Skirt and Cardigan: Gap
Tank top: Target
Boots: Ciao Bella
(Not in 30 for 30)
Socks: J. Crew
Camisole: Gap
Belt: H&M
Oh, Friday at work!  Time to break out the casual weekend tank top and find out a way to make it office appropriate.  The arm holes are really long on this top, so I put a cami underneath and spruced it up with a thick belt.  Honestly, the cami is so form-fitting, I had to lose the cardigan for a few hours.  It's so difficult to find a comfortable body temp when it's freezing outside and supertoasty inside.  I think it stills works, though.

Outfit 5

Jeans and Vest: Gap
Belt: Hot Topic (oh, the days...)
Flats: Marissa via Tootsie's
(Not included in 30 for 30)
Bandeau top: April Daze
JP and I got to make a run to Target on Saturday and I was soooo happy!  Who doesn't love Target?  It really has everything: moisturizers with dog toys with coconut water with hair bands.  The problem is, when I get really happy, my smile takes up most of my face, including my eyes.  I end up looking like this:

There are eyeballs in there, I promise!

Outfit 6

Sweater, top and jeans: Gap
Shoes: Nine West
(Not included in 30 for 30)
Belt: F21
Scarf: Vintage from my mom!
Coat: J. Crew
Sunday was my idea of a perfect day: woke up and took Mia on a jog with JP, brunch at a very down-home deli in Falls Church, long walk in Georgetown, poached eggs on cheesy biscuit for dinner.  Add to that a great hair day, and an outfit that came together without very little effort.  This girl could not have been happier!
So far this whole 30 for 30 challenge is a lot of fun.  I love breaking out accessories that have been buried for a while, like this scarf and the belt from outfit 5.  Good times for everyone!