30X30 - Previously Worn

Original Posts - 1/2/3/4/5/6/7

As I was brainstorming outfits to wear for my 30X30, some seemed really familiar.  Apparently, I've already worn quite a few combinations with this set of clothing.  So, before officially kicking off the 30X30, here are a few outfits I've worn in the past.


I really like these 7 outfits (with the exception of #2 - it's not my favorite), so hopefully this means I made wise choices with my 30 items.  Get ready to see a lot of navy and white for the next 30 days! 

Summer 30X30 -The Items

And now the moment everyone has been waiting for - the big 30x30 items reveal!!!  As I promised, there's a lot of navy going on in this mix!  I hope I've included enough variety and other colors, so it won't get too boring.

Here's the detailed info, broken out by item type:

9 Tops:

• Gap camo/striped tee (similar, vaguely similar)
• Banana Republic Anchor print tee (similar, similar)
• Gap multicolor floral henley (option)
• Loft navy lace-front sweater (mine has 3/4 length sleeves) (similar, similar)
• Gap white floral burnout tee (option, option, option)
• Target floral ruffle tank(similar)
• J.Crew Factory navy/white striped tee (exact)
• Old Navy floral oxford (similar, similar)
• (not pictured) Gap confetti tee

4 Layering pieces:

• Gap navy cardigan (option, option)
• Gap pink blazer (option, option)
• J.Crew Factory denim jacket (exact)
• Gap mint cardigan (mine has 3/4 length sleeves) (similar)

  6 Skirts:

• Loft pink pleated skirt (similar maxi, similar mini, similar knee length)
• Banana Republic white pleated skirt (similar, similar)
• Gap navy/blue striped mini skirt (similar, similar)
• Target green knit pencil skirt (exact, similar)
• J.Crew navy maxi skirt (exact)
• J.Crew Factory "bohemian red" pencil skirt - it's an orangey-red (exact style in other colors)

5 Pairs of Shoes

• Target cognac sandals (exact, similar)
• Old Navy navy ankle-strap flats (option, option)
• Sperry gray boat shoes (exact)
• Love Culture pink sandals (similar, similar)
• Old Navy gray/silver cap-toe flats (similar without captoe)

2 Dresses, 2 pairs of Shorts, and 1 pair of Jeans (aka - other items):

• Limited white jeans (exact)
• Target blue printed dress (similar)
• Ann Taylor black dress (similar, similar)
• Old Navy gray shorts (exact)
• Gap white shorts (exact, similar)

I'm including 2 items that were also in my winter 30X30 - the red skirt and the gray flats.  I'm not really sure why the red skirt is in the mix again.  I like it, and I haven't worn it much this summer, and it should look good with all the navy tops.  The gray shoes were a last minute addition.  I was starting to feel like I'd be wearing the navy flats with every single outfit, so I wanted some variety.

If you did the math, I only have 29 items listed.  I'm keeping the 30th spot open for a yet to be determined item.  I'll just see what I start to miss and add something later.

If you aren't familiar with the 30x30 rules, it's pretty simple.  I will make 30 outfits out of these items.  I can add accessories.  As far as I know, Kendi came up with the idea.  I really enjoyed doing it in January, so I'm hoping the summer version will be just as fun.

So any advice on what my 30th item should be?  Is there an obvious missing piece?

Weekend in Des Moines

Friday after work, John and I hit the road for a weekend away.  Since we prefer a short drive, our destination of choice was Des Moines, IA!  My most difficult task - trying really really really hard to not sing "You really ought to give Iowa a try!" all weekend.  (Where my Music Man fans at??)

We rolled into our hotel around 9:30, and there just happened to be a Sister Hazel concert on the green space right next to it.  We listened to them for a bit, and then went looking for a coffee shop, or (let's be honest) dessert.

I highly suggest Java Joes, if you are ever in downtown Des Moines.  They have ice cream AND board games.  We played Scrabble, because that's what we do.  It was an epic game, with FIVE seven-letter plays.  It was crazy.  At the end, we realized that the set was missing the J and X, so that really changed the dynamic.  Okay, I'm talking about Scrabble too much.  Moving on...

On Saturday, we went to check out the Farmer's Market and then walked down to the sculpture park.  It was a little warm out, but the park was really cool.  And I did cliche poses, because that's what bloggers do!

After hiding inside for a little while in the afternoon, we got cleaned up and went to dinner here.  (We tried to go here, but the line to even put your name in was out the door, so we abandoned that plan pretty quickly.)  Then we were on a mission to find some live music.  The internet wasn't helpful, but we noticed some guys setting up sound equipment and went to check it out.  Success!  They were a cover band, and played an assortment of stuff, but mostly 90s alt-rock, which we were happy with.  Then we may have gone back to Java Joe's.  Because what's a Saturday evening without board games? 

Sunday was my favorite.  A little backstory - I can't ride a bike (Or really do anything that requires balance, like skating, or you know, walking without frequently tripping).  But I really love the idea of going on a bike ride.  During our walk around the lake last week, we saw a guy on a recumbent trike, and I decided that would be the perfect solution!  I've heard of the Trestle Trail, and wanted to try it out.  So we rented trikes and had the best time!  The weather was absolutely gorgeous, so that helped.  And now I want a trike!  So if anyone is looking to get me a very expensive birthday present, there's a hint.   

After that, we were starving, and ended up at Jethro's BBQ.  Amazing!  I would eat smoked turkey every day.  Then we thought a movie would be fun.  Lucy started out cool, and then just got really weird and boring.  So, I don't recommend it.

Then we drove home.  It was a really fun weekend!  Des Moines gets my stamp of approval for an easy weekend away.   

7 Years

Today marks 7 years since John and I got married (and 8 since we started dating).  I am genetically predisposed towards sentimentality/nostalgia, so I like to think back to what I've been up to each year on this date.  Back in 2012, I wrote a whole week of posts about July 28th.  Some of you may have seen them, but I think I had about 9 followers back then (and surely I have DOZENS of followers now), so if you are interested in anniversary recaps, here you go: 

2006,  2007,  2008,  2009,  2010,  2011, 2012

Last year, we spent the day driving home from the Montana trip, but we got home in time for our traditional anniversary dinner at Noodles&Co, and then went on an official anniversary date later.

This year, we decided at the last minute to go on a little weekend trip to Des Moines.  I know - that's the top place you think of for a romantic getaway!  But when you live in the middle of the country, there aren't many options for a drive-able weekend away.  Honestly, we had a blast.  I'll work on a full recap for later this week, but you can see a few pics on Instagram.  Spoiler alert - there may be tricycles involved.

Anyway, an anniversary is a good excuse to share a couple more of my favorite wedding pictures.  And otherwise, just be thankful for such a wonderful husband.  (Blah, blah, blah - sappy love stuff - I can't even write it without feeling cheesy, but I really do love this guy!)  

 Happy 7 years! Here's to many more!

July Shopping

I'm not sure how July is almost over, but it is time for Budgeting Bloggers again.  My July shopping adventures were as follows.  I ordered a few things online from JCF, and then had to return these shorts, which led to buying a few more things in the store.  I went to Old Navy specifically to get the black shorts, and they were having a pretty great accessories sale.  I got the belt, because my other cognac belts fit my natural waist, and are a bit too tight when I try to wear them with pants.  Elastic is the answer.  The flag scarf was a present from my sister, so we could all match for the 4th. In Indy, I picked up the J.Crew skirt and a few things at the Gap.  And finally, I found the elusive perfect pink blazer when I was dropping off some items at the consignment shop. 

Here's the official list of what I got:

Gap

Yellow stripe oxford: $4 (originally $50) (exact in purple, yellow gingham option) (worn here)

Green space dyed tank: $6 (originally $23)

J.Crew Factory:
Pink Popover: $18 (originally $65) (exact)
Blue Cardigan: $15 (originally $55) (exact) (worn here)
Pink Cardigan: $10 (originally $55) (exact)
Navy Scarf: $6 (originally $35) (exact)
Chambray Popover: $18 (originally $68) (exact)

J.Crew
Navy Maxi Skirt: $22 (originally $90) (exact) (worn here)

Old Navy
Flag Scarf: gift (similar, similar) (worn here)
Black Shorts: $10 (originally $22) (exact) (worn here)
Gold knot necklace: $4 (originally $10) (worn here)
Gold stack rings: $3 (originally $8)
Leaf ring: $3 (originally $7)
Skinny belt: $6 (originally $15)

Gap Pink Knit Blazer secondhand via Absolutely Her:  $12 (originally $80) (option, option) (worn here)

Spent: $137 (originally $515)

I'm still under budget for the year (by exactly $7.72), but I'd like to be more under budget.  I'm going to try to avoid the end of summer sales temptations and keep my shopping in August minimal.  How'd you do in July?       

Shorts Week - White

For my big finale to Shorts Week - Look!  No stripes!  I know, it's pretty impressive.  Thanks to everyone who linked up, and especially Ginny, for being my wonderful co-host.

I saved this outfit for last, because it's a good transition to my next endeavor.  I love this shirt, but for some reason, I've only worn it a couple times - usually just with plain jeans and navy flats.  So I was playing around on Polyvore making other outfits.  Then I remembered that I wanted to do another 30X30 in the summer.  I'm sure I was also inspired by Brynn's 20X30 in July.

So anyway, that's what I'll be up to in August.  I'll either be posting on the weekends or doubling up outfits in some posts, so I can be done by September.  I'm finalizing my 30 items and I'll share my official list next week sometime.  Spoiler alert - it's basically everything navy.

Top: Gap (option)
Shorts: Gap (exact, similar)
Shoes: Old Navy (option, option)

Shorts Week - Pink and Camo

This outfit is from Saturday.  John and I went to dinner at my favorite BBQ place and just ate way too much food.  We were heading home to probably watch Bones all night, when I suggested that we should walk around the lake instead.  This is about as outdoorsy as I get.  The weather was perfect, with a light breeze to keep the mosquitoes away.  There were about a million geese blocking the path, which made me kind of nervous.  They could attack at any moment!  But we made it safely through the geese gauntlet and continued on our way.  We even saw a deer!  It was pretty cool.

There are some fancy houses that back up to the lake/trail area, and we got to overhear a pretty rocking birthday party with a live band.  After our walk, we drove around the neighborhood looking for the party (is that creepy?), and stumbled upon the signs for valet parking.  So, if you have valet parking at your house birthday party - you might be rich.  Just a free tip.

Anyway, shorts week is almost over.  I promise my post tomorrow will not feature stripes.  

Top: Gap (similar, vaguely similar)
Shorts: Gap (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Converse (similar)

Shorts Week - Gray and Yellow

Shorts week is unintentionally turning into stripes week part 2.  I can't help it!  I just love stripes on everything.  It's kind of surprising that I don't have any striped shorts, but after seeing Ginny's, I definitely want some!

My theory is that it's hard to get dressed in the summer, because it's just too hot to wear certain things, and layers are tricky.  So throwing on some kind of pattern (usually stripes) is a good way to keep life interesting.

I wore this outfit to work on Friday, and then I went to the outlet mall to return these shorts, and J.Crew Factory was having 60% off clearance, so I picked up a few things.  Since I always need more cardigans, I picked up another Clare (this one in pink).   I also bought the exact same chambray popover that I already have.  Mine pulls a little in the buttons, so I sized up.  I think I'll wear both of them quite a bit still.  I also got this scarf in the dark cove (navy) color.  JCF is definitely my new favorite place to shop!

I took pictures at the edge of the parking lot - this really demonstrates that the outlet mall is in the middle of nowhere!  I'm assuming that might be a corn field behind me, but I honestly don't know one crop from another.  It could very well be soy beans!  My farmboy father will be so disappointed!   

Top: Gap (exact in purple, yellow gingham option)
Shorts: Old Navy (exact)
Sandals: Love Culture (similar, similar)

Shorts Week - Super Casual

For Day 2 of Shorts Week, I'm going in the opposite direction from yesterday.  This is pretty much my weekend uniform.  Tee or tank & shorts & Sperry's.  Comfortable and easy.  If it looks familiar, that's because it is almost exactly the outfit I wore to the Ben Folds concert back in June.  It was much cooler that day, so I wore a regular tee, and had to add a hoodie.  But you know, same basic idea.  

Buying these Sperry's was an excellent decision.  My only regret is that I didn't buy them in 2010 when I first wanted a pair.  

Tank: Gap (similar, similar)
Shorts: Target (exact)
Shoes: Sperry (exact)

Shorts Week - Pseudo-Professional

Shorts Week is here!  As I mentioned on Thursday, I really like wearing shorts.  I'm very happy that I work in an office with a pretty casual dress code, so I can get away with wearing shorts to work sometimes.  My own personal comfort level means I usually try to dress them up.  A ponte knit blazer is one way to fancify shorts a little bit.

This particular blazer is a new addition to my closet.  I've had a pink blazer on my list forever, and haven't been able to find the perfect one at the perfect price.  I had my eye on this H&M option online, but they never had my size available to order.  A couple weeks ago, I was taking some summer items to the consignment shop when I spotted this beauty.  It's exactly what I had in mind, and for just $12, I was sold.

So, can you wear shorts to work?  If so, how do you try to dress them up?  Any shorts suit wearers out there?  Whatever shorts outfits you might wear, link up below and make sure to check out Ginny's blog this week!      

Blazer: Gap via Absolutely Her Consignment (option, option)
Tee: Old Navy (option, option)
Shorts: Old Navy (exact)
Shoes: Gap outlet (option, option)

Funny Friday

It's Friday!  How about some funny things to kick off the weekend?

First, a story from the kids at church.  I'm hanging out with the 2-3 year old class on Wednesday nights this summer.  Let me just say that it is a good thing they are cute, because they are trouble!  This week, I was reading a book about farm animals to a couple of the kids.  One of the boys started asking me if I had any of the animals at my house.  It went something like this:

3yo boy:  Do you have chickens at your house?
Me: nope
3yo boy:  Do you have cows at your house?
Me: nope
3yo boy:  Do you have horses at your house?
Me: nope
3yo boy:  Do you have gooses at your house?
Me: nope
3yo boy (growing more and more concerned with each question):  Do you have cats at your house?
Me: nope
3yo boy:  Do you have a dog at your house?
Me: nope
3yo boy:  Well.... do you have a vacuum at your house?
Me: yes, I do have a vacuum.

So, at least I have something.  He seemed worried that I lived in an empty house.  I'm still not sure why we jumped from animals to cleaning machines.  Kids are so weird sometimes!  

And second, have you seen this video yet?  I love it for multiple reasons.  One, the original song is catchy, but so dirty/creepy.  I just can't listen to it. (especially since Robin Thicke looks so much like his dad, and I'm like "Dr. Seaver, noooo!") Weird Al keeps the tune, but cleans up the lyrics!  Two, I can get kind of riled up about grammar (exhibit A, exhibit B), so I hope this helps people figure out how to talk/write correctly!

Anyway, happy weekend!  Remember to link up next week with Ginny and me for Shorts Week!  

Cardigan: J.Crew Factory (exact)
Top: Gap (similar, similar)
Skirt: Old Navy (similar, similar)
Sandals: Carlos Santana via DSW (option, option)

Wearing Shorts

It's time for another theme week, and July is the perfect time to be wearing some shorts.  I'm so excited to have Ginny from My New Favorite Outfit as my co-host this month.  We'll be kicking it off on Monday and wearing shorts all week long, so please join us for some or all of the days!  

So, let's talk about shorts.  I like shorts, which is weird, because I don't like pants.  And aren't shorts just pants with the legs chopped off?  It seems like a lot of women don't like shorts, because thighs should be hidden away in shame.  I always get nervous when I see/hear women with much thinner legs than me talking about how they can't wear shorts, because of how fat their thighs are.  People would definitely run in terror as you clomp down the street.  Sometimes I worry that they are right, and then my legs are definitely not shorts-worthy.  But then again, no.  Ladies: stop being crazy.  You look fine.  Buy some shorts.  It will be okay.  I promise.

It's also the Third Thursday of the month, so that means I'm joining in with Bri at Work Clothes, I Suppose.  I decided to bump my July theme to next week, so I wouldn't run into a conflict with Third Thursday Threads, and then she picked the exact same theme as I was planning, so it would have been perfect.  Oh well, just another excuse to wear shorts.    

Top: J.Crew Factory (exact)
Shorts: Loft (option, option, option)
Shoes: Sperry (exact)

Lima Bean Necklace

John calls this my lima bean necklace.  I can't really argue with him.

**shortest post ever!


Necklace: Gift (similar style, similar color)
Top: Lucky (similar)
Skirt: Target (similar, similar)
Flats: Old Navy (option, option)

Repeat Repeat

Someday, I assume I will run out of different ways to wear this dress.  Today is not that day.  This is basically the summer version of this outfit.

I should probably say something more interesting.  Here's a fun piece of info - I'm meeting Ginny for lunch today!  We met up last summer a couple times and then fall/winter/spring was just crazy.  I'm excited to catch up in person again.  And we may just be planning an upcoming theme for next week.  I'll share the theme on Thursday!       

Necklace: F21 (similar, similar)
Dress: Gap (similar, similar, similar)
Belt: Steve Madden (similar)
Sandals: Target (similar)

J.Crew Addict?

About a week before I left for Indiana, I ordered 3 things from the J.Crew factory.  These shorts (in bright yellow) arrived before I left.  I love them, but they are a little too small, so I think I will have to return them, unless I lose about 5lbs before I make it out to the outlet mall.

My 2 other purchases (the Clare cardigan in brocade blue and this top in vibrant fuchsia) arrived while I was gone, but John was still home, so he rescued them from the front porch.  Then I bought this skirt at the regular J.Crew in Indy.

I wore this outfit on the first day back to work, and met John for lunch because we had no groceries at home.  He commented on my skirt, and I said it was new - from J.Crew.  Then the conversation went something like this:

John: Do you have a J.Crew addiction?
Andi: no - well, maybe a little.
John:  And is J.Crew more or less expensive than the Gap?
Andi:  welllll...

I then explained to him my new-ish shopping philosophy, where instead of buying 3 t-shirts at the Gap for $7 each and then rarely wearing them, I would buy a maxi skirt at the J.Crew for $22 and wear it more frequently.  It's just math!

Anyway, this is my new skirt and I love it.  For the first outfit, I went with the most obvious pairing of a white tee and cognac accessories.  I felt very fancy all day long!   

Tee: Gap (option, option, option)
Belt: Gap (similar)
Skirt: J.Crew (exact)
Watch: Fossil (similar)
Necklace: Old Navy (similar)
Sandals: Target (similar)