Getting Nerdy

After doing the Closet Inventory, I started playing around in my Excel spreadsheet.  Because I'm cool like that.  This may not be interesting to anyone else, but I thought it was fun to slice and dice the data by different pieces.  And then I made some pie charts.  Because I'm cool like that.

First up, where I buy all this stuff!  It is no surprise that Gap is far and away the leader.  If I add the Gap brands together, it's almost half of my wardrobe (Banana Republic and Piperlime are in the "other" category). I was surprised that I have more Loft than H&M or Limited.  I haven't had as much luck at Loft in the last year, but I guess I still have items from prior years.  Which brings me to...

Over half of my wardrobe has been purchased in the last 18 months.  I think this is largely due to the fact that I've been getting rid of stuff, and also because I like to shop.  (and also because I've gained some weight, but let's not talk about that, mkay?)

Finally, I wanted to see what colors are most represented.  And isn't this a pretty little graph?  Other than the random assortment in the upper left quadrant, the sections look pretty cohesive.  I've read a few things about building a remixable wardrobe, and I've never purposely shopped for certain colors, but somehow it has worked out.  I buy what I like, and I tend to like greens, blues, and pinks, as well as the black/white neutrals. Which means most items go well with most other items!

So now you know what my closet looks like in graphical form.  You're welcome (and I'm sorry).

Cardigan: Gap
Top: H&M
Skirt: Chaus
Shoes: Old Navy

Leopard Cardigan

It's been a long week back in the real world.  I'm ready for another vacation, that's for sure!  Or at least I'm ready for the weekend to get caught up on laundry and like, unpack and stuff.  Here's some free advice - when you go on vacation, try not to get home late on Sunday evening.  Because you might be disoriented all week, but you will make time for important stuff like blogging.  But you might not make it to the grocery store.  Hypothetically, of course.

Anyway, a leopard print cardigan has been on my wishlist for over a year.  A few weeks before I went to Minnesota, I started looking at the H&M website, and I saw this one (now it's only $7!).  I almost ordered it, but decided to wait, because H&M sizing can be all over the place.  I was pretty excited when it was actually in the store and fit properly!    

Top & Cardigan: H&M
Skirt: Gibson & Latimer
Coat: Gap
Shoes: J.Crew Factory

Looking Lucky in Lace

I love a good style challenge, so when I saw Sarah's April Looking Lucky Style Challenge, I had to jump in!  I'm going to try to do all 10, but some will be a stretch.  I mean, I don't think I have anything with fringe on it.  We might have to get creative!  

But lace!  Lace is easy!  I've had this top for just over a year and worn it more times than I can count.  I just love how the lace turns a white t-shirt into something fun and interesting.  I really need a replacement, because this one is starting to look a little rough without a layer.

Come back tomorrow for an announcement about next week.  Hint - it might be a theme week.

Jacket & Skirt: J.Crew factory
Top: H&M
Necklace: F21
Shoes: Target

Windy City

Last week, Laura said she feels a little "4th of July" when she wears red and blue together.  I can relate!  One of my co-workers actually told me I looked patriotic in this outfit.  I guess that's okay, right?  At least red, white, and blue look nice together.  And there are not stars or stripes, so at least it's a subtle patriotism.  This skirt has been neglected all winter.  Now that it is officially spring, I should show it some love.      

The other day, I mentioned that the wind makes taking outfit pictures more difficult.  I spoke too soon.  On this particular day, I had a lot more trouble!  I got exactly one decent picture, where my hair isn't blowing all over the place.  An outtakes collage had to happen. 

Cardigan & Shoes: Old Navy
Top: H&M
Belt: Chinese Laundry
Skirt: Bass

Meant to Be

Once upon a time (about 2 years ago), I decided that I should buy some green skinny jeans.  It seemed like an easy enough task, but I could not find any that were the right color of green, that fit properly, and that were in my price range (like less than $20). 

Then on Black Friday (2013), I was shopping at Old Navy and saw these Sweetheart jeans in the perfect green color.  For some reason, I convinced myself that I shouldn't buy them, and instead bought 2 pairs of shoes, 3 pairs of tights, a skirt, and a cardigan (all of which I really like).  But I left the jeans.  Why did I leave the jeans??

Anyway, I kept thinking about the jeans, but didn't have a chance to go back and figured they would be gone.  After Christmas, I had to return some duplicate items to Old Navy, so I hoped I would find the jeans still there.  Victory!  There was a big stack on the sale table.  $10!  But they had every size except mine.  I tried on a size up and a size down (because Old Navy sizes are never exact), but neither were quite right.  I asked the worker to run a search and the other store near me had my size!  So, I put them on hold and drive across town to get these jeans.  And then I was doing the 30X30, so I couldn't wear them.

So there's the very exciting story of how I finally got my green jeans.  And of course, they were the first thing I wanted to wear after the 30X30 was over!  I decided to borrow one of my favorite green skirt outfits, which was inspired by this pin.

Speaking of exciting things, I'm super pumped for next week, because I'm joining forces with 5 of my favorite ladies to host a week long red and pink Valentine's Day extravaganza.  That may be overstating a bit, but we will be wearing red and/or pink every day next week, and there will be a link up, so you can join in!  See, it's so exciting!        

Today I'm linking up with Heather for Pinned it & Did It AND with Jenn and Ginny for their new Style Swap (even though I can't find the original post for my pin). 

Sweater: Urban Outfitters
Top: H&M
Belt: Gap
Jeans: Old Navy
Boots: Steve Madden

Deep Thoughts on Internet Envy

Over the last couple of years, I've seen quite a few articles that warn against Facebook because it will cause depression.  The argument is that everyone posts about the happy things in their lives, and none of the sad things, so we all have a skewed perception of others, and then get sad about ourselves.  Like "All my FB friends have awesome jobs/cars/relationships/vacations, and my life is terrible!!"  This may be true, but it always bothers me for a couple of reasons:

First, if you aren't happy with your life, will it really help to know your friends/acquaintances/strangers on the internet are also miserable?  I think that would just make me more depressed.  Also, it's never wise to base your contentment on what other people appear to have, whether being envious of them, or thinking at least you are better off than them.  

Second, you SHOULD NOT BE INTERNET FRIENDS WITH PEOPLE IF YOU CAN'T BE HAPPY FOR THEM WHEN GOOD THINGS HAPPEN TO THEM!  Sorry to get shouty, but seriously.  If I'm scrolling through Facebook and see that someone I'm "friends" with went on an awesome vacation, and my first thought is "ugh, why do they get to spend 3 weeks in Europe?!"  then it probably means I don't actually like this person.  Un-friend immediately!  Or at the very least, hide them from your news-feed.

Also, how is this different than in real life?  If I ask one of my co-workers how they are doing, they always say "good!" and unless we are pretty close, that's all I know.  Isn't it just common sense to know that you are getting a tiny glimpse of anyone's life by your interactions with them, whether online or IRL? 

And finally, I don't know about you, but I have plenty of friends on my various social media sites that are pretty open about the good and the bad things in life.  Is this just because I have un-friended all the annoyingly braggy folks?  Maybe. 

I'm not sure what my point is here, but I just wanted to throw those thoughts out there.  And look, I may have a cute dalmatian-print* belt, but look how wrinkly my skirt is.  Just keeping it real!  

*No Dalmatians were harmed in the making of this belt.  I actually don't know that, but I assume/hope.  I really don't want to be Cruella De Vil!  

Top: H&M
Skirt: J.Crew Factory
Belt: Limited
Shoes: BCBGeneration

Random Thoughts for Monday

Here are just a few random thoughts for your Monday:

• Last week, I saw a car with eyelashes.  Have you heard of these?  I don't even know what to say.  If you have carlashes, I will probably be judging you.  
• If my hair looks extra lustrous to you, it's because I ran out of my regular conditioner, so I've been using the Neutrogena Triple Moisture Hair Mask.  It says you just need a small amount on a weekly basis to get lustrous hair, but I've been using a large amount on a daily basis and it seems to be working quite well.  
• A very large spider has been lurking above the door from our garage into our house.  Yesterday afternoon, he was hovering directly over my head when I got out of the car.  I called in reinforcements (husband), and the spider won't be bothering me anymore. 
• Yesterday, I had my first Salted Caramel Mocha Creme Frappuccino of the season!  Delicious!
• This outfit is from Sunday.  After church, we went out for lunch downtown.  I thought we should take pictures with a cool background, but I didn't have my camera, and there were lots of hobos around, so we just went home.  Maybe next time!  
• These shoes are falling apart.  I need to find some replacements soon!  
• My mom is coming to visit on Friday!  I'm pretty excited to hang out with her this weekend!  

I hope you all have a lovely week!  

Scarf: Forever 21
Top: H&M
Skirt: Sunny Leigh
Shoes: Gap

Books!

It's time for the Literary Junkies Link-up again.  Before I get to the questions, just a quick comment about my outfit.  I've determined that this blazer makes every outfit my favorite outfit.  I'm excited to unroll the sleeves when it gets cooler, and then I can wear it with even more colors!

Anyway, books! Here are this month's questions and my answers: 

1. What are you currently reading? Tell us about it!

I just finished The White Princess by Philippa Gregory.  It is the final book in her Cousins' War series, which I really enjoyed.  I'll probably end up posting a review about the series soon.  Up next is Delirium by Lauren Oliver.  I've heard it is really good, so I hope that is true! 

2. What is one book you think every person should read at least once in their life? Why?

I'm sticking to fiction here.  I think everyone should read A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens.  It's just such a beautiful story.  Also, the Chronicles of Narnia books are at the top of my list.     

3. Do you think you could ever write a book? If so what genre would it be?

I don't know.  In theory, I think it would be fun to be an author, but I don't think I have the creativity for it.  If I wrote a book, it would probably need to be a memoir (which I don't know if I'm quite interesting enough for anyone to read), or some kind of non-fiction. 

4. Do you listen to audiobooks? Do you look for the same things in an audiobook that you do in one you'll read?

I really like Audiobooks for long car rides.  Generally I am in the car with someone else (usually my husband), so I try to find books that we will both be interested in.  I also try to find a book that is a reasonable length for the amount of time that we will be in the car, so we will be able to finish it, but still have time for listening to music and talking to each other.   

5. Can you suggest a book of each type for others to try:
Fantasy - Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
Nonfiction - Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
Fiction - The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
Romance - eh, I can't really get into romance novels.  I guess I liked Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Classics - East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Young Adult - The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Have you read anything good lately? 

outfit details:
Blazer: Gap
Top: H&M
Skirt: Bass
Shoes: BCBGeneration

FIVE HUNDRED!

This is my 500th post.  Just let that sink in for a minute.  I'm sort of shocked that I've done that many, but I guess I have been blogging almost every weekday for almost 2 years.  I thought it would be fun to look back at my centennial posts, so here it goes:

100 - March 11th, 2012 - this happened to be my 10,000th day of life, so it was a pretty exciting time! 
200 - July 7th, 2012 - I didn't notice this was a significant milestone at the time, so I was just weighing the pros and cons of wearing a cardigan.
300 - November 18, 2012 - epic remix to celebrate my blogiversary! 
400 - March 29, 2013 - again, I didn't notice the milestone, but this fell at the end of the 5 Days, 5 Ways challenge, so it is a fun post about remixing a black and white striped tee.

Anyway, it seems like an appropriate time to thank you all for reading!  I honestly can't believe the amazing friendships I have found through blogging.  It's a weird club and I am so happy to be a part of it!

I'm linking up with Summer Style and Look What I Got (because these sandals are new and were only $6!!). 

Cardigan: Old Navy (dyed by me)
Top: H&M
Shorts: Loft
Sandals: Love Culture
 

Reunion Weekend Recap

Happy Monday!  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!  As I mentioned on Friday, John and I headed down to Wichita for my high school 10 year reunion.  It was a quick trip down and back, but it was a blast to see everyone and catch up with old friends.  Saturday morning, I met up with 3 of my best friends from high school to catch up before the official reunion.  I've been friends with these girls since 2nd, 5th, and 9th grade and am so blessed to have them in my life!

Lynelle, Laura, Andi, Erin - Now

Andi , Lynelle, Erin, Laura - Then

Then John and I met up with my aunt and uncle for lunch and got to catch up with them a little bit.  And then we did some really important things, like going to Heavenly Sno to get the world's best sno cone. 

The reunion started out at the school, where we had a BBQ feast (which was delicious) and got to see all the additions they have made to the building.  When I was there, we basically had one hallway, the commons and the gym.  They now have a whole new wing with an auditorium and another gym.  It's sort of crazy.  After that, we went to the Fox&Hound for more hanging out and chatting.  I'm not the most objective opinion (since I helped plan it), but I think the evening was a great success!  

I mostly got caught up in chatting with everyone and forgot to take pictures, but I did get one with another of my favorite people - Tessa!  We hadn't seen each other since 2008, which is just way too long.  We are now scheming ways to see each other more often.  A road trip to Wisconsin might need to happen soon.  

And here's one of (almost) the whole group at the reunion.  Pay no attention to the pool table obstructing half of the group.  When you are in a restaurant/bar party room, you just have to make it work.

In a complete fashion blogger fail, I didn't take any official outfit photos.  You can kind of tell that I was wearing my pink shorts and lace top.

It was so great to catch up with everyone and meet the spouses!  I may be biased, but I think my graduating class is pretty great!  Did you (or will you) go to your high school reunion?

Copycat Copycat

This outfit is a copycat of myself copycatting someone else.  I really liked that outfit this winter, so I thought it'd be fun to try a more spring appropriate version for dinner Saturday night.

It was also a good excuse to wear my new shoes!  These were a lucky score at Target when I popped in really quick to buy some travel-sized toiletries for my trip to Orlando.  John dropped me off at Target and ran into Lowe's for something, so I was killing time after finding everything on my list, and just happened to wander into the clothes and shoes.  I found a really cute dress (worn last week, but not photographed - blogger fail), and 2 pairs of shoes.  These were an online return, so they were marked down to less than $10 -  I was sold!   

Linking up today with Agi's Tres Chic, Look What I Got, and What I Wore to Work.

Top: H&M
Scarf: Calvin Klein
Jacket: Izod
Jeans: Old Navy
Shoes: Target

Blue Shoes Remix

 

Fact - I've always been a shoe person.  I blame this partially on the fact that I had to wear a uniform to school, so shoes were one of the only ways to express my fashion sense in my middle and high school years (and weird earrings, but we won't get into that).  The shoe section at Target pretty regularly has hidden treasures in the clearance section.  My favorite ones are these blue cap-toe flats.  I got them last year at the end of the summer.  I wear them a lot, so they were the obvious choice for the We Love Target - Shoes day.

Normally, I put an outfit together and then look at my shoe options and pick the best one.  This week, I was trying to start with the shoes and completely drew a blank on what to wear.  Then I remembered that Bri Marie has the same shoes, and decided to re-interpret her lace and cobalt look. My lace top isn't striped, so I improvised and put a striped tee underneath it.  I feel sort of like MacGyver. 

Here are TEN ways to rock some blue shoes:

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9

Striped shirt and skirt: Old Navy
Lace Shirt: H&M
Shoes: Target

Green Skirt Remix

Random thoughts for you on this Friday:

• I thought the colors in this outfit were so pretty together, so I am copycatting!   
• My broken boot is fixed!  When I picked it up from the repair shop a couple weeks ago, it was about 70 degrees outside.  I joked that my boots were fixed just in time for warmer weather.  Be careful what you joke about, because it might snow in mid-April! 
• Meet my new lace tee from H&M.  I've had this on my list for a few months, so I'm excited to wear it with everything I own!
• I got this skirt on clearance at Target just before Christmas.  It was $8.  And then I found out the emerald is the "color of the year," which I really don't understand how one color gets that honor, but I am so ready for wearing green!  I've already worn it several times, so thought it deserved a remix post.  Here are 5 other ways I've worn it! 

1/2/3/4/5

I'm also linking up with AJ for her weekly remix!  Go check it out!


Top: H&M
Belt: Gap
Cardigan: Urban Outfitters
Skirt: Target
Boots: Guess via TJ Maxx