#13 - Emergency Substitutions

Meet item #30!  The gray/white striped blazer.  I realized I have been neglecting it so far this winter and I love it, so I should be wearing it more.  

I've made some other changes to the 30 items.  I went shopping and decided to switch out some of my as yet un-worn items out for some new pieces.  So I'm making the following substitutions:

• Black wedges out - Leopard pumps in
• Black dress out - black/white striped dress in
• Polka dot cardigan out - pink popover blouse in

So, at the almost halfway point, I feel pretty great about my items.  I have a feeling I could remix well over 30 outfits with these items.  This is much easier than I though it would be.  Hopefully I still feel that way in 3 more weeks!  Here's the visual of my final 30 items!

Final 30X30 items by andi-smith 

Blazer & Jeans: Gap
Top and Shoes: Old Navy

#12 - Combat

Have any of you been to a BodyCombat class?  I think it's basically just kickboxing, but the Les Mills "official" version.   It was intense!  I'm not a particularly coordinated or aggressive person, so I wasn't sure how I would like it, but I'll definitely be going back.  After I have a few days to recover.  I just need to get my courage up to try all the other classes.   

This outfit has nothing to do with working out, but until Old Navy decides to send me a bunch of free gear, I won't be posting sporty outfits. 

Sweater: Gap

Shirt & Skirt: J.Crew Factory

Tights: Target

Necklace: Old Navy

Boots: Steve Madden

#11 - Not Boots

Get excited - I'm not wearing boots!  The weather finally warmed up enough that flats are a viable option again.  We'll see how long it lasts, but I figured I need to take advantage of the opportunity while I have it. Or I should have only included boots in my shoe options.

Cardigan & Jeans: Gap
Shirt: J.Crew Factory
Shoes & Necklace: Old Navy

#10 - Silly Problems

I wore this yesterday.  It's a good thing I felt cute, because I definitely had a serious case of the Mondays.  When I was getting ready, my tights ripped!  This is the first time I've worn them, so I'm not happy about that!  The good thing is that the holes are higher up, so my dress conceals the issue.  And I quickly put some clear nail polish to prevent a run.  Because I don't have a back-up plan for this color of tights.  I'm beginning to think that tights with a pattern are just prone to rip more easily.  (I had the same thing happen in November with some patterned tights).  So maybe I should stick to patternless tights?

After the fiasco with the tights, I drove to work.  When I got to my office, my desk was missing a computer.  Because I took it home this weekend, thinking I might work some.  And then I completely forgot that I had it at home.  So, I had to go get it, and my day started about 45 minutes later than I had planned. 

After work and Zumba, I decided to watch Downton Abbey while I ate dinner.  I had heard that S4E3 had a shocking/upsetting event, but I would not have guessed what happens.  I just think the show could be interesting enough without so many awful things happening.  WHY CAN'T THEY JUST BE HAPPY?

Anyway, I'm hoping the rest of the week is better.  (And yes, I know these aren't real problems, but those aren't fun to blog about).

Dress & Belt: Gap
Sweater: J.Crew Factory
Tights & Bracelet: Old Navy
Boots: Steve Madden

#9 - Blackout Week!

Sometimes I start a challenge and then I find out about another challenge.  And then I just do all of them at once.  It might not be the best plan, but whatever.  You can read all the details on the Black Out Challenge here.  The short story is to not wear black for a week  (or as many weeks of January as possible).  Since about half of my 30x30 items have some black in them, I couldn't do the whole month.  But I think I can manage a week with the other half of my items.  Hooray for non-black neutrals!  So this is outfit number 1 of the Blackout challenge, and outfit number 9 of the 30X30.  Warning - this polka dot top may be in most of my non-black looks!

I really like the top/cardigan/skirt part of this look.  I think it would be much cuter without tights, and with my navy ankle strap flats.  I just might have to redo it in the spring.   

Cardigan: Old Navy
Shirt: J.Crew Factory
Skirt: Gap
Tights: Target
Boots: Steve Madden

#8 - Layers

Saturday outfit posts might be necessary so the 30X30 doesn't drag out to far into February posts.  This is my first attempt wearing this dress as a skirt.  The outfit didn't turn out quite as cute as I imagined it. 

Anyway, it was a crazy first week back after the holidays.  Too much stuff to get done and not enough time (at work or at home!).  I'm hoping to have a very productive Saturday, but I'll probably end up wasting the day sleeping and/or reading.  You know, important stuff! 

Dress (as a skirt) and Cardigan: Gap
Shirt: J.Crew Factory
Fleece Leggings: TJ Maxx
Boots: Steve Madden

#7 - Reciprocal

I don't remember a whole lot of specifics about middle school math class, but for some reason, I always think about reciprocals in the context of outfits.  You know, where 1/2 is the reciprocal of 2.  You just flip the top and the bottom.  This outfit is basically the reciprocal to this outfit.  Instead of a black skirt and red cardigan, I'm wearing red jeans and a black cardigan.  It's an easy way to remix.

See, Mom and Dad, your investments in my education were totally worth it! 

Also, my hair is different in these pictures, because I braided it the night before.  So it's less curly and more like tiny waves.  Probably not something I will try again! 

Shirt: J.Crew factory
Cardigan: Gap
Jeans: Old Navy
Boots: Steve Madden