Dec 31st- 30 for 30 Summary

Wow! I actually did it!

To be honest, I’m a bit surprised! I am very good at starting things- but not so good at finishing them.

Here is a summary of what I wore for my 30 for 30 Challenge. To see the slideshow, click on any picture and it will take you to the larger images.

Here is what I learned:

Scarfs, jewelry, belts and jackets can really change an outfit (duh!)

I sure wear my skinny jeans a lot.

I am so surprised that I only wore my pencil skirt once! It’s appropriate for work, but seems a little dressy for ‘everyday’ moms.

I think a skirt with a brighter pattern, or a bright solid color (I’m thinking red)- would have been a bit more fun.

A pair of cropped cargos or khakis would have been a nice alternative to my jeans.

I’ve learned I actually like having my choices narrowed down- it made things so much easier getting dressed each morning!

On that same note- I’ve also learned that I don’t need so many items in my closet- most don’t get worn anyway.

I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that I’m going to stick to investing in quality, classic pieces- not buying so many cheaply made items from places like  Old Navy, Target, H&M and so forth… Those stores are fun for ‘fast fashion’ (as my friend Heidi told me), but I’ve learned my style is classic, not uber trendy, so I don’t need to be wasting money on those type of items (although every  now and then a fun trendy piece paired with something classic is great!).

I’m very glad I did this 30 for 30 Challenge, and will probably return to it again this summer (bet it’s a lot easier with summer clothes!).

OK! Enough preaching!!

All that being said, I’ve gone a whole month without buying myself a SINGLE item of clothing (gasp), so I’m off to Nordstroms. See you next year! 🙂

Have a safe and fun night!

Dec 30th, 30 for 30- Day 30!!!

I’ve saved the best for last… not really, but this is definitely one of my favorites and it’s my ‘go to’ outfit. It’s classic, simple and very easy.

I wear this when I’m volunteering at school, or out shopping, or to casual day at work, out to dinner with friends… it’s always appropriate and stylish.

I’ve simply paired my dark jeans with a white tank, my black blazer and black flats. For interest and personality, I’ve added a necklace and a stack of bracelets.

I happen to like it plain, but changing the color (or adding pattern) to the tank is another great way to add style.

Nothing too exciting, definitely not cutting edge- but it’s me!

Be willing to invest a bit in your black blazer- this staple will be in style for years...

I’ve linked to Fashion Friday– check it out for some great ideas!

Jeans: Nordstrom, Blazer: Nordstrom, Tank: Anthropologie, Necklace: Lea Sophia, Shoes: Cole Haan

Dec 29th, 30 for 30- Day 29

Today’s outfit is a bit of risk- and to be honest, I’m not sure how I feel about it!

I haven’t worn this skirt a single time in this challenge, so I was feeling sorry for it!  (does anyone else do that?)

While I was tempted to pair it with my black turtleneck- as I did here– I figured we have all seen enough of the black turtleneck.

Instead, I decided to mix patterns by wearing a blue and white striped shirt with this Ikat skirt. Mixing patterns is all the rage! (but is it me?!)

To keep to my rule of three (3 items of interest in the top half of my outfit), I then decided to throw on my denim jacket and this cool necklace my hubby got me for Christmas.

Now for the bottom half- since it is winter- and my legs were frozen- I knew I needed tights. I figured black was too dark (and since I’m wearing blue didn’t want to mix the two), and cream was too light. Hence, the grey tights.

Then I was stuck on shoes. What on earth to wear? I decided my desert booties might be a fun twist…

Luckily I’m going to the movies today- so even if this is a total bust, in the dark no one will see me!

I'm just not sure about the tights and shoes...

Skirt: J Crew, Shirt: J Crew, Jacket: Old Navy, Necklace: Plateau Jewelers, Shoes: Khol’s

Dec 28th, 30 for 30- Day 28

Work it Wednesday– today’s theme is my ever favorite- the black turtleneck. I’ve done this before, (here) but thought it’d be fun to try again today, especially since my choices are so limited.

My first look is my Rachel Zoe inspired, night on the town, all black with faux fur.

I like the way the necklace picks up the color in the fur.

My next look is more of a daytime look- I’ve added a cute jacket and bright scarf. This jacket works well because it has elastic at the waist, which helps define my middle- and doesn’t let the jacket overwhelm me.

Perfect for a cold and rainy day- like today!

My 3rd look is another daytime look. I’ve paired this oatmeal sweater with this gorgeous scarf, added some thick wool socks (scrunched down) and these cute boots.

Love these shoes with this sweater! Looks like they were made to go together.

Since I was on a roll, I decided to try a few more looks:

This outfit is all about the gold scarf.

Audrey Hepburn inspired look.

Return of the grandpa sweater!

As you can see, my black turtleneck is probably the most versatile piece I own. Since I’m always cold, it works well to keep me warm, and acts as a base for me to add items to.

Which of these looks is your favorite? Any?!

Pants: Gap, Turtleneck: White House, Black Market

Dec 27th, 30 for 30- Day 27

Another very late post, I apologize! I have to admit I’ve enjoyed my lazy mornings, lounging around in my jammies though!

I need to run a bunch of errands today, so I finally got dressed- and this is what I chose!

My boyfriend jeans (rolled at the ankles for style), my leopard flats (you know how I LOVE leopard), this eggplant colored- draped top and my cream cardigan to top it off.

My piece de la resistance is this cute Jewel Kade necklace. I love the way it ties all the colors in together.

Love the bee on this necklace- on the back is the message, Be Yourself!

Now off to fight the crowds… wish me luck!

My camera is tilted on the tripod, which is why I look like I am slanted a bit...

Jeans: Old Navy, Shoes: Target, Top: Nordstrom, Cardigan: Nordstrom, Necklace: Jewel Kade

Dec 26th, 30 for 30- Day 26

I’ll be honest, I am looking forward to the end of this Challenge. I’m getting a little tired of these same clothes- and I bet you are too!

Today I’m wearing my skinny jeans (they look black in the photo, but they are actually blue denim). I’ve paired my jeans with this bluish/ grey sweater with the asymetrical hemline. To add a little color and style- I’m wearing this gorgeous silk scarf.

I’m wearing it ‘rock star’ style, (a name I just made up) but it kind of reminds me of Steven Tyler a bit. Not that I want to look like Steven Tyler… at least I don’t think I do?!

As for my shoes, I’m wearing these steel grey wedged heels. It’s a different look for me- normally I wear either ballet flats or boots with skinny jeans- but I decided to try something new. What do you think? Hit or miss?

I love the orange in this scarf! Such an upbeat color!

Jeans: Anthropologie, Sweater: Louis Permilia, Scarf: Louis Permilia, Shoes: Nordstrom

Dec 25th, 30 for 30- Day 25

Merry Christmas!

I want to be very comfy since we will be laying around all day opening gifts and hanging out.

These cream cords are like sweat pants!  So warm, so soft, so stretchy. Perfect for a big Christmas dinner. I’ve paired them with my black turtleneck, pearls and ballet flats. A simple and classic outfit. To add a little pizzaz, I’ve added my leopard belt.

Now, go enjoy your family!

Have a wonderful day!

Pants: Nordstrom, Turtleneck: White House, Black Market, Shoes: Tory Burch, Belt: Target, Necklace: Forever 21

Dec 24th, 30 for 30- Day 24

Merry Christmas Eve!

I’ve spent the day with my kids baking cookies, playing games, watching Christmas Vacation  and working on our Christmas puzzle- all in my jammies! Heaven!

I’m showing my outfit for church tonight. I’m wearing this cute dress (you may remember last time I wore it with a sweater over it to make it look like a skirt). This time I’ve paired it with my black blazer- both to add polish and warmth.

Although truth be told, it feels more like spring than winter here in the Pacific Northwest. It’s definitely NOT going to be a white Christmas. Oh well… only in my dreams…

Sorry, had to go there.

By the way, what’s your favorite Christmas movie? Please share, I’m always looking for new ideas!

Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

Dress: Banana Republic, Blazer: Nordstrom, Shoes: Nordstrom

Dec 23rd, 30 for 30- Day 23

I wore this brown pencil skirt last Friday, but since I was on a plane all day, no one saw me.

I decided to wear it again, but this time I paired it with my denim shirt layered over a tank.

You can barely see it, but I’m wearing this gorgeous bracelet that my sister gave me for my birthday. I absolutely love it- and would wear it every day if I could!

Have a great Christmas Eve Eve… are you done with your shopping?  I’m going to a white elephant party tonight and need a gift. Any suggestions?

I love this bracelet! Thanks Kara!!

The lighting outside is so bad you can't see the pattern in this skirt.

Skirt: Nordstrom, Denim shirt: Martin and Osa, Leather Jacket: Marshalls, Boots: DSW, Bracelet: J Crew

I’ve linked up with Fashion Friday. Be sure to click here for some other cute fashion ideas!

Dec 22nd, 30 for 30- Day 22

Boy it’s a frosty morning- but still no sign of snow, so I’m thinking we will not be having a white Christmas this year. Darn!

Today I’m wearing my black skinny pants with this cute animal print top and my grey grandpa cardigan.

I used to be afraid to wear animal prints like this during the day- thinking they were too dressy, or too wild for ‘everyday’ style. But then I decided- what the heck?

Wearing this tank makes me feel fun- and gives my outfit a little kick. I’m needing that right now…

I’ve also changed out my shoes. On the right I have on these awful black things. They make my feet look enormous, and do nothing for my style. It’s hard to see in the photo how bad they are, so I’ve included a picture below. In theory, they are sort of cute, right? Unfortunately, they don’t work with skinny pants.

Nice mud on the sole! Yuck!

Instead of the black shoes, I’m wearing my black boots- yes, I do wear these almost everyday (in the winter), but they are warm, comfy and stylish. Why mess with that?

The long sweater hides my butt- which is important when wearing pants these tight!

Pants: Gap, Tank: Express, Cardigan: J Crew, Boots: Nordstrom