Days 31 and 32: The Extras

I'm D-O-N-E with the challenge, gals! Truth be told, I was done more than a month ago. But, posting about my progress proved to be nearly as challenging. Whoops!

I decided to take one of my favorite pieces -- my purple/white plaid oxford shirt (also seen on Day 5, Day 6, and Day 10) -- of the challenge and build some additional outfits to make up for the two days where I totally broke the rules. Both were pretty simple but definitely styles that I would wear (and did!) outside the challenge.

[The best thing about this skirt? ... Built-in belt, my friends.]

[Cooper wanted to celebrate the end of the challenge by "posing" for the last photo.

This is the pose Cooper uses most often around the apartment.]

What I'm Wearing

Day 31
Purple/White Plaid Oxford Shirt (J.Crew)
Nico Blossom Skirt (J.Crew)
Black and Gold Bracelet (Collected at a clothes swap)
Tan Saddle Shoes (Steve Madden)

Day 32
Purple/White Plaid Oxford Shirt (J.Crew)
LC Lauren Conrad Boyfriend Blazer (Kohl's)
White Lace Dobby Skirt (J.Crew)
Black Xhiliration Flats (Target)
Black and Gold Owl Ring (Forever XXI)

Send Me Your Challenges
As many hiccups as I had with the challenge -- dry cleaners trips, wacky weather, and more -- what I took away from the whole experience is that fashion challenges feel totally rewarding when you do step out of your comfort zone.

With that said, send me your fashion challenges, ladies! Whether you need ideas for dressing for a special occasion or want to incorporate more accessories into your everyday look, I want to help! Your queries will be part of a new weekly segment for Daisies and Chains called "Wardrobe Love." Shoot me a comment or e-mail me at daisiesnchains@gmail.com with your challenge(s). I can't wait!

In the meantime, stay tuned later this week for my spring time picks and other sunny-weather-style posts!

Days 29 and 30: Phoning It In

Ladies, I am going to be honest. By the last week of my challenge, I was basically just going through the motions. Sure, I still liked my clothes, and I was still coming up with new ideas on how to wear them. But, the best ideas I came up with were more conducive to colder weather. And, by the end of February, most days were already pretty warm. In fact, it had been more than a week since I had worn my Steve Madden suede slouchy boots.

[Wearing a sweatshirt at the end of February was a bit of a stretch.]

[If this ensemble doesn't scream "Laundry Day," I don't know what does.]

What I'm Wearing

Day 29
Navy/White Plaid Oxford Shirt (J.Crew)
Sequined Sweatshirt (J.Crew)
Black Minnie Pants (J.Crew)
Grey Ballet Flats (J.Crew)
Black and Silver Knot Wide Headband (J.Crew)

Day 30
Green Plaid Oxford Shirt (J.Crew)
Xhiliration Tan Cardigan (Target)
Green City Fit Roll-Up Pants (J. Crew)
Tan Saddle Shoes (Steve Madden)

Stay tuned for the two extra outfits I put together for having missed Day 20 and Day 26. I promised 30 outfits, and my goodness, I am going to deliver.

Day 28: Urban Schoolgirl

Sometimes when I put my clothes on in the morning, I like to imagine myself in the pages of Vogue magazine posing for an uber chic style spread. When I do this, I ask myself, "What would the photo shoot be called?" ... Does anyone else ever ask themseleves this question?

Today, that answer was "Urban Schoolgirl" or "What the high schoolers in 'Gossip Girl' get away with wearing to Constance Billard." (Go ahead, you can judge me for naming the school.) In other words, I was wearing all the elements of a traditional girl's school uniform, but none of the patterns went together. And I didn't wear a tie.*

[The debate I had with myself over whether or not

to wear a belt lasted longer than I'd like to admit.]

What I'm Wearing
Chambray Oxford Shirt (J.Crew)

LC Lauren Conrad Boyfriend Blazer (Kohl's)

Grey Skirt with Feather Print (Forever XXI)

Gold Merona Boyfriend Watch (Target)

Black Xhiliration Flats (Target)

 

*I totally should have worn a tie.

Days 26 and 27: A Wicked Weekend

I'm going to be totally honest, right off the bat. Remember the outfit from Day 25? I wore it again on Day 26. Yes, the next day. Yes, the exact same thing. Soooo, yes, I owe you an additional outfit post, just like I do from Day 20 when I only wore running clothes and pajamas. (I acknowledge that this was sort of my choice, but the alternative would have been running and then sleeping in a cardigan and jeans. Awkward.)

All this to say I only have one outfit to show you from an entire weekend. The Fella and I went to see "Wicked" in San Antonio, and I finally brought out the missing dress that took me 27 days to wear.

[We relied on a random passerby for this photo, so I didn't get picky.]

What I'm Wearing
Black and Ivory Printed Silky Dress (Express)
Black Belt (Taken from a dress-and-belt combo from Express)
Black Tights (Target)*
Mossimo Black Suede Heels (Target)*
Gold Glasses Necklace (Forever XXI)
Black and Gold Bracelet (Collected at a clothes swap)*
Black Sunglasses (Forever XXI)
*Not shown

When will I ever be on time with these posts? ... Yes, I'm actually asking you. Clearly I don't have the answer.

Days: 21-25: Five Outfits for the Post of One

Hey gals, I'm doing a few things differently today. In the interest of saving time, space, and my sanity, I'm posting five outfits taken from my 30 for 30 challenge, all at once. Not only am I waaaay behind posting these things (I actually finished the challenge last week), I am getting ramped up for the Texas Style Council Conference, held here in Austin this weekend. I'm estatic to share more about what I will learn and how I can improve my blog in the future. And you can be sure I'll want to hear from you about it, too! 

With that in mind, I was a big fan of Day 25 from this week. Which one is your favorite?

What I'm Wearing (Day 21)

Xhiliration Tan Cardigan (Target)

Black Sleeveless Empire Waist Dress (Express)

Black Tights (Target)

Black Suede Slouchy Boots (Steve Madden) 

Gold Chains Necklace (J.Crew)

Black and Gold Owl Ring (Forever XXI)

What I'm Wearing (Day 22)

Chambray Oxford Shirt (J.Crew)

Wide Leg Editor Trousers (Express)

Yellow Studded Belt (J.Crew)

Mossimo Black Suede Heels (Target)

What I'm Wearing (Day 23)

Striped Boatneck Shirt (J.Crew)

Marled Charcoal Blazer (J.Crew)

Black Minnie Pants (J.Crew)

Black Xhiliration Flats (Target)

Ivory and Green Wool Scarf (J.Crew)

Black and Gold Bracelet (Collected at a clothes swap)

What I'm Wearing (Day 24)

White Silk Blouse (DKNY, collected at a clothes swap)

Purple Bling-Button Cardigan (J.Crew)

Navy Corduroy Skirt (Old Navy)

Rose Applique Ribbon Belt (J.Crew)

Red Hair Ribbon (Taken from my craft box)

Black Xhiliration Flats (Target)

Tortoise Shell Glasses (Forever XXI)

What I'm Wearing (Day 25)

Black/White Plaid Silk Blouse (J.Crew)

Jackie Cardigan in Cerise (J. Crew)

Wide Leg Editor Trousers (Express)

Mossimo Black Suede Heels (Target)

Pink Patent Leather Belt (J.Crew)

Floral Print Fringe Scarf (Madewell)

Black and Silver Knot Wide Headband (J.Crew)

Days 19 and 20: One Outfit, One Marathon

I only wore one of my challenge outfits this weekend, on Saturday.

No, I didn't get Coyote Ugly or anything on Sunday, and I'm also not saying I cheated and wore something else in my closet. I promise I have a really good excuse as to why Sunday was a fashion wash. ...

I ran the Austin Marathon.

And after I ran it, I changed out of my sweaty, sticky running attire, took a shower, and put on my pajamas. And I didn't get out of them until I peeled myself out of bed on Monday morning. Both days were great.

[Ballet flats are crucial the day before a 26.2-mile run.]

What I'm Wearing (Day 19 Only)
Black/White Plaid Silk Blouse (J.Crew)
Purple Bling-Button Cardigan (J.Crew)
Black Minnie Pants (J.Crew)
Black Xhiliration Flats (Target)
Yellow Leather Skinny Belt (J.Crew)

Day 18: Fashion Question Mark

When I think about the ensemble I wore on Day 18, I am still not sure how I feel about it. It's a fashion question mark in my mind.

But, in loyalty to my Type A personality, I have laid out a list of "Likes" and "Dislikes" about it.

Likes 

• I took a risk. Two patterns are never easy to pull off in one outfit.
• I wasn't afraid to accessorize.
• The skirt. I just love this skirt. It's twirly and has velvety feathers printed on it.

Dislikes

• The blues may have been in that limbo-ish place where they don't match, but they are still too similar to look good and instead look awkward.
• I don't think my mom would like this outfit. And that's still a huge litmus test for me.
• I had a few people laugh at me when I walked into meetings today at the office. They thought I was being ironic. I wasn't. Awkward.

 What side are you on?

[Prints with prints ... Thoughts?]

What I'm Wearing
Navy/White Plaid Oxford Shirt (J.Crew)

Grey Skirt with Feather Print (Forever XXI)

Houndstooth Print Brown Tights (J.Crew)

Tan Saddle Shoes (Steve Madden)
Yellow Studded Belt (J.Crew)
Gold Merona Boyfriend Watch (Target)

Day 17: Sweaters and Blue Jeans

There’s something to be said for comfort. No matter how concerned I may (or may not) be about the number of accessories I have on – or, in this case, the number of ways I can wear certain clothes – I know there are some things that will never change:

• I take a sweater with me most places I go.
• I am faithful to each well-fitted pair of blue jeans I can find.
• I may never wear anything longer than a 16-inch necklace.
• Even though I should embrace high heels, I am obsessed with ballet flats.
• Peter Pan collars may not be sexy, but I feel great when I’m wearing a blouse that has one.
• Some belts still scare me.

[My suede heels, which you can barely see in this photo, 

are one of only of three pairs of heels I own.]

[Cooper and I matched with our white and tan shades, so he decided to join for this photo.]

What I’m Wearing

White Silk Blouse (DKNY, collected at a clothes swap)

Xhiliration Tan Cardigan (Target)

Wide Leg Editor Trousers (Express)

Mossimo Black Suede Heels (Target)

Gold Owl Necklace (Forever XXI)

Floral Bunch Gold Ring (Forever XXI)

Day 16: Crossing Over

At this point, I have crossed the halfway point of the challenge, and although I am looking forward to wearing some of my other clothes again, I still have a lot of ideas on how to build some outfits for the challenge. A few other epiphanies are listed below:

Lessons Learned

1)    It’s not always a good idea to include five dry-clean-only items in a 30-day clothing challenge. On the bright side, I have spent so much money at the cleaners that I got a $5 coupon to use on my next visit. Jeeeeealous, much?

2)    Nearly all of the seven skirts I included in my challenge are basically the same style: A-line and a few inches above the knee. Does this mean I have a signature look? It might. But at least I know what items I don’t need more of when it comes time to build a wardrobe for the upcoming seasons.

3)    Holy H, did you just read that last sentence? … I know what items I don’t need more of …  Do you realize what this means? I may have actually discovered the meaning of the challenge – to shop your closet instead of the stores. Woah, progress.

[I had to wait until the weather was warmer to wear my Minnie pants, 

because I only really like wearing them with flats.]

What I’m Wearing

Chambray Oxford Shirt (J.Crew)

Olive Green Sequined Blouse (J.Crew)

Black Minnie Pants (J.Crew)

Black Xhiliration Flats (Target)

Black and Gold Bracelet (Collected at a clothes swap)

Glitter Gold Headband (J.Crew) 

Day 15: My Love Affair with Green

I’ve mentioned a couple times now of my obsession with olive green during the fall. When the spring season arrived, that interest translated into a mellow, grass-colored shade of green. The plaid shirt I combined with a white embroidered skirt today was one of a few green pieces I acquired for the current season.

I’m not ready to shy away from olive green completely yet, so I still threw in my favorite belt. I think this is what other fashion bloggers call “transitioning your wardrobe.” I might call it “being stubborn.” Either way, I’m glad it means the belt stays.

How are you transitioning into spring?

[Another quintessential "Daisies and Chains" look: plaid and lace.]

[I like the bold contrast the belt provides against the white skirt.]

 

What I’m Wearing

Green Plaid Oxford Shirt (J.Crew)

White Lace Dobby Skirt (J.Crew)

Olive Green Patent Leather Belt (J.Crew)

Tan Saddle Shoes (Steve Madden)

Gold Merona Boyfriend Watch (Target)

Day 14: Valentine's Day

I know I’m late to the party here, being that Valentine’s Day was nine days ago, but I did not go to work naked that day, so I wanted to prove it. In the same vein, I vow to get my act together within the next few days so I can finally start posting in real time. And by “real time,” I mean less than 48 hours after I wear an outfit. No promises beyond that. Thanks for not judging. Hugs and kisses.

[I chose to wear orange-red, instead of regular red on Valentine's Day.

I'm such a rebel.]

What I’m Wearing

Striped Boatneck Shirt (J.Crew)

Jackie Cardigan in Cerise (J. Crew)

Green City Fit Roll-Up Pants (J. Crew)

Black Xhiliration Flats (Target)

Gold Glasses Necklace (Forever XXI)

Days 12 and 13: The Weekend of Little Imagination

Last weekend, I was feeling particularly boring (i.e. not creative) and resorted to the one-two punch of wardrobing. That is, I made sure I 1) covered up my fanny and 2) covered up "the ladies." 


And I didn't do much else. 


Sometimes, I put on shoes. But only when my feet got cold.

[I'm thinking I'll turn this outfit into something more exciting later. 

Stay tuned!]

[I'm a big fan of rolled-up sleeves, 

but I went wild on Sunday and let them free.]

What I'm Wearing

Day 12

Jackie Cardigan in Cerise (J. Crew)

Grey Skirt with Feather Print (Forever XXI)

Tan Saddle Shoes (Steve Madden)

Day 13

Sequined Sweatshirt (J.Crew)

Green City Fit Roll-Up Pants (J. Crew)

Grey Ballet Flats (J.Crew)

Day 11: Black and Blue

No, I'm not talking about the way my knees look after I take a spill during a run.

I first discovered the magic that is pairing black and blue shades together during the fall of 2007. I even remember the outfit: blue turtleneck, black duster (cheese and rice, do you remember those things!?), jeans, and black boots.

Fast forward three-and-a-half years, and I have made some adjustments to my style. Now, I like to throw in the sorbet-colored skirt and a floral belt. The epitome of the “Daisies and Chains” look.

[I wasn't sorry to stop wearing blazers all week.

It FINALLY warmed up outside after Day 11.]

What I’m Wearing

Navy/White Plaid Oxford Shirt (J.Crew)

LC Lauren Conrad Boyfriend Blazer (Kohl's)

Pink Twill Bell Skirt (J.Crew)

Rose Applique Ribbon Belt (J.Crew)

Blue Patterned Tights (Target)

Black Suede Slouchy Boots (Steve Madden)

Day 10: An Oldie But a Goodie

The cedar is kicking my fanny this week, so pardon the short posts. Sneezing and blowing my nose has been taking up most of my free time.

I really liked the black-tights-with-tan-shoes look from Day 8 so I did it again, just two days later. I paired them with a dress that I have owned for 10 years.

No exaggeration, kids.

Ten years.

And I received it as a hand me-down from the girl who used to babysit me when she was getting rid of a bunch of college clothes. So, this skirt is probably close to 15 years old. If  Golden Girls taught us anything, it’s that age is irrelevant when it comes to style.

[This dress came from Express during the days 

when it was attached to Structure at the mall. 

Woah, throwback!]

[I actually love that this necklace looks tangled all the time.]

What I’m Wearing

Black Sleeveless Empire Waist Dress (Express)

Purple/White Plaid Oxford Shirt (J.Crew)

Black Tights (Target)

Tan Saddle Shoes (Steve Madden)

Bead, Pearl, and Chain Necklace (J.Crew) 

Day 9: Little Thrills

I was feeling pretty uninspired when I picked out my clothes this morning. The only saving grace was realizing that I had my purple cardigan, which was of course part of the 30 pieces, back from the dry cleaners. I don’t know about you, but when I get clothes back from the dry cleaners, it gives me a little thrill, as if the piece was brand new. This feeling was amplified tenfold this morning, so I think this 30 for 30 challenge business is doing the trick when it comes to appreciating my closet and clothes.

[My pants look best when I walk. So this is me "walking" ... with a back problem, apparently.]

What I’m Wearing

Purple Bling-Button Cardigan (J.Crew)

Marled Charcoal Blazer (J.Crew)

Wide Leg Editor Trousers (Express)

Mossimo Black Suede Heels (Target)

Day 8: One Girl’s Trash … Is Part of My 30 Pieces

I absolutely adore the white silk blouse I wore today, and even better than the adorable Peter Pan collar is that fact that it was free! I got it at a clothes swap we did at work one day last year. If you’ve never heard of a clothes swap, I’m here to tell you they are better than Christmas. Here’s the basic breakdown:

Step 1: Gather all the clothes, shoes, purses, and accessories you don’t want. Tell a few (or several) of your buddies to do the same. It doesn’t matter if no one is the same size, because there is a good chance that if someone is throwing a piece out, it’s because it doesn’t fit them – so it could fit someone else!

Step 2: Everyone meets at the office or someone's house with their unwanted goods and spreads them out – whether it’s on the floor, on top of tables, or hanging from the shower rod. You can divide the clothing into piles of tops, pants, skirts, and dresses (and then in size order if the groupings are still huge).

Step 3: Everyone goes nuts grabbing what they like. You can even set up a “dressing room” station so gals can try before they (don’t) buy.

Step 4: Donate the remaining clothes to a women’s shelter or to a Goodwill donation center. You’ll feel all warm and fuzzy inside while you’re wearing your warm and fuzzy new sweater you got from the swap.

[My hair closely resembles a lion's mane in this photo.]

What I’m Wearing

White Silk Blouse (DKNY, collected at a clothes swap)

Jackie Cardigan in Cerise (J. Crew)

Nico Blossom Skirt (J.Crew)

Black Tights (Target)

Tan Saddle Shoes (Steve Madden) 

Day 7: Procrastination (Sometimes) Pays Off

I was pleasantly surprised with the outfit I put together today, especially considering I selected the pieces within the three minutes I gave myself to dress. I know there are some 30 by 30 participants who plan all 30 outfits in advance, and I commend them! I wish I were that ahead of schedule. My new year’s resolution in 2011 was to be on time, so maybe my new year’s resolution in 2012 can be to move ahead of schedule. (I just got chills.)

[I feel like Audrey Hepburn in these pants.]

[This pink belt looks as yummy as candy.]

What I’m Wearing

Black/White Plaid Silk Blouse (J.Crew)

Xhiliration Tan Cardigan (Target)

Black Minnie Pants (J.Crew)

Black Xhiliration Flats (Target)

Pink Patent Leather Belt (J.Crew)

Black Wide Headband (J.Crew)

Have a great night, chickadees! I’m going to do some laundry in anticipation of the outfits I’ll wear this week. I’m so 2012.

P.S. Many apologies for the slight delay in posts. My lack of a camera set me back for a couple of days, but I'll get back on track by this weekend!

Day 6: Sweetness

I headed home from girls’ weekend wearing a few items from Day 5 and made my way to a friends’ Super Bowl party. There, I met up with Laura-Kate, the best pastry chef this side of the Mississippi (and the best pastry chef on the other side of the Mississippi, for that matter.) Check out her blog, Sweet Stirrings.)

Not only is she amazing at baking, she is a suuuuh-weet friend. I told her that I broke my camera the night before in Dallas -- I think I may I have been overserved -- and she graciously let me use her iPhone camera. Then I asked her to jump in to make the photo better.

[We tried making the photo topical by including the Super Bowl in it.]

What I’m Wearing

Purple/White Plaid Oxford Shirt (J.Crew)

Jackie Cardigan in Cerise (J. Crew)

Green City Fit Roll-Up Pants (J. Crew)

Grey Ballet Flats (J.Crew)

Gold Chains Necklace (J.Crew)