30x30: I learned some things.

Doing this 30x30 challenge was fabulous. MVPs were the boots and the dark skinnies...annnd probably that grey cardigan. I haven't taken an official tally, but I'm pretty sure those items earned their keep. And I learned some stuff, too, but before I share: don't make fun of me. Most of you probably know these things already. I'm a slow learner, okay?

(ahem) I learned:

1. Texture is just as interesting and important as color. I need more variety of textured items in my life.

2. I love wearing pencil skirts, but they just don't work for me every day. Sometimes I had to force it (like when I'd worn my jeans for the past two days). So I learned that I need to modify my Mom-style. Not like I'm on the fast-track to elastic pantswear, but I do need to be practical in what I choose to wear.

3. Dark jeans are a necessary part of a wardrobe.

4. I don't actually need a ton of clothes, which is ironic because that's been my mindset for the past 30 years (I've always tried to get more for cheaper...not fewer but better). I have lots more ideas to mix these items--I never actually felt like, "I have nothing to wear." My biggest challenge was keeping up with laundry. Heh.

5. Sometimes I make style choices for the purpose of this blog--adding or doing something that will make an ensemble more interesting. It's subconscious, I think, because I'll find myself switching those things out about halfway through my day because they just aren't "me." But I think that's part of my personal style journey, which happeno be documented here for all the world (yep) to see, so I'm not ashamed to admit it. I will say, though, that I'm definitely figuring out my own style and am trying to stay true to that...even if it makes for a dull post. Probably I'm just a dull person at heart. Excuse me for a sec, I'm off to sip some flat 7Up...

6. I actually prefer having fewer clothing options. I think the closet purge will continue.

7. I learned to love items that I didn't much like previously. Like that olive jacket and the black pencil skirt. And, to be honest, the reversible skirt. Weird, huh? Because I think those items are the ones that just "worked" the best.

Welp, that's it. That's all I learned. And if it isn't and I just forgot to type something in here, then I guess that little tidbit will remain mine and mine alone. Mostly because it was obviously not worth mentioning in the first place.

My personal favorites are Days 1, 10, and 27. (And maybe 18 and 29, but that's just getting vain.) Ones I wish I could erase are Days 16 and 24. Ugh.

Happy Friday!

it's the final countdown (cue 80s synthesizer: dihdle-EE-duh, dihdle-EE-dih-duhhh...)

Mission: Accomplished. It's with mixed emotion that I've approached today. On one hand, I'm ecstatic that it's over. On the other, I'm giddy.

I'm going to title the next photo sequence: Fidgety.

 shoes: steve madden. knee-high socks: don't recall. skirt: kohl's. black shirt: thrifted. striped sweater: american eagle outfitters. belt: forever21.

Next photo sequence: Gid-Kid.

I kind of think this outfit falls brutally short, and while part of me wants to end the 30x30 challenge on a high note, the other 110% of me (a) doesn't want to do laundry just to retrieve some other items that would've worked better, (b) can hardly contain myself because Pocket gets home from his DC work trip today, and (c) is completely okay with being a little off. It just proves I'm a normal human being (albeit a quirky one...).

So. On an unrelated note, I decided that wearing platform shoes of any kind while it's snow-raining (snaining? bingo.) is brilliant because one's foot is an inch above the ground and, therefore, has a high likelihood of staying dry throughout a sploshy toddler-juggling sludge through the grocery store parking lot.

I didn't want to go grocery shopping today, mind you. I wanted to stay nice and warm and dry in my bed and watch HGTV all day while my kids entertained themselves and the dog. But I've developed an unfortunate habit of running out of food while Pocket's gone. "Dinnertime, kids! Cornflakes and celery tonight! Go easy on the milk...we have exactly 1 tablespoon for everyone. That'll double as dessert, too. Enjoy!"

Actually I think a mother (*coughmecough*) should earn bonus points for being able to keep all her children alive on crumbs and apple peels for four days. Sure, I could've gone shopping, but what's the fun in that? I tend to get creative when I'm limited. Like, how else could I have discovered that craisins on toast would make a delicious snack? (Disclaimer: I don't actually know if it would; it was going to be today's snack had I not gotten groceries. But if you want to give it a try and let me know, by all means...) It's kind of like doing the 30x30 challenge--'cept someone could actually die doing the 30x30, so you've gotta be careful...

Happy HAPPY Thursday.

p.s. I added a shiny new feature at the top of my homepage. Check it out and let me know if you're interested in being added.

p.p.s. I really did learn some good things while doing this 30x30 challenge, and I'll expand on that tomorrow during my recap post.

Want this look? It's perfect for navigating the snainy weather...

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vest it up, buttercup.

 shoes: steve madden. jeans & jacket: kohl's. shirt: a.n.a. brand. vest: thrifted (homemade). watch: target. necklace: don't recall. belt & headband: forever21.

Notice how I'm hardly smiling in any of these? I actually am smiling...inside. I've been blowing my nose so much these past two days that my nose & upper lip are raw and it hurts to smile. Upper lip? you're asking. That's so gross. What's she doing, smearing stuff around like a 2-year-old? A fair assumption, I suppose, since I was 2 years old once. But, no. I actually have an efficient noseblow. It's just thorough. And, these days, excessive.

And if THAT wasn't what you wanted to read about this morning, well, I just don't quite know what to say. 'Cept don't take great pains to eavesdrop on dinnertime conversations around here, because I've got three kiddos and maybe a husband (but I won't say for sure...but yes) who think everything to do with every type of bodily function and noise is hilariousness and repeatable joke-telling fodder.

All this insight makes you want to be my friend, doesn't it. And run, not walk, to your friendly neighborhood Wall Street guy to take out stock in kleenex company. Either way, I think your future's looking bright. As bright as my nose. And that's something.

p.s. I can't remember if it's cheating to wear a vest with the 30x30 items, but I'm going to say no because it's like an accessory. Right? (*wink wink*) Right. Glad we agree.

Happy Wednesday.

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2 wrongs don't make a right...but how about 14 wrongs? what then?

 shoes: steve madden. tights: forever21. skirt & shirt: gap. cardigan: j.crew. belt: thrifted (american eagle). scarf: gift (old navy).

 There's absolutely no method to this madness...and I'm afraid it shows. Yet, surprisingly enough, I couldn't feel more comfortable or presentable.

Which is a good thing, because I spent more than an hour at the school district office this morning for kindergarten registration...along with millions, nay - BILLIONS, of other people. I had no idea the entire state's population is swarming to my area and will be entering my child's kindergarten class, but I suppose it's true. I saw the number of people myself. And my eyes don't lie.

(Except when they read the caloric content on some delicious foods that I happen to want seconds of. Then they tend to omit a few numbers from lame categories like "calories" and "fat." Which is actually way more astute than I would expect ocular orbits to be. I should eat more carrots to reward them for their loyalty. Should.)

So. My daughter didn't get registered today, her very kindergarten (and, skipping a few minor developmental years, collegiate) existence is at risk of falling through the cracks. But don't you fret, because today's a lucky day for you all: Outtakes. Extra-awesome ones. Any by "awesome" I of course mean "please, readers, come back tomorrow...please...readers?...reader?...mom?..."

Happy Tuesday.

Want this look? Just throw on random stuff from your closet until you're dressed. Orrrr shop below. Either way.

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cookies bring Inception to life...

Baby steps for three more days of doing those numbers... Will someone remind me next time that I'm just too old and creaky? Pretty please?

booties: steve madden. jeans: american eagle. polka dot top & blazer: thrifted (but...old navy & the limited). belt: forever21. flower pin: downeast outfitters. watch: target.

Sometimes my world moves verrrrry slooooowly. Like right now. I'm sitting here in the kitchen, listening to my puppy snore, my 2-year-old talk about how pretty she'll look at her wedding (??? and again I say ???), and my 4-year-old and her BFF giggling adorably over their newly created play-doh Ice Cream Flower Garden. It's like time has stopped for a few minutes, because I'm fully invested in the moment called Now.

Of course, one can always take that time-stand-still mindset to an uncomfortable extreme. Like I did, when I (again) thought I could pull off double braids. C'mon, though. A blazer totally cancels out the juvenility (yep, made that one up...I think...), and then I've still got on heels, so I figure I'm 1 point in the positive for dressing my age. Two points if you count the watch, which means I could've actually tied ribbons around the braids, too. Next time.

Speaking of Now, there are some leftover snickerdoodles sitting on the counter that won't be here Later. And if that kind of time-manipulation speak confuses you, I don't recommend watching Inception. Or riding in elevators. Just in case.

Happy Monday.

Want this look? Totally don't blame you. Check out (similar) goods:

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5-day recap

This just in: I wear a lot of blue. The question is: is that psychologically significant? Nah.

And, seriously you guys. Those boots? From Target? Best $23 I'll ever spend. (They were on sale.)

Does this dress make me look fat? (Correct answer: Actually yes. Yes it does.)

 Sorry about yesterday's lack of post. No, really. I'm sorry. Mostly sorry for myself, though, because now I have to actually figure out today's date (previously, the date = my 30x30 number). My poor brain. Hey, don't roll your eyes at me. These little things add up, people.

 shoes: union bay brand. tights & jewelry: don't recall. leg warmers: amazon. dress: gap. belt: thrifted. cardigan: j.crew.

This week I'm grateful for:

- paint rollers.

- beautiful blue sky peeking through the snow-laden branches of barren trees.

- a 2-year-old's trying to find her sister and calling out: "wheh IS you?"

- windows from which I can watch my children playing in the snow. Should I have been out there playing with them? Probably. But I'm the one who kicked them out into the "fresh air" in the first place, so I'll score myself a half-a-point in the Mothering Department. And anyways, we all enjoyed some hot cocoa afterward, so that gives me another half-a-point...right?

- the children's book Olivia. Don't think I could get sick of reading that one to the kiddos. And believe you me, I would've been sick of it by now.

- a mr.-fix-it husband. Who would vehemently deny the title. But it's true.

- our home.

- snickerdoodles.

- family & friends. Sounds totally cliche, doesn't it? Like, you're probably skimming by now and are thinking, "blah blah, family friends big whoop reeeeal original." Or, actually, you're probably not even giving it that much thought. Regardless of how stale it sounds, I couldn't mean it more genuinely.

- my cell phone.

- simple things.
- smiling to myself at the irony of almost ending this list with "my cell phone" and "simple things."

Happy Sunday! 

Want this look? Or do you, like me, feel it makes the wearer look chunky & stumpy and will therefore pass on copying it? Don't blame you at all...but either way, here are similar pieces below:

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To tuck or not to tuck? Or to tuck halfway? These are the questions...

Mirror images. Smashing. And also? Apparently my body rounds itself out where it wants and when it wants, but it blatantly disregards my needs for forming daily numerals (i.e., the bottom part of a "5"). Stinking stubborn knees that only bend. What good are ya?

 boots: target. jeans: kohl's. shirt: gap. cardigan: j.crew. scarf: gift (old navy). belt: Poket's. earrings: hawaii.

In junior high (yes, I'm old enough that I went to junior high and not middle school. Maybe we did arithmetic on slate boards and fetched water from the town well and carried hot potatoes to school in our pails, too. What of it?) (Just kidding. My junior high was just like middle school now--scary cafeteria food and a geography teacher whose white spittle that formed between his top and bottom lip while he talked was absolutely mesmerizing.)

Wow. Better start over. (ahem) In junior high, I remember tucking the front of my shirts in but letting the back hang out. Did anyone else do this? And is it weird that I'm doing it here and now? I don't see it often, but I wanted my belt to be seen here, because to me it tied in the boots to the whole ensemble.

What's your vote--yay or nay to a front-only tuck? And also, sorry about the cuhrazy lighting in these photos. I figure we're all just lucky I got any photos at all. And when I say "we're" I of course mean "I'm"...because probably you all could have a perfectly happy Friday without photos of a girl slapping her knee like a hoedown-beat-keeper and one with hair like a lioness.

But now that you've seen these photos...it's hard to go back to the person you were before. There there, little one. Don't cry.

Happy Friday!

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alexander has nothing on this terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad day...

 In a perfect world, II + IIII = VI. But in my imperfect world, and on a fairly rotten day like today, II + IIII = XXIV. Feel free to disagree and/or flunk me in Roman Mathematics. But it won't change the photo.

 boots: target. leg warmers: amazon.com. tights: gift. skirt: gap. shirt: a.n.a. brand. scarf: sweden. bracelet: forever21. fake smile: discontinued.

This morning I shaved my legs for the first time in...a long time. Probably somewhere between 5 and 20 days. Give or take. (Preferably not "give," or whichever one makes it longer than 20...) And in doing so, I accidentally gave myself a minor cut (probably from being so out of practice) below my right knee. No biggie, it was small. I got out and got dressed. About 3 minutes later I glanced down and saw a little spot of blood on my tights right there.

Sweet.

Now, if I were a hygienic person or even an average specimen of human beingness, I probably would've changed my tights. Buuuuuut instead I simply threw on leg warmers and pulled 'em real high to cover the spot up. Which ended up being okay, because it's snowing. Again.

Without laying it on too thickly, my day has gone downhill from there. Which is why I posted 0.5 of a photo today, and why I'm making this as brief as possible. "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."

*cough*

See what I mean? But tomorrow's another day. And I bet it'll be a good one.

Happy Thursday.

Want this look? Sans negative attitude? You got it...check it out:

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better late than never...except for stuff like mold and rust. then i'd take never.

 Hahahaha. I'm sorry, but seriously...I can't stop laughing at the pic representing "3." Sometimes I crack myself up. Actually, a lot of times. Actually, that happens more often than it probably should, so says Pocket. I think he's right. But I can't help it. 

shoes: union bay brand. pants & shirt: gap. cardigan: j.crew. scarf: smith's marketplace. belt: thrifted. watch: target. earrings: gift.

 

Posting late today. I'm repainting one daughter's room so both daughters cans share the room so my son can move upstairs so we can maybe have houseguests for the next few months.

So I wore this ensemble for a total of, like, 1 hour today. I've been in paint clothes ever since. That's not cheating, is it? And, even if it is, I'm being honest about it. Which should cancel out any negativity you might feel from being betrayed. Let's all eat a pnut m&m as a token of peace.

Oooh, here's a psychological question for you all, once you've exhausted the chicken-or-the-egg bit: If someone tells the truth about their lie, are they honest or not? Annnnnd...yes, the chicken did come first. Absolutely.

Happy Wednesday! (what's left of it...)

Want this look? Here you go, help yourself...

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dark brown with black: too close for comfort?

 So I'm getting lazy in my old age. Meh.

 booties: steve madden. socks: don't recall. skirt & jacket: kohl's. belt: f21. watch: target.

A few things I'd love to bring up here, and I'd love your feedback if you have a thought or opinion. Which is code for: This is a test, kids. Get out your #2 pencils. (ahem) 

(1) Socks with this skirt. The skirt is verrry business-esque (try saying that 10 times fast. not a chance), and I wanted to make it more casual and fun. AKA, the knee-high socks bandit rides again. Mistake or Awesome?

(2) Brown socks and black skirt. Here's the thing: I didn't want all black-blackness in the ensemble. Sometimes I think that's a little harsh. But these (the socks and skirt) are close enough in color, kind of, that it almost looks like I made a mistake and unintentionally grabbed brown socks thinking "no one'll notice..." Which, yes, it might be a mistake (that's what I'm trying to determine with you all), but it wasn't unintentional. So. Socks/skirt coloration conundrum: Mistake or Awesome? Or somewhere in-between?

(3) Pencil skirt as a stay-at-home mom. I think I made a mistake in selecting my 30x30 items, because 3 of the 7 bottoms are pencil skirts. I adore them. But they're just not that practical to wear so often when I crawl around the house playing "here kitties" with my 2-year-old, or when I have to do laundry and am having to lean waaaay over to scoop out that stubborn sock in the back of the dryer, or other odds and ends of activities that fill my life. What do you guys say: pencil skirt as regular at-home attire: Mistake or Awesome? Or just plain stupid?

(4) Lack of necklace. I had one on originally and then took it off because I love this belt buckle so much, and I felt like the two were competing. But I do feel a little bare/plain. So. Mistake or Awesome?

Anything else that catches your eye that you either like about this ensemble, or that you think would've made it better? Seriously. This one needs help.

Happy Tuesday!

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