30 Day Challenge Recap

Click through to view each look:

30 Day Challenge: Conclusion

Well, I have made it 30 days without shopping, and with 30 different outfits! I started this challenge for a few reasons. I was laid off when the division I was working at was acquired by another company. Because of this, my husband and I started a more strict budget. A new Fall wardrobe was definitely out of the picture. I was also left with a lot of free time to do the things I didn't have time for in the past, like starting a blog. I got the idea to do the challenge while talking about my woes to a friend. It is not the most revolutionary challenge out there, but I learned more than I thought I would in the process...

What I learned:

• I have a lot of clothes: "I have nothing to wear" is not an excuse! I have a ton of stuff to wear! After going through my closet and seasonal clothing box, I realized how much I really had. A lot of things I had totally forgotten about! Next season, I will plan to look through everything I have before being tempted to go on a shopping spree. 
• Planning ahead makes it easy: I planned about 5 outfits at a time and took pics of them on my phone so I would not forget them. I am not a morning person, so this made the mornings so much easier! 
• Be inspired: I look at Pinterest and blogs a lot for outfit inspiration. Whenever I see something I like, I pin it. Usually I already have the pieces in my closet to put together something similar.
• I'm not fat! I am about 10 lbs heavier that I would like to be, and am struggling to lose the weight. I thought the hardest thing about this challenge would be looking at pictures of myself, but I was wrong! I actually like the way I look, and dressing in cute outfits makes me feel good about myself and my body. This boost in confidence is the most important thing I have gained from this challenge, yay!

What's next?

• I am working on some DIY projects, so stay tuned for some fun fashion DIY!
• There might be another 30 Day Challenge on the horizon! My friend has expressed interest in letting me into her closet to help her make outfits...

30 Day Challenge: Day 30!

I made it to Day 30 and almost forgot to post it! I love the rust color of these cords next to the black and white polka dot. I wore this shirt a few days ago, but it looks completely different in this context. This sleeveless terry top is one of my favorite pieces. I wore it alone with jeans when the weather was warmer, and now that it is cooler I layer a shirt underneath.

Key Pieces:

• Terry Top: G.H. Bass 2013
• Shirt: J. Crew Factory 2012
• Pants: Gap 2011
• Boots: G.H. Bass
• Watch: Alfresco Unique Group, via Etsy

30 Day Challenge: Day 29, Shirt Dress

I do not know why I bought this dress; the color is so unflattering. It is pretty much the same color as my skin. But, this is a challenge, so I am trying to make it work. My goal was to not let the dress be directly next to my skin, hence the addition of the chambray shirt and grey leggings. I am on the fence with this one...

Key Pieces:

• Dress: Gap 2010
• Shirt: G.H. Bass 2010
• Boots: Lucky, via Rue La La
• Watch: Alfresco Unique Group, via Etsy
• Flag Necklace: Jewel Mint

30 Day Challenge: Day 28, Triangles

I look like my mom!

 Loving these heels!

Does it get any better than jeans and a sweatshirt? They are my top 2 favorite pieces of clothing. This was a plain grey sweatshirt until last night when I decided to add some nail heads to the sleeves. (I will add a DIY post soon!) I like how it came out! I would like to rave about these Gap Always Skinny Jeans for a second. They fit great, are comfortable, and look good on almost every body type. For $69 I think they are an incredible value and the best jean in their price point. (Plus if you catch a sale, you can get them for 30% off). These heels add a little sass to an otherwise casual look. Usually, I shy away from heels, but this chunky heel and rounded toe make them easy to walk in.

Key Pieces:
Sweatshirt: Old Navy with some DIY
White Shirt: H&M 2010
Jeans: Gap Always Skinny Jeans
Shoes: Lucky via Ruelala
Flag necklace: Jewel Mint

30 Day Challenge: Day 27, Neutral Color Blocking

I like how this outfit is pretty neutral, yet still interesting because of the color blocked sweater and dot pants. A sweater + skinny bottoms is what I feel the most "myself" in, so I really enjoyed wearing this look.

Key Pieces:

• Sweater: Old Navy 2013
• Shirt: G.H. Bass 2010
• Pants: Uniqlo 2012
• Boots: Lucky

30 Day Challenge: Day 26, Mod

I think I have only worn this dress once besides today. For some reason I think it is too serious or boring or something, so I decided to fix that. Layering the plaid shirt underneath makes it feel a little more fun and casual. My haircut plus the dress is sort of reminiscent of a flight attendant from the 60's, but I'm ok with that!

Please note: when I got inside I had to put on black leggings because it is SO COLD today. The outfit looks good with leggings too :)

Key Pieces:

• Dress: Mango 2012
• Shirt: Americal Eagle 2009
• Necklace: American Eagle 2009
• Bag: Dooney and Bourke vintage
• Boots: Frye 2012

30 Day Challenge: Day 25, Black and White

This is another Spring dress that works well in the Fall. All I needed was leggings and boots. I added the jacket for some extra polish. I feel like my wardrobe has doubled now that I am stretching my warm weather clothing into cooler weather.

Key Pieces:

• Dress: Tommy Hilfiger 2011
• Jacket: Lucky 2007
• Leggings: H&M
• Necklace: C Wonder 2012
• Boots: Frye (last year's splurge!)

30 Day Challenge: Day 24, Dots and Denim

Dots and denim are a few of my favorite things. I warmed up this look with a chunky scarf that I just finished knitting! 

Key Looks:

• Shirt: J. Crew Factory 2012
• Skirt: Gap 2008
• Belt: Street vendor in Florence, Italy 2004
• Boots: Guess 2011
• Scarf: Knit by me! Available now in my Etsy shop, Half Dressed

30 Day Challenge: Day 23, Cargo Pants

Today I am doing some work around the house, so this is my shelf hanging/vacuuming/laundry outfit. Now I am going to grab my coffee and get to work!

Key Pieces:

• Shirt: G.H. Bass
• Tee: J.C. Penney
• Pants: J Brand Houlihan 2010
• Shoes: G.H. Bass
• Big Flag Necklace: Jewel Mint

30 Day Challenge: Day 22 Jean Jacket

I have had this jean jacket since high school and see no reason to get rid of it. Some things never go out of style! Happy Saturday!

Key Pieces:

• Jacket: Gap 1999
• Tee: Designed by me! Available in my Etsy shop, Half Dressed
• Pants: G.H. Bass
• Hat: Sample sale
• Shoes: Lucky, via Rue La La