Queen Anne's Lace (1/30)

Skirt: Banana Republic Outlet, $12

Top: Charlotte Russe, $5

Belt: NY & Co., $4

Wedges: Modcloth, $30

Watch: Thrifted, $2

Ring: H&M, 4 for $8

When my sister and I were little, we used to love to fill our house with wildflowers.  And by "fill" I mean, every vase, mason jar, most non drinking glasses, and all teacups were completely filled with our artful arrangements.  One of my favorites is this flower, what my mom used to call Queen Anne's Lace.  I always loved it because in my mind, it was hundreds of tiny flowers all built into one big one.  Unfortunately, these flowers shed like dogs, and before long our parents would be rushing to throw out the flowers without us noticing.  

About the challenge though- today is the first of my third 30 for 30.  This time, I actually am taking part in the shopping ban, and my goal is to finish in 35 days.  I included some breezy dresses and fun shorts, so I'm hoping it will work out!  I'll get my items posted tomorrow!  

To my new followers, and to all of you that have left such sweet comments, thank you!  It really does brighten my day :)  I'd love to check out your blogs too, so leave me a link.  And as always, feel free to shoot me an email.

Monday

{Dress: Macy's, $6}

{Jacket: Gadzooks, $20}

{Tights: Target, $10}

{Boots: TJ Maxx, $30}

{Brooch: Vintage, Grandma's}

Do you ever come up with a truly simple solution to a problem, and are somehow just amazed with yourself? Well that's what happened to me last night when I was planning this outfit. I bought this XL dress several sizes too large (I wear a small or medium) because I just loved the style, and because it was $6. I had the intention of tailoring it to fit better over spring break, but of course I got too busy doing absolutely nothing. Last night, I decided I couldn't wait any longer to wear this little dress. It looked frumpy as it was though, and belts just made it look really awkward. I gave up for awhile and started playing with my accessories when it hit me- cinch the waist with my brooch! Luckily nobody could tell and I got compliments all day.

I used to feel bad because I getting compliments on my outfit made me feel so happy. I was afraid to admit how much I liked hearing them because I was afraid that meant I was just being superficial. But I think I've finally realized that it's kind of similar to complimenting an artist on their drawing. It's not so much about the superficial looks (at least for me) but more so that someone can appreciate what I took the time to put together.

Does anyone else feel that way (about either subject)?

Life Today

I feel like the above picture looks like I'm getting ready to do the "Walk Like a Man" Dance thing from the group The Four Seasons, haha.

About the Outfit

Top: Rue 21, $3

Skirt: Department Store, $4

Sandals: Payless, $3

Clutch: Target, $5

Bangles: Old Navy, $6

Necklace: Caire's, 50¢

About the Day

This was one of those outfits you kind of just throw on when you wake up several minutes AFTER you needed to leave your house to get to work on time. It's not anything special, but luckily it's not anything terrible either. I was having a kind of off day; the kind in which you delete important documents by accident, and all kinds of lovely things like that... But as I type this blog I'm watching my rabbit and Golden Retriever play in the front yard, and I must admit, it's making my day 100% better. Despite all the random little "bad things" that pop up, I love life.

Am I the Only Person who Styles an Outfit Around One Piece of Jewelry?

What

Trouser Jeans: American Eagle

Maroon Tank: Abercrombie & Fitch

Lace Tank: Puerto Rican Market

Brown Jacket: Target

Leopard Flats: Target

Peacock Necklace: Puerto Rican Jewelry Store

Where

A typical Wednesday- work and classes

Why

I normally try really hard to be more creative than the whole jeans/top combo. But lately the weather has been throwing me a curve ball- It's pretty dang cold when I leave for morning classes, but by the time afternoon classes roll around it get HOT. If I were to wear a dress/skirt without tights I would freeze on the walk to class (OK, so it's not THAT cold, but for a displaced southerner counting down to summer it counts), but wearing tights in the afternoon when it's nice and sunny and warm would definitely warrant a few looks, understandably. So please bear with me as I work on being creative during this weird weather. It's easy to layer tops and jackets- but bottoms? Any suggestions?

Simple Again? Yes, Please.

What
Shorts: American Eagle
Top: Old Navy
Flats: Old Navy
Headband: Forever 21
Turquoise Ring: Bought from Tibetan Monks at a museum

Where
Hanging out during my last day of Easter break, and then flying back to Pittsburgh

Why
I know this look more than a little resembles what I wore yesterday, but again- I was a bad packer for this trip : ( I made sure to wear flats so that I could easily slip them off at the airport, and I chose the floral headband to amp up the in girly-ness in the top- but honestly that's all the thought that went into today's outfit.

I'd love to say I'm super excited to get back to school, because I ALWAYS am... but honestly, I'm dreading going back for this last month. I'd so much rather just stay in TN and start on my internship now (I'll post details as it gets closer!) So I blame my lack of creativity on today's (slightly) sad mood. Better looks to come, I promise!