30 for 30 Week 3

As you will see, I only got to day 24 but I am calling to quits on the remix. Three weeks was all I really planned on doing (so it isn't a 30 for 30 at all and I should have called it something else) and it served it's purpose. I learned more about my style and found some new ways to wear things.

During the middle of it, I had talked myself into starting a separate blog about style. I think most Yellow Blackbird readers are here for the crafts and DIYs, not the outfit photos. But the quality of the photos below (the look on my face, my posing, the backgrounds, the lack of detail) has really turned me off to the idea. Well, that and the fact that Spencer hates taking my picture everyday. I think for now I will keep doing "What I Wore" each week but I won't be going back to the Shop Your Closet feature. It was extremely unpopular and I don't think you readers want more than one day of my "style" photos. I do like posting on Saturdays instead of Wednesdays so I will continue posting my outfits on Saturdays and focus on crafts and creative inspiration the rest of the week.

I always read on blogs how the mirror isn't telling the true story. Photos are what really show how an outfit looks. But I don't buy it. I don't think the photo captures everything. It can't see how well the garment moves with your body or how it looks in different lights, etc. The photos below freeze just one small moment in time, capturing a slouchy boot, a crooked smile, hair in the face, gloves in the pockets making the vest look too puffy, and awkward hand position, a squinty eye, or a crooked collar, things you may not notice otherwise. They don't really show how the clothes work in real life. I really do think that I look better IRL than I do in most of the pictures. In fact, today while I was shopping at H&M, I was approached by a modeling talent scout and given a business card and instructions to call her. That would not have come if she would have seen the portraits here, but she saw what I look like in life. That really helped to boost my self-confidence. I think I only get asked because I have long legs, but I hadn't been approached in several years since I was in college and it made me feel better that even though my hair is crazy right now and I have gained weight that I can still look good.

But I digress.

SIXTEEN

I have now styled this dress about 5 different ways and this might just be my favorite one. I love the bright sweater and of course the belt and boot combo is signature Aubree.

SEVENTEEN

I am so glad I bought this shirt. I love it. In fact, at H&M today I bought one that is exactly opposite (large white and small dark stripes) and know I will wear it a ton.

EIGHTEEN

These boots are too slouchy. The leg warmers are supposed to just be peeking out of the boots, but they keep falling down. I was inspired by this, but fell quite short of it. Of course, it's hard to see from this side angle and I always think that my outfits look better in real life as I said before... And I like my skirts below my knees unlike the inspiration photo...

NINETEEN

Sort of a feminine Indiana Jones vibe going here. This was the only time I wore this shirt in the remix.

TWENTY

I am sad that this photo didn't turn out because this is my favorite outfit of the remix. It was so cold and windy that we snapped a quick three photos right outside the door and called it good. I love my heart tights and the flower is from my Blooming Sash Belts. This was inspired by Cori, something I have been wanted to wear for awhile. I just loved it. I wore it to work, so I will have to wear it to church sometime.

TWENTY-ONE

I can't get enough of this red vest! The white shirt was technically part of the remix, but I counted it as an undershirt. You can't see the turquoise necklace too well, but I love red and turquoise.

TWENTY TWO

Oh my windy!!! I never would have thought to wear this beige top with gray pants without this remix.

TWENTY THREE

A blazer, stripes, leopard and boots is so 2011, am I right?

TWENTY FOUR

This is what I wore today. I was actually going to end the remix on Friday, but I didn't have much time to get ready on Saturday before Amber picked me up for our H&M excursion and looking through the whole closet was too overwhelming. So I chose another outfit from the remix and used that classic Aubree belt and boots and it became one of my favorites from the remix.

I have several new things to wear this week now that I am done. The whole red pants trauma is over- I finally got a perfect pair and returned the one that didn't fit. I have 2 new puffy vests, a new pair of riding boots, an orange jacket, and two long sleeve tees. My grandma already gave me my Christmas money so I am sort of counting the boots as a gift and may wait until Christmas to wear them. We'll see...

Have a wonderful rest of the weekend!

30 for 30 Remix Week 2

It's week 2 of my 30 for 30 remix. To see week 1 click here, and to see all the clothes I picked click here.

SEVEN

These first two outfits I actually wore week 1 but never got pictures so I recreated them. The photos turned out terrible. I look like I have a huge head so I had to crop it out below. Anywho... layering a cardi over a sweater made for a cozy outfit.

EIGHT

I like the polka dots together. I think they are far enough apart that they don't clash. I have only ever worn this skirt with brown so adding black was kind of fun. However, keeping the sweater tucked in and smooth all day was awful. I think that only works with flowy skirts.

NINE

More dots on dots! I layered this shirt over the dress, which I have never done before. I am wearing the raspberry Blooming Sash Belt (get it for 15% off with code YellowFriday BTW). I am ok with how this turned out.

TEN

Not very exciting, but at least I was shopping my closet and wore something new, right?

ELEVEN

Okay, I might look a little Ronald McDonald but this was so fun to wear! I wore it to school on a "free dress" day and sooo many people (including the kids) complimented me on my boots! I hope they weren't making fun of me. : ) I am loving red and yellow together!

TWELVE

Since this outfit was sort of voluminous on top maybe I should have worn boots on the bottom to better balance it out. I do like the belted blazer, you?

THIRTEEN

This is what I wore to Thanksgiving dinner. I felt like dressing up a little bit, and to be honest I wore this because it allows for a lot of eating! No pants to become too tight and no one can see the food baby, ha ha! (I really hate the term "food baby." Yuck!). I think the cardi would have looked good belted but that would defeat the purpose so I piled on the leaf necklaces instead. I am sporting my Jo Tote camera bag!

FOURTEEN

A lot of occasions are calling for this sweater so I added the black scarf to try to change it a little from how I wore it before.

FIFTEEN

I have worn this outfit before, but took away the belt and added the scarf and yellow shoes to change it up. It really is all about accessories.

Well, I am about half way through the 30 for 30, but remember at the beginning I said I would probably just do 3 weeks instead of the full 30? This is going to be my last week. By then I will be up to about 23 outfits. Holiday parties will be in full swing and I will want to be wearing certain things (aka sparkles and red pants!!!) that aren't included in this remix.

Since I know you all care SO much about my red pants (NOT!) here's an update: I decided that they don't fit very well at all. They are too big and I spent so much time looking for long ones, but in the skinny style I don't need longs. I got back online (New York and Co) and saw that the pants are $10 cheaper than they were when I bought them the first time so I ordered them again in a different size and will just return the first pair to the store. More waiting!

Reminder: You have until Monday night to get 15% off at my Etsy shop with code YELLOWFRIDAY. I thought the code name was so clever, ha ha!

30 for 30 Week 1

I didn't get this up as soon as I would have liked because I was at the crazy Old Navy sale. All adult outerwear was on sale 75% off. The checkout line was 1 hour long. I did snag some good deals, so I guess it was worth it. Did anyone else go?

I had a fun time with 30 for 30 this week. There's actually 2 outfits that I wore that I didn't get pictures of so to make my record complete I'll put them on again sometime next week so I can get photos. With the holiday break this week, I will get many more days of jeans in the remix.

ONE

I was so excited that it rained so I could wear my rain boots. Aren't they cute?

This dress has been one of my favorite pieces this fall.

I love this photo. I actually cheated a little bit here by adding the cream tank under the jacket, but the undershirt I had just wasn't modest enough. The best thing I have learned from all these outfit photos for the past year, it's mixing neutrals. BTW, I was slightly inspired by this.

My mom altered this dress for me today so next time I wear it, it will be knee length. I liked this color combo. Several of the bloggers I follow wore striped skirts on the same day... funny!

I really liked this one. I needed to wear this new scarf from Forever 21 and it worked to mix these patterns together, no? (Plus I was having a fantastic hair day!)

I am so glad I wore flat boots and light layers today for the craziness that was Old Navy. (And I will blame that on this bad hair day!)

If you want to see where these clothes are from, or all the pieces I am remixing click here. I will have time to get all caught up on my photos (and shouldn't miss any) this week since I only have to work two days! Next week I should have 8-9 more outfits. Fun stuff!

P.S. I ordered some red pants from New York and Co. They should be here Tuesday. If they fit, I will NOT be waiting until my 30 for 30 is over to wear them!! : )

P.P.S. If you like my outfits or feel inspired, why not pin them and share with others? : )

Fall 30 for 30 picks

Last winter I participated in Kendi Everyday's 30 for 30 style remix. It was a lot of fun and I learned a bit about my wardrobe and style (see weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4). I also participated last summer, but it was an epic failure so I dropped out. I really don't like summer clothes. This summer was especially hard because none of the shorts from the year before fit me anymore and I didn't want to buy new shorts that I could wear for only 3 months. But fall and winter are my FAVORITE times to dress! I have several new peices this season that I can't wait to mix right up. I have been waiting for Kendi to do another challenge, but she hasn't so I am doing it on my own (and anyone who wants to join me like I said earlier today).


So here it goes!

SHIRTS

From left to right: H&M, H&M, H&M, Old Navy, Hand-me-down

T-SHIRTS

Gap, Shade (thrifted), Ross, Gap
(Yeah, they are all pretty much the same shirt!)

SWEATERS and CARDIS

Target, local boutique, Old Navy, Ross, Forever 21

JACKETS AND VESTS

Old (don't remember), Papaya, Coldwater Creek, Gap (thrifted)

Yes, I did pick three brown jackets!

DRESSES AND SKIRTS

Old, Target, Ross, Old

PANTS

Old Navy, Maurices, Gap

I have a few things in there that I have had for so long that I don't even remember where they come from. There's also a couple of things that I have never worn before (or just once or twice) so I think I have a good mix.

You noticed I didn't pick any shoes?
That's because I like to make my own rules. I only chose 25 items and will have unlimited access to my shoes. I likely will wear the same 3 pairs of boots the whole time, but shoes are pretty much accessories anyway.

I will also swap out that pair of jeans for any others and not feel bad (I may want to go flair instead of skinny).

I may only go for 25 days with my 25 picks. We'll be into holiday party season by then and I may want to wear my sparkly stuff. I wish I would have started a little earlier in November....

Come back next Saturday to see how my first week went! You can link up your outfits too! The best way to do that of course, would be to follow! : )

30 for 30 Picks

It's time for another 30 for 30 with Kendi Everyday! Today is the first day of the remix challenge. A little while ago, Kendi did a post about making the challenge your own. It's not about following strict rules, but about stretching your creativity and learning and having fun. It's not about minimalism or deprivation for me so here are my exceptions to the standards 30 for 30 rules.

1. All denim bottoms count as 1 item. I don't think I am really remixing when I switch out denim shorts for jeans or capris. It really just depends on the weather.

2. I will not use my 30 for 30 items for church. I have too many summer dresses that I want to wear to restrict myself to just a few. I will wear a 30 for 30 outfit after church on Sundays.

3. Shoes don't count. I have only picked 25 items, and then will have unlimited access to my shoes. They are pretty much accessories anyway. : )

I also may skip a few days when I go camping or something.

With that being said- here are my picks:

DRESSES

I have chosen 3 maxi dresses. I have never worn the black one- I just got it. It's from Walmart. The blue one is from F21, and the purple from a local boutique.

PANTS

Denim shorts: Shade, White capris: ? Brown cargo shorts: Old Navy, Green shorts: Kohls?
I have had a lot of these for a long time.

CARDIS

White: Charlotte-Russe, Coral: Target, White: Kohls, Mustard: Target, Black: Ross, Pink: Old Navy

I haven't worn the pink one in a couple of years. It will be fun to try to mix it in.

TANKS

Red stripe: Ross, Blue/red stripe: Walmart, Blue/green stripe: Roxy (from Ross, I think), Black floral: Ross (brand new, never been worn), Yellow print: Old Navy

BLOUSES

Polka dots: Ross, White: Express, Butterflies: Wet Seal

SHIRTS

Stripe: Shade (thrifted), Yellow: Down East, Orange: Aeropostale, Purple: Old Navy

I have mixed in a lot of things that I haven't worn in a long time, with several brand new things. I will be fun! Wish me luck!

I will continue to post my clothes on Tuesday night as usual. So the first round of remix outfits will be published Tuesday, June 21.

Have a great week!

30 for 30: week 4

Click here for week 1, week 2, week 3, and all my picks.

DAY TWENTY THREE

It took 23 days of this to notice that these two shirts had the same color of pink. Sad.
That is why we remix.

If you are new here, see the shirt tutorial here.

DAY TWENTY FOUR

I put these pants in 30 for 3o so I would wear them more. I think I wore them 3 or 4 times this month- that is an improvement.

This was the first day I wore my Anthropoligie Accordion Strands Knock-Off Necklace. Click here for the tutorial.

DAY TWENTY-FIVE

I had to wear the necklace again. I also learned that I can wear my gray boots under my gray pants and it doesn't look terrible.

DAY TWENTY SIX

Lots of layering for a snowy day. I feel like I have been wearing the same colors over and over so I threw in this green belt.

DAY TWENTY SEVEN

I really liked how this turned out. I doubt I ever would have worn this if not for the remix.

DAY TWENTY EIGHT

So, this week on Kendi's blog I saw that she wore 2 different outfits in 1 day for different occasions. I have done that several times this month, without taking pictures, so that I wasn't cheating. I decided to put this outfit back on that I wore Sunday after church and count it. I actually did about 35 outfits when it is all said and done.

DAY TWENTY NINE

I can't believe I made it all the way to 29 without wearing this basic combo. I guess I ran out of creative juices.

DAY THIRTY!!!!

I am so glad I put this skirt in the mix. Like I said before, I have only ever worn it with white tops and white or yellow shoes. It was fun to experiment and find new ways to wear it that I love.

If you are new here, click here for the socks tutorial.

Whew! It's over! I don't know how I feel. I am proud of myself for being creative and not giving up. I now know that I don't have to buy tons of clothes to make a lot of great outfits. It's kind of been a security blanket. This afternoon I put everything back in my closet in the correct place. I was kind of intimidated to see everything that my closet holds. Too many choices.

I have no idea what to wear tomorrow.

30 for 30: week 3

DAY TWELVE

Last week I couldn't find my day 12 picture, or even remember what I wore so I didn't post it. I remembered so I put it back on and snapped a photo.

DAY FIFTEEN

I was needing some color and comfort. I had parent-teacher conferences, which means I had to work a 12 1/2 hour day. Flats for sure. HALF-WAY!

DAY SIXTEEN

The second day of PTCs. Not a very exciting outfit.

DAY SEVENTEEN

Oh how I loved this! It was so fun to wear! Ashley, did you notice that I totally copied your polka dot shirt with the gray ruffle sweater look? Thanks for the inspiration.

DAY EIGHTEEN

This is the red shirt, it just looks pink in the light. Today I learned that I could wear my gray boots under my skinny pants. I like that look a lot better. I am getting so sick of these pants. I think I would like the 30 for 30 more if I could wear jeans, but I can't wear them to work so I am limited. Next time I will add a dress or another skirt.

DAY NINETEEN

I have seen a lot fashion bloggers do this belted scarf thing. Didn't know if I could pull it off but I used a Saturday to try it and I liked it.

DAY TWENTY

I really liked this outfit because I got to wear my beautiful butterfly necklace! I had one for sale in my shop, but it sold. I would be happy to make another one, if someone wanted to order it. Plus, it was my best jewelry photography ever. (Okay, sorry, personal plug is over now).

DAY TWENTY ONE

This is very similar to an outfit that I already wore, I just have different shoes and jewelry. I was in a big hurry and didn't have time to contemplate. Oh well.

DAY TWENTY TWO

This was a big leap for me, because I have never worn this skirt with anything but black- shirt, shoes, and tights. So throwing in beige and brown was like woah!

Eight more days! I know I can come up with eight more outfits, but I am just pining away for all of the beautiful items in my closet that I can't wear!

Check out week 1 and week 2!

I have a great necklace tutorial coming up soon!! Check back!