Day 24- Bad Luck

Ever since the beginning of summer, my family has been experiencing a streak of bad luck. It started with the drive from hell to the beach, followed by my dad getting in an accident on the way to pick me up from NYC which resulted in my aunt and uncle having to come bail us both out so I could move out on time. We have also had quite a variety of household appliances decide to give out on us lately, from microwaves to fans to dishwashers, etc. The latest incident? My laptop died last night. My dad is currently on vacation with some friends (and our boat died today...imagine that), so it won't be looked at until at least Monday. I'm praying it can be fixed. At the very least, I hope I can get all of my pictures and documents off my hard drive. Grrrrr, I hate technology. So sorry if posting is a little sporadic until Monday; I'm working with a really slow desktop computer right now.

What I'm wearing: Forever 21 top, Gap Always Skinny jeans, Merona sandals via Target, H&M scarf, Forever 21 bangles, Vintage earrings, Bag via Steinmart

Today was spent working on my NYC scrapbook, getting my eyebrows waxed, and browsing around at the mall. And boy, had I forgotten how expensive my waxing place is. I have got to find a new place because its kind of sad when I spend more on my eyebrows than I do on my haircut. Okay, well I'm off to the movies with my friend Julie. We are seeing Going the Distance. I'll let you guys know if its any good tomorrow :)

Day 23- Making Up For Lost Time

Yesterday marked the last day of my 30 day shopping ban. I think a lot of other bloggers who participated in the 30 for 30 challenge waited until they were done with the whole challenge before shopping, but I decided to just stick with the literal 30 days. I am leaving for school right when the challenge ends and really didn't want to miss out on the back-to-school shopping fun. As someone who grew up wearing a uniform from grades 1-12, I think I feel like I have to make up for lost time or something. Today I went to my favorite thrift store to ease back into shopping (already shopping the day the ban ends-shame on me, I know). Thrifting is one of those hit-0r-miss things; and today was a hit. I walked away with a cardigan (DIY post coming up soon involving it), blazer (very Ralph Lauren-esque), necklace, scarf, and belt. Grand total? 10 dollars.

Occasion: Thrifting and errands
What I'm wearing: Forever 21 ruffle tank, Target dress, Banana Republic outlet sandals, Forever 21 pearl earrings, Tiffany's bracelet (gifted)

Something about this ruffley outfit makes me feel like a little girl and makes me want to act silly (hence the last picture). This combination was another look that I have had in my head since the beginning of the challenge and just hadn't gotten around to trying yet. It turned out surprisingly well, although I did have to pin the shirt to the dress to keep them together. I have really surprised myself with this challenge; I thought by now I would be completely out of ideas and wearing the same thing over and over. 7 days to go; lets finish strong!

Day 22- Polished and Pulled Together

This afternoon I had a phone interview for a possible part-time job on my college campus. I heard somewhere that when doing a phone interview, you should dress how you would for an in-person interview to get in the right mind frame. Although I didn't go as far as to dress up in an actual interview outfit, I did make it a point to put on a polished, pulled-together look so that I felt ready for anything they threw at me. Wish me luck that I hear about the job soon!

What I'm wearing: Gap tee, Forever 21 cardigan, American Apparel skirt, Forever 21 metallic belt, Banana Republic outlet sandals, Forever 21 necklace

Yes, its the navy American Apparel skirt AGAIN. This skirt has definitely been my most-worn item lately, the VIP of the 30 for 30 challenge. I just can't help myself; its so easy to wear. Less than two weeks left of the challenge, and tomorrow marks the official 30 day mark. I actually made it 30 days without buying a single clothes or accessory item. Kind of shocking. And just in time for back to school shopping :) I don't know if I will be able to stop myself...Fall clothes are just so tempting.

Day 21- Low Maintenance and Motivated

What I'm wearing: J.Crew outlet tee, Express jean shorts (cut by me), Banana Republic outlet sandals, J.Crew canvas tote, J.Crew outlet headband, Vintage clock necklace

Today's outfit is definitely one of my least favorite from the challenge so far, but it was perfect for my plans for the day. The past two days have mostly been spent cleaning, organizing, and finishing up projects around the house. Therefore a comfy, low-maintenance outfit was necessary (and the headband covers up my dirty hair...shhhhh don't tell anyone). My big project for the day was fixing up my storage ottoman I bought at Target last year. This past school year it got some gross food/grease stains on it (that's dorm life for you). Its perfect for storing my school books while also functioning as a foot rest or end table, so I definitely didn't want to have to throw it away. So instead, I headed to JoAnn's and bought some pretty fabric to re-cover the lid with.

It was a little more complicated than I thought it would be due to the fabric being cut a little too small and a staple gun that wasn't working too well, but I love how it turned out. It will look great in my bedroom at the apartment. It kind of reminds me of the Liberty of London for Target prints and will nicely compliment some of their office storage pieces I bought while they were still in stores. Time to go work out...I figure I should take advantage of how motivated I've been feeling the past few days. I hope everyone else had a good long weekend as well!

Day 19 & 20- Saying Goodbye to Summer

I've been a bad blogger lately. Usually I try to make a point to post all of my outfit photos the day I take them, but this week I've gotten a little behind. Yesterday, I spent the day at my boyfriend's sister's housewarming party. I've had this outfit in mind since the beginning of the challenge but was saving it for a day when I was doing more than just running errands or hanging around the house. After the party, the boyfriend and I got Cheesecake Factory (the Snicker cheesecake was delicious!) to celebrate his last night in town and watched part of Season 1 of Dexter. That show is so gruesome, but really interesting. I still can't decide if I like it or not?

What I'm wearing: J.Crew outlet tank, Ann Taylor Loft shorts, J.Crew flats, J.Crew outlet necklace, Forever 21 pearl earrings

Unintentionally, I was in almost head-to-toe J.Crew yesterday. This seems to happen to me a lot; I have a bit of a J.Crew addiction, especially since there is an outlet within an hour of where I live. I think it may be about time to retire the tank tops and shorts for the year. The weather was beautiful yesterday, but I was pretty cold when I wasn't standing in the sun. September weather has finally arrived, and its been gorgeous. Unfortunately, my family isn't spending this beautiful day at the lake as we had planned. Kind of a bummer, but I can still enjoy how nice out it is here in Cincinnati.

Occasion: Church and errands
What I'm wearing: Button-down (free from internship), Jodi Arnold for the Limited skirt, Merona sandals via Target, Forever 21 headband, Vintage pocketwatch necklace, Urban Outfitters earrings

This white skirt will probably be packed away soon until next summer, so I decided I needed to wear it at least another time or two before that happens. As excited as I am for Fall, I'm always sad to have to put away my summer favorites. This outfit marks the end of week 4 of the 30 for 30 challenge. This week I put together some new combinations that I had never considered before this challenge.

I think day 17 or 20 were the looks I liked best from this week. Do you have a favorite?

Day 18- Cool and Breezy

I actually tried on a different outfit this morning but decided to save it for tomorrow. I have a fun weekend ahead, so I figured a cute outfit would be in order. Tomorrow afternoon I'm attending a housewarming party and then having a little date night with the boyfriend before he heads back to school for work training. Sunday my family is going boating in Kentucky to celebrate Labor Day. I haven't been on the boat all summer, so I'm definitely excited for that. Do you have any fun plans for the holiday weekend?

What I'm wearing: Gap dress, Target scarf, Merona sandals via Target, Thrifted belt, Forever 21 earrings

Its cool and breezy today, which makes me long for Fall even more. I'm so excited to start pulling out my leather boots and thick scarves. I like a nice lightweight summer scarf like the one I'm wearing today, but nothing compares to a cozy, knitted one. Well while my creative juices are flowing, I'm going to go start my NYC scrapbook before I have to head to work. Have a good weekend everyone!

Day 17- Pleasantly Surprised

Today marks the beginning of my fourth week of the 30 for 30 challenge (no outfit post yesterday because I went to Cedar Point amusement park and was guilty of wearing a tank top and athletic shorts...pathetic, I know, but it was ridiculously hot!) My thoughts so far about the challenge? I think I'm definitely doing better now that I'm getting farther into it. The first week I was so intimidated by having such limited options, but now I'm really starting to enjoy it. I'm definitely planning on doing another 30 for 30 challenge when the weather gets colder; I really want to see what I can come up with using Fall/Winter clothes. As for the shopping ban, I'm really proud of how strong I have been so far. I have been to Target, the mall, and the outlets and haven't bought a thing. I was hoping to hold out until I'm completely finished with my 30 outfits, but I might give in when the literal 30 days is up. I would like to do a little back-to-school clothes shopping, and as of now, I'm not set to finish the challenge until a day before I move back to school. So a little cheating may be necessary...

What I'm wearing: Forever 21 dress (as a top), American Apparel skirt, Merona sandals via Target, Forever 21 belt, Self-made earrings, Bangles from NYC street vendor and Forever 21

I almost didn't include this dress in my 30 items, but now I am really glad I did. It has proven to be surprisingly versatile, as it can be worn as a top, dress, or skirt. I couldn't find the original belt I had planned to use for this outfit, but I was pleasantly surprised with how this red belt complemented it so well (see, sometimes it pays off to have a messy room where you can't find anything).

Also, I have a very special birthday shout out for my friend Julie who is turning 21 today!

I can't believe we are already entering our 3rd year of college and that you are turning 21! It feels like just yesterday we were the girls in this picture who hadn't even graduated high school yet. As soon as my shopping ban is up, I'm taking you shopping to celebrate this big birthday! Love you girl!