I ate a horseshoe.

Only that statement could explain my very recent luck. Back in November, I told you how to avoid J.Crew (which really boiled down to how to avoid J.Crew in winter because you are allergic to the store's high-wool content. When I say "you," I really mean I.) Well, a week ago, I entered a giveaway hosted by GroopDealz on Instagram; they were offering up $150 to J.Crew. Seriously, for a giveaway that requires so much less effort than the 40+ things you have to do for nearly every blog giveaway, how could I not try?

Let us fast forward to this morning. After two weeks of antibiotics and in anticipation of a third week, I've been feeling--ummmm, how do I put this?--less than wonderful. This morning was particularly unkind to me, but I scolded myself and said, "get your butt to school, Danielle. It's just the stupid antibiotics. You'll feel better once you sarcastically reply to some witty teenager's remark." In the car, as I waited for the heated seats to toast my behind, I hopped on Instagram to check out the visual scene.

To my surprise, the bottom of the screen lit up in orange. Those wonderful little orange notifications brought me to a page with a few tagged comments that linked my Instagram handle (@likewo) and the word "congrats." On WHAT, you say? That $150 J.Crew gift card giveaway. Be still, my weak and antibiotic-laden stomach. Elle Woods was right. Endorphins make you happy, and happy people don't kill people. Well, that rush of endorphins actually made me feel better for the rest of the day. Magical, I tell you. And no one died by my hands today.

Is it pathetic that I am grateful for the gift card but even more grateful that the news of that gift card made me physically feel better for the rest of the day? So, thanks, GroopDealz, you proved how medicinal endorphins can be--maybe I need to work out in the mornings!?--and, from you, I learned that gift cards can now be sent via e-mail. It's like some fancy, electronic sorcery of the most exciting kind.

P.S. I am writing this post one day before you're reading it, which means these events happened on Tuesday. I hope you're not feeling confused now.

P.P.S. What are good, gotta-have-it buys at J.Crew? It's not a store I frequent, so I'm feeling a bit like a baby deer learning to use its legs.

P.P.P.S. Thank you to all of the people and companies who host giveaways. It's so kind and generous of you to do.

My colleague called this my "channeling Sarah Connors" look. 

(The Terminator Sarah Connors, in case you Google her and find some other chick)

The Look:

Sweater: Express (IT'S SO COMFY!)

Shirt: Express

Pants: Old Navy Rockstars 

Boots: Etienne Aigner via Macy's a few years ago

Necklace: New York & Co. a few years ago

Linking up with

Shanna

and

The Pleated Poppy

"Reverse" 30x30: Velvet Pants on a Snow Day. Hip hip hooray.

I'm going to chuck some randomness at you. Let's see what a good catch you are.

1. I love these leather gloves from my mom because they have a "secret" power. They allow me to play with my phone, but they don't have those little silver patches on the fingers! The downside? If I touch my oily face with them, they leave a black mark, which is a tad reminiscent of war paint. 

2. I need snow boots. Though these rain boots are undeniably cute, they are not snow boots. Anyone have some good recommendations that don't come at an enormous price tag?

3. Why do good hair days come along only on snow days that do not involve going to work or anywhere that people other than your husband, dogs, and leasing office will see you? Silver lining? Start a blog and the people of the internet will see you in all your curly glory. (Yes, that mane is natural. No, it doesn't always cooperate and look like that.)

4. This blanket scarf is so large and in charge that I almost fell coming up the apartment steps today because I couldn't see my feet. It's okay if my neck is broken as long as it's warm. 

Reverse 30x30 Goodness

I reversed these teal, velvet pants. 

The verdict? They are most definitely staying for the long haul. 

It's like someone kidnapped the velveteen rabbit and turned him into pants. 

Plus, as I was trying to style them with items in my closet, I realized that they go with several items. 

Who knew pants like these could be so...remixable?

You'll probably see them again this month. I have a work outfit planned around them. 

It'll be like wearing pajamas to work, and those are the best outfits. 

Reversed Item: Teal, velvet pants by Lauren Conrad (my girl!) via Kohl's

Boots: Joules (won them in a giveaway this summer)

Coat: Michael Kors (Filene's Basement like 6 years ago)

Black vest (which you can't see): Under Armour

Scarf: Gift (from Asos)

Black turtleneck: Express (prooooobably from high school--not kidding)

Reverse 30x30 Items

1. coral and khaki skirt

2. gray and yellow skirt

3. white pencil skirt

4. teal velvet pants (today's reversed item)

5. polka dot tights

6. khaki pants (I'm returning this pair and going with a lighter pair I own 

that hasn't seen the light of day in a long time.)

7. brown boots

8. black wedge booties

9. red heels

10. tri-color wedges

11. aztec scarf

12. teal necklace

13. striped dress

14. tan dress (I'll be selling this one. It just doesn't work for me, and I refuse to force myself

into wearing it.)

15. navy dress (off probation but not officially reversed)

16. polka dot shirt (officially reversed)

17. polka dot cardi

18. polka dot blouse (was going to be today's look...poop.)

19. printed blazer (on probation, might be leaving the closet, LEAVING the closet)

20. chambray

21. paisley blouse

22. gray shirt (I tried it on again and just don't like how it fits me. I think you need boobs for this shirt.)  

23. paisley blouse 2

24. emerald sleeveless sweater

25. navy sweater

26. blush sweater with silver polka dots

27. silver sweater (tried so hard to style it--just doesn't work for me; it'll be going up for sale)

28. black sweater

29. white lace sweater

30. orange sweater

Replacements for the four items I removed from the list (6, 14, 22, and 27):

31. kind of dressy purple shirt (long sleeves) 

32.  gray skinnies (NO idea why they haven't been worn...ever.)

33. gold blazer (I once wrote a blog post about how remixable it is, and I have yet to wear it.)

34. light khaki pants

Linking up with Friday's Fab Favorites
and
Favorite Fashion Friday.