Reverse 30x30 Reflections (and all outfit links) and Tips

In short, the challenge is this:

(Original Post in case you want pictures and a run down of this challenge)

Click on the link after each item to view the post that features it. 

For my January challenge, I chose these items:

1. coral and khaki skirt (officially reversed, and I'm already thinking up spring looks)

2. gray and yellow skirt  (officially reversed)

3. white pencil skirt (officially waiting for spring--too cold for the outfits I have planned for it--might opt for finding an A-line version of it instead)

4. teal velvet pants (officially reversed)

5. polka dot tights (I did reverse them, but I found an enormous run in them at the end of the day, which means I had to pitch them. It was a good run, tights. Pun intended.) 

6. khaki pants (officially returned)

7. brown boots (officially reversed)

8. black wedge booties (officially reversed)

9. red heels (waiting until spring for these...just too cold for them)

10. tri-color wedges (officially reversed here and here)

11. aztec scarf 

12. teal necklace (I have better spring looks planned for it.)

13. striped dress (officially reversed)I

14. tan dress (officially rejected)

15. navy dress (probationally reversed)

16. polka dot shirt (officially reversed)

17. polka dot cardi (probationally reversed...I might try to wear it as a sweater with a vest?)

18. polka dot blouse (officially reversed) 

19. printed blazer (wore it here, but it's LEAVING the closet due to fit--if you want it, check out my Poshmark closet; the link is on the left!)

20. chambray (officially reversed)

21. paisley blouse (officially rejected)

22. gray shirt (officially rejected)  

23. paisley blouse 2 (officially reversed)

24. emerald sleeveless sweater (too cold for it just yet)

25. navy sweater (officially reversed)

26. blush sweater with silver polka dots (keeping but I want it to warm up just a bit first.) 

27. silver sweater (officially rejected)

28. black sweater (officially rejected because the v-neck is too deep. I prefer crewcut sweaters. And, for the most part, I SUCK at layering button ups under sweaters.)

29. white lace sweater (officially reversed)

30. orange sweater (officially reversed)

31. long-sleeve purple shirt (If I don't wear it in February, it's gone.)

32. gray skinnies (these have REALLY been reversed but I donned them on the blog just once.)

33. light khakis (I wore them here but plan to skinnify them like I did to these pants.)

34. gold blazer (officially reversed)

Reflections on this self-imposed challenge:

What are the advantages? 

• Really made me consider what I had in my closet. I actually bought fewer things this month because I concentrated so heavily on reviving some less worn items. I always appreciate a hidden perk! 

• It made donating and selling items much easier because I knew I legitimately tried to wear an item before kicking it to the curb. 

• In choosing the items, I had a chance to purge my closet in general. I tried on many things from my closet. If they didn't fit, I immediately decided to donate/pitch/sell them. 

• I realized what "formulas" work best for me when getting dressed (ex: belted pants or skirt + tucked in shirt + blazer + flats/wedges/boots, depending on the cut of the bottoms or the weather), so those formulas made reintroducing certain items (the first two skirts, for example) much easier. Clothes that don't fit into my formulas/style have a much shorter life span in my closet. 

• I ended up using Pinterest even more deliberately. I pinned looks specific to the items I wanted to reintroduce. Seriously, Pinterest saved several items from expatriation.

What are the disadvantages?

• When I did buy something new and it didn't pair well with anything I wanted to reintroduce, I grew a little annoyed. Of course, that didn't happen very often.

• I felt like crap about myself for having bought multiple things and having worn them only once. For shame. 

• A few of the things just didn't work, but I forced it anyway. Not a good idea. 

Will I do it again?

• Absolutely! But, I'd do it on a smaller (one-two weeks) time frame. 30 whole days is a tad overwhelming. Plus, you feel a little guilty for having so many items to reintroduce. 

Tips for anyone considering this challenge:

• Start smaller. Pick five-seven items to reintroduce within the span of one week or two. (Do not drag it out longer than two weeks for that number of items; otherwise, that gives you too much time to forget about them and lose steam with the challenge.)

• Create a pinboard just for the items you're reintroducing to the closet. (I created a 2014 Closet Resolutions board. Had I included those pins in one of my already-established style boards, the pins would get lost.)

• Consider some "unseasonal" items that you have worn a lot but only in a different season. I wanted to winterize my coral and floral skirts that I actually did wear in the spring/summer. 

• Reconsider other "unseasonal" items: On the flip side of the previous tip, think about the season in which you're trying to reintroduce something. I included red peep toe heels in JANUARY. Not my brightest moment. Some things can be winterized and some things cannot. 

• Take pictures of everything and make a list of your items: keep these near where you get dressed. (If you're extra fancy and have a clothes rack, use that thing and send me a picture so that I can drool over it.)

• Try to identify your fail-safe outfit "formulas." If you know that you're a blazer, tucked in sweater, skinny belt, and boots kind of girl, then use that formula to help you come up with winning outfit combinations featuring your less loved pieces. For example, I know I love tucking thin sweaters into skirts and belting them with a wide belt. I used this formula to revive two skirts for the winter. 

• Don't force an outfit/item on yourself. If you don't like it no matter how you try it, then don't keep it. The point of this challenge is to turn everything into your closet that's something well-loved. Sometimes, you just can't love something, so send it to someone else's closet for some love. (This applies physically as well. Just because you can squeeze it on does not mean you should wear it in public.)

• Brainstorm ideas for the different items (before embarking on the challenge) so that you don't go into your closet every day hating your life. Take an hour or two on the weekend and set it aside for inspiring yourself. (Pinterest is really helpful in this department!) 

• Take pictures of outfits before you wear them in public. Sometimes, the outfit looks good in your head or in the mirror, but you gasp upon seeing it in photos. Spare yourself and snap a shot while you're brainstorming ideas. 

• Include items from different categories. Don't forget about unloved scarves or necklaces. They should be reintroduced, too. 

How will I challenge myself in February? 

• I think I'll try out the one in and one out thing. (Don't bring something in unless you plan to take something out.) 

• I'll continue making a list of items I would like to see come into my closet (currently, I'm looking for dark brown boots/booties with a little heel and an A-line navy skirt.)

• Join in on Ginny and Jenn's Style Swap link ups.

• Participate in more link-ups. (I created a post-it note on my computer of the different link ups for every day of the week.) 

• Create a schedule/calendar for blogging. 

• Any suggestions? 

Reverse 30x30: Please Help My Khaki Pants. And me.

I have a confession to make. I pulled together this outfit, but khaki pants still leave me utterly confused. Well, not all khaki pants. That one pair of dark khaki skinnies blends into my closet, and they've earned their keep. But, these khaki pants? What is it about them? Maybe it's the years I spent waiting tables while donning a dark green polo and light khaki pants (possibly these...I think I blocked the memories after that one early morning I ripped my front bumper off on the bumper of my neighbor's stupid illegally parked truck. Still went to work that day. With a grill that looked twenty shades of pissed off.) I feel like I'm one shirt change away from serving customers at Target. I love Target, but do I want everyone to think of it when they see me? 

Is my perception of these pants absolutely skewed? Do I need to set the sewing machine on them and make the bottoms more tapered/cropped? Is it the fabric? Is the khaki too light? AM I TOO CRAZY FOR WORDS? (That last one is rhetorical.)

* See, this pin shows more cropped khaki pants. I think they work.

* These pants have polka dots on them, but the khaki is the same color, and they're skinnified (not a word, which is totally fine). I like the look of them. 

* I love this combination, but the bottom of the pants look different. (I'm completely amused by the commenter who said she wasn't sure about the pants.)

I don't want to get rid of these pants because I like that I can wear wide belts with them, I love the pockets (not those stupid, you-can-fit-half-of-your-thumb-in-me pockets), and I do like the color. However, I think it's the bottom of them that perplexes me. I feel weird in flats (sort of bunches). I'm not entirely sold on the booties here. Regular boots won't go over the pant legs without causing serious leg wrinkles. I tried the khaki exact stretch pants from The Limited (have them in maroon, brown, and navy), but I didn't like the shade or the look of the khaki ones, which is odd since I have them in three other colors. 

What would you do if you were me? (Aside from the obvious, which is to scold yourself for writing so many sentences about one pair of pants.)  

Help. me.

(This is my "what am I doing outside in the cold without a coat on and, Mom, why aren't you stopping me from this madness" look. I tell you only to explain why I felt compelled to grab my scarf. My hands inherently search for warmth.)

The Look:

Cardigan (reversed item 1): Target (gift!)

Shirt: Target

Belt: Ummm...so old I couldn't tell you with complete honesty

Scarf: Calvin Klein via DSW

Booties: hand-me-downs from Momma

(I'm laughing right now because I said these are not I-can-fit-half-a-thumb-in-them pockets, and I'm totally sticking only half of my thumb in the pockets. However, the previous picture is a full-hand-in-pocket pose. This post just keeps getting more and more awkward.) 

Feel free to rebuke me for my trivialities.

Reverse 30x30: Summertime Skirt in the Wintertime

MOM, why didn't you tell me that my scarf was cattywampus!? That little sliver of misplaced scarf is just taunting me now. 

One of my friends posted this link, and I cannot stop laughing. I would like to befriend every single person who came up with these new words. The premise is this: "The Washington Post's Mensa Invitational once again invited readers to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing one letter, and supply a new definition." I am SO doing this activity with my students. They will love it. I think "ignoranus," a person who's both stupid and an asshole, might rank as my favorite word on the list. Do I want to share that word with my juniors? Yes. Will I? Probably no. Probably.

My brain so desperately wants to create some words of my own, but all I have for you is this one:

insteaducation

1. what an individual (specifically of the teenage population) does in order to avoid learning

2. the state in which teachers find themselves required to do more paperwork than teaching

and this one:

pineptitude (n)

the inability to accomplish anything competently because of Pinterest

and this one:

twitticism (n)

 a statement of particular insight that exits a mouth that typically spews stupidity

I wish these were better. Throw some of your words my way. Inspire me.

I'll be honest. I don't know if I love this look. I think a white shirt with a brown scarf might be better? 

However, I do like the idea of brown tights in order to winterize this skirt. 

I tried.

The Look:

Skirt: Lauren Conrad via Kohl's (it was a gift from Momma.)

Boots: diba via DSW

Shirt: The Limited

Belt: New York & Co.

Jean Jacket: Old Navy

Scarf: Handmade by Momma

(Note: I changed to darker brown tights for more warmth.)

I realize the scarf doesn't perfectly match the skirt in pictures, and I'm okay with that. 

Close enough, right?

Linking up with

What I Wore to Work

All Things Thursday

and

Look What I Got

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What's left of my 30x30?

(Original Post in case you want pictures and a run down of this challenge)
Click on the link after each item to view the post that features it. 

1. coral and khaki skirt 

2. gray and yellow skirt 

3. white pencil skirt (officially waiting for spring--too cold for the outfits I have planned for it)

4. teal velvet pants (officially reversed)

5. polka dot tights (I planned to reverse them, but I found an enormous run in them at the end of the day. It was a good run, tights. Pun intended.) 

6. khaki pants (officially returned)

7. brown boots (officially reversed)

8. black wedge booties (officially reversed)

9. red heels

10. tri-color wedges (officially reversed)

11. aztec scarf 

12. teal necklace

13. striped dress (officially reversed)

14. tan dress (officially rejected)

15. navy dress (probationally reversed)

16. polka dot shirt (officially reversed)

17. polka dot cardi 

18. polka dot blouse (officially reversed) 

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

20. chambray (officially reversed)

21. paisley blouse (officially rejected)

22. gray shirt (officially rejected)  

23. paisley blouse 2 (officially reversed)

24. emerald sleeveless sweater (too cold for it just yet)

25. navy sweater (officially reversed)

26. blush sweater with silver polka dots 

27. silver sweater (officially rejected)

28. black sweater 

29. white lace sweater (officially reversed)

30. orange sweater (officially reversed)

31. long-sleeve purple shirt (next week)

32. gray skinnies (these have REALLY been reversed)

33. light khakis 

34. gold blazer (officially reversed)

Reverse 30x30: I think I figured out polka dot tights?

My girl, Brynn, inspired me for this item, polka dot tights, on my reverse 30x30. Why is something so fun an enormous source of sartorial confusion for me? Thank you, Brynn, for making me realize how perfectly they would complement this dress. 

I can't stop wearing these hand-me-down booties from Mom. Plus, they add a little bit of edge to the outfit. No? Wait until you see the next pair of booties she gave to me. They're YELLOW! Seriously, prepare to feel overwhelmed by jealousy. 

Do I look like I'm still celebrating Christmas because of this red sweater? If so, I do not care. When the weather outside is frightful, continuing to wear Christmas colors is so delightful. 

Thank you to those of you who wished me well after yesterday's post. If people you have met only online are kind to you, then there's a lot more to be grateful about in this world. Also, as I told someone, I am a silver-lining hunter. I allow myself only a small amount of time to feel any sort of self pity because, honestly, where does that get me? It just dumps me into a land of dreariness. I heard somewhere that life is 10% circumstance and 90% attitude; you cannot control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond to it. Ultimately, I choose happiness. 

Think about it. I might have crappy sinuses and crappy teeth and a lot of other crappy body parts. However, as a result, I have learned a lot about nutrition. I have a "team" of doctors who are extremely helpful people, and I truly believe I am slowly but surely traveling on the road to recovery.  I spent so many years sick without anything definitive to explain the sicknesses. Now, I actually have answers. I have a lot of compassionate, funny, helpful people who surround me (both online and offline). I have my career, my awesome colleagues, and my endearing students. 

I have my family, my friends, and my fur babies. 

Often, I might not feel great physically, but I feel great emotionally. 

And I'm okay with that. :)

The Look:

Dress: Target--they need to make more of these! (Here's a very similar one from Gap; I have it in gray. I love love love it.)

Turtleneck: The Limited (similar from JCPenny)

Belt: The Limited (similar from Target)

Booties: From Mom :)

Tights: The Limited (similar from Target)

Necklace: Target 

Detail shot of the tights :)

Linking up with

Because Shanna Said So

and

The Pleated Poppy

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Similar outfits that involve layers under a dress:

A button up under this very same dress!

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my striped version of the black dress:

(I LOVE YOU, TARGET.)

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(Someone tell me how else to style this dress in the winter? What other color can I wear with it? Maybe I should've added it to my 30x30.)

Reverse 30x30: Navy Sweater & Casual Day

We try round two of the root canal today since six shots of novocaine proved useless last time. Wish me luck that he does not drill into my nerve and I still feel it this time around. 

I went to the ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor yesterday and came bearing CT films as a gift. 

You know you have super sinuses when the specialist's response to your x-rays is "WHOA. No wonder you've been in so much pain." You know me, I'm always here to impress.

Apparently, I have pan sinusitis. My teaching English to the common teenager informed me that pan means all, so I predicted that "pan" sinusitis fell into the not-so-fun category. Two of my sinus cavities are completely blocked, but ALL (where "pan" comes into play) of my sinuses are impacted in some way. Supposedly, he should have seen a wall in there. Nope, no wall. Just lots of gray. Speaking of gray, I like these gray pants. Thanks for designing them, J.Lo. 

The Look:

Sweater (reversed item): Apt 9 via Kohl's (it was surprisingly difficult to style! Very similar one from Old Navy)

Button up: Old Navy (it's surprisingly versatile. Similar gingham one from Forever 21)

Pants: J.Lo via Kohl's (similar from Old Navy)

Flats: via DSW (very similar from Zappos)

Necklace: New York & Co.  (similar from Stella & Dot) 

(Sometimes, my eyes disappear when I smile.)

Linking up with

Style Sessions

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Reversed 30x30 Update:

(Original Post in case you want pictures and a run down of this challenge)
Click on the link after each item to view the post that features it. 

1. coral and khaki skirt (look forward to this one this week!)

2. gray and yellow skirt 

3. white pencil skirt (officially waiting for spring--too cold for the outfits I have planned for it)

4. teal velvet pants (officially reversed)

5. polka dot tights (you'll see them tomorrow.)

6. khaki pants (officially returned)

7. brown boots (officially reversed)

8. black wedge booties (officially reversed)

9. red heels

10. tri-color wedges (officially reversed)

11. aztec scarf 

12. teal necklace

13. striped dress (officially reversed)

14. tan dress (officially rejected)

15. navy dress (probationally reversed)

16. polka dot shirt (officially reversed)

17. polka dot cardi (you'll see it this week.)

18. polka dot blouse (officially reversed) 

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

20. chambray (officially reversed)

21. paisley blouse (officially rejected)

22. gray shirt (officially rejected)  

23. paisley blouse 2 (officially reversed)

24. emerald sleeveless sweater (too cold for it just yet)

25. navy sweater (officially reversed)

26. blush sweater with silver polka dots (next week)

27. silver sweater (officially rejected)

28. black sweater (next week...if I don't expatriate it)

29. white lace sweater (officially reversed)

30. orange sweater (officially reversed)

31. long-sleeve purple shirt (next week)

32. gray skinnies (these have REALLY been reversed)

33. light khakis (you'll see them later this week)

34. gold blazer (officially reversed) 

I'm almost finished! I've really started to wear some of these items (especially the brown boots and gray pants) a LOT. I'm quite glad I thought up and took on this challenge :) Anyone planning on trying it out sometime?

Reverse 30x30: Teacher Outfit (My Fail-Safe Formula)

Excitement will topple over you this week because I have real pictures, not my usual photos of craptastic quality! I planned my outfits for this week and Mom took pictures of them for me over the weekend. She knows how to snap a good detail shot, and there are even some of those cool "blogger" pictures where the background is all blurry. I feel so dang fancy.
(I really wish I could've captured her in her snow hat, boots, and "poofy" coat.)

Today's outfit is based on a formula on which I rely for choosing teacher looks.

It goes something like this:
belted skirt + tucked in shirt/sweater + tights + blazer/cardigan cropped jacket + boots/booties/flats/wedges 

(Note: Something about the belt and being tucked in makes me feel much more pulled together.)

It's essentially like last week's formula, only I swapped the pants for a skirt.
Can I just tell you how easy a "formula" makes getting dressed/picking out outfits?

Now, your formula might not be my formula.
However, if you take pictures of the looks you wear (especially your favorites or the ones that receive the most compliments) and also pin a lot of looks on Pinterest, you can gain a good sense of what looks complement you. I browsed through my favorite looks on the blog and Pinterest, which helped me figure out what silhouettes looked best on me. From there, I created a few formulas for myself. Teachers and other early risers of the world, take heed: finding your perfect formulas makes those early mornings not so harsh. (Okay, they're still harsh, but at least you don't walk out of the house looking like a yeti.)

The Look:

Skirt (reversed item): Target (love this Ruche floral skirt, same shape as mine)

Tights: The Limited (my favorite place to buy tights)

Boots: hand me down from Momma (similar from Nasty Gal) 

Scarf: Calvin Klein via DSW (it's $46.80, but I love this one at Nordstrom.)

Jacket: leftover from my brother's ex-girlfriend? I dunno. Found it at my parents'. MINE now.

Sweater: Sonoma via Kohl's (this one at Old Navy is very similar and only $15!)

Belt: Came with a dress 

Earrings: Target (very similar for $7.99)

Linking up with 

The Style Record

and

Mix It Mondays

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Other winter/fall looks that rely on this "formula":

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Reversed 30x30 Update:

(Original Post in case you want pictures and a run down of this challenge)

1. coral and khaki skirt (look forward to this one this week!)

2. gray and yellow skirt 

3. white pencil skirt (officially waiting for spring--too cold for the outfits I have planned for it)

4. teal velvet pants (officially reversed)

5. polka dot tights

6. khaki pants (officially returned)

7. brown boots (officially reversed)

8. black wedge booties (officially reversed)

9. red heels

10. tri-color wedges (officially reversed)

11. aztec scarf 

12. teal necklace

13. striped dress (officially reversed)

14. tan dress (officially rejected)

15. navy dress (probationally reversed)

16. polka dot shirt (officially reversed)

17. polka dot cardi (you'll see it this week.)

18. polka dot blouse (officially reversed) 

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

20. chambray (officially reversed)

21. paisley blouse (officially rejected)

22. gray shirt (officially rejected)  

23. paisley blouse 2 (reversed for today's look)

24. emerald sleeveless sweater (too cold for it just yet)

25. navy sweater (you'll see it this week)

26. blush sweater with silver polka dots (next week)

27. silver sweater (officially rejected)

28. black sweater (next week...if I don't expatriate it)

29. white lace sweater (officially reversed)

30. orange sweater 

31. long-sleeve purple shirt (next week)

32. gray skinnies (you'll see them again this week!)

33. light khakis (you'll see them later this week)

34. gold blazer (officially reversed) 

Reverse 30x30: All that glitters is my gold blazer.

The lighting and clarity are a little better in these pictures, right? 

Who knew that opening the blinds would let in natural light and make the pictures better? 

What a novel idea. 

Okay, here's what I did to get to this outfit.

I realized that I am drawn to the following silhouette: 

blazer/cardigan + tucked in shirt + belt + heels/boots/flats (depending on pant style) 

I used that little formula to style the gold blazer I needed to reverse.

Initially, I was thinking of a white shirt. I decided to try it some other time. Then, last week's Trendy Tuesday theme was coral, so I planned to wear this blazer with a coral shirt. Then the sickness hit, and I missed out on Trendy Tuesday! :(  I actually tried on the blazer with the coral shirt, and the frockets (front pockets--got this word from a witty colleague) looked really weird with the blazer.  I then realized I hadn't yet worn this red blouse, so I gave it a go. I was going to wear a leopard scarf, but it just wasn't sitting right, which is where the leopard belt comes into play. In the spring, I'll wear leopard heels/flats instead :)

Man, do I love this look. I love the sparkles in the blazer. The bright red of the top. The heel on the boot. The pop of leopard print. 

This blazer is officially REVERSED. 

Reversed Item: Blazer from ModCloth (last winter on super clearance)
Belt: New York & Co.
Black Jeggings (high rise!): American Eagle (got 'em during a $25.99 promotion)
Boots: b.o.c. via DSW
Blouse: LOFT (seriously scored this beauty for less than $20)
Scarf: Made by Momma dearest

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Reversed 30x30 Update:

(Original Post in case you want pictures and a run down of this challenge)

1. coral and khaki skirt (might have to wait for spring...looks STUPID with tights)

2. gray and yellow skirt 

3. white pencil skirt (officially waiting for spring--too cold for the outfits I have planned for it)

4. teal velvet pants (officially reversed)

5. polka dot tights

6. khaki pants (officially returned)

7. brown boots (officially reversed)

8. black wedge booties (officially reversed)

9. red heels

10. tri-color wedges (officially reversed--I've added so much gray/navy/burgundy to my wardrobe that these are perfect)

11. aztec scarf (planning to wear it tomorrow)

12. teal necklace

13. striped dress (officially reversed)

14. tan dress (officially rejected)

15. navy dress (probationally reversed)

16. polka dot shirt (officially reversed)

17. polka dot cardi

18. polka dot blouse (officially reversed) 

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

20. chambray (officially reversed)

21. paisley blouse (officially rejected)

22. gray shirt (officially rejected)  

23. paisley blouse 2 (reversed for today's look)

24. emerald sleeveless sweater

25. navy sweater (pulling one of my favorites: sweater over a dress look!)

26. blush sweater with silver polka dots (outfit planned but might be too cold)

27. silver sweater (officially rejected)

28. black sweater (might be replaced by a crew neck)

29. white lace sweater (officially reversed)

30. orange sweater (got a plan for it tomorrow) 

31. long-sleeve purple shirt (got a plan for this one)

32. gray skinnies (I've already worn them three times, none of which you've seen...oops!)

33. light khakis (got a plan for these)

34. gold blazer (officially reversed) 

Some other outfits I've worn that follow this outfit's "formula":
(So many more outfits like these, but I picked some of my favorites)

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(probably my favorite outfit of all time)

Follow my outfit board on Pinterest here. 

Joining up for What I Wore to Work,

All Things Thursday, and

Look What I Got.