Challenge COMPLETE!

Well, the official end of The NORA Project is here...31 days of NO repeats. It's been fun and certainly has sparked my creative juices! In fact, I've mentally created a whole bunch of outfits that I will be able to start wearing now that I can repeat items. I could keep going, but I'd rather blend in a happy mix of repeating certain bottoms and shoes than just throw together new ensembles because I haven't worn them yet. I am going to attempt to not repeat an OUTFIT though. So, although you might see a pair of shoes or capris worn in a couple ways, you won't see them worn with the same top, jacket, etc.

Here are some items I've been dying to wear again...black skinny capris (day 21), white jeans (day 3), chambray shirt (day 10), a few pairs of earrings and bangles that are my go-tos, maxi skirt (day 17), and my black Sole Society wedges (day 22). I'm going to try to fit these in before the season officially changes and I can break into fall favs! I will continue to post here and possibly on FB too. It's a good way to keep me motivated! If it ain't something I want all of FB to see, then I shouldn't own it!

Today's Ensemble:
Dress- Old Navy
Jacket- Isaac Mizrahi for Target
Shoes- Elle for Kohl's
Earrings- Charming Charlie's
Bracelet- Kohl's

Until tomorrow...when the whole game changes!!!
J

The End is Near!

No no, not the end of the world, silly, the end of the NORA project! At least the August version. Moving forward, I like the *ring* that title has to it, so I may continue to use it to identify my fashion challenges. I mentioned yesterday the top possibilities of what I might do in September. So...we'll see!! I have a nice long weekend to mull it over. I will probably still post my outfits this weekend, but since I'm kinda off the "no repeat" hook, I may wear something you've seen.  I DO know that as we move into Sept, no matter what I challenge myself with, I will continue to post my outfits and fashion adventures/epiphanies on here most days, if not every day! It has really been fun if for no other reason than to keep track of my outfits for my own memory! If you're out there reading, possibly being inspired, then that is just icing on the cake!

As I've been doing this challenge, I've been looking at other fashion blogs for comparison (and general inspiration-there are some fashion blogs I've been following for a while). I do not consider myself a pro-blogger by any stretch of the imagination. However, even though I'm not planning to make this my livelihood, I've noticed some ways that I can make things a bit more polished. I'm thinking of investing in a new camera. Possibly one that catches patterns and colors better. I've also thought about taking a photography class just to get ideas for how to pose and what settings to use on the camera. I am currently a push and shoot gal. Also, my office background is kinda awful. It's the only place that I've found that I can get a full body shot with the auto timer. There usually isn't anyone here when I arrive to take my shots for me (or no one I want to bother for a pre-work photo shoot!) At home, I haven't found ANY space where I can set up the camera and get a full shot, so I'll have to keep working on that one. Hubby takes my weekend shots, but he's long gone by the time I get up and am heading out for work. Bear with me as I try to spruce things up a bit. I still plan to just keep this simple and frill-free, but with some minor tweaks to make things a bit easier to look at...kinda like botox instead of a full face lift! ;-)

Today's ensemble:

Skirt- TJ Maxx- brand One Clothing
Top- Old Navy
Shoes- (you can probably guess) LC by Lauren Conrad for Kohl's
Bracelet-Lia Sophia
Earrings- Lia Sophia
Necklace- Premier Design

Until tomorrow....
J

Home Stretch...

Only three more days to go! This challenge has been fun and well...challenging! I still have loads of clothes in my closet that you haven't seen this month BUT the most challenging thing about this challenge has been to not repeat ANYTHING. OK, I know you're thinking, "but that was the whole point", yes, yes it was. However, there are some things that I have no problem not repeating in a month such as tops or dresses. There are a few items that I've found particularly tough to not repeat: bottoms and accessories! I have my fav jewelry and belts that I've been sad to not wear more than once this month as well as a few pairs of fun shoes. Especially being that this is (kinda) the end of summer, I may not get to wear a lot of these shoes for a while. At any rate, the end of my NORA challenge is closing in on me. I am trying to think of what to challenge myself with next. Enjoying this so much, I will continue to try and dress in a more inspired way each day. Here are what I've come up with so far for my September challenge...
1. Wear only what I wore this month, but in different combos
2. Continue on with The NORA project as is (may not be possible as I have a LOT of health fairs coming up)
3. Continue an abbreviated version of NORA- not repeating any outfit, but allowing myself to repeat components (i.e. shoes, bottoms, earrings, etc).
4. Say to hell with it and just get dressed every day in whatever I want...NNNAAAAHHHH!

I think I'm leaning toward #3. What do you think I should do for September?!

Today's ensemble:
Dress- LC by Lauren Conrad for Kohl's
Shoes- Old Navy
Cardi- Target
Belt- Old Navy
Earrings- Chicos

Until tomorrow...
J

50 Shades of...Blue!

You'd think since I gripe about the health fair outfit I don so much of the fall that I would stay FAR away from blue any other time. However, I do not! It's my favorite color and also one of my favs to wear. I just tend to buy a lot of blue (and I never realized that before this challenge). It's funny to see my color patterns through this challenge. This is good to think of as I make future purchases- go away from the colors I always select and try some new ones!

 I look at my closet and see a rainbow of options, but still see holes in what outfit choices I'm making. Seems like it's time for another purge. I've already done one since I began this project- getting rid of a big bag of clothes and another big bag of shoes. It's crazy what you can find when you really get into an overstuffed closet! This long weekend might serve as the perfect time to do yet another pre-season change, purge. I noticed on the calendar today, that Sept 22 is the first official day of fall (yay!). I'm setting the goal for myself to get rid of any summer clothes that I truly don't enjoy/make me feel fabulous and/or haven't worn this summer for whatever reason. I know I'll be excited about adding some fun fall pieces, why not make some room?!

Today's ensemble:
Pants- NY & Co
Shirt- Old Navy
Shoes- LC by Lauren Conrad for Kohl's
Earrings- Stella & Dot
Bracelet- Bauble Bar






Until tomorrow...
J

Another (Health Fair) Day, Another Dollar...

Another non-inspired outfit suitable for the corporate health fair world that I work in. As I've mentioned before, I always struggle with days I have to wear this because it's JUST. NOT. SASSY! Oh well...the one perk- it makes getting dressed VERY easy. I was planning to pick a fun/cute outfit today to wear before my fair, but this morning when that alarm went off, I was a little relieved to have such a "uniform" to wear. I've got four more days of the challenge (although, I'm inspired to keep going), so I promise to go out with a bang! Notice, I was still able to get in a *POP* of color with my orange and blue sneaks!

Today's Ensemble:
Capris- Target
T-shirt- work vendor, who knows?!?!?
Earrings- Charming Charlie's
Sneaks- Adidas

Until tomorrow....
J

Sunday Bloody (Mary) Sunday

 It's the home stretch! It was a great weekend balanced between fun with friends and chill time at home. Of course, I only show one outfit representing the day, but I was wearing comfy clothes on my rainy Saturday night in and Sunday evening chores/relaxation. Don't think I've duplicated chill clothes either, but frankly that isn't a part of the challenge! Tomorrow I've got another health fair, but to honor the challenge, I'm planning to wear a fun outfit to work in the morning and then I'll change into my health fair garb.  Here's the outfit breakdown:


Day 26- Brunch with the hubby!



Day 25- Baby shower



Saturday:

Dress- Ann Taylor LOFT

Shoes- Simply Vera by Vera Wang for Kohl's

Belt- Kohl's

Earrings- Daisy Fuentes for Kohl's

Bracelets- Von Maur online  

Sunday:

Dress- Nordstrom Rack (random brand)

Shoes- New York & Company

Earrings-Target 





Casual Friday

Being that I LOVE my colored denim AND it's Friday, I figured I'd be wild and rock 'em at the office. Like I mentioned in a previous post about keeping clothes in separate categories, these jeans (of which I have 3 different colors and want more, but I'm trying to refrain) usually are reserved for home/weekends. Since I have many more weekday outfits to play with, I decided to continue practicing blurring the lines a bit. Wasn't sure what was going to happen when I grabbed these "true blue" jeans this morning. With flats, a jacket and some fun accessories, I think it works! It's fun how an item can take on so many identities. Weekend casual to office chic. Who'da thunk?!

On a side note, I'm very passionate about finding good deals for trendy items. While colored jeans are all the rage now, they might not be one season from now. So...I really believe that you can buy your trendier pieces that are bound to have a shorter life at the more budget friendly stores. While I LOVE my 7, Citizens, and Paige denim brands for the more traditional cuts/colors of denim, I was happy to find these at Old Navy for a VERY wallet friendly price. They fit really well and don't stretch out-which I find very common with cheaper denim. Even at ON's sister store, The Gap, the colored jeans are at least two to three times as expensive.When you know it doesn't have to last years and years, enjoy the cheaper versions (as long as they don't look cheap- and I think colored denim pretty much looks the same whether it's $30 or $130)!


Today's ensemble:
 Pants- Old Navy
T- Whole Foods (ha ha, crazy, I know! Some great eco-friendly,
organic brand!)
Jacket-Target
Shoes- Target
Earrings and necklace- Kohl's (Dana Buchman)
Watch- Timex weekender

Mixing Neutrals

I used to really be strict with my color rules...even for neutrals! Army green only goes with warm/brown hues and grey goes with black. However, lately I'm loving seeing army green as more of a neutral that can go with anything! I know some folks have been doing this for years, but I'm just starting to like it (maybe?) or be willing to try it myself for whatever reason (more likely). I also paired some more of the brown-leaning accessories with my black polka dot dress. Where I would usually stick to the cool shades- royal blue, fire engine red, brilliant purple, I decided to allow a little bit of fall into my ensemble with orange and goldish shoes. Hard to tell in the pic, but my earrings have gold interwoven into them as well. Overall, a little out of my comfort zone, but I'm liking it. I'm also enjoying being able to go a little more casual this summer. As I've mentioned before, I'm very fortunate to have a pretty chill office. I don't think it'd be as much fun if all I had to pull from were black slacks, pencil skirts, and button downs.

Today's ensemble:
Dress- Kohl's (random brand, not one of my favs)
Jacket- Candies from Kohl's (this gem I found in the ...shhhh...junior dept!)
Earrings- Dress Barn (hey, they've come a LONG way! Every now and then I walk by one and see something cute that catches my eye. I've even bought a couple of really cute work dresses from there!)
Shoes- Some shoe outlet at the beach- Rack Room maybe?
Belt- Kohl's

I'm Saving This for a Special Occasion...

Do you do that too? Save things (a dress, great pair of earrings, a fun new top) for a special occasion??!! That special occasion could actually be something special or it could just be a day that you're going to see the most people! Come on...I know at least a few of you out there have vetoed a fabulous outfit on a day that you knew you'd only be sitting at your desk all day, right?! As a kid we couldn't WAIT to wear something new to school immediately after we got it. We would practically sleep in it the night before! As an adult, I find myself waiting to premiere outfits or parts of outfits for just the right moment. But if I have this mindset does it lead me to pick and wear less special outfits on random Tuesdays? Why can't Tuesday be the special day to wear the new earrings...or in this case, why can't Wednesday be the special day to wear my fun new shoes?!?! I've had these shoes for a little while now (about a month and a half) and have yet to wear them. I admired them almost daily (that's a tad dramatic- I don't actually have time to admire shoes every day...or do I?!). What was I waiting for?! Just because I'm not repeating anything this month, doesn't mean that's my everyday reality, right? I can wear them again and SOON if I want. Why oh why do we put pressure on premiering certain items? It's silly really and something I'm setting a goal to stop doing. Every day should be a special day and every outfit should make you feel FABULOUS! This is a great mantra to bring with you into the closet each morning. If you put something on and it doesn't quite fit right or looks faded, wrinkly or just plain bad- add it to the good will pile, don't say to yourself "eh, it works for today". I'm walking tall (literally and figuratively) in my sassy new wedges! What are you waiting to premiere- get out there and ROCK it!

Today's ensemble:
Shirt: Daisy Fuentes for Kohl's
Skirt: Simply Vera by Vera Wang for Kohl's
Shoes: Sole Society
Bangles: combo from Forever 21 and World Market
Earrings: Dana Buchman for Kohl's

Just a Little Pop of Color

If you are a total monochromatic fashionista, spread your wings by adding in even the smallest pop of color! Maybe a small clutch, a ring, even just a colorful belt can make a world of difference! Anyone that knows me, knows that I have no problems with wearing lots of colors, however, even I like a black and white outfit every now and then! Taking a B & W outfit and adding various shades of blue in my accessories makes me smile! If that's too bold for you, go for a pop on your toes. I'm loving the neon trend right now, but haven't found an actual article of clothing that I like enough to purchase in any of the neon hues. For now, I'll let my toes be my neon accessory. I had never even thought to buy neon polish, but as a new recipient of myglam's "Glam Bag" I was giddy to receive a hot pink polish (Circus by Andrea's Choice) in August's bag. A little side note...it's Vegan and cruelty free- how cool!!! So, I say...go bold or go home! ;-)

Today's ensemble:

Shirt- Old Navy

Capris- Jag Jeans, Nordstrom

Shoes- Steve Madden

Jewelry- Yikes, I can't remember...a combo of items from H & M and Target I think

Until tomorrow...

J

In the Fall, I Live For My Watch!

Anyone who knows me knows that this is pretty much what I look like Sept-Nov. It is our busiest time of year with fall health fairs and flu shot clinics. I try to vary my outfit as much as possible, with different khakis, sneaks, and jewelry, but I always ends up looking like this. It is easy during those cold fall/winter mornings when I don't have to think of an outfit, but when I see everyone else in their fun fall fashion, envy sets in. Oh well, by the time everyone is sick of fall/winter clothes, I'm just getting started!!
Today's ensemble:
Shirt- who knows- ordered through a vendor at work
Capris- Old Navy
Shoes- Nike
Earrings- Charming Charlie's
Watch- Swatch (You can't tell, but the Swatch is a super cute clear and "VHC blue" polka dot watch. Per the title, in the fall, I live for my watch (and fun earrings) as they provides me with a bit of zing with an otherwise "bust" of an outfit.)

Earring detail! LOVE Charming Charlie's!

Weekend Wear!

I'm enjoying my last few weeks of summery shorts! Before we know it, we'll be layering for fall (I'm excited about that actually)! This summer, shorts have really been my go-to for casual wear AND date nights. Funny how certain articles of clothing do that...go in cycles. I've always worn shorts, but they haven't always been a main component of my wardrobe. Last summer, I was much more into the sundress thing. This weekend, we went out with some friends (Sat-dinner and movie) and had a relaxing Sunday mostly at home (grocery store was my one exciting excursion). I love the versatility of shorts and will look forward to getting my last several wears before I retire them for the season.

This weekend's ensembles:

Saturday:

Shorts- Old Navy

Shirt- Old Navy

Belt- Target

Shoes- Elle for Kohl's 

Bracelets- bangles from a gift shop in Lewes, DE

Earrings- Kohl's

Neckalce- Target

Sunday:

Shorts- Levi's from Macy's

Shirt- Old Navy

Scarf- Simply Vera by Vera Wang for Kohl's

Shoes- Target

Earrings- Kohl's 

Casual Friday Comfort!

Don't you just hate it when you have a "party foul" moment with your own outfit so much so that you can't wear it?! This is how it went down... in my Friday AM rush, I calculated my timeline of deodorant application to shirt putting-on time incorrectly and got lovely greasy looking smears on the sides of my very cute flowy, delicate top! EEEEK! This is not my first rodeo- what was I thinking?!?! I will tackle the stains and add it back in before August ends. So I chose this lovely, flowy skirt and tank with fun baubles since it is an August Friday and I think I can go a tad more casual. I'm very lucky with my work environment because although we do dress biz-casual, we can dress a little more on the casual side- especially in the summer and especially when I'm not leaving my office for the day. Thus, this outfit was born.

Often times I find myself looking at/buying my clothing in categories: work, weekend, weekend night out, weekend chill, etc. However, lately I've been trying to look at my clothing as "anytime" wear as much as possible. So many pieces can be worn with jeans on the weekend and a blazer and black pants for work. It makes my clothing much more versatile and gives me many more options. Makes me feel like I've got new clothes when in reality they are only new to me wearing them in a new way. This skirt, for example, was not intended to be a work skirt. But why not?!? I know it might take some more planning and thought to make a weekend outfit "work" for a business setting, but it's part of the fun! I would have paired this with a jean jacket to make it a little more covered up for work, (I almost turned my car around to grab it, but would've been late to work), but I figured since it's a chill day at the office, I can go with the tank alone.Can you look at your clothes in a different light to make some fun, new combos?!

Today's ensemble:
Tank: Old Navy
Skirt: Target
Shoes: Target
Bracelet: Forever 21
Necklace: World Market
Earrings: Kohl's


Until tomorrow...
J

I love Peplum!

I swear this is a different black blazer...a girl can never have too many, right? If you look back, you will notice my other black blazer is longer and more of the "boyfriend" style while this one is a bit shorter and more fitted. I actually have a few black blazers that I really do wear regularly. They are SO versatile! Throw one on with a work outfit, over jeans and a t, with a sundress...the possibilities are almost endless! While I don't think one needs multiples of everything (although my closet might disagree), something like a black blazer in different cuts and styles, can really work well in your wardrobe! Not all cuts look good with all outfits. Now, could one live with only one black blazer? Sure! But that's just not as fun is it?? If you had to pick one style, I think a jacket perfectly fitted to your body is the way to go! Moving on...per the title of today's post, I LOVE peplum tops and dresses. I don't have a lot of this style in my closet (so far just the two tops you've seen in this challenge-see day 1), but I think I'll be adding more this fall. They have been hitting the runways since the spring. Even if you could care less about some of the oddities of said runways (some of those outfits REALLY aren't worn by real women), this is a style that anyone can pull off! They are figure flattering, womanly, and bring back a style that make me think of the days of yore (when were they first popular- I'm thinking "Mad Men" times?).  I also kind of want to put on little white wrist gloves when I wear peplum, but somehow that look doesn't fit into my lifestyle! Be bold...add a little peplum to your life!

Today's ensemble:

Pants: Kohl's
Top: Elle for Kohl's
Jacket: H & M
Necklace: Old Navy
Earrings: Kohl's
Bracelet: H &M
Shoes: Simply Vera by Vera Wang for Kohl's 

Day 15

Not up to write much today. I had a day off from work, but let's just say it wasn't for anything fun. I'll be back with more enthusiasm tomorrow.

Today's ensemble:

Dress- Old Navy

Jacket- Express

Shoes- Sole Society

Jewelry- Jackie Ford

Belt- Kohl's

The classics are the best!

Don't you just love classic clothing items like black pants?! Sometimes they can seem like such a boring go-to, when in reality they are a totally blank canvas. The clothing world is their oyster and you are the curator of possibility! The challenge with black pants is to liven them up with colors and accessories. I began dressing this morning in shades of gray (maybe bc I'm reading the last book in a trilogy of the same name OR the fact that it is a bleak, gray day?!). Then I looked in the mirror and thought, "eh, pretty cute", but I am no longer ok with "eh, pretty cute". I now look in the mirror and ask myself "how can I liven this outfit up and make it more fun?" It's usually a lot easier than you think. Keep the basic items the same (I was already wearing a cardi and belt), and swap them out for something with a little more zing! I kept the gray tank and added some fun color! Now I feel so much more energetic and ready to tackle today's rainy Tuesday. The next time you pull out an old, but favorite classic, try to breathe new life into it!





Today's ensemble:
Pants- Kohl's (Daisy Fuentes)
Tank- JC Penney (I Heart Ronson)
Cardigan- Old Navy
Shoes- Nine West
Belt- Old Navy
Jewelry- bracelet & earrings- Kohl's, Watch: Timex Weekender

Until tomorrow...
J

Manic Monday

Totally picked a different outfit last night and then realized this morning that my fabulous ivory linen pants seriously needed some hemming. They were cut for Heidi Klum, not me! Altering is a great way to liven up your closet...try things on and see if maybe you would wear them more (or at all) if they actually fit better!
 I have a bag of pants and skirts waiting to get altered that I love and will wear...when they fit me right. Even a bargain item of clothing can be altered to look much nicer and more suited for your body. Most clothing will not fit perfectly since we are all such different shapes and sizes. Whether it be something you love that used to fit, but because you lost weight is now baggy, a pair of pants that you bought even though they were a tad too long, or a jacket that was the perfect silhouette...on the hanger. An outfit can go from frump-tastic, to runway worthy with a few inches of adjustment. I've even bought something that I loved, though it wasn't quite the right fit, but was on such a good sale that I figured the value of it would still be phenomenal after adding in cost of alteration. Altering doesn't have to break the bank either. I take many of my items to my local dry cleaners and they do a FAB job. I've even taken bridesmaid dresses and they've turned out GREAT! It is usually much cheaper with the same great quality outcome as a place that does only tailoring-though if you have one of those that you love, stick to it!! If it ain't broke, why fix it? For the sake of feeling fabulous, take a peek at your pants, skirts, and jackets to see if you can alter a little more life into them!


Today's ensemble:
Pants: Old Navy
Shirt: Nordstrom
Shoes: Kohl's
Earrings: Old Navy
Bracelets: H & M

Sunday Matinee

All that was on tap for today, other than the usual weekend chores, was a matinee movie date. We went to see the newest Bourne movie, The Bourne Legacy. It was a good flick, but since this isn's a blog to review movies, I'll move on to the outfit of the day!

Today's ensemble:
Dress- Old Navy
Scarf- Ann Taylor Loft
Shoes- Nine West
Jewelry- earrings: can't remember :-(




Until tomorrow...
J

Saturday Surprise

It's late and I'm super sleepy after a long, hectic, but fabulous Saturday. We threw a surprise party for Jack (mom's fiance) for his 60th! She had him out all day, my awesome MIL helped me prep and decorate, and we welcomed him back with a bang! The surprise was a hit and so was the evening! I ran around and set up in very practical casual clothes of course, but here was my official outfit of the day. Still going strong with no repeats!

Today's ensemble:
Shirt- LC by Lauren Conrad for Kohl's ( I LOVE her stuff!)
Shorts- Old Navy
Shoes- Boutique 9 by Nine West (wedges)
Jewelry- Earrings: Charming Charlie's, bangles: Old Navy


Nighty night!

J

Day 10- Casual Americana

There's just something about a chambray shirt that screams classic American attire. It makes me think of the kind of America that you see portrayed in a Ralph Lauren ad! Ha! I'm so glad that these classic denim shirts are making a resurgence. In my opinion, they were never out, but they haven't been trendy in a while either. Of course when you are looking for something to add to your closet, you can never find it. I'd been on the hunt for a cool/cute chambray shirt in just the right color and fit for a while. I came across this one in a consignment store that my step mom, Deb and I go to each time I visit in Scottsdale, AZ. I have found some great treasures there! I love going to good quality consignment/second hand stores, because it helps breathe new life into clothing that someone felt had already served its purpose. It's also kinder to the planet and lightens our carbon foot print! I am still desperate to find some good consignment places here in the DC area- so far not much luck. We've got really high end second hand stores (like "oh wow- what a good deal for that top- it's only $495.00. In Bloomingdale's it's be at least $800.00!" no thank you!) and then the good will-type thrift stores where prices are low, but quality can be too. If anyone out there reading (mostly a small smattering of my good friends) knows of any good second hand stores with good quality AND good bargains, please let me know!

Today's ensemble:
Shirt-  My Sister's Closet (consignment store, Scottsdale, AZ)
Skirt- Old Navy
Belt- Old Navy
Shoes- Old Navy (they are wedges-brown and yellow)
Jewelry- necklace and earrings both Daisy Fuentes from Kohls. It's hard to see the detail, but they are hammered yellow gold in color/texture. Gold bangles- a gift from my good friend, Allie during her moving purge!


So, I'm still under the weather (darn summer cold!), but won't be laying low this weekend. Fun stuff is happening. I'll be able to share some normal weekend wear with you! ;-)

Until tomorrow...
J

Fun with color!

 Oh la la...I'm LOVING my newest Bauble Bar purchse...not to worry I acquired it before the challenge started. As an aside...I haven't mentioned this, but I thought it would be unfair and ruin the integrity of the challenge if I allowed myself to shop and add new pieces during the month of August. So, even though I might be rocking something new, it hasn't been purchased during the month...girl scouts honor! Anyway, back to the necklace...what a fun statement piece! Sometimes you just have to go for it with something big and bold. This necklace is that! Sometimes I build an outfit around an accessory...actually a lot of the time. I adore accessories...from top to bottom...so I use them as inspiration when my clothing seems lackluster. I have been wanting to wear this necklace, but not sure how. What better way to showcase it than during my NORA challenge! This is obviously not something that I'll want to repeat very soon so it's perfect! If you're feeling a lack of dressing inspiration, instead of looking to pants or shirts, look to your jewelry, shoes and scarves. You never know where your new inspiration will take you!

Today's ensemble:

Dress- Elle for Kohl's

Shoes- Sole Society
Necklace- Bauble Bar (no earrings or bracelets today as the necklace was quite enough jewelry!)

Day 8...trucking along

I totally forgot about this dress!! That's one of the many reasons why I'm having SO much fun with this challenge. We seem to always go to the same few outfits/combinations (especially for work). In really looking through my closet,
I'm discovering treasures I had forgotten about. Yes, I know this means I've got too much (welcome to America), but don't worry! Each day I'm more and more motivated to live with less. I actually read something that surprised me. Nina Garcia (Fashion Director of Marie Claire magazine) said it (LOVE her!). She said (and I paraphrase) that she was amazed by how many clothes Americans have and that it actually creates less options and fun within our wardrobes. One would think that a fashion director would hold unattainable expectations for most women to have oodles of clothes, but not her. Although I wonder what her closet looks like! She inspires me often and this idea really inspired me! I wonder how many pieces of clothing I could make into many combinations?!?!? Do I smell another challenge?! I once came across this blog of a girl who wore one dress for a whole YEAR...ONE DRESS!!! She styled it differently every day, layered pieces, tucked it into pants, added scarves, tights and other accessories, etc. It worked! Amazing! Don't think I'd go that far, but it is intriguing!



Today's ensemble:
Dress: Nordstrom Rack (Carole Little)
Jacket: Michael Kors
Shoes: Sole Society
Bracelets: From Allie's closet via moving purging! (Thanks!! ;-))
Earrings: Macy's-can't rem. brand

Day 7 Conference gear

 Heading into the city for a conference... I always layer! You never know if it's going to be freezing inside, even in this hot summer heat. I also choose comfy, but biz casual attire so that I'm comfortable networking. This is a quick one, as I'm heading out!
Jacket: Kohl's, LC by Lauren Conrad
Top: Kohl's, LC by Lauren Conrad
Capris: Kohl's
Shoes: Payless (Not usually a place I shop, but stopped in a few times to check out the new designs from designers like Christian Siriano. These are just a random brand but pretty comfy and cute for payless!)
Jewelry: necklace-Lia Sophia, earrings and bracelet -can't remember :-(

Sporty Spice

Lucky for me, my job sometimes lends itself to casual/sporty attire. My Monday began with me teaching a Seniorcise class so my outfit followed suit. I debated about planning a post-class office ensemble (sometimes I do and sometimes I don't), but just couldn't bring myself to it this AM. SO...I was sure to at least put together a somewhat sassy sporty outfit complete with accessories that I won't repeat! ;-) Tomorrow is back to biz causal as I'll be attending a conference in the city.

Today's breakdown:

T-shirt- Lucy
Capris- Lucy
Watch- Polar FT4 heart rate monitor
Shoes- Puma (P.S. for any workout folks reading this, these are NOT shoes I would actually exercise in! No support and tiny toe box, but they did the trick for my one, low impact senior strength class and most importantly they matched my outfit!)
Earrings- can't remember where they are from :-( They are med silver hoops. I love my hoops so I can't keep track of where I get them all.

See you tomorrow!

J

Straight hair and a summer cold



Day 4- UGH!

I can't just neglect the challenge, so I chose to do it...just a little bit less fabulously. I've been living in my version of  sweat pants this weekend. I've been under the weather with a cold, but feeling badly enough to really lay low and rest up for two days. So here are my Aug 4th and 5th ensembles. I'm in uber-comfy and not all that stylish outfits with absolutely no accessories or makeup. Although Carrie Bradshaw might disagree, when I'm home sick, I'm not rocking pearls! I've been barefoot all weekend as well, wearing plain black old navy flip flops for my very infrequent jaunts out into the world- these WILL NOT find their way back into my outfits for the next 26 days, I promise. So here goes...tomorrow I'll be back to something a little more festive and I'm gonna see if my straight hair will make it!

Sunday, day 5-A little yoga to kickstart my immune system!



Breakdown of fabulous sick wear:

Day 4- t-shirt: Old Navy, capris: Nordstrom

Day 5- ribbed tank:Old Navy, cozy terrycloth palazzos: Target



Rules of Blue

I just LOVE the carefree birds on this necklace so I had to show you the up close detail!

 Day 3...I'm realizing that the first three days of this challenge have me feeling blue...well, wearing it! Not sure why! I do own many more color palates than blue, but I have had a penchant for navy lately. Funny because I used to not really love it nor know how best to wear it. I don't do well with rules so once the whole "navy as a neutral" thing started I was MUCH more comfortable pairing it with whatever I felt like. I especially love wearing it in the summer paired with white! So classic and a touch nautical. I know technically the rule "no white after labor day" is not enforced anymore ;-) but, I still prefer to wear my white between May and August! Being that it is Friday, I figured I'd don my white jeans and fun, breezy, top today.  Here is the breakdown for today's items:

Top-Old Navy
Jeans: Nordstrom (Kut )
Shoes- Payless
Necklace/earrings-Kohl's

Are you holding on to fun summer clothes and waiting for the perfect moment to wear them? Why isn't today perfect? Don't let the summer months pass you by having not worn all of your sundresses, wedges and tanks! If your work is slightly more relaxed than the traditional biz-casual attire, bring some of your weekend wear into the office. Happy dressing!!

XO
J

Day 2- The NORA Project

Funny enough, as much as I love clothes, picking out an outfit in the morning can be especially challenging and groan-worthy to me. However, even though it's only day 2, I was excited to pick my ensemble this AM- and I even picked the main part of it last night. Even though this is meant to be silly fun, I think it might actually help me to be more proactive about getting my clothes together in advance thus saving me precious time and tears in the closet in the AM! One thing that I've thought about highlighting here and not on FB is the fact that I consider myself a bit of a budget fashionista! :-) Anyone who knows me, knows I love to shop...for a good bargain! Many folks can't believe that something I've put together is from places like Old Navy, Target, Forever 21! Well to me, that's part of the fun! However, there are some pieces (like jeans) that I just won't compromise on- higher end jeans make the bootie look SOOOOO much better! I know I could buy fewer pieces from really high quality brands (and I do have some of those of course), but I love being able to shop frequently and add new fun, trendy pieces to my wardrobe. I also believe that I style them in a way that highlights what looks good about them and may make them look more pricey than they are! I've never been about flaunting labels or the latest runway fashion anyway, but I think I can still stay on trend and not break the bank!



Today's ensemble:
Dress: Old Navy
Shoes: Target
Belt: Kohl's
Necklace and Earrings: Bauble Bar

A Month...Maybe More of NO REPEATS!

Day one...No repeat August...AKA "The NORA Project" (it sounds better than "The NRA project"!! Joking with a friend (thank you, Corn!), we were wondering how long I could go without repeating an outfit. I think I could go a VERY long time (I'm not necessarily proud of this). So, we crafted a challenge...there's no reward or real reason- just to SEE what happens. For the month of August, my goal will be to not repeat any outfits. However, this challenge seemed a little too easy for me. So, my ACTUAL challenge is to not repeat ANYTHING! Earrings..shoes...clothing...maybe underwear- that's not a part of the challenge. :-) We'll see how it goes and I'll post my outfits here and on FB. Something fun to challenge my fashion creativity as well as help me recognize how much I can get rid of!! If August goes well, I'll keep it going for as long as I can! Who's with me?!?! Let's see how this goes...