Week 4: Closet Challenge

This week was COLD and I lost my will to dress nicely! I didn't number many of the days this week because quite a few days are re-worn outfits.

Friday Evening I went on a shopping trip with my friend. I was able to stay "focused" and not be drawn to "pretty things" that I would never wear or sale prices. You can see my purchase below and it is now easily my favorite outfit. I also bought another pair of leggings with black leather panels on the front and knit on the back. Saturday afternoon I bought a pair of black booties and brown booties. Slowly, I am building the wardrobe I want.

I also bought a black leather moto jacket that was on sale at Dillards.

Lastly, I signed up at Thred Up and bought too much stuff! When it comes in, I will show it off!
Thred Up is a company that has high quality second hand clothes. You can sell your clothes or buy the clothes in the store. By using the link above, you will receive a $10.00 credit on your first purchase and they sent me several deals to my email including a 25% and 40% off code. I chose to use the 40% off and was able to purchase double the items I would have normally!  If the clothes don't fit right, I can send the clothes back for free and receive my money back. Check them out! THey have some pretty cute things, and keep your eye out. I am about to add 40+ items to their store.

Day 19: Valentines Day: Night out with Friends



















Asymmetrical sweater: Ralph Lauren
Tribal leather leggings: Nygard Slims


**Sunday and Monday/ Snow Day not pictured:

Day 20: Tuesday:





















Black cardigan:
Green sweater: Ann Taylor
Herringbone dress pants: Ann Taylor
New booties.


Day That doesn't count b/c its a re-wear: Tuesday/ Wear new outfit to work day; however, I subbed the tribal pants with the paneled leggings and wore my new booties.

Day that Doesn't count:  Another "rewear". I just really wanted to be warm and comfortable!

Purple sweater: BCBGMAX cardigan

Day That doesn't count: Not pictures/ rewire

Skinny jeans

black blazer

grey tee

Day 21: Saturday/ Son's ballgames in Tulsa

Mixed media sweater:

Skinny jeans

New brown booties

Week 3: Closet Challenge

Something finally came over me and I threw out 20+ pairs of pants/ slacks.  Most of these were way too big for me.  I must have either bought them when I was up a few pounds or they were my "Hey! ITs on sale, who cares that they are 2 sizes too big".  This terrible habit is exactly why I started the blog and my Stitch Fix journey.  I should feel better.  I should feel purge-tastic, but I don't. I love some of those pants. The textures in them are beautiful, but I need to stick to the fact that the fit is the most important thing, right? lol.  From now on I am not allowed to buy something unless it is my size! Is anyone else guilty of this? (Confession: I do this with shoes too. lol).
Confessional Time:
The worst part? I still have plenty of pants in my closet after purging these.

Day 14: Monday Fun-day

After I made my collage today, I realized that my outfit looks a lot like Day 13. I guess I'm getting consistent? lol.

I have to admit that the magical pants I bought from Stitch Fix did not seem quite as magical this morning. I threw them on and looked in the mirror. Those pants definitely fit well. The rise is a little low and I definitely needed a belt so I wouldn't have to worry today. The grey top was a little short and it was uncomfortable to worry about the tee-shirt's length through out the day; however, I felt really good wearing this.

Black Blazer

Grey cut-out shirt

Black 1961 pants

Day 15: Tuesday

Victoria Beckham (left photo) is just the epitome of class and fashion. Of course, once again, I did not magically turn into her; however, she is definitely inspiring my clothing lately.

The beautiful red pants provided that pop of color that I was wanting. The bad news is that, once again, they proved to be way too big. There wasn't a belt loop and so I couldn't bring them in at the waist at all. They were one of those bargain finds that I am guilty of buying. Today was the first time I have ever worn them. It is also probably the last. I liked the color and look they provided, but once again, I was so uncomfortable, I don't want to wear them again.
Red Pants: Nicole Miller- PURGE
White Blouse: Black Rainn-- KEEP
Leather/Knit Jacket: Tahari- KEEP

Carter had his first tennis practice that night and I wanted to transform the look and be more comfortable without changing very much.

I added the red pants to the purge pile of 20+ pants and threw on my grey leggings and brown boots.

<--This is the most I've ever liked that white blouse before. Its really pretty with skinnies. Not sure what I've been pairing it with, but its a KEEP.

Wal-ah. Much more comfy and just feel better. Wish I had worn this outfit all day at work today!

Day 16: Bi-polar Weather/ Cold Front Returns

This military long sweater is my "go to" for just wanting to be warm and comfy. I usually pair it with corduroys, but today I wore brown leggings.

I was never warm enough to take off the sweater.

I didn't feel amazing in this outfit, but maybe everyday isn't about feeling amazing… I don't know. I can't purge this outfit, but it probably isn't one of my faves anymore :)

Shirt: Karen Kane: KEEP
Military Sweater: Style&Co: KEEP
Brown Leggings: Chicos: KEEP




Day 17: Thursday/ Cold & Long Work Day!

I went into today knowing 2 things. That the temperature was going to be literally freezing and that my day was booked solid with my work and other class's scheduled to come into my room. Knowing I would be running around, I just really wanted to be comfortable.

I had "pinned" a few outfits that had structured blazers with sequin tops under them with dress pants. Usually i think "night out" when it comes to sequins, but i thought the look was really nice today.


Military Jacket: INC: KEEP
Sequin Top: Express: KEEP
Pants: Anne Taylor: KEEP



Day 18: FRIDAY, Class Skypes and Vday Parties

Another full day  of running around and knew I'd need to be comfortable. I love this outfit. The pop of color from the cardigan, and I'm not sure you can tell, but the zipper is unique. Instead of buttons, it zips both ways to create different looks. If I zipped the bottom part, it would look more like a long v-neck sweater. Its one of my favorite finds :)

Sweater: BCBGMAX: KEEP









I can't believe I've stuck with this for 18 days!  I know I'm the only one reading these, but it really does seem to help me stream-line my looks. Even if I think I love something-- the pictures give me a totally different perception. 

Week 2: Closet Challenge

Last week I realized how insanely "tied" to my clothes I am -- even the ones I don't wear. I really had trouble "purging". This was the entire reason for the blog and daily challenge and I couldn't say good bye to anything!

NEW CLOSET/ "PURGING" RULES
I have shown last week that I am incapable of "purging" unwanted clothes. There were several questionable articles of clothing that I wasn't able to say goodbye to for whatever reason.  To help this dilemma, I took every article of clothing that I wasn't excited about and moved it into the guest bedroom closet. I kept the ones I have convinced myself that I love and will try to work those first into  my daily fashion picture challenges. If I find I do not love something-- it can move to the guest bedroom too. This way-- I am cleaning out my closet and technically "purging" even if it is just to another side of my house. I can worry about that closet this summer!

After moving 1/2 my clothes into the other closet, I immediately felt better. There was room to see all of my clothes. That was nice. I even started doing my little OCD thing of color coding and organizing by sleeve length (I haven't had space in my closet to do that in years)..… the world seemed better again. (lol).

Church Day: Day 7
This day ended up being one of my favorites. I don't wear this peplum top as much as I should. My sons gave me the necklace last mother's day and I bet I have only worn it three times this year. Anyway, today's challenge was wearing a skinny legging without fully covering the bum. I have never done that before, but I ended up feeling adorable. Loved this outfit.

Red Peplum (Ralph Lauren) KEEP
Blk Military Peplum (INC) KEEP
Blk Leggins (Chino) KEEP
Blk Boots (BCBG) KEEP

Day 8:
Maybe the closest day I've come to looking like an inspiration picture and that made me happy. I felt great in this, warm and comfy.  Perfect outfit on a cold day.

Chevron Sweater: (INC)  KEEP
White tank (GAP) KEEP
Everything else has been pictured.








Day 9:
Today's challenge was to wear a black jacket and convince myself that wearing brown boots with it was okay. We were raised to never do this, but I've see it all over the Pinterest boards and like how it doesn't just saturate the outfit with black. The tan boots lighten the look.  3 days in a row of being super happy with my look? AMAZING!

Black leather/knit jacket: (Alfani) KEEP
White tee (Fabrizio Gianni) KEEP
Red corduroy skinnies (Kut from the Kloth) KEEP
Brown boots   KEEP



DAY 10: 
I was getting too confident and had to be brought back down to reality today. Today reminded me that somedays are just harder than others.  I couldn't go to sleep until almost 3am the night before and woke up exhausted.  Sometimes don't we just think we look how we feel? I had planned on wearing black dress pants with this beautiful grey cashmere cardigan.
1st pair -- way too big.
2nd pair -- big.
3rd pair -- knit skinnies-- didn't look quite right.
*my metallic black pants were too thin and I'd freeze.
(I look over to my Stitch Fix box and consider pulling out the DL1961s but I haven't fully convinced myself into buying them and therefore left them alone.)
4th pair--big/ but not too terrible.
WINNER--> "not too terrible".
Isn't that exactly what this blog was made to avoid? However, in the heat of a rushed morning-- my fashion goals didn't matter. I just needed an outfit and to make it to work on time and so far it was looking like I wouldn't accomplish either.
Looking back: I should have put on the Stitch Fix DL1961s.  The black dress pants I put on started out a "not too terrible" and a little big, but they just grew and sagged more throughout the day. It felt awful- as if they were hanging off me. When I arrived home, I very happily added them along with pants #1 and #2 to be folded neatly away in the guest bedroom closet. Of course, I can't "purge" them! Thy are perfectly good pants, right? lol. However, I am pretty sure I never want to see them again.  Yesterday I owned 3 pairs of black dress pants and today I have none.

Grey cashmere cardigan (Vince) KEEP
Blk sheer/jersey tee ( Tahari ) KEEP
Blk dress pants (Ann Taylor) PURGE



**Side note: I went ahead and bought the DL1961s that evening. So now, I have 1 pair of black knit skinnies and these black leather like pants.**

Day 11: Winter Weather Alert = Jeans Day at work!
How I wish I had waited on yesterday's outfit. That cardigan and tee would look precious with jean skinnies… All I know is I want to be WARM. Below freezing temps and high wind = terrible. Today was a busy day! I spent the day International Mystery Skyping with middle schoolers and working on the school yearbook in between my regular classes. I needed something that was warm, comfortable, but that I could be proud wearing. I think this outfit worked perfectly and I'm thankful to be more comfortable than I was yesterday.






Orange Military Wool blazer (Gianni Binni) KEEP
Cream tank with sequin side (Worthington  )  KEEP
Structured jeans (David Kahn ) KEEP
Gray books (Born) KEEP


Day 12: It's Friday!

Today I threw on black/grey leggings. I always forget I have these. They feel better than my other ones, but aren't as strong of a black. I just really wanted to have the ease and comfort a Friday should bring. Pretty simple and comfy outfit!

Beige Cardigan (BCBGMAZAZRIA)
White tee (Mossimo)
Black leggings (Kut from the Kloth)
Black boots (UGGS)











Day: 13: Saturday!
Kaden had a basketball game which I would normally wear sweats too, but we had a football draft (closing season) get-together and so I went ahead and "got ready".  Part of the minimal chic look that I like is the fact that you look polished, but comfortable. My outfit today fit this to a T and represents who I want to be fashion-wise. Simple-clean-polished.

Black cardigan -- INC-- KEEP
Grey tee - Merona - KEEP
Skinny Jeans and boots already cited above :)

The end of week 2!!!

#OTC (OutTofControl)

Hello,

My name is Alyssa. I have a problem. Like serious issues. It all began with a New Year's Resolution to rid my closet of unworn and unwanted items. I call it "purging". However, it is not going as planned. The last 2 weeks have been filled with more clothes purchases than my last 6 months. Oh well. 

RECAP:

So on the last post I told you about a company called Stitch Fix and gave my review of the items they sent me HERE.  I have been creating my Inspiration Pinterest Board HERE. I have been using that inspiration board and trying to mix and match my own clothing to update my look. HERE is how that is going. 

UPDATE:

Inspired by my Pinterest board, I now see basic pieces that I need:

1. Pair of black "dress" pants (long story -- that post is coming this weekend).

2. Basic long tees/tanks for layering. 

3. Tunic tee or sweater

4. Booties

5. Beige/Black flats

6. White pant (skinny or wide)

7. Belts

8. Cross front top (hi/ low) like THIS

So, last week I bought a black/knit zip up jacket  a cashmere cardigan and an (unpictured) black blazer styled cardigan. Okay. Not too bad. 

Then my Stitch Fix came in -- and dang! Those pants!!! So thats 2 purchases in a week…. and this came today.

Hmmmmm. Bags from Target.
Did I order something?

#guilty

One thing I noticed on my Pinterest board was that I lacked basic tees. And the tees I do have aren't very long. So, yep. Target had these bad boys for $8.50. SOLD

I am super picky about the way things feel. I need my shirts to be soft and have a little stretch in them. I beyond hate a stiff cotton. Like hate. I owned one Merona tee shirt and remembered how soft it was and checked them out HERE. They had several other shirts, but since I knew I loved the one I had I was only interested in shirts that had the same material. I'm partial to a deep V-neck. 

I'm going to be honest with you now. I could wear this shirt in a snug size M or comfy XL. Its all about how you want it to fit. On my Pinterest page I noticed that the "looks" I like have a looser and longer fit than the way I've been wearing them so I went out on a limb and bought all XLs. I figured with the stretch it wouldn't be a big deal. If it was, I could send them back. 

I'm in love. This tee isn't too tight and drapes over my hips loosely. Its exactly what I wanted. B/C I chose a larger size, the Vneck is deeper and the length is longer.

I would be comfortable layering these under a blazer or wearing them as-is to work and am currently fighting the urge to buy more…. but seriously $8.50?

…and then I got a little carried away

But they were buy 1 get one 1/2 off. I love that they have the gladiator look without going overboard and I am all things zipper. LOVE. 

So that's how my day went. 

I'm officially broke :)

Maybe I should start a gofundme to keep the blog going? 

If you are looking for my Stich Fix Review --> GO HERE

**OTC reference. I don't know if its a common slang or not, but my friend Jessica in Lawton said it to me once and I thought it was hilarious and it became a part of my everyday vocabulary. OTC = OutTofControl :)

1st Stitch Fix Review: Thanks "Kristin"!

After years of studying every episode of TLC's "What Not to Wear" and dreaming of the day Stacy and Clinton would take me under wing (but never did), Stitch Fix seemed like just the thing for me.
The company stands as a fashion retailer that blends styling to give you a personalized experience. It reminds me of how my grandmother only had certain people she would buy from in stores back in the era when customer service mattered. Stitch Fix promises that same feel in a modern way.

The steps are easy:

1. Fill out a personal style survey. This includes your likes, dislikes, and size range. They will show you pictures of clothes and you choose how much you like the styling. You also can choose the price range for the pieces and the types of accessories & clothing you would like to receive. You can also include a personal note to your stylist and include your Pinterest inspiration board so they can get a better feel for you.

2. Schedule the date you'd like to receive your Stitch Fix. You can select anything from "monthly" or "every 3 months" to scheduling only when you tell it to.

3. $20.00 will be deducted for your "styling fee" when your items ship.  Your box comes to your doorstep (they pay for Fed Ex and give you a tracking number which is nice).

4. Buy what you want by logging into your account and ship the rest back in a prepaid package. If you choose to buy an item, your $20.00 styling fee can be subtracted from the amount of that purchase. If you buy all 5 items, you receive 25% off your entire purchase.  Check out more info on their website here. And just signing up using this link does not obligate you for anything. They will not ship you anything until you choose the shipping date :)

So to review: 
You fill out forms, they look at your Pinterest board, yada yada yada… 5 articles of clothing arrive at your house.

Here is my personal Stitch Fix Inspiration Board made for "my" stylist.   CLICK HERE 
Here is my 2015 attempt to style the clothing I have and document: CLICK HERE
Items Stitch Fix has shipped to me. CLICK HERE
To sign up for Stitch Fix: CLICK HERE

ENOUGH OF THE PROCESS. WHAT DID I GET!!????

I saw a few positive posts on Facebook from friends of mine that I trust about Stitch Fix. I'm not one to sit back and think about things and so I signed up right away.  I have spent hours soul searching and carefully making my Pinterest Inspiration Board, googling shopping websites, and reading Stitch Fix blogs.  Most experiences I've read have been positive (a friend of mine bought 4 of the 5 pieces shipped to her last week!) but a few have felt the stylist didn't take the time to really get to know them or look at their board. I prepared myself for the worst. If I opened my box and found girly articles, scarfs, etc. (which I think are adorable on other people, but for some reason not me) I would know right away they didn't listen or look at my Pinterest board…

So, (drumroll)
Here is what I received.

 

A beautiful box with a (what I thought to be) very personal note to me. She referenced my Pinterest board (which I was worried she wouldn't even take the time to look at) and chose articles she felt I would like due to the board. That made an excellent first impression on me.

LOVED my little note :)

I saw the fabric of what I knew would be my very favorite item immediately. The DL1961 black pants she referenced. These skinnies with a wax/leather looking sheen gave me an appropriate substitute for the leather skinny jeans that fill my Pinterest board. Besides, I really couldn't afford true leather and the thought of "pleathor" wasn't an overly exciting substitute. These fit like a glove. They are not as "mid rise" as I would like, but not "low rise" either. They are extremely comfortable and are everything that I would want out of a leather looking black pant…until I looked at the price. WOWSERS. So much for putting my suggested price range on the survey.  These puppies weren't even in spitting distance of that; however, KRISTIN knows best…I have to believe she knew I'd love them. Do I really love them that much? I think I might… Either way, I am really grateful to be aware of the brand now (and watch for sales in the future) lol.
JURY IS STILL OUT / THINKING IT OVER...
pretty sure they are staying in my house , though.

The second item that caught my attention was a beautiful sweater cardigan made by RD Style.  I loved how long it was. As a tall female, nothing is ever truly "long" for me.

I really did love this, but I am a researcher. As I looked at similar cardigans online they averaged $40.00 less than this sweater (even designer brands which are on sale right now) and although I may regret it -- I think it is going back.

If I were not so sold on the expensive pants above, I could maybe justify the expense, but unfortunately (and probably regrettably):
SENDING BACK.

The next sweater was lovely. Truly lovely.

Market & Spruce Taber Foldover 3/4 Sleeve Sweater. And (no surprise) that I wanted it. Do I really have to pay for it? 

**Side note, you can kind of see the skinny pants here and in the pics below. Black is such a hard color to photograph. Just take my word for it: I love them.

Back to the sweater -- It gives that off-the-shoulder look but it was solidly in place and I didn't have to worry about it moving around. It fit in a flattering way without being too clingy.  Curse you Stitch Fix. Another item that I regrettably have to send back. 

I'm thinking now that I could get the 2 sweaters or the pants, but I think I really do love the pants enough to say no to this sweater as well. 

-->look how cute it is!!!
Not fair.
SENDING BACK

This Daniel Rainn shirt was described as "Judy Split Neck Blouse". I put it on, and once again, I wanted it.  I appreciated that it had a cap sleeve which made it appropriate for work, and it drapes loosely off the skin which provides a nice contrast to the black skinnies (softening their look.) I really appreciated the length of this shirt and it was so light weight that it felt like it wasn't even there.  It was cute on its own, but really brilliant when I threw a cardigan or a blazer over it.   This was my 4th favorite item, but I really liked it.
REGRETFULLY SENDING BACK DUE TO NOT HAVING ENOUGH $$$.




1st impression -- loved the teal/green muted color & loved the key hole.  The brand was  41 Hawthorn "Byron Keyhole Tab Sleeve Blouse".   I don't know whether to be excited "they get me" and have to be disciplined and limit my purchases or frustrated that I am not quite as mysterious as I like to think.  The shirt (although beautiful) hits me a little short (#tallgirlproblems) and I am really sensitive to the way things feel. This shirt is more of a silk feel and I tend to stay away from those shirts for no other reason than I don't as feel comfortable in them.
RETURNING


WHAT I LEARNED: 

• I went into this thinking I might only like 1 item; therefore, I chose higher price points. Never did I ever consider that I would like all of them.  The first thing I will do is go back and change my price points to lower amounts. The (most likely) purchase of the expensive pants made it almost impossible for me to consider another item-- even though I definitely wanted 2-3 of them.  The note I wrote to the stylist gave an overall broad feel for what I like (minimal chic with a little edge was the closest definition I could get to "me" ). In the future, I plan on asking for specific pieces I know that I need. Right now I am in DIRE need of long tees or tanks.

• She did consider my needs and looked at my Pinterest board.  I don't have a common style for this part of the world and this could have easily been a "miss".  Although the styling of these items (they send you recommended ways to wear the clothes) made me giggle and did not fit my style, the pieces she sent me did and that made me extremely happy.  I tried to keep my looks on my Pinterest board uniform. In other words if you have ruffles and lace and leather and chains -- how are they supposed to understand what you want? You are hit and miss.  I think there is a lot of uniformity into the outfits I posted on Pinterest and I think that helped my stylist see what direction I am trying to go. Keep it simple & make sure it is all things you would truly want.

OVERALL: 

• I will be a returning customer as long as they continue to try and understand me and work to help me.
• I am pretty blown away that the pants fit on their first try with me (I can't even find pants that fit after 5 hours of shopping) and that I liked all the clothes they sent me.

RESULT:

• Although I liked all the items, there is only 1 item I "can't live without" and will most likely buy those stink'n pants. :) That is the item that is all over my Pinterest board and the 1 item that really flows with my Pinterest collection helping me to build the "Minimal Chic" wardrobe I am trying for.
• I think I will regret not buying the grey sweater, but a girl only has so much money.
• I am now aware of a new brand of pants (that I know fit well) so when I see sales online-- I can consider them.

I'm already excited about next month's shipment. I will have to schedule it after my bday money comes in and not before!!!

Here are my links again :)

Here is my personal Stitch Fix Inspiration Board made for "my" stylist.   CLICK HERE 
Here is my 2015 attempt to style the clothing I have and document: CLICK HERE
Items Stitch Fix has shipped to me. CLICK HERE
To sign up for Stitch Fix: CLICK HERE