Summer Remix Challenge Recap

I'll be the first to say that I could have done a little better with this month's summer remix challenge.  Wellllll, maybe I could have done a lot better.  I will give myself some credit for 1) linking up each week - even if I was a few days late, and 2) creating over 30 outfits with my 20 pieces - even if I just swapped completer pieces with basic outfits.  I mean, no need to reinvent the wheel, right?

When I decided to do this challenge,  I had a lot of good intentions.  I even started a blog to document my outfits and have something to link back to.  I wanted to do a good job by posting daily outfit photos on Instagram.  I also wanted to create a uniform layout of a weekly collage of outfits for each week's link up.  Although not all of that took place, I did my best with what time and resources were available to me, because the bottom line is, life happens.  Because I'm a teacher, I get to spend my summer at home with my kids, and that means I need mom-friendly outfits.  Looking back on this challenge, I found that I gravitated towards my t-shirts and my pants and shorts.  Those pieces are just so much more practical when you're bending over tying shoelaces, picking up crying children, and cleaning up all kinds of messes.  I threw in a few dresses for church and special occasions and I guess I could've worn them more, but most days it was a comfy momma outfit for chores and running around with the kids.  I also found that I didn't wear my tanks as much as I thought I would.   

What I love about Caitlin and her blog, Greater Than Rubies, is that she helps women (like myself) to realize that life is more than just a "to do list."  Her weekly "Remix Rewear Restyle" link up is a challenge to do just that: remix pieces we already have in our closets, rewear pieces to get more use out of them, and restyle pieces to create other fun looks!  Because of Caitlin and other style bloggers who have similar goals, I have learned to be content with what I do have.  I don't have to spend a ton of money and I don't have to own a lot of clothes to look put together.  The style tips I've learned have helped me to be comfortable with what I'm wearing, which then helps to motivate me to do the things I need to do, and also frees me up to do the things I want to do.
 

Before I end with a few more outfit photos to wrap up this challenge, I want to say thank you to Caitlin for being such a great friend (IRL!) and accountability partner these past few years.  I just can't put into words how you've encouraged and inspired me in so many ways.  Your posts and articles are about so much more than "style."  You truly are a woman after God's own heart!
 

Outfit 1:  white jeans + white tee + olive cargo vest + leopard slides
Occasion: A day at the zoo with the kiddos!

Outfit 2:  navy tee + coral cords + denim flats (added denim jacket)
Occasion: chores at home, then dinner and bookstore with the fam

Outfit 3: olive tee + denim shorts + cognac flats
Occasion:  shopping with my daughter and then family time

 

Now stick a fork in me; I'm done.


P.S.  Linking up with Greater Than Rubies, The Pleated Poppy, Tucker Up, Get Your Pretty On, and The Modern Austen!

Summer Remix Challenge Week 4

I mentioned last week that I was starting to give up on this challenge.  There were so many things going on and I hadn't kept up with photos or blog posts.  As all of that was happening, I began to notice some things about my life and why I decided to do the challenge in the first place.  Despite all the craziness, I am still here, on link up day with my take on week 4 of the summer remix challenge hosted by Greater Than Rubies.

One of the reasons why I wanted to do this challenge was so that I could learn to be content with the items I already have in my closet.  Taking 20 pieces of clothing and putting together 30 outfits may sound like a challenge, but it really isn't.  I've learned that if you own a variety of pieces, the possibilities are endless.  Today I wanted to illustrate how you can change the look of a basic outfit just by changing completer pieces.  Completer pieces are items like a cardigan, jacket, or vest.  Here are some collages I put together with my summer remix pieces.  All of them start with the same basic outfit.

Basic outfit 1:  black maxi dress

So far I've only worn this maxi dress once with my denim jacket. However, I can easily wear any one of my completer pieces for a completely different look.  Four different looks!  Easy peasy!

Basic outfit 2: white capris + polka dot tank

Because this outfit is black and white, you can pretty much wear any of these completer pieces with it.  First, a denim jacket goes with practically everything.  Olive is considered another neutral, so the vest would look good, too. The coral cardigan would give this outfit a color pop.  Last, the paisley kimono cardigan would be a fun way to pattern mix and because it's also black and white, it wouldn't be such an extreme contrast.

Basic outfit 3: denim jeggings + cream tank top

Once again, because this outfit is so neutral, any one of the completer pieces works.  My first go-to would be the coral cardigan to give it some color.  I also like the olive military vest to mix a masculine piece with the feminine silky top.  Denim on denim is acceptable nowadays, especially when you put a dark and light shade together.  The kimono can also work with this outfit since both tops are drapey and flowy.

Basic outfit 4: black shorts + "radiant orchid" crocheted tank top

I've only worn this top once so far.  Because of the vibrant color, I personally wouldn't wear it with all these completer pieces, but you definitely could. Again, the denim jacket is a no-brainer and the masculine olive vest would contrast the feminine crocheted top.  The coral cardigan would be a fun way to play with color blocking, and the kimono would be a subtle pattern mix.

And there you have it!  Sixteen different looks!  Well, really you have twenty different looks when you count the basic outfit.  You can multiple the number of outfits just by adding a few completer pieces!  This the kind of math an English teacher can handle!

Linking up with Greater Than Rubies for Remix Rewear Restyle and Fizz and Frosting for Mix It Monday!

My First Sewing Project: Kimono Cardigan

I lied.  This is not my first sewing project.  However, this is my first sewing project in over two decades.  That should count for something right?  I haven't touched a sewing machine since 8th grade Home Economics when I almost failed the "threading the machine" test.  I learned how to sew an apron and a drawstring bag that semester, but it was such a tedious, time-consuming, altogether frustrating experience that I subconsciously told myself I would never sew anything again.

My mother-in-law (my kids call her Grammie) has always enjoyed sewing - especially quilting.  My sister-in-law and her friends started meeting for a sewing class with her once a week.  I was, of course, invited, but I had no intention of ever joining.  Until now.  Actually let me clarify.  Until Pinterest. 

To make a long story short, I kept seeing all these super cute DIY/sewing tutorials getting pinned on the boards of the crafty people I follow.  One of my favorite style bloggers is Merrick of Merrick's Art and she posts a bunch of amazing sewing tutorials.  One that really caught my eye and looked simple enough was her kimono cardigan tutorial.  All you had to do was cut some material, sew some stitches in a few places and voila!  For a beginner like myself it wasn't that easy, but once Grammie taught me the basics - she really is an outstanding teacher - I got the hang of it and had a lot of fun!  I can't wait to start on another sewing project!

Since I already have a black and white paisley kimono cardigan, I chose a colorful floral material for summer, but could also be worn in the fall.  What I also love about this trend is that it's a lightweight cardigan, perfect for summer weather when they crank up the AC indoors and it's sweltering hot outside. 

Yes, I really did wear this outfit today.  Our local Friends of the Library is having one of their huge book sales downtown this weekend.  It's something that our little family attends almost religiously.  I wore my kimono with comfy momma style basics: a white tee, denim shorts, and neutral sandals.  Adding the kimono gave my outfit an artsy feel; perfect for browsing books at the eclectic used bookstore pre-sale party for Friends of the Library members only.

Do you sew?  What is your favorite DIY project?  

Linking up with  The Modern Austen, Get Your Pretty On, Mix and Match Fashion and Phiphi's Blog!

Summer Remix Challenge Week 3

Week 3 of the summer remix challenge proved to be a challenge indeed.  I fell behind on my blogging schedule because of some unexpected circumstances, but they were good surprises that helped me to remember why I started this blog in the first place. 

Last Monday, Mr. How whisked us away to Oklahoma City for a spontaneous road trip to celebrate our ten year anniversary. (Here in "Blogland" I will refer to my husband as Mr. How because I called him that for four years before we were married. You see, we met while teaching at the same school; he taught second grade and I taught third grade.  My reference to him as Mr. How is an affectionate one.)

Why OKC you ask?  Our good friend, J.T., who performed our wedding ceremony now lives there, so we were able to spend some time with him and his wife.  On the morning of our anniversary we went to a little park near our hotel and J.T. performed an intimate (read: just us) ceremony and we renewed our wedding vows.  It was a gorgeous day - 80 degrees in the middle of July is unheard of!

You can probably tell from the photo above that I was in tears, as J.T. gave us the chance to remember our wedding day and reflect on the things that God has taught us over the past ten years.  Since then we have moved from the West Coast to the South, changed careers, and purchased our dream home.  Our biggest and most significant change has of course been the addition of two children to our little How family.  As we renewed our wedding vows, we also had the opportunity to tell each other what we have learned to appreciate about the other.  One thing I appreciate about Mr. How is that he provides for our children and me.  Even though I work and my paycheck contributes to our family finances, I still submit to him as the head of our household.  We make many of our decisions together, however, he ultimately carries our burdens, and I'm thankful for the wisdom he uses to decide what is best for our family.  Because of this, I want to be a woman/wife/mother who uses wisdom, too.  I need to use my time wisely and also spend wisely.  

When I started this blog I wasn't exactly sure what I would write about.  I knew I wanted to document my "style journey" and I never thought I'd learn so much along the way.  For example, this summer remix challenge is teaching me, in more ways than one, to trust Him and to be content. It's also helped me to live a simpler life and to be a better steward of what I own.  I've also met some really neat women/wives/mothers who have similar situations (read: struggles) as I do and we've been able to encourage each other and provide accountability. 

I did not take outfit photos during the 3 days we were out of town.  Two of those days were spent traveling so I wore other pieces, although I did pack several of my summer remix challenge pieces.  (I'll try to do another post about travel outfits and packing another time.)

I wore this first outfit on our actual anniversary which was on Tuesday.  I've had this dress since our first anniversary.  It's one of my favorites because it's a simple design and I love all the colors in it.  I've been able to wear it with several different colored completer pieces for several different occasions.  I paired it with my denim jacket because it was cooler that day and it was what I had packed.  It dawned on me that a white denim jacket would have been appropriate for a wedding vow renewal and would also make a good addition to my closet.

Outfit 1: denim jacket + printed dress + neutral sandals

Occasion:  wedding anniversary vow renewal and sightseeing with family

I don't know about y'all but it was kinda overcast and rainy in our neck of the woods this week.  On Thursday I was happy to have this 3/4 sleeve tshirt in my remix. I paired it with white capris and yellow flats to keep myself cheerful on such a gloomy day.

Outfit 2: white capris + striped tee + yellow flats

Occasion: chores then Bunko ladies night

Again, it was kinda chilly most of the week so my trusty denim jacket made its appearance in several of my outfits. 

Outfit 3: denim jacket + coral cords + polka dot tank top + leopard slides

Occasion:  day with the family then evening with visiting relatives

Easy peasy comfy momma style right here.

Outfit 4:  denim jacket + tshirt dress + neutral sandals

Occasion:  sightseeing downtown with relatives including the splash pad for the kids

This was the first time I wore this maxi dress.  I picked it up at the Loft Outlet on our road trip to San Antonio.  It was an extra small petite and fit me perfectly so I snatched it up.  I'm looking forward to remixing it for other occasions. 

Outfit 5:  denim jacket + maxi dress + sandals

Occasion:  church

Because I did choose a lot of neutral pieces for my remix I knew I was going to have to incorporate accessories for color.  I've been adding more colored shoes to my wardrobe and thought red would go well with this black and white outfit. 

Outfit 6:  black shorts + polka dot tank top + red flats

Occasion:  hanging out with family

Again, it took me a few days to get this post out because more unexpected things happened this week.  And again, it was all good, so I'll share more next time!  Have a great rest of the week!

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy and Tucker Up for What I Wore Wednesday!

Summer Remix Challenge Week 2

Welcome to week 2 of my summer remix challenge!  Please allow me give you a little recap of what I'm doing here.  For the month of July I'm challenging myself to take just 20 pieces of clothing and create 30 different outfits.  I love challenges like these because they help me realize that I don't need a lot of clothes and that I can shop my own closet and be content with what I already own.

This week I volunteered in the kitchen at my church's VBS, so my mornings were busy prepping snacks and serving the kids.  I needed comfy clothes every morning and for 4 of the 5 days, I put on clothes from my 20 pieces.  I wasn't feeling 100% though, so I didn't get around to outfit photos every day.  But because this challenge is about coming up with 30 outfit from my 20 pieces, I was still able to do that so I do have a week'a worth of outfits today.  Here ya go!

I did wear this olive tee and black shorts to VBS.  (We wore a costume over our clothes all week.)  Even though this is a super casual comfy outfit, I dressed it up with yellow flats, a yellow statement necklace, and my fedora for running errands later that day.

I did a blog post here on the next few pictures.  I decided to do a "one outfit three ways" dealio by changing out my shoes and completer pieces with a basic white tee and striped skirt. 

I also did a blog post on the next two outfits here.  Another thing I've learned is how to find "remixable" shirts that can be worn with jeans AND colored bottoms.  Here's my take using this gray and white striped tee:

This last outfit is not put together in this photo but I wanted to share how I've learned to dress for occasions like this.  On Saturday a friend and I were able to spend the majority of the day at the nearby amusement/water park - sans kids - something I have not done in 6 years!  (By the way my son is 6 years old.  So yeah.)  We spent the day in our comfy momma swim suits then changed for the Steven Curtis Chapman concert that night.  It was super hot that day so I wore my white tee and black shorts.  Then that evening when it got cooler, I wore my kimono.  I was able to tie it on my purse like a scarf until I needed it.  I felt comfy and cool as we sang  praises to God under the stars that night!

I apologize for not getting this post up earlier this week.  Mr. How took us on a spontaneous road trip to celebrate our 10 year anniversary!  It was really easy packing for it because all I did was throw some of my summer challenge remix pieces into a suitcase and we were on our way!  You'll see those outfit photos next week!

Linking up with Greater Than Rubies and Fizz and Frosting for Mix It Monday!

Shopping Haul: Plato's Closet

During my year-of-no-shopping, I was still shopping.  Let me explain.  My rule for the year was that I didn't spend money on shoes, clothes, or accessories.  However, gift cards and gift money were okay to spend. Hand-me-down items and gifted items were happily accepted, too.  You better bet I asked for gift cards and gift money for Christmas, my birthday, Mother's Day, and my anniversary.

It was also during that year that I discovered Plato's Closet.  Sometime in January, my sister-in-law wanted to use her Christmas money to buy some designer jeans at a reasonable price.  One of her friends had told her about Plato's. I went with her one Saturday just as another set of eyes to help her pick out a pair, and we happened to be there on the last day of their $1 clearance sale!  Because it was the last day of a week-long sale, the pickings were kinda slim.  I had already spent the majority of my Christmas money at after-Christmas sales, but was able to pick up 7 pieces for $7!  One of the pieces I bought on that day was the white denim capris I chose for my summer remix challenge.  

I was so happy!  I mean, other than getting clothes for free, $1 a piece was not too shabby.  I marveled at the faithfulness of God.  I really felt like God was provided a way for me to use gift money to still buy clothes that I wanted at a very reasonable price.  He spoils me, I tell ya!

Honestly, since then I almost (I say almost!) cannot bring myself to spend money at retail stores knowing I can shop  at Plato's Closet $1 clearance sale every season!  The same owners just opened a Clothes Mentor in the same shopping center and I'm praying they have similar sales, too!  I follow their store on Instagram and you better believe when they say their $1 clearance is about to start, I am there when the store opens!  In fact, they just started their sale last week on July 3rd.  Here are some of the things I picked up!

As you can see, I went for a lot of patterns!  After my year-of-no-shopping and through wardrobe remix challenges like the one I'm doing right now, I've been able to purge my closet and rebuild it.  I pretty much have all my basic pieces and now I can add a few (or a dozen) trendier pieces.  I don't mind spending $1 on a trendy piece because even if I only wear it once or twice, it was only a dollar!  

Making a list of things you want to add to your wardrobe really helps when shopping. I've gone to huge malls and walked away with nothing because they didn't have any of the items on my list.  At this particular sale, they had mostly shorts, skirts, dresses, and a ton of tops.  I didn't need shorts - I picked up several (brand new) pairs at Old Navy for $1 on Black Friday.  Although I already did some skirt shopping at a couple of thrift stores earlier this year, I couldn't pass up the polka dot pencil skirt.  Dresses are hard for me to find because of my petite frame, but I did find three that fit well.  Even at $1 a piece I still tried everything on and only bought what I knew I would wear.  The "pre-clothing-fast-me" wouldn't have done that.  Since they had so many tops and I knew I didn't need any more knit t-shirt type tops, I decided to focus on nice patterned tops for work and church, but could also be worn on the weekend or for a night out.  I ended up picking up several designs: floral, Aztec, color block, striped, animal print.  All of these tops could go with any of my basic bottoms and a completer piece.

I am pretty much set for going back to school this August, which is technically back to work for me being a teacher!  I can't wait to wear all my "new" clothes!

Do you shop at consignment stores or thrift stores?  What about garage sales?  I will be writing more posts on more of my past and future frugal shopping experiences soon!

Frugal Style

Today I have two more outfits with pieces I chose for my summer remix challenge.  I've been busy this week with VBS and yesterday I wasn't feeling 100% therefore I didn't take any pictures.  So today I kept the same top and remixed it with different bottoms and voila!  Two outfits done!

I haven't told you how much I paid for some of the pieces in my summer remix challenge.  I will do that in this post and also explain why I get so excited about it. 

One of my revelations during my year-of-no-shopping was that when I do go shopping, I don't have buy full-priced retail name-brand items.  I know, I know, such a simple concept, but it's difficult to realize sometimes.

I grew up in Hawaii where you can wear a t-shirt, shorts, and slippahs (a.k.a. flip flops) every day, all day, year round and from year to year.  It never goes "out of style."  Sure, the "mainland" trends would  reach us too, but everyone is pretty content to wear super casual clothes. Like if you decided to wear jeans, people would ask you why you were dressed up.  Locals usually own one pair of tennis shoes (usually white) and one jacket (usually black) to match everything.  Okay, I may be exaggerating...then again maybe not.  

Growing up, my parents never had a lot of money to spend on clothes for us.  My sisters and I usually wore hand-me-downs from relatives, and we only went shopping for school clothes.  In high school and college I had part-time jobs to help me buy things that I wanted.  I even worked at Gap and especially enjoyed the employee discount.  After college I moved to Southern California where some people dress casually and others don't.  I got my first job as a teacher and finally had a steady income.  It was easy for me to want to buy clothes at the hundreds upon thousands of malls and retail stores literally everywhere.  I was in debt with college loans and yet I would go shopping for "work" (and "play") clothes almost every weekend. 

 

I tried to be frugal by shopping at outlets and cheaper retail stores.  I always looked for what was on sale or on clearance.  I remember shopping one day with my cousin at the mall and after browsing a few stores, I said to her, "What are we doing here?  Let's go across the street to Ross and Marshall's!"  Sadly, I never learned how to shop wisely.  In my attempt to save money, I would buy poor quality clothes.  Sometimes I would buy pieces that didn't fit me well just because they were on sale.  The result was a closet of unwearable clothes because they were either faded or pilling or ill-fitting. 

I have a whole different mindset when I shop now.  I try my best to only buy items that fall under these categories. 

A.  I look for quality classic pieces that are comfortable and will hold up well when washed and worn. 

B.  I look for pieces that can be remixed for my lifestyle: work, weekend, church, etc.

C.  If I buy trendy pieces, I try not to spend a lot of money on them knowing that they'll only last a season. 

Outfit 1: striped t-shirt $3 at Old Navy + Levi's jeggings $1 at Plato's Closet

Outfit 2:  same striped t-shirt $3 at Old Navy + coral corduroy jeans $2 at Old Navy

Okay so here are two outfits under $5!  Isn't that crazy!?  Our Plato's Closet here in North Little Rock has these awesome $1 clearance sales pretty much every season.  (Stay tuned for a shopping haul post from the last sale!)  I've gotten some steals there because it's a consignment store that carries some really good quality name-brand stuff.  The Levi's jeggings are a prime example.  The shirt and coral jeans are from Old Navy. I love Old Navy for the fact that I can get brand new (as opposed to consignment which is usually worn) trendy pieces on clearance. 

I've already worn all three of these items a bunch of times because of their remixability.  (Is that even a word?)  I get so excited knowing that I only spent a few dollars on cute comfy clothes.  It also makes me feel good that I'm being a better steward by wearing these pieces over and over again by remixing them with items I already own.  That's why I love remix challenges like these.  They show me how many outfit options I really have and remind me that I don't need to go shopping every weekend!  I can be content with the things God has given me. 

How do you feel about your closet?  Are you a frugal shopper?  What are some things you do to be a better steward of what you already own?
 

Linking up with Tucker Up!