30 X 30 Fashion Remix Challenge

Back in March, I wrote this post about "3 Steps to a Better Style".  It has taken me almost two months, but I have finally kick-started my first 30 X 30 Fashion Remix Challenge!  If you are wondering what I am talking about, here is a quick recap from the March post where I first wrote on this topic:

I feel like I have been in a fashion rut for the past few months.  When I look at my closet, I don't really get excited about what is in there...As a result, my style choices have been less than exciting in recent months.  [Moreover], when a party, military event, or friendly gathering comes up, I frequently find myself grabbing my purse and heading to the nearest mall to purchase a new outfit.  While new outfits can be fun, and at times necessary, it is not a sustainable behavior to be jetting off to the mall every week or two!  After all, I do have a monthly "Ally's Personal" budget.  I won't disclose the exact amount on the ABC blog, but I can tell you that Ross and T.J. Maxx are my best friends... 

So, the questions are: 

• How can I pull myself out of this fashion rut?!

• How can I use the "3 Steps to a Better Style" challenge to give back, to serve, and to remember that clothes (while fun) are really just necessary shapes and sizes of material to cover the body?

• How can this challenge help me to reconnect to some of the more important things in life (i.e. giving, serving, and making a difference)?

To address the questions above, here is what I did:

1. I started out my trying on EVERYTHING in my closet and donating the things that either didn't fit, were worn-out, or I simply didn't like anymore (i.e. closet detox).  
2. Afterwards, I made a list of the things that were missing from my wardrobe (i.e. simple t-shirts, patterned tops, a denim skirt, etc.).  
3. To help address the figurative "holes" in my wardrobe, last week Bo and I went to the outlets in St. Augustine.  Thankfully, I was able to pick up the majority of the things from my list at a good price.
4. On Friday, following Kendi's 30 X 30 guidelines, I went through my closet and picked out thirty items for the fashion remix.

Below is a breakdown of what I have chosen to include in my 30 X 30 closet.

• Five pairs of pants/shorts, including:
• dark grey skinny pants;
• dark denim skinny jeans;
• blue skinny jeans;
• denim boyfriend shorts; and
• red shorts.

• Two dresses and a cardigan, including:
• black maxi dress;
• white eyelet dress; and
• lilac 3/4-sleeved cardigan.

• Four skirts, including:
• black polka-dotted;
• white denim;
• black pencil; and
• abstract watercolor.

• Eight patterned/colored shirts.

• Six basic/neutral shirts.

• Four pairs of shoes, including;
• brown ruffle sandals;
• black ballet flats;
• gold ballet flats; and
• nude patent heels.

Here is a not-so-great (i.e. dark and dim...my apologies) picture of all of the items together!

I had to include an artsy picture of the shirts; and

 an artsy picture of the bottoms/dresses! :)

I have decided not to put the pressure on myself to take a picture of every. single. one. of the thirty outfits.  Let me be honest, some days I just don't feel like posing for a picture (case in point, I didn't take a picture of Outfit #1).  However, for the most part, I am going to try and show you how I am mixing and matching these thirty items to make (hopefully...my fingers and toes are crossed) cute and fashionable ensembles.  

Here's a peek at Outfit #2:

Bo and I were headed to Everett's first birthday party (remember him from Halloween?), so I wanted to wear something colorful and fun.  I think I achieved that goal.  I have to say, I felt comfortable, relaxed, and pretty in my weekend get-up!  Success in my book!

Outfit #3 fell on a Sunday (i.e. church attire):

I really liked the cream/white/tan/gold color combination.  It felt light and airy on a VERY hot morning (can you say 95 degrees on the first weekend in May?!), and I think it was perfect for church.

I think that this outfit is a perfect example of how important accessories are to an outfit.  With the belt, shoes, and bangles, this outfit would really be pretty bland.  But with these few items, it looks pulled-together and flattering...well, at least I think so.

What do you think?!

Next up - an update on growing out my hair...and if I feel like taking more pictures, possibly an outfit or two!

Can't you tell that it has grown since I started the blog back in October?!

Question of the Day:


Are YOU going to join me in the 30X30 Challenge?!  


You totally should.  Come one...it'll be fun! :)

Blessings,
Ally and Bo