GYPO Winter and Holiday Challenge Week 2

This week was rough because I either didn't have some of the items or the OOTD didn't go with what I had on plan for doing that day. So here's how the week went down:

Day 4:
Plaid Shirt + Puffer Vest + Black Jeans or Leggings + Wedge Boots

On this day I did alright. I wore my black and white plaid flannel shirt with my black puffer vest but rather than pairing it with black jeans or leggings I added a pop of color by wearing red jeans. Since I don't have wedge boots, I went with my heeled booties from the fall challenge. I liked this outfit and was comfortable yet put together all day.

Comfy in this one!

Day 5:
Long Cardigan + Neutral Tee + Fur Scarf + Skinny Jeans + Riding Boots
On this day, I had to do some subbing. I don't have a long printed cardigan so I went with my waterfall cardi paired with a mustard layering tee and since I don't have a fur scarf I went with a blue knit scarf that is furry and fun. I did wear skinny jeans and riding boots. Another winning combo.

Comfy in this one too!

Then that night we hosted a wine and cheese gathering for a few friends and I changed into a Build Your Basics Challenge outfit: sheath dress, white button down shirt, black heeled boots, skinny leopard belt and a blingy grey pearl necklace. Loved it!

Felt stylish in this simple outfit.

Day 6:
Dressy Sweater + Gray Jeans + Black Heels
Here's where the outfits start to fall apart. We had planned Kib's Bay for the whole day so a dressy sweater and heels were completely out of the picture. I went with comfy in mind so I wore my striped shirt from the fall challenge under a white corduroy shirt, boyfriend jeans and comfy closed shoes. Aw man! The only picture where you can see me is riding the Segway in St. Augustine.

This was a fun day!

Day 7:
Plaid Shirt + Cable Knit Sweater + Statement Necklace + Black Pants + Black Heels + Dressy Clutch
On this church day I wanted to wear a dress so rather than wear this outfit, I went with one that I learned about from a past challenger: this striped sweater dress from Target. I paired the stripes with a floral and polka dotted scarf, cream tights and red flats.

Pattern mixing is still new to me

Day 8:
Long Sleeved Tee + Puffer Vest + Skinny Jeans + Fur Scarf + Ugg Boots + Boot Socks
It started warming up today so I skipped the puffer vest and went with a rust layering tank under the dressy sweatshirt from the fall challenge. I went with boyfriend jeans because they are so comfy and leopard flats since it's too warm for boots and socks. One of our challengers is battling ovarian cancer. Many of us incorporated something teal in our Monday outfits. I added a teal scarf for Terri in place of the fur scarf,

Teal for Terri!

Day 9:
Dressy Sweater + Skinny Jeans + Riding Boots
I shopped my closet and wore a sweater that I think of as dressy but it's not blingy, so I added my grey pearl necklace to it to spice it up. (When I bought this necklace last year I hardly wore it. Now I'm wearing it a LOT!) And since it was quite warm yesterday, I skipped the boots and subbed my trusty leopard flats. This was a perfect outfit for shopping at the Towne Center.

F21 necklace with Talbots sweater

F21 jeans with Merona flats

I'm really in need of a haircut. When it gets longer it gets flat on top. Adding that to my to do list for next week!

GYPO Winter and Holiday Challenge Week 1

It's time for a new Challenge! This is my third one! (Can you tell I really enjoy these?)

I didn't have much money or time to shop for missing pieces. It's just a busy $ time of year where I cannot afford to spend so much on myself. For this challenge I will be mostly shopping from my closet. I did buy an asymmetrical tunic sweater at Ross for $25. I think that's all I bought for this one!

On Day 1 I was traveling with my son for the Regionals Rock Climbing Competition and as such I didn't have the right pieces with me.

Day 1: Neutral Cable Knit Sweater + Fur Scarf + Skinny Jeans + Riding Boots

I do have a cable knit sweater but it's navy blue and not cream. I do not have a fur scarf. I could have styled this outfit with what I have had I not been traveling. But since I was, I have no picture to share.

Day 2: Tunic Sweater + Puffer Vest + Leggings + Boot Socks + Riding Boots

Here's where I got to wear my new sweater! I added a cream scarf for added warmth around my neck and for some lightness as the colors were all pretty dark. No leggings or boot socks for this gal yet.

Nice and warm!

Day 3: Poncho + Long Sleeved Tee + Printed Scarf + Skinny Jeans + Wedge Boots

I don't have a poncho but I have a poncho-ish sweater. It has the poncho vibe. So I went with that and seemed to work. I added a warm knit scarf that picks up on the colors in the sweater and tee shirt. I don't have wedge boots so I went with the booties from the Fall Challenge.

Penny is mesmerized!

Check out what my styling sisters wore these first few days by clicking on the links below. (Can you believe that picture is an actual photograph of one of the gals' front yard?! She lives in Canada ;)

Shoes to Shiraz | Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy | A Lovely Little Wardrobe | R Squared  

Two Teens and Their Mama | Foxy's Domestic Side |  | Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life 

Sheila's Potpourri | Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After |  Sprinkled Just Right 
Quilty Joy Joy | From Plaid to Pearls | Daily Style Finds | Fast Life Slow Life

Week 3 Build Your Basics Challenge

Can't believe week three is already here with only a few days of outfits left!

This week I didn't get to wear near as many outfits of the day (OOTD) since we were traveling for Thanksgiving and I didn't have all the right pieces. Then it warmed up and it was too hot to wear long sleeves and boots! But here's what I managed:

Day 10: Cardigan + Blouse + Black Pants + Leopard Belt + Black Boots

Since I still don't have a jewel colored blouse (and it was cold) I subbed a sweater. No leopard belt since these pants have no belt loops. I felt like I needed a little more color near my face so I added a light floral scarf, tied as an infinity scarf.

Added a mustard layering tee for warmth.

Day 11:Chambray + Skinny or Straight Jeans + Leopard Belt + Riding Boots

This was Thanksgiving day and initially I was going to wear something a little dressier but then I realized we were spending Thanksgiving on a horse farm, albeit a really NICE farm, but still a farm. So I went with the OOTD and was very comfy. (Barefoot in the picture since I was indoors, but I did wear my riding boots). Added a cable knit flowy cardigan for warmth.

Such a comfy outfit!

Day 12: Cardigan+ Striped Top + Bootcut Jeans + Black Boots

This was one of the days that we were traveling so I didn't have all the pieces for the outfit so I did my own thing. And forgot to get a picture.

Day 13: Black Jacket + Blouse + Skinny or Straight Jeans + Leopard Flats

Another travel day with doing my own thing. No picture.

Day 14: Neutral Sweater + White Shirt + Black Pants + Black Boots

Church day. I did wear the OOTD but I didn't actually put on my neutral sweater. I just draped it around my shoulders.

Day 15: Cardigan + Striped Top + Skinny or Straight Jeans + Riding Boots

On this day, the temps were in the high 70s so I subbed a short sleeved top and flip flops and nixed the cardigan. Since it was barely in line with the OOTD, I didn't get a picture.

Day 16: Blouse+ Long Necklace + Boot Cut Jeans + Heeled Boots

Too warm on this day too to wear boots and long sleeves so I subbed a ruby short sleeved blouse and my trusty leopard flats. Forgot to get a picture.

Day 17: Black Blazer + White Shirt + Skinny or Straight Jeans + Leopard Belt + Nude Heels

Today I am determined to wear the outfit, even if it means turning on the a/c in the car. I don't have nude heels yet so I subbed the ever trusty leopard again.

Casual yet feel pulled together. 

Only 4 days left in this challenge! We already received the shopping list for the Winter Challenge. Care to join me? Go here to sign up for this new challenge! It's not too late!

Linking up to Alison's I Feel Pretty Link Party!

Week 2 Build Your Basics Challenge

Day 4: Thursday

Neutral Sweater + Long Necklace + Skinny or Straight Jeans + Riding Boots

Green is a neutral, right?

Hoops were also on the photograph

I was cooking in my brown neutral sweater and splattered some oil on it (wasn't wearing an apron...drat!) So since it was at the dry cleaners, I subbed a green sweater and a warm scarf for the long necklace (the temps had dropped!). I paired that with skinny jeans, tall socks and riding boots. I have never worn socks peaking out the top of tall boots and I liked the surprise of color these added.  

Day 5: Friday

Blouse + Long Necklace + Bootcut  Jeans + Leopard Flats

Warm and comfy!

Magic trick knot on the scarf

I still haven't found a jewel toned blouse I like so I used this sweater from my closet. Added a scarf instead of the long necklace (still cold) and rather than bootcut jeans, I wore my other pair of skinny jeans and my trusty leopard flats.

Day 6: Saturday

Chambray + Khaki Pants + Leopard Flats 

I love the chambray with white

Added a little sparkle with my necklace and earrings

This was such a comfy outfit! The khaki pants I have are a little on the tight side so I subbed these white skinny jeans. Such a simple outfit but I still felt so put together.

Day 7: Sunday

Cardigan + White Button Down + Sheath Dress + Leopard Belt + Nude Heels

With belt

Without!

The weather warmed up quite a bit so I couldn't wear a cardigan. I haven't purchased a sheath dress but I have this jersey knit swing dress that worked for this outfit. I used a little trick to keep the button down shirt from feeling bulky: I wore a camisole on TOP of it and that smoothed everything down. I tried the outfit with a belt and without and my hubby preferred it without so that's what I wore. I still haven't purchased nude heels so I wore the leopard flats again. I am getting some mileage out of those shoes!

Day 8: Monday

Neutral Sweater + Bootcut Jeans + Leopard Flats

Grey pearls with grey top

Leopard and polkadots

Today the high was going to be in the 80s so I knew I wouldn't be able to wear a sweater and long jeans. I subbed this very light cotton shirt and capri jeans. I added a blingy grey pearl necklace which really finished the outfit off!

Day 9: Tuesday

Denim Jacket + Striped Top + Khaki Pants + Leopard or Neutral Flats

Day 9

More pattern mixing!

This was such a great outfit! Rain brought some cooler temps so I was able to wear the denim jacket. I wore a short sleeved striped top though and the white skinny jeans in place of the khaki pants again with those ubiquitous leopard flats. I really need to get some cognac ones.

*****

Are you interested in joining me for the next challenge? It's the winter/holiday challenge and sign ups are open! Just go here to sign up! The list hasn't come out yet but we've been given some teasers. We'll be styling leggings and tunics, ponchos and sparkling sweaters, boot socks and boots, fur scarves and rhinestones. We recently learned that there will be 7 items that are repeated from the Fall Challenge which means more shopping in my closet for me! Won't you join me?

Today I'm linking up to the I Feel Pretty link party!

Week One: Build Your Basics Challenge

The new Style Me challenge has begun! The outfits started coming in our email inbox on Sunday night. Like last time, I have not purchased everything on the list just yet. My budget for money or time won't allow me to. But now that I have the list, I know what I need and can keep an eye out for a good deal. 

On Day 1 Alison and Cyndi styled Striped Top + Bootcut Jeans + Tassel Necklace + Neutral Flats.

It was still warm where I live so I decided to sub the bootcut jeans for a denim mini skirt. Since I wore the skirt, I added black tights since it wasn't THAT warm. And I used black flats as my neutral flat to keep an uninterrupted line and lengthen my legs. I have yet to find a tassel necklace I like so I wore my wire-wrapped pearl long necklace in its place.

Day 1

Day 2's outfit was Chambray + Black Pants + Leopard Belt + Black Boots

I followed this outfit to the letter even though the belt was driving me a little crazy. It kept shifting around and I kept having to readjust it. The pants don't have belt loops so I had to wear the belt like this if I wanted to wear it. 

Day 2

And today is Day 3 which called for White Shirt + Denim Jacket + Khaki Pants + Leopard Flats

I had to make some adjustments today due to the weather. The temperature dropped last night and it finally turned cold. Like cover-the-plants-and-bring-in-the-bunny kind of cold! 

Day 3

This is how I put the outfit together as prescribed. But then I started making changes. I swapped the flats for booties so I could wear socks (and stay warm!) Then I added a cable knit sweater for an added layer of warmth under my denim jacket. And finally I added my wire-wrapped pearl again. 

Day3 - What I actually wore

I like the outfits that Alison and Cyndi have put together so far! I'm looking forward to what else they have in store for us!

I'm linking up to Alison's I Feel Pretty Link Party!

A Peek into My Closet

Wow. This post feels so personal. So revealing. So intimate.

I do not have a large closet. It is not a walk in closet. In order to stretch the space I rotate my seasonal clothing, so for now, my summer clothes are up in the attic.

Teeny Tiny!

I hang all shirts and vests here.

Left top

Pants and shorter skirts go here.

Left bottom

Long clothes (dresses, long skirts) go here.

Right side

I recently switched out what was in the hanging thing. I used to put sweaters in there but I recently made that my purse holder with few sweatshirts in the extra spaces.

Also I recently gave an old TV the boot and I claimed this armoir as my own. I rotate shoes (in boxes), sweaters and scarves. I plan on finding a way to hang scarves. I have outgrown my storage box! I'm thinking of stringing a ribbon inside the doors and draping them over that. We'll see.

Wooden armoir

I welcome any tips on how I can better use my space! Leave me a comment!

I'm linking with these other bloggers below! Check out what their closets look like. My guess is that they are bigger than mine!

Shoes to Shiraz | Two Teens and their Mama | A Lovely Little Wardrobe | R Squared 

Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy | Family Love Inspiration Education  

The Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life | The Blondissima | Familiar Joy

Positively Learning | Quilty Joy Joy | Daily Style Finds | Sheila's Potpourri | Puppies and Pretties She thought she could | Looks like Lauren | Foxy's Domestic Side | 
Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After

Linking to A Lovely Little Wardrobe

GYPO Fall Challenge is Officially Over

There were a few days left to the challenge since my last post, but I followed my hubby on a business trip.  I did not follow the prescribed OOTD since I didn't know exactly what would be styled and didn't pack EVERY single piece! However, I did mostly pack challenge pieces and had fun wearing scarves and sweaters since the temperatures in Washington D.C. allowed it! In fact it was so cold the first two days that I was wishing I had brought more than just ballerina flats! But I survived! :-)

I really do love our capital city! There is SO much to see and do there! I'm so impressed by the amount of green space, trails and biking paths! In fact, I was looking for a running path and found a website (they have an app too - trails.com) where you can find all sorts of trails/paths. Out of curiosity, I looked up my zip code and was startled to see how few spots there were compared to the greater DC area. 

We were staying in Tysons Corner which is a veritable shopping Mecca and I was hoping for some time to wander the big shops (Neiman Marcus! Lord & Taylor! Macy's! Shoot even L.L.Bean!) but the one time we had some free time was Sunday morning and they weren't open yet. Bummer.

Opened at 10:00; we were there at 8:45

Michael and I enjoyed visiting downtown DC, catching a Sunday baptismal service at the National Cathedral (stunningly beautiful, of the same caliber as any European Gothic church), driving through the Mall, passing by the National Monument and many Smithsonian museums. We lucked out and found a parking spot right across the street from our favorite one, the National Gallery of Art, for a quick peek at some of our favorite works. (Who can name the artists in the pictures below?)

National Cathedral

Washington Monument | Capitol Building

Air and Space Museum

National Gallery of Art | Dome reminiscent of the Pantheon in Rome

New acquisition to the Gallery

This artist loved ballerinas

This artist was famous for Pointillism

This was an American female Impressionist artist

We also were able to connect with several friends who live in the area. Had lunch with a friend we've known since our Tampa days (20 or so years). Then watched the Gator game at another friend's house. (Full disclosure: the guys watched the Gators win. My friend and I talked the whole time!) This friend and I go back to our sophomore years in high school when we dated brothers. (She married her high school sweetheart. Thankfully, I did not.) 

I was so happy to be able to hang out with her all four days. One of the days we rode the silver line to DuPont Circle, ate Chipotle's sister restaurant (same idea but Asian ~ very yummy!) while sitting on a park bench in the circle, visited St. Matthew's Cathedral (where JFK's funeral was held.), then walked up and down Embassy Row (talking the whole time, of course).

Spanish Embassy

Another day we ate at a funky small restaurant in Vienna VA, Maple Street, then drove up to Great Falls park and hiked along the Potomac River. I was stunned at the beauty and wildness of the area yet its proximity to the urban core! 

Potomac River

High water marks for my favorite hydrologist

Potomac River

Regrettably, there were at least four other friends that we were not able to see on this trip! I feel so rich in that aspect - friendships that date back to different eras: high school, college, Tampa and Jacksonville. 

We flew on a direct flight from St. Augustine to DC on Frontier Airlines. The flight was only $164 round trip! Plus the airport in St. Augustine is tiny and closer than JAX. I was sad to hear that the flight will be discontinued in January! 

That was our plane, the building is the terminal and I'm standing in long term parking!

Now we're back and I'm getting really excited for the next Style Challenge with Alison and Cyndi! It's the Build Your Basics Wardrobe Challenge. The list comes out tomorrow! Wanna do it too? You can still join. It's not too late! Go here to sign up. (This link has my affiliate attached to it so be sure to use this link!)

You can check out my fellow Fall Style Me Challenge sisters to see what they wore the last few days and to hear what they learned about in this challenge. Click on the links below. (You can read about what I learned in this post.)

Deena | Christy | Jordan | Carrie C. | Shaunacey | Danielle | Beth | Joy | Sarah | 

Leslie | Katie | Jennifer | Carrie M. | Lisa | Sheila | Lana | Lauren | Anna | Alison