Capsule Wardrobe Thoughts

Hey y'all. Just wanted to check in and jot down a few thoughts on how the capsule wardrobe is going so far. Today marks 6 weeks in, and I'm loving it!

1. My brain feels...free. Less thinking about what I need to wear = more thinking about other things. Like, re-painting my bedroom. And what junk need to be gotten rid of to make more space for better things.
2. I love having things that I love in my closet. Seriously, getting rid of the things I wasn't absolutely crazy about has been soooooooo good. Kind of goes with point #1.
3. When a few things are in the wash, it feels like I'm missing half my wardrobe. I do laundry more frequently now.
4. It's  been hard to merge my weekend wardrobe with my weekday wardrobe. I love my skirts and dresses for weekends, but nannying has me in jeans all week. I'm currently just trying to make a point of wearing my skirts whenever I can.
5. Accessories are my best friend.

Have you ever done a capsule wardrobe?

Bloglovin' - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

Capsule Wardrobe: Day 7

Levi's Jacket (here); Thrifted Vintage Tee (similar); Handmade Skirt (similar); Steve Madden Flats (similar)

Oooo, legit outfit photos! So here's the story: over 2 years ago (really, probably more like 3...), my husband dropped our camera and the auto-focus on our short lens broke. After trying to fix it ourselves, and finally taking it in to get looked at, we discovered that it would cost as much to fix it as it would be to buy a brand new lens. And so, the lens sat. And sat. And sat, as we muddled through with our long zoom lens. Which takes great pictures, by the way, it's just much more difficult to work with. 

Because of all this, I have had a hard time taking outfit photos of myself. If I can't get outside, it just doesn't happen, simply because we don't have a room large enough in our 1000 square foot house to make the long lens work. 

Fast forward to two weeks ago when I finally broke down and ordered a new short lens for cheap from China. It came, I rejoiced, and am now back in business.

And now we have legit outfit photos again.

Bloglovin' - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

Life Lately: May 2015

 Visiting my alma mater for my little brother's graduation.

 Enjoying the blooms.

 Cuddling with a silly dog.

 Buying flowers just because.

Picking dandelions with an exuberant one year old.

How's your life lately?

Bloglovin' - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

Capsule Recap: Week 1

Week 1 was pretty easy. I picked a lot of favorites for this capsule, so it was pretty simple to get dressed. I've been documenting the easy way: via my phone. I only logged 6 days this week since I was sicker than a dog on Thursday. Here's what I wore:

 Sunday: Levi's Jacket, Stitch Fix Tank, Old Navy Maxi, Target Sandals // Monday: Vintage Tee, Gap Capris, Thrifted Flats  // Tuesday: Old Navy Hoodie; Gap Jeans; TOMS Flats

Wednesday: Thrifted Plaid, Gap Jeans; TOMS Flats // Friday: Gap Tee and Jeans, Steve Madden Flats // Saturday: Everlane Tee, Target Maxi and Sandals, Gap Scarf

The only item I've re-worn is the grey maxi. I quickly realized that the one I included was in dire need of replacement. It was 4 years old, from Old Navy, and ridiculously stretched out. So, I ordered one from Target at the beginning of the week, had it on Friday, and gladly put the old one in the trash.

You can follow me on instagram to keep up with the action on  a daily basis!

Bloglovin' - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

The Capsule Wardrobe

I know capsule wardrobes are kind of the trendy thing to do lately if you're a blogger. BUT, after months of contemplation, I really felt like this is a bandwagon I wanted to jump on. I've felt like I had too many clothes for a while, even after multiple purges, and trying to be more careful about my shopping. The truth remained: I still had more clothes than I had time to wear.

So, I pared everything down. I decided I wouldn't donate what I wasn't wearing, rather, I'd put it away. There are some things I have that I still really like, but I'm not sure I want to part with yet. I tried to keep with Un-Fancy's guidelines and left out 37 items. Everything else went in a plastic tote.

What was left?

3 pairs of jeans
3 summer pants (1 pair denim shorts, 1 pair black shorts, 1 pair capris)
2 cardigans
4 skirts
3 dresses
1 hoodie
3 blouses
10 tees
1 tank
7 pairs of shoes (2 pairs sandals, 5 pairs flats)

That's it! I'm two days in and so far it's going well. I'm excited, and I feel an odd sense of relief. One less thing to clutter my day and my mind is nice. I'm hoping to do this for the prescribed 3 months, finishing up around August 9.

Have you ever done a capsule wardrobe?

Bloglovin' - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

Sweet Style {4.15.15}

Vintage Tee (similar); Levi's Jacket; Stitch Fix Skirt; Kohl's Flats (similar)

I gushed earlier this week about this skirt from Stitch Fix, and I happily debuted it at church this past Sunday. My only gripe is that it's so flowy, I just about had a Marilyn moment with my skirt a-flying.

I'm writing this post out during our TV night. That's Tuesday. We don't watch much TV, but on Tuesdays we settle in and watch Agents of Shield and Person of Interest. I'm not a huge fan of the latter, but J loves it, so we just make a night of it.

Do you have a TV night?

Bloglovin' - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

Stitch Fix - April 2015

I was excited to receive another Stitch Fix this month! This one was so, SO much better than the last one! Here's what I got:

First up we had this really cute tank. It's kind of hard to see the scallop detail on it in this photo, but it has it, which I loved. What I didn't love was the open back. I like open back tops, but this was was REALLY open. Like, I'm not even gonna show you cause it was just too much bra. I sent this back.

This cardigan was a cute style, but it felt a little too matronly to me. I was a bit big, and I felt like the mint green was just not flattering. I sent this back too.

I love the embroidery on these shorts. Unfortunately they were too small - I couldn't even get them zipped. I feel like even if I had a bigger size though, they would still be too short for my taste. I sent these back.

THIS SKIRT. I can't even tell you how much I love it. It fit perfectly, and is just to girly and wonderful. I was happy to keep it, and wear it to church immediately.

I love this top. This is the perfect example of something I'd gaze longingly at in a store but not buy because it's kind of a gauzy material and it's a little thin. In the end, I decided to keep it. I know when the warm summer days roll around I'll be glad.

So I ended up keeping 2/5 things they sent me. But, this was by far the best fix I've ever gotten. Why? Every piece I pulled out had me excited. Everything was just so me. They totally nailed it. I loved it so much I actually signed up for monthly fixes - I'd previously just been getting them every now and then, generally once a season. I can't wait to see what else they send.

You can give Stitch Fix a try yourself here.

Bloglovin' - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

Nanny Style {4.10.15}

Old Navy Tee; Modcloth Cardigan; Gap Jeans; TOMS Flats

If you've seen me in real life over the last 6 months, you've probably seen this outfit. I wear it, or some version of it, at least a few times a month. The shoes, however, are new. I've been wanting to try a pair of TOMS ballet flats since they came out a few years ago, but $84 a pair is a tough pill to swallow. I found these on clearance and decided to give them a try. They're AMAZING. Ridiculously comfortable, and they look great. Definitely my new favorite shoe.

Bloglovin' - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

Sweet Style: 4.5.15

Old Navy Dress; Levi's Jacket; Mia Booties (similar); Glasses c/o Firmoo

Loooooooook an outfit! I looked back and realized that there was snow on the ground the last time I took outfit pictures. Which was over a month ago. Yikes.

I wore this to Good Friday service at our church. This was the first time this spring that I dared to leave the house with bare legs. March was cold and brutal, but so far April is shaping up to be much better, with temps in the 50s. Which is pretty darn amazing after the insanely cold Michigan winter we just had.

Happy Easter!

Bloglovin' - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

March in Review

Ah March, I was really glad to see you go. Here's how it went down:

I didn't do a lot of shopping in March, but placed an Old Navy order right at the end and then J and I did some shopping last weekend, in actual stores, which I haven't done in quite a while.

Old Navy Dress (I bought the black and one in polka dot), $15 each; JC Penney Bag, $38; Steve Madden Shoes via DSW, $35; Gap Jeans, $4

Total: $107

Now that I'm working more than 10 hours a week, I'm feeling a little more freedom to spend. I love love love these dresses from ON! I've been looking to replace both my LBD and a polka dot dress I've had for years that are long since worn out, these fit the bill perfectly. This bag is perfect for work. Just big enough for a book and my lunch, but not so big I feel like it's going to swallow me. I was super excited to find these flats. I've literally been looking for a pair of nude flats for YEARS. I love these ones which were on clearance. And last but not least, my $4 pair of jeans. These were in the clearance section at Gap, and I was expecting to pay around $20 after their extra 40% off. I was definitely surprised when they rang up for $4 after tax!

Linking up with Franish!

Bloglovin' - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

Stitch Fix #3

Note: I actually received this Fix in January, but never pushed publish on the post. I'm getting another this week so I wanted to get this out there before it arrived! Also, not an April fools joke. I actually received these terrible clothes.

I was so eager and excited to get another Stitch Fix this month. I haven't gotten one since last summer, so it was long overdue.

I was surprised to see this show up at my door this week. SF usually sends a shipping email, and I didn't get one this time. Probably should have told me something about how this fix was going to go...

These jeans were soft and comfortable, but not my style at all! The distressing and the zippers were so unflattering. Pass...

I love the pattern of this, even though it's not something I'd usually wear. Unfortunately it had no stretch to it, so it wouldn't go past my hips, and it was also sheer. I hate, hate, hate sheer tops, and I know I've asked SF not to send them before. Pass.

There are so many things wrong with this top. It's sheer, it's sleeveless, the color is terrible, and the neckline could not be more unflattering. It's also way too long and doesn't go over my hips. Yuck. So much yuck.

I liked these colors, but again...SHEER. Also, insanely unflattering.

FINALLY. Something not sheer. This is the only thing I ended up keeping out of the fix. It's soft and cozy, and also fits well.

After this fix, I'm starting to think Stitch Fix is losing their touch. I mean, it's not like this is my first fix, and this one was waaaaaaay off. I was so disappointed.

How about you? Have you gotten anything good from Stitch Fix lately?

Bloglovin' - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

The Adoption Chronicles Vol. 1

I keep wanting a space to write down stuff about our adoption journey. I debated starting another blog. But eventually I decided to just write here. Because this is my blog. If you don't like it, you can just skip these posts. :-)

Two weeks ago, we finally submitted our application. This has been such a long time coming that that felt like a huge accomplishment. We've been setting aside money for this for over a year, so it felt great to finally write that first check.

Last week we had our first meeting with our caseworker, where we basically signed our lives away. Lots of legal forms, lots of waivers. We also paid for and scheduled appointments to be fingerprinted. And then we scheduled our first home visit.

So this all just got really real.

March was a really rough month for me, emotionally. I'm not really sure why. It might have been new job stress, it might have been that I'd had enough of cold days. It might have been that my sinusitis flared up again and I'm just tired of feeling cruddy. Truth be told, it was probably a bad combination of all three.

But I left that meeting feeling good. Really good. And more motivated to do life than I have in a while. I suddenly have the desire to finally paint the rest of the house, to refinish our floors, to plant a garden. I was barely making it to work and keeping my house clean a few weeks ago so this an amazing feeling.

Part of me feels sad that this childless chapter in our lives could be over by the end of the year. We randomly decided to go see a movie over the weekend and I had the brief thought that this could be one of the last movies we see where we don't have to get a babysitter.

But mostly I'm just really happy and excited.

Bruno's happy pose.

Bloglovin' - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

Here and There

Oh hiiiii internet. I've been working a lot of long days at my new job, and it's been insanely cold out lately, so outfit photos just haven't been happening. Here's a few things I've worn recently though, courtesy of my bathroom mirror.

Gap Top (here) and Jeans (here); Famous Footwear Boots (similar) Glasses c/o Firmoo

I wore this out for girls lunch and grocery shopping with my sister last week!

Old Navy Tee (here); Thrifted Cardigan (similar); Gap Jeans (here); Famout Footwear Boots (similar)

Worn to work. I just love this tee, it reminds me of the Mighty Mac.

How has February been treating you?

Bloglovin' - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

New Specs

Thrifted Dress (similar from H&M) and Cardigan (similar); Connie Boots (similar); Glasses c/o Firmoo

It's 2 degrees outside, so I welcome you to the inside of my house. If you've been reading the blog for a while, you may remember that this wall used to look like this. Yeah, paint fixes everything.

I mentioned last week that I had my annual eye appointment recently. As luck would have it, Firmoo contacted me around that time and asked if I'd like to review a pair of their glasses. Umm, yeah.

These frames took a while to get here, but they were well worth the wait. I love the white sides on them, and the classic shape. The sides are also kind of bendy, which makes them not only super comfortable, but fairly childproof. A must when you work with kids (why 1 year olds think it's great to rip glasses off of faces, I will never know).

Firmoo also has a great "try on" feature where you can upload a picture of yourself and virtually try on the glasses, so you know you're getting something perfect for you. On top of all that, the frames are insanely cheap. Like, starting around $16 cheap. Next time you need new glasses, be sure to check them out!

Bloglovin' - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

Sweet Style {2.11.15}

Old Navy Dress (similar from ON); Stitch Fix Cardigan (similar); Famous Footwear Boots (similar)

This is always the time of year where I start to get cranky. You know the feeling - when it's been winter for 3.5 months already, you've hardly seen the sun since October, and you're just plain tired of being cold. The only redeeming thing about February is that you're one month closer to spring.

 

A few things I've really been enjoying this month are strawberry and pomegranate tea, walks with the dog on sunny days, and keeping with a routine. It helps the days go by quicker and spring come a little bit faster.

 

How do you fight the winter blues?

Bloglovin' - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

Sweet Style {2.9.15}

Cents of Style Scarf (similar); Thrifted Sweatshirt (similar); Gap Jeans; Modcloth Boots (similar)

One of the primary goals of this blog from the beginning has been remixing my clothes. I have gotten really, really bad at this this winter. I'll get something new, wear it like crazy for a few weeks, then feel like I have nothing to wear. Wash, rinse, repeat. This sweatshirt is a great example. I thrifted it last fall, wore it nonstop then, but probably haven't touched it since October. 

The fact is, I have plenty of clothes. Most of the time I end up wearing a dozen or so things over and over until I get bored and start feeling like I have nothing. I really need to re-learn how to wear all my clothes, all the time. 

One thing I've been trying to do is move things I haven't worn for a while to the front of my closet. If I don't wear it within a month, it goes. I know this is an old trick, but it works.

What tricks do you use to get the most out of your closet?

Bloglovin' - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

This Week's Eats {2.8.15}

I start a new job mid-week, so quick and easy is the name of the game this week!


Monday: Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes - this was supposed to happen last week and it didn't. We had turkey burgers instead. Nom.

Tuesday: Coconut Curry Chicken with Rice

Wednesday: Avacado Egg Salad Sandwiches and Sweet Potato Fries

Thursday: Black Bean Tacos

Friday: Cauliflower Soup and Biscuits

What are you eating this week?

Bloglovin' - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

Sweet Style {2.6.15}

Stitch Fix Cardi; Old Navy Tee; Gap Jeans; Famous Footwear Boots

When you're diabetic, you end up going through all kinds of tests on a regular basis. I see my doctor every few months, get a pile of blood tests done, and have my eyes checked annually.

This past week I paid a visit to the eye doctor. It was a little nerve wracking, since last year they found a micro-aneurysm in my right eye. This is one of those things where it could be a blip on the radar, or it could mean things are starting to get bad. Thankfully, this year the aneurysm was gone and my eyes have been declared healthy once again. Which lead to a huge sign of relief, and prayer of thanks, and the knowledge that I'm doing something right.

Sometimes you put in a lot of work for what feels like nothing. And sometimes it pays off. I love when it pays off.

Now excuse me while I go pick out some new frames. :-)

Shop it:

Bloglovin' - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

Sweet Style {2.4.15}

Thrifted Beanie; Kohl's Scarf; Swapped Sweater; Gap Factory Jeans; Modcloth Boots

So we finally got some real snow around here. I can't really complain, it's been a pretty mild winter so far with only one other major storm (and that was back in November). This latest one managed to dump a foot of snow on us in 24 hours, which was pretty impressive. 

I wore this for a grocery run with my sister. It was warm, cozy, and allowed me to feel somewhat put together after 5 days of being sick. I'm a big advocate of letting your body heal itself and medicating minimally, but I finally broke down and bought some NyQuill today. My quality of sleep through this cold has been in the toilet, so tonight we change that.

Happy Wednesday.

Bloglovin' - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

This Week's Eats {2.2.15}

I totally missed last week's menu plan! It was a weird week; Monday I had an interview and was offered a job, Tuesday I drove a friend 4 hours round trip for an interview, Wednesday and Thursday I trained for the new job, by Friday I realized it was a very poor fit and turned it down. Saturday I woke up with the flu and have been battling that since then.

Thankfully I'm feeling better and much reset after a weekend of lounging. Today is a snow day for J, and I'm taking one for myself as well, don't mind if I do. This is what we're eating this week:

Monday: Potato Soup - the perfect "I've been sick for 3 days and don't feel like cooking" recipe.

Tuesday: Burrito Bowls

Wednesday: Ground Chicken Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes - I've never used ground chicken for meatloaf, so I'll let you know how it goes.

Thursday: Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken - one of my favorite slow cooker recipes of all time.

Friday: Date Night! J will be away this weekend so we like to schedule a night out before these types of trips. :-)

What are you eating this week?

Bloglovin' - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram