[life] Monday, Monday

Outfit Details:

top: TJ Maxx (similar)// shorts: Walmart 

sandals (old): Gap (similar)// earrings: Kendra Scott 

Last week was our first "official" week of getting back into the swing of things. No "events", no traveling, just a regular week. And boy, have we craved that. I think when life gets hectic and the busyness takes over, one can realize how often they take advantage of just a regular, "boring" week. I like events and having a full calendar (not TOO full, let's not get crazy), but there is beauty in routine. 

"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit." Romans 8:5

What does your week look like now that summer is slowly dwindling away?

(No lie, this is how Chloe & Oliver got into bed last night. Has nothing to do with this post, but why wouldn't I post a picture of them looking precious?)

[fashion] Outfits 15-28

So sorry for the delay of outfit sharing for #shopyourclosetremix with Greater than Rubies! I missed the link-up for week 3, so both my week 3 AND 4 will be combined in this post and go on Caitlin's week 4 link-up... Hope that's okay!

This past week was full of traveling, getting iced in, delayed getting home, work projects, and gross weather! The motivation has been lacking with the no sun and dreary days, but I think our routine is back on schedule!

Here are the outfits:

Day 15: Forgot to take a picture... whoops!

Day 16: Pattern mixing. I chose stripes with a floral scarf. I like the concept of pattern mixing, I just don't prefer the way I wrapped the scarf, so it looks weird. Ha! And it was a very cold/gross day this day. Thanks TX.

Day 17: Layered necklaces. I chose a long necklace with a short one, and I mixed metals... gasp! Feels a little foreign to me, but I like it. As far as the outfit, I ADORE this sweater... it's so cozy! Layered with a peek of plaid coming through over leggings, it was the perfect outfit to go shopping with the girls. 

Day 18: A GORGEOUS Texas day! We were challenged to wrap a scarf in a new way, and mine stayed most of the day, it just felt odd to me (I'm an infinity-wrap kind of girl). I wore my crochet blouse, which received tons of compliments, paired with jeans and boots. The scarf was a gift from Thailand (my brother and his wife travel a LOT).

Day 19: Whoops: no picture!

Day 20: Monochromatic. When I hear that, I think BLACK. Not sure why, because that's not what that means! Ha! Half of my wardrobe is colorful, the other half is neutral. I always gravitate to black, white, and cream. My faves to wear :) So for this look, I paired my black tunic with crop jeans and black sandals. 

Day 21: Emergency outfit day, I was at a wedding
Day 22: In Dallas, wore a non-challenge outfit

Day 23: Button-down. I wore my trusty chambray, of course, with a statement necklace. Light chambray paired with dark denim looks okay to me, I just feel like this outfit was missing something. Oh PS we were still in Dallas. Due to all the ice, we got stuck! This is my parents' front yard.

Day 24: Travel day back home, wore a non-challenge approved outfit

Day 25: Dressed down, but with style. Dressed down = cozy to me! That red sweater again... so cozy! Paired with a simple white tee, jeans, boots, and dangly earrings. My favorite kind of outfit.

Day 26: Be resourceful. I didn't really follow this prompt, but I just chose a new scarf I hadn't wore either a)in a long time, or b) never. 

Day 27: The red sweater! This prompt was about attracting opposites, so I paired a "nicer" floral blouse with a "casual" red sweater (and because I wanted to wear it... AGAIN!) I think this is my favorite from the two weeks combined.

Day 28: Last day, all neutrals! And like I said before... black is my jam. This was a day of errand running, so I threw on a floral headband for some ::oomph::. 

There you have it! The challenge is complete. I am so thankful that I had my girls from my small group at church join me! We enjoyed texting each other our outfits, asking questions and opinions on things, and overall just growing closer... Yes, that can happen through clothing!

Now that this is over, I feel a new world of shopping at my fingertips. No longer will I buy what's "on trend", but classic pieces that I can imagine at least 2-3 different outfit combos with BEFORE I buy it. And, do I HAVE to buy clothes every single month when I have an entire wardrobe already? Also, I learned a lot about completer pieces: before, I would choose functionality over style, but why can't the two work interchangeably? I'm excited to return to my entire wardrobe and imagine the possibilities :)

Thanks to Caitlin at GTR for issuing a challenge to us! In the grand scheme of life, clothes do NOT make you as a person or define you. As a Christian, I know there is so much more to life that what I wear... and if you would like more information on that, I would love to share with you! God wants us to enjoy life and use the blessings He gives us for His glory. That includes fashion, I think! I believe Caitlin said it best when she said (paraphrasing) that when our mind isn't focused on WHAT to wear, or WHY to wear it, or WHEN can I buy the new latest/greatest, we can focus our attention towards HIM. Amen, sister!

[fashion] Outfits 9-14

Time for another weekly update with our #shopyourclosetremix with Caitlin at Greater than Rubies!

This week was full of fails and random pairings... but, like Caitlin says, TRY IT ON before you judge. Well, now I'm judging, Ha! But there were some cute combos too. Onward!

Day 9: red pant + chambray (we were challenged to wear a belt this day... not sure how I feel about it!)

Day 10: chambray + crochet top + crop jeans. We had to re-wear an item from the day before! I thought the red pants would be a bit obvious, so I opted for the chambray. What a random pairing... definitely not a fan!

Day 11: crop jeans + black floral. I definitely liked this outfit from the week! I'm all about sheer and flowy tops, but I have learned to add a "completer" piece to outfits... since it was 70+ degrees this day (thanks Texas!), I used a lightweight black scarf.

Day 12: black pant + white tee + denim jacket. Another fan favorite! Simple. Neutral. Classic.

Day 13: plaid shirt + black cardigan + jeans. I'm indifferent to this outfit. The plaid is cute, but I think the cardigan paired with it looks a bit funny. Also, I should have #putacuffonit (my jeans).

Day 14: Happy Valentine's Day! And no, no red or pink from me. We were encouraged to copy a look from Pinterest, so I paired crop jeans + white tee and added a gray scarf. I liked this look and got lots of compliments on my scarf (it's from S. Korea)

How do you use completer pieces (scarf, cardigan, jacket, belt)? Again, not a fashion blogger or pro photographer by any means, but my girls and I are still having a blast with this challenge!

 

[fashion] Shop Your Closet Looks 1-8

[for more info as to what the heck "Shop Your Closet" is, refer to my last post here]

One week down, gals! My girlfriends and I have had a blast shopping our closets for unique outfits that we normally would not have paired together. We are using prompts from Caitlin at Greater than Rubies to come up with these new pairings (you don't HAVE to use the prompts, they are just an extra challenge). Want to see what I mean? Keep reading!

Day one: Wear a pattern and color. I paired a chevron flowy blouse (pattern) with black pants (color). I liked this look: it wasn't too hard to pair together and it was comfortable (sorry for the awkward angle)!

Day two: Cuff it. This refers to cuffing your pant leg or sleeve. It was FREEZING this day, so I left my sleeve down, but it could've been cuffed! Denim jeans and black sweater.

Day three: Copy a celebrity. I scoured Pinterest for my celebrity fashion inspiration... Katie Holmes, Kate Beckinsale, Princess Kate, and Rachel Bilson (all brunettes: like me!). In the end, I settled for this Rachel look. Black/white striped sweater and black leggings. I wore flats for the picture but changed into boots because it was freezing again! It's casual, but it works. My hair is a bit rough (my hair is a little too think for those kinds of pigtails!) and it was really early in the morning when this photo was taken #keepingitreal

Day four: Mix color families. I combined neutrals (black pant, beige tee) with a hot pink scarf (bright) and wore my denim jacket as a completer piece. See how I tied my scarf? Check that out here.

Day five: Add a scarf. This was a casual, run errands kind of day for me. I kept it simple with denim jeans, a white tee, black cardigan, my fake "Toms" from Wal-Mart, and a light pink/black/white patterned scarf that I got at a scarf exchange at Christmas. I also paired my "Southern Girl" trucker hat because a)it was a casual day, and b)my hair was rougghhh.

Day six: My favorite from the week! This prompt challenged us to combine color, texture, pattern, and shine in an outfit. WHEW. My color/pattern/texture came from my red and black knit scarf. The material it is made out of is super stretchy and moldable (?), so it looked great paired with a simple black tunic. I wore my red pants and nude flats, and used my jewelry as the "shine" aspect.

Day seven: Define the waist. I wasn't too sure about this prompt, but I read via Caitlin (@GTR) to use a completer piece (jacket) or belt, so I used both. Not my favorite, but at least I can say I did it.

Day 8: Add sparkle and shine to a daytime outfit. I used a statement necklace to achieve this requirement, and they are so fun to dress up/down! I paired the necklace with a grey tunic and black leggings. It was 70 degrees yesterday, so we soaked up the sunshine at a local meadery after church ("mead" is like wine but made with honey). 

So did any of you participate? It's been a challenge, but the girls and I think it has made our getting ready in the morning process a little bit quicker and easier. The prompts are definitely pushing us out of our comfort zone as well! New outfits never hurt nobody ;) Leave a comment and let me know which look/prompt is your favorite! Is there a prompt you could try out this week?

Have a great week!

Linking up with Caitlin (Greater than Rubies) and Lindsey (The Pleated Poppy)

[fashion] Shop Your Closet: The Pieces

[She emerges! I know. I promise to blog more!]

If you have been following me on Instagram (@chrissydj), you will have noticed my new #shopyourclosetremix for the next 30 days. Basically I borrowed this idea from Caitlin @Greater Than Rubies (seriously, go check out her blog and links: it has been my reading material for the past two weeks)!

Basically, Nathan and I have felt in a rut (not relationship-wise: don't worry) with all of the STUFF we have accumulated over the 5.5 years we have been married. There are TWO of us... how do we have so much crap?!

This is where Caitlin's blog came in...

I was perusing Pinterest, as all of us do on a daily basis, and I came across an outfit post of hers. I continued to read her website and how she was a former shopaholic who BROKE UP with shopping for a year. A YEAR. No shopping whatsoever. You can find all of this on her website, but the main point of the story is this: I need to learn how to REMIX my wardrobe to have all sorts of fun, new outfits vs. going out and buying the "latest and greatest". I have a bajillion clothing articles. Let's make some fun, new outfits!

So, the #shopyourclosetremix works likes this: NO SHOPPING. Pick pieces you already own and learn to create, mix, and match 30 new outfits. I have the girls from my small group at church joining with me, and we all have chosen 20 articles of clothing as a part of our remix. From here, you fashion 30 outfits. Seems simple, right? Wellllll you have to get creative! Shoes, jewelry, scarves, belts, etc. are unlimited. This is where you can really have fun with the variety of outfits you create.

So as to not bother my FB peeps, I have been posting daily pictures of myself and the gals with our remix outfits for each day (we are using prompts as a guideline from Caitlin, but that's not required)... and this is the part I like the least. I'm sure it's annoying seeing daily "fashion" posts from me! But I know if I don't hold myself accountable to... well, no one really, so I suppose my Instagram, I know I'll quit halfway! So, onto the photos (please remember I'm not a fashion blogger nor a fancy photographer... #keepingitreal)!

Here are my twenty items...

black and white chevron/white crochet/grey tunic/
black sweater/beige tee/black tunic
white casual tee with rope collar/black and white striped sweater/black floral blouse

red sweater/denim jacket/black cardigan
chambray button up/red plaid/black lace dress

black zip up leggings/denim skinnies
denim crop/black pants
(not pictured: red pants)

Now if you'd like to join me on the quest to SHOP YOUR CLOSET, please do! Use the hashtag #shopyourclosetremix and we can all look at each others outfit formulas! PLUS Caitlin (@GTR) is posting her outfits, along with prize opportunities, through her blog in February. Link up and join!

If anything, through this process I hope to clear out some clothes that I'm too attached to and create a solid, structural capsule of clothing for each season, only having to replace ruined or worn pieces. Here's hoping!

Link up with Caitlin here: Shop Your Closet Winter Remix

What has been your fashion challenge for 2015? Do tell!

[wiww] What I Wore Wednesday, er, Thursday

Now I wouldn't call myself a fashion blogger by ANY means, but I think it's fun to see what other people are wearing to get ideas on how to mix, match, and accessorize. And I like to share with Lindsey @ The Pleated Poppy and Faith @ Life. Love. Marriage (via Instagram, #yesimwearingthis). Enjoy!

 Black pants: No idea

Black flats: Famous Footwear (Rocketfish)

Black top: Gap

Earrings and Necklace: Forever 21

 

Lace top and Sequined flats: Charming Charlie's

Purple pants: Walmart (L.e.i)

Necklace and Earrings: Forever 21 (I think...)

 A Saturday errand outfit while Nate was out fishing... it was so comfortable!

Plaid shirt: Walmart (Yep: little boy's section... it was for Cowboy day!)

Cardigan: Gift from grandparents

Jeans: Forever 21

Leopard slippers (that I unashamedly wear as shoes too... Hey, they have a rubber sole!): Target

[Sounds like I made a lot of arguments for those choices, but I still love this outfit!]

The most comfortable shirt I own: Old Navy

Black capris: Gap

Black flats: Famous Footwear (Rocketfish)

"Diamond" studs: Premier Jewelry

Who likes to share fashion and get ideas? I'm currently trying to master the top knot and/or messy bun look, but it just looks messy... Eh well, it's works for me!

Happy Thursday!

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Proverbs 31:30

[wiww] What I Wore Wednesday

So I'm still getting lots of wear out of my Christmas/birthday gifts, plus my favorite necklace from a local boutique, and my favorite boots from Payless (circa 3 years ago). Sorry for some repeats: oops!

 

Green shirt: Forever 21

Necklace: Local boutique

Boots: Payless

Jeans: Forever 21

 

Blue shirt: Charming Charlie's

Jeans: Forever 21

Boots: Payless

Necklace: Forever 21

 

Shirt: Old Navy

Necklace: Forever 21

Purple pants: Walmart (I KNOW)

Boots: Payless

 

[My comfy outfit when I just.wasn't.feeling.work]

Black slacks: no idea, I have had them forever

Black flats: Famous Footwear (Rocketfish)

Long Sweater: Target

Lace top: Charming Charlie's

Necklace: Local boutique

Happy Wednesday! Linking up with Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy!

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Matthew 6:26

[wiww] Holiday Edition

A few photos from holiday/birthday celebrations last week (yes, Nate and I both celebrated birthdays last week!) that I am sure you will see again on Friday... but onward with the fashion! And next week, the pictures will be more outfit focused instead of just pictures of me with other people... ha!

Birthday dinner to Benihana! My dad is sitting next to me, and my best friend Emily with her dad (who just so happens to be my dad's best friend... since they were in the 3rd grade!)

Top and Necklace: Charming Charlie's

Jeans: Forever 21

 

Christmas day snow... in TEXAS!

Leggings: JCPenny

Sweater: Target

 

 Building a gingerbread house with my nephew!

Sweater: gift from Target

Purple shirt: Target

(do you see a pattern? me and Target are tight)

 

So this is a picture of Nate's entire family on his mom's side. Do you see me? Farrrrr left, holding Oliver :) I know you can barely tell my outfit, but I had to include it because I BOUGHT RED PANTS! And they're so fun! And since my school's colors are red and black, I can wear these fun pants with our black school shirt to work. Win!

Red pants: WALMART (I know: never thought I'd live to see the day where I would buy clothes from Walmart, but I've gone and done it! $11, thank you very much!)

Black sweater and shirt: Target

Black boots: JCPenny during Black Friday last year ($30, originally $80)

Santa outfit for Oliver and PJs for Chloe: Target! Ha!

Holiday fashion. Gotta love it! But again, the outfits weren't a close up of just me... I know, I know. I'll get better at this whole WIWW! Linking up with Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy!

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised." Proverbs 31:30

[fashion] Shabby Apple

Like you, I have seen Shabby Apple ads all over blog land! If you are into classic, sophisticated fashion, you will like anything and everything on their website!

Shabby Apple has the most gorgeous clothes for women and girls and a few, okay a lot, of items from their website may possibly be on my Christmas list this year! Get ready, mom and Nate!

Shabby Apple e-mailed me yesterday asking if I would like to take part in their affiliate program. It's so easy to sign up and anyone can do it! Just go to this link and sign up! They will give you word links and banner links for you to add to your blog. Easy peasy! I have a banner on my right side and a banner at the bottom of my blog.

Want to see some of my favorites from their site? Here are a few!

Teacher dress? I think so! I really like how it is so flowy and beautiful green color!
From the Zoology line.

This skirt is so fun! Dress it up for a wedding/date night or wear leggings and boots with it for a fun Christmas look.
From the Lighthouse line.

A beautiful red color, isn't it? Again, can be worn in the summer or pair with leggings and boots for winter. Gorgeous!
From The Block line.

There is so much more to look at! Head to their website and start shopping!

Happy Tuesday! I am administering a standardized test to 21 five and six year olds. Pray for me! And them! And today is my sister-in-law, Claire's, birthday! Wish her a happy birthday on her blog, Kimchi Tacos!

"when peace like a river attendeth my way. when sorrows like sea billows roll. whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, 'It is well, it is well with my soul.'"