Unintentionally MIA: A Catch Up

Unintentionally MIA ß that’s me. Here’s the catch up:

Friday I drove straight from work to Little Rock, a nice 3 hour drive (2 hours is my usual max by myself…not a fan). By the time I arrived, I was in no mood for pictures, and that morning I had thrown on a black t-shirt, jeans, and leopard scarf. It was okay, but nothing special.

I soon realized that in my hurry to hit the road, I left all my shirts at home. I mainly lounged around while Zach was doing rounds on Saturday then we watched the Razorback game at the house, so I didn’t really need to get dressed up. On Sunday I again waited while he did rounds, then we worked on residency applications before I drove home.

Maybe it was because I went three days without caring much about how I looked. Maybe it’s because I just needed a break from caring. Either way, I just wasn’t feeling very into fashion on Monday or Tuesday. Plus, I spent most of Monday and Tuesday pulling together a very short notice field trip for one of my classes…

Between filling out P.O. orders, vouchers, rushing checks, getting a bus, and sending out permission forms in a 24 hour window, I’ve felt like I had a hummingbird for a heart. Doing things at the last minute is not my style, but I wanted to make this opportunity happen for my students.

I arrived an hour early to school this morning to make sure everything was ready for my substitute, etc. and realized 15 minutes before we were supposed to leave that I forgot the check for our registration fees at my house. I couldn’t use a personal check (not that I had one on me of course), so I had to go get it. I made it back with 3 minutes to spare, but it wasn’t exactly the smooth start I had hoped for today.

The upside to all of this--the clinic was fantastic. We learned so much and I almost took more notes in one day than I took in graduate school! I’ll try to get back to posting OOTD pictures soon!

The Wardrobe Experiment: Day 32

Today passed slowly. I'm still not feeling great, and I just wanted to stay in bed today. I'm hoping I will feel much better tomorrow so I can enjoy the little time I get with Zach. 

Why I kept it:

Good colors and I like the stripes. 

Why I stopped wearing it:

The dolman sleeve shape isn't extremely flattering. 

How I styled it:

Earrings and a necklace. Quick and painless this morning. 

How I felt:

Okay...

The verdict:

Keeping, but need to rework how I wear it. 

The Wardrobe Experiment: Day 31

This will be short and sweet because I'm feeling very under the weather today. My allergies have decided to go absolutely crazy over the past 24 hours, and I can't seem to get any relief. Teaching when you can't even think straight isn't the greatest. Today I just wanted to be comfortable, and I honestly wish I could have stayed in my pajamas.

Why I kept it:

I got this top at JCP in March. It's a fun print and can be dressed up or down.

Why I stopped wearing it:

Not really an issue here.

How I styled it:

Minimally--jeans and a few accessories.

How I felt:

Just okay...but a lot of that probably has to do with the fact that I am sick right now.

The verdict:

Keeping.

The Wardrobe Experiment: Day 30

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I hope everyone had a relaxing Labor Day weekend! I spent as much time with Zach as possible because he left for a month long rotation yesterday. He is still in Arkansas, although it's about 3 hours away from home, and he will work seven days a week. This month will be difficult, but I am also thankful that it is only 4 weeks when other medical students have to spend much longer away from home during fourth year.

Today I was inspired by the Trend Spin Linkup featuring lace. This skirt is the only all-lace item in my closet, so I accepted the challenge to finally wear this "someday" item. 

Why I stopped wearing it:
I got this skirt 2-3 years ago from NY&Co. when I was having to dress up quite often for school and work. Now that I'm allowed to wear jeans everyday, I've avoided skirts and dresses Monday-Friday. I haven't worn this skirt in at least a year.
Why I kept it:
I fell in love with with this skirt when I saw it, and it is truly the most comfortable skirt I've ever worn. Lace is currently a big trend, but I've always loved the feminine detail it adds. And why would you get rid of a classic yet unique black skirt that is truly comfortable? You wouldn't.
How I styled it:
This striped top is from Loft, and it's the last of my summer purchases that I was "saving" for back to school. It's very soft and has an exposed zipper detail in the back. Even though it's still a bit too warm to need a jacket, I couldn't resist adding this faux leather quilted moto jacket that I found for $18 at F21 over the weekend. I am not exaggerating when I say that I've been looking for the right faux leather jacket for over a year. I've ordered and returned several, all costing somewhere between $30-50, but finding this gem made it worth the wait. I really like how this outfit mixed the softness of the lace and the hardness of the leather. For accessories, I chose my tassel necklace, gold spike bracelet, and black/gold pave earrings.
The verdict:
Of course I'm keeping this skirt. Of all the "someday" items I've worn so far, this is probably the one I've been most excited about wearing again. Thank you to Walking Memphis in High Heels, The Fashion Canvas, and Kacie's Kloset for hosting this lace inspired linkup! 

The Wardrobe Experiment: Day 29

 Sunday has turned into my wear a dress that hasn't been worn in years day. I can get away with being a little more dressed up at church, plus I'm not stuck for too long if it ends up being uncomfortable. I didn't realize I had an Audrey Hepburn thing happening until I was already dressed, but that's not a bad thing in my book!

Why I kept it:

What woman gets rid of a LBD? I'm pretty sure I got this at JCP a few years ago, and I've probably only worn it once or twice since then (not at all during the last year).

Why I stopped wearing it:

I suppose I just don't live a lifestyle worthy of the LBD, or at least that's what I told myself. But one of the best parts of the wardrobe experiment has been wearing pieces I genuinely still like that I just didn't think I could or should wear without a special occasion.

How I styled it:

I think this belt actually came with the dress, and I wore my favorite gold stud earrings and a couple of fun bracelets. My spiked leather clutch was a find from @shopmasons yesterday for $35! It has a detachable strap, so it easily converts to hands-free. Loving it. 

How I felt:

A little dressier than usual, but surprisingly comfortable and confident.

The verdict:

The LBD lives on!

The Wardrobe Experiment: Day 28

Woo Pig Sooie, y'all! It didn't feel like fall today, but between Razorback football on tv and the scent of my "sweater" candle from Bath and Body Works, it was pretty darn close for August. I cleaned the house while Zach mowed this morning and then I enjoyed some Labor Day sales at the mall. We topped it off by having dinner with Zach's parents, sister, and brother in law.

Why I kept it:

This fun tshirt, featuring a lady hog with "Hey, call me" written underneath, was purchased last summer at Riffraff (I actually ordered it from Hungary and sent Zach to pick it up!). V-neck, soft, unique, and related to Arkansas. No further justification necessary. 

Why I stopped wearing it:

I never really stopped wearing it, but I hadn't worn it with anything except jeans.

How I styled it:

I love this striped maxi skirt, but I never know what to wear with it. My tassel necklace, spiked bracelet, and Razorback earrings finished off the look. 

How I felt:

Comfortable, funky, and team spirited. 

The verdict:

Keeping. But I'd like to find more ways to wear this skirt...

The Wardrobe Experiment: Day 27

The kids were definitely itching for the three day weekend and it was difficult to keep them on track today. It was also yearbook picture day, which is totally normal for adults. 

Why I kept it:

The color of this top is much richer in person and this fit is classic and simple. 

Why I stopped wearing it:

I've had it for a couple of years and I just stopped choosing it from my closet. 

How I styled it:

Simple jewelry for yearbook pictures :) 

How I felt:

I felt better in person than how this outfit photographed. That's real life. But I'm still happy overall. 

The verdict:

Keeping for now. 

The Wardrobe Experiment: Day 26

I never thought I'd make it to day 25, so day 26 is a big accomplishment. Like most days, I had no idea what I would wear today. Today's outfit is one that had never crossed my mind; I just put it on and walked out the door. Considering that, I'm pretty happy with it.

Why I kept it:

This top is (another) JCP clearance deal from July. The real "someday" item here is the jeans. I've had them since at least 2008, and knows when I last wore them--maybe 2010? But they are soft and lightweight, and I knew the moment I donated them that straight/skinny jeans would be out and flares would be in! Well that may not be exactly true, but I have seen several bloggers that I love breaking out their flare jeans recently, and I decided I would give it a try, too.

Why I stopped wearing it:

Pretty obvious answer here...when skinny jeans came out, I was a die hard bootcut lover. I thought skinny jeans were only worn by my emo students. And I thought they made my booty look too big. I just wasn't used to seeing my shape like that. Then I decided that skinny and straight jeans were the only thing I could wear. They suddenly felt so flattering! How does this happen? Anyway, once it did, these favorite jeans were folded up and never given a second thought...unless I was cleaning out my closet, then I remembered my love for them and saved them for "someday," when they would be accepted as cute again.

How I styled it:

I was feeling very autumn inspired today. Earth tones and a scarf with gold accents were just what I needed. ps: I got this scarf for $3 (+ $0.97 shipping) at Wal-Mart. (Lucky for you, it's now just $2 plus shipping.)

How I felt:

I was nervous about wearing these jeans, and Zach wasn't a fan. But I felt comfortable and loved the top/scarf. It was nice to change it up a bit, but I'll probably stick with straight and skinny jeans for a while longer.

The verdict:

I think I'll let these jeans stick around...everything comes back eventually!

The Wardrobe Experiment: Day 25

It was a long Wednesday, ya'll. I gave our first test in every class today and that kept me busy reading the test out loud, grading bellwork and notes, and calculating and entering grades. Then we had professional learning community meetings after school. I'm not ashamed to say I had fast food for dinner, and my hot ham and cheese sandwich with a sweet tea was delicious.

Why I kept it:

I fell in love with this top the moment I saw it online at Loft a couple of months ago. Swiss dots on a classic white button up? Yes, please. 

Why I stopped wearing it:

This should actually be "why I never started wearing it." And I'm embarrassed to tell you the truth. Here it is...it needed to be ironed. I hate ironing. It feels good to get that off my chest.

How I styled it:

This is the necklace that arrived broken in the mail that I wanted to wear on Saturday but couldn't. My handy hubby fixed it up for me and I was so excited to wear it for the first time! And I tucked in my shirt...apparently that is something I need to now accept as normal.

How I felt:

So great! Classic and current at the same time. My students said, "You look cute again today!" 

The verdict:

I predict I will own this top (and love it) for the next decade. 

ps: I never did iron it :)

The Wardrobe Experiment: Day 24

I'm not really a girly-girl when it comes to fashion. Oh, I have my girly tendencies in other areas (I'm famous in Zach's family for having once said "there's too much nature out here" at an outside get together), but clothes and worrying about how I look just don't make the cut. Sure I try to look nice for special occasions, but my theory was always if my picture won't be taken, any old outfit will do. And I use the word "outfit" very loosely. I always admired girls that look put together 24/7, but I wasn't one of them. And I didn't aspire to be.

I'm certainly not going to look fabulous everyday, but even just trying to look okay for 24 outfits in a row has started to change the way I feel about getting dressed everyday (knowing there will be photographic evidence is also motivating). I've noticed that I carry myself differently. I feel more confident. I'm not embarrassed if I run into someone I wasn't expecting to see.

I knew I had started to notice these changes, but today I found out that other people notice it, too. Today a group of students said, "You always look so cute. You don't swear sweats or anything!" Just seven days into the school year, and they've already noticed that I've put a little effort into how I look each day. It was a sweet compliment to hear, and one that will keep me motivated during this experiment.

Why I kept it:

I just love stripes! This top is from Loft--it's super soft and has a zipper detail in the back. 

Why I stopped wearing it:

I think I got this top around April, and I wore it a few times before it got too hot for summer (it's a thicker fabric).

How I styled it:

Previously I wore this top with black pants, but I felt like wearing it with these olive jeans today. Not long ago I would have never worn black/white with olive/brown, but I'm glad that's not a "rule" anymore. (ps: I plan to break more rules after Labor Day.) The necklace tied it all together for me.

How I felt:

Like me! Definitely able to teach and move around while still feeling put together and comfortable.

The verdict:

I don't think I'll ever get tired of stripes. It's staying. Possibly forever.

The Wardrobe Experiment: Day 23

Happy Monday! Working as a teacher makes me very aware of each day of the week. Each day typically comes with its own vibe. Mondays mean we are jumping into another week, and hey, that's one day closer to Friday :) 

Why I kept it:

I really love this top. Animal prints are a favorite, and navy is a classic color. 

Why I stopped wearing it:

Maybe I loved it so much that I wore it one too many times and needed a break? I bought this a little over 2 years ago, but I don't remember wearing it in a while...6 months at least.

How I styled it:

Gold pave earrings (my usual earring of choice), and tassel necklace from Mint Sugar Boutique, and top tucked in (maybe wishing I hadn't?).

How I felt:

I needed some help this morning! My hair was in a bun, but I didn't like it. I tried on three outfits, blamed the bun, brushed out my hair, and hoped for the best. I settled on this outfit but wasn't crazy about how it came together. My husband voted for my white jeans, and I think he was right. I wished I had listened to him before even making it to the end of our street!

The verdict:

Keeping, but I want to wear this top differently next time.

The Wardrobe Experiment: Day 22

Sunday fun day! We went to church this morning, spent some time together this afternoon, then I created lesson plans while Zach played another nine holes of golf. I'm so happy that he's taking some time to enjoy fourth year. Hobbies like golf are a luxury that won't exist during residency.

Throwback to Miss Arkansas 2007, which explains my stage hair and makeup, when I first wore this dress. We both look so young!

Why I kept it:
I like black and white, and I like polka dots. I've had this dress for 6 years, there is nothing wrong with it, so I kept it. And it hung in my closet, unworn for years, waiting for "someday."
Why I stopped wearing it:
This dress is somewhere between casual and dressy. It's just dressy enough that people will ask "Why are you dressed up today?" I hate that.
How I styled it:
Minimally. Bracelet and earrings. But I'm wondering how it would look worn as a skirt with a shirt over the top…maybe next time!
How I felt:
Happy and comfortable!
The verdict:
It can hang in my closet a while longer.

The Wardrobe Experiment: Day 21

We've had a great Saturday! I've been pretending that I don't have lesson plans to create, and I really think I needed that today. We started off by meeting Emily from The Sweetest Thing blog and her husband, John, for brunch at a local place known for its great breakfast. My husband and John are both fourth year medical students, so we can all relate to the wild ride of medical school and now residency applications/matching. Emily and I are actually from the same small town and were a grade apart in school. We haven't seen each other in person in years, and I loved catching up with her today! 

Why I kept it:

This simple black top feels like your favorite old t-shirt. I got it a couple of years ago on clearance at The Limited, and I didn't see any harm in keeping such a classic piece, but it just hung in my closet after wearing it one or two times.

Why I stopped wearing it:

This is a very formfitting top, and I don't always feel like having my form fitted! I hope some of you can relate! 

How I styled it:

I went for this top to highlight a colorful necklace I just received in the mail. I got dressed, opened the package, and found the necklace broken in half. I wasn't very happy, but I didn't have time to change. I substituted my favorite statement necklace, bracelet, belt, top tucked in, done. 

How I felt:

Comfortable and happy to be getting use out of an unworn top (that is the point of the wardrobe experiment, after all!). 

Later this afternoon we went to a get together for the med students and their families at a local doctor's house. We hung out around the pool in the heat, so I'm glad I changed into shorts.

Why I kept it:

I kept this shirt because I like the color and because it's so darn comfortable. But the shorts are the real unworn item here. They haven't left my drawer in two years, but I kept them for their fun print.

 Why I stopped wearing it:

Shorts just aren't my thing.

How I styled it:

I wore a light pink top with these shorts when I first bought them, so wearing them with a mint green top felt new. I added a trusty bubble necklace and headed off to the pool!

How I felt:

Happy to get some wear out of another unused item. And comfortable...I always need to feel comfortable...ya'll know this.