Day 4... reported on Day 5

I know! I'm a day late! Thursdays are always kind of hectic for me, and last night went even longer because I had a law review dinner/celebration to attend for the completion of the third volume (in which I am published!) So by the time we got home and took pictures, no one really had the energy to do anything other than watch Parks and Recreation episodes and eat chips and queso.

You might be getting today's pics tomorrow, too, because I right now I am on the couch editing in my pajamas and a sweatshirt, and I have no reason to get dressed until dinner tonight with my parents (it's RT week!). Anyway, here's what I wore yesterday.

Before I post anything, can I just say that I do have a full length mirror in my house, and if I thought I looked as hippy as these pictures make me look, well, I probably would have cried and gone back to bed. I mean, it looks like I've pushed out 5 kids. Does this mirror/picture incongruity happen to anyone else? And why is it only my boyfriend's camera that likes to disfigure me? So confused. And sad.

Anthropologie Molded and Melded Tee in sky

NYC Blank Skinnies

BCBG blazer

Banana Republic wedges

Forever 21 earrings

J. Crew necklace

This is the first time wearing this necklace, and I got raving compliments on it! The best part, I paid $10 for it. No lie. In fact, I don't think I paid full price for anything I am wearing today, except maybe my earrings, which came in a four pack for like three dollars.

I don't generally talk about how much I spend on clothes, or anything. Like Don Draper, I am from the midwest, and we don't talk about ourselves -or money. Money is a tacky subject - if you're talking about your own money, you talk about a sale or a great price. You do not talk about how much you spent on something if you're referring to "Oh, my gold crusted diamonds were SOOOOO expensive, but they're SOOOOO worth it. I can't imagine wandering around with regular, non gold crusted diamonds like you're POOR or something." You do not ever talk about other people's money. You can complain about prices going up, but you should never talk about how much you paid for something as a pretext for bragging. It's an Ohio thing. Also, most of my family never had the kind of money where you could brag about how much you  spent, and if you're bragging about funds, it's like you're throwing your financial situation in the faces of people who work in factories and don't get vacation days. So if you're discussing money, and I freeze up and cringe, this is why.

It's also why I don't talk prices here. To me, how much a person chooses to spend on herself is not open to discussion or judgment. It's as personal as health matters. It's no one's business. The only time I might bring up price is if I am discussing dressing on a budget. THEN it is ok, but in general, we won't talk about money here. I will say, though, that I am a law student living on loans, and that there are great deals out there at places like Bluefly, Gilt, Rue La La, Zappos, and just the sale section of stand bys. I am not someone who will never pay full price for something I really love, but I am also a person who can't afford to be irresponsible. Not that I am always the girl with spreadsheet budgets or anything. The blazer in those pictures sat in my close for a good number of months with the tags still on it. Still. I wish I could peruse websites and click my little heart out, but I can't. Someday. And I'm proud to say that when that day comes, I'll have earned it, which is something else my working class roots taught me.

I just want to know who gave me these hips. It's absurd. I don't really look like this in real life, right??

Day Three: Falling onto Old Ways

Today was a bit of a blah day, and I'm not going to lie, I went with a standby. This skirt is one of the best investments I have ever made. I probably wear it once a week, it's basic but still interesting, and I get compliments nearly every time I wear it. Most importantly, I feel comfortable in it - not "sensible shoes" comfortable, but it's true I don't worry about it getting twisted or sliding down or getting otherwise wonky. When I say "comfortable," I mean that I feel like it looks good on me and I don't worry that I look silly. I want to say that I don't care what people think about how I look, and screw them if they don't like my style, but that's just not me. I care. And if I don't feel like something looks right, I will be (even more) self-conscious until I can change into my pajamas. And when I hit a certain level of self consciousness, I get very cranky. So we don't want that to happen.

But this, I feel like it always looks right.

J. Crew skirt

J. Crew Jackie cardigan

Nine West flats

Tiffany & Co. necklace

Forever 21 earrings

With the cardi undone, Forever 21 tank

One of the reasons I chose this skirt as part of my 30 for 30 Challenge is because, while it's something that I wear regularly, I always wear it with the same old thing (a black H&M top). I didn't include that top in this challenge, and I'm gonna force myself to try it with something new. That's one of the reasons I'm doing this challenge: with all the clothes in my closet, I still wear the same things all the time. Don't tell my dad, but he's right: there are clothes in my closet that still have tags on them. So I'm challenging myself to try new things. 

So while this is a standby for me, I am trying something new with the cardi. Baby steps, you guys.

I realize I have worn these shoes every day this week. I promise, different shoes tomorrow. Just for you guys. Don't say I don't do anything for you.

30 for 30 Day 2

Today I have followed all the rules, but I'm not sure about this tank. I didn't select it, but I pretty much have four tank tops/camis I wear under everything. To me, they're underwear that it's ok to see, because it means people don't see your actual underwear. Like a trick! Buttoning the cardigan isn't really an option here because of the skirt, but I obviously have to wear something under it. Or not! I can be a rebel! Or take fashion cues from Madonna and walk around in my bra at work/school!

Oh, wait, I just remembered I'm a 26 year old law student. That might have worked if I had chosen stripping as a career path, but as you can see, I'm more academic and nerdy than... however you choose to describe strippers. I don't judge!

Regardless, this is my outfit for Day 2. It's another new piece - the cardigan. This combination was inspired by the wonderful blog, Little Girl Big Closet.

Anthropologie Breezy Polkas Cardigan in red

ModCloth Pro Bow-no skirt

Nine West flats

Anthropologie Bright Bulb Posts in peach

J. Crew necklace

Fossil watch

You will notice my hair is dry today! That's because I had to wait a bit later to take pics. See, Mulder had his salon grooming appointment and needed to show off his new haircut.

Bitches love his new haircut. And that isn't even a bad word, because Mulder really does mean female dogs.

Also, I think I need to get a different system for photos. This whole hold-camera-point-at-mirror thing is just a bit to myspace-y for me.

Oh! And did you see that adorable thing on top of the stack of clothes on the bookcase behind me? That's my third dress for the challenge! And yes, it IS the Highest Accolades dress from Anthro, and YES, those ARE horse show ribbons on it! So you see why it had to come home. I don't think I have anywhere to wear it during these 30 days, but I'll make it nerdy for school. Well, if I just out it on, I up the nerdy factor anyway. It's my special talent.

Off to school to plow through my authority binder for law review. As my fellow law reviewer/friend says "I hate law review. Id." No black "Id./2010 L. Rev." shirt for us, thanks.

Day One: It starts

Today kicks off the 30 for 30 Challenge, and I am still a weird combination of scared and excited. And I might have already broken the rules. I know there's no shopping, but I assume this is limited to clothes. Because, like, I need a broom, and I'm not gonna make do with paper towels for the next 30 days. But also, you guys? Gilt is totally not supporting this no shopping rule. I checked me email this morning to find out when my router will be here, and bam, right there, a Kate Spade sale. So I bought a purse. I know, I'm not good at this. For realsies, no more shopping at all, except for new things for my house. Pinky swear.

But! I did my first official 30 for 30 outfit. This is my first time wearing this top, and I'm very excited. I'm looking forward to getting a lot of use out of it.

This was the first round:

Modcloth Double Helix Sweater

Blank NYC skinnies

Nine West flats

(and wet hair, sorry)

This face says, hm, this needs something else.

H&M scarf (which comes in handy as a wrap in this freezing cold classroom)

 Much better! But it could still use my favorite accessory.

Mulder

Fossil watch

 There he is! Mulder makes every outfit look exponentially better. Oh, and I added my favorite watch.

Do the cuffs make my legs look even shorter? I think they do, but I don't care. I kind of feel like I need to stop dressing to "hide" "flaws." Since when are short legs a flaw? My legs can run a 5k, chase Mulder up the stairs, and hold me in a nice 2-point position and support my horse's bend in a shoulder-out. They won't get me on the runway, but I love my legs because of all they do for me. So yeah, I'm stumpy. Deal with it, everybody. I'm not going to go around my whole life pretending to be leggy for your benefit.

Love your body, everyone! It takes care of you! If someone wants to criticize you for your short legs or long torso or curly hair, that's just their own insecurities rearing their ugly heads. Don't listen to those people. They are miserable.

Saw this quote at the coffee shop today: The beauty of being beat is that you made it through.

Saturday was a rough day. I cried a lot. I doubted myself. I wanted to quit. I felt beat - beaten down, battered, defeated. But I was still standing.

At least, I was on Sunday. Saturday was still a hot mess. But the moving is over. I'm in a new home, learning new sounds, and figuring out a new thermostat. I'm happy and excited to start anew. A new day, a new home, and a new chance for something great.

Also, I handed the keys over to the old place. That has done wonderful things for my spirit.

This challenge seems a bit daunting. I went to bed last night contemplating whether I should switch out one of the skirts for another top, or wishing I had something in my closet that I don't possess, because I just realized how awesome it would be with the other stuff I picked out. In the end, I'm sticking with what I have, because that's the point of this challenge: work with what is in your closet. What you don't have won't help you now. And maybe, by the end of these 30 days, I'll realize I didn't even need it all along.

I'm leaving you with a couple of pictures of Mulder from this morning. This guy is seriously the most important thing I "own." Though I feel weird saying I own him. He's like my best little buddy who is more than happy to rest his head on my feet under the table while I study blog.

Up for the Challenge?

I am! This starts tomorrow. Yikes! I'm already thinking about the clothes I'm gonna miss wearing. But here goes. First, the clothes on my bed:

Five tops:

Two button downs and two blazers. (No, not two identical blazers, I swear. One is a jacket/top. I don't know how to properly categorize it. I searched Express for it, but it looks like it's all gone. So you'll just have to take my word for it.):

Three skirts:

 Three dresses:

 Wait, there are only two dresses there, you say? Well, how very mathy of you! The other one will be here this week. It is enroute and could not make it in time for the 30 for 30 Challenge Kick Off. If it doesn't work out, I'll substitute another dress. Or pick another top. I don't know. I feel scared.

Here are some pants! Five of them. Two have to make a trip to the dry cleaner's, and one of those needs some hemming before they get some play.

Five cardigans.

Finally, five pairs of shoes:

As I mentioned earlier, this is work day and weekend wear. What is not included? Glad you asked!

You noticed there wasn't any underwear in those above pictures? Well, that's because I don't wear underwear. Just kidding. I totally wear underwear, because I am a hygenic, Christian woman. But underwear doesn't count. Neither do workout wear, pajamas, or whatever I put on after I drag my tired booty through the door. In case we get a very unlikely cold snap in the next 30 days, coats don't count, either. Neither do accessories or tanks or camis, because I pretty much wear those under everything. I also didn't count clothes I wear for horses, because that seems silly.

All of these are now all together in my closet, ready for go time. I'm scared. I think I might have withdraws from some of the things I left out. But I think this will be good. They're just clothes, after all, and life isn't about shopping during class or having something new, even if you really, really, really want it and it's the only one left in your size and it's so cute. I think I need to learn some serious lessons about my appearance and not buying something new to impress someone. I should impress people because I am charming and fun, not because I spent three hours getting dressed, which they never even know anyway. Right? Plus, it will be fun! That's what I"m telling myself, so go with me here, please.

Ok, I need a drink.

Home Sweet Home

You have to start somewhere, right? This is where I am starting. Everything is "in" the house, but it is obviously not arranged or organized or even remotely near the appropriate place. But this is where we are.

Welcome! The mat says it do I don't have to.

This is the door you just entered.  Come on upstairs!

 Yes, these ones. Come on.

This is the kitchen. It's the first thing you see when you get upstairs. Well, there's kind of a landing, but when I took pictures, there were boxes piled up there. So we're skipping that right now.

This door is usually closed, obviously, but I had to show you. I'm very proud of my pantry. Sprinkles mix, anyone?

 And if you turn to your left when you get upstairs, this is what you see.

 Turn more left. Dining room! My table is so ginormous, it has to be pushed up against the wall to walk. It shall be replaced with a pedestal table, someday.

Living room! I love it. It's so cozy. Well it will be, once not everything is on the floor.

Built ins. I balked against the idea at first because I'm not generally a fan, but I have kind of warmed up to them, and I have big plans for these babies.

 Looking at the built ins from the living room. The complex painted the wall. Aren't they sweet? It would be awesome if they would fix the light above my door, because it's kind of like Rape Hallway walking in there at night.

Peeking into the kitchen from the living room. That's the bathroom door. When your apartment is 873 square feet, your bathroom door is going to be uncomfortably close to the kitchen, no matter what.

Oh, my, sorry about this. This was my bedroom this morning. The clothes on my bed are part of the 30 for 30 Challenge. I like to combine projects. Why do one thing at a time when you can do two? One is boring.

And the dresser.

Don't mind my pink polka dot pajama pants.

 Hot mess next to my side of the bed.

 Mini hallway from my bedroom to the bathroom! Cute.

 Breaker box! Yep, in my bedroom. Lovely, no? It's hidden from sight if I keep that door open, but it's kinda weird. Not sure what to do with it. As my mom pointed out, at least I won't have to go very far if power goes out in the middle of the night. Silver lining!

 Haven. Closet.

Don't worry, I won't accompany you to the bathroom in real life.

Just showing you where I want to hang some hooks so the towels don't have to get thrown over the shower curtain.

 Thusly.

 Please wash your hands.

  You are also welcome to wash your face. Also, hi, camera!

 Poor linen closet, waiting for me to wash all the towels and sheets.

Oh, and I have two closets. This is the one I didn't show you. What do we think about the mirrored doors? I don't like them, though they are useful. I'm still debating the options with these.

I would show you the rest, but that's pretty much it. In the interest of full disclosure, it looks a little different now. I unpacked more, took out boxes, and moved some stuff in my bedroom. But you'll see that soon. All in good time, doves. All in good time.

Hopefully I won't make too much of an embarrassment of myself with this "blogging the decorating" thing. Be gentle with me, please.

Relocated and revived

I know, I've been in hiding. I had ALOT of crap to do, you guys, most of which is boring and you wouldn't care about, but one thing is very important, and that is - I MOVED!!! It's amazing what 8/10 of a mile will do for your spirits. See also, running water, no used condoms on the roof, and not living in a building with crackheads and meth addicts. When I woke up this morning, it wasn't to a feeling of dread and anxiety and wondering how fast I could get my booty out of the hell hole I live in. I woke up to a tree outside my window and wondering why I dreamed about a very needy ostrich.

This is very exciting news for you. Yes, you! See, now that I have a new apartment, I have a clean slate. A clean slate that needs some loving attention. And I am going to blog all that sweet, sweet, unadulterated loving attention right here, in this very blog. You'll get to watch as my apartment goes from a storage unit to a home. It already feels more cozy than my old place, just having my stuff piled up in it.

I'm going to post pictures of each room as it changes. Feel free to throw out ideas or suggestions! Because as much as I loved Domino and religiously read Apartment Therapy, I have no idea what I'm doing.

This isn't going to be some masterpiece of design or something. I don't have the thousands, or even hundreds, of dollars to throw into this place, and if I did, I would spend it all on an interior decorator because I sure don't have the time. It's my home, but it's still a temporary home. This is a pretty big year, and who knows where I'm going to be when my lease is up. This is going to be about a broke and stressed out law student trying to make something that's welcoming to come home to, a place that feels familiar and safe, without being over the top or "design-y." It's just a normal person's home. A normal person who is obsessed with horses and books and has too many animal-themed artwork prints. See? Totally normal.

Also, here is something exciting: I am going to unofficially participate in the 30 for 30 Challenge. What's that, you ask? Well, it's this idea http://kendieveryday.blogspot.com came up with. You pick out 30 pieces of clothing from your closet, and that is ALL you get to wear for 30 days. Generally, this is limited to workday and weekend wear. NB, that does not include work out wear, lounge wear, or what you change into when you come home. The idea is that you learn to live with what you have and learn to create new outfits out of what's in your closet. Also, no clothes shopping for those 30 days! I know! But I can do it. Plus, I need to. I think I have a shopping addiction, you guys. I'm going cold turkey. This will either rock, or suck. Hard. And once again, I'll be blogging it all right here. Yay for voyeurism!

Later, I will post the clothes I have selected for 30 for 30. And in the next several days, I will be taking and posting pictures of my little place as it develops. Right now, everything is in my apartment, and most of it is even already out of boxes, but it is nowhere near done or anything. I mean, really, you're never "done" decorating, but  it is not livable. Unless you're one of those hoarders, probably, because they seem quite content to live with stacks of boxes and accumulated crap around them. But I am not one of those people. So this needs to change, pronto. And I am in the perfect state of mind for it! Seriously, I feel like a great burden has been lifted off my shoulders, and I am ready to GO. I am ready to hang pictures, hang drapes, arrange, rearrange, measure, organize, purge, and restock. I feel so great, I even have a second wind for school. I am ready to read, edit, search, upload, and outline! 3L-itis isn't gonna get me!

But first, I have to go clean the old hell hole. I am now accepting bets on whether I'm getting my security deposit back.