My #2014closetremixchallenge

Hello 2014. Welcome to the New Year. The holidays were crazy, stressful, amazing and even more. And I hit the after holiday sales like nobody's business. And now it's time to rein in the crazed shopping. 

Everyone shops for a reason...

Some shop simply to clothe their body (I've never seen it but I've been told it's true).  Others for the thrill of the latest hot item. I'd like to think I fall somewhere in the middle but maybe it is more like shopping is my cardio. I shop and shop and I have a lot to show for it. But as it's a new year and time for reinvention, I am hoping to finally appreciate what fabulous things I own and to quiet the inner "I want" voice. I am approaching with a two fold method. Organize and no shop via the #2014closetremixchallenge.

  Step one: Organize!

Can we talk about the bling?

I might, might have a small love affair with shoes.

And now that I can see everything, it's time to for step two: shop my closet. 

I have been rediscovering old favorites. Like these pink heels.

And finding new favorites like these

 diva pants from Old Navy that I've always struggled to style.

Follow me on Instagram @thisgirlonabudget to see how I am doing. 

XOXO

Angie

Dyi skirts

For months I drooled over the super cute and stylish j.crew skirt and was even more excited  when Target came out with a similar styled skirt.  But it was an utter fail (here). But thanks to the wonderful world of IG inspiration I can make my own. And so I did. And though my over critical self sees room for improvement, I made something wearable but more importantly- I completed a project.  Go me!

XOXO

Angie

 

 

 

Finding my way.

This irregularly scheduled fashion post is taking a little detour into Angie's random musings. Or pity party.  I'll let you be the judge.  I struggle with body image.  About ten years ago after putting on what is generally referred to the secretary spread, I went on South Beach and lost the secretary spread plus some. Through mostly healthy eating and frequent gym attendance,  I was about to maintain for a long time. Who needs Friday night happy hour...not this girl! Friday night after work is the best time to hit the gym--it's completely empty! But then I had a couple of kids.  Bye-bye gym membership. And I've struggled nto find that happy balance. I'm not one for living life on a diet. I want to eat healthy and pass that to my children.

At the beginning of the summer,  we began the process of selling our home and buying a new one. And it was stressful. And I found myself stress eating. Now that everything is said and done, I've gained close to ten pounds. I know it won't come off overnight. ..there is no quick fix. I need to cut back on the extras and work more exercise into my routine.  I know this. But meanwhile,  I'm frustrated.  And disappointed in myself.

Thanks for letting me clear my head. I've got a run scheduled for tonight. Hoping for a repeat of Friday's run (Sunday's run was not great).

Lady in red

This 3/4 sleeve dress has to be one of my all time favorite Old Navy finds. Marked down on the clearance rack for less than $10, it's a go to piece in my closet. Look all the ways it can be styled year-round. 

I think therefore I am

I have always wanted to be a runner. I'd run here or there but I was never consistent and would shortly give it up. But the thought of being a runner is always tucked into the back of my mind. Waiting.

 

 For a few months, I've been been reading my friend Jenn's blog, http://runswithpugs.com/, as she chronicles her running journey.  And as I read, I started to be inspired.  To think, maybe I could do it too. And then I stopped thinking about it and then started doing. I dug out old, forgotten workout clothes, laced up my sneakers and got out there. And I love it. Sure, some days are hard. My face is tomato red and dripping with sweat, but the red, sweaty face tells me I've accomplished something.  I've taken time for myself and set obtainable goals.

 

Sometimes, I have a little company.

 

  

Today's #ootd

I saw these Cynthia Rowley pants at TJ Maxx a few months back and instantly wanted them. They made it as far as the register where I handed them to the cashier and said, "not today". But as fate would have it, that same cashier failed to give me one of my purchases which sent me back to the store later that night. The perfect white top I had been searching for was now lost, but these fabulous pants were coming home instead.
 

Now that I owned the fabulous pants, how was I going to style them? Since that fateful night, I've worn them about half a dozen times, each time tweaking the look.



Today, I think I finally got it right! Paired with a simple 3/4 sleeve sweater from Banana Republic, a gold statement necklace from Charming Charlie and gold heels from DSW, the look finally came together.

  

   

I'm still here...

Okay so it's been a wicked long time since I've posted. Neglected doesn't even begin to describe my blog. I have lots of reasons (excuses), the biggest of course would be the recent sale of our first house and the purchase of a new home. Stresful, exhausting, trying...all that in more. Hang in there...I'll be back. And I'm adding home decorating to the blog. I think my love of decorating supersedes my love of fashion; I look forward to sharing. On a budget of course.

Stay tuned...this girl on a budget is getting ready to cheat on fashion with furniture.

xoxox
Angie