2013- a fashion review

I began documenting this new and more stylish Angie via Instagram about a year ago.  Looking back, some of the first Instagram posts are a bit cringe worthy.  We have to crawl before we can walk, right? Cringe worthy posts aside, I have made some huge fashion strides trying a number of trends along the way. I was a boot-cut pant wearing girl who has embraced skinnies, cropped pants with bold prints, pattern mixing and statement necklaces. Along the way, I discovered a new love of blazers. I finally understand what Stacy and Clinton of What Not to Wear have been preaching for a decade (anyone else still miss the show?)- blazers are finishing pieces that really complete your look.

Print mixing and cropped pants

Loving on some blazers

Looking forward to a more fashionable 2014.

XOXO

Angie

January recap part 2

And here's the big question. ..how did I do with my self imposed shopping ban? I made one purchase that one an out and  purchase- Sam & Libby metallic heels purchased for $12 from $40 at Target.

 

I also made a few other purchases that I feel were justified: new gym clothes on super sale from Old Navy (total purchase $40);

two pair of pants from The Limited (I used returned a few items and purchased using Limited Cash); an anchor top from Old Navy $12 and striped skirt $15. I had a coupon for $15 because I'm a loyal Old Navy customer-ha! Plus $15 off the purchase of $50 so the top was basically free and the skirt was completely free.

 

 

 

 

Did I shop: the truthful answer would have to be yes. But I'm okay with the purchases I made. I really did need new gym clothes. I mean, the last time I seriously purchased gym clothes was before my oldest was born and she starts school in the fall. It was long past time to toss those old clothes. The few purchases I made were paid for using returns and discounts. And what did I take away from the challenge? I have a lot of wonderful pieces that I am working hard to use instead of focusing on the newest item in the stores. I am looking forward to continuing remixing my current pieces and only purchase when I have an actual need.

January recap Part 1-#2014closetremixchallenge

It's the end of January which means the end of month one of the #2014closetremixchallenge.

 

How did I do? What did I learn?  Let's skip how I did for just a minute and focus on what I learned.  I  managed a month full of work looks remixing only a handful of items. That's right, twenty full outfits without repeats. And mostly I'm embarrassed thinking about all the items hanging in my closet still waiting to be worn.

Week One

Week Two

Week Three

Week Four

Rather than talk about the looks that worked, I'd like to discuss the ones that didn't.

Week One: 

I didn't like the tights with this skirt. I grabbed cheapy tights from Target and found the fit to be too uncomfortable to last the day.

 

Week Two: 

The fit on these pants aren't working for me here. Hence the #fitandfab2014 I'm also doing on IG (Isn't IG wonderful?)

Week 3:

Can we talk jewelry overload? this would be IG gone wrong. It just wasn't me.

 

 

I stripped off half the jewelry and it felt much more me.

Week 4:

Monday's look. I had a blah day and it totally showed in my look. 

But my very favorite look is this. All the stars aligned and this perfect look emerged.

 

Check back next time to see how I did during the challenge and why I'll be continuing into February.

 

XOXO

Angie

  

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.