V-Day outfit

So yeah, this was my V-day outfit!! I've been debating whether or not I should break out the hot pink pencil skirt... many "nos" later, I receive an e-mail at work saying that everyone who has donated to their fundraising pot gets a V-Day Casual day. Rae and I completely missed the Casual part. Everyone is in red shirts with jeans and sneakers. I'm in this flaming bright getup with a Heather-Brown ruffly cardigan. Rae's in her light pink dress with a black cardi and heels. Oops. Well, this was my excuse for wearing hot pink!! WHAT WHAT!!

Winter 30 for 30

I already put my name in so that I could be included on KendiEveryday.com's link list for the new 30 for 30 challenge. Though I may not have taken a picture of every outfit I wore, I didn't care. I tried really hard and the challenge changed part of my mind because it was a philosophy that I truly began to take note of and be affected by it.

I've been feeling rather overwhelmed and uninspired at times where my energy has been spent creating every minute at least 45 hours a week. That's saying a lot because I use to give anyone and everyone crap for being boo-faced!

I started fashion blogging because I was looking for outfits that were both creative, cute, yet office-friendly. I didn't find too much but I stumbled across Tara's blog- I've mentioned her before on entwinedhair.blogspot.com. What I liked was how simple and straightforward her images were- unprofessional, quite bland with a simple point and shoot, but it made her outfits stand out that much more. You see, as much as I love having everything displayed magazine-ready, I am able to see the creative nature of her outfits and be inspired by them. Frankly, it was because of her that I've started obsessing over the Loft and recently purchased my first item from there- a $6 black sparkly winter dress that retailed for $70. HOT DANG!!

Now let's be completely honest here- I was probably compelled to her blog because it was intimidating. I stumble across Kendi's blog and I'm turning a shade of pea green- her outfits, images, writing style, looks, design aesthetics, successful blog- the whole package! I've always had a bit of reservation with her blog, not because what she posted wasn't quality work, but because I thought, "That could have been me!" But sometimes, you just have to let that go! Despite that pea green of envy, she makes valid points and I fell for her challenge. I fell for it hard- I was all inspired and excited to be mixing up my outfits, saving money, and being an overall better person because of it.

{You see, this is what I've learned:}

Americans, or perhaps people in general, are much too obsessed with consumerism.

The more material items you have, the less happy you are.

The more things you want, the less happy you are.

I've seen so many of my friends that would emotionally buy because they thought it would make them feel better. Similar to a drug, it would make them feel nice for the time being but shortly after the high would crash and they end up feeling like poo. These people chase material items because they confuse love with lust.

Because of Kendi, I began taking what Fight Club has to say to heart. Uh, well, not to that extreme, but pretty freaking close!

I've actually felt REALLY guilty with my recent purchases! No worries, they're all either thrifted or super on sale. I mentioned my first purchase after 45 days was a royal blue skirt with Melissa D, followed by a NEW royal blue cardi and glitter-grey striped white shirt, all thrifted. Then I bought a dress from the Loft(as mentioned above) for $6, new of course. With these 4 items, I felt soooo bad! Anyway, I've been more discriminate about what I actually NEED and have been refusing things like crazy.

On the other note, I've been getting pimples, dried-out skin, tired eyes, and fatigued due to things I could easily change. At least I'm conscious and aware of my habits and understand that they need to change. Here's the list: overworked, creative juices being milked like nuts, poor diet choices, not working out enough due to feeling all of the above.

I have, on the flip side, been getting pretty good press. Funny- when I try, I get some, but when I push away, I receive many in return. I'm crossing my fingers that my 3rd goal will be met and it's pretty freaking close!

I got my first etsy orders! Duong and I did super well last year at Festival on the Green. I've been trying to keep the momentum going, especially with my collaboration with Crystal from CrystalBellePhotography.com. Mostly confused. I am able to help people with their business problems which I use my creative design ability to do so, but for myself? That's on the back burner.

Anyway, I'm finally inspired to post my new 30 for 30 items. Stay tuned.