Challenge...What Challenge??

As you probably guessed, this week was a total challenge FAIL!  I know I've said this before, but this time I really mean it.  I didn't wear one single challenge outfit this week!!  There was a lot of white pieces, and I just wasn't wearing white this week.  And a lot of times, the weather didn't warrant wearing these outfits. All this weekend it poured rain and didn't get out of the low sixties!  Brrrrr...
I think in August, I'm just gonna start the challenge outfits all over again!!

I had all intentions of getting dressed up in challenge looks and taking photos for today's post, but that didn't happen.  Yesterday was the first day that it was sunny and warm and I could lay out.  So needless to say, I was in my bathing suit ALL DAY!!

I did however wear one challenge outfit this week...but it's one of the same ones I wore last week.  I went to happy hour at an outdoor bar and wore this again!  I thought it was appropriate!  And I'm really excited that this maxi is getting it's comeback after years in the back of my closet.

So with that, for all things challenge this week, I leave you in the very capable hands of my fashionista friends!  Because I know they all rocked it this week!!

Shoes to Shiraz | R Squared | Two Teens and Their Mama 

Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy | A Lovely Little Wardrobe

Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life | Puppies and Pretties | Daily Style Finds 

Making the Most of Everyday | She Thought She Could | Foxy's Domestic Side 

Quilty Joy Joy | Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After |A Little Bit of Cheer

Nick and Nik

An InLinkz Link-up

Two of those friends are hosting another round of Create28 for July.  Carrie, the creator of Create 28 and Casey, along with Whitney are hosting! You might remember that I participated a bit in the first round in February!  See my recap looks here and more about Create28 here!  I am hoping to do better this time!  I seriously can't even take that today is July 1st!  That's just crazy!!  

But the look for today is a Summer go-to!!  And since I've worn the look above three times already (it's all about who you see, right???) I'm gonna go ahead and name it the Summer 2015 go-to!  I love it....it's so easy to throw on!  And I am loving my denim vest!!  The courage to get and wear the denim vest was worth the price of the challenge!!  HA!!

Check back in with me throughout the month of July to see my take on the Create28 looks...and join in on the fun too!!  Tomorrow's prompt is a graphic tee  look!!  So many tees...so little time!!

And congratulations to Ashley B.  The Winner of the $200 Gap Brands Gift Card!!  Happy Shopping!!

Have an awesome Wednesday!!

Katie

Linking up today too with:

Alison at Get Your Pretty On

Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy

 Because Shanna Said So

Sarah at Tucker up

Madeline at Cappuccino and Fashion

Alison at Sydney Fashion Hunter

Pampers and Pearls
Happiness at Mid Life

What I Wore Wednesday: Challenge Week Two

Well the Summer Challenge is in full swing now! We're well into week two.  Having only highlighted the first two looks in my last post, I should have at least seven more to show you today!! I don't!!  I've skipped a few!   And since I haven't been wearing every outfit, I've mixed it up a bit. Next week when I am home and summer vacation has started, I hope to be more on target.  What I managed to put together, you'll find below!!

When we last met, it was day three!  Wednesday called for a white dress, wedges and the denim vest. You may remember me saying last week that my denim vest had yet to arrive.  It wasn't here for day three either, so I didn't wear it.  But when I returned home from work at 6 o'clock that night.  There were two packages at my door.  One was the denim vest, the other was a lace dress that I  had forgotten about buying (it took a while to get here!!) So this isn't the best pic...end of the day and all, but here's the look!!  I received many compliments on this so decided, I'll keep it!!

This isn't the true challenge outfit...just me really trying it on!  At some point, I'll dress it up and post it again.


Thursday was kimono day!!  I actually ended up wearing this on Monday minus the boyfriend shorts it called for because I was working.  But it was a dress down, so I wore jeans!  I really liked this!

Didn't realize I cut half myself off in this pic...ugh!

#SelfieFail

Friday was a super easy outfit.  Bright shorts, lace top and wedges.  Accessorized with a colorful necklace.  This necklace was all I had.  I haven't bought a bright one or one if those tassel necklaces that are in these  days!

Saturday I actually wore Sunday's look.  I thought I was wearing the right day's look but apparently I was a day ahead! I really liked this though...love me a good maxi!!  And the fact that I'm still rockin' this one from 2008 makes me happy!!  I was with my family...yay for having a photographer!

Saturday actually called for a chambray shirt and white shorts!! You'll see that on me soon!!

Sunday, I'm not gonna lie...I stayed in my pj's!  I'd been sick for a week at that point, I just rested up, not talking and trying to get better!

Monday's look I skipped out on in favor of the kimono one I highlighted above! But it was Palazzo Pants!!! YAY!!  With a flowy tank!!  I wanna say this was a repeat of a 2014 outfit.  Because I consulted the archives and this is what I wore last challenge!   {Actually last year it was paired with a white t...I guess I'm just ahead of the trends!! hahahahahahaha}

 original post

Tuesday's look was another easy one.  This was my after school outfit!!  Graphic Tee and boyfriend shorts.. I had a hard time getting the graphic so you don't get to see the Cons I wore!  And I suppose these are not boyfriend shorts...but they're shorts! So it's a win in my book!

Every challenge seems to go faster and faster!  Come back next week for the week 3 looks!  Now go check out how the rest of the Style Me Bloggers did this week!  Link up your fashion post with us, too!!   

AND DON'T FORGET THE GIVEAWAY IS STILL GOING ON!!!  ENTER BELOW!!Shoes to Shiraz | R Squared | Two Teens and Their Mama | 

Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy | A Lovely Little Wardrobe | 

Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life | Puppies and Pretties | Daily Style Finds | 

Making the Most of Everyday | She Thought She Could | Foxy's Domestic Side | 

Quilty Joy Joy |  Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After |

A Little Bit of Cheer | Nick and Nik

An InLinkz Link-up

 Puppies & Pretties // Daily Style Finds

Shoes to Shiraz // A Lovely Little Wardrobe // Making the Most of Every Day

Two Teens and Their Mama // Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After

A Little Bit of Cheer // Nick + Nik // Foxy's Domestic Side // The Mishaps and Mayhem of a Solitary Life // Quilty JoyJoy

Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy // Get Your Pretty On

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have a great Wednesday...Have Fun and Look Fabulous!
Katie


Linking up today too with:

Alison at Get Your Pretty On

Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy

 Because Shanna Said So

Sarah at Tucker up

Madeline at Cappuccino and Fashion

Alison at Sydney Fashion Hunter

Pampers and Pearls
Happiness at Mid Life

Back at again.... {and a GIVEAWAY!}

This year's Summer Challenge with Alison at Get Your Pretty On began Monday! And once again, I'll be linking up with my fashionista friends to share our different interpretations of each day's outfits! I must say I am so glad the challenges brought us together...but I'm even more grateful that our friendship has blossomed far beyond them.  These girls are no longer just my Challenge buddies, but some of my bloggy besties!!

It's so hard to believe it's already been a year since last Summer's Challenge!  Time flies, huh?!? Especially when you're having fun!

Since the challenge only just began, today's post will be short and sweet...so you'll have plenty of time to check out the other girls' looks!! :) And will get to the GIVEAWAY that much quicker!!

Monday's look called for patterned shorts, a flowy tank (or tee) and the denim vest, (or chambray shirt), with wedges. I didn't purchase much for this challenge at all, except for the denim vest, which I really thought long and hard about. But I found this one online at Old Navy this weekend, with an additional 30% off and free returns, so I figured, with it being under $20 bucks, I'd give it a shot. And of course the denim vest showed up on day one!! Ha! So I just switched up my look a little...with a buttoned up chambray and the patterned shorts. Ordinarily, I wouldn't wear wedges and shorts but ended up liking this look.

Please excuse the broken toes!

Chambray button down- LOFT

shorts-JCrew Factory

wedges-Nordy's

Day two was a super easy, fun look! It called for a graphic tee, bright shorts and metallic sandals.

I have tons of bright shorts and graphic tees, so I could have probably put this together in lots of combos (gotta love the JCrew Factory chnos!), but ultimately chose this. I don't get enough use out of this tee and thought it paired well with the pink shorts!

Jesus Loves This Hot Mess Tee-Be Still Clothing Co.

JCrew shorts Lots of great colors!

Last summer's metallic sandals from Target

Well there you have!!  The first 2 outfits of our 21 days!! I can't wait to see how everyone styled their looks!  Check them out and don't forget to link up with us too!!

Shoes to Shiraz | R Squared | Two Teens and Their Mama 

Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy | A Lovely Little Wardrobe

Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life | Puppies and Pretties | Daily Style Finds 

Making the Most of Everyday | She Thought She Could | Foxy's Domestic Side 

Quilty Joy Joy | Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After |A Little Bit of Cheer

Nick and Nik

An InLinkz Link-up

IT'S GIVEAWAY TIME!!  

My style gal pals and I have teamed up for a giveaway during the Summer Challenge.
And our fearless leader of all things style challenges, Alison, is joining us!!

Enter below to win a $200 Gap Brands Gift Card...Gap, Banana, Old Navy, Athleta, OH MY!!

 Puppies & Pretties // Daily Style Finds

Shoes to Shiraz // A Lovely Little Wardrobe // Making the Most of Every Day

Two Teens and Their Mama // Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After

A Little Bit of Cheer // Nick + Nik // Foxy's Domestic Side // The Mishaps and Mayhem of a Solitary Life // Quilty JoyJoy

Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy // Get Your Pretty On

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Have a great Wednesday!!
Katie

Linking up today with:

Alison at Get Your Pretty On

Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy

 Because Shanna Said So

Sarah at Tucker up

Madeline at Cappuccino and Fashion

Another Challenge in the books!!

For the last three weeks I have been participating in the 2015 Spring Style Challenge with Alison at Get Your Pretty On! (my fifth one) And boy, did it just fly right on by!!  

But alas, as always seems to be the way during these challenges, I kinda fell off the wagon the final days.  So rather than 5 final looks to show you, I only have two that were truly, truly ON Target! Another two that were my own spin on the look, and a fifth one I totally did not wear!

The final few:

Wednesday was a striped dress day!!  Because it was a  RED dress down day and fundraiser at school in support of Congenital Heart Disease, I wore jeans.  Any day I can wear jeans to school, I must!  So rather than the striped dress with the chambray on top, I opted for a striped shirt with a red cardigan over it.  I wore my white cons as well.  I got lots of compliments on this one.

Not my usual selfie but I wanted to try something new!!

I will put the exact challenge outfit on reserve though, because I think it might look really cute...IF I can pull it off!!  The chambray over the striped dress with bright flats is super fun.  I can't wait to see how the Style Me girls did with this one!

Thursday called for a bright cardigan over a white tank and scarf, with dark wash jeans and metallic sandals.   I really liked this!  I had to go with trouser pants for work, but with them I wore a coral boyfriend cardigan and floral infinity scarf, and my nude patent flats.

After school I went to dinner with a friend, so I followed the challenge more closely, with the dark wash jeans and sandals.  But switched to a bright pink cardigan and different floral scarf.

Friday night was the school play.  I was on challenge pretty closely.  Black top, dark wash jeans, wedges and long necklace.  I liked this look a lot.  Super easy.  Honestly one of my faves from the whole challenge.  Probably because I have lots of different black tanks and tops I can style!  And I really liked it with the wedges!

Saturday called for a white denim, with a white tank and chambray top over it.  Accessorized with gold jewelry and metallic sandals.  I didn't wear it.  And I know I wore the exact look before last summer at some point but can't find a photo!  So I have nothing to show for it.  But like I said, I'm sure the Style Me girls all looked great, so check them out!!



On the final day of the challenge, the floral skirt was once again the look of the day!  Disadvantage, ME (but now seeing it styled so many times and seeing all the cute looks fellow challengers wore, I am on a serious hunt to find one that I just love).  I do think I should get some points for always being in some sort of floral on the days the skirt was styled.  LOL  I had a Communion on Sunday, so I wore this!!

This was a favorite look from last year's summer challenge!

There you have it...the final looks!!  As always, this was a ton of fun!  It's always so nice meeting new challengers, reconnecting with veteran challengers like myself, who now feel like old friends and styling new looks!  I feel like in this challenge I really put my own spin on all the outfits, not buying much and shopping from my own closet.  I also like how I sometimes pulled from other challenges and used pieces from them or subbed with them.

Next up the Summer Challenge!!  If you want to get in on the fun that is a Get Your Pretty On Style Challenge, find out more here!!

Before I leave you, I wanted to share my top three (four of you include Friday's look!!) favorite looks from this challenge!  I feel like these looks I'll be wearing over and over again this Spring and into Summer!

Because...camo!  And I probably never would have put this together myself!

Alison styled the bright cardis with the white jeans and I will do that too, but I really liked this look a lot with the distressed denim too!  Actually, I really thought all the looks with the grey tops and bright cardigans were a hit!!

The striped dress looks were really fun too!!  When I have the courage to wear mine with the chambray shirt, I'll blog about it!!  :)

You can check out all the Spring Challenge 2015 looks and my take on them, here!

And don't forget to go check out the way my Blogger Buddies styled their looks this week!  And feel free to link up your Style Challenge/Wednesday posts with us too!!  We'd love to get to know you!!

An InLinkz Link-up

Shoes to Shiraz | R Squared | Two Teens and Their Mama |
Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy | A Lovely Little Wardrobe |
Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life | Puppies and Pretties | Daily Style Finds |
Making the Most of Everyday | She Thought She Could | Foxy's Domestic Side |
Quilty Joy Joy | Curls and Cardigans | Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After |
My Running Stitches | From Plaid to Pearls | Stashed Blog | X-tremely V |
 A Little Bit of Cheer | Nick and Nik

Have a great rest of Spring...Summer is so close! WOO HOO!!

Linking up today:

Alison at Get Your Pretty On

Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy

 Because Shanna Said So

Sarah at Tucker up

Madeline at Cappuccino and Fashion

Spring Challenge...Week 3

Week three already!! Crazy! Time flies when you're having fun!! But truth be told, I didn't participate too closely in the GYPO Spring Challenge this week.  Sad, because I feel like last week, I had a really strong one and did really great!  LOL  In last week's post I mentioned that last Wednesday night I was reaching into the Summer Challenge vault and wearing one of the outfits from that challenge for my mom's retirement party. I did it again Thursday too!!  Thursday's outfit had us wearing the striped dress. I had a Paint Nite to go to, so I knew I didn't want to wear a dress for painting. Instead, I wore my black and white striped shirt and jeans, with a bright sweater and my leopard flats. This was actually a Spring 2014 Challenge look. I've said before that it is also one of my all time faves from all the challenges!!

The weekend was a challenge fail!! Friday I was in my sweats by 4:30 and cleaning. Then on Saturday, I wore this dress for my nephew's Communion.

On everyone else I've seen it on, it looked great. On me though, I think it really did look like granny's tablecloth. Oh well...I wish I had a pick of me straight on actually...I think that might look better!  HA!

Sunday I wasn't feeling all that great so I didn't get outta my pj's!!

Monday was back to work, and back to the challenge...kinda, sorta. The challenge called for a patterned top and colored denim, with sandals and jewelry. I put my own spin on it for work. I wore a patterned top, I got in a Stitch Fix box back in the fall and red Pixie pants from Old Navy. I threw a black cardigan on over it because it was chilly here! It worked for me!

Tuesday was that floral skirt again. Still don't have one. I went with flowers on top instead. Here's my look for work!  All of these pieces I got right out of my closet and are many years old.

So like, I said...not many outfits this week. My Style Me Blogger friends did much better, I'm sure! Go check them out! And don't forget to link up your Wednesday post with us too!!

And Congratulations again to our big winner of the Nordstrom Giveaway 

Darcy Lynn!!  

Enjoy and Happy Shopping!!

Shoes to Shiraz | R Squared | Two Teens and Their Mama |
Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy | A Lovely Little Wardrobe |
Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life | Puppies and Pretties | Daily Style Finds |
Making the Most of Everyday | She Thought She Could | Foxy's Domestic Side |
Quilty Joy Joy | Curls and Cardigans | Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After |
My Running Stitches | From Plaid to Pearls | Stashed Blog | X-tremely V |
 A Little Bit of Cheer | Nick and Nik

An InLinkz Link-up

Have a happy Wednesday!!  Friday's almost here!!  C'mon back then when the Style Me Bloggers link up for another round of posts!!   Friday we're sharing our April Showers Bring May Flowers posts!  See you then!!

Linking up today:

Alison at Get Your Pretty On

Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy

 Because Shanna Said So

Sarah at Tucker up

Madeline at Cappuccino and Fashion

Not such a challenge after all...

We are halfway through week two of the Get Your Pretty On Spring Challenge! And I'm going to confess something...it's not such a challenge for me. I did VERY LITTLE shopping this go-round because I had everything on the list, except for a pair of bright flats and a floral skirt. I bought a pair of bright (and I'm talking BRIGHT!) flats on the cheap, but opted not to purchase the floral skirt. Everything else I have been pulling from my closet!!

Last week's post left us off on Wednesday, day 3!

Today I have the next few outfits. Each day I pretty much put my own spin on things!

Thursday was day 4. It was a denim on denim look, with bright flats. I didn't mind the look. And after seeing other challengers in their outfits, I wondered why I don't wear this more often.

Friday I had to do a little switch up! Rather than a bright cardigan and patterned shirt, I wore a bright patterned shirt. The weather lent itself to forgoing the cardigan. So it worked. And actually this shirt was something I bought on the recommendation of other challengers. It's a Portofino top from Express. A store I hadn't shopped at in at least 20 years!!  Jeans and wedges completed the look.

Saturday called for white jeans. I would have loved to wear them and the weather was so awesome, I could have, but since I traveled on the train to see friends, I went with my destroyed jeans instead. I didn't want my white jeans getting dirty. I really liked this look. And will wear it again with the white. So I guess I get a bonus outfit!!

ae jeans/similar

I mentioned in my weekend recap, that this will probably be the only non-selfie of the challenge!  HA!!

Sunday was a rather low-key day! I traveled back home and arrived in the early afternoon. The rest of the day was spent on laundry and lessons. So truth be told, I just stayed comfy!!

And Sunday's outfit called for the floral skirt, which I don't have, anyway.

Monday was another easy combo. Anytime I can just throw on cardigan, tee, jeans, a scarf and go...I'm IN!!

I wasn't sure about this scarf. 

 I am just so used to infinity scarves, I forget how tie any other these days. 

 But I suppose it works...and I got some lovely comments about it!

Tuesday the ensemble called for olive (or colored/camo) jeans, a black tank or tee and a bright cardigan. Accessorized with a long necklace. I was happy to find olive dress pants in my closet so I wore those bottoms for work. I came home and put on my camo jeans for a more comfy look for when I went to my neighbors.

Today, I am going off challenge to dress up a bit more for my mom's retirement party. I am pulling from the challenge vault though! I am wearing this outfit that was part of the Summer 2014 Challenge. I'll wear it with a sweater and closed toe flats though, because it's a little chilly!!

Find more Summer Challenge Looks here!

Thanks for following along! Go check out how great the rest of the Style Me Bloggers did recreating the looks this week!!  And link up your looks with us below!

Shoes to Shiraz | R Squared | Two Teens and Their Mama |
Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy | A Lovely Little Wardrobe |
Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life | Puppies and Pretties | Daily Style Finds |
Making the Most of Everyday | She Thought She Could | Foxy's Domestic Side |
Quilty Joy Joy | Curls and Cardigans | Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After |
My Running Stitches | From Plaid to Pearls | Stashed Blog | X-tremely V |
 A Little Bit of Cheer | Nick and Nik

An InLinkz Link-up

Happy Wednesday and Happy Earth Day!!

Linking up today with:

Alison at Get Your Pretty On

Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy

 Because Shanna Said So

Sarah at Tucker up

Madeline at Cappuccino and Fashion

WIWW....Spring!!

This morning's post is a little different!  Next week starts the 2015 Spring Style Challenge with Alison at Get Your Pretty On.  Last Friday we got the shopping list and I am happy to say I had everything on the list but one item!!  Go Me and a huge thank you to the 2014 Challenges for helping me get everything thing I need for a great wardrobe.  (And to me for having camo pants, before camo pants were really in!  HA!)

The first outfit is Monday.  I'm very excited.  I am sad though too, because I'll be done with Spring Break and back at work so I know I'll be making substitutions. Last year it worked out that for over a week's worth of outfits I was home on Spring Break!

But speaking of last year's challenge,  today I thought I'd share some of my most favorite looks from that challenge.  Because I am still wearing them...when the weather cooperates!!  (Still super chilly here..)  And because Alison focuses on both staple pieces and trends during the challenges, I can!

Before these challenges, I probably would not have mixed stripes and leopard. Now I might be a bit of an over mixer!!  I just wore this outfit the other day!  These two are probably my most favorite of all the challenges! And the two I have re-worn the MOST!!

White before Labor Day??  Absolutely!!!  Throw that rule out the window!!  HA!!  This outfit was another fave.  I wore it during the Spring challenge and throughout the summer!!  And I went bold that day wearing my riding boots and white jeans!  I feel like this Spring is much colder than it was last year.  Like we are struggling to get out of the forties!!  I am hoping Spring comes during these next three weeks!

After 4 tries on the maxi skirt, this one is one that finally fit!!  Then I ended up getting the striped one too!  It's safe to say i was in maxis all late spring and summer!  Just so easy to throw on and go!! 

If you've been on the fence about joining a Style Challenge with Alison, just go for it!!  It's a lot of fun!  I have met so many awesome ladies and have such a great time mixing and matching!!  It's not too late!  Sign up here!  And don't forget to come on back next week when I link up with the Style Me Bloggers and showcase the first three outfits!!

Check out all the looks I've put together during the previous Style Challenges {here}!

Have a Happy Wednesday!!

Katie

Linking up today with:

Alison at Get Your Pretty On

Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy

 Because Shanna Said So

Sarah at Tucker up

Madeline at Cappuccino and Fashion