Day 176

Outfits Inspired by the Internet - Day 6

Shorts. Because this time of year, the new ads for summer apparel remind me that I have summer to look forward to in just a couple of months. And today, because it's 85 degrees outside, I figured I'd take advantage of this little summer preview.

and...

Arm Candy. Because wearing like 87 bracelets at once is all over the place, so I figured I'd throw that in for fun too.  That's right. 87.

Day 175

Outfits Inspired by the Internet - Day 5

Here's another style I've seen and loved, but would have nowhere to wear as I am neither a musician shooting an album cover nor a person traveling to any destination in the near future that would be an appropriate place for it. I live in Colorado, remember? It's not like it'd be fitting for me to wear this the next time I go hang out at the local sports bar with my friends... Also, those stiletto slingback heels are not even a little bit comfortable.

This picture makes me laugh. At myself. I'm only using it because my mom always told me it's good to laugh at yourself. And because I'm channeling my inner bad-ass. Obviously. Leather jacket and pink ruffles? This outfit deserves that facial expression... Actually, that facial expression is because my husband said something ridiculous [again], and I needed to scold him with my eyes. When I give him that look, he always says it reminds him of this picture of me:

Today, I'm channeling my inner bad-ass 
AND my inner three-year-old.

Day 174

Outfits Inspired by the Internet - Day 4

We've got a bit of a twilight zone situation happening here... First of all, direct eye contact? Yup. That happened. Second, this outfit was inspired by one of those, That looks cute but I have no idea where I would wear it looks I found on Pinterest. Lucky for all of us, I happened upon the perfect place to wear it... Swearing off Shopping's first and only mini web series/fashion stay-cation. And finally, Nugget's in the background with a stuffed toy chicken leg that, by some miracle, has not yet been completely eradicated of the stuffing inside.

If I could figure out how to type the twilight zone theme song, I would do that here...
Hopefully that did the trick, and you're humming it at this very second.
You are, aren't you?
See? This is serious twilight zone stuff.

Day 173

Outfits Inspired by the Internet - Day 3

Rit dye. Yesterday I expressed some desire for being able to buy colored denim... Today, I found several pairs of jeans packed in a box for good will, so I decided to try dyeing some. Desperate times call for desperate measures.

I used rit dye for the first time about a year ago when I found a dress for a wedding I really liked, but it was white. I bought the dress (before I swore off shopping), and dyed it a lilac color, which turned out to be pretty cute. I told my Grandma about it, and she literally laughed and said, "I haven't heard of anyone dyeing clothes in years." Call me old fashioned (I mean, my 90 year old Grandma did), but it only cost me $2.29 to turn this pair of jeans into a mint color that I love (full disclosure: I also bought the color removal stuff for $2.29). Since this pair worked so well, I might go back and get a yellow color or maybe blue. The options are endless. Well almost, I only have 2 other pairs of jeans I can try it with. Could this possibly be the best idea/loophole ever? You're welcome. Oh, and Nugget says "hey."  I'm convinced he thinks I won't notice when he mocks me with that look away smile.

Day 172

Outfits Inspired by the Internet - Day 2

I said I would dress up this week, but I didn't say anything about doing my hair, which is something I'm now regretting as usual. Now that I got that off my chest, let's move on.

I'm loving the current colored jean trend, and I've been a little bummed about lacking the ability to participate, until I remembered I had these coral crops in my summer bin, which I immediately proceeded to dig out of the garage.

As of today, I've officially switched out my winter clothes for the more vibrant summer stuff. My closet feels not new, but fresh. I'll take it.

Also... this happened:
                  

Day 171

Day 1 of a week long series I'm calling...

Outfits Inspired by the Internet

I'm on spring break (yes - the only reason I still get those is because I chose a career in the field of education). However, I shan't be participating in any spring break-like activities this year because 1)spending money on travel would seem counterproductive to this whole swearing off shopping to pay off debt thing, and 2)we're in the process of buying a house, which actually requires more money than shopping... who knew.

That being said, since I will not be on a beach somewhere soaking up the sun, I will mostly be cleaning, attending yoga during the day/pretending I'm a stay at home wife, and enjoying the luxury of both a dentist and doctor appointment in the same week.

Rather than a week that would normally be filled with yoga pants and wearing the same t-shirt five days in a row, I've decided to make an effort to put together internet inspired outfits without actually buying anything. I've been pinning ideas I haven't taken the time to try for months, and I don't hate the idea of perusing the websites of some of my favorites stores to get ideas either. It's like an adventure! A beach-less, lack of a sun-kissed-glow, adventure. We'll call it a fashion stay-cation.

Day 170

It has been a weekend of cardigans, jeans, solid t-shirts, and shades of blue...

A weekend of exciting blog posts, it was not.

Please accept my sincerest apologies, then go out and by yourself something bright and springy. I'm sure you'll feel better.

Day 169

I found a new door... A red one, or maybe it's burgundy.

Yeah, burgundy.

This has been a writer's block demonstration brought to you in part by... yours truly (obviously). Who or what else would it be? It's not like I have sponsors.

Day 168

Ahoy, Matey!

or oui   ...or whatever.

Day 167

I'm starting to branch out (ever so slightly) with this whole concept of "posing"....  look out.  I figured, it was about time I try something different... Subtle, yet safe. Maybe I'll force myself to find a new location outdoors, or worse, start making direct eye contact... this is big people, this is really big.

Day 166

What Not to Wear - Swearing off Shopping Style:

1. Wearing a striped shirt with wide leg pants is not a good choice.
2. If you're short, wearing a long cardigan like this with wide leg pants is also not a good choice.
3. Maybe a fitted shirt that stops at the waist would be a better option.
4. Wide leg pants should probably be longer so they can be worn with heels to elongate the legs and give people the illusion that you are both long and lean, even when you are not.
5. Give your wide leg pants to good will.

What. Like you've never made a style mistake because you failed to look at yourself in a full length mirror before you walked out the door or had your picture taken for a blog that is undoubtedly read by between 3 and 3,487 people each day. Give my regards to Stacy and Clinton... 

Day 165

Layering shirts like this never seems to work out in my favor... let's hope writing letters to inanimate seasons does:

Dear Spring,

Hi. It's me, Cass. I was just sitting here enjoying the Vernal Equinox when I started thinking... your arrival this year is perfect timing. While you were away, I started doing this whole swearing off shopping thing... I know, right? Dumb. We all make mistakes- Anyway, I'm running out of outfits for that other season you just sent packing, and I could really use your help.  I know things can get a little unpredictable when you're around (in a good way, of course... who doesn't love a good cold rainy day? Really.) So, I just wanted to let you know that I could really use some warmer temps. If you're not quite feeling up to it yet, I completely understand, and I want you to know that gift cards are wholly acceptable as well...  whatever's easiest for you. I'm flexible.

Again, welcome back.
~C~

Day 164

I was right.

Being a "winner" yesterday was a bad choice.

I had to get up early to do work before going to work... Then, I had to rush out the door so as to not be late for one job as a result of another, which resulted in me spilling coffee all over my original outfit.

In a fit of rage, I put on this toga.

Lesson learned.

Day 163

I've somehow (as of today) become the person that just walks away when the to do list gets overwhelming. I used to be unnecessarily Type A, and that was exhausting... I think the new me is winning.  The new me also gives suggestions...

How to be a winner:

1. Avoid your responsibilities as an online instructor by engaging in exercise multiple times in one day.
2. Procrastinate by making to do lists that are more fun than the one you've previously deemed mandatory.
3. Participate in Sweatpants Sunday (modified versions are encouraged in accordance with #1).
4. Recognize that tomorrow, you are really going to regret the amount of work you have to do as a result of being a winner today.

Day 162

Slacker Saturday.

Lucky you.

Pre-road trip to the Mountains.

Lucky Me.

Day 161

Here I am with Starbucks.

Compelling.  I know.

You're welcome.

Day 160

I think he might be mocking me with his lack of direct eye contact...

Day 159

This week's blog posts, like my outfits these past few days, are lackluster at best. Truthfully, I've been too exhausted to put together an outfit, let alone a blog post, with real intent or purpose.

Do me a favor... pretend I just said something hilarious and make sure everyone within an earshot notices. Really get into character. It'll be worth it. If they ask what you're looking at though, tell them you'll have to get back to them in a couple days. They say you only get one chance to make a first impression, and I'd like to think I can turn this blog posting slump around by the end of the week...

Now, let's get me a glass of wine before bed.

Day 158

This is the longest week ever... Can anyone do anything about the fact that it's only Tuesday?

Also, does anyone want these cords? Effective immediately, they're being evicted from my closet.

I need java.

In addition, I need a bikini, a beach, and a tan.

I don't hate the idea of a margarita either.

Day 157

No comment.

Day 156

Sweatpants would have been a better choice.

There are over 300 days in a year (I know, this blog is so informative)   ...There are bound to be some duds in the bunch. It's science.

Day 155

Spring is springing, and we are stoked.

We are not nearly as stoked, however, about the lack of success we've had with house hunting this past week (and by we, I mostly mean me... Nugget doesn't know about the potential house. I don't want to get his hopes up about the whole fenced in yard thing).

Day 154

The following conversation took place during the sequence of photos being taken below:

Adam: You look really tired today.

Me: Thank you?
Adam: Not in a bad way, but can't you do something to make your face look less tired?
Me: You're the worst. You mean like this? Or this? How about this? Nugget, come here... maybe you can distract them from my face. 
Adam: I meant like make up or something. Stop it. You're going to hate all of these pictures. You look ridiculous, and you won't want to use any...

 

Sometimes, you have to prove a point even if it makes you look stupid.  I'm pretty sure that's the definition of marriage. 

Day 153

I'm in need of a new season. Getting dressed in the morning is beginning to require too many outfit changes before finding something I am okay with walking out the door in. I like what this evolved into today though, so maybe it was worth it.

I'm one month away from being halfway done, and...

I've just decided to have a "Fifty Percent" party for myself. Not to be confused with "Fitty Cent", although he's welcome to attend. You're invited too. There will probably be balloon graphics and a jpeg cake. Gift cards are acceptable in honor of the celebration... Actually, I just remembered - a gift card is how you RSVP.

Day 152

As promised, the wrap sweater my mom gave me for Christmas is making another appearance. This time with a different wrap style, real pants, more accessories, and without streptococcal pharyngitis.

Day 151

Oh. Hey.

Just utilizing my pockets because it felt warranted. (For reasons I am unable to explain at this time.)

Day 150

It's 65 degrees outside... Nugget and I are going for a walk.

This is likely foreshadowing for summer blogging.

You're welcome.

Day 149

Please excuse my head from this picture... It wasn't cooperating, and you're a sweet kid if you think for one second that I'd be willing to post two bad pictures of my head in a row.

Day 148

Yoga is the only productive thing I did today... Again, let me reiterate my dedication to posting even when I look like I just got done working out, especially in the rare instance that I actually did.

Saturday and Sweatpants Sunday had to trade shifts this week... Saturday took a personal day. Sometimes things just come up. You understand.

Day 147

Look who decided to start smiling for a blog picture. I think maybe he finally realized this wasn't the place to audition for a Sarah McLachlan commercial, but not before I informed him that those dogs aren't actors. We had a long chat about the fact that they definitely don't sleep in human beds and probably never get peanut butter treats. He has decided that role just wouldn't be right for him, but he wants to donate some of his favorite toys and suggested I donate some of mine. For now, I think he's put his dreams of acting aside. He's pretty comfortable with this job, the human bed he sneaks into in the middle of the night, and his peanut butter treats.

Day 146

Me again. Wearing clothes.

When I signed in to post today's picture, the Blogger homepage told me I have had 10,046 page views... woah. Really makes me wish I would have done my hair today...