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Thursday, February 28, 2013

30x30 Remix Challenge - March

I have decided to take the challenge! The 30x30 Challenge that is.  Have you heard of it?  It's pretty cool; one of my favorite bloggers Kendi Everyday thought of it to remember why she started style blogging.  She's completed this a few times and her results are amazing.  By results I mean outfits!

Directions:
Step 1: Select 30 pieces of your wardrobe.  Accessories and outerwear excluded (I, especially, live in a climate where a blazer does not count as outwear).  Shoes, however, are included in your 30.
Step 2: For 30 days make 30 unique and fashionable outfits out of your 30 pieces.
**No shopping!

That last part will be the hardest for me!

I had found myself repeatedly saying "I need..." when truly I have a lot and don't need anything! So,  I'm choosing to do this to be more thankful of what I have and to spark some creativity with my current pieces.  Drum roll please, here is what I chose!


3 Button Downs
From Left to Right: White Oxford/American Eagle, Chambray/Old Navy, Light Blue/H&M


4 Dressy Tops
From Left to Right: Birdy/H&M, Cream Peplum/Express, Chiffon Polka Dot/Old Navy, Mint Silky/Old Navy


2 Sweaters
From Left to Right: Purple Crew Neck/J.Crew Factory, Beige Polka Dot/Old Navy


4 T-Shirts
Top Row: Pink Tank/H&M, Teal Tissue T-Shirt/J.Crew Factory
Bottom Row: Black and White Striped/H&M, White T-Shirt/Target


3 Jackets
From Left to Right: Black Blazer/Target, Denim Jacket/Old Navy, Navy and White Striped/Old Navy


2 Skirts & 1 Dress
From Left to Right: Black Jersey Pencil/Old Navy, Oxblood Jersey Mini/H&M, Green Jersey T-Shirt Dress/H&M


6 Pairs of Jeans
From Left to Right: Trouser Jean/Old Navy, Black Rockstar Jean/Old Navy, Dark Wash Skinny/Gap, Regular Wash Skinny/Gap, Pastel Pink and Teal Skinny/Target


5 Pair of Shoes
Top Row: Cowboy Booties/Steve Madden via Marshall's, Pink Ballet Flat/SoleSociety, Leopard Heels/Target
Bottom Row: Black Ballet Flat/Target, Grey Toms

There we have it, 30 pieces! 




So, out of my whole closet (which isn't very big anyways) I can only select from the above three places!  I'm actually stoked to go through this.  I did 5 drafts of my pieces.  Yes, 5 DRAFTS of what to choose which alone tells me I have far too much to choose from.

Have you ever tried anything like this?  

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Paleo Eats: Zuc Pizzas

I'm always trying new things that fall under the paleo umbrella.  Last night I threw together these zucchini pizzas, they're very simple and quite yummy! 

Ingredients:
1 Zucchini
1 Cup of Tomato Sauce
1/2 cup of Crumbled Feta Cheese
2 strips of bacon
Crushed Red Pepper - optional

Greased my cookie sheet.


Cut the zucchini into round slices.


Aligned on cookie sheet and put a 1/2 tbsp of tomato sauce on each round.


Then I put a little feta cheese on each one.


I sprinkled the crushed red pepper over the rounds and then I cut the "raw" strips of bacon into little slices and placed 1-2 on each.


Baked for 15-20 mins on 350, or until the bacon is cooked to desired texture.



Yum!  I sautéed some shrimp to go along with it!

Enjoy! 




February Purchases

from Target... 

Leopard Heels $8.50 
On clearance, literally only had size 6.5 left!! 

Black and White zip around Clutch $29.99


 from Marshall's...

Steve Madden Booties $19.00


feb purchases
from ON & Gap

 ON Striped Jersey Blazer $30.00
(Used 15% off coupon)

Gap Two Tone oversized Clutch $20.97
(Used 30% off coupon)

For a grand total of $108.46

Which is perfect since my car needed some repairs and if you remember I went about $75 over budget in January!  




Tuesday, February 26, 2013

The Sun Before The Storm

Today is gorgeous!  So much so I attempted to set up my camera outside to take these snaps.   But, I couldn't find a place that didn't have gross looking snow and trash all over the place (I live on a city road) so I opted for my day lit apartment.  I was too fond of my outfit today to not share it!   
Today is just the calm before the storm.  There is a huge system moving our way and it's bound to hit tomorrow into the weekend :(  I am so looking forward to not having to wear two coats, or wholly socks, ugg boots, you name it!!  






Details:
Denim Jacket: Old Navy (old)
Black Shift Dress: H&M
Black Ankle Booties: Old Navy
Leopard Car Coat: Old Navy (last season)


How to: Wear MINT!

You may remember a few weeks back I wrote about how the color mint is here to stay..?
Well, I'm sure you're all wondering how to wear it since it's a staple color this spring season.  I've rounded up some unconventional color pairs for this pastel lovely.  Take chances with your style, if you're not willing to take a chance with something as temporary as an outfit - I'm not sure what you'll take a chance on! :)


Mint & Navy

mint & Coral
mint & grass
mint & plum

Monday, February 25, 2013

Cabin Fever

This weekend I finally left the house!  Ok, I lied.. I leave the house every day.  However, it's usually to then go and sit at my desk at work.  Not incredibly exciting.   After dance on Friday night the gals and I had a fabulous night.  We ate pizza, drank wine, laughed our butts off and just vented about our weeks.  It's definitely not often enough I see these ladies.  It's usually in passing, or when someone is in town, or while teaching dance your trying to catch up.  That can be tough! "Turn out more there, so yeah then at work today, no no no I mean really turn out and get up on the toes like you're in high heels!! So anyways, yeah work today... "  Not exactly setting a great example to focus while in class.  (heh)
Anyways, what a blast.  I've decided I'm not letting a month pass without a get together with them! 

Saturday after some lovely relaxation and 30x30 Remix Challenge planning (coming soon!) I met up with a girlfriend from work for dinner.  What a hoot.  Well, actually we had incredibly poor service at dinner but that just made the night more interesting.  By the time the waiter actually remembered to bring out the chips and salsa we were so starved we must have looked like we hadn't eaten for a week!   

So, this is what I wore.  I wasn't really planning on sharing this outfit but it actually worked out ok. 




Details:
Blazer: Target
Chambray Top: Old Navy
Shirt Dress: H&M
(I wore black tights and ankle booties since it's still the arctic...)

Then yesterday I got to see this guy!

Literally the cutest ever.. :) 


How was your weekend? 

Sunday, February 24, 2013

My 5 Transitional Pieces for Spring

With spring around the corner (literally, YAY!) I know we're all thinking of ways to transition our closets.  Today I've chosen 5 pieces that will transition from winter to spring.  Some will even take you through summer to fall!

1. The Ankle Bootie
Incredibly versatile piece that can be dressed up or down.  Whatever type of style you have, you can bet they've made an ankle bootie for you!  I've picked a few of my favorites and styled them below.  One with a Moto jacket and printed skinnies and the other with a bold shift dress.

the ankle bootie


Steve Madden studded bootie / ALDO boots / Lucky Brand western booties / ALDO western boots / Rocket Dog booties
Leather motorcycle jacketskinny fit jeansshift dress

2. The Shirt Dress
This one is my favorite because not only does it transition well into spring, but then into summer and into fall.  It's a staple for sure.  Wear it now with leggings, flats or booties and later with bare legs and sandals.  Dress it up with lots of fun accessories; add a fedora, scarf and cool sunnies! 
the shirt dress



collared dress / GAP stripe dress / Old Navy three quarter sleeve dress 
ponte pants /  lace up heels /  ballerina shoescotton scarvecrochet hat


3. The Leather Skirt
Now I could see this not exactly being a staple piece, it's probably more of an extra in your closet (if you own one at all).  It's a great transition piece because it's heavy enough while there is still snow on the ground but cute enough to pull you into spring.  Below I've styled it two ways, kind of preppy and a little edgy.  Which one do you like best?

Leather Skirt



Oasis faux leather pleated skirt / Topshop leather mini skirt
 tanktop  / Patent leather pumps / Black wedge heels /straw clutch


4. The Denim Jacket
A layering piece for anytime of year.  A great way to add some texture and dimension to your outfit.  Wear it over a patterned top with white or colored jeans! 
Denim Jacket

 Denim jacket / jean jacket 

 topslim fit jeanshandbag

5. The Striped Blazer
OK, yes I know.. Clearly I'm obsessed with a few things this spring has to offer.  I cannot help that the striped nautical look is here to stay for a while!  A Navy and white striped jacket of any kind is a great way to add some interest to a boring outfit.  Add it to a bold colored top with jeans and some accessories.  This is a perfect weekend go to! 
Striped Blazer



1. J.Crew fitted blazer / 2. GAP ponte jacket 
V neck topskinny jeansbow ballet flat /  straw fedora / aviator sunglasses

Look this week for my picks on the 30x30 Remix Challenge.  I'm going to give this a whirl in March in hopes to be more thankful of what I have and re-spark some creativity within my closet!

Hope you're all having a great weekend! 

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Weekend Workout & Workout Wear

This week I wanted to tie in a little fashion with the workout.  I've put together two workout friendly outfits for two types of woman.   Whether you're the yoga pant, yoga top wearing kind or the loose tee and sweats type, you can still look good while working it!  When you look good you feel good, so why not put a little effort in even if you're just going to sweat out yesterday's lunch!  Get it girls!


Workout:
Warm up with 30 seconds each of these, do this 2 times through.
Jumping Jacks, High Knees, Straight Leg kicks (these are out in front of you while standing)

Each movement in the circuits are to be completed in 30 second intervals.  Each Circuit is completed 2 times.  You can either repeat each one immediately or go through 1, 2, 3 and then repeat the whole workout.

Circuit 1:
Plank Walks
Plank Jacks
Push Away Balance
Pilates Swimming

Circuit 2:
Broad Jumps
Walking Lunges
Squat Jumps
Russian Twists

Circuit 3:
Squat Hold
Tuck Jumps
Side to Side Plank Walk
Leg Lifts

Cool down by stretching and keeping your body moving for another 2-5 minutes. 



Weekend Workout


Shop these workout looks...

Toptank / Athleta / Athleta sweatshirts and hoody / NIKE capri / Cropped pants / NIKE lightweight running shoes / NIKE purple running shoes / NIKE mesh tote bag / NIKE luggage

**Each weekly workout I build myself, if you have any questions regarding how a movement should be completed email me at ninapiccini @ gmail.com**


Drink lots of water and enjoy!

Friday, February 22, 2013

How to: Style a Fur Vest

This question came up when I forced my younger sister, Sara, to purchase a leopard printed faux fur vest a few weeks ago.  Every time we talk I am so excited to hear how she's worn it, just to be disappointed when she says "eh.. I just don't know about it yet..".   Bummer!!
It's a little out of the box, however I truly feel it's become a wardrobe staple.  I know Robyn over at Cleverly Yours agrees.  (Check out her post on wardrobe staples, extras and remixing.)
I strongly feel that you can rock it with any style in mind.  Rocker, preppy, funky, what have you...  This piece is functional and fashionable offering warmth and cute factor!

Here's my favorite ways to wear...







A few way's I've styled mine and Sara's.  (including a shot of my messy apartment!)

Here are some inspirations... 
Image Via Pinterest

Jill GG from Good Life for Less

...and Robyn from xoxo Cleverly, Yours

Have you tried a faux fur vest yet? If so, how did you rock it?