This and That

I am placing myself in a little vulnerable position by posting on here a challenge I am participating in regarding fashion. I know that many of you will be critical of me.....may think that I am being vain or putting too much emphasis on clothes or fashion. I can't do anything about what you may think of me or how I may be judged. All I can do is be myself and that is part of why I wanted to participate in this online fashion challenge.....my passion for fashion.

I follow a blog titled Getting Your Pretty On by Alison Lambatis. She lives in Texas and is a stay at home mom of three perhaps in her mid to early '40's. She woke up one day in 2012 and realized she needed to get out of her "mom rut" of wearing yoga pants and sweats everyday......deciding to "get her pretty on" everyday. Thus began the journey and creation of her blog.

I guess about a month ago she offered what she calls her Spring Style Challenge to her online readers and followers. She charged a very small fee to receive the daily style challenge and fashion tips. When I read this....I was determined to find out more about it. This is how the challenge works. She chooses 18 items of clothing....ranging from jeans to shoes to tops to scarves......she is specific on the type of jeans, the types of tops but is also allowing for every one's own color choices and combinations. We had 10 days to collect the items on the list, and the challenge will last 21 days.

She sent out the shopping list on a Friday and we had 10 days to assemble our pieces. She encouraged everyone to shop in your closet first as many of the items are things we may already have. I had several of the items and used what I had on some to keep from having to buy all new stuff. I did buy a few things to add to what I already had. Here is the shopping list:

1. White pair of jeans (any style)

2. Boyfriend jeans (whatever those are?)

3. Dark wash pair of skinny jeans....No Way!!!!

4. Maxi skirt (stripped or similar)

5. Neutral flat shoes

6. Leopard flats

7. Neutral Wedges

8. Metallic sandals

9. A bright tank top or t-shirt

10 & 11. 2 T-shirts (one white, one stripped....preferably black or navy and white)

12. Button down shirt (1-2 preferred)

13. Denim jacket

14. Denim or Chambray shirt

15 & 16. Two cardigans (1 bright color, 1 neutral color)

17. Neutral statement necklace

18. Floral scarf

Alison gave samples of each item and where to find them. She chose items that could be bought on a budget such as from Target, Old Navy, but also gave suggestions for those willing to spend more. She encouraged everyone to make each item personal and colors that we liked.

After the ten days were up....starting on April 14th we began the challenge. We receive an email the night before with the items to be worn the next day. The day of the challenge everyone posts their full-length photo on a private Facebook page only for participants of the challenge. This was a little out of my comfort area...posting pictures of myself to complete strangers but I was in for the long haul and did it anyway. It turned out that all of the ladies.....I think around 75....all are so encouraging and complimentary. It has been more than I could have imagined and I feel that I have made some great friends this week.

Here is my version of Day 1

This was a lot out of my comfort zone....I have never owned any white pants. I opted for white pants instead of jeans because I can't wear jeans to work and felt I would get more use out of the pants.

Day 2

Day two we were supposed to wear our dark skinny jeans.....that ain't happening....I don't do skinny!!! Because I work, I chose to wear a black pencil shirt and leggings. The rest was all part of the challenge....Cardigan was rust....button down was a light green....and my shoes were neutral.

Day 3

Day three I substituted navy pants for the boyfriend jeans. We were a colorful tank.....neutral cardigan.....statement necklace.....and wedge sandals.

Day 4

I had to change day 4 up a little bit because of working in an office. Instead of skinny jeans again, I chose a chocolate brown skirt that I already had. I did wear some leopard shoes and a scarf with the Chambray shirt.

Day 5

I was able to wear all the challenge pieces today because our office was closed....I worked to prepare for an event next week. I wore straight jeans that hit at the ankle and cuffed them....a suggestion from Alison, leopard flats....black and white stripped shirt and added a pop of color with a coral scarf. Ken has been very supportive of this BUT today he kept telling me that I was "looking good"!!! hahaha! I think he liked this outfit the most!!!

Day 6

Day 6 was harder for me because it was Saturday and the challenge outfit was to wear the maxi skirt with a bright top. Well I had Cooper's baseball game to go to....and shopping to do with Addison my 4 year old granddaughter. So this was my outfit of the day!!

Day 7

Day seven's challenge was jeans with a button down....scarf and neutral cardigan. I wore a dress to Church this morning and changed into the challenge outfit for the rest of the day.

I have really enjoyed this first week. All of the ladies have made each day's challenge their own and have added a lot of fun and encouraging comments to the Facebook page. I hope to post for the next two Sunday's the weeks challenge outfits....just for the fun of it. Perhaps, maybe someone will get some inspiration ideas try on their own.

Okay now just two more pictures.....these are of my precious grand kids on Easter!!!

Addison and Luke....Tara and David's blessings to me!! Aren't they precious??

Kamryn and Cooper....Brad and Whitney's blessings to me!!! Just as precious, don't you think??

Well, sorry this post is so long but I wanted to share about the style challenge I am participating in and I couldn't leave out pictures of my angel babies!!!

From my corner of the world.....counting my blessings and thankful for a risen Savior!!