No Shop July - Closet Styling 07.31.13

Oh myyy we made it. I successfully went a whole month without any personal shopping. I don't know about you but I really needed this. Putting our new home together is costly enough. And will remain my focus for the next few months. BUT, I will no longer deprive myself of the occassional new nail polish or sale find. All in moderation.

If you've missed the past posts in this series, they can be found here:

• Closet Restyling - 07.03.13
• Closet Restyling - 07.10.13 (two guests!)
• Closet Restyling - 07.17.13

I'm excited to welcome my sister-in-law back to the blog! She's been participating in No Shop July as well. She has great taste so I've asked her to give us her take on shopping her closet. The inspirational photo she chose is one I love. What do you think?

Meg

Inspiration:

via Pinterest / original source unknown

Meg's Take

Top: Gap

Pants: J.Crew toothpick

Scarf: Gap Outlet

Shoes: Sperry Topsider

Watch: Michael Kors

Bracelets: Alex & Ani, Stella & Dot

How amazing are the gold Sperrys? I loove them.

Tracey

I was looking for a good date night outfit recently. A, let's dress up and go out for some good drinks, type of outfit. I stumbled upon this photo and had one of those palm to forehead moments. I've had these black shorts for years and always forget about them!

via Pinterest / original photo - Lookbook

My take

Top: Banana Republic

Shorts: H&M (old)

Shoes: Franco Sarto (via TJ Maxx, old)
Necklace: Gift from J
Watch: Necklace: Gift from J

Lipstick: Maybelline Whisper in Who Wore it Red-er

I decided to go with a more subtle look than my inspirational photo. But, who doesn't love a bright lip?! Or a sock bun in this heat for that matter.

I've really had such a blast putting this series together. I find myself search for inspiration more often and thinking about how I can use items I already own to recreate a look. 

Thank you so much to those of you who participated!

What about you? Have you done any closet shopping lately? Remixed any new outfits? Here's your last chance to link up! 

<div align="center"> <a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/" title="Talkative*TLC" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg597/talkative_tlc/20130701_NoshopJuly_Collage1_grab_zpsb26d0bf8.jpg" alt="Talkative*TLC" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

All I ask is that you link back and share this the link up with your readers. I'd also love if you would follow my blog on  some platform (GFC, Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin, etc)

An InLinkz Link-up

If you like this post please let me know by leaving a comment or liking my Facebook page. You can also follow along on Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Let's stay in touch!

Linking up with What I Wore Wednesday, Three-fer Thursday

No Shop July Challenge - Closet Styling 07.17.13

I can't believe we're at week three already! Thank goodness. These sale emails are starting to haunt me.

In case you happened to miss the past two closet remix posts this month, you can find them here:

• No Shop July Challenge - Closet Styling 07.03.13
• No Shop July Challenge - Closet Styling 07.10.13 (with two guests!)

This week I decided to style a date night outfit. We can wear jeans on Fridays at work, so I finally broke out my white jeans recently (in that day of cool weather before this second heatwave...). What makes this outfit different than what I'd normally wear? For one, a belt. I kind of just stopped wearing them, especially with jeans. Second, tucking in my blouse. And third, bright on bright. I mentioned this during week one of the challenge, never considering wearing white with something bright like red, pink, or orange. And it's true. I guess I tend to stick with cooler colors when wearing white pants - purple, blue, grays. 

My Inspiration

via Pinterest / Reasons to Breathe, original source: Kendi Everyday

My Take

Shirt: Old Navy

Jeans: Express (via TJ Maxx)

Belt: Gap Outlet

Shoes: Timberland

I'm working on my model poses for you. :) 

Now it's your turn! Share your recently styled outfits with me (please). I need some more inspiration!

Grab this button and link up your outfit posts here.

<div align="center"> <a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/" title="Talkative*TLC" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg597/talkative_tlc/20130701_NoshopJuly_Collage1_grab_zpsb26d0bf8.jpg" alt="Talkative*TLC" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

All I ask is that you link back and share this the link up with your readers. I'd also love if you would follow my blog on  some platform (GFC, Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin, etc)

I can't wait to see what you've put together for fresh summer outfits!

An InLinkz Link-up

Linking up for What I Wore Wednesday, Three-fer Thursday

If you like this post please let me know by leaving a comment or liking my Facebook page. You can also follow along on Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Let's stay in touch!

No Shop July Challenge - Closet Styling 07.10.13

Good morning! And welcome to the second installment of the No Shop July Challenge Closet styling series. You are in for a real treat today. Not only do you get to view my restyled outfit, but I have two lovely guests joining in! I hope you'll be linking up your own outfits at the end too!

What I am absolutely loving about this styling series is that you just might look at an article of clothing you've had for years a little differently. Pair it with a belt this time, add totally different accessories, pair colors you hadn't considered before. It's fun, and even better, it's free. So while we tend to "shop" our own closet daily for outfits, hopefully this provides you with a little inspiration to mix things up.

Tracey

This was such a fun outfit for me to put together. Sadly the weather didn't cooperate for pictures so I hope you don't mind the bright white wall behind me.

Inspiration:

 via

My take:

Shirt: Old Navy

Skirt: Loft

Sandals: Jack Rogers

Bracelets: Alex & Ani

Watch: Michael Kors

Lauren

I am completely in love with this denim vest. Man, 20 more days until I can purchase one of those.

 Inspiration:

Lauren's Take:

Vest: Lauren Conrad at Kohls

Tank: Target

Maxi Skirt: TJ Maxx

Bracelets: Stella & Dot, Beapeamadethis

Watch: Kate Spade

Nails: OPI - I Eat Mainely Lobster

Absolutely love the denim vest and maxi skirt combo!

Meg

This is such a great outfit for day or night by changing it up between flats and heels. I am all about dresses during the summer months and this outfit is perfect. I may have to give it a try... 

Inspiration:

via

Meg's Take:

Dress: Loft

Belt: TJ Maxx

Sandals: Old Navy

Necklace: Etsy (Bridesmaid gift)

Bracelets: Alex & Ani

Watch: Michael Kors

Toes: Essie - Mint Candy Apple

Meg seriously got this spot on. I love it! Doesn't she look so pretty for her birthday dinner?!

Direct quote from Meg - I've only worn this dress once before and now I can't wait to wear it again! 

Like I said before, it can be so fun to shop around your own closet and mix things up! 

Thank you so much Meg & Lauren for participating!! This was such blast to put together. If you're interested in joining the closet styling series and don't have a blog to link-up, no worries! Send me your inspiration photo, pictures of your outfit, and any details you can provide on where your outfit is from. I would love to include you in next weeks post.

What about you? Have you done any closet shopping lately? Remixed any new outfits? Link it up! 

<div align="center"> <a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/" title="Talkative*TLC" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg597/talkative_tlc/20130701_NoshopJuly_Collage1_grab_zpsb26d0bf8.jpg" alt="Talkative*TLC" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

All I ask is that you link back and share this the link up with your readers. I'd also love if you would follow my blog on  some platform (GFC, Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin, etc)

An InLinkz Link-up

I'm linking up with with Bethany for Three-fer Thursday!

If you like this post please let me know by leaving a comment or liking my Facebook page. You can also follow along on Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Let's stay in touch!

No Shop July - Closet Styling 07.03.13

Hello friends! And welcome to the first installment of the No Shop July Challenge - Closet Styling! That's right, it's time we start "shopping" our own closets for new outfits.

I really wanted to remix this outfit for you. I mean c'mon, it's Rihanna ...

via people.com

Seriously, how do celebrity's get away with that?! Ridiculous.

So instead, let's re-style an outfit that plays on red, white, and blue. Happy 4th of July everyone!

Reese, what a style icon. I love her simple, classic style. 

via People.com. Photo credit: FameFlynet

Here's my take:

And for a little 4th of July Flair...

Shirt: Ann Taylor (old)
Shorts: Vineyard Vines
Sandals: Target
Necklace: Ebay
Bracelet: Target
Watch: Michael Kors
Nails: Essie E-nuf is E-nuf

This may seem like a simple outfit, but I had never thought of pairing these two together before. Thanks Reese! I'm a big fan of shorts with a long sleeve short on the cooler days.

Now it's your turn! 

<div align="center"> <a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/" title="Talkative*TLC" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg597/talkative_tlc/20130701_NoshopJuly_Collage1_grab_zpsb26d0bf8.jpg" alt="Talkative*TLC" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Did you restlye an outfit by shopping your own closet? Link up your remixed outfit! All I ask is that you link back and share this the link up with your readers. I'd also love if you would follow my blog on  some platform (GFC, Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin, etc)

Looking forward to seeing what you come up with, and gain inspiration for future outfits!

An InLinkz Link-up

If you like this post please let me know by leaving a comment or liking my Facebook page. You can also follow along on Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Let's stay in touch!

Psst - I'm sharing my opinions on wedding planning over on Lindsey's blog. Check it out, especially if you're in the middle of planning your own wedding!

Fun Fact Friday 6.28.13

Couldn't be more relieved that it's Friday. I can't complain about the work week because yesterday was my first full day at work this week....but that's because I woke up Monday with an awful head cold. Attempted to go to work Tuesday only to head home at noon and find out I'm also rocking an ear infection. Wtf.

By the way - I haven't had an ear infection since I was probably 10! It honestly never crossed my mind that I'd get one as an adult. Weird? Maybe. 

At least this guy was more than happy to snuggle during nap times - 

Let's get to it. Here's what's on my mind this Friday - 

1. I have a laundry list of blog posts I need to get written. Chicago wedding, Foxwoods casino bachelorette party, a 30-minute meal take on Chipotle's burrito bowls (J's new fav dinner), zucchini salad, a house to-do list.....uh the list goes on! Keep reading, please! pretty please.

2. I saw a sign at Homegoods this weekend that made me laugh, because this is EXACTLY how I'm feeling lately: I can't tell if life is flying by or trying to run me over. Ha! After this head cold,  I have definitely been run over! But hey, it's all in the name of celebrating with good friends and making our new house our home. Not enough hours in the day anymore.

3. Speaking of making our house a home - remember when I cried over spilled milk a broken lamp? Would you believe that I found the exact same lamp at Homegoods 2 years later!! I was that creep that broke out into ear to ear grin, pulled out my phone, and snapped a picture to send to J immediately. I could not wait until it was purchased and home to tell him the news. 

4. I've been having so much fun reading along as YHL renovates their new home and feeling like we are on the exact same page lately! It's kinda crazy. Of course they blog for a living and update us immediately, but hey doesn't that mean I had the posts first?! (YHL vs. TTLC & YHL vs. TTLC). Ok maybe it's a stretch but seriously, I feel ya YHL - bleeding money over here. Like burst artery blood money all over the place. Make it stop.

5. And now for the big announcement.....!!! In an effort to curb a little spending, I've decided that July will be a no shopping challenge over here. No clothing purchases, no accessories, no mani/pedi's, no new Essie polishes, no haircuts (squeezing one in Saturday, phew!), basically nothing unnecessary. I am not including home purchases in this as we do have a lot to get done still. But nothing will be added to my closet this month!

Looking forward to remixing a few new outfits!

I encourage you to join me! I'm so excited by the amount of feed back I've received on this and how many of you really want to participate in a No Shop July Challenge. So let's make this fun! If you have a blog and want to participate in weekly (Wednesday) posts during July let me know and I will add a link-up. And make sure you grab the button I created for you over to the right. Wednesdays I will be highlighting outfit inspirations I've found online, magazine, etc and how I shopped my own closet to re-create them. 

If you do not have a blog and would like to participate, send me an email! (by Monday nights ok?) I would LOVE to include you. 

Include the following in your No Shop July posts/email to me:

• Inspirational photo (or link)
• A photo of your re-created outfit
• Any links you can provide to what you are wearing

Let's have some fun, and save some money!! 

So, any weekend plans? A few last minute purchases before July perhaps? :)

I realized yesterday that I hadn't had my hair cut since December? Whoops. Going in for a clean-up bright and early tomorrow. And there's no doubt we'll be tackling a few things around the house this weekend, gotta take advantage of the plan-free weekends!

Have a fantastic weekend!

Linking up with H54F, That Friday Blog Hop, Friday Favorites

If you like this post please let me know by leaving a comment or liking my Facebook page. You can also follow along on Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Let's stay in touch!