So, I mentioned before that I’ve been on a bit of a self-improvement kick.  I figured I could delve into that a little bit more  today.

I’ve been going to the gym regularly for a couple months now & I think I have established this as a habit.  It will take continued effort, as I’m very good at quitting things, but I do believe I am seeing the benefits of regular exercise.  Mainly, right now my blood pressure is going down a little at a time.  Also, the nights I work out I feel great as opposed to the nights I haven’t when I just don’t feel as good.

Considering that exercise is a long term thing that doesn’t pay off immediately (being toned & thinner doesn’t happen overnight I realize) I thought that doing some things that I can see results with will motivate me in the short term.

So here’s the list of things I can improve while working toward a fitter body.  I’m working my way down the list to establish these habits – I think trying to catch up all at once would overwhelm me.

1. Hair – cut, color, upgrade to color safe shampoo to keep the color longer.  I got the cut last week & I will be coloring later today.  Then for the big “reveal”  LOL.

2. Complexion – Neutrogena micro-dermabrasion (I’ve had the system for a while but now I’m keeping in the bathtub so I will do this 2-3 times per week), do a weekly facial mask, I also upgraded to Clinique pore minimizer & I love it!  So worth the price tag.

3. Eyes – I just got a new eye exam & ordered new glasses plus will be getting contacts as well.  This one has been sneaking up on me as I got lasik years ago & my eyes are just at the point where I finally need to wear correction all the time.  Sigh…  I so enjoyed not wearing anything.  I chose a cute pair of glasses that are a bit thinner than my current pair & I think fit me well.  Can’t wait to get them!

4. Teeth – want to get the one hour/$40 system.  I never can stick to any kind of schedule when it comes to beautifying rituals so I want to get the kit that does it all at once pretty much while I’m watching a movie.

5. Nails – need to get a really good buffer as I’d like to avoid nail polish.   I always smudge & it always chips.  I have a buffer but it takes FOREVER to make my nails shiny.  I am hoping there is a better product.  Any suggestions?

6. Body – must eat better!  This is another one of those long term things that are really hard for me.  I’ve been trying to go without rules & let nothing be off-limits but I think I might need rules.  I’m torn – when I try to limit myself I feel deprived & freak out.  But when I’m not limiting myself I’m eating everything in sight.  I almost think I need professional help with this LOL.  I suppose if I can just make a reasonable meal plan every night for the next day it wouldn’t be a big deal to stick to it.  Hmmmm, something to think about.

7. Elbows – I have one dry elbow that I need to stick in a grapefruit for a while.  I’ve heard that helps.  I’ll let you know.

8. Feet – I need to do more regular pedicures.  I used to do at least one per month & did my nails once a week.  These grooming rituals have fallen by the wayside but I deserve them!

Now, what have you been neglecting to do for yourself?  And what are you going to do about it?

You don’t need no stinking shoe stretchers!  (Found via Craft: via Threadbanger)

Here’s another unique take on a scarf.  I draped it diagonally over my shoulder & tied it at the waist.  Different, interesting.  Enough to make your co-workers ask, “What are you wearing?”

Delman flats, Nine West jeans, Target top & scarf, thrifted necklace

The close-up.  The pendant & purple of the scarf remind me or royalty LOL.

I built this outfit around the shoes.  They were $7!!!! at Marshalls.  They are Rampage – not super expensive, but (I think) super cute.  They coordinate perfectly with this ochre-y braided belt & suede/metal necklace.  The jacket (from Target) meshed well since it has a bit on warmth to it.  I love the fringe but I didn’t want to look like Pocahontas so I added the navy & white striped top & jeans for a little traditional Americana.  I felt a little like Atlantis Homewith her cuffed jeans, cute jackets & unique shoes.  I know I didn’t quite capture her easy glamour, but I’m working on it LOL!

Rampage sandals, Kikit jeans, Walmart tee, Target jacket, American Eagle belt, DIY necklace & cuff, ring from Grandma, Bumpit hair bump

I only just realized how copy-catty I’ve been this week.  Geeeeeez!  I mean it in the best, most flattering way & when I know I’m doing it I always credit the source   This great idea came from the lovely Tina’s blog T Minus T Plus in this entry about her ENGAGEMENT!!!!  I loved the second outfit down so much I had to rip it off pay homage to it with my own version: 

Target gladiators, Old Navy cargos (thrifted), ? brown tank (TJMaxx), olive belt (from swap party), Adrienne Vittadini scarf, Walmart bracelets, necklace was gift

When I saw Tina’s post I immediately thought, “OMG, where’d she get that top!”  When I found out it was a scarf tied to the shoulders & belted I was thrilled because I could duplicate it.  (I’m really not one for hunting down a particular item.)

Here’s a close up of the pattern.  It’s full of a gorgeous mix of green, brown, red, orange, gold & ivory.

Just a quick post about my new favorite products:

Intuition razor – cuts my shaving time in half & does a good job plus smells nice. 

Clinique Pore Perfector- Felt spendy on my staycation & splurged on this. Soooo worth it! My face doesn’t get oily until late afternoon now – it used to be slick as soon as I got to work in the morning. (I’m a major oily case so half a day is a major battle won.) 

Bumpits – These are an easy way to look like you spent a lot of time on your style. It literally takes moments of your time for this little upgrade.

HIP metallic eyeliner pencil - I got one in silver.  It’s very impressive & stays true to color.  It also lasts.  I’ll be getting it in metallic black next!  (The HIP products are all amazing – I also love the cream black liner in the little glass pot.)

After seeing Kimberly’s take on Lucky’s Impress for Less outfit I immediately put a similar outfit together from my own closet.  (In fact, it inspired a new posting idea that I hope you’ll all be on board for.)

Target gladiators (these broke on me!  I will glue the strap back in place bc I love them so.), Khakis crops, Izod button-down, Dimri scarf, ? belt from TJMaxx, Ruehl cuff, sterling necklace with horn & ladybug pendants

I stuck to all the same main pieces but as you can see, just as Kimberly’s take was unique from the Lucky outfit, mine is again different & unique to me.

I am on a total makeover kick & was wondering if you guys have any suggestions to help me improve this blog.  Is there anything you would like to see more of? Less of? Anything you haven’t seen on here that you would like to?

One thing I’ve been considering that would take some involvement from you guys:  A weekly or monthly “uniform” post. 

The idea came to me from a couple different directions. 

1. Fab Finds Under $50 posted an outfit from Lucky that she had done in her own version.  I almost immediately did my version as well (will post a little later this week).  I am pretty intrigued with how we all have our own look even if the pieces we put together are similar.  Realizing this sparked the idea.
2. Another inspiration point – The Uniform Project for which Sheena Matheiken is wearing an identical dress every day for a year.  Each day she accessorizes it differently, etc…  I love, love, love it but also think it would be interesting to see how multiple people accessorize a similar outfit.  Of course, we will also see different cuts of clothing – for instance, my LBD will not be identical to yours & it speaks of our personalities, body types & fashion choices.

This is how it would work:

• The main idea is that we would all post a similar outfit but with our own styling, showing off how different very similar clothes can look when accessorized.  And showing off our own brand of fabulous!
• I would email or post what the outfit of the week/month was – suggestions would be taken to determine what it would be.
• We would each post our outfit separately during that week/month
• Then I would gather the links into one post & we would all re-post the list with our own words to introduce it. (Side bonus: This would help promote us all & get our blogs out to people who may not be reading us yet.)
• I really hope you guys will be down with this – sadly, with only me doing it, it would just be pointless LOL.

Other than that:

Posts have mainly consisted of wardrobe shots & DIY tutorials lately.   Here are some other plans for the future.  Tell me if you likey or no:

• I want to do video tutorials but lack a video camera.  Any suggestions on an inexpensive but good one? The one that’s on my wishlist now is the Flip MinoHD and it’s probably way more than I really need at this point.  Suggestions for something much cheaper but that would work instead are appreciated.
• I’d love to do some outdoor “fashion shoots” with a theme.  (I had a great one planned for over my staycation but didn’t have enough time to do it.)  I’d like to wait until I’m a bit more firm from my gym regimen though - I feel like I only look good from one angle right now LOL.  Anyway, this one would take a lot of time & I will need to create time to do it.
• I’d love to do more “stretch your wardrobe” posts.  I haven’t been inspired lately but hopefully I can come up with some great ideas for you if I keep thinking about it.
• More Link Love posts – there is so much out there right now & I have been totally slacking on my link love for all the kick-ass bloggers out there!  Maybe I’ll hook up my Delicious.com to post automatically??  Love it or hate it????

OK, I know that’s a lot to process.  Please leave a comment with your thoughts & if you’re interested in being involved with the uniform post.  Hugs & Kisses!

I FINALLY got around to doing some shredding like I’ve seen around the blogosphere so much.  Childhood Flameshas a great step by step tutorial complete with a vid.  Loves it! 

This sweater was starting to shred on the arm anyway so I thought I’d make it look more intentional.  Success!  I will probably wear it & then shred it some more – it’ll be constantly new to me LOL.  I was so missing wearing it – it’s a great combination of black & greys woven together.  It looks like steel.  This photo is crap – it looks oddly yellow.  I’ll be sure to share it in an outfit post soon so you can see its true color.

Happy 4th of July everybody!  What are your plans for the big weekend?

This is an outfit I had to throw together since I one I picked ahead of time didn’t fit or something.  Geez, I can’t even remember.  Must have been very traumatic.  The sweater is new & I love how it drapes assymetrically.  Again with the grainy photos – sorry!

Fila sneakers (ebay), Chico’s cargos (thrifted), Gap tee (actually bought at the Gap – shocked?), Adrienne Vittadini cardi ($10, TJMaxx)

The sneakers are from Ebay.  I haven’t been buying OR selling on there lately.  I’m expecting to list a couple things this weekend though.  Lilly Pulitzer sandals & a shit-ton of jewelry that is from when I was making jewelry on a schedule.  Now I just do it when the mood takes me & haven’t really bothered with selling at all.