GINA JOSEPHINE AGGIE

What I love the most about fashion is that a single article of clothing or an accessory has the power to be transformative. A new pair of shoes can give you the confidence to kick some butt, the right shade of eyeshadow can capture someone's glance, a statement ring packs the power of a knock out punch, and that little black dress has just been patiently waiting to make an appearance and grab his attention.

Clothing triggers an emotional response. That is a fact. Most times we dress how we feel or we dress how we want to feel. Going to an interview for your dream job? You'll probably want to wear an outfit that will make you feel like you are exuding confidence and skill. You know you'll plan your 10 year high school reunion outfit weeks in advance because you want to look youthful and successful. I think that this is what men don't get about women - we dress how we feel. "Honey! Tomorrow I am going to feel new! So, I had to get these pumps to just be prepared."

Many of the fashion bloggers in the industry are participating in Kendi Everyday's 30 for 30 Remix Challenge - and boy is this a challenge! 30 articles of clothing - 30 outfits - 30 days - no outfit repeats and no shopping. The very point of this all is to teach yourself that you don't always need something new to feel great.

I wasn't totally sure what I was getting myself into when I started fashion blogging. I have a passion for fashion & for making my clients look and feel their best. At first, I intended my blog to be focused totally on giving fashion tips & the inside scoop on what to wear and what not to wear. As I scoured the expansive world of fashion blogging, I realized that the best way to give tips on what to wear was to actually show what I was wearing. So, I started featuring myself! The 30 for 30 Remix Challenge has totally aided me in my mission. I think the best thing about this challenge is that it forces me to appreciate my current wardrobe for what it is. Remixing 30 items stretches my creativity in putting together stellar outfits everyday instead of "giving in" and running to the store for that perfect top. I've found, through this challenge, that the perfect top is already in my closet! It's all a matter of inserting that feeling that you want to exude into what you already have.

This past week I have felt tired. And I've realized a difference in my appearance. I am dressing tired because I feel tired. I can tell that I am consciously and subconsciously doing this. I put on less mascara in the morning because I'm tired. I have put the 30 for 30 to rest - not because it's too much of a challenge to put the outfits together - but because at the end of the day, I'm too tired to take a photo, too tired to crop & edit a photo, and too tired to write up a post...etc, etc. I've been searching for the most comfortable pants & tops to wear. I've been stuck in black for a few days and if I could wear the same outfit every day, I would. It's time to take a break.

How do you feel this time of year?

Fashionably Yours,

The Secret Place - 20 of 30

2010-12-07T11:02:00.000-06:00

Outfit Details:

Top: NY&CO

Skirt: H&M

Tights: Marshalls

Mary Jane's: Aerosoles

Belt: F21

Each year, my family gets a real tree. We had a period of darkness during the '90's where we succumbed to the prefabricated, manipulated fake tree. I'm glad those days are behind us.

There's been this silly little tradition since real trees have been reinstated to our family: The kids don't know where my mom and dad get the tree. It always took them 2 hours to get it and we started dreaming up places in our head. They started calling it "The Secret Place."

We were in awe the first year because they brought home an 8 foot tree! We have cathedral ceilings in our home and it was majestic & stately. We were in such delight & interest - but they wouldn't tell us where they got this tall tree.

Another year passed - and the trees seemed to get a little smaller and smaller each year. They would just say, "The Secret Place didn't have any tall trees. I guess it's a short year."

Until this year.

Since I live in Chicago and wouldn't be back until too close to Christmas, we broke the tradition and went with my parents to The Secret Place during my Thanksgiving Break. My sister and I were so hyped up to finally see this place! I imagined it was in Pennsylvania somewhere...we'd be cutting down our own tree...

Boy, was I wrong. Turns out The Secret Place was HOME DEPOT!

I asked my parents why it took them so long to get the tree and come home and they admitted that it was because they would wander around the store for awhile and drive home very, very slowly.

I was shocked.

Shocked.

Yes, yes, I would compare it to finding out about Santa Claus. That much of a blow.

This year, we got a 9 foot tree and it is beautiful. I am longing to be back home. So soon.

My roommate and I followed suit and got our lovely tree from Home Depot, too. Turns out they do have a pretty great selection... :)

Fashionably Yours,

On My Own Again - 19 of 30

2010-12-06T09:13:00.000-06:00

Outfit Details:

Top: Target

Skirt: Target

Sweater: Macy*s

Tights: Cynthia Rowley

Mary Jane's: Aerosoles

Ok, I'm almost really embarrassed to put these pictures up. I was on my own for outfit pictures this night and I tried my hardest - I really did. Since the temperature is falling quickly, I just couldn't muster up enough gumption to go outside to my usual brick wall.

I had to settle for some inside shots in terrible yellow lighting.

I really love this skirt. I've worn it before HERE and I like that style much better. I like this top a lot, too, but I don't know if I like the way it falls around my tummy and hips with this skirt. Oh, well! Live & Learn.

I manipulated the length in the 3rd shot to get a feel for what I like better. I think that both lengths work for my frame.

Ok, yeah. I am really embarrassed of these pictures.

Fashionably Yours,

Practicing Photography

2010-12-04T08:27:00.000-06:00

I am by no means a professional - so please, hold back the superfluous flattery. I am merely attempting to get better use out of my $500.00 camera that until this day has been stuck in "auto."

My sister and her bf were my test subjects and these are the photos that came out the best. They are naturally playful together and I didn't even need to tell them to do anything in particular. Things just came out this way. I had a great coach, Central NJ photographer Danny Virasawmi.

Danny did a photo shoot for me here, here, and here.

Now off to experiment with fstop...aperature...ISO...

Yup. I don't even know what those mean.

Fashionably Yours,

Conan Loves Jeggings!

2010-12-03T17:20:00.000-06:00

I've always been on Team Coco, but this just takes my love & devotion to a whole new level! Here, Conan confesses his love of jeggings to Tim Gunn. Also, can I get on Team Gunn?

Friend Friday - Shutting down my blog?

2010-12-02T22:03:00.000-06:00

Hello and welcome to another installment of Friend Friday! This has been such a great way for all of us bloggers to communicate on current issues in the blogosphere. Katy Rose, moderator of ModlyChic, sends us pertinent questions to what's going on in the fashion world each week. We all link up and answer them on Friday! If you are a blogger and are interested in joining, you can check it out here.

I feel a little bit like Katy Rose read my mind this week for inspiration for a Friend Friday topic. THE STRESS OF BLOGGING! Check out what I have to say below and if and when I'll be shutting down my blog.

1. How many hours do you spend a week blogging? Has that number changed since you've become a blogger yourself?
Before I became a blogger myself, I hardly searched the blogosphere. It was maybe 2 hours a week. I knew what blogs were and were first introduced to them through ModlyChic and The Busy Budgeting Mama. So now that I have become a blogger myself, that number has exploded! Starting one's own blog is like opening Pandora's Box. Now I'm spending anywhere between 5 - 10 hours a week blogging.

2. There is always more you can do, write, read, comment on, etc...how do you limit your time spent on these tasks?
Well, actually, I don't think I do enough. I feel like I need to spend more time doing these things - getting my name out in the community, discovering more blogs, getting inspired...but I just don't have time. So, I guess that I am limited just by nature of having a limited amount of time.

3. Have you experienced blogger burn out yet? How have you dealt with that?
Well, I'm pretty exhausted right now. I can't imagine that it can get any worse. Oh gosh. Does it get worse? I imagine burnout is much like your first year of teacher burnout. I survived that somehow and am still picking up the pieces from that year. I usually have a tendency to push myself way too hard, get stressed out, and then kiel over. I am feeling like that with blogging at this point. It seems to be more of a task than a creative outlet and hobby. I want my blog to be successful and I feel like that takes a lot of time and effort that I just don't have with a 12 hour day job.

4. This time of year is always a lot busier. Will your blogging change as a result?
I think that my blogging may change a little within the next week or so as finals roll around and the last week of school commences. However, during the 2 week Christmas Break, I have a lot of plans to meet up with photographer friends for photo shoots and will have a lot of time to actually put into the blog. I'm really looking forward to it.

5. Could you foresee a moment in which you are not blogging anymore? How will you identify if and when it is time to walk away?
I don't know. I think that I will walk away if the stress level stays the same & if the pressure to perform is still high and I'm not seeing any results in terms of growth. Let's be honest here, bloggers want to reach a lot of people. I want to reach a lot of people - however, if that doesn't happen and I am still stressed out about making sure I post this outfit and answer this FBFF, etc...then it's not worth it. I'm sticking to it now because I believe (and hope) my blog will grow. I guess we'll see.

Fashionably Yours,

Come Fly With Me - Airport Attire

2010-12-01T20:05:00.000-06:00

Photo Credits: Danny Virasawmi

Outfit Details:

Boyfriend Blazer: Old Navy

Dress: Some department store

Boots: Wanted

Belt: ShopRouche

Scarf: The Limited

Who ever said that airport attire had to be your high school gym shoes, Baby Phat velour sweat pants, and your home team sweatshirt? Give me a break.

You never know who you are going to run into at the airport or be predetermined to sit next to on the plane. Especially if you are single. You'll need all the help you can get. Be sure to make the best impression of yourself wherever you go.

For me, this dress is so comfy & versatile. Maybe for you a dark wash jean, cardigan, & cute flat will do the trick.

I'm always cold & this drapey scarf and boyfriend blazer are just what I needed to keep me warm.

My flat boots supply me with style and comfortablity. Comfortability? Is that a word? No? Well, I just made it up and I think you know exactly what it means.

Don't look like a bum at the airport and force me to take a fashion offender photo of you and feature you here.

Here's how this dress has been worn in this 30 for 30 challenge before.

Fashionably Yours,

17 of 30 & Guest Photographer

2010-11-30T20:44:00.000-06:00

Photo Credits: Danny Virasawmi

Outfit Details:

Boyfriend Blazer: Old Navy

Top: H&M

Leggings: Old Navy

Mary Janes: Aerosoles

Necklace: Thrifted

Watch: Anne Klein

Ring: F21 or H&M

A few things:

I want to be famous. I really do. I'm working on it. I have to believe it will happen, I just have to.

This boyfriend blazer is so versatile that I am predicting it will one day physically save my life. It can do all things.

If I could wear these black leggings every day, I most definitely would.

Did I mention that I just want to be famous?

Thanks again to Danny Virasawmi! This is definitely my favorite photo shoot that we did.

Fashionably Yours,

What Every Woman Never Wants to Hear

2010-11-29T22:06:00.000-06:00

Outfit Details:

Shirt: NY&CO

Pants: NY&CO

Shoes: Aerosoles

Watch: Anne Klein

Earrings: F21

Mondays are always rough. Mondays after a holiday break are barely bearable. So with the very essence of the weekday against me, I was hoping that my awesome outfit & flawless makeup (flawless as of 12 hours ago) would give me a boost.

I guess I was wrong.

When someone is overly exhausted (me) and already knows it (myself), the last thing that you want to hear is that you look overly exhausted!

So, when I strutted myself into the front office this morning, whipped off my Jackie O's, and tousled my hair, I never expected to hear:

"Ohhh...um, wow. You don't look so good. Are you tired?"

YES. Why, yes I am. Now can I get some time off to emotionally recover from that comment?

Happy Monday. How many days until Christmas break?

Fashionably Yours,

Outfit 15 of 30 & A Guest Photographer

2010-11-29T12:00:00.000-06:00

Outfit Details:

Vest: F21

Vertical Top: F21

Leggings: Old Navy

Boots: Endless.com

Belt: F21

Watch: Anne Klein (birthday present!)

Ring: H&M

Photographer Credits: Danny Virasawmi

It's official. 1/2 way! And I'm beginning to recycle elements of the 30 for 30. You've seen this top worn in a totally different way HERE.

This vest was previously paired with a black dress HERE.

And these boots, that belt, and those leggings would be worn every single day if I had anything to say about it. But alas, I do not. Life (& my job) dictates a different outfit for every day.

A former student of my father, friend of the family, and freelance photographer, Danny Virasawmi, came to visit. We chatted about photography, did some test shots, and he took a bunch of outfit pics for me! I think they're great!

I think I fake looking warm pretty well. It was well into the 30's and I was covered in goosebumps! But anything to get the perfect shot.

Danny is a professional freelance photographer located in central New Jersey.

Stay tuned for 2 more posts from his photo shoot with me & his contact info!

Fashionably Yours,

What I Get To Come Home To

2010-11-27T12:25:00.000-06:00

This is my mom's little pup, Lani. I know it's a little early for the Christmas dress, but we had to make sure it fit! From the looks of it, she's not too sure about it. In addition to my loving family, I get to come home to this little cuddle bumpkin. She is currently nestled up in my lap and perfectly content. Her usual spot is on top of the back of the couch looking out into the world. It's like she's always waiting for me to come home.

Fashionably Yours,

Friend Friday Guest Post - INKBLOTPHOTOGRAPHY

2010-11-26T15:29:00.000-06:00

Happy Black Friday, everyone. I hope you all got some great deals! Since I can't shop for myself during the 30 for 30 Remix Challenge, it was too tough to go to the stores and see all the good deals I couldn't have...

This week's Friend Friday is a Guest Blogger Post Exchange. Cate of inkblot*photography and I exchanged posts today. Check mine out HERE.

"The Art of Fashion"

As an aspiring fashion photographer, I look at a lot of pictures, but as a fashion blogger, I look at TONS of pictures.

There are hundreds of fashion blogs about personal style, but not as many about the art of fashion photography. So for a more marginal Fashionista like me, it's hard to find guidance online when you're more interested in the lighting of the photographs and the positions of the models.

Obviously, fashion is about the actual fashion, but for me, it's about the art. When I'm looking through editorials, the things that catch my eye are things like angles, colours and intensity. I post the shots that make me want to take a second look. The ones that grab my attention and force me to examine every aspect of the picture and really think about what makes it great. For me it isn't just about the clothes; it's about the way the clothing is presented in the photographs, and the true art that's created in the process.

Photo Credits: Julia Stegner by Alexi Lubomirski

In the months since I've transitioned my blog to posting more editorials, one of the things that I've learned is that the models are especially important in making a photograph work. There's a reason that there are 'models' and 'supermodels'.

A good model can evoke an emotion in a photograph with a flick of her wrist or the angle of her eye line. It matters if a girl can move or not. Tyra always says "she's model the noun not model the verb" and truer words have never been said. There is a difference between a face that makes you take a second look and pay attention, and a girl that can evoke emotion and style with her entire body. In the end, it's those girls that make the jump to supermodel.

As of right now, the models at the top of my list are Karlie Kloss and Freja Beha Erichsen. Between the two of them, I've found some of my favourite fashion shots, and they've inspired my own aesthetic.

Photo Credits: Karlie Kloss by Tim Walker

But how is this even relevant if you are a personal style blogger? The thing is, the internet is a visual medium and pictures make all the difference. If you're on lookbook, then you probably know that the looks that get hyped the most often are the ones that have the most interesting photographs.

When you're taking style shots for your blog, take notice of your surroundings and lighting. "Use your angles" as Tyra would say (I watch a lot of Tyra) and try to make your shots interesting. People come back to style blogs not just because of that bloggers personal style, but because they like the visuals that blogger creates in their shots. The best blogs have great photography.

We all love fashion. We wouldn't be here if we didn't. But sometimes it's fun to explore the different aspects of the fashion industry that we weren't as invested in before.

Track my love of editorials at http://inkblotphotography.blogspot.com, follow me on twitter or bloglovin' or join me on facebook.

flaunt hard,

Cate

Showers of Blessings

2010-11-25T18:13:00.000-06:00

Outfit Details:

Cardigan: H&M

Skirt: H&M

Tights: Cynthia Rowley

Belt: F21

Mary Jane's: Aerosoles

Umbrella: Courtesy of my Aunt RoseAnn

A Happy Thanksgiving to all!

I hope everyone had their fill of blessings today. Even with the rain out here in the east, it didn't seem to dampen our spirits.

I'm thankful for more things than words could express or that a blog post could hold. Just being home - just being with my family - just being with those who have loved you for all that you are no matter what.

It's as simple as that.

We had quite a fantastic feast. We had an assortment of gluten free, dairy free, sugar free & vegan delights. A lot of the guests today have some severe food allergies (myself included) - but everyone would argue that this was one of the most delicious Thanksgivings that they have had!

Our guests were quite fashionable as well. I was quite impressed.

The inspiration for it all - my Grandma, Aggie. She hasn't changed a bit :)

What are you thankful for?

Fashionably Yours,

30 for 30 is Packing UP!

2010-11-22T21:58:00.002-06:00

The long awaited Thanksgiving Break is here! These past few days have been quite hectic and I've missed posting outfits 9 & 10...But I'm packing up and heading east to visit my family for Thanksgiving.

Packing for this break within the 30 for 30 Challenge was tough! I think that I actually packed more things than when I usually travel - since this time I can't repeat outfits.

I'll admit it - usually when I go home I'll wear the same outfit a few days in a row. Home is home - and I'm not judged there. I just relax and reunite.

I felt like I was choosing my items for the 30 for 30 all over again as I was packing - only extremely scaled down.

Yes, that is a copy of Breaking Dawn. I will be reading it for the first time & am excited!

Here's what I came up with:

5 days

3 pairs of shoes

3 belts

2 scarves

1 pair of leggings

1 pair of jeans

2 pairs of tights

1 boyfriend blazer

1 blue sweater

1 black vest

2 tops

All set & ready to go!

I'll update you on the scandalous body scanners!

Fashionably Yours,

My Birthday Suit

2010-11-18T22:40:00.000-06:00

Outfit Details:

Scarf: Courtesy of Lara Miller

Sweater: F21

Belt: Courtesy of ShopRuche

Jeans: Macy*s (Grane)

Flats: H&M

Ring: Birthday gift from a student! H&M

So, it happened! My birthday happened. I turned another year older, agonized over the thought of my "life goals" and if I am at where I thought I would end up, worried if anyone would even remember what today was, and survived!

I am thankfully proved wrong a lot and was pushed out of my self loathing by love. The love of my family, friends, coworkers, students, and even strangers!

As I walked out of my apartment building this morning, I saw an unexpected package waiting for me in the mail room. It was the above beautiful woven scarf from Lara Miller! We've never met - but were supposed to at the Midwest Fashion Blogger Meet-Up back a few months. She wasn't able to attend and in reparation she sent a gift.

On a day when you are worried that those close to you are going to forget your birthday it was quite refreshing having a stranger drop a surprise at your doorstep.

Thank you, Lara!

All day long I was showered with selfless gestures, kind words, and birthday wishes. My students surprised me by decorating my classroom - another student who shares this birthday with me made me a gluten free, dairy free, egg free "cake" out of styrofoam and DumDums - and I received the most thoughtful gift I've gotten in years from a coworker.

Am I at where I thought I was going to be at (insert age here)? No. I'm not. And I think I might be OK with that. Emphasis on the words "think" and "might." The plans that I have had for myself have never ended up being as good as the ones that have actually happened. Besides, if I could have predicted where I'd have been at this age, what fun would that have been? I wouldn't have experienced all of the surprises, the ups - the downs, the joys, the pains.

What Has Become of Me in the Past Year:

1. I've moved to a new city.

2. I've been diagnosed, treated, and am continuing to be healed of a serious illness.

3. I started to follow my passions and started this blog.

4. I learned that the hardest things to do are most often the right things to do.

5. I fist pumped.

6. I fell out of love.

7. I read all 7 books of Harry Potter.

8. I was once again romanced by my favorite band, The Swell Season, in concert.

9. I was asked (and accepted) to be in a wedding for the 9th time.

10. I made the decision to never, ever, ever, EVER settle again.

Thank you to all who shared in this special day with me. I love you more than I am physically capable. Raise a glass to the next 365 days of possibility and prospect.

Fashionably Yours,

Sweater Weather

2010-11-17T20:38:00.000-06:00

We've been experiencing quite a "mild front" out here in the Chi recently. It has actually been perfect fall weather in my opinion.

I really want to be a sweater person, but I usually am not. The bulky shapelessness doesn't outweigh the comfort for me. But I think this sweater is the exception. I love the stitching detail and the cowl neck. I think it gives the sweater some character! What do you think?

I'll admit - it is really great to just snuggle up into a sweater like this during the season.

Since I'm shorter, I always try to keep an open neckline. This elongates your frame and we all want that, don't we?

Outfit Details:

Sweater: Old Navy

Pants: NY&CO

Flats: H&M

Fashionably Yours,

I Promise They're Purple

2010-11-17T09:20:00.000-06:00

So, my stockings are purple - even though they don't look like it in the first photo. They are one color variation of 3 pairs that I own in the hue. This season, I am very much into patterned and colored tights.

Who says you can't wear color in the Fall months? I say be bold! My pastel blue sweater works as a Fall garment because it is paired with deeper jewel tones. My skirt is a dark denim blend that can obviously be dressed up and appropriate for work.

I was nervous about pairing a black belt, black Mary Jane's, and a black tank top with this tone of blue denim, but I was inspired by Kendi Everyday's post about "breaking the rules" and pairing together two things that one might not. Black and blue seemingly do go together - I was just apprehensive about this tone of blue - but I took a risk and it worked!

What risks are you taking this Fall season?

Outfit Details:

Sweater: H&M

Purple Collared: NY&CO

Skirt: Target

Tights: Marshalls

Mary Jane's: Aerosoles

Belt: F21

Fashionably Yours,

The Rental Units

2010-11-15T19:51:00.000-06:00

My parents came to visit! All the way from the great state of New Jersey. We had a fantastic weekend - complete with a trip to the top of Willis Tower in Chicago. I've wanted to ascend its heights since I moved to Chicago over a year ago.

I love this dress. It is one of the most versatile pieces that I own. In fact, I wore it last week here.

I have a confession to make...This is from last weekend.

Today I had issues. Issues with my camera, issues with my hair, and not eating dinner yet and well, yeah. Functioning was a near impossibility. I am currently residing in my polka-dot pajamas and happy as a clam.

The dress and the boots are in my 30 for 30 items list AND I will be wearing this outfit sometime within the 30 days! So I'm technically not cheating the challenge.

My dad, who teaches high school photography, was my awesome photographer for this weekend. I wish he were here every weekend!

Fashionably Yours,

Remix Wrap-Up 1 - 5

2010-11-13T18:28:00.000-06:00

There you have it. Week 1!

For those of you who have been following along, you'll recall I utilized the aid of a certain Red Weber Grill...

Two days later, I received this set of emails:

Haha, I laughed so hard when I got these emails. It is my next door neighbor's grill!

Well, now the Red Weber Grill won't have to worry since my tripod finally arrived!

Thanks, Red Weber!

Fashionably Yours,

The Last Light

2010-11-12T17:45:00.000-06:00

I rushed home from work this Friday afternoon to savor the last bit of light for the day. I love where I live, but since I'm gone 12 hours out of the day, I don't get to enjoy it much. Some mornings when the lake is a little rough, I am serenaded by the sound of the crashing waves as I walk to the car.

Today was a jeans day at work. So, how can you make a pair of jeans look professional? Pair 'em with a great set of heels and a structured jacket! I was still extremely comfy. My boyfriend blazer is super forgiving and doesn't constrict my movement at all. As for comfy 4 in. heels? Well...I was able to sit a lot today and I'm still getting used to them. It's a process.

Fashionably Yours,

Modestly Snooki

2010-11-12T08:43:00.000-06:00

Once my students put 2 and 2 together and realized that I am from New Jersey and still spend my summers down the Jersey Shore...they started calling me different variations of "Snooki." Predominantly, "Snooks" and "Snookster" reign as club favorites.

Well aside from the fact that I am somewhat short, rock the poof, go tanning, often wear black, and have a little bit of an edgy attitude...we are nothing alike!

Well, wow. I guess we have more in common that I thought. One major difference - those are my real eyelashes. No falsies.

This dress is one of my favorite pieces of clothing. I just found that it has a tear in the seam at the bottom! I'll be sewing that up this weekend.

I had to add the scarf to the black vest on black dress ensemble because as you can see from the above shots, it looks clerically Puritan!

Outfit Details:

Dress: A Department Store

Vest: F21

Scarf: H&M

Tights: Gift

Shoes: Target

Fashionably Yours,