Off to the races - Day 12

It was the big day of the Melbourne Cup, so friends decided to hold a cup day party in honor of the big occasion.  A great reason to have a BBQ picnic in the middle of the week!

Emma prepared a Kiwi delicacy - White bait patties as an entree followed by lamp chops and sausages.

This is a true Kiwi first for me so I thought I should share the experience.

 

The White Bait patties consist of little white baits (fish) cooked like an omelet seasoned with salt and pepper.  They were delish, but couldn't help but take pity on the little fish that was looking back at me while I was eating.  We all had a bit of a laugh over it.

 

L to R - Emma, Kayla, myself and Sally

Shirt: Undercurrent

Scarf: Marshalls

Cardi: Staple from Depeche Mode

Capris: GH Bass

Heels: Banana Republic

Since I was in my 30-for-30 I pulled the girls in with me for a shot.  They were very good sports! We were not dressed to the nines as they do here in NZ for the races, but we had fun anyway. 

PS - Thomas' horse won the cup!

Time out for some hiking!

One of the very best things about living in New Zealand is that EVERYTHING is so close.  We live 1/2 hour from mountains, 15 min from the ocean and it is the capitol of all outdoor activities.  

One Saturday morning we woke up and my dear husband announced we were going hiking today and we were leaving in 20 min.  Something you should know about me is that I like to be spontaneous, but I need a bit of notice - like more than 20 min, also I do not function very well without my coffee in the morning.  Needless to say I was in a state of shock for the first 5 min, then pouting as we girls do sometimes, and finally compromise as long as we stopped for a long black(aka the closest think to black brewed coffee in NZ) on the way.  So off we went to Mt. Somers in our hiking clothes, coffee in hand, happy couple, all was good in the world.

 At the beginning of the bus stop overhang route

 Still waking up and eternally walking uphill.  Thomas' legs are way longer, so he goes on ahead. 

Thomas' trademark pose.  Walking across a tussock plateau pointing at the Southern Alps.

 Mom- we found a heart rock!

 

Swinging bridge, almost to the Woolshed creek hut half way through.  

 We made it! 

On the way back out.  Amazing hike on a beautiful NZ summer day.  Although I was hesitant at first, I am so glad we did this.  It took us about 5 hours in total and we loved every minute!

In the words of a very famous friend http://jalexanderphotography.blogspot.com/: Get Outside!

Day 11: In love with my tiered skirt.

Day 11 -  This is my J.Crew tiered skirt and it has become my new favorite thing out of my 30 day clothing combination.  My 2nd new favorite thing is finding all kids of new fashion blogs through this challenge - like wearing it on my sleeve and lizziepunch just to name a few. 

 My darling little sister Carolyn gave me the skirt and the shoes.  She kindly reminded me today that she has supplied over half of my 30-for-30 wardrobe (thanks dear).  She is happy to pass on styling tips - trying to get her to do a guest post as well to share her fashion with the world. I wish I could share her with everyone, but I can't she's mine.

Skirt: J.Crew - gift

Shirt: American collection from JcPenney

Belt: Marshalls

Shoes: Michael Kors - gift

Earrings: Thrifted

Belting the shirt makes me feel better about having the shirt tucked into the skirt.  Sometimes I don't love where it hits my stomach and the belt helps to hide that.  I am working on my 6 pack, but it's taking longer than I thought ;)

Happy Friday from New Zealand!  Summer is here and we are loving it.

Day 10

Really starting to love my 30 day challenge.  It's forcing me to be creative with the clothing I have instead of always running out to buy the latest and greatest.  A friend of mine said it's a way of teaching yourself self discipline.  Since that isn't one of my strong suits I say bring it on, I'm ready!

Cardi: JCrew

Shirt: Merona for Target

Skirt: Kenzie

Shoes: Gift from my sister :)

Sorry the pics are a bit blurry, we have been a bit rushed moving out of one house and into another.  Add to that daily picture taking and life gets a bit hectic.  Thanks for taking me for who I am and what life's throwing at me for the moment.  I am really enjoying this skirt.  It never used to be my favorite piece in the wardrobe, but I am realizing it's more versatile than I first thought.

Kudos to my fantastic photographer whose passion is not fashion, but he is still helping anyways!

Looking fine # 9

Cardi: Staple from Depeche Mode

Shirt: Charisma boutique in Indianapolis, IN

Skirt: J.Crew gift from my sis

Belt: Marshalls

Shoes: Michael Kors

It was a beautiful day for a spring skirt.  I have really loved this skirt belted and am excited about the combinations I have been able to make with this challenge.  Thanks Kendi!  If anyone else wants to try it out check out www.kendieveryday.blogspot.com  to sign up for the 30 for 30 challenge!  I would love to see what everyone else can do with their wardrobe :)

the most important thing...

Hi guys it's Ali... Jenna and I were chatting about blogging and she said I could do a guest post! I've never blogged before so I was very nervous. It took me all night to think about what I should post. It came to me that I should just talk about the thing that is most important to me...my family and specifically for this post, my sisters!

Since we have been far apart for so long, we have little things we like to do to keep us together at heart. Of course we talk on the phone and email and skype and text and send pictures but we also have special things that remind us of each other. I tried taking a picture of the necklace I am wearing today with my blackberry so bear with the blurriness. All of the charms have a meaning and they all relate back to my sisters. One is from Carolyn's first mission trip to Mexico, one is to commemorate me getting married, one was the original charm that we all have that started the sister necklace and another marks the weekend that Jenna came to visit me in Indy. I could keep going but I'm sure that you understand. A bonus is that this necklace is part of my 30:30 ...16 more days to go!

Thanks Jennie for letting me post today!

"The best thing about having a sister was that I always had a friend." - Cali Rae Turner

Eight Eight a little bit late!

Shirt: Wish from Depeche Mode

Skirt: gift from my sister

Shoes: Nine West

We got a bit carried away with these photos.  Didn't realize most were out of focus till the very end, but I think you can still get the feel for the outfit.  I love the shirt because it has such a luxurious feel with the subtle detail of the puffy sleeves.  The skirt also carries a bit of a surprise with an exposed zip at the back (hard to see in the picture).  

Just another Monday in New Zealand.

Day 7

Wanaka weekend came to a close with a BBQ at the Lamborn house, so I decided that Hannah - owner of the Depeche Mode would have to model outfit #7 with me.  Seemed fitting as she is quite stylish herself and has been helping to hold me accountable for my 30 days.

 Hannah-

Featuring clothing from Depeche Mode, Ashburton

Me - 

Shirt: Forever 21

Jeans: Rugby

Belt: J. Crew

 The boys watching their latest hunting expedition in the mountains :)

Ross = Thomas' hunting buddy

Hannah = my shopping buddy

All in all a very good match!

Side Note: Somehow in the midst of my 30 days of fashion we decided to move house, throw a Halloween party and have a garage sale all in the same weekend.  While it seemed like a good idea at the time... I have to be honest... I strayed from the path of fashion and broke the 30-for-30 rules for my Halloween costume! (pictures will soon follow)

Time out-

Sorry for not posting the last few days.  Thomas and I just finished shifting house this weekend.   With the help of our sweet Ashvegas friends Sally, Mark and the Robinson family we were able to get everything sold, cleaned and shifted in two days!  Thanks to all who helped :)

More posts to come, just be patient.  It took me 20 min this morning to find out where one pair of shoes for my 30-for-30 collection were, but I stayed true to the challenge!

30 for 30: pieces

Some have asked to see a pic of the pieces I'm working with.

4 sets of shoes, 2 jeans, cardis, shirts, skirts and pants.  Let the fun begin!

We're going on a leopard hunt

Thought this was an appropriate title... since my leopard cardi is making so many appearances this weekend!

Cardi: Banana Republic

Jeans: Rugby

Shirt: Wish from Depeche Mode

Purse: Fossil

We stopped off at the Peregrine Winery in Otago, NZ.  It's just the right distance between Wanaka and Queenstown when you are ready to stretch you legs and do a little wine tasting.  Apparently they are known for their Sauvignon Blancs, but I opted for the heavenly gewurztraminer and Pinot Noir that will peak in 3 years.
Leopard cardis are also good for...

Bungy Jumping!

Eating Fergburgers!

Life is a joy ride

- Day 6 -
Does this feel like it's going on forever for anyone else?  I love my 30 items, but I feel like the month should be over already.  I guess that's why they call it a challenge.
Anyway, back to day six, or Day one of the wonderful Wanaka holiday!

I like how those three tell a little story.  Off we went to Morgan's grandparents for morning tea and Thomas was wonderfully documenting the trip with his IPhone - biking and taking pictures is serious coordination!  

Me (eating sushi):

Cardi: Banana Republic

Shirt: Undercurrent Board Store

Necklace: Anthropologie

Jeans: J.Crew

Hayley: 

Cardi: Witchery

Shirt: Country Road

Jeans:  very cute!

We spent the whole day outdoors, biking, walking along the lake and then just relaxing on the lawn back at the batch.  We love Wanaka!

Fabulous day 5

Today I was super lucky to:
1. Not have to work.
2. Hang out with my awesome friends Pam, Lucas (2 yrs.) and newly born Jacob for the day.
3. Road Trip to Wanaka with our other awesome friends Morgan and Hayley.

Lets just say fashion day 5 had to cover all bases of running around at gymbugs, playing in the sandbox, cooking tea, holding babies, riding in the car and still looking awesome 12 hours later!  I think we may have a winner here folks.

Cardi: Depeche Mode - Staple

Shirt: Boutique in Indiana

Jeans: J.Crew

Sandals: hand-me-down from my sister

Shot in the living room of the Easton family holiday house :)  I love the red chairs!

Fashion Day 4

Leopard cardi: Banana Republic

Belt: Gabriel Brothers

Shirt: JCrew

Shoes: From my sister

As you can see days 2 and 3 are missing.  I was the only one home so I have to get Thomas to grab pics for me when he gets home.  (I haven't forgotten). 

I put this outfit together never having worn a cardigan like this before, tucked in and belted.  I felt pretty good in this selection, throwing in the glasses for a nerdier look.  Alice, the office assistant at work called it sweet.  It's good fun, people are starting to get involved in the challenge, trying to help me piece things together and cheering me on.  

This weekend we head to Wanaka for a bit of a holiday and yes the 30 pieces go with me.  Bonus about only being able to choose from a limited selection...everything fits in the suitcase!

Day 1

Day #1 of the 30 day fashion challenge:

Shirt: Forever 21

Pants: JCrew

Shoes: Banana Republic

Cardi: Vintage shop, NZ

So, here I am still very excited about embarking on this wardrobe adventure, color and creativity oozing out of me.  Picking 30 items to mix and match for 30 days is quite a daunting task.  I spent all night Monday night trying to see what else would go with the items I chose in the pictures, a few colors and lots of neutrals!

 

Since this is a first for me feedback is welcome, what works and what doesn't.  It should be fun.

Lovely Thomas did me the favor of taking the pics on his IPhone, he gets to be a part of this too!

30 for 30

Today is the day that I start a new challenge.
The day that I buckle down to accomplish a daunting task.
Today I will try something new.

My sisters, mom and I have all decided to try a variation on a wardrobe challenge called 30 for 30.  The rules are you choose 30 items from your closet - shoes and jewels included and use them to create 30 different outfits for 30 days.  I addition to that is the biggest challenge of all... no shopping for 30 days.  Thomas is going to be so excited :)

This challenge of no shopping may be really easy for some people, but for my sisters and I shopping is in our blood.  We have been shopping with Grandma since back to school season started twenty some odd years ago.  Mom doesn't have the shopping bug (lucky) and will just be coming up with 30 different outfits for 30 days.  I'm excited we all trying it together!

Outfit #1 is currently living on hubby's iphone so stay tuned for pics to come.

(credited to kendieveryday.blogspot.com for the idea <3 ).

Ali and Kase tie the knot

On August 21, 2010 my dear sister Ali and Dr. Kasey Osborn tied the knot in Aurora, NY at the Aurora Inn.  This wedding was extra special, not just because two people we love were getting married, but because Kasey was the one that introduced Thomas and I.  He and Al have been together longer than we have so we were so happy to celebrate with them!

It was a beautiful day.  The girls wore blue taffeta dresses from Jcrew and the boys were dressed in charcoal with yellow accents.  (Carolyn shows off the bouquets - thanks Lub!)

Carolyn, Lauren (Kasey's sister) and I had the joy of being Ali's bridesmaids - we had so much fun together.  Kasey was joined by his dad and brothers.

Justin our photographer said to makes faces... so we did :)

A perfect day for a perfect couple.  Happy wedding Al and Kase, we love you!