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!

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 :)

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.

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!

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 ).