(Life) No New Clothes Update & About Blogging

Recently, I was watching the Today Show & they said blogging is an excellent way to build up your reputation! Well well, I am doing another thing right with this blog of mine. 

They said it's the best way for people to get to know you aside from talking to you because they are regarded as truthful glimpses into a person's life. Often times second hand information is very un-reliable so reading something one typed out on their own is considered very reliable. 

Yay for blogging!

My no new clothes challenge is going swimmingly, I've only bought a new pair of shoes, two cami's & a basic tee-shirt. I wear out my tee shirts so quickly since I generally always have one on underneath a cardigan or my work shirt. Also, I have only bought them on sale or from a thrift store. I love thrift stores because it helps the local community, & you get cute clothes for great prices. & who in their right minds do not love a good sale?

I am going to be getting rid of some of my especially worn in shoes- le shock!

I normally will wear shoes until they have holes, but I figure it's time to grow up & let them go. 

That hobo-chic thing was cute when I was a care-free kid- but now I just look like a hobo.

I was thinking of sharing a piece of my current wardrobe & writing a little bit about it once in a while on my blog here- just to honor my no new clothes challenge & hopefully help me get inspired to wear the pieces & put them together with other items in new ways. 

This seems kind of odd for my blog, which basically is mostly about my art, but honestly how you dress yourself each day reflects who you are- just as your artwork does. 

About my art, here is a picture of one of my drawings in progress. It's coming along slowly but I'm really liking it.

So far the materials I've used are pencil & acrylic paint. I free handed this without reference because sometimes I just want to create something really unique, not just copy something over. 

Also, I've been trying my hand at another one of the Albright Knox's photography contests- inspired by Andy Goldsworthy. Here's a few of my entries so far, you can see the rest on my Instagram: @Wistful_Victorian::

That's about all for the moment, but as usual that changes so fast because I'm always keeping busy & having new ideas pop up in my head. 

What I Wore

Day 2 of my no new clothes until September challenge-

Shirt: thrifted

Cropped pants: F21

Shoes: Bon Ton 

Hairbow: American Apparel 

Also, I tried to take my first set of "more creative self portraits" I think they came out pretty good. 

And, I did a second thing today on my list which is "cook more". Basically all I did was make the strawberry toping for the shortcake we're having for desert tonight- but hey, even though it's a small thing you cannot have strawberry shortcake without the strawberries! 

Summer 2013

This summer, since I do not have to put up with all the craziness from my undergrad school anymore, I am looking forward to enjoying my time. I made this list because it's always easier to stick to goals if you can see them written down- at least this is true for me.

Cooking is a creative thing, and being able to cook lots of things is fun & will serve me well in life. I love leeks of all things & want to make a recipe my Mom found, and I'd love to perfect homemade guacamole! 

Last summer I didn't get a chance to read much, so this summer I want to read a few books. Nothing crazy, not 50 books or anything- just a few books so I can learn some new things.

I love my mixed media paintings, and want to try something a little different for me. Drawing people is one of my favorite things ever to do- so trying to paint one seems like a natural next step.

My doggie, he is a wee bit plump. He is loosing weight thanks to the weight loss plan I wrote up for him- but I'd like to create a game that he'd enjoy playing outside where he can run about.

Speaking of my Poco running about, I want to exercise more not to loose weight but to maintain my figure & just for the fact that exercising is good for me. I really cannot go outside too much during the middle of the day when the sun is at it's highest-but I was toying with the idea of taking walks in the morning. It's peaceful then & not as sunny- so I won't get burned.

I really admire other bloggers/artists that can take creative self portraits. Getting the camera timer just right and posing just right is an artform I've yet to get a grasp on. This summer I'm going to try, maybe with hilarious results but I'm going to keep on trying until I start to get it right!

Finally, exploring more places is just a given. Wether it's places I've been before or a new place- I learn something new each time & get inspiration. 

Speaking of learning new things- today is day two of my five month self imposed ban on buying clothes. Honestly, I keep thinking about it- but I feel I can do it no problem. I'm looking forward to how creative I can get (well hopefully). Here is a great blog by a girl named Maeve about her adventures with a no new clothes challenge! 

http://therosewithnonewclothes.blogspot.com/

(Ps: her hair is fantastic.)

Phew! long post. I'm looking forward to this summer for sure.

A Challenge to Myself

I'm giving myself a challenge, I'm going to try my hardest to not buy any new clothes until September. Clothes- not accessories. Maybe it will progress into this, maybe not. 

Why? Because I've seen a few bloggers do this, & I think it's a great way to push myself to be more creative & resourceful with my existing wardrobe. 

I have so many cute clothes, & honestly do not need any more right now. 

Also, I'm getting very excited just thinking of the money I will save! All the possibilities.... 

I'm going to document all my outfits on my Instagram & on here with more details about where the clothes came from etc. 

So, here is my first outfit: 

Hairbow: American Apparel

Shirt: Thrifted

Pants: F21

Shoes: Gap 

Wishing myself good luck!