Winter Remix Roundup

This is going to be a whole lot'a Linley, but I wanted to share all my looks, side by side. The real thing I got from these photos being side by side is that I need a couple new poses. I have about three to four and that's it. 

This second go-around was a bit different. I'm not sure exactly what it was, but I definitely struggled making outfits and finding inspiration. Maybe it was the pieces, maybe it was the wacked out weather that is winter in the south. Who knows?... All in all, I'm happy with the majority of these looks. And I am really looking forward to spring now! 

My favorites are 1, 8, 14, 17, 23, 25, 28, 29, and 30. 

Daily Threads: EBEW Polka Dots

{old navy top: similar, Merona Black Cardigan, F21 Red Skirt, guess booties: similar}

Today's post is a double whammy! It's not only my last outfit of the Winter 30x30 Challenge (woohoo, cheers in the background), but it's also EBEW Polka-Dot day! So I'm knocking out two things in one - always a good day when you get a two-for-one deal!

This particular look was actually one of the first few looks I planned on wearing; however, the weather has a mysterious way of changing my plans. When the challenge started, it was freezing - so I decided I'd wear this on a warmer day. Well it definitely warmed up, but I somehow lost sight of this. Now that the challenge has come to an end and it's freezing again - but I wore it anyway.

I'm planning on a 30x30 Remix Roundup post - I'd like to see all these looks side by side - I fear they all may be similar. We shall see! After that I have tutorials, recipes, beauty posts, and spring time outfits planned! I'm super excited! And for those of you wondering - I will have the knotted bun tutorial up SOON! I just need to go record it...

Daily Threads: Two in One

This is 28 and 29! I only posted two pictures of each outfit because I didn't want to overload this post with pictures. Over the weekend I actually wore my 30th outfit, but I never got around to snapping photos. And really, it was so similar to this outfit that I felt bad for counting it (I exchanged the trousers for skinny jeans and added a black cardigan). So instead, I'm saving number 30 for tomorrow. Tomorrow is EBEW Polka Dot day and since I have a couple polka-dotted items in my 30, I thought I'd throw polka-dots into the last look! Plus, polka-dots look a bit like confetti and ending this challenge definitely deserves a tiny party! 

{target top: similar, LC blazer: similar, Gap Red Skinny Cords, guess booties:similar, target belt}

When I put together the cords, chambray, and blazer, I loved it; however, it seemed a bit masculine to me. I had originally thought of wearing my cognac boots with this, but I thought I would add heels to balance the gender feel. The high-heeled and platformed oxfords were perfect. You can't see, but I also added large, pearl stud earrings and I felt perfectly balanced. 

{banana republic sweater: similar, target jeggings: similar, Steve Madden Inka Cognac Boots

ny&co. socks and cami, flea market pashmina}

For this look I paired an over-worn, comfortable sweater with stretchy, soft jeggings and called it a day. The socks, scarf, and bun take relaxed to the next level and I think I could live the rest of my life in some form of this outfit. It's so comfortable and easy. 

This past weekend we traveled over to Savannah, GA to visit husband's family and for an early celebration of Frannycake's birthday. I always enjoy going to Savannah! We get to spend time with family and I am growing to love that city. More to come on our visit in an Over the Weekend post! 

Daily Threads: A Bun

{similar sweater, F21 Gray Skirt, Steve Madden Inka Cognac Boots, target belt, SC boutique necklace}

It was a true struggle to come up with this outfit. I had on at least four other looks before going outside with this. I don't know what it is - maybe since it's the last stretch of the challenge and all I have left are my dud outfits. Maybe I'm just not motivated. Luckily, out of nowhere, I mentally paired this sweater with the grey skirt and voila! Now, I have to really think hard for these last three looks. 

So today I threw my hair up in a knotted bun. I tweeted about doing a tutorial for this look a while back. I actually asked on twitter if you all would rather see a tutorial on the fishtail or this bun - and the fishtail won. So I thought I would include an up-close picture of the knotted bun, and if any of you are interested, I'd be happy to make a tutorial. It's relatively easy and can be worn casual or dressy. Let me know what you think!

Have a happy weekend!

Daily Threads: Changing Things Up

 {top: similar, shoes: similar, skirt, belt: j crew, scarf: thrifted}

Let's address a few things here. Yes, I've deviated a bit from the norm to add in one extra picture. A regular sized shot - it's not really zoomed in or anything, but it adds variety - which some of you asked for. I also included a detailed shot - which, again, many of you asked for. I'm not sure how I feel about the fifth picture. I felt like four was working out well for me, but I definitely wanted to try something new before ruling it out. What do you think? I'll probably be switching it up - for the variety effect.

Next thing. Yes, I should have started applying a self-tanner lotion at least three days before wearing this skirt with bare legs. Or worn stockings. But I don't have any sheer, flesh colored ones and, well, I can't buy them for a couple more days - so that wouldn't have worked out either.

Final thing. If you visit my blog you'll see I've changed things up just a bit. I've added a new banner that should carry me into summer, changed the color of post titles, and re-vamped my sidebar links. I like it and hopefully you all do too! I really took into consideration all of your input and I still have a few more things to take care of!

Have a lovely Thursday!

Daily Threads: Not Quite Nautical

{similar top, similar jeans, similar wedges, scarf: thrifted, belt: target}

I decided to go for a somewhat nautical themed outfit today. Except the shoes kind of throw everything off. I think loafers would have suited the look better, but loafers aren't a part of my thirty items. Oh well, I still like this. It's simple and interesting. And I've mixed patterns - which I'm petrified of. 

I wanted to say THANK YOU to all of you who commented and emailed me yesterday regarding my cry for feedback. Your input was more than helpful and it seems that most of you are pretty happy with things! Some requested a few changes, tweaks, and improvements - all of which I am considering and thinking through. I'm still in the process of going through each comment again and making a list of your suggestions!

I'm happy to know that most of you enjoy the recipes and DIYs - and all of you are interested in seeing more of my favorite products (which I'm excited about because I love sharing and learning about new products!). So all-in-all I am more than thankful for all of you taking the time to share your input! I greatly appreciate it! If you still have anything to add or suggest, please email me! I welcome your input any time!

Daily Threads: Knotted Up

{J Crew Buffalo Button-up, similar pants, UO Suede Pump}

Let's just go ahead and address the elephant in room on the blog - yes, my very first outfit of this challenge was very similar, but still different. I love them both. Husband loved this outfit today too. I know it's good when he speaks up about it. 

I tied the bottom pieces of my shirt in a knot and felt like 'elementary school Linley'. I was such a bit fan of knotting my shirt. Even t-shirts - they were knotted without fail. I feel a bit summery too. And a bit like a 1950s teenager. And just for the record - I love it. 

Daily Threads: Not a Model

{similar cami, similar cardigan, similar trousers, similar wedges}

I recruited husband for these photos. And we ventured out to a new location. I've actually gotten so comfortable with my tripod, that I felt awkward with an actual person behind the camera. Near the end of this photo-taking adventure, husband told me to be sexy. Sexy? Uh... hmm... and I froze. Probably some of the worse photos of the whole bunch. I knew right then and there I could have never made it as a model. No, I was never given the chance, but had I - it wouldn't have been pretty. 

Daily Threads: FBFF Noms

{similar dress, Steve Madden Inka Cognac Boots}

See that last picture... that's me being defeated by the wind. It threw my hair all over the place and I was fearful for the life of my camera. Such horrible memories. Also, this dress. Remember I mentioned doing a little DIY with it? Well, obviously I haven't gotten to it yet - maybe today will be his last day around the block blog. Enough about the weather and my dress, let's talk favorite blogs. This week's FBFF questions are all about our favorite blogs - so here are mine!

1. Creative Juices (most creative): My gal Hello, Monkeyface! takes the cake with this one. The adorable monkey faces she makes to keep her anonymity in check are fabulous - adorable, really. I just love it (and husband does too!). And she takes amazing photos in amazing places. Love it.

2.  The Real Deal (authenticity): Liz at 26 and Counting is the real deal. The girl is one of my bloggy Bff's (yeah, I went there). We've talked quite a bit and she's always Liz. Not to mention, her blog posts are honest and funny. 

3. Spark Notes (most helpful): This is a double whammy - Cute and Little and The Coastal Chicster have both been there when I needed help personally - so they get my vote! They also both have fabulous tutorials where they share their geniusness with all of us who know nothing (or maybe just me).

4. Newbie (best blogger under a year old): Running on Happiness! Y'all, this lady is gorgeous, has such a lovely personal style, and has only been blogging three months. She's adorable.

5. Can You Hear Me Now (most connected): Statements in Fashion.  Seriously, I feel like Collette is everywhere (in a great way!). Between her blog, twitter, and 411 - she's definitely connecting and staying connected. 

6. If I Had a Hammer (best DIY): 320 Sycamore I prefer DIYs that are decor or around the house related - and this is one of my favorites! If you go to the right side and scroll down you'll see Tutorials and Under $10, Under 1 Hour tags - CLICK THEM! They are fabulous! Also, this girl rocks in the DIY department too!

7. Tribe Leader (blogger who leads and brings others together): This is definitely the category for Katy of ModlyChic. As many of you probably know, she's the brains behind FBFF - which is hugely successful not only as a Google Group, but at bringing everyone together. Whether it's through email discussions or the Friend Friday questions - she's got us all getting to know one another!

8. Practially Perfect (most fashionable): Kendi of Kendi Everyday. Kendi is perfect - I wouldn't believe anything else. Her outfits are always amazing, inspiring, and fashionable. She's a reason I started fashion blogging myself (for all the reasons listed in previous sentence). She's got it going on. 

9. Paint By Numbers (best beauty blogs): I've found that YouTube is best for makeup tutorials - blogs are good, especially for reviews, but videos of knowledgeable ladies talking through the makeup application process is so helpful. I love it. I am subscribed to way too many makeup channels on YT. Maybe I should do a post on my favorite channels... what do you think? Anyway, one of the channels I follow also has a corresponding blog - so she get's my vote: It's Judy Time (love her!). Most of her posts come with pictures and a video!

10. Renaissance Woman (best all around): This is easy Cupcakes and Cashmere. Emily is gorgeous! She has amazing style, shares some of the most delicious recipes, and does wonderful tutorials! My kind of blog! I've been reading her blog for a very long time and she has yet to disappoint - ever, in the least! Plus she was on The Hills - which is cool in my book!

So there they are. There are so many wonderful blogs out there - so many! I could easily put at least ten blogs for each category, but that would have defeated the purpose of all of this. Anyway - did you have some of the same picks?

Daily Threads: Skinny Jeans and Heels, Again

{similar top, similar sweater, similar jeans, similar booties}

I hope y'all aren't getting too tired of me wearing skinny jeans and heels. It seems to be a re-occurring theme throughout this challenge. But, if it works - it works! Right? Right! Last time I wore this sweater, I also managed to have some ruffles peeking out - it just looks so good. I love ruffles. 

I couldn't wear these heels too long after the photos were taken. I have a shin splint right now, so I switched over to my cognac boots - still 30x30 appropriate! I've started back exercising - nothing crazy, don't worry - and I almost always get a shin splint when I start working out after a long break. I think it's my shoes because this just happens way too often. Or it could be my body telling me not to work out...

Daily Threads: One Last Fling

{similar top, similar cardigan, Gap Red Skinny Cords, similar wedges}

Seeing how the forecast for the next week or so is staying in the 70s, I thought I'd take advantage of a {somewhat} cooler day. I've only worn my cords once thus far in the challenge and I felt like they needed one more appearance. I have a couple other ways I'd like to style them, but they are some warm, thick pants to be putting on when it's above 70.

Last night I finally got around to putting together and uploading the scarf/belt tutorial some of you had requested. So if you're interested, just go ahead and scroll down to see it or click here. 

Oh yeah, and, woop! woop! this is outfit number 20! Ten more to go!

Daily Threads: Breaking Rules

{Gap Colorblock Tee, similar cardigan, similar skinny jeans, UO Suede Pump}

I recently heard Tim Gunn say under no circumstance should anyone ever wear cropped pants. He went on to explain that no matter what you look like (short or long legs) they will always make your legs look short and cut you off. If there's one person throwing out rules related to fashion that I'm going to listen to, it's going to be Tim Gunn. Stacy and Clinton are good, great really, but some of their rules, I just can't abide. Tim - he's the real deal. What he says goes. 


Obviously I didn't listen to him today. Comfort beats all fashion rules. It was hot, so I cuffed my skinny jeans - I cuffed them to the point of looking cropped. And now, looking at the pictures, Tim was right. My sometimes awkwardly long legs look short and cut off. I don't like it. Next time I'm hot, my ankles will just have to suffer. End of story. 


I've recorded my tutorial, so hopefully it should be up soon!

Daily Threads: Black & White

{Mossimo Ruffle Blouse, similar cardigan, similar skinny jeans, similar t-straps}

Early this morning is was cloudy and overcast, now that I've gotten to posting it's gorgeous! Looks like the windows will be going up and the patio door will be open. I'm really loving this Spring-like weather in the middle of Winter. And I hate to say it, but I'll be glad when the challenge ends and I can dive back into my closet and wear shorts and different skirts! 

In other non-weather-related news, today I am on The Coastal Chicster posting about one of my favorite beach destination (our honeymoon!) and I'm on Modly Chic as today's Blogger Profile! Check both of them out!

Daily Threads: Favorite Combos

{similar top, F21 Gray Skirt, Steve Madden Inka Cognac Boots}

I've probably shared this before, but I don't mind sharing again. A long sleeve + shorts/skirt combo is my favorite - I also love a skirt + boots combo. So this qualifies as an ultimate favorite outfit for me. What's your favorite combo?

So I've had a few comments on here and questions via my formspring asking how I try my scarves and belts. If you lovely people wan to know, I don't mind sharing! So either over the weekend or early next week I am going to throw a video together and post it up. 

Daily Threads: Right to Bare Arms

{similar blouse, similar trousers, UO Suede Pump}

Ah, the right to bare arms. A dangerous permit as we come out of winter and into spring. As I rifled through these photos I realized a.) I'm super white and b.) my arms need to hit the gym (my stomach and butt should probably follow along as well). 

Alas, I think I'll just take Maeby for a walk. If I carry her during the walk, I'm pretty sure that would work the three areas mentioned above, I love multitasking. 

Daily Threads: Nonchalant

{similar chambray, similar pants, boots, similar necklace}

Dearest blog, meet nonchalant Linley. Her hair lays to the side, her shirt is a bit ill-fitting and half tucked, and her makeup is minimal. She usually looks like this when she has nowhere to go and a house to clean. 

A brief intro into my laid-back-kinda-day. I walked Maeby (cause it was gorgeous out today), I went to Target (cause we were down to our last two rolls of toilet paper), and I cleaned around the house (cause it had lost itself).  I also had the windows up and the patio door open all day (see first "cause"). I'm really loving this warm weather. I wish it felt like this all the time. 

The necklace. This necklace (along with a Patagonia fleece) was my first Christmas gift from husband (bf at the time) some five+ years ago. Although I believe it was intended to be worn with something a bit more formal, I love it because of its versatility. It adds a fabulous feminine touch to this somewhat boy-ish outfit. (yes, it's the same necklace i wore yesterday) This particular necklace isn't available at Ross Simons anymore, but I've linked a similar (and reasonably priced) alternative. 

Daily Threads: Fired Up

{Belk Winter White Cardigan (similar), Urban Outfitters Dress (similar), Steve Madden Inka Cognac Boots}

This is going up pretty late - my bad. I had a somewhat eventful day and didn't get to snap these photos as early as usual. Ah, c'est la vie! It was hard for me to pick a look today - this weather is really challenging me with my winter pieces. I definitely did not plan for the 70s; however, I feel like a snob talking badly about this gorgeous weather - so I'll stop.

In other news, there's been some drama going down in our little community. Last weekend, two little girls (middle school age), also known as the local pyros, set half of a near-by field on fire. We were pulling up to our place and we saw a huge (huge!) cloud of black smoke. I was scared to death - it appeared to be exactly where our unit is and panic set in. My baby girl was in the apartment (our dog, not a child)! Luckily, the flames were coming from a patch of grass behind our unit. We'd seen these little girls setting things on fire before. Right in front of our place... when we went out to talk to them, they took off. So we weren't surprised to to find out those two were behind these events. 

Tonight, as I was watching tv, I heard the faint sound of an alarm clock going off. A horribly miserable sound. So I muted the TV and realized the fire alarm in the building across the street was going off. Soon after, two fire trucks, an ambulance, and the fire chief were surrounding the building... Now I didn't stay outside and gawk long enough to figure out what the deal was (I was too tired and full from Moe's), but I wouldn't be surprised if it ended up being those two little girls. 

Kids....

Daily Threads: Love Song Playlist

{J Crew Ruffle Cami (similar), Merona Black Cardigan, F21 Red Skirt, Isaac Mizrahi T-Strap Pumps (similar)}

This may be my favorite look thus far in the challenge. I've been wanting to wear it for quite some time, but I had to find the will-power to be patient enough to wait and wear it for Valentine's Day. I love this look - it's simple, pulled together, and girly.

Husband made reservations for a late dinner. For the record, a delicious dinner and quality time together is a perfect Valentine's date for me. I'm simple - love is enough and I receive it all year long. Today is just a great excuse to get dressed up and eat somewhere nice - and we will totally be taking advantage of that!

If you are still without a gift for your significant other, something thoughtful doesn't take hours of planning. I love receiving something personal and thoughtful. My first birthday that I got to share with husband, when we first started dating, he gave me something made by him. We were both in college and between our morning classes we met at his Explorer, opened the back of it and sat there, and I opened my gifts. The two mixed CDs stand out most. They were songs I loved, songs he loved, and songs we loved together. I played those CDs out for months. And I still have them.

I thought I would share with you some songs about love and some lovely songs that we enjoy and that you can make into a CD for your special someone. 

Sweet Thing - Van Morrison

Hey Tonight - Will Hoge 

Beauty - The Shivers

Fade Into You - Mazzy Star

Someone Like You - Adele

Two - Ryan Adams

Last Request - Paolo Nutini

I and Love and You - The Avett Brothers

The Luckiest - Ben Folds

 Porcelain - Better Than Ezra

Sparks - Coldplay

Don't You Wanna Stay - Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson

Save Room - John Ledgend 

By the Way They Dance - Jump, Little Children

Push and Pull - Nikka Costa 

Hold You In My Arms - Ray LaMontagne 

Gymnopedie No. 1 - Erik Satie
John Mayer - St. Patrick's Day

Daily Threads: Movin' On Up

{J Crew Breton Boat-neck (similar), F21 Gray Skirt, Steve Madden Inka Cognac Boots}

Starting today we have a heat warm wave moving in here in AL. Today is only the beginning - very low 60s, but as the week goes on we are getting into high 60s, low 70s - which, I have to say, I'm very excited about. So maybe a few spring looks (with winter clothes - how will that even work?) will show their faces this week!

Moving on... Friday I tweeted about a few goodies I had purchased for some projects! Well, I've completed two of the three and I can't wait to show you. I will post one of them tomorrow because... it's Valentine's Day related! Which, I kind of wished I had done it and posted it at the beginning of February so if you wanted to do it, you could do so in time for Valentines day. And I could have given it away. Oh well. It's a versatile project that can be tweaked for any season or theme - you'll see! (Does it irritate you that I'm rambling on about this and not sharing until tomorrow? Sorry.)

Update: Here's the project

Have a great rest of your Sunday!

Daily Threads: About A Headband

{J Crew Floral Tank (similar), Merona Black Cardigan, Target Black Skinny Pants (similar), Isaac Mizrahi T-Strap Pumps (similar)}

Husband and I went out and about today. We drove around and looked at neighborhoods, had a lunch date in Costco, and went to the grocery store to pick out steaks to grill tonight. Maybe I look really cool or maybe I look really weird - whichever the case, I received more stares today than what I'm completely comfortable with. Husband said I looked cool - so I'm going with that one. 

I was going to wear this headband like a regular headband (ex.). As I began to put it on, I kind of stopped in mid-action, husband saw how it looked, and really approved. So I left it like this. I love seeing headbands worn this way, but I've never done it - I actually thought husband would call me weird, but turns out, he likes it! He really likes it! 

Also, I look washed out in the pictures - I know that. Apparently at a particular time of day, at a particular place, with a flash... you can really look washed out. See above. 

Hope you're having a lovely weekend!