I present to you the first outfit of my 30 for 30 Challenge. It was fairly easy to put this look together, but then I figured it would be easy in the beginning. I wore this to run some errands and then to a small dinner party, and it was very comfortable. I didn’t realize, however, until I started writing this post that I’m wearing red, white, and blue so here’s to being patriotic in the winter!

These are fleece-lined tights. I got them from my auntie for Christmas and this is the first time I’m wearing them. Let me tell you, they are amazing. Where have these been all my life? These boot socks were also a Christmas gift from our housemate, Chris. He did a great job becaue these things are amazing, too. You should get definitely get some!

Pinterest is the best for fashion inspiration! I’ve found so many amazing fashion blogs with beautitful women sharing their super-smart and creative outfits and advice. And shoes I would have never considered purchasing because I didn’t know how to wear them suddenly make sense! Ever since I discovered Pinterest, fashion inspiration and fashion blogs, I’ve wanted to do a 30 for 30 challenge but I’ve always been too afraid… afraid that I would be too limited and wouldn’t be creative enough. But, it’s a new year and I’m trying to get serious about fashion blogging, so I’ve finally decided to do it!

The rules are almost too simple: Take 30 items from your closet and make 30 outfits. What I really like is that this isn’t necessarily a 30-day challenge as Kendi pointed out (because I’m not great at completing those) but it’s a 30-outfit challenge. So I don’t have to try to create something new EVERY day, just when I’m feeling inspired.  My own rule for the challenge is that I’m not counting accessories toward my pieces so things like scarves, belts, jewelry, etc. will be added to the outfits each day. I’m really looking forward to this challenge because it’ll get the creative choices flowing.

I’ve chosen the following 30 items:

Alright, 30 pieces from my closet to make 30 outfits. This is going to be fun!

My best friend is flying in from Los Angeles today and I’m pretty sure she’s bringing that L.A. weather with her! Because of that, it was a beautiful day. I realize that I talk about the weather on the blog a lot – pretty much every post – but that’s because I dress for comfort and the weather plays a big role in that. This is what I wore to finish up my holiday shopping, hence the flats, and there was a light breeze so I wore the cardigan.

I wasn’t sure if this outfit was blog-worthy but this is my comfy casual look and it’s just as good as any of the others so I went with it.

I saw folks out today wearing shorts and sandals. It was only 65 degrees, which is nice, but definitely not shorts weather for me. And since when did North Carolina become Florida? Personally, it drives me crazy because I like for it to be cold in the winter.

Cardigan: Gap | Top & Necklace: Old Navy | Jeans: Loft | Shoes, Sunglasses & Earrings: Target

I was pinspired by the outfit in this pin and I have the same shirt and new ankle boots, so I knew it would look great. I felt strange, though, when I got dressed because it’s a nice Fall outfit and I really shouldn’t be wearing it in Winter; I should be focusing on Winter outfits. Then I remembered that it’s technically still Fall! Awkwardness averted.

Also, I know you’re thinking to yourself, “Damn, Nikki’s hair is looking good, like a Victoria’s Secret angel’s hair!” Why, thank you 😉 It’s true, I was fresh out of the salon when I took these so my hair was pretty fabulous. My hair dresser, who I’ve been seeing for about 5 years now, usually just straightens my hair after a cut but, today, she was eager to try out a new blow-drying technique that adds tons of volume like a Victoria’s Secret Model. I think it looks amazing but would probably take too much time for everyday wear. But I’ll rock it while it lasts!

This maroon/burgundy/oxblood/whatever-you-want-to-call-it color is kind of timeless because it’s definitely in this season, but I feel like it was “in” last fall/winter, too.  It’s probably not a bad idea to invest in maroon/burgundy/etc.  because it’s likely to stick around for a while.

Top, Jeans, & Necklace: Old Navy | Ankle Boots: Target | Scarf: Amazon

I’ve been wanting a rust-colored top so that I could recreate this pin, and this one, and even this one, and I found one while thrift shopping. I snatched it up as quickly as I could and wore it the very next day. That’s just how I do.

We spent the weekend cleaning out our closets and made a ton of donations, so I don’t feel quite as bad about adding another cardigan to my wardrobe. In my opinion, cardigans are the most versatile piece in the world (next to denim) so you can never have too many. When you have at least three+ pins to inspire you, I think it was meant to be!

So, more ruffles. I think I’m going to have to take back my previous statement of not liking them because I realize I have several tops with ruffles that are totally adorable. They’re very subtle, though, so I guess I like ruffles as long as they’re not in your face. We’ll leave it at that.

Top: J. Crew (thrifted) | Scarf: Amazon | Belt: Banana Republic | Denim: Loft | Heels: Target | Earrings: Target | Bracelet: Old Navy