1.14.10

Old Navy Navy Tee (ugh, that word repetition makes me nervous, similar here)

Ann Taylor Loft Grey Skirt (similar here)
Simply Vera Grey Heathered Tights (via Kohls, similar here)

Target Kachiri Taupe Boots (buy them here, but really don't - they're FP online and I bought them for $20 in my store!)

The Limited Blue Tile Scarf (similar here)

Okay, it's official - I really need a new laptop. My iPhoto is now uploading my pictures from my camera, but then when I edit them it's going "oh hey, this file doesn't exist" after I save the edited version. Freaking jerk. So you get an unedited picture with wonky coloring. And thanks to Colleen (and her husband) I have decided what I am going to buy and will get it after my job fair tomorrow.

AND! Today's Friend Friday questions are about outfit planning! You guys know how much I love outfit planning (I'm actually in the process of writing a how-to post!), so I figured I'd answer the questions this week!

1. How do you determine what you will wear that day?

Most weeks I know by Sunday what I am going to be doing that particular day, and I have a general idea of what the weather will be like. Maybe there's something that's new (okay, let's be honest, there's usually something new) that I want to wear, or something I haven't worn in a while that I want to wear - I'll create outfits based on all these factors for the upcoming week.

2. Do you plan outfits out in advance for a whole week, month, weekend?

Generally speaking I plan my Monday-Friday outfits out on the preceding Sunday (unless there's a big even that I need to get fancy for, like a wedding or something - then I might be thinking about that much more in advanced

3. Do you have any specific way of tracking outfits and items already worn so you don't repeat?

Other than this blog, no. I have an insane memory for what I was wearing a particular day (and what other people were wearing), so I'm usually aware of that, and I really enjoy the creative process of putting an outfit together. Because of those factors (and that I have a lot of clothes, most of which are separates) I RARELY repeat an outfit. That's not saying I don't....but I figure if something works, why not see if I can make it work better in a different way next time?

4. How do you discover new combinations of items in your closet? (Trial try-ons? Hanging items together?)

When I put my outfits together for the week, I try everything on together - that way I can see if a belt doesn't work, if the tights cause a weird line, or whatever. Sure, it takes time - but it would take me way more time to do that at 5 in the morning when I'm getting dressed for the day.

As far as discovering new combinations, I'll see an outfit I like and want to recreate (weather it's in a magazine, on a blog, or a mannequin) - maybe it's a new color combination, or an inventive layering technique - then I'll look for items in my closet that help me create a similar look. And you know, sometimes when I'm doing laundry I'll notice that a certain color looks great next to another and try that!

5. To streamline the process for 2011 what is one new thing you can do to cut down your dressing time?

Honestly I think I have it as streamlined as I possibly can. I really want to do a major closet edit, which will help cut down the amount of time it takes me to create outfits, but other than that I think by spending an hour Sunday night planning my outfits for the next five days I spend a lot less time that I would figuring out what I'm going to wear any particular day.

(PS, is anyone totally addicted to spring roll outs like I am? I've always loved springtime clothing - plus it's my birthday season - but this year they seem especially pretty! I love Loft's spring lineup! Maybe my shopping ban will turn into "no winter clothes, spring clothes only!")