catching up and a fashion challenge

I know some of you are already experiencing snow and all manner of wintery wonders but here in Southern California the weather has finally settled on gloriously autumnish.  I prepped the back garden with new pansies and fresh mulch before my daughters baby shower and it is still providing plenty of blooms and even some new growth.

I am thrilled to report that my brother is doing well.  The first portion of his procedure went beyond good and now we are just waiting for the second part next week.

I'm embarrassed to admit that my front porch is still sporting a bit of Halloween decor but I've decided at this point to just leave it until I decorate for Christmas next weekend.  It will be a small group for Thanksgiving and I know they won't mind the candy corn banner or a wayward spider or two out front on their way in the door.

I joined the nicest group of ladies in a fashion challenge called Build Your Wardrobe Basics.  It is a styling service put on by Alison from Get Your Pretty On and Cyndi from Walking in Grace and Beauty.  Basically you are given a list of clothing pieces to gather and they show you how to take those basic pieces and style them for 21 days.  This is my second challenge and I am hooked.  I found myself in a clothing rut and this has really jump started my desire to look nice for those who see me everyday in the same old capri pants and t-shirt.

I'm joining a group of bloggers in posting our thoughts and photos every Wednesday during the challenge.  This is only week one so I just have one outfit to show you today but next week I hope to have a few more.

The basic pieces on this day were, the chambray shirt, dressy black pants and black boots.  Since I was busy watching the baby all day, nice pants and heels were definitely not going to happen so I opted for boyfriend jeans and leopard flats.  (This is where I insert how awkward it is to take pictures of yourself and post them, trust me, this is definitely way out of my comfort zone.)

I layered a white sleeveless blouse and white camisole under the chambray shirt and added a belt to give the hint of waistline under the loose fitting top.  I chose some silver and black jewelry I already owned as well as a turquoise statement necklace to finish it off.

I can't tell you how much better I felt about myself just putting this little bit of effort into my appearance.

The link to the other bloggers doing the challenge is on my side bar.  Go over and take a look at what they did with the basics and leave them a few kind words while your there.

Thanks for hanging in there with me and I hope to be back soon.

xo, Patty

chambray shirt - Old Navy
leopard flats - Kohls