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{You Could Win:}

 A Set of 3 All Occasion Greeting Cards - Amy Butler Bird Love by Yes, Teacher Crafts or...

This lovely white and red Heart Pillow by Olive or...

One 11x14 CUSTOM Canvas from Flair Artwork by Caroline Leemis

{To Enter This Giveaway}

Leave a separate comment for each entry!

1. MANDATORY: You must be a follower of A Hasty Life through GFC and leave a comment letting me know you are a follower.

2. Become a follower of A Hasty Life on Twitter.

3. Become a follower of Yes, Teacher Crafts on Twitter.

4. Heart Yes, Teacher Crafts on Etsy.

5. Heart Olive on Etsy.
6. Follow Olive's Blog, Sweet Fancy.
7. Heart Flair Artwork on Etsy.
8. Like Flair Artwork on Facebook.

9. Tweet about this giveaway. Be sure to link to your tweet!

Feel free to use this tweet:

@AHastyLife is hosting a fabulous GIVEAWAY! Enter to win goodies from her lovely sponsors here: http://www.ahastylife.com

That's 9 chances to win these lovely goodies!

This Giveaway closes on February 4th at Midnight.

{Discount}

Linkel Designs is offering a 10% Discount with Coupon Code: HASTY through the month of February

30 for 30 - The Conclusion!

{30 for 30 Fashion Challenge ~ The Conclusion!}

The above 30 articles of clothing

+

30 days

+

A little bit of creativity

=

The below 30 outfits!

Many of you inquired about the spreadsheet I made to help me make sure I didn't repeat any outfits and to ensure that I used all the pieces somewhat equally. Since I got so many comments on the spreadsheet, I thought I'd share it with you! What can I say? I've been in school for too long, spreadsheets are engrained into me. Oh, who am I kidding? This kind of organization is in my blood. My dad is super organized (you should see the three-ring binders that he makes for each vacation) and I was born with a spreadsheet in my hand...I'm just sure of it. I simply listed the 30 garments down the left side then tallied them each time I wore that particular article of clothing. This way I didn't wear one basic shirt ten times and another shirt only once or not at all. Anyway, here it is:

I hope you enjoyed following along with me during my 30 for 30 Fashion Challenge! I've gained several new followers and gotten lots of great compliments and feedback. Thank you all for your support!!

30 for 30 - Outfit #30

I can't believe I'm already done with this challenge! I have to say, I had a really good time completing this challenge, but I'm SO ready to start wearing the rest of the clothes in my closet!! On the last day, Eric took me downtown to take my picture against this lovely stone wall. I'm wearing my black dress from Ann Taylor LOFT with a yellow grandpa cardigan from Gap. Of course I had to complete this challenge by wearing my ballet flats. :) I accessorized with a black skinny belt (to cinch the cardigan in at the waist) black sweater tights (because it is still SUPER cold here) and the earrings by Dori Csengeri Eric got me as a gift from The Butterfly Tattoo. They are one of my favorite gifts Eric has ever gotten me because he picked them out all by himself without any hints from me or help from my family and friends. He really picked out a beautiful pair of earrings! I get so proud of him every time I see them. What is a gift you've gotten from someone that you were totally shocked and happy to receive?

30 Days of Truth --> Day Twelve

Join me every Sunday for my 30 days of truth. Feel free to join in by answering the prompts in a comment.

{30 Days of Truth}

Day 12 → Something you never get compliments on.

Until I started blogging, my style. I hardly ever get compliments on the clothes I wear. Maybe is it because I have a very simple and understated style. I'm never super trendy or bold. The blog world seems to like my style, I often get compliments on my clothes from fellow bloggers. But I hardly ever get compliments in real life. And this is bothersome because I'm a Fashion, textiles and apparel major! I'm getting a PhD in this stuff! I mean, of course I'm not a designer nor a stylist, I'm studying this stuff not dressing people, but you would think that people would pay more attention to my style than the average person. Whatever, I guess it is a compliment that they are paying more attention to me as a person and not what I wear.

30 for 30 - Outfit #29

It's the weekend...the last weekend of this challenge! Eric and I were able to go outside and take some pretty cool pictures of my outfit. And by cool I mean REALLY COLD! It was frigid! But don't I look happy to be taking pictures? Haha. I was even posing and dancing around for the camera with people watching me. Strangers watching me. I'm getting more comfortable modeling for the camera everyday but I think Eric is still shy about taking pictures. But didn't he do a great job today?? Anyway, on with the outfit. I'm wearing a gray stripe "tissue" turtleneck from J. Crew with a purple skirt also from J. Crew. Yes, I'm pretty much a Crew-aholic! I accessorized with gray footless tights (I don't have any gray tights and I was determined to wear gray tights with this outfit. Remember, I can be stubborn! I also accessorized with a gray scarf tied in a bow, a large statement ring, and this lovely headband from A Bit of Lace! Sometimes I have trouble with these stretchy headbands staying in place, but this one stays put! Gotta love it! Oh, I'm also wearing my fave black Cole Haan ballet flats!

30 for 30 - Outfit #28

Only a couple days left. I think my husband is tired of taking pictures of me. I was stuck taking pictures using a timer and a tripod. Sorry for the quality of the photos! Today I'm wearing a simple brown turtleneck from Gap, a brown tweed skirt from Banana Republic, and my cherished Cole Haan ballet flats! I accessorized with brown plaid tights (one of my favorite pairs! They are understated but way fun!) and a beaded necklace I purchased during my summer in Italy. I'm pretty fond of this outfit but I'm definitely ready to start wearing the rest of the clothes in my closet. I haven't worn this necklace in a really long time. One thing I've really enjoyed about this challenge is that it encouraged me to wear the accessories I don't normally wear. It forced me to think creatively and use items I generally overlook. Do you accessorize much? Or do you tend to put together an outfit and forget about the details?

Could I have this dance?

Another dance photo. I did a lot of dancing when I was young. This is one of my favorite dance costumes. I thought it was so pretty and girly. I'm wearing a white leotard covered in sequins on the front in the shape of a heart. It has mesh across the chest with sequins around the neck as well. I love puckering done around the shoulder of the sleeve to make the sleeve just slightly puffy. My favorite part about this costume was that the sleeves were pointed at the wrist and a little lop went around my middle finger to keep the sleeve down and the point in the right spot. I thought that was SO COOL. I also loved the petal skirt. I got a pretty purple color, but there were lots of different colors of skirts. Of course the whole outfit is pulled together with tights, white ballet shoes, and a big sparkly bow! And, of course, my Mom did my hair all curly which I loved and I got to wear makeup! So fun!

One thing I don't really understand (or remember) about this picture is what I danced to and why I was posed in front of such a country setting. The costume doesn't seem to fit the background. Mom, do you remember what this dance costume was for?

30 for 30 - Outfit #27

I'm really into gray lately and I'm loving the red and gray combination today!! And as an extra bonus, the red really pops against all that snow! Similarly to yesterday, I've gone with two basic pieces: a red button-down shirt from Victoria's Secret and gray pants from J. Crew. I found this scarf stuck in the back of a drawer (so I don't remember where it is from) and decided to use it to dress up this very basic outfit. I wrapped in around my neck a couple times and tied it in a bow in front. I also added a skinny belt and my black ballet flats. It is still really snowy but I got tired of wearing my boots so I thought at least the sidewalks would be cleared by now so I shouldn't have to worry about trekking through the snow. I thought the scarf was a bit of a risk, not sure everyone will be receptive to it. What do you think?

30 for 30 - Outfit #26

Day 26, folks. Only 4 outfits to go! I'm definitely getting down to the basics here. I'm relying a lot more on accessories to make an outfit complete because to be frank, I'm kind of running out of ideas. Today I paired two very basic pieces: a plain white turtleneck and tan slacks from Ann Taylor LOFT. I accessorized with a colorful pink and brown plaid scarf from Kohl's belted with a brown woven belt I dug out of the back of my closet. I added a flower from Chico's to spice things up a little bit. You know, Chico's has some really fabulous accessories! I went in there the first time the other day and was like a kid in a candy store. The best part about this flower is that it is magnetic so you don't have to puncture the fabric! Nifty, huh? Anyway, I finished off the outfit with my brown boots. There is a lot of snow out there, people! My ballet flats are cutting it!

Necklaces

I. Love. Necklaces. They are my favorite pieces of jewelry. I think I love them because they are so versatile but also very convenient. They are never in the way! Have you ever noticed how other jewelry can sometimes be bothersome? Like bracelets, especially chunky ones, get in the way when you are writing. Rings get in the way when you are putting on gloves. But necklaces just lay there, a pretty little adornment minding its own business. So needless to say, I've accumulated quite a collection of necklaces. I thought I'd share with you what a few of my necklaces say about me! Enjoy!

1. Bow Pendant from Tiffany and Co. I got this as a gift from my Dad after my colon resection this past summer. I had admired it for years but boy was I surprised when it was my gift for overcoming a year of Crohn's torture. My dad said he was so proud of me for gritting through the whole ordeal that he wanted to surprise me with this fabulous necklace. What it says about me: Secretly, this necklace says I'm strong, I overcome difficult challenges, and (most importantly) I'm healthy. It also says I'm super girly, dainty, and have somewhat expensive taste. Right, Dad?
2. Red Whimsy Necklace from Prairie Blossoms. I won this on a giveaway hosted by The RikRak Studio. I adore this necklace. It reminds me a lot of the jewelry Emma's character wears on Glee. And I adore Emma's style! It is so colorful, whimsical, and a wee bit quirky. I just can't get enough of it. What it says about me: I wish my life to be colorful, whimsical, and a wee bit quirky. Ha. It also says I'm a little obsessed with Emma's character. I think she is a riot and I love her conservative but fabulous style!
3. Statement Necklace from Kohls. I can't remember when or why I purchased this necklace. But I love it. What it says about me: I sometimes like to make a statement with the items I wear. I'm not one to love being the center of attention. My face often turns red when I ask a question in class. But fashion is so quiet. I can wear something bold without necessarily being bold. Maybe it says I wish I were more bold and outgoing.
4. Coral Necklace from J. Crew. I'm obsessed with J. Crew's jewelry and I rarely treat myself to a piece, but my Mom went shopping with me one day and bought this for me (among other J. Crew lovelies!) What it says about me: I love coral, I'm super girl (hence the bows...), I love bows, and I love J. Crew. It is also a bit of a statement piece so it also goes with #3 that I like to make a statement with some of my accessories. I also love color. I used to be a black clothes, silver accessories type of girl...and I still love that combination, it is classic. But I think color makes people happy when they see me and it makes me happy to wear. I've been incorporating more color in my wardrobe lately.
5. Shades of Brown Beaded Necklace from Italy. I studied abroad in Italy the summer after my Freshman year of college. I had the best time. It was the best summer of my life. I can't wait to go back with my husband. I was on a tight budget but I splurged for this one item for myself. I'm so glad I did. My mom actually convinced me to get it because I was feeling a little guilty about spending so much on myself. What it says about me: I love sparkly things. I also love versatile things. This necklace can be worn so many ways! It can be wrapped around my neck like a scarf, tied in a knot (in front or in back) it can be tied in multiple knots, it can just hang loose in front or back. There are countless ways I could wear this necklace!
6. Pearls. This cluster includes a peach pearl Necklace from J. Crew and three strands of white pearls I accumulated throughout my school years. One was given to me for my undergraduate graduation from Stephens College and the long strand (which I have wrapped around my neck twice) was given me as a graduation gift for my Master's graduation. What it says about me: My Style Statement is definitely Timeless Discovery. The white pearls are timeless. Pearls never go out of style and I will be a big fan of them until the day I die. I also like to switch things up a little with the peach pearls and gold details of the J. Crew necklace (hence the discovery.)

{I think my Style Statement "Timeless Discovery" 

really rings true with all of these necklaces.}

How do you organize your necklaces? I just use a tie rack that Eric decided didn't work well for his ties. It works alright for my necklaces, but I think this little guy is ideal! Is this not the chicest (my new word) way to organize and display all those lovelies?! To the men in my life: I would just adore it if you made something like this for me! *wink* *wink*

Via

30 for 30 - Outfit #25

SO. MUCH. SNOW! I can't believe I took these pictures outside. I was determined! The lighting is so much better outside!! It won't happen again. I just about froze! I'm wearing a navy button-down shirt from J. Crew with charcoal gray corduroys also from J. Crew. I paired them with my tall black leather boots from BCBG (I wasn't about to face that snow in my ballet flats!) I accessorized with this fabulous necklace from Hiya Luv Handmade! At first I thought this necklace was to "Springy" for a cold snowy day...then I thought, I'm ready for Spring and it really pops against the navy blue! So I think it is the perfect addition to the outfit!

Featured Artist: Carrie Kiefer

I am so excited to introduce to you this amazing artist!! I just adore her work!! I met her for the first time at a Columbia art show and I've admired her ever since. Aren't you just in love with this piece below? I'm thinking about purchasing it!! I can't get over how sweet it is...perhaps a Valentine's Day gift, Eric?? ;) Anyway, read a little bit about Carrie and bop on over to her website if you adore her work as much as I do!! You can find more about Carrie and see more of her work on her website: click here.

{Introducing Carrie Kiefer}

Carrie is a graphic designer and illustrator. She started out of school at Hallmark Cards designing gift wrap, albums, party products and stationery. For the last 3 years of her time there, she worked at night doing freelance business on the side which was a lot of corporate graphic design and wedding/ party invitations. After a few years of trying to juggle a full-time job and a business on the side, she went out on her own. So, now she does a mix of illustration and graphic design full time. She also loves painting, drawing, collage, etc. for fun.

How would you describe your aesthetic style? Hmmm, my aesthetic style...how would I sum that up? Well, colorful, usually. I like to play with color and pattern. Some kind of patterning sneaks into my work a lot. I like to include typography in illustrations and drawings I do a lot of the time as well. Something I include a lot is loose linework. It seems like I always want to add some line drawing and hand lettering when I get the chance.

What is your most treasured possession? I would say my photographs. I think if the house were burning down, that's what I would try to save along with my wedding ring.

What is your greatest fear? Not taking risks...professionally and in my personal life. I don't want to wake up one day and feel like I'm just floating along afraid to grow.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? It's hard to pick just one, but I would probably first pick my stubbornness. I am way too bull-headed sometimes. Also I am perpetually running late which I hate about myself.

What is the trait that you most deplore in others? I can't stand people who are really full of themselves...cocky and conceited.

30 for 30 - Outfit #24

It was SO INCREDIBLY COLD this morning!! And we are back to taking pictures at home. Not nearly as exciting, but Eric goes to work as the sun is rising and comes home after dark so we have only a few minutes to take pictures while it is light outside. It's a bummer, but better pictures will come on the weekends! :) Today I'm wearing a coral striped button-down shirt tucked into a simple black pencil skirt. I'm trying out the new trend toward buttoning up your shirt to the neck and wearing a short necklace. I kinda like how it looks. It makes the outfit a bit more formal than having the first few buttons unbuttoned. And I'm all about more formal outfits. I bet that is something you didn't know about me. I love dressing up and I'm a big fan of "dress-up Fridays" instead of casual Fridays. What are your thoughts on dressing up?