personal style challenge | Redbook Spring Fashion

with the exception of books, the majority of my reading is done online. especially magazines. i've been following Redbook on twitter after being interviewed for a feature in 2009 on finding a silver lining in the recession.

when they shared 30 Days of New Spring Outfits, Plus 20 Extras - i said to myself, "ohh snap...this might be my very first personal style challenge!".

here's the concept: Redbook polled hundreds of women and found that more than 60% had these items in their existing wardrobes:

1. black short-sleeved top
2. bootcut jeans
3. bright tank
4. little black dress
5. pullover sweater
6. jersey dress
7. big necklace
8. wedge sandals
9. white t-shirt
10. black flats
11. cropped pants
12. classic blazer
13. hoodie

confession: i'm probably the only woman on the planet who doesn't own a black blazer. go ahead. lock me up and throw away the key.

however, i do have the other twelve pieces. if not exact, some variation thereof. 

here's the twist: Redbook remixed the 13 essentials above and added eight new pieces to create a total of 50 outfits. they suggested you buy:

1. colorful jeans *(capris)
2. floaty patterned skirt
3. modern cool belt
4. shorts
5. utilitarian jacket *(flip-flops, silver necklace, colored tank)
6. flats with flair
7. silky tunic
8. classic bold shoes

*after looking at some of the pieces, it became clear i'd have to modify a few to make the outfits work for spring/summer in Texas. 

i only had to buy one thing! #3. it cost me $4.

here's the outfit for Day 1:

left photo credit: Chris Eckert/Studio D via Redbookmag.com

colored jeans were on my spring/summer wish list. i crossed them out and put color-blocked platforms in their place. my closet lacks colorful shoes. good thing wedges were on my list.

the belted top works for this look, but i've come to realize i need a black blazer. it's a wardrobe essential worth investing in.

never in a million years would i have come up with this outfit. now ask me if i'm gonna wear it? um...yeah! i really like it and have been wanting to experiment with color-blocking.

Day 1 gets a thumbs up.

would you have to shop if you were to take on this challenge?