Evolve your style 4

I am trying this challenge in order to "revamp" my style and my wardrobe. I have far too many clothes, I wear the same thing way too often, and too many mornings I wake up and think: "I have nothing to wear"!! So every day for 31 days, I will answer the challenge, post a photo of myself and comment on my choice of clothing and accessories. I hope I survive the challenge and find a whole new me!!

Day 14: Wear Coloured shoes
How did you feel today?
I cheated with this one because it is actually night not day, as I am going out to dinner with a friend and more likely to wear these shoes than during the day.
I like this outfit - it is casual but still smart, so I feel good in it.
Today's outfit would have been better if.....
The only thing I wasn't sure about was the white top underneath and maybe it needed more around the neck - like a large necklace or a patterned scarf - but nothing I had seemed to work well.
What did this outfit say?
I am modern without looking too young.
Did it feel comfortable?
Yes, it is an easy outfit to wear and the jeans have some stretch in them so they are comfortable.
Did you feel good in it?
Yes, I feel good.
Anything else about how you felt or what surprised you so far?
This challenge is making me think about some outfits and what I could use to accessorize better.

Day 16: Wear an everyday outfit 
 How did you feel today?
I have worn this outfit A LOT but adding the scarf made it look a whole lot better.
Today's outfit would have been better if.....
I was pleased with the way the outfit looked so I don't know
What did this outfit say?
I think the outfit is the sort of thing that doesn't really go out of fashion, it probably says I am approachable because it is not anything "out there', just something every day.Did it feel comfortable?
The pants are a loose fit and the top is a knit so, yes, it is comfortable.
Did you feel good in it?
I did!
Anything else about how you felt or what surprised you so far?
By adding something extra to an ordinary outfit it looks a whole lot better.


Day 23: Style a skirt
How did you feel today?
I am never too sure about this skirt and what looks good with it. I love the colours but I don't know what would go best on top.
Today's outfit would have been better if.....
Now that I look at the photo, I like the skirt better with the lime green jacket, but maybe the jacket is a bit short? I think it might look better with lighter or no stockings, too.
What did this outfit say?
I am not afraid to wear bright colours...they make me look striking
Did it feel comfortable?
The skirt is quite comfortable however I tend to remove the jacket, which I find a bit bulky or constricting or something.
Did you feel good in it?
Yes, I felt good and got compliments on the jacket colour.
Anything else about how you felt or what surprised you so far?
The jury is out on this one.

Day 24: Wear a feature belt
How did you feel today?
I tend to think this dress is too close fitting so I don't wear it - being an "H" shape I tend to avoid belts but this one is just at the front, close to the bust and a bit of a feature. I felt really good in this dress once I put the cardigan over it.
Today's outfit would have been better if.....
Not sure??
What did this outfit say?
I can mix polish with bohemian
Did it feel comfortable?
Once again, this dress is in a stretch material so it was quite comfortable.
Did you feel good in it?
Yes, and I got lots of compliments, which helps!!
Anything else about how you felt or what surprised you so far?
My workmates are encouraging in their comments about my outfit and what I am doing, which is lovely :-)


Day 25 and Day 19: Wear a gift, or second hand outfit, wear red
How did you feel today?

The top was what I was highlighting today. It was something my sister had passed onto me when she didn't want it any more and I love it - even though I am not sure the colour is the right red for me. The skirt was new so I wanted to wear it too! Today's outfit would have been better if.....
I am not sure this skirt is right with this top - the skirt may need a slightly longer top or a different one altogether and I usually wear pants with the top.
What did this outfit say?
I felt pretty stylish :-)
Did it feel comfortable?
Yes, the skirt is very comfortable - I am really enjoying jersey fabrics and I like the style of this.
Did you feel good in it?
I did and I got compliments which is always nice
Anything else about how you felt or what surprised you so far?
I do feel I am learning more about what works and doesn't and perhaps being a bit more discerning. I also like taking photos of my outfit and then scrutinising them later.

Day 26: Wear Green
How did you feel today?
I was really unsure that this was the "right" green for me as it has "cool" undertones and I am supposed to be "warm".
Today's outfit would have been better if.....
I tried putting on a necklace with green stones and an olive green band, but I think that just confused the outfit and I would have been better off with something different.
I was also conscious of my cleavage in the top underneath so I might have chosen something less tight or revealing too.
 What did this outfit say?
I am not sure - maybe I tried to say I was trendy or confident but I don't know if it worked.
Did it feel comfortable?
Yes, the skirt is an old favourite that I keep thinking I should ditch but it works, the jacket is jersey so it's quite stretchy.
Did you feel good in it?
Apart from the cleavage, I felt good and I was complimented for it so that made me more confident about it.
Anything else about how you felt or what surprised you so far?

I really enjoy this challenge when it is about clothing, not so much when it is about rings, hats, etc - which is why I have left those for the holidays!!

Evolve your style 3

I am trying this challenge in order to "revamp" my style and my wardrobe. I have far too many clothes, I wear the same thing way too often, and too many mornings I wake up and think: "I have nothing to wear"!! So every day for 31 days, I will answer the challenge, post a photo of myself and comment on my choice of clothing and accessories. I hope I survive the challenge and find a whole new me!!
I have found that I can't do the days consecutively and make it work for me - so apologies for the "out of order" list - it is in the order I undertook the challenge.....
Day 11: Create a stack of arm candy AND Wear complementary colours
How did you feel today?
As I only wore "analogous" colours last time, I thought I had better lift my game :-) it also made choosing the "arm candy" a little bit easier as I had bracelets which were similar in both colours. I felt exciting and creative in my choice of outfits and I was certainly complimented by my workmates. I wore patterned black stockings and black boots to complete the look.
Today's outfit would have been better if.....
Maybe I need brighter lipstick or a complementary necklace or scarf
What did this outfit say?
I am comfortable in free-fitting garments
Did it feel comfortable?
Yes - it is all stretchy material
Did you feel good in it?
I did - the compliments helped :-)
Anything else about how you felt or what surprised you so far?
I still don't feel like I am moving too far out of my comfort zone....but maybe that says something about me.

Day 10: Wear 2 patterns
How did you feel today?
I always feel a bit daring when I wear this outfit because it looks like I am wearing nothing much under the coat :-) I tend to wear a short skirt so that it doesn't show as I leave the coat on like a "droat". I combined this with patterned brown tights and short suede boots
Today's outfit would have been better if.....
I never know whether to wear a belt with this - it has a fabric belt but I am not keen on that but I haven't found or investigated any alternative.
What did this outfit say?
I am not afraid to mix patterns and wear shorter outfits (which make my long legs look even longer)
Did it feel comfortable?
Despite the shortness, it did.
Did you feel good in it?
Yes and I received lots of compliments about it so it must look ok!!
Anything else about how you felt or what surprised you so far?

I seem to have two distinct looks - comfy and casual or more tailored and business like. I find it interesting as I am not necessarily trying to portray either image on the days  I choose the clothes.

Day 13: Be Blue
How did you feel today?
I felt good in today's outfit, which took three goes to get right. I started with a dress but thought it was too tight with a cami under it (necessary on a cool morning), swapped to red (first a skirt I had worn before then a red top), then noticed the blue sleeveless top and put it on with my black skirt and black patterned tights and loved the look!!
Today's outfit would have been better if.....
I am not sure if the scarf works or not.....
What did this outfit say?
Maybe a little bit striking??
Did it feel comfortable?
Once again the skirt was stretchy and the top was loose so yes it was comfortable.
Did you feel good in it?
Yes I did
Anything else about how you felt or what surprised you so far?
I love the fact that the weather is warming up and I look forward to investigating further, but I am also surprised at how many garments I have yet to try in my wardrobe.....

Day 22: Wear flowers 
How did you feel today?
I love this dress and I think I look good in it, so I felt good
Today's outfit would have been better if.....
I think I need to lose some fat around my tummy and the dress reflected that.
What did this outfit say?
I think the dress looks feminine.
Did it feel comfortable?
It felt OK but I need to tone up in order to feel good in it.
Did you feel good in it?
See above :-)

Anything else about how you felt or what surprised you so far?
I am still waiting for that moment when I run out of clothes and have to make some tough decisions.....

Day 19: Wear red
How did you feel today?
It's Saturday so I feel more relaxed and I think my outfit reflects that. I am not entirely sure about this outfit, so maybe I feel apprehensive???
Today's outfit would have been better if.....
I think the top is too bulky for me, particularly around the bust and neck. It might also flare out too much or end too short? When I put the top on with a skirt and boots it looked much better.
What did this outfit say?
I'm feeling casual, I think
Did it feel comfortable?
The outfit is all stretchy material so yes, it is comfy.
Did you feel good in it?
I am not too sure.
Anything else about how you felt or what surprised you so far?
I like that this challenge makes me examine my wardrobe and think carefully about how things look, even if I decide I don't like what I am wearing...

Evolve your style 2

I am trying this challenge in order to "revamp" my style and my wardrobe. I have far too many clothes, I wear the same thing way too often, and too many mornings I wake up and think: "I have nothing to wear"!! So every day for 31 days, I will answer the challenge, post a photo of myself and comment on my choice of clothing and accessories. I hope I survive the challenge and find a whole new me!!
Day 6: wear sparkle in the daytime
How did you feel today?
I found this hard - I don't tend to wear much sparkly stuff in the day but I do have a pair of shoes with sparkles on the toes so I started from that. The scarf has silvery spots so I incorporated it too. I felt good!!
Today's outfit would have been better if.....
 Hmmm - not sure
What did this outfit say?
I am dressing as a professional??
Did it feel comfortable?
Yes, it is a good outfit for work. I teamed it with my red coat, which has spots inside the sleeves so I rolled them up - people noticed and commented!
Did you feel good in it? Yes, I did.
Anything else about how you felt or what surprised you so far?
I was surprised that I could find something sparkly that worked for work :-)

Day 7: mix textures
How did you feel today?
I wore a favourite dress which has different textures - crocheted cotton, wool, nylon, with patterned stockings and my old brown boots - I felt good - maybe a little quirky and individual
Today's outfit would have been better if.....
I'm never sure what to wear under the dress to make sleeves - I chose the knit top because it has a round neck which disappears under the dress
What did this outfit say?
I enjoy floaty dresses
Did it feel comfortable?
Yes
Did you feel good in it?
Yes
Anything else about how you felt or what surprised you so far?
I don't think I have been very adventurous yet....
Day 8: Double up necklaces
How did you feel today?
I chose two necklaces with similar beading and colouring to complement each other. I teamed it with a dress of many colours which has quite a bit of black, which was also in one of the necklaces. I was pretty happy with the outcome.
Today's outfit would have been better if.....
I am not sure - I don't usually wear this much black but it looked OK today I think.
What did this outfit say?
I look a little more stylish today than yesterday
Did it feel comfortable?
Yes - it's a jersey dress which is very comfortable.
Did you feel good in it?
Yes, it felt good and I think it looked good. I wore patterned tights too, to be bit cheeky.
Anything else about how you felt or what surprised you so far?
I'm feeling more comfortable about my wardrobe for work - I should try organising my clothes beforehand more often!!

Day 9: Wear a bright lipstick
How did you feel today?
I feel good in this shirt and the bright lipstick added to it - I would do this again :-)
Today's outfit would have been better if.....
Not sure - I liked it so I don't know!!
What did this outfit say?
I am confident and happy in bright colours
Did it feel comfortable?
Yes - with a stretchy black skirt and my comfy boots
Did you feel good in it?
Absolutely
Anything else about how you felt or what surprised you so far?

I am worried that I will soon get to clothes I wear less - or I am going to want to wear things again!!

I have mixed up a few of the days to suit my week and what I am doing......
Day 17: Wear complementary colours
How did you feel today?
I think I actually went "analogous" rather than complementary as I am not wearing colours that are opposite each other on the colour wheel.....but I got lots of compliments so that was important!! The colours are striking.
Today's outfit would have been better if.....
I had worn my boots - I didn't like my stockings (too pale) and shoes much
What did this outfit say?
I am happy to be a bit unconventional in my colour choices but I play it pretty safe with the style.
Did it feel comfortable?
It felt a bit tight because, being cold weather, I had a camisole under the top, which is close fitting anyway.
Did you feel good in it?
Yes, although I felt a bit like I might look fat
Anything else about how you felt or what surprised you so far?
I needed to pay closer attention to the colour wheel when choosing my outfit, although when I got home from work I did put on something in complementary colours :-)

Evolve your style - shop your wardrobe. The 31 day challenge

I am trying this challenge in order to "revamp" my style and my wardrobe. I have far too many clothes, I wear the same thing way too often, and too many mornings I wake up and think: "I have nothing to wear"!! So every day for 31 days, I will answer the challenge, post a photo of myself and comment on my choice of clothing and accessories. I hope I survive the challenge and find a whole new me!!
Day 1: wear a statement necklace
How did you feel today?
Comfortable
Today's outfit would have been better if.....
There was not so much black at the bottom - maybe a contrast skirt??
The neckline had have been lower so that the necklace stood out more
What did this outfit say?
I am going to work
Did it feel comfortable?
Yes
Did you feel good in it?
I like wearing it as it is loose and free flowing
Anything else about how you felt or what surprised you so far?
It might work better with a different skirt or necklace and maybe some boots?






Day 2: wear something old
How did you feel today?
A bit boring - I love the shirt but I have worn it a lot
Today's outfit would have been better if.....
I had been more daring??
It probably looks better with the scarf (below)
What did this outfit say?
I am comfortable but don't get too exciting
Did it feel comfortable?
Yes
Did you feel good in it?
I always get compliments for the shirt so yes
Anything else about how you felt or what surprised you so far?
I tried on a different shirt with a frill but I felt too silly in it - I probably should throw it out



Day 3: wear a scarf all day
How did you feel today?
I felt good - the scarf with a shirt that I had always thought was too sheer made me feel confident. Also my husband complimented me so it must have looked good :-)
Today's outfit would have been better if.....
I had brown flat shoes instead of black.
What did this outfit say?
I am comfortable with myself and confident in how I look
Did it feel comfortable?
Yes
Did you feel good in it?
Yes
Anything else about how you felt or what surprised you so far?
So far I don't think I have moved very far out of my comfort zone





Day 4: wear something pink
How did you feel today?
Good - I really liked feeling feminine but needed a jacket to be warm enough - I haven't worn this combination before but I liked it!!
Today's outfit would have been better if.....
I had left the camisole under it not tucked in - you can see the black skirt
What did this outfit say?
I can look professional but be comfortable if I try
Did it feel comfortable?
Yes
Did you feel good in it?
Yes
Anything else about how you felt or what surprised you so far?
I am exploring my wardrobe with fresh eyes!




Day 5: wear a dress
How did you feel today?
This is one of my favourite dresses so I love wearing it, especially with my orange-patterned stockings! I put on a pair of brown boots I haven't worn in ages and I thought it looked good. I teamed it with the leopard print jacket for cooler weather wearing.
Today's outfit would have been better if.....
I didn't have a line around my middle where my pantyhose finish
What did this outfit say?
I am confident in how I look in this outfit (but I could lose some weight on my waistline)
Did it feel comfortable?
Yes, it is a stretchy material in the dress so it is very comfortable
Did you feel good in it?
Yes
Anything else about how you felt or what surprised you so far?
Some of my favourites work well for me and maybe I won't throw out my old boots!!

Devoted Chinese wife spends 11 years knitting husband a coat and hat using her own HAIR

• Xiang Renxian, from Chongqing, knitted clothes using her own hair
• The 60-year-old pulled 116,058 strands of hair from her head
• It took her 11 years to make coat and hat - a gift for her husband

BySara Malm

A Chinese woman has knitted a cardigan and matching hat out of her own hair.

Xiang Renxian, 60, pulled 116,058 strands of hair from her head - she counted every single one - and weaved it into the coat and cap.

The 60-year-old from China's Chongqing province spent 11 years collecting hair and working on the clothing.

Hair-raising: Xiang Renxian, 60 from Chongqing, China, models the hat and coat she weaved using more than 116,000 strands of her own hair

The retired teacher said: ‘Throughout my youth I was always famous for my wonderful long hair, and as I grew older I realised that, just like my looks, my hair was losing its lustre.

'I wanted to find a way to preserve that, and came up with the idea of using it to create something for my husband.

 ‘It took a while to perfect the techniques, it was only when I was 49 that I started work on this project.

'Over the next 11 years I counted all the hairs that I collected and used on the coat and so I know that I used 116,058, with the coat weighing 382.3g and the hat weighing 119.5g.

Hairy situation: The retired teacher started working on the coat when she was 49 years old

Unique gift: Renxian spent 11 years making the coat and hat, a present for her husband

Super light: The coat made from Xiang Renxian's hair only weighs 382.3g and the hat 119.5g

‘Once I got into the technique that I developed, it was actually not difficult to do, you just need patience and I knew that I had the time.

'Whatever happens to my hair in the future, I now know that this will always be there as a reminder of my youth and the many good memories my husband and I shared in that time.’

She did not reveal her husband's reaction to the unusual set of gifts.

When asked if the next item might be underwear for her husband, she replied: ‘This project is finished now, but I will carry on, I am just wondering what the next item will be.’

Final Course Reflection

Learning Objectives:

·         Web 2.0 and Contemporary Learning Models.

·         Web 2.0 and Bloom's Revised Digital Taxonomy.

·         Create a final blog post reflecting on the use of the your diocese  model (e.g. iLE@RN) and Bloom's Revised Digital Taxonomy in learning.

·         Complete the course survey.

·         Submit your final course learning reflection.

Contents	Date completed	Comments
1.       1 Activity 1: Web 2 and the eLearning with the iLE@RN Model	14/11/13	The iLe@rn model It is important that we all have a common understanding about e-Learning –computers are not the focus of e-learning; it is about engaging students and teachers in learning – it is about evolving the learning process and examining emerging practices. At the core of e-learning is the ability to learn anything anytime, anywhere. It is our role as educators to provide structures to develop reflective, responsible learners. What a powerful video, with a very strong message!! We have a role to teach students the skills they need to use Web 2.0 tools effectively BEFORE they use the tools, and we have a role in enabling the tools to assist in the joint construction of new learning.

2.       2 Activity 2: Web 2.0 and Bloom's Revised Digital Taxonomy	14/11/13	I can copy the image but not download the diagram:  I like the verbs, though so here is a link to them. I would certainly find them helpful in planning curriculum so I want to keep them close J
3.       3 Activity 3: Create a final course reflection blog post		The research resources are part of the Sydney CEO so I don’t have access – there appears to be quite a bit of information that is as relevant in CEOM as anywhere else.
4.       4 Activity 4: Course Survey		DONE!!
5.       5 Activity 5: Submit your Final Course Reflection		When I started this course on 13th August I thought I knew a bit about Web 2.0 – and yes, I did know a bit, but I could never have dreamt about how much I would learn. This course has taught me so much I can use not only in my Professional life but also my personal life. It has made me rethink some of the tools I like to use, examine my own digital footprint and reflect on how I might improve my use of Web 2.0 tools to benefit schools and students. I am very glad I undertook the course and will recommend it to all the people I work with. During module 7 I visited Daniel Avano's blog: http://danielsedublog.blogspot.com.au and made a comment at the end of module 7 - more because I wanted to communicate with him about some students at school undertaking his Scienceworks tasks than for any other reason :-) My own blog, http://sue-os-blog.blogspot.com.au/ is where I have all my module reflections. I also set up a google doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jpBY_s412SNTZf5sGllit0ZBMWNz3SsRDuJYhafI0rg/edit?usp=sharing This has been fun!! Thank you!!

Module 10

Learning Objectives:

·         Find out more about the educational use of WIkis.

·         Learn about the educational use of Nings.

·         Learn how to create your own Google Site.

·         Consider the attributes of effective virtual learning environments.

·         Create a blog post about your learning discoveries and reflections in Module 10.

1.       1 Activity 1: Find out more about the educational use of Wikis	14/11/13	I had used Wikis before and belong to a few; I had even seen that movie before as part of the original Ultranet course! 50+ ways to tell a story was an interesting take on all the different Web 2.0 tools you can use – not sure I don’t have access to enough already J I know several teachers who have Wikis – I guess my question is always how to control what others can edit – do I want something I have worked on deleted by someone else?? At least with a blog I can choose who does what……
2.       2 Activity 2: Learn about the educational use of Nings		Hmm – Nings v Blogs – maybe I am missing out and need to move up a level? I investigated Classroom 2.0 – it certainly looks interesting and I have added it to my Delicious list and to Feedly so that I can access it anywhere
3.       3 Activity 3: Learn about Google Sites		Two of the links don’t work, which is a little annoying, but I did watch the video and I read the beginner’s guide. I’m not sure that I want a Google site at the moment – I have 2 Blogger blogs and a Global 2 blog so that will probably do me for now – but maybe one day……
4.       4 Module Reflection Activity		I think blogs and wikis are really valuable in education and I try to encourage the teachers where I work to set them up and use them as much as possible. There are varying degrees of take-up, but amongst the students at school there is a much higher enthusiasm so we need to capture that!!