Final Summary - My Closet Challenge

The idea to wear all the clothes in my closet, day by day, came to me on a whim one night when I couldn't sleep. I often plan what I will wear the next day in the wee hours of the morning, and somehow this idea crystalized. Part of me thought I should make a plan or start January 1, but Rachel Hollis says #starttoday, so I did, on a random Tuesday, without much of a plan. My two words to focus on for 2018 were Connect and Simplify. I chose this platform to connect with people through my love of fashion and simplify my space. 

I found the inspiration to keep writing and sharing through this statement by Glennon Doyle on Instagram - "Writing isn't about showing off, it's about showing ourselves. So we can see each other, for once. So we can all be less afraid." 

I realize sharing pictures of myself in "outfits" isn't that deep, but I did this in the spirit of sharing something I love, and keeping it real. 

I had no idea at the outset of this journey that it would last over 2 months. I discovered along the way that like many people, I had more clothes than I realized, and definitely more than I need. I have gotten rid of a lot of items already, but there is more to go. I am now in a phase where everything in my closet fits, and I like it all, but I don't need it all. So how do I pare down from there? It will be a process as part of my overall intention to simplify. 

Here is the updated photo of the discard pile. I feel like I accomplished more seeing it hanging on this rack rather than in the piles on the floor. 
12 pair of pants, 4 skirts, 7 dresses, 17 tops, 16 sweaters/jackets, 9 pairs of shoes
I contemplated counting everything that was left, but I'm already embarrassed thinking about what those numbers would be. 

As the year came to an end, I wanted to wrap up this challenge. I want to get back to wearing some of the clothes I wore two months ago! So on Saturday, I took two hours and put on almost every outfit I could come up with with what was left. Below are those seventeen outfits. Full disclosure, there are probably 10 pieces of clothing left in my closet that are not featured via photo, but I did try everything on to make sure if fit and that I still liked it. I got rid of more than expected just by trying things on. 

All the photos below were taken by my two sons, and I am not a photo editor. Ideally these would all be done in the exact lighting and be cropped to the same size, but "c'est la vie."

Working Girl

There is a theme here of black/white and navy/white. I tried to add some color with the accessories, the bag, or the shoe. I mixed patterns, which I have always wanted to do, with the polka dot top and windowpane skirt. The black and white skirt with leather strip had to go. It was so old the 'leather' was peeling off the skirt - I had no idea until I actually put it on and found the flakes on my fingers. The navy polka dot dress was one of my favorites, but I can't move my arms in it, so it had to go. The crop navy blazer barely buttoned. I even tried putting on a sports bra underneath in hopes the button wouldn't gape, but no success. 

Party Time

This was so fun and boy do I wish I had enough occasions to wear all of these. The sequin shorts, I was practically dared into buying by my friend (I'm talking to you, Lori). Surprisingly, I have worn them several times and to much acclaim. They don't fit great right now, but I'm keeping them! Battle of the LBD below. It shocks me how different I look in these two different styles. They are both a stretchy knit so essentially the same dress with just a different silhouette. I thought I would take votes on which one to keep! Fun fact, they were both under $30. One was a maxi dress on clearance that I had cut off and hemmed and the other was a Marshalls find. I feel like my most fun self when I look at these photos. 

    

Everyday

This is mostly a collections of tops, and where I stopped taking photos. I didn't think it would be that exciting to see 10 more photos of me in jeans and a top. That is definitely the category I have the most room to edit.  After reviewing the photos below, a few of these look a little boring to me. Nothing is wrong with them, I'm just not sure they say ME - especially the last one. 

 

Thank you for following me on this journey. Thank you for sending me pictures and texts showing new outfits or telling me you have been inspired to clean out your closet. We are all too often consumed by stuff in our lives, when it is the people in our lives that really matter. 

Week 8 Closet Challenge Summary

Eight crazy weeks. I now know that if my washing machine breaks, I can go at least two months without a new one. 

This was a crazy week because after Christmas, I hardly knew what day it was. I barely left the house, so I spent a lot of time in pajamas. The photos you see are for when I actually had to leave the house. 

Monday, December 24 Christmas Eve

We had some fun with this one and I love a theme! National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is part of our Christmas tradition so we just couldn't pass up these sweatshirts. I forgot how comfortable a nice traditional sweatshirt is, although it doesn't do much for my shape ;)
  

Now it is time to get dressed up for Christmas Eve Mass. This dress is at least 8 years old from Ann Taylor. It is one of my favorites, but it is too tight around my shoulders, so this was the last harrah. 

Now for some family photos. I'm wearing 2" heels and my 13 year old daughter is as tall as me in this photo. I'm jealous of the dress she is wearing. I found it at Marshalls during the summer - Vineyard Vines for $24.99! 

Check out this sharp dressed man! The vest (waistcoat) is my favorite. 

And I don't want to leave out my boys. They were not excited to get dressed up, but they did it for Mom!

Tuesday, December 25

We have another family photo because I forgot to take my single shot. This beautiful gold sweater is 18 years old. I know it is that old because I wore it the year my nephew was born on Christmas Eve, and he turned 18 this year! It is in great shape because I only wore it for the holidays and stored it folded, in a cedar chest for several years. It shocked me how short it was. Sadly, I have not grown taller in the last 18 years, but the waistline of our pants has been up and down and up and down. I first put it on with some winter white pants that had a lower rise and it looked like I was wearing a crop top. Sanctuary velour pants to the rescue. 

Wednesday, December 26

I was super excited to wear my new, Rebecca Minkoff backpack. This army style, green, canvas jacket is from Old Navy and I have had it since college. I can't seem to part with it. The quality is great - they don't make things like they used to.

I don't know what day it is! I was only going to my son's basketball game, but I needed to get through the pieces I have left. This grey skirt is a thick knit and would be great for travel. It is from Ann Taylor, end of year clearance. I had big plans for this skirt when I bought it, but the waist has always been a bit too tight - so out it goes!

Friday? Saturday? I have several ivory colored shells, like the one seen here, so I have paired them down. I chose to wear the ripped jeans with the shell and cardigan so it didn't look so conservative. 

Sunday, December 30

This is my favorite dress. If I have a big meeting or event that I don't know how to dress for, or I just need to feel great - this is my dress. It is Eliza J and fits me perfectly, even if I fluctuate a bit. Everyone should have a reliable, go-to piece like this. 

Today is the last day of the year. I wanted to wrap up the year and this challenge and start the new year fresh, so yesterday I spent 2 hours putting on (almost) every outfit I have left. Look for that tomorrow! 

Week 7 - Closet Challenge Summary

Lucky #7! Never, at the outset of this challenge, did I think it would last seven weeks. I'm still a week behind in summarizing, so as I write, I have just finished week eight and I am weary. I'm ready to do this:  #wearallyourclothes

Monday, December 17

I went for the white jeans since the weather was mild. The denim tank I'm wearing was a clearance item from Marshalls for $9.00. I don't know if it is a tank, a dress or a swim cover up, so I have worn it as all three. I'm wearing my favorite cardigan that has been on the blog several times. Pieces like this make an instant outfit and are so easy to wear. It provides color, texture, and pattern in one piece. I added a Stella & Dot necklace for my 'shine'. I haven't officially been documenting the use of each shoe, but this suede, Cole Haan loafer had not been worn yet. 

Tuesday, December 18

I was headed to the holiday office party today and was feeling festive. This sweater is from The Limited circa 2011. It is definitely an item I tend to 'save' because I love it so much I'm afraid to ruin it - which is exactly the type of thinking I'm trying to get away from. The fur detaches from the sweater for easy washing. I'm wearing it over a shiny, ivory shell and these great, wide-leg, TART pants (from Paperdolls). These pants feel like pajama pants but the knit is extra thick and lined down to the knee so they don't look like PJs. I pulled it all together with my leopard print heels. 

Wednesday, December 19

I'm getting to the end of the blazer selection in my closet. This is another one from H&M that I got for $25. I'm on the fence about keeping it going forward. I love the print, but it has a pretty stiff shoulder pad that I feel like will look dated soon. My mom commented that she never would have thought to wear this jacket with a royal blue top - she would usually just think black or white, which is what I think a lot of people tend to do. Don't be afraid to wear a bold color with a neutral print. My velour pants are Sanctuary from Nordstrom. I would link to it but they are sold out. Someone recently asked me if I have bought anything new since starting this challenge and the answer is yes. I feel slightly embarrassed admitting that, but I'm here to be real. These pants are one of those items. I had them on my mental list of 'things I need this season' and when I saw they were on sale, I bit. Now the shoes are a great story: They are Vince Camuto from DSW a couple years ago. I was shopping in the clearance section and when I went to check out, she noticed they were two different sizes - a 6 and a 6.5. There were no others to be found, so I got them for less than $20!

Thursday, December 20

Pretty laid back today. This grey sweater/sweatshirt is super soft and would be in my regular rotation, so I tried to hold back wearing it for awhile. It was a yucky raining day so I picked pants that would work with my Hunter rain boots. 

Friday, December 21

We were headed to a friend's house for holiday dinner, so I thought it was a good opportunity to wear these green velvet pants. I wasn't sure the would fit this year but I squeezed into them. Like many things in my wardrobe, they are from The Limited, back when they had a physical store. I started working there when I was 15 and it was always my go-to store. I know they still have an online presence, but it just isn't the same. Bobeau black tank and the most repeated item, I think - the leopard print heels. 

Saturday, December 22

The holiday party circuit continues, and I felt like this was an opportunity to be creative with some of the random items I had left. This is a short sleeve, black, t-shirt dress from Old Navy, black tights and my Target over-the-knee boots.  I love this little shrug (Jealous Tomato from Paperdolls) and often forget to wear it. Jason told me it looked like something Conan the Barbarian would wear, but I pressed on and it was a hit! I added the statement necklace (also from Paperdolls) for my 'shine' (texture, color, pattern, shine - Stacy & Clinton).

Sunday, December 23

Today was Christmas with my large, extended family. You can't quite tell in the photo, but this sweater has a balloon sleeve dotted with pearls (Paperdolls again). I bought it before the challenge started, knowing I would wear it to holiday parties. It is in my favorite shade of cream/ivory. I originally planned to wear it with the TART pants but when I put it all together it was too much volume, so I went with the streamline, plaid joggers on the bottom. We took this pic at the end of the day because we forgot to earlier and that is why I am holding my heels instead of wearing them. Ugg slippers to the rescue!

Thank you again to all of you who have shared, commented and told me they have been inspired to do their own closet challenge. It means so much to me! 

Week 6 - Closet Challenge Summary

I can't believe it has been 6 weeks! The time has flown by, yet when I look back at those first pictures, it feels like so long ago. One unforeseen consequence of the limited repeats, is that I miss some of those pieces from week one. I want to wear them again. So I decided to take stock and see what is really left. 

I pulled everything out that has been worn and staged it on this rolling rack. 

Then I moved all the seasonal spring and summer item to the upper right quadrant of my closet, and that center section, top and bottom, is what is left, with the exception of activewear you see on the bottom right and formal attire not shown.  I have to say, I was a bit discouraged when I saw how much was left. That could easily be three or four more weeks!! There are some specialty items in there that might not be practical, but the holidays do provide some unique opportunities. I did think to myself, 'what if I just got rid of everything I haven't worn yet so I could be done?' 

Here is the giveaway pile. I thought this would look bigger, but maybe I just folded things up very small?? There are only two things in this pile that still have tags on them, and one I didn't even buy. The other was an impulse clearance item I thought I would wear on a trip to Mexico, but never did. 

I did the above today, at the end of week 7, but the below is my week 6 summary.

Monday, December 10

Loving a hat on a Monday morning when you just aren't ready to face the week yet. I picked this gem up at Nordstrom Rack for $14.99 - August Hat Company. This 'blouse' is from Target and the cardigan is Cynthia Rowley.  I picked it up for a steal at Marshalls a couple years ago. It has some cashmere in it, which is why I wanted it. 

Tuesday, December 11

It was super warm today, so I went for bare legs. I had to show this dress styled with scarf and jacket, and by itself, so you could see the whole thing. My dad and brother happened to swing by my house today and asked why I was wearing my pajamas - classic comment from them. I can see where they could think that, but no one else has had the guts to tell me it looks like PJs. I wonder if it is one of those things where people tell you they like it because they don't know what else to say?

Wednesday, December 12

Boss Lady today! Sometimes I pretend I'm Claire Underwood - or just that I have her wardrobe. I got this jacket from H&M a couple seasons ago for $25. It is great because it doesn't have to close, so it isn't too tight in my shoulders, but it is structured enough to provide some shape. I can never decide if I like this blouse, but it is going in the no pile because it doesn't really fit me right and the tie ends up getting in the way all day, and I can't stand the name of it.  BUT the real story here is the pants! They are from Betabrand - the yoga/work pants. I kept seeing them over and over in my feed, so I took the bait. I had them for about 2 months and finally got them hemmed as part of this challenge because I must wear it all! They fit great and were VERY comfortable.

Thursday, December 13

Headed to the Fox tonight with my mom and sister-in-laws.  I passed this coat up at Target the first go around and ended up ordering it online later that day. The pants are Target, too, and I'm wearing one of my many ivory colored shells. This one has seen better days and is getting tossed. The jacket was great because I could keep it on and stay warm all night - no need to bring a coat and carry it around all night. 

Friday, December 14

This is a two-fer today. Daytime - navy, gold and grey - my favorite. I splurged on this sweater a few years ago at a boutique in town and it does not disappoint! It is really warm, so no need for another layer. And then for a casual Friday night, I threw on my best (and only) sequin pants. Everyone should have a pair. It is an instant party when you put those pants on. The stocked bar didn't hurt either. 

Saturday, December 15

Can you tell I love this hat? This houndstooth sweater is a staple. It is from The Limited, at least five years ago. I noted when I posted on Insta that this is something I would have usually 'saved', but why not on a Saturday for no occasion?  That is one of the goals of the challenge!

Sunday, December 16

Unseasonably warm again today, so I tried to make use of some dresses. This is Lush from three years ago. I used to belt it, but now when I do that it looks too short. I love this dress, but truthfully it is too tight in my arms and shoulders and I should pass it on, BUT I don't have many patterned dresses, so I may break my own rule here and keep it anyway. Has anyone ever worn a shift dress like this and realized you can't raise your arms without the dress coming up over your rear? Be careful, ladies. And of course, I love my Justin Boots. 

This was a long one. Thanks for hanging in there with me. Week 7 up next!

Week 5 - Closet Challenge Summary

Wow I am way behind on my weekly updates - tis the season!!

I finally feel like I am making some progress when I look at my closet. I'm considering moving everything that has been worn out to a rolling rack just so I can really focus on what is left. My donate pile is growing and it is getting easier to get rid of things. I really enjoy the challenge of looking at pieces in a new way or putting together a new look.

I highly recommend taking a photo of yourself everyday for a week or month. I'm slightly embarrassed when I open my photo app and it is filled with shots of myself, but I find it is an interesting reflection on how different we can look from day to day and the story that those looks can tell about where you are in your life and what is going on. 

This week you will see several different ensembles, and maybe one that makes you think, "one of these things is not like the other!"

Number of items from The Limited this week - 6

Number of grey appearances - 1 (take that, Jason) 

Number of shoes - 9

Number of blanket scarves - 2

Number of hats - 3

Monday, December 3

I almost forgot about this outfit it feels so long ago! This blazer is so old but I still love it. You can't quite see the tweed pattern because of the filter I used that makes my tired eyes look a little better. I noted when I posted on Instagram that I still love the cropped blazer. The Boyfriend I cannot do - it looks like I am wearing Jason's suit jacket when I try anything on with an oversized proportion. Not all trends are meant for everyone and that's okay! Know yourself, your body and what you like. The faux silk shirt I have underneath is another favorite. It looks professional and finished, but isn't as confining as I feel in a structured, woven shirt. 

Tuesday, December 4

I had to repeat this blazer. It was the perfect blend of function and style for my day and into the night. The sweater is from J Crew factory and I purchased it in the spring when I needed some color .... to go with grey ;). You can see in the both this and Monday's photo that I have to cuff my jeans just a touch over my booties. This felt a little awkward at first, but I think it looks better than when they bunch at the ankle. I haven't always addressed my accessories, but since I wear this necklace over and over - it is the Rebel from Stella & Dot and they have it in 3 colors. I wear it weekly! 

Wednesday, December 5 

As I look at this outfit, I am declaring no more collared, button up shirts! This top was one that I loved at TJ Maxx when I saw it and it was a bargain. It is light and breezy and comfortable, but I just don't wear it. I think this is only the second time I have worn it and had I not been doing this experiment, I would have passed right over it. I feel like it is a "summer shirt", but in the summer it would be too hot. There just aren't enough of those in-between, 65 degree days in St. Louis. I didn't do my hair or makeup, which I disguised with my hat and glasses. Then I threw on the blanket scarf to add a bit more to this look. I liked it when I ran out the door, but now that I'm looking at it, it seems a little odd.  I'm wearing the navy Winnie pant form J Crew (black pair worn in week 1) and I decided this was their last wear. They are a bit faded and a tad tight.

Thursday, December 6

I titled this one - it starts with the shoes! There was a chance of a wintery mix this day, so I wanted to wear these wedge snow boots circa 2007, and the rest of the outfit went from there. High waisted (aka control top) Zella leggings and this shirt/sweater/dress from a local boutique in STL that isn't open anymore. I had to make this hair last until I re-did it for the party later that night, so I tried to pull off the high pony and big earrings. These are the feather earrings from Hey Lottie again! I have gotten way more wear out of them than I thought I would. For my evening look (he he) I am wearing a navy sequin tank from The Limited and some plaid pants from Zara. These pants were love at first sight. This is the style but it doesn't look like they have this plaid anymore. Good thing I didn't know they were called a 'jogger' or I never would have purchased them. These are the same gold shoes I bought to wear to the black tie event in November. They are turning out to be perfect for the holiday. 

Friday, December 7

Can you tell I stayed up too late last night? Cozy flannel seemed like the best option for today.  I have never worn this flannel (from the boys department at Target) with these green pants before, but that is what this whole experiment is for! I look very outdoorsy - right? These are what I would call a classic chino pant. I often struggle with when and where to wear these. They aren't super flattering, but very comfortable so I generally choose them when jeans feel too tight. I have them in a cornsilk blue as well, but I never know what to wear with them, so they are going in the "out" pile. 

Saturday, December 8

I think I'm just going to start wearing two outfits everyday so we bring this whole thing to a close in 2018. I had a ton of errands to run today, so I threw on my buffalo plaid vest and fanny pack and I was off! I love the fanny pack - wait I mean the "waist pack" or "belted bag". It is the most practical thing to wear from timing at a swim meet to grocery shopping. I copied this one from my friend Sarah who is always ahead of the curve. I threw on my white cotton dress shirt under just to get it over with - no more dress shirts! Saturday night out I switched to my Spanx, faux leather leggings and a gold glitter sweater. I highly recommend these leggings! I got them in "regular" but could use the petite. (5' 1.5") I did the close up so you could see the moto detail. 

Sunday, December 9

I'm so fancy today going to Church and then the Thee-a-ter (my family thinks I say it funny, so now I make it a point to drag out the syllables). This is an old shift dress from The Limited - I really miss that store! I am wearing over-the-knee boots that I couldn't stay away from last year.  I only invested a small amount in a pair from Target.  I can only wear them with tights and dresses, otherwise they cover 85% of my leg and it looks super weird. I couldn't fit a coat over the shoulders in my dress - always and issue with me - so I threw on the blanket scarf and a hat to keep me warm. 

I will have last weeks update out soon along with updated pictures of the closet and the donate pile.  Thank you to all of you who like, comment, share, and text to tell me you wore something different today because of the blog.