Week 3 - Closet Challenge Summary

I completed week three. The novelty has worn off a bit. When I'm staring at my closet trying to decide what to wear, I wonder why I'm putting myself through this. I could just get rid of a bunch of things and start over. Or get rid if anything over 3 years old. Or any number of tips that would make this faster and easier. But most days, I am having fun. It feels easier to put something in the donate pile after I have worn it just one more time. This is my own little twist on Marie Kondo's method. Marie would be horrified by my closet. I'm adapting her advice of thanking it for its usefulness, by wearing it, washing it, and then I feel free to let it go.

Monday, November 19 - Manic Monday

No matter what I do on Sunday to prepare, Monday always feels like a fire alarm went off and we are scrambling to get out of the house. I did pick most of this outfit out the night before, but changed up the top at the last second. I had a patterned top picked out, and I should have stuck with that. I still go by Stacy & Clinton's rule of color, texture, pattern, shine. I threw on the leopard belt at the last second for the pattern. This is my favorite, navy knit blazer from The Limited several years ago - I wish I could find someone to make more just like it. It is a shorter fit, which I like better for my frame, and since it is knit, it isn't too tight in my shoulders, like every other structured blazer. Paige Transcend Jeans again but in grey, and a Pleione top that has faded and it is time to let it go. These booties are on my 'maybe' list. 

Tuesday, November 20 - Tired Tuesday

What a difference a day makes! Is this the same person? I felt like I was being practical last Tuesday, now I think I just look tired. I did have to volunteer during gym class at my kids school later, and I wasn't sure what we would be doing, so I guess it was appropriate. This is an oversized flannel from Target and my favorite Zella Live In Leggings. Last year I sprung for the high waisted version, because I have had three children, and while I like the smoothing effect, they were cutting into me by the end of the day. 

Wednesday, November 21 - Almost Friday

Oh I like this much better! It was so sunny and warm that I Ieft those sun rays in the photo. I started with a plane white t and jeans because what is better?! Justin Boots and a Kut from the Kloth 'vegan leather' jacket complete the outfit. Jacket is from Leopard Boutique and jeans are Just Black from Paperdolls Boutique  , two of my favorite local shops. 

Thursday, November 22 - Happy Thanksgiving

I have so much to be thankful for that it makes me misty. It was over 60 degrees for Thanksgiving in St. Louis. As I'm writing this it is dropping below 30 and there are tornado sirens going off, but on Thanksgiving, I couldn't get enough of the weather. I don't love a waistband on Thanksgiving, so I took advantage of the warm weather and chose this Max Studio Dress that was very 'forgiving'. 

Friday, November 23 - Black Friday

I'm dressed in mostly black, which I never do, but we were headed out of town for the weekend and I was picking a comfy outfit for the road trip. Wow the horizontal stripes don't look fantastic in this photo, but they are comfortable. They are Gap Fit - my new favorite go-to for leggings. They have 'black out technology' so you can avoid the see-through butt! I really wanted to shop today, but it felt like I shouldn't be bringing anything new into the house when it is clear that I have too much. 

Saturday, November 24 - City Mouse and Country Mouse

We were fortunate to spend time in the country today with great friends and great weather. We enjoyed each other, the sunshine and nature. I kept thinking of the story of city mouse and country mouse. It is so good to get out and experience new things! I did not get a photo of me sporting safety orange and camo, but I did snap this sunset shot before we headed to church. So much to thank God for on a day like today. Ivory cowl neck sweater, Citizens for Humanity Jeans, my Ugg boots, and my Chewie. I think the jeans need to be set free. 

Sunday, November 25 

Time to head back to reality. I wasn't kidding when I told you I wear these Lululemon studio pants several times a week. Road trip back to the city and time to get to work. So much to do to get back to reality. One of them will be picking out my outfit for tomorrow morning!

Week 2 - Closet Challenge Summary

Two weeks down, ten to go? I realized this week that this is going to take longer than I thought. I have been turning around the hangers of the items I have worn, but it wasn't looking like I had made much progress. So I moved them to a different section of my closet, and it still didn't look like I had made a dent! It was further proof of my hypothesis for this experiment: I have too many clothes. Despite feeling guilty for my gluttonous closet, I have  been enjoying the challenge. I enjoy lounge-wear, athleisure and pajamas as much as the next person, but getting fully dressed and putting together an 'outfit' helps my state of mind for the day. 


Monday, November 12  - Snow: Part One

Little did I know this wasn't the only snow I would see this week. Besides the boots and earrings, this outfit is all from Target. The color isn't great in this photo, but the pants are an army green and could pass for work or casual. Paired with a navy cable knit sweater. Both are the 'a new day' brand - which I wrote about here last year.  

Tuesday, November 13 - Best Sweater

 I love this sweater! I have a grey one, which I'm sure will appear soon. They are both from H&M. They can be worn as a sweater dress, or over jeans. I bought the grey one when I was pregnant with my second child, who is now ten!! While I am usually against having the same item in different colors, I made an exception for this sweater and also bought it in camel, which is another one of my favorite colors along with navy, grey and cream. I pulled the jeans from the bottom of my stack. I have no idea when I wore them last. They are really too long and too low rise for my mom-bod, so I gave them to my daughter and they fit her perfectly! Another pair of Sorel boots that I purchased at 60% off from Nordstrom Rack when I realized I needed something weather-proof between a snow boot and a rain boot. 

Wednesday, November 14  - I hate these pants...

Oh, how I hate these pants. They are a plush corduroy and from the very low rise era. They slid down my butt every time I moved and they sat so low on my hips I couldn't even fit a belt around them to keep them up. So i tucked a long tank into the pants and went on with the day. And when I tried to add a black boot to this outfit, I realized they looked like Santa pants! The only thing I liked about this was my gold shoes and grey wool School Boy Blazer from J.Crew Factory. I could have just changed, but I ran out of time, and wearing everything is part of the deal.

Thursday, November 15 - Snow: Part Two

A legit snow day with about 6 inches and no school, it was so tempting to stay in pajamas. This is what you would find me in most days this fall and winter if I was not doing this closet challenge. These are the best pants from Lululemon - the best! They are an investment, but like a good pair of jeans, when you wear them at least once a week, it is so worth it! 

Friday, November 16 - Snow day hangover

I was tired today. No hair or make up. These are my favorite jeans I mentioned last week and my first repeat. I will have to repeat pants during this challenge. I bought this top/poncho this year at Zara. Where has this store been all my life?  I was in Chicago and popped in real quick, and found this top and some adorable plaid pants you will see. I wish they had a store in St. Louis. Inspired by Jen Hatmaker, I added my new feather earrings to my top knot and called it a day. 

Saturday, November 17 - Sunny Saturday

It was a beautiful sunny Saturday morning here! I was tired of jeans, so I gave this jean skirt and some sweater tights a try. Another 'a new day' sweater from Target and my Frye boots.

Sunday, November 18 - Church

I enjoy getting dressed up for Church, a note I mentioned this in one of my first blog posts. I used to battle with my Mom weekly about the church outfit, but now I enjoy it, and I battle with my kids. Hopefully they will enjoy it someday, too. My boys pick one outfit and wear it every Sunday during that season. At the end of that season, I am so tired of those clothes!! Sam lets my pick out her outfits...sometimes.  I have been struggling with pants recently and needed some new ones. I bought these from the Gap in the petite length and I like them! I am generally against turtlenecks unless reallying being worn for warmth, but I think a solid black turtleneck can look sleek. While I do not usually match my purse and my shoes, they do today. 

This is pile that is out form the first two weeks. I'm hoping it gets a lot bigger. 

Closet Challenge

If you have been following me on Instragram @gmrstyleshare, you know I have started a closet challenge. My goal is to wear everything in my closet, with as few repeats as possible, until I have worn everything. I plan to discard/donate as I go, so that I am only left with items I love and will wear.  

The purpose is twofold. First, I once heard on Gretchen Rubin's Happier podcast that NOT using something is a form of waste. This really resonated with me when I thought about my clothes.  I love clothes and fashion, but like many of us, I end of up wearing the same thing over and over or wearing something akin to pajamas all day, since I mostly work from home. I save those 'nice' things for some mythical occasion when I think the day will be worth it. My concern is not about wearing repeat outfits, rather my focus is on getting use out of all my clothes. I have no issue with wearing the same thing regularly, as long as you aren't leaving 80% of what you own on hangers in the closet. 

The second purpose is to declutter my closet. I know I have more than I need and am holding onto things for the wrong reasons: those jeans from before 3 kids that I swear I will fit into again, the name brand shirt I bought because it was a great deal, but I don't really like, the dress that is not really my style, the shoes that are so cute but hurt my feet SO badly, the purse I have never used, the slacks I have no need for anymore because my office can now wear jeans, the sweater that is too itchy, the shirt I can only wear if I always wear those specific high rise pants because the shirt is actually too short, that blazer my friend made me buy because she said I looked adorable in it, but I will never wear, the pants that need to be hemmed... The list goes on and on. Why are we holding onto these things? I like variety and I like choice, so the capsule wardrobe is not for me, but I do think I can declutter and streamline things a bit and get more use out my clothes. 

I am posting daily on Instagram and will provide a weekly summary on the blog.  Here goes week 1!

My closet....

Tuesday, November 6 - Election Day! It was super cold and this idea was only half baked in my head so I didn't have an 'outfit' planned, but I did put on that gingham check shirt rather than a t-shirt or the shirt I had slept in. I had not worn this shirt since last fall because I thought it was too small (and it needed to be ironed). It just fits okay, so this will be the last wear.  Also wearing my favorite Paige Verdugo jeans and a super nubby fleece that is not figure flattering, but it was warm. 

Wednesday, November 7. I felt the pressure of 'getting dressed' today for my post. It was cold and grey here in St. Louis, and I wanted to stay in my pjs, but that is why I am doing this!  Level 99 jeans, denim shirt, my favorite fall colored scarf and Sam Edelman leopard print ballet flats. I did add a grey sweater later in the day because again, I was cold. 

Thursday, November 8. I'm getting into the swing of things now. I had a few appointments today for work so I wanted to step up my game. These may look like leggings, and generally, I have a rule that leggings are not pants, BUT these have a zipper and decorative seam up the front so they qualify as pants. Peasant top is from Marshalls or TJ Maxx a few years ago, open front blazer that feels like fleece and looks like leather! And I always love a good hat!

Friday, November 9. One of the first things I noticed when I started evaluating my closest was that I am addicted to grey - followed by navy and cream. But this is one of my favorite grey shirts. It feels and fits like a t-shirt, but that little built-in collar adds some polish. I needed to present product for work, so I couldn't have a lot of jewelry or a scarf flopping around or a jacketing getting in my way. I'm wearing these pants from J.Crew factory. I'm 5' 1.5" and wearing the regular length. I like how they fit, but they tend to collect lint. The label suggests dry cleaning and I ignored that, so they faded a bit. I added the leopard Sam Edelman shoes for some pattern. 

Saturday, November 11. Normally I'm on the sidelines of a soccer game or running hundreds of errands, but I was going to my daughter's speech meet and had wanted to wear this outfit for awhile. This dress was $14.99 at Marshalls. I wore grey cable knit tights and I should have worn a slip because the dress kept sticking to my tights when I walked. Slips feel like such an old lady thing to me, but I really should have worn one. Blanket scarf from Hey Lottie in St. Louis. Tights have a hole - going in the trash. Buying a new slip.

Saturday night I attended a black tie, charity auction. I ended up ordering from Rent the Runway. I'm really glad they sent two sizes! You can't really see in this photo, but I found some blue, feather peacock inspired earrings to add some color and whimsy to a traditional black tie look - found at Hey Lottie. I noted on Insta that my favorite accessory is my husband, Jason. He looks dashing in his tux!

Sunday, November 12. A booked calendar today with games and events. I always want to wear this gingham shirt for work, but it ends up looking too stuffy or conservative for my style. So instead of pairing with a pencil skirt and pearls, I paired with ripped jeans, wedge sneakers, and leopard print belt.

As I write this, we are thanking our Veterans for their enormous gift of service, praying for all those affected by the fires in California, and mourning the loss of innocent lives from another senseless, mass shooting.  These are the things that make me feel like writing and sharing this is silly, but it has brought me some joy today. I hope it has done the same for you. 

Fall Inspiration

I have not been inspired to write in this space the past few months. Maybe because we are in our sixth month of summer and I am so over the heat and the clothes that go with it.  Or maybe because my body has changed recently and I don't like how a lot of my clothes fit #thisisalmost40.  Or maybe because there are other things taking up that space in my brain like work, or laundry, or kids sports schedules, or God. Regardless of what it was, I feel inspired today. 

The first little nudge came when in 24 hours, 3 strangers complimented me on my earings. This is not something that happens often, and it made me feel sparkly.  These are the fabulous earrings, purchased from a local shop Union Studio that features St. Louis artisans. 

Last weekend we were fortunate enough to take a little vacation to the mountains in Vail, Colorado. It is Fall there! The mornings are crisp, the leaves are golden and the air is fresh. I took it all in. I mean really, deep breath, inhaled it in to my bones. I got dressed for a morning mountain adventure and I felt absolutely fabulous. I came out and said to Jason, "This is Fall."  
Level99 Jeans, UGG Boots, Sun & Sand sweater, tweed crossbody from Ireland, Colorado hat. 

We strolled around the Farmers Market in Vail on Sunday morning and I took in all the textures, patterns, fabrics and trades and I felt inspired. This felt so much better than searching the internet or roaming aimlessly around the mall and department stores looking for something to grab my attention.
I bought the black jacket below in about 30 seconds.  I saw it, felt it, and purchased it before Jason even knew what happened. I said, "it's like buttah." He looked very confused. I just googled this for some context expecting Barbra Streisand or Coffee Talk info to pop up - but no, apparently Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are the more recent 'like butter' reference #Ifeelold. It looks like it has leather accents but it a fabric treatment and it is SO soft. I just wish it wasn't 90 degrees here today so I could wear it! Normally I prefer structured jackets to help give my small torso some shape, but this silhouette is easy to wear and so versatile.   

I have also been getting little nudges and inspiration from my podcast addiction - Rachel Hollis, Jen Hatmaker, and Anne Bogel  - who has a podcast about books (my other passion) but talks about all sorts of other things on her blog. This one got me thinking. I have written about the cost-per-wear before, but I had never heard the 'spend to your weakness' tip.  I have been trying to figure out what my weakness is. I have too many! What is yours?

Thank you for taking the time to read! 

I'm over Winter......and much more

It is April 1 as I type this, and it is snowing outside. I have barely written anything in 2018 because I have been patiently waiting to show of my spring styles. Yet, Spring evades me. I am so over Winter! I am so over all of my winter clothes! And there are a few other trends I am over (in no particular order)...
- Mom Jeans. Not high waisted pants in general, but specifically the Mom Jeans. Girls - we figured out about 20 years ago that those aren't the most flattering style. Why must you ignore the wisdom of your foremothers?!
- Shoulder cutouts. I was never really in on this one, but I'm over it. How many of these can you have?
- Bell Sleeves (and huge rufflely sleeves). I love how they look - but have you tried to actually do anything while wearing them? Type? Work? Cook?
- High-waisted pants with a huge bow?? Not for short people.
- Cropped wide leg pants. Seriously?
- Shirts with a tied knot that drapes right above the crotch. No thank you.
- V-Neck choker shirts. I feel like it is literally choking me.

***Just because I say i'm over it, doesn't mean you have to be :) You do you!

It is so frustrating to go shopping and not see anything you like. I have found that you have to be patient. Wait until you see something that you really love, or that just looks 'like you'. Don't feel pressure to buy something new just because it is a new season or there is a new trend.

Now for some things I love....
- Almost anything from Draper James.  Reese, you just let me know when you want to open a store in St. Louis, MO. I'm your girl.  The dress below is one of my favorites and she is so ridiculously adorable.
- Sneakers - so fun and comfortable.
- Jeans - (always) I tried a new brand called Just Black - similar to the ones shown below and I love them.
- Spring Colors! I'm a sucker for navy/white stripes, polka dots, and gingham prints. And these are my favorite mix of Spring colors: yellow, kelly green, navy, coral and mint.  I use navy, white. or a light grey as my neutral with these colors.
- The Jenna floral toe high-heel from Jessica Simpson was perfect for my Easter ensemble.
- Fun Sunglasses can add a little whimsy.
- Sundresses! My Easter dress was from Vera Fishbaugh. It fit great and when I went to look at the care instructions, it said "I will be fun. I will be confident. I will be carefree." Made me love the dress even more!

Here are my people in their SPRING, Easter best!  Come on Spring!!!

Sharing my truth

For the past few weeks, Oprah's words have been swirling in my head. In her acceptance speech for the the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 2018 Golden Globes, she said, "What I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have. " 

It made me want to speak more of my truth. Like many girls and women, I have struggled with body image and body confidence for most of my life. In my teen years, I battled anorexia. During all of that, I used clothes to help make myself feel better. I could draw confidence from how I expressed myself on the outside, even though I didn't always feel that way on the inside. Dressing in an aspirational manor is not a unique idea of course. There are adages like 'dress for the job you want, not the job you have', 'fake it 'till you make it', and 'look good, feel good'. 

After a lot of hard work, my inside did catch up - mostly. Like everyone, I'm a work in progress who has good days and bad days. On some bad days, I wear sweatpants, and on others I dress to the nines to help lift myself up a bit. In sharing this, I hope to help lift up others. We are inundated with images of people and things that appear perfect. Remember that behind every staged photo, there is a story. Now you know part of my story, my truth.

I worry most about our young girls, like my daughter. It is my mission to make sure she does not grow up feeling the way about her body that I did. It will be even more difficult with today's social media. At home, we are focusing on confidence!!! After all, that is the best accessory. You can make anything look good when you wear it confidently. 

I was thinking about why I like writing this blog, and why I like sharing my photos and thoughts on clothes. I still worry about appearing vain or narcissistic and in these times, talking about clothes feels superficial. But to put it simply, I want to help others feel beautiful. As I have grown, I know feeling beautiful truly comes from the inside, but sometimes dressing the outside can get you going in the right direction. 

I've been sharing more photos on Instagram @gmrstyleshare when I can't find the time or the inspiration to write.  Over the past weeks, I shared my holiday outfits, some cold weather accessories, and this amazing dress I got to wear from Rent the Runway.  I certainly did feel beautiful in this dress. 

"Mom, what should I wear?"

I hear this question from my children every time we are going to an event other than school or a sporting event. They have worn uniforms for most of their lives, rendering them nearly incapable of independently choosing an outfit. Over the weekend, I helped my daughter by taking photos of all the potential outfits she could wear that did not include 'play clothes'. We also took anything out of her closet that she said she would not wear, didn't fit, or was out of season.  Next, we printed the sheet below and hung it inside her closet door. Now when getting ready, all she has to do is reference this board and pick one! This is a great way to reduce the stress and anxiety for anyone trying to decide "what to wear".  Adults, you can easily store the pics on your phone - and I'm pretty sure there is an app for this - I'm researching and will report back.