A little while back some of you were following along when I had my epiphany about Capsule Wardrobes and/or Project 333. When I got my teaching job this last winter I applied Project 333 to my wardrobe to help make my hectic semester simpler. The idea is that one uses 33 clothing items for 3 months. There are a few things that I have learned about myself that I will be tweaking for the fall. (I kind of let the idea slip this summer, and just pulled things out of my closet randomly.)
I want to look stylish, but have learned some things about myself along the way that I have to take into account when picking my 33 items to use as my wardrobe.
1. I am hot natured. Even in the depths of winter, when we hit below 0 temperatures time and again, I didn't want to wear layers inside and the very idea of a sweater makes me sweat.
2. I like to sit on the floor with children. My clothing choices need to allow me to plunk down with a group of students and read them a story.
3. Sitting "lady-like" doesn't come naturally to me, so trousers and maxi skirts are my friends.
4. I am not shaped to wear skirts comfortably. That's not to say that they don't look good on me, but I need to wear bike shorts, leggings, or pantyhose.
5. Clothing needs to be easy to care for. I despise ironing. I like to look polished, but prefer to just pull things out of the dryer quickly and get them hung up or hang items to dry. I won't buy dry clean only items no matter how much I like them, because ... well... remembering them at the dry cleaners, additional cost, forgetting/washing/ruining them. etc.
6. White is not my friend. It doesn't seem to matter what the fabric is, or how I try to get it clean. I can never get white clean, so my money is better spent on other things.
7. I've been wearing too much black. I know it's a staple. I'm not suggesting that I forgo black in my wardrobe all together, but I really look much better in navy. Blues suit me better. Currently in my closet I have 3 different types of black slacks. I am merely suggesting that I cut down to one and add more variety.
8. I don't swap purses to match my outfit. I bought myself a really nice brown leather purse last year with a nice classic look to it. I carry it everywhere except to the race track or camping. I'm sure it would be fine, but I don't want to take any chances ruining it.
9. I have grown to appreciate detail and pattern on my tops. I have noticed that when I wear a top with a pattern the whole outfit looks more polished. I also don't wear a lot of accessories, so this gives some detail to an outfit with little effort.
The plan is that these 33 items will last me August, September, and October, before re-evaluating my wardrobe to adjust for winter weather.
While I love having a capsule wardrobe I did notice that there were a few things that I didn't wear and some of the pieces got worn so often that they wore out. Also I know myself and I need to have enough tops and bottoms for a whole work week to make laundry easier.
I have just shopped my closet and have...
Tops: Green button up 3/4 length, Blue button up 3/4 length, Purple striped button up 3/4 length, Black and white geometric button up 3/4 length, Paisley button up 3/4 length, Navy polka dotted T-shirt, Mulit- colored striped T-shirt, and a School Logo T-Shirt, kacki polka dot button up, and a navy button up with geese on it.
Bottoms: Navy slacks, Black slacks, Creme Slacks, Gray Slacks, Brown Slacks, Jeans
Dresses: Black Dress, Multi- Colored Maxi, Black and White Maxi
Jackets: Jean, Purple Cord, Black Suit
Shoes: Black Flats, cordovan flats, brown Flats, Tennis Shoes, "Hiking" sandal
Accessories: pearls, black geode necklace, black statement necklace, and Turquoise Statement Necklace
So having only two more items to add to the Project 333 style wardrobe I would like to get some mustard colored pants. (I have been wanting a pair for a few years now, but mustard hasn't been in fashion. Now that it is, I will be looking for a pair.) The other item that I'd like to add is a gingham button up shirt I've seen a navy one, but since I have a few blue tops maybe I can find a green one or maybe red, but I have to be careful about the shade.
