Monday, August 2, 2010

Lessons and my Top Ten

30 for 30 Banner

So, looking back on the 30x30, it turns out it wasn't as difficult as I'd originally imagined. Yes, I had a few days when I hated all the pieces, but overall, it was pretty positive. I was amazed by the number of outfits I was able to construct and by the different combinations I tried.

I feel like I can still do a lot with the pieces, and I think I might try, but it's nice to "shop my closet".

If I could sum the whole thing up in a nice list of bullet points, it'd look a little something like this:

  • I love that patterned skirt from Target more than I ever thought possible. It's way more versatile than I originally imagined and it's one of the pieces I kept going back to. Who knew?!
  • Accessories are key - sometimes all you need is a different belt and you have a completely different outfit. Isn't it amazing how the little things can totally change the mood and the "register" of the outfit?

  • I don't like pants. This is not news, but I still included four pairs - two pairs of jeans, a pair of cropped pants, and a pair of leggings. One pair of jeans would've been fine, and then I could've thrown in another skirt.

  • Dresses feel like cheating - but I just can't stay away! And I discovered they work quite well as tops. In fact, I wore dresses as tops three times during the challenge, with mixed reactions from my husband.

  • Shoes are my weakness. More than my summer dresses or my skirts or my tops, I missed my shoes. Next time around, I'd throw out a top and add a pair of shoes.

  • I wish I'd added one additional woven shirt. No real reason other than they're pretty and professional - I ended up needing more professional looks than I'd anticipated.

  • This would probably be more challenging in the winter or the fall, but it'd be more "remix-y" then, too. Layering definitely ups the creativity quotient whereas heatwaves mean all I want is a dress and bare feet.

  • I'll be able to survive a wardrobe that fits in a single suitcase. A big reason for me to take on this challenge was because I knew that B. and I have a big move coming up and we'll only be able to take what fits in our suitcases. In other words, I need to downsize. And the thought totally scared me, because what if I ended up wandering the rain forest in my pajamas because I couldn't find anything to wear? The thing is, I realized I probably won't get to that. I can make things work, and make them look good, even if I only have 50 pounds of items to my name.


And now, here's a look at my Top Ten 30x30 looks (click to enlarge):

18 comments:

  1. I visted your blog and kissed your post,,now you turn..give a better kiss(haha)

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  2. Girl I am so jealous!!! I can't wait to be done and just shop my own closet! I don't even want to buy new things just my old things!!!

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  3. Hahaha! It does give you a new appreciation for what you already have. Hope the rest of your remixing goes well!

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  4. Hey, your post went up at 11:11 -- can I wish on that?

    Glad to hear the 30 for 30 was such a positive experience, and you really got to see how much you could get out of your limited wardrobe.

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  5. that's the kind of challenge I'd really like to try someday, but judging from the outside, it looks like it'll work better when it's warmer (especially because the weather changes a lot during winter where I live).

    um beijo!

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  6. Fabulous! You did great Frances, I'm proud of you! That pattern skirt is one of my favorites too, the colors are so great!

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  7. You really did a phenomenal job with the challenge and your remixes. You should be proud of yourself! It's been great to read your posts every day too, you've been very inspiring.

    Good job!!!

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  8. Thanks so much, ladies! I'm thinking I might have to try this again in the fall, and it's REALLY going to help me pack light for our vacation in September. Hahaha

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  9. It's definitely hard to downsize but once you do you realize how much you can work with it! I think you did a fab job with the 30x30.

    clothed much, a modest fashion blog

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  10. out of your top ten, #28 is my fave!! i adore that blue top!!
    - jessica

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  11. congratulations on finishing!i've got 5 more to go:))

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  12. Wow- I just stumbled upon your blog & I've got to say, the challenge you just finished sounds so inspiring. It's EXACTLY the kind of thing I write and think about all the time- restyling creatively! It looks like you pulled it off amazingly well (YES to dresses as tops! They work as skirts & scarves too ;). Congrats & keep doing your thing!

    Cheers,
    Tessa

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  13. Btw, I would love to interview you about your experience sometime in the near future, if you'd be up for that! If not, I may just link to this post :)

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  14. @ Tessa: How had I never stumbled across your blog before?! I would love to do an interview! Just let me know the details.

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  15. Frances- do you have an email where I can get in touch? (Mine is my name @ gmail dot com!) Thanks!!

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  16. congratulations on finishing!i've got 5 more to go:))

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  17. I visted your blog and kissed your post,,now you turn..give a better kiss(haha)

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