30 x 30 Challenge (Week 1) - YouLookFab Forum

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30 x 30 Challenge (Week 1)

Anonymous

Day 1: Holiday. Errands and Hospital Visits.

To start my personal challenge, I have selected three items (out of a possible 30 items):
1. Grey ponte pants (Best Buy)
2. Navy blue long sleeved tee shirt (Favorite, Most Comfortable)
3. Grey cardigan (not a favorite because of how it hangs open, might be slated for donation).

I am only including tops, bottoms, and indoor toppers. I will exclude outerwear, accessories, shoes, loungewear, and athletic wear.

As the Challenge progresses, I will be building up my Finds section and I'll be able to show other pieces worn as well.

Caslon Long Sleeve Crewneck Tee

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Dressing

47 replies

Latest reply was from Stagiaire Fash

Dianna

Veteran

Nice outfit, Sterling. I like the pop of color that the scarf adds to the outfit.

Anonymous

Day 2: Today is my first day back at work and I planned on wearing items from my "work" capsule and then it occurred to me, why? Everything I wore yesterday was clean, comfortable, and appropriate for a very casual day in the office (no meetings, no nothing).

I am going to exactly repeat what I wore yesterday. The colors are bland, but they seem to suit me in the Winter months. Although I intend to make black and navy a signature in 2018, my current wardrobe includes a lot of grey. I'll be wearing those pieces a lot of the time. I add one necklace, silver hoop earrings, and red lipstick to the mix.
1. Grey ponte pants (Best Buy)
2. Navy blue long sleeved tee shirt (Favorite, Most Comfortable Tee)
3. Grey long line cardigan (not a favorite because of how it hangs open, might be slated for donation).

Caslon Long Sleeve Crewneck Tee

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2

Anonymous

Today is Day 3. I actually had trouble getting dressed today. I have multiple roles to play for a long day. I knew that what I wore today would become part of the challenge going forward and I wanted my selection to be well thought out.

Here is what I finally decided upon: Kut from the Kloth dark blue jeans; Gap white short sleeved tee shirt; and Landsend navy cardigan. I added black oxfords and the same outerwear/tote from yesterday.

1. Grey ponte pants (Best Buy)
2. Navy blue long sleeved tee shirt (Favorite, Most Comfortable Tee)
3. Grey long line cardigan (not a favorite, might be slated for donation)
4. Kut from the Kloth dark blue jeans (Best Buy)
5. Gap white short sleeved tee shirt (Best Buy)
6. NEW Landsend navy cardigan (Purchased to make a "suit" just as Janice from the Vivienne Files has taught me to do).

Some thoughts and one buying mistake. I bought two Eileen Fisher cropped tops to wear with high-waisted pants. I anticipated that they would be instant workhorses, but when I stand with good posture, there is 1/2-1 inch sliver of flesh exposed. This really bothers me. I just can't wear them with more than 90 percent of my bottoms. These two tops are on "probation."

I mentioned The Vivienne Files above. I have commented how I am uncomfortable wearing a single color head to toe, but I find I really like matching my cardigan to my bottoms to form a "suit." I feel it elevates my style quotient. The white tee shirt brightens the outfit and my mood.

So another signature look for me: forming a suit using a cardigan that matches my pants.

I have a long day. I feel appropriately dressed and am cozy comfortable.

Joy

Veteran

You are off to a great start. The scarf adds color to your neutrals and the light, almost orange, bag adds color and contrast. I appreciate how it's color is similar to the inside of your jacket.

Anonymous

It is only Day 4 and I have already come to two conclusions. First, Winter Challenges are a lot harder than Summer Challenges. You just need more pieces to survive on a daily basis. That third piece is essential.

Because the third piece is so rare in my climate, I made the decision yesterday to include every indoor third piece that I own. They will all be counted in my 30 items. As I add these in, I obviously will have fewer slots for bottoms and tops. I decided I would limit my bottoms to a mere four or five. I genuinely think I could get dressed using only four or five bottoms. We shall see.

I also realized that since I telework every other day, I can literally repeat outfits twice in a row (once at home and a second time in the office). I should note I have no meetings scheduled this entire month. It is a very work casual month.

So I repeated Day 1 and Day 2 with ease. I am going to repeat Day 3 today. Only the topper will change today.

1. Grey ponte pants (Best Buy)
2. Navy blue long sleeved tee shirt (Favorite, Most Comfortable Tee)
3. Grey long line cardigan (not a favorite, might be slated for donation)
4. Kut from the Kloth dark blue jeans (Best Buy)
5. Gap white short sleeved tee shirt (Best Buy)
6. NEW Landsend navy cardigan (Purchased to make a "suit" just as Janice from the Vivienne Files has taught me to do).
7. Nordic Track Half Zip Fleece Top (would be a Best Buy but I have come to realize I hate Half Zip Tops).

Katerina

Veteran

This is such a nice, classic outfit in navy and grey. Lovely colour of the scarf. I can picture silver hoop earrings and red lipstick with this look - it will add some polish. What does the necklace you will add look like?

Dianna

Veteran

What a great idea to "make a suit" with jeans and a navy cardigan (and brilliant to pair it with oxfords). The outfit looks so effortlessly chic.

Anonymous

Katerina -- I am busy updating my finds. The necklace I had been wearing on Days 1 and 2 was a gift: Topaz.

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Anonymous

Thank you, Dianna, Joy, and Katerina. I thought it best to pull my Days into a single thread for easier reading. I will be continuing to build my Finds Section to make it easier to illustrate outfits.

Am I doing something wrong if the belt and the earrings look gigantic???

Katerina

Veteran

I was referring to day 1 and 2.

Day 4 outfit is also very good - classic combos in nice neutrals plus red - lovely. I like your structured and well thought plan and I admire your discipline. I have difficulties when I must limit number of items - for example when I travel - a major challenge for me. In this January challenge, I set different rules for myself from yours, but it is very interesting and helpful to follow how you handle your challenge.

Katerina

Veteran

Beautiful necklace and hoops!

Unfortunately, I am not good at posting pictures - don't know how to fix the size Honestly, I don't even know how to create finds - I have to learn

Thanks for great threads!

Brooklyn

Veteran

Hi Sterling! I am still away on holidays, so just popping in. I agree the winter challenge is much harder. I suspect I won’t even need a topper this month. Your capsule is coming together nicely. I think if you are trying to move away from grey this year maybe you should switch out the cardigan for something else? That is, why make it part of the 30 if it’s not a favourite?

Mainelady

Veteran

I enjoy seeing how you take a dark neutral base and give it some stylish sass with a colored scarf and topper. Your jewelry is lovely. I like th large photos, because they allow me to see the details better.

Style Fan

Veteran

I love the jewellery that you have added Sterling. Your neutral clothing base allows the accessories to take the certain stage. I think that is what Janice of Vivienne Files often does.

Windchime

Veteran

There's something about crisp black, navy, and white which seems to really suit the crisp, cold days of January. Plus they are a neutral base which let your wonderful accessories shine. I love your pink scarf and your jewelry!

Like you, I only have a few bottoms in my capsule. Most of it is warm sweaters and toppers. Are you warm enough in short-sleeved tees? I often put a cami under mine for extra warmth, even when I wear a topper over the shirt

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm liking the dark neutrals with the pops of bright and bling. Perhaps make dark blue your new grey?

AND, why not repeat outfits. I do that too.

Toban

Veteran

Repeating outfits makes sense, especially when the ‘audience’ is different. Resolves laundry issues, too, since most clothes can be worn a couple times before washing. I do that a lot during travel where the only constant is my husband. I often repeat my work outfits, but not within the same week. I suspect that my weekend uniform of jeans and tunic top or v-neck sweater is going to be repeated every weekend.

Anonymous

Today is Day 5. I feel great ... both physically and emotionally. These emotions sparked a desire to wear something different. I boldly added three new pieces to my growing list.

1. Grey ponte pants (Best Buy)
2. Navy blue long sleeved tee shirt (Favorite, Most Comfortable Tee)
3. Grey long line cardigan (not a favorite, might be slated for donation)
4. Kut from the Kloth dark blue jeans (Best Buy)
5. Gap white short sleeved tee shirt (Best Buy)
6. NEW Landsend navy cardigan (Purchased to make a "suit" just as Janice from the Vivienne Files has taught me to do).
7. Nordic Track Half Zip Fleece Top (would be a Best Buy but I have come to realize I hate Half Zip Tops).
8. Old Navy Boyfriend Velvet Top in Medium Blue (Rapidly becoming a favorite).
9. Kut from the Kloth 'Diana' Ponte Pants in Black (Solid Purchase).
10. Gap Cotton Cashmere Shawl Cardigan.

I also added my best pearl necklace/earring set (in grey black). I changed out of my Ugg Boots at work and put on Trotters 'Leana' Loafers in black. Same bag, coat, and scarf.

I admit the pictures are not the best. I have no photography skills whatsoever. Still they give you a sense of my outfit. Cozy. Lots of texture and shine.

As you can see, I am still challenged at using the Custom Finds portion of the website. I'll try to fix the loafer Find after work.

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Toban

Veteran

Oooh, I love the velvet blue top on you, and wow, with the pops of pink. Cheers up a cold day.

Anonymous

Thank you, Toban! The Old Navy velvet tee shirt is fast becoming a favorite. It looks so dressy and yet is nothing more than a tee shirt.

I'm a big fan of repeating outfits .... especially if there was a high happiness factor. I now wear my clothing multiple days before washing them. There was time in my life when I laundered every item after a single wearing! I just thought that was the way people did things. I had to be instructed that it was ok to wear it a second, or even third, time.

Angie -- I am exploring new color palettes for 2018. I have always loved black and white with pops of red or fuchsia. I have slowly gravitated to adding in navy (lots of navy). Evidently my Winter wardrobe still has a lot of grey from previous years. I like the grey during the Winter. It suits my mood.

Windchime -- I am sufficiently warm in short sleeved tops during the Winter months because they overheat the office. I bring the toppers (in my case, cardigans) to remove or add as needed. I wear long sleeves at home where I have more control over the temperature setting.

Thank you, Style Fan, Katerina, and MaineLady. I have a lot of really nice jewelry. I am trying to make myself wear more of it during this challenge.

Hi Brooklyn -- I remember that you are still on Holiday. Please jump in at your convenience. I very much look forward to seeing the Summer Capsules you develop because I know it will be gorgeous.

You know, I've been wondering why that grey cardigan is included in this Challenge. I think I was wanting to give it a chance to prove me wrong. That if it was part of a limited number of clothing items, I would reach for it more and make it work!! Perhaps you are right though. I have other clothing that have a higher happiness factor and maybe a substitution makes sense. So that would be Lesson Number One. Dump items that don't work for you.

karen13

Veteran

I love that velvet top on you. I have been on the hunt to find one but hadn’t checked old Navy. I have to try it on because I don’t like it is the pile runs the wrong way.

Your wardrobe looks very stylish and cohesive so far. Your jewelry and scarves elevate it from basic, something I can learn from. I rarely wear jewelry but yesterday I dug it all out and organized it so I can see my earrings ata glance, and figure out what I need to add. Between your posts and and Angie’ blog on metals I have some ideas.

bella

(website)

Veteran

So good to see you in your outfits! How nice to hear that you're feeling great. Velvet top is the perfect addition to your challenge capsule.

Anonymous

Thank you, Bella. The velvet is a great addition. I feel really "dressy."

In honor of Bonnie, I am adding these pants to my 30 x 30 challenge. They go with everything in my closet and fit great. I wear mine full length. I'll take pictures when I wear them next week.

I'm glad you dug out and organized your jewelry, Karen13. I hope you enjoy wearing it and feel good wearing it.

KUT from the Kloth Women's Diana Skinny Ponte In Plaid

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Katerina

Veteran

Sterling, I really like your collection so far. Great colour combinations and the fuchsia bag and scarf are beautiful. You are very good at this. The newly added pants are perfect.

Your goal to use more of your jewellery is same as mine. It is a shame not to use all the pretty things we have. Thumbs up for this one!

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I like the addition of those pants, and I like the velvet top. Is the grey stripe in the plaid cool enough for you to wear them together?

Anonymous

No Fashintern. I tried the velvet top with the plaid pants and I couldn't make it work. I think other Forum Members could wear them together with panache. They know how to do it and are comfortable mixing textures/patterns. I am not there yet.

Anonymous

Day 6: Cooking and catching up on housework.

What I am wearing today is built around my "sleep" capsule. The pants and tee shirt are not counted in my 30 items because they are not clothing I would ever choose to wear outside of the house (even to get the mail). I am hoping for a very lazy day. If I get anything done, so much the better. If not, that is fine with me too. I did cover my sleep capsule items with the Gap cotton cashmere cardigan.

Katerina

Veteran

Sterling, that sounds like a great day to me! I am basically on the same note. Will have to go out shopping groceries and picking up some packages from the post office later today, I will see if I manage a “proper” challenge outfit today.

Windchime

Veteran

Sterling, your Lesson One from the challenge is also mine--get rid of what doesn't work for you. Should be easy, but for many reasons, it's not.

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