Hi all, I did a bit of tracking for January, for fun and interest. Although we're not quite to the end of the month, it so nicely dovetails with the Essentials conversation, that I thought I'd share.

Distinct Pieces Worn (total of 37):

• 16 different tops
• 6 different bottoms
• 9 different accessories (not counting everyday watch, bracelet and wedding ring)
• 4 different pairs of shoes/boots
• 2 different jackets (outerwear)

Stars, By Category:

• For tops, my black sweaters were by far the most worn and loved this month. I think it's because they feel so neat & tidy against the 'messiness' of winter dressing (bulky layers, slushy boots, etc.), but they provide a bit of contrast against my dark blue outerwear and jeans (vs. my navy tops). I did enjoy a few colorful tops in the earlier, milder part of the month where I could wear lighter outwear layers and didn't feel the need to counteract the 'messiness factor'.
• For jeans, my J. Brand skinnies won the day. They're the softest and comfiest jeans I own, and it was that kind of month. I was happy to see that I did wear my straight crops several times when weather permitted, for a fun change. Even pulled out olive skinnies one day.
• For accessories, my Swarovski crystal studs were the most worn. Easy and classic. Don't get stuck in hats and scarves. I enjoyed my necklaces and hoop earrings as subtle statements on some days.
• For shoes, my Blondos were my happiest happiness factor. These shoes. How I love them. They look great and are up for tackling all but the sloppiest, coldest, outdooriest days. My Hunters were great on sloppy days, and my Couche winter boots were a last resort.
• For outerwear, my ink Columbia puffer won. But only because it was really cold!

So, to summarize - I heavily relied on my essentials all month - and they worked great for me in the less-then-ideal fashion season that is deep winter. It made today's exercise pretty easy!

Purchases:

• Camis (4) - wardrobe basic that needed replacing
• Hunter down boots socks - wardrobe basic (gear)
• Urban Outfitters belt - wardrobe essential and this month's treat

Other notes I made:

• I use colour as a statement - even when the piece itself is super-simple and similar to my essentials. This explains why I kept editing it out (because I would hyper-focus on 'wears' (and I don't wear statements often), then add it back in (because every wardrobe needs at least a couple of statements to pull out, right?).
• I use delicate jewellery as a statement also (or a finishing piece, perhaps) - so my statement jewellery is going to be a lot less bold and statement-y than others.
• Cardigans are lounge-wear for me. I wore my oversized cardigan more than I thought I would, and never touched my more polished one. I'm like Mr. Rogers - I put it on at home and take it off to go out!

That's it! (and that's plenty). I doubt February will be much different but will continue to casually track, as it was fun and instructive.

Photos - milder weather in the first five; basically wore 6 the rest of the month
xx