Post Your Personal Style Challenge (Week 10)

El Cee

Hi Again -- Welcome to Week Ten! Wishing a very Happy Thanksgiving to our US forum members.

As promised, I will be continuing our thread through the first week in December. Next Wednesday (November 30) I will post our regular thread. At that time we can determine if the group wants to continue through the December holidays or to take a break until some time in the New Year -- perhaps starting a new challenge in February when we might all be bored to tears with our closets.

For those new to this challenge thread: The "Post Your Personal Style Challenge" thread was an idea originally proposed by forum member Carter in her post: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....slide-long

Continuing with our weekly thread, here is your spot to post your own ongoing or brand new challenge(s) as well as to give updates and reports. Feel free to jump in at any time, even if you missed the last several postings. Your personal style challenge could be one that extends through the whole season or something that is of a more limited time frame (a month or even just a week or two to get you through the seasonal transition). Pictures of items from your challenge and "What I Wore" photos are, of course, most welcome but not required. Please also feel free to refer directly to your own separate challenge postings. Feel free to pop in and out as the mood strikes you and as time and energy allow.

For ideas of what other forum members are doing in terms of challenges check out Carter's initial thread (above) as well as our first nine weekly threads--

8 years ago

General

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El Cee

Veteran

So -- We finally got our colder weather here in New England and I can now fully embrace my Fall/Winter wardrobe. Yippee!!! I realized after pulling my seasonal stuff out of storage that I am in very good shape and will not be needing to add a whole lot to my closet this season.

My challenge last week was to play in my closet and come up with some fun FFBO silhouettes to mix things up and prevent boredom. I reread Una's fabulous thread from a couple of years ago: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....e-rotation and also looked at Tanya's postings on the subject of creating fall FFBO's and silhouettes.

After giving it careful thought, I decided the best way for me to inject variety into my weekly style will be to rotate silhouettes starting with the bottom half of my daily outfits (i.e. -- the cut and shape of my pants, jeans, skirts, etc.). I have a lot to choose from as my casual wardrobe is fairly large.

Considering just jeans and pants alone -- here are the "bottom silhouettes" I can put into play:

Full length:
1.) Wide leg jeans/pants
2.) Flared jeans
3.) Bootcut jeans/pants
4.) Straight leg jeans/pants
5.) Skinny jeans/pants

Cropped length:
1.) Culottes/Wide leg cropped jeans & pants
2.) Cropped flares
3.) Straight cuffed cropped jeans
4.) Boyfriend jeans (cuffed or rolled)
5.) Harem pants

I also have a number of pencil skirts and sweater dresses that I can style for casual wear -- so these can be my "wildcard" silhouettes. My challenge for the next few weeks will be to rotate my outfits so that I include at least 5 different "bottom silhouettes" each week. I will report back next week to let you know how I fared.

8 years ago

Alassë

Veteran

It sounds like you have an excellent selection of bottom silhouettes, El Cee!

8 years ago

Anonymous

Finally, it is cold here. But it is not consistently cold. So some days I wear my winter wardrobe. Some days I wear my summer wardrobe. It is actually quite sad.

You have a great selection of bottoms, El Cee. How satisfying is that!?

Still continuing the purchasing fast. Day 23. I wish I knew the longest I have ever gone without making a clothing/shoe/makeup/skincare purchase.

I went to the mall last weekend with the intent of shopping and possibly buying, but I could not find a parking space. I am shopping up a storm, but I have yet to purchase anything.

I would like to say this is all about will power, but the truth is I can't shop at the mall due to the Holiday crowds/parking issues; I can't shop over the internet because I don't want packages to be delivered over the Holidays; I feel so overwhelmed by the multitude of choices out there that I can't make a decision on anything; and I don't really need anything.

There are benefits too. I am trying new wardrobe combinations that I really like; I am wearing items that had previously been pushed to the side of the closet; and I saved enough money to plan a trip over the Holidays. So yet another positive reinforcement.

8 years ago

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

El Cee - I like the idea of choosing bottoms to work with as a starting point for your challenge is a great idea. I need to switch out my own bottoms more often and stop relying on the few favorites that I keep wearing/washing. I have plenty of options but for whatever reason I just always want to put on my favorite jeans and that means one of two pairs right now (I own many others).

Sterling - great job at the shopping fast! I know exactly what you mean about not wanting to order online during the holiday season.

For my own challenge - I keep trying to add to my jeans capsule and did manage to purchase one pair of Wit & Wisdom jeans on great sale recently so I guess that challenge was met. They fit well and feel soft and light enough for our warmer temps. But the weird chemical smell is really off putting to me and I'm not sure I can get rid of it easily. I've washed them in baking soda, etc. a few times already. Hopefully a few more washings will take care of it.

Anyway...I AM going to wear my dark olive skinny jeans this week because I haven't worn them even once yet and it's finally cool enough (though it's still getting up to 68-73F most days).

So I guess that's my challenge - wear some of my OTHER bottoms.

I cant' seem to get rid of this Find attached for some odd reason.

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8 years ago

approprio

(website)

Veteran

Trying to rest my favourites and dress from the bench this week. Today I'm enjoying an outfit made completely of also-rans. And I have two pairs of pants that need hemming.

El Cee: next phase of Style Lab will be a review of silhouettes, so I'll be following your progress there.

Sterling: stay strong! I'm still considering that 2017 shopping fast, but maybe I need to make a final 2016 purchase of something completely frivolous to mark the occasion.

8 years ago

Barbara Diane

Veteran

I pulled out most of my scarves but so far I'm only ready to get rid of two more scarves. I expected more, but, I did eliminate a lot previously.
Leftover challenges from last week- 1. make outfits with my velvet scarves. 2. find a place other than my desk chair for my sweaters that puts my sweaters center stage. I had that chair almost completely cleared off before I started to redo my closet! 3. Consider if I was to wear a dress to Thanksgiving, which one and how.

I'm glad you are going to continue the challenges as even my glacial progress is progress. ::)

Thanks for doing this as I know it is work.
Barbara

8 years ago

Elizabeth P

Veteran

I've been handed a potential challenge for December... would love your thoughts on this.

At work, we can pay $15 towards a charity (can't remember which) and we get to dress casually for the month. My initial reaction to this was "neah" because I have far more work clothes, that I haven't yet worn (as winter is still just teasing us, hasn't really arrived) and quite like. But it just hit me that this could be a great opportunity - to wear my casual winter clothes more than I usually do (get lots of wears out of jeans, for example, oh, and my skirted leggings), which would be a challenge in and of itself, and also an opportunity to wear my winter clothes LESS this winter, thereby possibly lessening the likelihood of getting sick of them.

One down side of course is that December is a great month to dress up a little MORE, with sparkly things. But maybe they'd be easier to wear with casual bottoms?

Whaddya think?

8 years ago

Anonymous

Hi TexStyle -- I want to comment on the jeans. I am thrilled (and jealous) that you found a pair that you like. The weird chemical smell concerns me. I am concerned that if you already washed them in baking soda a few times and you can still smell that something is off, then that smell might never go away. We should wait to see if others have more experience with this issue, but I would suggest returning them. How can you love a pair of jeans that has a smell?

Approprio -- I look forward to a silhouette review!!!! I'll watch for it!!!!!

Hi Barbara Diane -- Good work on the scarfs. I love everything about scarfs and the idea of velvet scarfs is amazing! I can't wear scarfs. They always look contrived on me. I fidget with them too much. Despite my fidgeting, this is a scarf I am somewhat enamored with.

I think wearing a dress to Thanksgiving would be wonderful. You would look superb.

Elizabeth P -- I am a big fan of charitable giving so I would certainly pay my $15. It sounds as though you have the choice of dressing casually, not that you have to dress casually. I kinda like the idea of having the option to mix it up as the mood strikes you. Have fun.

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8 years ago

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Sterling, so true, I'll probably do it anyway, just cuz, and because of the options. And if I can turn it into a challenge to myself, plus put off wearing my winter work clothes another month... bonus!

8 years ago

El Cee

Veteran

Sterling -- Congrats on getting to Day 23! The "shop your closet" thing does really have an up side in that you really do rediscover pieces that had been previously pushed aside. Continue to have fun with your outfit creation. Part of why I want to do a rotation of jeans and pants silhouettes is that I need to put more of my pieces in play. This will keep me excited about my wardrobe and less likely to want to buy something "new". I really do have plenty -- and I need to appreciate that fact.

Texstyle -- I can relate to what you said about washing and rewearing the same few pairs of jeans. I have been doing that far too often lately out of comfort and habit. My fallback is often comfy boyfriend jeans and a concert tee. (Waving at Approprio.) It is so very easy to fall into a rut. That is great about your new Wit & Wisdom purchase. I love that brand. Sorry about the chemical odor. Have you tried Borax? That helped for me last time I had this problem.

Funny about the phantom Madewell Shirt Find attachment. It is a nice shirt. Perhaps it is the Universe telling one of us that we really do need a short sleeve button down... STAT.

8 years ago

El Cee

Veteran

Approprio -- Loved your most recent Style Lab thread. It was very thought provoking and inspiring. I am also trying to incorporate "benched" items this week. Too many nice things are sitting in my closet waiting to be "loved". You get bonus points for putting together and wearing an outfit comprised only of also-rans.

Barbara Diane -- Sounds as if you are making steady progress with your challenges. Kudos! A dress for Thanksgiving sounds lovely. If I were not such a slob when I cook, I might be inclined to choose a dress.

8 years ago

El Cee

Veteran

Alassë - Thanks for your support and for popping in. I am thankful to have a nice collection of casual bottoms -- built up over several years. I want to give all of them some love, hence the rotation idea. I get lazy and fall back to wearing the same three pairs.

Elizabeth P -- I think the new "casual work wear" challenge is a fabulous idea... especially since you will simultaneously be giving to charity. It will allow you to really focus in on that area of your wardrobe and to experiment with those pieces. I think you could easily combine "sparkly" with "casual". I have been doing a lot of that lately -- especially with adding a little neck bling to my denim-based outfits. Perhaps you could also do one dress up day per week -- the reverse of "Casual Friday"?

8 years ago

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Great idea, EL Cee. The truth is, I have enough meetings throughout my days/weeks, with people from other organizations, that I cant imagine not dressing up a few days a week.

I found in "early fall", my favourite outfits were casual, so this could be fun to find the fall/winter equivalent, and actually get to wear them

8 years ago

Joy

Veteran

El Cee, thank you for keeping these posts going. This week I didn't get much accomplished but nurse a cold. The weather is all over the place. We had about 6 inches of snow, but it warmed up again and was all gone in 2 days. I did the week's laundry today and found that I'd recently worn several sleeveless tops! I did manage a sweater dress with boots for the snowy day but not a photo. It felt cozy. If it is cold enough for Thanksgiving tomorrow, I may do a repeat. I also wore a long-sleeved EF dress with long cardi and booties on Sunday, so have upped my dress wearing, which was a goal. I have more dress outfits planned if the weather cooperates. I also managed to get out warm hats and gloves.
This week I hope to try on and wear more winter things. I don't think I'll need to add anything except for some sheer grey and sheer black stockings and some warm lounge items.

8 years ago

Joy

Veteran

Sterling, your shopping fast is an inspiration for me. Several years ago I did a year shopping fast and thought I'd want to spend lots at the end. I did not.
Elizabeth, anything that stretches the closet in winter sounds like a great idea. Sparkly items with jeans in December would be a great idea and could carry over to casual holiday gatherings.
El Cee, I hear you on getting into a rut and wearing those same three bottoms. Mine are heavy Ponte knit pants when jeans are not warm enough.
Alasse, I love your style and photos although sometimes don't get back to comment.
Approprio, I am also intrigued with your style labs and they force me to ponder some of the same issues in my closet. Your data post made me consider footwear and kept me from buying another pair of boots this week. I realized that I have some I can wear for the same occasions as the ones I almost bought.

8 years ago

Joy

Veteran

Texstyle, those favorite jeans are probably favorites for a reason. Maybe explore what it is about them that makes you reach for them. I hope that the new ones lose their smell.
Barbara Diane, I have lots of scarves but no velvet ones. Please let us know how the stylings work out. Wearing them casually during the holiday season sounds like a good plan.

8 years ago

Anonymous

Joy -- Happy Thanksgiving. You did a shopping fast for an entire year!! Take note, Approprio, it is possible. But would it be possible for me? I just don't know. I love shopping. It calms and soothes me. I only implemented this purchasing fast to get my sales shopping under control. I am trying to re-educate my behavior patterns. I want to walk by the sales racks. Well, if not walk by, at least be a more measured sales shopper.

I have followed your weather with great interest. When I think Colorado, I always think snowy ski resorts. The fact that you are wearing sleeveless tops in November shocks me. I assume you are in the lower attitudes? In the drier climate?

7 years ago

El Cee

Veteran

Joy -- Sorry that you have been nursing a cold. Hope you can rest up a bit and take it easy. I know all too well what you mean about uncooperative weather. We have been all over the place as well...snow, pelting rain, sunny and 70's... but I think we have finally reached "True Fall" here (mixed in with "Pre-Winter"). I still have a few of my sleeveless tops out just in case. I love the idea of dress outfits for the holidays. If I were not cooking, that is probably what I'd select to wear. (I usually end up cooking in a tank top and loose, comfy bottoms. Too hot in the kitchen for much else.) Feel better soon... enjoy your Thanksgiving.

Sterling -- Yeah... what is it about shopping that is so calming and soothing? It does that for me as well. I need to find some other activity that relaxes me in the same way. (Perhaps walks in a bird sanctuary?) You have done so well with your purchasing fast. You should be proud. Keep up the good work... and relax and enjoy your holiday. The malls on Black Friday and the weekend will be a mob scene... and not a pleasurable time for browsing. You and I will not be missing anything other than a headache.

7 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

Sterling, shall we form a support group for SYC? This is week 8 (the end of November will be 2 months) - though I too am 'shopping without purchasing'. I will have to open my wallet for the dressy capsule purchases that need to be made before a wedding/New Years event at the end of December. I'm stalking a taffeta mermaid skirt that I let slip through my fingers, and hope to see re-stocked in time. Next week I have a half day off to brave the shops and do some try-ons. I hope to limit myself to the skirt, 2 tops (a silky blouse and a sparkly/sequined tank top), and a 'le smoking' style evening tuxedo or velvet suit.

In the interim, I am enjoying the good looking and warm olive duster (Top Shop) that I picked up earlier this year, as well as the black pea coat (Calvin Klein) that I got last year, along with an ancient wool blend scarf in autumnal colours on black, and my burgundy bag. I'm in a bit of a slump with a work uniform of grey trousers (Express) and various tops. The BR pussy bows add some interest, but otherwise I'm wearing cashmere or merino sweaters in subdued colours (olive, navy, black) and just trying to stay warm!

7 years ago

Joy

Veteran

I should tell you more about my year long shopping fast. First, I did it to be able to put the money toward helping others. Second, I love shopping and sales for all the reasons you mention. I was a volunteer for a charity that shopped all year for a "Christmas Shop" that invited the poor of the county to come "shop" for their immediate families as well as provide gifts of new items for those in nursing homes and group homes who would otherwise not get a gift. So I did plenty of shopping sales, but not for myself or with my money. The organization gave us a budget and credit card. I shopped mostly children's clothing and toys, baby through teens. The most fun was taking people through the "shop" and seeing their glowing faces. Most were working poor who held down multiple jobs. Some lived in cars. Some were new immigrants. Many had been barely making it, then got whammed my medical bills for a family member. I loved doing this sort of shopping, was very good at it, and it took care of my need to shop.

7 years ago

Anonymous

Joy -- You continue to inspire me.

RunCarla -- I would love to form a support group!! Perhaps we could do something in 2017? Having said that, YAY for shopping for Holiday/Wedding ensembles. The taffeta mermaid skirt sounds amazing. I hope you share a picture of what you eventually find.

El Cee -- Thanks for the positive re-inforcement. I won't be shopping Black Friday this year for all the reasons (and others) that you mention. I should easily get through November with my purchasing fast intact.

HOWEVER, I did discover some white tee shirts that are opaque. Opaque tee shirts are my HEWI. Should I find them in the stores in December, I intend to stock up.

Gap

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7 years ago

Joy

Veteran

Sterling, we live at a higher altitude than Denver but not actually in the mountains. The climate here is mostly dry and sunny with not much wind. The sun at this altitude can be intense, so layering is a good idea. We are seeing snowy mountains in the distance and most of our neighbors have left for cabins in the mountains with their families for Thanksgiving. We are about 30 minutes from Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, a great area to hang out. Some ski areas have opened for the season too. We are also about 40 minutes from downtown Denver so it is fairly easy to go to events there. We go into Boulder all the time.

7 years ago

Anonymous

Joy -- You are living in my dream location. I once had the opportunity to move to Fort Collins. It involved a major life change (marriage) and I got cold feet. There was too much going on in my life for me to make such a huge commitment and overall life change. I know this makes me sound a bit shallow but I swear there were all sorts of pressures (Mother's death; major illness in close family member) and I was afraid I was looking at the marriage as a possible escape. I felt marrying at that time might have been the ultimate impulse move.

7 years ago

El Cee

Veteran

Runcarla -- An SYC support group would be marvelous!!! Perhaps we could start just such a thread in mid-January. Kudos to you on going 2 months with your own SYC... so tough to do this time of year with all of the sales and temptations to go off course. The taffeta mermaid skirt sounds lovely. Keeping my fingers crossed that it will be restocked in time for your special event.

Sterling -- Yes, I think you should give yourself permission to buy some good opaque white tees. They are not only HEWI's, but they are Essentials... and they will ultimately get a lot of use. BTW -- I think you were wise (and not shallow at all) for coming to the decision you did to not uproot your life and move to Colorado. You were listening to your head (and gut). That is self-protective and very smart.

Joy -- What an uplifting story about your one-year clothing fast and its beautiful purpose. You are inspiring! You certainly do live in a gorgeous area. I, too, have always wanted to move there. My sister and her husband lived and worked in Estes Park (Stanley Hotel) for a couple of years. Such a magnificent town... complete with mountains of snow and bugling elk. My kind of place.

7 years ago

Bonnie

Veteran

I was inspired by your, El Cee, wardrobe goal of working with bottoms. I chose 5 bottoms in three styles, black crop jeans, black harem pants, black faux leather skinny jeans, dark blue skinny jeans, and medium blue skinny jeans. I paired each pant with a sneaker or boot and tried them with three tops and eight toppers and I made my first capsule!!!!! In my first attempt, I used solid black tops so this coming week I plan to try three print tops with the three solid toppers in my capsule and expand the options. I could also try the print tops with the patterned toppers for a maximal look.

I'm enjoying reading about everyone's goals and progress. I'm considering a shopping fast, too. A support group sounds like a good idea.

7 years ago

Sal

Veteran

I am enjoying these thoughtful threads too.

Joy - what a good thing you did through this shopping fast for a year. Wonderful work.

El Cee - I think you are onto something - Suz and Una did something similar last year which I think worked for them.

Sterling- well done, I suspect you are through the hardest part now. It is fun remixing pieces - I have been doing that this week.

TexStyle - I think sitting in a hot plastic bag in transit can create the smell. I hope it goes away.

Alasse - hope you are doing well

Runcarla - yes I would be in for a SYC support group. I am not planning a year off shopping, but I hope not to purchase as much in 2017 as in 2016. I feel I have added in some really good basics this year so next year I hope to do more of a 5 piece French Wardrobe, for two seasons.

Approprio - with your exciting wonderful closet, I think you could do SYC for a year. Or you could do something like only adding in replacements - for essentials. Or one new statement item per season - nothing else.

Elizabeth - you could donate the money and make up another sort of challenge - like wearing sparkle every day, or wearing your orphans? Anyhow it sounds like a chance to be more adventurous for work.

Bonnie- well done on your first capsule, I have never made one either so I look forward to hearing how you get on.

Barbara Diane - slow progress is still progress!! And didn't the tortoise beat the hare:)

Well, I ended up adding in a cream jacket instead of the cardigan I planned. I took some pics yesterday for a WIW post over the next day or two. The cardigan was nice, but the jacket was nicer - a little more dressy than I need, but since I am trying to be more "elegant" I felt it was a good choice. And I fell in love with it, always a good sign!

So I am not shopping again, probably until a mid January holiday. I have added in lots of lovely items, and now need to wear the heck out of them. December is about time with friends and family, January is about being on holiday.

I am very happy with my purchases with two exceptions of tops I bought in the dregs of winter. I mentioned I have a designer friend - and I have added some wonderful items from her designs to my wardrobe. But I sometimes am not choosy enough.

In the end I have passed two tops of her designs on to the thrift shop - one worn about four times, one worn once.

- in these cases my love of the fabric overcame the issues with the shape of the garments. One rode up constantly revealing my midriff, and one was very unflattering around my hips. I decided to pass them on in excellent condition and hope someone else benefits- they are fun lovely tops, but not right for me. When visiting her, I need to be cautious in my additions for this reason. Sometimes wildcards are the best purchases but in these cases they were not. On the positive side, one of her skirts has been one of my very best purchases this year!!

7 years ago

Style Fan

Veteran

Okay I have just posted my Travel Capsule for my month in Montreal. I have noticed many of the young women (they are all young here because we are close to McGill) are wearing straight leg jeans rolled up with combat boots. HAH! I would say they are actually mom jeans. Also, they are wearing cropped sweaters and their hair is a lob or shag. I feel right at home with my new hair do. A young woman came up to me and said she liked my hair. (In French) Also, burgundy jeans are still going strong. They were big last year. Sorry I got sidetracked. But I am thinking of silhouettes that I am going to use in my wardrobe.

I will try to post some WIWs over the next week.

7 years ago

approprio

(website)

Veteran

Bonnie, Runcarla, Sterling, KG/Sally: I'd be all up for an SYC support group. It would be a good challenge and a chance for me to put my money where my sustainable fashion mouth is, so to speak. If I make it through a year, maybe I can buy a Comme de Garcons coat at the end of it.

Joy: you are an inspiration in more ways than one. Helping others shop would be a great way to get through a year of SYC and a good friend here is in need of an intervention.

And thanks for all the encouragement on the Style Lab. After some consideration, I broke my pledge to dress from the bench for today because a couple of new additions demanded attention, but I'll be back to that over the weekend.

7 years ago

Anonymous

Sterling, KG/Sally, Bonnie, approprio, Runcarla, : I am up for the SYC challenge as well. Would like to make it till February. The thing is for me that I am having to spend quite a lot, in unpredictable instalments, in other areas of my life. So I need to save more than I normally would.

StyleFan: your observations on Montreal style are so funny (and encouraging for me): My latest 'look' are my black Fluevogs combat boots, rolled jeans, and lob! What a total fluke! I will take a look at your WIWs after I post here.

Sterling, I absolutely don't think your selfish for being cautious about marriage! As El Cee says, it's smart. The other thing is, it takes two people to make a couple, and he left.

7 years ago

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