Sal's July Challenge - YouLookFab Forum

If you have not seen Sal's July Challenge, you might be missing something. https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....nge-for-me

When I first read her post, I thought it was interesting. Her words stayed with me throughout the day. I especially focused on her decision to purposely accessorize each day. This brought me to my bags.

I adore my bags and this challenge is NOT about getting rid of any of them.

For me, Sal's challenge is to rotate my bag daily to coordinate with the outfit I am wearing. I want to (1) develop a really easy method to change bags without any effort, and (2) think about which bag coordinates best with each outfit in the same way I do with earrings/necklace. I want to develop complete ensembles that thoughtfully consider bags, shoes, jewelry.

For me to be successful, the very first thing I have to do is transition my bag collection from my bedroom closets (where the bags are stuffed with packing material) to the downstairs coat closet (where I can see every single one of them and they are instantly available to me). I'll move the totes and the satchels today. The stuffing will be removed and stored in the attic.

I will decide on a bag based on what I am wearing that day as I leave the house.

I select bags based on function and color. It will be interesting to see what bags get used the most. Totes? Is that just habit? Is it possible I could use multiple different bags in a single day? I am not at work every single minute of the day. I run errands. I see friends for dinner.

Of course, I will identify deficiencies. One concern is that I won't have the right colors for summer. Everything I own is so dark. My solution is not to rush out and buy anything during the challenge. Instead I will gleefully search the internet and collect the items (bags, shoes, jewelry) that fill the gaps I am identifying. Since I am not buying and I am only collecting, there are no constraints. I can be as wishful or as whimsically as I like.

Over the course of 30 or 60 days, themes will develop. Those themes should coalesce around color, shape, size, and functionality. I might find that totes really are all I use at this stage of my life ... but that my totes are all really dark (fuchsia, ruby red, navy). I might find that a powder blue or blush bag would be a perfect addition for me. I am pretty certain I am done with black though. I don't see me reaching for black at all in the coming days.

At the end of Summer I should know exactly what I needed (past tense) for 2019. I realize this seems like an exercise in futility to some because it will be Fall when I complete my Summer challenge. But it will be fun for me. I am certain I will learn a lot about myself during these next 60 days. I will expand beyond bags. I will be thinking about shoes and jewelry as well.

This is a huge fashion leap forward for me. I rarely, if ever, thought about accessories as itty bitty capsules. Sal's challenge has moved me in the direction. THANK YOU.

6 years ago

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

That sounds great. I fully support looking back at what you could've used. Have fun nonshopping!

Barbara Diane

A fun and useful variant of Sal’s challenge. I too rarely change bags. And my summer bag is awaiting washing so I haven’t worn it yet this summer. I have a lot of old smaller bags I don’t use and don’t want to get rid of. I really should join you.
Contemplating.
First step, wash the bag. I’ll commit to washing it, and wearing it if it comes clean.

Sal

Fantastic Sterling!! I look forward to seeing how you get along. I am also not about editing out for this challenge unless there becomes a need to.

I have three "day" bags that I rotate among with one being more of a weekend option. It will be interesting to see which of your bags integrates the easiest with your wardrobe and which one you find gets a bit neglected.

Anonymous

Sterling, thank you for bringing Sal’s challenge to my attention. I will join but concentrate on summer bottoms and toppers, will add accessories as I do that anyway, and will not do a July shopping break but will try to stick to my yearly goal of 36 pieces that are not replacements, and, in general, try to reduce the size of my wardrobe. I already have a pile of empty hangers.
Sterling, to lighten up your dark outfits for summer, you just need to add light neutral or colored accessories to a dark outfit. Light blue, whites, or blush/pinks work well with black or navy. Today with a black EF jacket and skirt I wore black and white blouse, flats and bag.
Your thoughts about bags will be interesting. I try to make bag/ footwear mini capsules sometimes adding a belt or scarf. I will try in July to use small bags more as I reach for totes most. Small bags usually no longer fit everything I need but I have thought of using more than one bag at a time for some excursions.

Style Fan

Sterling, this is a great idea. Your love of bags fascinates me. I can't wait to see what ones you find. I will have to go back and re-read Sal's post to see if there is a way I can join the challenge.

Brooklyn

Sounds like fun. I change bags daily. I keep my purse/wallet, keys and phone in a little repository near the front door. That makes it easy just to grab them and put them in my bag as I leave.

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