30×30: prelude

Have you ever looked into the depths of your closet and felt like you have nothing to wear? As though you continually pull out the same half-dozen pieces over and over and wear them in predictable combinations? I have definitely felt in a bit of a style rut lately with my own wardrobe. Despite having quite a few vintage and self-made pieces that are truly pretty and fun to wear, I often feel like I have been pulling out the same pieces over and over and not mixing them in inspiring ways. So that is where Kendi’s 30 for 30 challenge comes in! It’s no new phenomena–she’s done four of these thirty day, thirty garment challenges (and so have plenty of other stylish people!). But I just discovered this shortly after the first of the year, and have been fascinated by the idea.

Why am I doing this? Perhaps it’s a creative exercise in less is more. Or maybe I want to prove to myself that if I had to downsize and pack away the majority of my closet, I could still put together pretty outfits with very little. Still quite possible is that I have spent far too many late nights looking at all the 30 for 30 participants and thinking “darn… this looks fun!”.

I want to learn how to mix things with more ease and look past obvious combinations and try and pick up on some less-conventional ones. Utilizing my accessories stash is another big reason for taking part in this; all those scarves, hats and belts I’ve thrifted over the years lying forgotten? Well, time to pull those out to add some zing to an ensemble. It’s taken me about a week to figure out what to include, whittle down my list of garments and refine the combinations a bit. (Yes, I’m being an obsessive control freak and have plotted out 30 outfits in a spreadsheet already. Just in case I get stuck in a rut halfway through!)

Looking at the pile of clothes that are to become my wardrobe next month makes me realize I have a definitely color scheme going on. While I’m visually attracted to bright colors, I find myself more often buying things in medium shades of blue and pink, with a good dose of black and white. At least for the summertime; my winter wardrobe seems to have a few more bright options. But I think that is something telling about my closet: I prefer soft, classic combinations of color. Things that evoke the idea of fuzzy old photographs and faded fabrics. Romantic. Vintage. Feminine. That sums up my essential aesthetic in a nutshell!

Kendi has included a list of rules for her 30 for 30 challenge; of which I think are excellent. But, I have decided to modify this a bit (of course). Firstly, I am allowing myself 3-4 thrift/estate sale jaunts in the next month, though the focus will be on thoughtful purchases. Things that will work in my wardrobe and I need (like some of the worn-out basics I am in dire need of replacing). I can’t wear any clothes I find until after the 30 for 30 challenge though. I also plan on sewing garments during this time (you didn’t think I could go a month without sewing, did you?!), but again they can’t be worn as an all-day outfit until after the challenge.

So now that April is almost here, I’m gearing up to get started on this project! Though I won’t be starting until Monday, April 4 because I’m a bit nutty about starting things at the beginning of the week. Which means that I won’t be done with this challenge until around my birthday! (Kind of a neat way to kick off 26, huh?) I also don’t plan on doing daily outfit posts, although I will be documenting each outfit photographically. I’m going to do little compilation posts of looks from the previous 3-4 days; just so things don’t become a bit too overrun with outfit posts around here!

Have you ever tried an outfit challenge like this? Got any tips? Or perhaps you might join me in this challenge for the month of April? The more, the merrier I always say!

March 31, 2011 · 53 lovely thoughts
posted in outfits + wardrobe · tags: 2011 wardrobe, 30/30 spring, outfits