I don’t think I wrote about my summer Project 333 endeavors at all, so let me create a recap. I decided at the end of the spring P333 that I was going to shift the time frame for the summer to encompass mid-May through August: my non-teaching months. Here is what I included.
Clothes
1. Gray a-line skirt
2. Blue a-line skirt
3. Black dress
4. Denim skirt (I only wore this a few times; don’t love the fit, so I’ll donate it)
5-8. Black tank tops
9. Gray tank top
10. Black cap-sleeved top
11. White striped sweater
12. Blue sweater
13. Bone cardigan
14. Casual jeans
15. Green pants
Accessories
16. Sunglasses
17. Moop Paperback bag
18. Beige silk wrap
19. Jewelry (if I counted the jewelry I wore separately, it would include my friendship bracelets, silver bracelets, four necklaces, a watch, and two rings…but I decided after the first round that jewelry counts as one item for me)
Shoes
20. Fluevog wedges
21. Flip flops
22. Ballet flats
Ahh, the living really is easy in the summer! I pulled out a few items that I thought I would want to wear, but none of them saw real rotation in my closet, so I will pack them away or donate them. I did also wear black slacks and shoes not on the list when I attended a wake. Overall, though, the laid back nature of my summer made it easy to really pare down my closet.
What did I learn?
- Good flip flops are worth the price. I’ve worn through more Old Navy flip flops than I can count. This summer, I splurged on a pair of Havaianas, and they feel SO good on my feet.
- Skirts are far more comfortable than shorts. I’ve only worn shorts when biking or hiking this summer, and I haven’t missed them one bit.
- Skirts are flexible. I’ve worn the gray a-line skirt most often, and I’ve worn it while sitting on the deck reading, meeting friends for lunch, and enjoying dinner out with Neal.
- Accessories make dressing fun. I enjoy changing the look of an outfit by adding a scarf or wearing a stack of bracelets. I don’t need a lot of accessories, yet I don’t feel restricted by a limited wardrobe when I have my favorite accessories on hand.
- I need less than I imagine. Far less. But I learned that during the first round of P333, didn’t I?
My favorite pants have been a pair of zip off hiking pants. The are so comfortable and easy to wear anywhere. Colorful t-shirts, the pants and a shawl. I’m ready to wear a few hand knit sweaters and the weather is turning that direction.
Two ripstop fabric skirts from Eddie Bauer. And I’m with you…the shorts are so second choice now!
This summer i have gotten the most mileage out of a few things:
For work, a j.crew white tiered skirt. this was one of the 5 new items i bought post-baby at the outlets, and it paid for itself in 2 weeks! i paired it with tank tops on the weekends and on vacation, and during the work week i added solid color polos and v neck tees. plus, i love summer white!
For the weekends and as soon as i got home from the office- a pair of A&F jean bermuda cutoffs. add a tee shirt, polo, tank top, and this was my off hours uniform!
I totally agree with you about skirts being more comfortable than shorts! I’ve reached for skirts and dresses often this summer, and I stay much cooler in our 90+ degree weather. Even though I’m not a big fan of shorts, I did just turn an old favorite pair of jeans into some knee-length jean shorts and I’m really enjoying those. Can’t wait to read more about your future fashion challenge!
I’ve also got summer off, and I found Project 333 much easier in these months. And yes, skirts are my best friend–so much more comfortable than shorts. I did wear shorts a lot when moving, but other than that, not really at all. My favorite was a short skirt in a lightweight cotton from Ann Taylor Loft, in a soft brown color. The hem fell out, but it’s so versatile–and it’s going to make the cut for my fall wardrobe because it will be just as good for work as it was for play.
Loving skirts, too, this summer. with plain black or white t-shirts and a lace shawl (for the air conditioning!)
Have to agree with you on flip flops……bought a pair on ll bean, they just broke…..good returns policy
I got a hundred percent cash refund
Which Fluevog wedges do you have?
I really should post about my summer Project 333 as well.
I’m just gearing up for this. Cleared my wardrobe out yesterday and there is hardly anything left!
I do agree about skirts. We went to Moscow for our honeymoon (in a January) and I was FAR warmer in a skirt than in jeans, so it’s true even at -20C.