Project 333: Round 2

December 10, 2014

I'm entering "Round 2" of Project 333, my second three-month period of wearing 33 items only. It has been a great experiment for me, and I am hooked. If you're not familiar with Project 333, just google it; there's tons of info out there, or check out some of my previous posts, like the one here.

I am switching out a few things, including my skirts. They will go into my warmer weather closet. It's just too cold here in Michigan; I'd rather "spend" my quota on more pants right now. I only had two pair of pants and two skirts for the fall; not enough bottom pieces. I will have six, maybe seven, pair of pants/trousers/jeans this round.

I also got rid of a couple things, including a cobalt blue skirt that just didn't fit in with my color palette of navy, gray, lavender, pink, and white. Yes, I'm staying with that color palette (with one exception, keep reading); I love it.

I still have dresses to wear for dinner out or church. I'll wear the two sleeveless ones with a cardigan or jacket, tights, and booties.


Love the collar on this gray dress . . .


This is a dress I had made. I know, exciting. I will share about this in an upcoming post.

And I bought a few new things.

 I have been keeping a list of items I'd like to add to my wardrobe, and doing a lot of online window shopping over the past few months.

I hit the jackpot on cyber Monday.

My favorite find? Wide-legged, high-waisted trousers. Why, oh why, have I not discovered these before? They are perfect for my body type. If you have a small waist and curvy hips, do yourself a favor, and get some of these.


from the book The Lucky Guide to Mastering Any Style by Kim France and Andrea Linett (no, I didn't get white)

In a world of skinny jeans, these are a breath of fresh air. No worries about the dreaded plumber's butt (shudder). No muffin top. No looking like a drumstick! Just a smooth, beautiful line, and oh so comfortable.

I will wear these with footless pantyhose (for warmth, smoothness, and no visible panty line) and a pair of stacked, chunky heels. In the summer, they will look great with a wedge sandal.

another great 50% off cyber Monday find from Talbots

On top, I'll wear a silk, tie-neck blouse maybe with a short cardigan (very retro chic) or a slim bateau neck tee.

Speaking of silk blouses, I found a beautiful soft pink one on sale at Ann Taylor. I thought I had a pink silk blouse, but it really wasn't pink; it was a peach color that looked terrible on me. I found it for three dollars at a consignment store, and snapped it up when I saw it was silk. It has been hanging in my closet for about three years; I've only worn it twice.

peach on left, replaced by pink on right

Now I can replace it with one I will wear all the time.

Another beautiful silk blouse on sale from J. Peterman. A lovely lavender shade, but it is way too long; it hits at the widest part of my hips. It will be easy to take off about five inches from the bottom, so it can be tucked in my high-waisted trousers or worn loose over a pair of jeans.


I cropped the photo to envision this shorter

I will probably do this alteration myself. But I have found a great tailor in our small downtown that I take more complicated things to. I learned a few years ago what a difference tailoring makes. Ten or 20 dollars spent having something altered can make the difference between leaving something sitting in the back of your closet or reaching for it several times a week.

I have pockets removed from my trousers and the sides stitched up. Gaping pockets right at my widest part is not the best look, and if I can't find pocket-less pants, I do this. Right now I am having a pair of Target dress pants hemmed and the pockets removed. Spend money to alter a 27.99 pair of trousers? Yes! They'll go from so-so to perfect.

I love to go in my closet now and see all these beautiful colors together!

that new pink blouse looks peach in this picture, but it's not!

I have to admit that there is one little snag in this perfect wardrobe. One pair of the (two) wide-legged trousers I got is brown. Mostly because the only two colors offered that I liked were indigo and brown. Now that I know how much I like this style, I can be on the lookout for them in navy and charcoal for next year.

But the brown will go with some extra brown pieces I have hanging around. I have a couple brown cardigans, two pair of brown boots, a brown coat, etc. So the browns will have a little corner of my closet. Hopefully, the nicely curated part of my wardrobe won't laugh at them or make them feel like outsiders.

I will let the browns eventually die out through attrition, but in the meantime, I will enjoy some "brown" days. I do think my lavender and pink tops will go nicely with the brown high-waisted trousers and cardigans.

Remember: when you have a nicely curated, minimalist closet, you can get dressed quickly and fuhgettaboutit. You'll have more time to attend to the people and things that you love. It's a win/win idea.

Next time I'll list all 33 items, so you can get an idea of how I'm doing this for winter, and tell you about my bespoke dress.

27 comments

  1. This is so intelligently thought out, and the results are absolutely lovely. Your taste is exquisite!
    hugs,
    Janice

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    1. Thanks Janice. That is quite a compliment, coming from you!

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  2. You are such an inspiration! I love your colour palette. I think this whole idea really is a win/win situation!

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  3. Its such a great idea, I have a good sort out and took things to the charity shop but as yet have not narrowed it down enough. You have some beautiful clothes.

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  4. I like how you have edited your wardrobe and replaced what is not working...your silk blouse is a real bargain and won't it look fabulous with pearls?

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  5. I am finding this quite interesting, Deborah. You have done well with your new finds. I like the slacks as I too have a small waist and larger hips. Saddle bags as my grandmother Maxie would call them. I was blessed to inherit those from her. :)
    Your color choices are beautiful.
    Keep up the good work!

    Blessings to you, Debbie

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  6. Enjoyed hearing and seeing more on your 333 project. The collar on that dress is lovely, and it's so neat that you made it yourself! I also really like the shoes from Talbots!

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  7. Dearest Deborah,
    Sounds like you got the hang of getting what you like and what looks good on YOU! Yes, alterations, if needed, are a very wise investment!
    Enjoy the coming season.
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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  8. Dearest Deborah,
    Sounds like you got the hang of getting what you like and what looks good on YOU! Yes, alterations, if needed, are a very wise investment!
    Enjoy the coming season.
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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  9. Your style is just so beautiful and romantic, Deborah! The collar on the grey dress is quite beautiful and I am amazed that you made it! It looks like it came from Ann Taylor or White House Black Market - it's very pretty, my friend. I can't wait to see your post about it. And those shoes are simply fabulous!

    Hugs to you!

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    1. Oh no, I didn't make it; I had it made for me. Would love to be able to hone my dressmaking skills and do this.

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  10. I have been meaning to tell you that I have started choosing greys and pinks, mostly slacks and tops for wearing to doctor visits. Amazing how much simpler it makes getting dressed. I bought a sleeveless black dress with a couple of choices of sweaters or jackets too. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  11. Wow! You're doing so great and looks like you've learned a lot too. I love the pretty colors in your closet and the lavender blouse is a nice addition. I sure need to work on my wardrobe. What a mess it is....and a lot of times, I can't figure out anything to wear! lol I need to put together some outfits and clean out...again! You always inspire me! Hugs!

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  12. Hi Deborah, I love the gray dress and the lavender blouse! Stylish! Inspired by you, I have been cleaning out my closet. My cleaning is major, but I'm not counting items. I'm just choosing to donate items I don't wear. Next step is to purchase some new items. That'll wait until after Christmas. :) I like your color palette - that is, how you've chosen it. Black would be the basis of my wardrobe and I love royal blue and red. Not quite sure how that'd work; red, black and white would be awesome, plus pink...not sure how blue would fit in. We'll see. You mentioned footless pantyhose. I've not heard of that. With those, are you barefoot in your shoes? That, to me, doesn't sound comfortable. One last thing, regarding tailoring. When I was a teen I showed horses and I had a lady who made all my jackets for me. She did a great job. And it was cost-effective. Well, I should get off the couch. I have a busy day ahead, planning for two Christmas parties. :)

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    1. If the weather is warmer, I do go barefoot in my shoes. But here, from Nov to May I have to wear some kind of trouser sock. I find this combination more comfortable than tights under trousers (too bulky) or pantyhose (too prone to run).
      You should check out The Vivienne Files blog -- she has great inspiration boards for all different color combinations, including those you mentioned.

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  13. Hi Deborah, love the color choices you have made here. So soft and flattering. Gray goes with everything too. Love your lighter pink blouse and the lavender is gorgeous. Looks like you have got it down perfectly and it is working out great. Oh and I love your shoes too You are always an inspiration and spread great lessons we can all learn from.
    Have a great weekend.
    Hugs and Blessings

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  14. This is such a great idea. Editing one's wardrobe! I love it, and your selections are lovely.

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  15. The wide legged high waist slacks sound comfy Deborah and the new shoes are a great addition to your wardrobe.

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  16. I like the idea of those wide legged trousers, Deborah, as I have the same problem. Your color choices are wonderful and I so admire what you're doing. You're an inspiration for sure!

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  17. Pretty colors and choices, and any project that simplifies, minimizes, and creates opportunities to give is a good one to me. Sounds like a winner, Deborah.
    xoxo

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  18. I love that dress and it's collar. Makes me want to go watch an old classic movie or something...it reminds me of those times. Gorgeous.

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  19. Hi Deborah,

    You are such an inspiration with this lovely and creative project of apparel! I love your new silky lavender blouse just the way it is, but I can imagine it cropped and looking a little fancier. Your wardrobe is one of beautiful complementary colours and the fact that it is an exciting exercise in minimalism, makes every piece très chic!

    Happy weekend!

    Poppy

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  20. Such an inspiring project--thought provoking in so many ways. I was recently "forced" to deal with my clothes hoarding problem when my side of our walk-in (clothes rack and shelving) pulled away from the wall. What a mess. I had to empty it all into our guest room closet (not nearly big enough) and thus had to make some hard choices. I actually "found" some clothing I'd forgotten I even owned! Always love your posts :)

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  21. This is such a great idea, and I love the choices you've made!
    Mary Alice

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  22. Beautiful, beautiful. I love seeing the way you've brought your colours together and how you've described the way you've thought it all out. It's a lovely way to show a how-to post for those of us needing some eye-candy with our cleaning out the closet projects.

    You must feel wonderful with your gorgeous new wardrobe. As you say, now you can fuugettaboutit and enjoy life even more.

    Hugs,
    Brenda
    xox

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  23. I love reading about this project, and enjoy how orderly you are with your clothes. You put so much thought into it! Your selections are lovely.

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