Personal Style

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Recommended Resource: “Svelte in Style”

Today’s post introduces a new category for “Recovering Shopaholic.”  Periodically, I will recommend a resource (or several) that I believe will be beneficial for my readers.  This resource may be a product, book, course, website, or even another blog I enjoy.  I’m open to suggestions for resources to review and recommend, so if you know of something that may benefit my audience, please feel free to contact me to let me know about it.

An E-Book from Two Women I Admire

Today’s resource is an e-book that was recently released by two women whom I really admire.  They asked me to review their book on my blog, and although I haven’t done this type of post before, I agreed because I knew that anything they produced would be stellar.

I’ve mentioned Jill Chivers of “Shop Your Wardrobe” on the blog before and her excellent programs are listed on my “Resources” page.  She recently partnered with Imogen Lamport of “Inside Out Style” (one of my favorite style blogs!) to write a book geared toward helping women who are on a weight loss journey.  Their e-book is titled “Svelte in Style:  How to Look and Feel Great While Losing Weight.”

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Stay True to Yourself

Growing up, I was always insecure about my appearance.  I wanted to fit in, but never really felt I did, especially during the difficult high school years.  Back to school shopping was a stressful ordeal, as my family didn’t have a large budget for school clothes and I wasn’t sure what to buy.  I liked clothes, but I definitely did not have an innate sense of style.  I also struggled with weight issues and carried excess weight on my frame throughout much of my adolescence.   My height only made things more difficult, as I always stood out even when I wanted to blend in.

“Quirky and Fun” Style Statement

Over the years, I cultivated a “quirky and fun” style statement.  Since I didn’t know how to dress stylishly in the conventional sense, I basically decided to opt out and form my own style.  The body image issues I struggled with regardless of the number on the scale led me to dress in baggy bohemian style clothing.  I draped my figure in fun colors and prints and wore loads of unique jewelry.  And so it went for many years.

Quirky and fun style statement

Some of my “quirky and fun” outfits – Early 2000’s

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My Top 8 Lessons from Project 333

This post is part two of my “debrief” on my Project 333 experience.  On Monday, I shared all of my Project 333 numbers, including how often I wore the various pieces of my wardrobe capsule, how many shoes and accessories I wore (I didn’t include these items in my 33), and my favorite outfits worn during the challenge.  Today I’m highlighting the top lessons I learned from my minimalist fashion experience.

Project 333 Minimalist Wardrobe

This was my April through June wardrobe – just 33 garments!

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The Ups and Downs of “Uniform Dressing”

Some people have to wear prescribed uniforms for school or work.  I remember my mom in her white nurse’s uniform during my growing up years.  She enjoyed the ease of getting ready for work and the fact that she didn’t have to put much thought into what she wore.  Conversely, a lot of kids who attend private schools lament the fact that they must wear a uniform, as they are unable to express their individuality through what they wear.

A Different Kind of “Uniform”

This post is about a different kind of “uniform.”  Many people come up with a formula for getting dressed that works for them, and they use this formula when creating their daily ensembles.  A famous example of this is Joan Rivers, comedienne and co-host of the show “Fashion Police.”  Not long after I started watching “Fashion Police,” I noticed that all of Joan’s outfits are comprised of the following:

  • Black top
  • Black pants (occasionally, she’ll substitute a black dress for the top and pants)
  • Colorful or flashy blazer
  • Statement jewelry (necklace, earrings, bracelets, rings)
  • Pumps or other closed-toe shoes (often colorful as well)

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March 2013 Accountability

With all of my excitement and activity around Project 333, I almost forgot about my March accountability post!  I definitely want to keep up the monthly accountability posts, as they help me to stay responsible with my budget and shopping rules.  Knowing I’ll have to report to the “world” how I’m doing with my shopping keeps me honest!

Wardrobe Additions

I did add a few new items to my wardrobe during March, but these were far offset by the large number of pieces which were removed from my closet.  Because I returned several items in March, I allowed myself to purchase two items of clothing and two accessories instead of the mandated one of each (this is in line with my 2013 rules).

My first garment purchase was an orange anorak from Eddie Bauer that I’d been thinking about since my February visit to their store.  I am pleased with this buy, as the majority of my casual jackets are heavier in weight and I wanted some more lightweight pieces for warmer days.

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