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Project 333 Week Eleven Update

With Week Eleven behind me, I’m now down to my final two weeks of Project 333.  In some ways, the time has gone by very quickly, yet it also seems like a long time ago that I was putting together my wardrobe capsule in late March.  I’ve experienced a number of wins and challenges in my eleven weeks of Project 333 and have learned a great deal about myself, my wardrobe, my shopping habits, and my personal style.  I will write a lot more about this in early July, as the growth and learning is still sinking in!

In today’s post, I share my Week Eleven outfit photos and a few insights, and leave you with some useful links to articles from other bloggers on their Project 333 journeys.  I also encapsulate a few of my thoughts on what’s next for me after Project 333 concludes.  I’m still formulating my plan at this point, so I’m open to your suggestions!

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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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The Real Investment Pieces You Should Own

The following is a guest post from one of my blogger friends, Robert Wall of Untitled Minimalism.  Robert is a reformed packrat who writes witty and thought-provoking articles on the topics of consumerism, minimalism, simplicity, and frugality.  He also hosts a regular podcast dedicated to the practical aspects of living a deliberate life. I love his posts and I hope you will, too!

If you have an idea for a guest post on “Recovering Shopaholic,” please connect with me to share your thoughts.

Let me start by saying I’m not a believer in the idea of “investment pieces,” at least not in the conventional sense. I’ve read bloggers who talk about buying handbags, shoes, and other fancy stuff as if it was going to last them the rest of their lives:  “Invest in that designer piece you’ve had your eye on, but make sure it’s something you know you’ll love forever.”

Forever? Seriously?

Buying Investment Pieces

Will you really love that designer piece forever?

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Project 333 Week Ten Update

It’s Monday, so it must be time for another one of my weekly Project 333 updates.  If you’re new to the blog and would like to read my previous Project 333 posts, click here.  If you are interested in started Project 333 yourself, this page provides an overview and general rules of the challenge.  If you’d like more information and help with delving into the Project 333 challenge, I highly recommend the “Dress with Less” microcourse.

Before I delve into my update, I’d like to thank everyone who commented on my posts last week, especially my Friday “Boring Wardrobe – or Boring Life?” post.  It means a lot to me to have the support of my readers!  I enjoy reading your comments and value all of your input and insights.  While I may not choose to implement everything suggested (at least not right away), I appreciate your taking the time to reach out to me to share your experiences and feedback.

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Boring Wardrobe – or Boring Life?

Pondering life boredom issues

Is it really your wardrobe you’re bored with?

In recent weeks, I’ve been complaining about my boredom with my Project 333 wardrobe capsule.  I haven’t been excited to wear the same 33 garments over and over again and have found myself yearning for the wide selection I had with my pre-challenge closet.  I reasoned that if I could just have more clothes to choose from, I might feel excited about my wardrobe again.

My Wardrobe is Not the Problem

Although a wider selection of garments might quell my wardrobe ennui for a short period of time, I suspect that the boredom would come back with a vengeance before too long.  Then I would reason that more shopping would be necessary to inject new life and versatility into my closet.  I would then go shopping, buy new things, and feel excited and happy for a while, only to see the boredom creep back in a few weeks later.

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