HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
First, a quick recap and thoughts on the Project.
I have completed one season of Project 333 and intend to continue for the forseeable future. This method agrees with me. I am happier as a result of it.
Experiences of Season 1:
- I found the occasional boredom creeping in, with my lack of variety. Then I remembered that there is more to life than clothes, and the benefits far outweigh a little boredom.
- I did add a couple of items along the way, bending the rules a bit, without rotating something else out. I will definitely rotate in/out this time, if it happens again.
- I didn't include jewellery, and found that I haven't worn it at all, so I'm not including it this time.
- I got excited about designing the new season, early December. Never has the idea of 'shopping' from my wardrobe been so appealing.
- I stick by my decision to not include belts, because for me, they are part of the trousers. They never come off, or get changed. Therefore I don't class them as accessories.
Lessons from Season 1:
- It is easier to choose what I'm wearing, because it all goes together. I'm not overwhelmed with too many choices.
- I have found a style that I'm happy with, and all my clothing choices reflect this. I'm not trying to follow fashion or keep up with 4-week long trends that change constantly. I also don't care what others think about my clothes.
- I am happy living with 33 items, and feel good because I only wear things that I'm comfortable in.
I got to work building Season 2, from my pile of staple clothing items. I almost found it hard to fill 33 slots on my sheet. I had a feeling I could live with even less if it came to it.
Again, like Season 1, I've made a collage of all my clothing, and some potential outfit combinations.
I reduced the number of shoes in my collection, because I just don't wear that many. I have work shoes that I keep at work, so they go in a similar category as work-out clothing. Same with the boots I cycle to work in. They don't get used for any other purpose.
Here is a list of the items, from top left on the collage. The ones with asterisks * are new for Season 2.
1. Purple Berghaus waterproof jacket
2. Black warm coat
3. Pink lacy scarf
4. Blue cowl
5. Black wool shawl
6. Pure wool headband
7. Handbag
8. Black wool gloves* (the other ones got a hole in them)
9. Blue suede trainers
10. Brown leather boots
11. Long grey cowl jumper
12. Light grey button jumper
13. Thick black knit cardigan*
14. Purple "tracksuit" top*. I decided I wanted something super casual this season.
15. Taupe knit top*
16. Blue floral dress top
17. Magenta long sleeve top*
18. Bright pink cardigan*
19. Black cardigan
20. Navy long sleeve top
21. GAP fuschia 3/4 sleeve top
22. Oatmeal long sleeve top
23. Black flowy t-shirt*
24. Dark blue t-shirt*
25. Black strappy top*
26. Cream/pink knit-tank*
27. Black work trousers
28. Black work trousers
29. Bootcut jeans
30. Skinny jeans
31. Grey tank* (not pictured)
32-33. 2 pairs Black leggings (not pictured)
Again, like last time, here are some possible outfits from the above items:
You'll notice that the bottom half of the grid stays much the same. I don't really mind having only two or three pairs of shoes, or limited options for trousers. I find it easier to mix and match outfits if I have variety for the top half, and with these items, I could create lots of different looks.
Columns 1-2: typical work outfits
Columns 3-4: weekend/socialising outfits
Column 5: my super casual, comfy outfit.
I managed to purge a few items from my maybe box, and I also realised that I have a lot of different colours stored away, most of which don't go together, or don't go with many things.
*Confession* I went out at the weekend and bought a replacement pair of black leather flats, while they were on sale. I doubt my current ones (pictured above) will last another year (I've already had them for 4 years!) Here are my new shiny black flats:
This is the last purchase for at least 6 months. They were relatively expensive, but are great value if they last the same time as the others. I will only buy quality items from now on, that are likely to last.
I'm excited for what 2013 has in store, and it has got off to a great start already.
P333'ers: what is your experience of building Season 2?
Others: would you consider this Project?
