Welcome to the final installment of the 10×10 Spring Closet Challenge! Special thanks to Lee from Style Bee for introducing me to the concept of creating 10 looks from 10 items. (Her outfits were amazing, by the way!) Scroll down to see my final looks and read my closing thoughts on this experiment.
LOOK 9 [ kimono jacket, Only Child (OS) / shirt, Everlane (M) / skirt, c/o Bridge & Burn (M) / oxfords, Nisolo (9.5)/ bag, thrifted / necklace, c/o Loop Jewelry ]
This was probably my husband’s favorite look from the series. Navy on black has long been a favorite combo of mine (see here and here), and I love the way this jacket dresses up a casual skirt.
In some way, that I can’t explain, I feel like an artist in this kimono jacket. I think it’s because it’s so unique and I know it was handmade with love and there aren’t many other ones out there.
LOOK 2
[ shirt, Everlane (6) / skirt, thrifted via Crossroads / bag, Cuyana / oxfords, Nisolo / necklace, BYCO ]
The almighty color palette strikes again! Blues, tans and white. Soft and understated. Laura posted this amazing outfit in her 10×10 and she talked about how layering neutrals provides a dynamic look while still reading neutral. I couldn’t agree more.
10×10 Closing Thoughts
Participating in the 10×10 Spring Closet Challenge really reinforced the concept that I can do a lot more with fewer items. I know I say this all the time, but it’s so true, less really is more. I feel like I slayed some of my outfits during this challenge. Yet for some reason, when I look at my whole closet, I would have never seen them. The extra options just stymie me.
It probably doesn’t help that the lighting in and around my closet is dim. I think in the future I’d prefer a small wardrobe displayed on a rolling rack, where I can actually see everything. Floor space is always at a premium though so we’ll see.
My friend Karin mentioned something the other day about not wanting clutter in her closet and that thought has stuck in my head. Doing a 10×10 exercise is a reminder of how much clutter still exists in my closet. Why does it get there? How does it get there? More importantly, What am I going to do about it?
- WHY: I think it gets there because we like to hit that pleasure spot in our brain that goes off when we acquire something new. If feels good. But the high is so temporary! And then we need the next one. So it’s really important for me to learn to get over this high and to not crave it. But, when I do, instead reach for coffee and quality time with someone rather than something.
- HOW: Clutter plagues my closet when I can’t tell myself no. It accumulates when I keep hanging on to items that I ‘mostly’ like. It stays there when I don’t have the resolve to let go of the pieces I never wear.
- SOLVE IT: I am going to continue to reduce the clutter in my closet by editing old pieces and being meticulous about what comes in. Further, I think I need to do a better job of analyzing what works and what doesn’t. This will help with the editing process.
This is why I like writing here. It always forces me to be introspective and analyze my choices and habits! Did you do a 10×10? I’d love to hear what you learned! I’ve been thinking a lot about what my post-capsule closet looks like, and I am excited to share my strategies in the coming weeks!
In case you missed them: Looks 1+2, Looks 3+4, Looks 5+6, Looks 7+8.
Happy Friday!
xo,
Andrea
No surprise, I LOVE that last outfit! Mm!! Haha! T
Also, I really enjoyed your reflections + transparency. I feel like I started to let my closet get cluttered again last year when I was facing all of those postpartum emotions — reminding me just how much of an emotional shopper I was/still am. Hopping back on the seasonal capsule wagon helped me to continue to work through a lot of that. But this 10×10 challenge?! Wowza, talk about being forced to confront + identify! Can’t wait to hash out my reflections next week :)
Postpartum is like the easiest time to be susceptible to closet clutter, I do not blame you!
Yes, doing a 10×10 really does bring you face-to-face with your closet and style desires, in the best of ways! I can’t wait to read your reflections.