Closet Challenge: FALL 10×10

The air is decidedly cooler, the leaves are turning orange on their tips, and the sweaters in my closet are calling my name. Not to get all fall-cliché-y on you or anything. But it is SO TRUE. The full merits of the fall season are here in Oregon. We are enjoying that lovely time where it’s not quite raining yet, the sun is bright, and the air is crisper in the morning. It’s truly a beautiful time for our state and one of my favorite months of the year! It’s also a great time to practice styling, a skill that didn’t get much honing over the summer. (Dress + Birks = Done) One of my very favorite ways to get my styling chops going is with a closet challenge.

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FALL 10×10 – Why?

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To kick off the season with gusto I’m signing myself up for a fall closet challenge – wearing ten items only for ten days, also known as a 10×10 (a challenge started by my fellow blogger Lee over at Style Bee). This is one of my favorite wardrobe challenges (and I’ve done many of them!) for three reasons:

1) It pushes my creativity and hones my sense of personal style.

I have learned so much from my past 10×10 closet challenges — how I like to feel in my clothes and how I can best build outfits. I come away feeling like I can better identify what does and doesn’t work for me, sharpening my sense of personal style. The limited number of items always pushes me to create new (favorite!) outfits I would have never put together in the first place.

2) It cultivates contentment with my wardrobe.

It’s empowering when you start to realize the full scope of how many ways you can style what’s already in your closet, creating new looks without spending a dime. I love getting new clothes as much as the next person, but I really love making an existing item in my wardrobe truly feel like mine. For me, that happens when I learn how to take an ‘off the rack’ item and make it fit my personal style.

3) It connects a wonderful online community of people, who are eager to do more with less.

Yes! This is a huge reason why I do this. It’s a great way to ‘meet’ many of you. I am continually inspired by your perspectives, your outfits and your creativity. This whole blogging and outfit-sharing thing would be meaningless without you guys! At the end of this post I’ll share how we can all connect online during this challenge.

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MY 10

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Now, the fun part! What on earth am I including?! When I hang it all up like this, it really doesn’t look like much! Initially, I made a quick list on my phone. I knew right away that I wanted three shoes — I like my options! Then, I spent a few minutes over the weekend trying on combinations to see if they worked, fine-tuning my list along the way. Here’s what I’ll be wearing for the next ten days (from L to R):

1 – Denim Jumpsuit (M), REIFhaus – This is my powersuit of sorts. I love wearing my linen version and, so far, this denim reincarnation is not letting me down. I’m excited to tuck shirts under it and wear sweaters over it. Made in Portland, OR.

2 – Long Cardigan (S), c/o Vetta Capsule – I am very excited for this one because long cardigans are my favorite right now. They are like a duster but less fussy. And this one is particularly good because it doubles as a dress! If you are interested in anything from Vetta’s amazing minimal capsule, use the code SEASONS to save 10%. Made in NYC.

3 – Cotton/Wool Button Up (S), c/o Power of My People – Earlier this week, I introduced you to this brand, and now I can’t wait to share how I’m styling ‘the Artist’ from their latest release. If you are interested in shopping Power of My People’s fall lineup use code: SEASONS&SALT to save 20%. Made in Canada.

4 – U Neck T-shirt (M), Everlane – You guys know I can’t live without my white t-shirts. This is hands down, my go-to style. Three years and counting. Made responsibly in LA.

5 – British Tee (M), c/o Zappos – What a fancy name, right? This is a thick, 3/4 sleeve fitted, white tee and lately I’ve been wearing it at least once per week. Made in the USA.

6 – Wide Leg Crops (4), Everlane – I was going to include my Midnight Kamms at first, but I realized I wanted some more warmer tones in this 10×10 palette. My first wide leg crops from Everlane were 6’s and they stretched out a lot. I sized down and bought a 4 this time, but they are a bit tight at the waist, so I don’t wear them often. Hoping to fall back in love with these pants after this challenge. Made responsibly in Jiangmen, China.

7 – Vintage 501’s, Levi’s – These are my favorite jeans for obvious reasons. If I only had to wear one pair for the rest of my life, it would be these. I recently bought another pair of darker wash vintage Levi’s (505’s) on Etsy, and it was way easier than scouting thrift stores for years. If you get closely acquainted with your measuring tape, I bet you could find a pair too. Note: compare the measurements to another pair of favorite (non stretch) bottoms. Made in the USA.

8 – Slip On Clogs, No.6 Store – These are my less-fancy clogs that I wear very regularly. The thick rubber on the bottom makes them nice and cushy, and the wide heel makes for a smooth-walking momma. Made in the USA.

9 – White Sneakers, Veja – I need these for everyday shenanigans, like not feeling too dressy. They are slightly out of my normal style scope, but so far I still like them. Made in Brazil.

10 – Blush Oxfords, c/o Everlane – For my ‘fancy’ days. A girl’s gotta have options! Made in Italy.

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Ready, set, go!

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It’s been almost a year since I’ve completed a 10×10 challenge, and I’ve never done a fall one! Needless to say, I am excited to dive in. If you need a little inspiration you can see my past challenges here: Spring 2016 / Summer 2016 / Winter 2017

I invite you to join me! Also, follow my friends Paige of Style This Life, Lee, and Caroline over at Un-Fancy. I am starting earlier than most. I’ll be wearing my goods starting tomorrow, and I’ll post my outfits on the blog in round-ups of 5. I’ll do as much real-time sharing as I can over on Instagram in my feed and in stories. You can find me posting under the hashtag: #fall10x10 – I hope you’ll share too!

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