Right now, my husband and I are in the final stretch of the latest season of House 0f Cards. After watching some Republican National Convention Coverage on Snapchat – it feels like a case of life imitating art, one unbelievable step after another. What a crazy political year this is! I’m not sure whether to hide or emigrate.
Enough of that though – let’s talk about the 10×10 Summer Closet Challenge! I am excited to see so many of you joining in via Instagram (#summer10x10) or your own blogs. What I’ll be most curious about is to hear your feedback at the end. But first, big props to Lee over at Style Bee for starting this challenge. If you need some inspiration dig through her archives, she’s been at this for a few years!
For this summer’s challenge, I am wearing my 10 items 10 days in a row (hello laundry!) but I’ll be sharing outfits here two at a time. Logistically, I just can’t take photos everyday at my house, so I have to photograph a few outfits at a time, and they might be a little out of order from how I’m actually wearing them.
LOOK 1:
[ cardigan, c/o IMBY | micro stripe tee | cutoffs (similar) | clogs | tote, c/o FashionABLE ]
Can we take a moment and appreciate the clogs? For a girl whose best physical attribute is not her legs, they’re looking pretty good in these clogs. Heels and shorts is not something I’d particularly plan to combine in circumstances outside this 10×10 but I really like it! The first layer of this look is a basic tee and cutoff shorts, great for anything, right? But add clogs and a cardigan, and the whole look is elevated in the time it took to put the pieces on. I love it when my items multi-task!
This outfit is a nod to how much I like tonal palettes – gray/cream/tan/baby blue – the soft tones together really make me happy. I’ve said it before, but something about complementary shades makes me feel really pulled together. Of course so does all black. ;)
My friend Sara, who created IMBY, was awesome enough to send me this cardigan. Though she let me pick it, I was still worried it was a little too ‘beachy’ for my look, but after styling it a handful of different ways, I was proven wrong! I am excited to show you more in the coming days.
LOOK 2:
[ tee c/o Bridge & Burn | cutoffs (similar) | sandals | bracelet | bag <— seriously my fav! ]
Oh yeah, and I cut my hair! I feel like I have so much more ‘hair freedom’ now that I wash it way less – because it’s a lot less flat. Now I feel more daring with my hairstyle choices. I’m still figuring out how to style it. I think my curling iron is too big and I just ordered this, which will hopefully help. But most days I am sort of letting it take whichever shape it wants to take on! Ha!
I am starting to get to this place where I am spending WAY less mental energy worrying about my hair or picking out clothes – and it’s amazing! I commented something similar on Marloes’ blog the other day after she made the case that perhaps all this ‘curating’ is paying off. I think she’s totally right. And perhaps it’s caring a little bit less about how I look because I am feeling more comfortable in my own skin (thank you 30’s!).
How is your 10×10 going? Where are you on your journey of style discovery? Maybe your 10×10 will be a helpful tool. For more closet challenge inspo check out Paige over at Style This Life and Sarah over at The Pretty Simple Life.
Cheers,
Andrea
I’m having serious hair envy! I love the cut, something about shorter hair just makes life seem so much simpler. Odd I know! :) I love your outfits. I’m taking the 10×10 challenge also, which will be easy here. Seattle weather forecasts high 70’s low 80’s for the next 10 days. I only have a few items that I can wear anyways! Thank you for the inspiration!
Cheers!
Thanks girl, it does feel simpler, and that is so nice!
Our weather has been pretty much the same, but kind of cool in the mornings! I’ve had to wear my jean jacket a few times to stay warm. Weirdest summer ever!
I love, love, love the first look!! And your hair is just amazing. Well done, my friend!
I knew that look would speak to you!! ;) Thanks for the nice words on my hair, now hopefully it doesn’t grow too fast!
YOUR HAIR IS AWESOME. And those outfits are excellent too! ;) Thanks for the link up! Since I didn’t include any layering pieces I will barely slide by with 10 unique outfits! -_- But this is fun!!
AH! You make a girl blush! Thanks Sarah for the nice words about my hair. It’ll be fun to follow along and see your outfits. Maybe you will find a way to get creative and layer two tops??
Love this!!!! Your hair!!!! It’s making me reconsider my promise (more of a deal) to grow my hair back out. That cardigan clog combo is so good, it reminds me of seeing those moms at the store that always look like they have their life together. Even if it’s not true, it’s great to look like you know what’s going on! A+ all around. I can’t wait to see more!
Kate
Haha!! I love that analogy of the moms at the store.
Thanks so much Kate!
You cut your hair! It looks great! And you’re really selling me on that cardigan. I didn’t quite get my 10×10 together yet, but I guess I can do it anytime, so maybe I’ll revisit it in the next couple weeks.
Thanks so much Stacy! Yes, I’d love to see you do a 10×10 when you have the time. Floor, who commented on a different post, did a 9×10 and made 5 work outfits and 5 casual outfits (and omitted shoes from her count). Maybe you could try something like that?
Yes, this cardi is great! It’s really soft and sheer, and surprisingly it keeps the chill off nicely in cooler temps.
Love your hair!
Thank you Lo!!! X)
Another love for your hair…..it looks awesome, friend! I love wearing a flow cardigan in the summer, although I usually have to just carry it with me until I get into air conditioning so I don’t suffocate! I could see myself in either of these outfits. Great job!!
Thank you so much girl!!
Normally I’d be carrying a cardi too instead of wearing it, but we’ve had a cloud covering and cooler temperatures for weeks. Not helping my tan situation!
absolutely loving your hair!! and i just got my first bridge and burn t-shirt, they’re so soft!! definitely ordering from them again.
Yeah! Love it!! Which one did you get? I love the one that says: ‘Whiskey Will Do’ ;)
i got the option-g x bridge and burn bicycle totem. and i just noticed that they restocked the cole skirt in my size :)
That shirt looks cool!
Yeah, the cole skirt is kind of the bees knees. I wear it ALL the time. It acts like shorts, but looks like a skirt. Plus it’s short, but doesn’t show as much leg as shorts do when I sit down. (Sometimes it feels like thigh-city.)
Love the new haircut, Andrea! xo
Thanks Erin! I think I really like it too! :)
Andrea, your hair and outfits look great! I love these 10×10 posts and look forward to seeing the rest of your outfits. :)
Thanks so much Tonya! It’s really nice to hear people say they like my hair! X) The 10×10 has been really fun so far! :)
Ah! I love with what you have going on here lady! :)
Thanks girl. I am sure all that tan and beige makes you happy. ;)
What a great post! I really identify with your comment about finding it easier to dress when you’re comfortable in your own skin. Once you take the time to understand who you are, what your values are and what you want to achieve in life – those things emanate from a person and that gives them true style. I also write about responsible fashion in the UK, if you have time (and I know it’s hard to find it!) do check out my blog :) ellie
Hi Eleanor! Looks like you have some great stuff going on over at your blog!!
I love what you’re saying about style emanating from a person’s values, that makes a lot of sense! What a great thing to ponder.
That cut is perfect!!! Love.
Thanks girl!! That means a lot coming from you hot-haired mama!