Closet Overhaul Challenge: the recap!

So it's been several weeks since I finished my closet challenge of wearing everything in my closet. I got through 10 weeks, and this was of course skipping weekend attire, out-of-season items and special occasion attire. I did quite a bit of "fashion soul" searching and am ready to present my conclusions!

Fashion lessons learned:
1.) I decided that I don't want to have things and my closet that are "just ok" or don't make me feel fantastic. If I have outfits that make me feel awesome when I wear them, why isn't that my every day attire? Why even own something if you don't love it and feel fantastic when you wear it? Therefore, I got rid of things that did not fit this qualification.
2.) I am phasing out of "cheap" things. Granted, there are some items that are "fast fashion" as we say in the biz* that can be bought cheaply, because once the lesser quality starts to show on the garment (i.e. frayed seams, shrinkage, fabric looking dull), the item is most likely going out of style anyway.  I will invest in good quality items for more classic or longer-lasting fashion items (i.e. pants, skirts, dresses, classic tops, etc.)
*fast fashion=items that are super trendy- borderline faddish- that are only going to last a season or two before getting rid of it. In the retail world, it's something we buy with a very short lead time (it is designed, manufactured and shipped to the selling floor very quickly), it sells out in a few short weeks, and then we clearance out whatever is left.
3.) I will only shop with a purpose. So much of my wardrobe has been acquired when I impulse buy, or buy without trying on, or because it's on sale, or any number of poor reasons to buy an item. The result of purchasing fashion in this manner is you then get a mish-mash assortment of clothes that really don't blend well together, or you end up with too many of one particular item or color in your wardrobe (ex: I have a lot of neutral colors in my wardrobe, mostly black and brown, with NO red, some pink and purple, but very little blue and green). From now on, I am keeping a list of things that I know my wardrobe needs so when I shop I know I can look for those certain items. This prevents me from impulse buying and assures that when I buy something, I already know there is a need for it in my closet.

Based on my experience and lessons learned, I'm getting rid of the following (keeping in mind there might not necessarily be anything WRONG with these items, they just don't make me feel fantastic!). If you feel that I need to keep something I've opted to get rid of, please plead your case. I haven't made the trip to goodwill yet!

These, along with a few other items that I didn't wear during the challenge, are going in my post- and early-pregnancy storage box:

 (top only)

(top only)

top only

These are straight up going to Goodwill:

Brown shirt & pants

top only

top only

top only

top only. This was a good pic because I took 3-4 to get it right. It normally doesn't look this flattering on me.

Skirt. I've had it a while and I'm just not feelin' it

top and skirt. Had these both a long time, it's time to let them go. Tee is too short anyway.

I also have a big box of sweaters that I never even cracked open. I think I'm going to get rid of these without even trying them again. I haven't worn them in the 5 years I've lived in Dallas, so I'm pretty sure I won't wear them again.

The following are on my list of "things to buy" (notice I didn't say "things I need" as I am careful to use the N word!):
1. Well-fitting pants in any color
2. Khakis (better fit!)
3. Khaki-colored patterned pants (like a subtle plaid or pinstripe)
4. More black shoe options
5. Anything red
6. Button front fitted cardigan in neutral
7. Button front fitted cardigan in a print (i.e. floral). This can be cheap since it's faddish
8. Classic, crisp white button up
9. Sweater dress

I hope you all enjoyed my fashion journey, and I encourage you to do one of your own! As we all strive for fashion maturation, we must go through a time of reflection, assessment, mourning (for all those sentimental things we've never been able to get rid of!) and acceptance in order to reach our style zenith! Therefore, go forth and be fashionable!!

COC Week 10

Ok, so I had a bit of a melt down on Monday of week 10. I had about 5 outfits put together and hung in the closet, ready to just be put on each day without thought. However, I went through almost all of them and immediately tore them back off. Nothing was looking good on me, and maybe I was just having a bad day, maybe I didn't ensemble them well... I don't know. All I know is that I was really scraping the bottom of the barrel this week, getting through the last contents of my closet. The main issue was with skirts where I wore hosiery. The hosiery would dig into my abdomen, making it look like I was wearing an inner tube around my waist and giving me an extra roll or two. Ugh... it was awful. On Monday I ended up throwing on this outfit last minute so I can't say it was well thought out:

Monday, Nov. 8th
Simple black polo, from Target and gray pinstripe pants that you've seen before, from NY&Co. Wearing this with my cobalt blue heels :) Don't be fooled by this flattering picture. This polo is too short, and I should've layered it or something, but you know, I was rushed and "whatever." I'll probably save this, because everyone needs a good basic polo in their wardrobe, but this probably won't be something I wear often.














Tuesday, Nov. 9th
Wore jeans today because we had a fun team event at work today. This simple green crew-neck sweater is from Ann Taylor Loft and the necklace is from JCP.

Wednesday, Nov. 10th

Ok, this somewhat displays the issue I was having with how my skirts were fitting. I didn't wear hosiery today, though I had initially planned to wear with nude fishnets. I know the problem is me and not my clothes, but obviously I think you can and should dress for your body to make things flattering. This skirt needs to be tailored because it's too big and hangs really low on my hips. Tee with clear sequins from Old Navy, layered with wine colored cami from JCP (I love the Worthington basic lace-trimmed camis. They come in a zillion colors, are really comfortable and also flattering. I own 4.). The brown skirt has black scallop detail and is a wrap style with pockets. It's by Diane Von Furstenberg.

Thursday, Nov. 11th
(Josh told me to do a "sexy" pose, haha. Just changin' things up!) I actually think this outfit is head-to-toe Old Navy. Brown and cream print skirt with pink trim is paired with a long brown cami (it has gold sequin details on the straps, which you can't see in the pictures) topped with a denim jacket. I'm wearing this with strappy snakeskin heels, and again no hosiery, for aforementioned reasons.

Friday, Nov. 12th
This is a fairly flattering picture, but I know that this top often is not flattering on my stomach. For this reason I've decided to put it in the "early and post-partum" pile. It's cute and I still like it, which is why I'm not getting rid of it entirely. I do like to wear it on days when I'm feeling fat. (I know this seems contradictory, but it's loose on my stomach yet the elastic band around the waistline sometimes pinches tight enough that it accentuates my belly). I've had it for a while, and therefore can't remember where it came from. The gray tank underneath is newish and from Old Navy. Worn with jeans from The Limited and my green wedges from JCP.

COC Week 9

I know, I fell behind... but I missed taking pictures a couple days, and it has literally taken me THIS long to put the outfits back on and take pictures. I'm still missing one, but since I think my BFF might have a coronary if I make her wait any longer, I'll go ahead and post and add the pic later. ;) ;)

Monday, Nov. 1st
This black/white print dress is from my beloved H&M, and actually came with a sash, but I've opted to wear it with a wide belt. I actually like how it looks with the belt much better. I'm wearing this with a pair of green tights and booties. Sorry for the weird angle of some of these pics... my hubby has a bum leg so he took these pics from the couch.





























Tuesday, Nov. 2nd
I just took this picture tonight (2 weeks later) so forgive the non-public-approved hair and makeup. Jacket is from Target, leopard print top was a gift from my mom, wide leg twill pants are from Old Navy. They are pretty long and sometimes fit funky at the waist (depends on if I'm bloated or not) so I don't wear these very often. I'll keep them but probably table them until the wide leg trend comes back.

Wednesday, Nov. 3rd
Got this dress from Macy's for my birthday a couple years ago. Since it's too short to not wear hosiery, I really only wear this in the fall. But since it's sleeveless, I have to wear it with a long sleeve shirt underneath (this one from Gap). Worn with my semi-opaque tights with a bit of sheen... the camera's flash makes my legs look super shiny, but I can assure you in normal light they aren't this bad.





























Thursday, Nov. 4th

This green tee is of unknown origins, but I love the prairie-style cream colored lace detail around the neckline. It used to have a tiny delicate ribbon that was strung through it, but it got destroyed in the wash long ago. The only downside to this top is that it's a little too short for my torso/large chest, so I always have to layer it. By the time I do that, I'm not certain it's very flattering on me. The skirt is from Old Navy, I believe and is comfortable, fits well and I usually get nice compliments on it. However, I think the skirt may have run its course in my wardrobe and I'm thinking it's time to let it go.

Friday, Nov. 5th
 I wore this exact outfit (sans black shirt underneath) to my 10 year reunion in August and I think I looked pretty awesome in it. I might keep this one for weekend/special events rather than a work outfit. I dunno, I don't care for it with the shirt underneath. The tunic is from Target (though I have to tell you I saw a girl around 11 years old wearing it at the mall as a dress!) and the jeggings are JCP, natch. See how jeggings can look just like skinny jeans? Oh and they only have 1% spandex, which is less than a lot of my dress pants. Just for the record. :)

COC Week 8

It's super late and I'm exhausted, so I'm keeping this simple... if you want to know where something is from, just ask. Otherwise, just pics this week. :)


Monday, October 25th

Tuesday, October 26th

Wednesday, October 27th

 Thursday, October 28th

wanted to add a detail shot for my hosiery: 

Friday, September 29th

Yes, I'm wearing skinny pants. Yes, I'm a size 12. I like to defy the metaphysical laws of the universe. :-P 

COC Week 7

Here we are, through week 7! I went through my closet this week and started outfitting everything that's left. Can you believe I made 13 outfits? 2.5 more weeks of this at least! There are more tops than those 13 outfits that I haven't figured out how to wear yet. But, let's not jump ahead... here's what I wore this week:

Monday, October 11
Another head-to-toe JCP look. :) Ruffle front top and boucle skirt and striped tights. Probably could use a belt with this outfit.



















Tuesday, October 12



I like to say this is what a working mom looks like, with a baby accessory. :) I was dealing with a stage 5 clinger this morning, who insisted on being held. Can't remember where I got this black & white striped button-up, but I've had it a while. Worn with black pants from WHBM and zebra-print shoes.














Wednesday, October 13th

Animal print maxi dress and green wedges from JCP. Man, do I need to find a new store? ;) I love this maxi, but maxis are pretty much over, so I will retire this dress after maybe 1-2 more wearings. I was thinking this would be the last time I wore it, but I got several compliments so maybe it's still got a little staying power left.















Thursday, October 14th




You know, before I wore this outfit I thought this top would be in my "get rid of pile." I can't really explain why, it just isn't one of those things I look at in my wardrobe and get excited to wear. But now that I see the picture, I'm rethinking it. It's actually a pretty cute top! I believe I got this at Old Navy. The brown capris are from JCP and the fabric feels really thick and luxurious. They initially had a sheen on them, but I think I didn't launder them properly so that sheen has faded. I love the shoes (from Target), though they squish my toes, so I took a pair of flats to wear into the building. Yet another case of Desk Shoe. :)










Friday, October 15th

Friday appears to not only be jeans day but also graphic tee day. :-P This one is from Old Navy and is fairly new. Jeans are from NY& Company. I went barefoot today. ;) Just kidding! I wore wedges, but just didn't have them on for the picture.

COC Week 6

Monday, October 11

I've had this top forever... a comfy knit top that's pretty casual. I think it's from Old Navy, but can't remember. I paired it with a Worthington (JCP) lace cami underneath in wine. The skirt is just a basic black circle skirt, and the tights are black/charcoal ribbed. I've decided that I won't repeat any hosiery during this project. I have acquired so much that I could easily never repeat tights. :)

Tuesday, October 12

I think this is my favorite outfit all week. The black fitted jacket is worn over a navy blue tube top with charcoal pants. The necklace is new, a gift from a friend for my birthday. I think it perfectly completes the outfit! I'm sorry I'm kind of lazy this week, as I don't remember where a lot of these things came from and I don't feel like going to find out. :)

Wednesday, October 13

I call this my school marm outfit. The ivory button-up top and the dress were both given to me... I think the dress is from ON or the Gap. Necklace is from JCP, tights are reversible Spanx (I'm wearing them on the charcoal side) and I know you can't really see the shoes but these are my new cobalt heels from justfab.com. The heels are incredibly high, so I teetered around all day, though they looked awesome!

Thursday, October 14
I took Thursday and Fridays pictures today (Sunday) so forgive the sloppy hair and makeup. This is a green corduroy jacket, a pale pink tank with metal sequins and brown pants.

Friday, October 15
Again, I don't remember where I got this brown knit 2-fer top, worn with my CK jeans. Nothing special to report about this outfit. I'm still deciding if it's flattering or not.

COC Week 5

Really, week 5? I had no idea I had more than 5 weeks of work clothes, but this is the kind of surprises you find when you wear through your whole closet. Very eye-opening!

Monday, October 4th

I believe this is another head-to-toe JCP look. In general, I really like this outfit, however, both pieces are kind of big on me. I bought the shirt post-partum and it was a beautiful disguise for my extra weight in the belly. But now I think it adds width, so since I like this top a lot, I think it'll go in my early & post pregnancy pile.
The pants I really love because of the texture and pattern of the fabric. While these fit nicely in the waist, they are pretty baggy in the thigh and rear. I really need to take my own advice and get some clothes tailored!

Tuesday, October 5th
I love this dress. Love, love this dress. I got it at Target a couple years ago and hope shirt dresses never go out of style. :-P It's such a classic cut and is flattering on so many body types. Tights are Wolford (really comfortable) and zebra print shoes (with red patent accent) are some of my faves, from Target. 
























Wednesday, October 6th
Happy birthday to me. :) I guess I was going for a very layered look today. This pink silky cami is Theory with a JCP sparkly cardigan on top (obvi can't see the sparkles from this pic). The necklace is from (I think) NY&Co and the dark denim colored trousers are from Express. I also accessorized with Gray Cat, circa 2002 from Co-Worker. I think it adds a little something to my look. ;)

Thursday, October 7th
Ok, this is kind of an unflattering picture. I've worn these khakis before and they didn't look quite as chunky or wrinkly as in this shot, so take that into consideration. This brown top is from Target and I like it, but maybe next time I'd pick a different top underneath, just to add some more color. Don't remember where I got the white top, but it's just a basic 3/4 sleeve tee.












Friday, October 8th

I don't remember where I got this knit jacket, but I really love it. The graphic tee I actually got at Plato's Closet and fits really comfortably. I wear this a lot. :) Jeans are from The Limited and the black bracelets are a new acquisition... a gift from a friend for my birthday!

COC Week 4

Monday, September 27th 

Today I wore a gray lightweight flyaway cardigan (no closures, it just hangs open in front) that is cinched in the back to help keep a trimmer shape. Sorry I didn't get a back view on this one. The tee has a shimmery gold dotted design with sequins/beads on it. Both tops are from JCP. Pants are my basic black ones from WHBM that I've worn a couple times (remember, I'm re-wearing bottoms since I have more of those than tops!). I'm happy with this outfit but it's not one of my favorites in my wardrobe. It's very comfy!

Tuesday, September 28th
Love this outfit today! Basic black knit dress with empire waist (I can't remember wear I got this... probably Target?) with charcoal tights. The dress is too short to wear without hosiery, so I typically only wear this in the fall/winter. Scarf was a gift from a friend for my birthday last year; silver bangles are Decree (JCP) and the pink bracelet was a gift from another friend from one of her trips to the Philippines. I have to tell my hubs to remember to include my shoes in these shots, but this day I wore my black booties.










Wednesday, September 29th

Today at work we were visited by Tim Gunn, Chief Creative Officer of Liz Claiborne and (more famously, in case you are otherwise unaware) a judge on Project Runway. We were allowed to wear jeans to the rally where Tim was speaking, but we were supposed to wear JCP colors (red and white). Well, considering it was TIM GUNN I decided to go for something a little cuter than my JCP polo. Therefore, I opted for a Bisou Bisou (JCP) tee with the fabulous velvet jacket I got at the Banana outlet last year. (Sadly it's a size too big now- I guess there are worse problems to have- so it was a little too loose. But don't tell my husband that it doesn't fit because it cost a lot so heaven help me if I don't wear it!) I'm also wearing a pair of green wedges that are supremely comfortable and I love them. This is one of those "they don't match, they go" scenarios.





Thursday, September 30th
I actually got a LOT of compliments on this outfit today. The cream-colored eyelet dress I bought online at Target a couple years ago, and the first time I tried it on, I hated it and wanted to return it. But the retro shape grew on me and now I really like it. Like Tuesday's dress, it's too short to wear without tights, so I only wear it in the fall. The tights are SPANX with a braided pattern. The shoes are Michael by Michael Kors. I also wore a long necklace that is not pictured.










Friday, October 1st

Today was "wear pink" day to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I have had this shirt for quite a while; got it at Old Navy and it has a cute pattern w/beads on the left side. Jeans are Calvin Klein, flats are from Target.
















Well, 4 weeks down and I still have quite a bit in my closet. I have already kind of eyeballed what won't make it through the challenge... some things will be going into my "early & post pregnancy" pile, and several seasonal items that will be closeted until spring. When I'm done wearing everything, I'll inventory those items and show you all what I'm getting rid of.

COC week 3

 Monday, September 20
I've never worn these items in combination before, but I really liked how they looked together. I usually wear this skirt with a brown top, and the monochromatic schemes feels kind of bland. This top, from New York & Co is a zip front, which I love, since most button-ups that fit my waist gape at the bust. The fit is so nice, and I don't have to wear a tank underneath! Woo hoo! I can't remember where I got the skirt, I've had it for so long. Don't know if you can tell, but the fabric is eyelet.
(note: if you click on the pictures, it will zoom the images if you want to take a closer look).

Shoes are from Target, necklace (worn in week 1) is Decree.





Tuesday, September 21st


Babydoll top is from H&M, black pants are from White House/Black Market. I like this top, but the babydoll trend is going by the wayside (although I did just get this top in May), so I'll probably hang on to this one for future seasons.  It also kind of makes me look like I'm trying to hide a baby bump, and as generous as it is in the belly area (great for "fat" days) it would make a cute early maternity top.











 Wednesday, September 22

Yes, this is what I wore to work this day. We were having a tailgate party to benefit United Way, so I got to wear my beloved Dallas Clark jersey with jeans. I only had one Ravens fan call me a heathen, and everyone else assumed the blue and white was for the Cowboys. Ick!!

Thursday, September 23

This is probably my favorite real work outfit of the week. I felt very pulled together and I think the jacket flatters me. One of my co-workers has this exact same jacket (the perils of working for a retailer and getting most of your wardrobe from said retailer). Therefore, the jacket is from JCP (Alyx brand), the cami underneath is also JCP (Worthington) and the pants are about 9,000 years old. Can't have too many black pants, can ya? Oh, and the headband is from NY&Co. I love it :)

Friday, September 24

Nothing too fancy here... casual friday! Graphic tee from Banana Republic, jeans are from The Limited. My hair is looking kind of sloppy because this pic was taking at about 10 pm... hence the tired face. :)