Project 333

In April I decided to implement the capsule wardrobe guidelines offered by Courtney Carver's Project 333.  I started by going through my wardrobe and finding the pieces I would use for my Spring capsule.  Even though I had a complete wardrobe, I found myself wearing sweats and t-shirts because I'm a stay at home mom and, really, who cares?

Well, I do.  So I then challenged myself to create 30 different outfits from my capsule in the month of May.  I'm happy to say I stuck with it and completed my challenge today.  I took a couple of days off, that's what rest days are for.

My capsule wardrobe consisted of:
10 sleeveless tops
4 camis
5 Sweaters
2 button up blouses
1 blazer
1 pair of jeans
2 pairs of shorts
3 trousers
2 skirts
2 dresses
1 jumper

In the beginning, I actually found myself frustrated with how easy it was to put together an outfit because I wasn't entirely ready to give up my sweats and t-shirts. Then I embraced the look good, feel good mentality and used the time I had to start a skin care regiment.  Then I took it a step farther and started spending 5 minutes on my hair.  Before I would comb and go.  Now I use a little product, blow dry for a couple minutes, and use a finishing spray.  I was so encouraged by the compliments that I was getting, I added just the basic make-up application and Boom! - one hot mama.  Over the past week or so I keep catching my husband staring at me.  When I look towards him he says in his dreamy voice, "You're so beautiful."  Talk about motivation to keep up with this simple routine.  I'm all in.  From waking up to getting out of the house with all of the pieces in place (including a shower), it takes me 45 minutes - MAX.  And it's totally worth it. 

I learned that I will never wear shorts for fashion pieces, only exercise.  One dress is sufficient for my stay-at-home mom career.  Mother Nature did not agree to my warm weather assumption so I could have done with fewer sleeveless tops and a couple more sweaters.  There were a few pieces I avoided which showed me I didn't love them at all and I have decided to swap them out for new pieces.  This is a challenging learning process for me.  I think the swap is okay, but I still struggle with a teeny bit of guilt.   Then I remind myself that large women have fewer style options anyway and I'm totally okay with wanting to love everything I wear because I am okay with loving myself.  That, in itself, is a new concept at my current weight/size.  But, I've accepted it and I want to look good because it helps me feel good.  And that's what it's all about.