Day 143: This is it!

After 143 days, I have worn all of my clothes! If it's in my apartment and it's wearable, it has been on my body at some point since July 6, 2011. The project didn't take as long as I had expected, especially when you consider that the first way I envisioned the blog is that I would wear all of the clothes I could for a year, and then give away everything I didn't wear in that year. But I wore lots of items, whether I love them or don't know why I own them, or somewhere in between.  Thanks to everyone who has read along or listened to me strategize and analyze the project as I went along. I appreciate the blog comments more than you realize--I love learning what your favorite pieces of my wardrobe are. It definitely helps me as I plan what to buy next! A big thanks to Steph K. for being a big blog and real life supporter, who really encouraged me to start a blog in the first place. And of course, this blog would have no pictures if it weren't for my husband Dave, who wants to keep taking pictures even though the clothes I'm wearing now have been on this blog already (Day 2, in fact. I missed that dress.).  I know I didn't win a Grammy, and this isn't even your favorite blog, but I had a lot of fun and it is the season of gratitude, you know. So thank you, thank you, and thank YOU!

You haven't seen the last of me! I will be back when I get new clothes, and probably also when I wear outfits that I want to share and remember. I also have a few round-up posts planned so you can look back on my favorite outfits of the past 5 months, as well as the pieces that I have gotten rid of as a result of this evaluation.  Stay tuned!

Sweater: Banana Republic

Hat: Urban Outfitters

Scarf: Gift from Steph Consoli, from U.O.

Day 59: Playing Ketchup*

As I've mentioned before, I didn't photograph every single outfit I wore during the duration of this wardrobe challenge. Many casual tops have their place, which is not in front of the camera. I did make sure to take at least one picture each day for the past 5+ months, though.  On Day 59, that outfit was this Lilly dress, which I wore to a wedding.  But dresses are important and blog-worthy, so even though I didn't get a picture of it then, I want to let you know that I wore this one to have lunch and a beer with Danielle and her boyfriend in Baltimore on that September day. I was planning on wearing it to the wedding, styled with black peep-toes and a skinny black belt, but I just didnt feel like it. So I changed into the crab dress, which I had been intending to wear to brunch the next day, which is why I stopped at Target the next morning and picked up this purple dress.  Yes, it's very difficult being this fickle.

Dress: Banana Republic

*And yes, I did get ketchup on this dress, which is another part of the reason I didn't wear it to the wedding. The stain has since disappeared.

Day 134: Edging toward edgy

You may know by now that I have a new philosophy on pants, and that is...I don't really believe in them. Skirts and dresses almost always look more pulled together and are more fun, and are more flattering on me, at least.  But cold days sometimes call for long pants, and loose-fitting shirts sometimes call for tightly fitting pants, so I just bought this pair of black pants from target.com.  They're pretty tight, but I promise they're not leggings.  Before today, the only pants that I had that were snug enough at the ankle to wear with boots were jeans, so I'm excited to wear boots to work now whenever I want, whether I'm wearing a dress, skirt, or pants. 

If you've been following along since the beginning or have just found my project today, I want to thank you so much for reading my blog and judging my outfits! I have way more readers than I anticipated I would after a few months of blogging, and you all have kept me motivated to always wear something different.  I surely wouldn't be wearing short sleeves outside (or at all) today if it weren't for all of you!

Coat: Gift from Mom, Johnston & Murphy

Shirt: Gift from Mom, Banana Republic

Pants: Target

Boots and Bag: Old Navy

Earrings: Gift from Denise

Necklace: Gift from Lauren

Day 132: Seasonal Practicality

I'm a big fan of buying items on super-sale at the end of a season and saving them for the next year, but my husband doesn't quite see the logic in that. When I bought this sweater around April, Dave thought it was silly and I should be focusing on warmer weather pieces (at that time, we were particularly shopping for our upcoming trip to Costa Rica!).  But I went for it and spent the $30 or so at the time, and I've already worn it three times this fall.  You saw it once on the blog already, but I haven't yet worn this black shirt underneath, and needed a way to turn a black shirt into an outfit.  My newish sweater comes to the rescue! Additional bonus: I didn't even need a coat today!

Black shirt: Kohl's

Sweater: Banana Republic

Pants: The Limited via Marshalls

Heels: Nine West via Macy's

Earrings: Gift from Dave

Necklace: Kappa Alpha Theta

Day 103: Another Monday, here too soon

If you attempted to wear all of your clothes, how long do you think it would take? Do you have any clothes that you would be embarrassed to wear? Do you hang onto clothes that no longer fit, or maybe never fit? Or maybe you're more like me and you love cleaning out your closets.  I just dropped another batch off at Goodwill yesterday.

Cardigan and pants: Banana Republic

Tank: Old Navy

Shoes: Chinese Laundry via Macy's

Bag: Target

Heart opal necklace: ??

Day 101: Symphony in Sweater

Saturday marked the 4th consecutive day of babysitting, and after I wrapped up around 2:30, Dave and I went for a run down into South Philly and back, about 5 miles.  It was a beautiful day even though it was super windy, and after dropping by a high-quality flea market in the Shambles, we headed home to clean up for dinner. At the last minute, we decided to take my sister, Betsy, since she was already in the city, so we went to Pumpkin for some seasonal fare. I didn't love the restaurant as much as I love the name. After dinner we went to a wonderful Symphony in C concert on the other side of the river. We stayed for the reception after the concert for chatting and dessert, and it is always fun to meet up with all of the major symphony people as they sing Dave's praises. Dave freelances for the Courier-Post and provides the most thoughful and complete coverage (their words, not mine) of the symphony, and so they're so kind and appreciative and fun to be around. Let's take a look at the strange ways I crossed my legs while waiting for the concert to begin:

Sweater: Banana Republic

Camisole: J. Crew

Jeans: Tommy Hilfiger via TJ Maxx

Boots: Gift from Mom, Kenneth Cole

Necklace: Gift from Margaret, Banana Republic

Day 97:Last minute morning

Whoops! The alarm didn't go off this morning, which left about half an hour to shower and get out the door. I'm lucky that I don't have to catch a train or anything, and I was able to get to work on time. However, that left just one chance for an outfit photo, so this is what we have. Hair unstyled, barely any makeup, and a nice and easy outfit. The bag is kind of ridiculous: it has images of Nantucket on it and seems very homemade. I don't remember where I got it--maybe the thrift store on the island? I understand where I was coming from when I bought it, but I'm not so sure when I expected to use it. Today was probably the first time I used it since I bought it about five years ago.  Now the question is: do I keep it?

Dress and shoes: Banana Republic

Necklace: Was Margaret's

Bag: Thrifted?

Day 95: Coming home

Late Saturday night, I changed after dinner from my Lilly dress into this casual shorts and shirt combination.  I only wore it for a few hours of sitting around with a few old friends and lots of new ones, so I incorporated the pieces into Sunday's outfit as well.  I had to change my plans for what to wear on the plane ride back because I wasn't going to wear the white pants anymore.  I had a feeling that upon landing in Philly, I'd really regret the shorts, but I didn't! It was unseasonably warm on Sunday night around 11 pm and I was actually a bit too toasty in that cab coming home.  These layers served me well.  FYI: Apparently you're not allowed to take pictures in the baggage claim area of PHL.

I'm sorry my vacation posts were a little out of order; I hope you still can see that I had a great vacation and am very happy for my newly married friends. I packed super lightly for this trip, and I think it worked out, and I wore all but two tank tops that I packed.  Not bad, considering I didn't know what to expect!

Blue tee: LOFT

Button up: J. Crew

Cardigan, wedges, and bag: Banana Republic

Shorts: Gap

Boat shoes: Sperry (J. Crew)

Necklace: Rebecca's

Day 84: Sweet style

My tastes have changed recently. I'm growing up: I sometimes prefer red wine to white, I might choose a savory dish or some cheese to a piece of cake, and I want to wear richer tones, rather than just sweet and floral pieces. The problem with that last part is I just don't have any clothes that aren't on the soft and pretty side of things.  The word that I have been thinking of lately is "edgy."  I want my clothes to be edgier. Couldn't I put together an outfit like this one? Is there a leather jacket in my future? When the weather cools off, it will be the right time to dig out darker shades and richer hues, and hopefully I'll find that I have something that offers a statement hiding under all of these pastels and florals.

 Shirt: TJ Maxx?

Skirt: J. Crew

Bag: Target

Shoes: Banana Republic Outlet

Necklace and Earrings: Ten Thousand Villages

ps. I'm trying to link this up to The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday, so I hope I am doing this correctly! It looks like a forum to get a bunch of blog outfits together in one place to be inspired and get more into this outfit blog community :)



Day 79: A Story About a Vest

Yesterday's necklace was from Margaret, and today's vest is another gift from her, so I should give you a bit of background. After my grandmother, Aga, passed away in 1995, my grandfather, Pa, started going to church. It was there that he met Margaret for the second time. The first time was when she went to her brother's school dance at McDonogh, where all of the other boys, including a young Pa, were captivated by her.  She became a model, married a movie star, and then, years and years later, married Pa in 1997.

As this story relates to the blog, for Christmas, Aga gave me Life Savers and Hans Christian Andersen books. In 1996, Pa gave me an LL Bean tote that I didn't appreciate at the time, but completely adore now. And since then, Margaret has been giving me clothes from brands I hadn't heard of before I met her.  Margaret introduced me to Anthropologie in the 90's, as well as her old friend Lilly Pulitzer. This vest is from Banana Republic and is one of a number of cold-weather pieces she has given to me as a gift. These days, Margaret lives in a retirement home in Maryland, where everyone calls her Ms. Hollywood, and she is more glamorous than I could ever hope to be.

Top: Gap

Vest: Gift from Margaret, Banana Republic

Jeans: Gap, Laura's

Shoes: New from Urban Outfitters

Headband: ??

Earrings: Gift from Dave's mom

Bag: Betsy's, Tommy Hilfiger

Day 78: Bold Neutrals

I have style revelations every day as a result of this project and blog, and my most recent is that I should start shopping at the same stores I liked about 6 years ago. In the past few years, I've been working toward a wardrobe by Anthropologie, Banana Republic, J. Crew, etc. and steering away from H&M, Urban Outfitters, and other companies that I thought I was outgrowing.  But with a few recent purchases from Forever 21 and the new addition of these tights, I'm starting to believe that these kinds of stores are perfect for providing trendy pieces or pieces that I don't expect to last forever. $5 tights are especially better than $20 tights that I don't buy because I can't bring myself to pay $20 for tights.

Top: Banana Republic via Goodwill

Skirt: J. Crew

Tights: Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Nine West via Macy's

Necklace: Gift from my Margaret (Banana Republic)

Bag: Banana Republic

Day 77: Business Cozy

Another day, another outfit. Just a step on the way to wearing all of my clothes. This pretty beaded top, which is perfect for this weather since it's made of a soft, sweatery material, is borrowed from my husband's sister, Rebecca.  I know this wouldn't count as "my" clothes, then, but since I have it now, I'm wearing it.  By the end of the project--a few months down the road--I will have worn everything that is still in my closet, in my drawers, and under my bed. Ok, I keep a lot of things other places too. The hall closet, the hook near the front door, my jewelry boxes and stand...I will wear it all. Just you wait.

Shirt: Rebecca's from Banana Republic

Pants: Sears
Shoes: Payless

Bag: Kohl's

Earrings: Gift from Kelly from Ethiopia

Bracelet: No clue. See how it's restrung on a yellow plastic cord?

Day 76: Black and green

This is about as close to camouflage as I will ever wear. No camo capris for me! Like I've said before, I really only know how to wear black shirts with jeans, but I mixed it up a little bit today for your sake.  When I checked the weather this morning, it said it was 63 and sunny, when in fact it is warmer and rainier than that.  So this outfit was poorly planned for the weather, but I threw on a leafy velour jacket that got me through some similar weather in England and Ireland in 2007.

Top: Express

Skirt: Anthropologie

Shoes: Banana Republic Outlet

Bag: Target

Scarf and earrings: From Mom

Day 75: My Grandmother's Sweater

I have had this sweater for 16 years and have never, ever worn it.  That's what happens when you receive and keep a garment for sentimental reasons.  The last time I wore a brown dress, I had no idea how to style it because it was 100 degrees outside.  Obviously, the answer is an itchy, warm sweater now that there is a chill in the air.  Dave always takes my picture as we walk to work and the air is still brisk, but since it may warm up substantially by lunchtime, I like that I'm not committed to a warm sweater all day long.

Dress: Banana Republic

Cardigan: Was my dad's mom's (Aga's)

Belt: gift from Ali

Bag: Goodwill

Shoes: Chinese Laundry via Macy's

Earrings: Don't know

ps. A colleague just asked if the sweater was handmade, and I realized that there are no tags, so I guess it is!

Day 73: Stripes in Jersey

I like to throw pictures of my nephew in here every so often to increase the cute quotient.  I spent part of this weekend back home in New Jersey so we could hang out with the family and pick apples on Sunday. I also wore this dress to a brunch party on Saturday morning to celebrate the birthday of our friend Claire. 

  Sometimes this dress is flattering; othertimes, not so much. 

Dress: A boutique in Vancouver

Shoes: Banana Republic Outlet

Earrings: Gift from Betsy

Bag: Goodwill

Day 69: Still Summer

Before dinner at 10 Arts last night, Dave and I popped into Gap to find a pair of sunglasses for him. Instead, we left with pants, shorts, and a top for me. I can't help it; the sales were great! And they were all on the list of items that I actually really need. Take these pants, for instance. Won't they be perfect for our travels to warmer climes next month? I probably settled on this outfit because I have been thinking about our hotel in Santa Monica, which I found out about on Cup of Jo.  I have a business trip to Los Angeles planned for next month, and since it overlaps with our birthdays, Dave is coming with me and we're turning it into a fun mini-vacation. 

I don't usually feel very feminine in a polo, but this scarf saves the day!

Top: Target

Pants: Gap

Shoes: Payless

Scarf: From Mom

Bag: Banana Republic

Anchor Earrings: Forever21

Ring: J. Karma

Day 49: Back to School

Late August and early September used to make me so nervous! Even though I did fine in school, thinking about going back would make me so stressed out. Since I will never be a teacher, and my student days are officially behind me, I have no reason to fear September anymore. I did think this outfit was a tribute to those Bucknell students who are starting classes today, but Dave pointed out that these wedges are not wholly appropriate for class.

Long-sleeve shirt: Goodwill

Short-sleeve shirt: LOFT

Skirt: J. Crew

Shoes: Banana Republic Outlet

Bag: Target

Necklace: Antique store in Lewisburg

Earrings: Shiny studs, probably from Claire's 15 years ago

Day 47: I Always Dress up to go to South St.

So you're telling me we didn't have to drive all the way to Pittsburgh and back two weekends ago? Our favorite future Germans were back in town for a few hours during a layover between Pittsburgh and Frankfurt, so we met up for lunch at Brauhaus Schmitz! The lighting in there is not perfect for pictures, but the food and company are excellent!

 Dress: Banana Republic

Jacket: Marshalls

Belt: J. Crew

Heels: Nine West

Necklace: Margaret's

Also wearing (probably fake) pearl earrings from an unknown source

Days 45 & 46: Weekend Wear

While Dave was away in Sweden, I actually had more of a social life than usual, thanks to all of my fun friends who kept me company! On Saturday, Jen and I went shopping at the misleadingly named Philadelphia Outlets, and I had lots of luck. Get excited to see my new purchases in future posts! The blog does help me identify holes in my wardrobe and lets me know what I think I need, but of course this means I am prolonging my project. I think these items are totally worth the extra blogging.

For shopping, I wore a variation of this outfit with an ivory Anthro bow top and Bucknell flip flops. Here I am at David and Claire's housewarming party!

Top: LOFT outlet
Shorts: J. Crew
Sandals: Banana Republic Outlet

I wore a ton of outfits on Sunday because I had separate ones for swimming, brunch with Jan, walking around downtown/meeting Dave!, and for dinner at the Khyber, which was apparently what Dave missed while he was in Stockholm.

 This is what I wore for dinner.

 Top: Betsy's, from Gap

Skirt: Old Navy

Wedges: Banana Republic Outlet

Fleur de lis necklace: Gift from Dave
Bag: Target

Day 42: Photogenic Conference Room

My black pants must be feeling hugely neglected right about now. It would have been so easy to just throw on this solid shirt with a pair of pants.  But that's not how this project works!

Looks like this skirt needs to come with me on a business trip so it can get ironed!

Shirt: Banana Republic

Skirt: J. Crew

Shoes: Payless, purchased for Denise's wedding!

Earrings and bracelet are about 15 years old and from an unknown source. I will be lucky if the bracelet doesn't break before work lets out.