For those who may have missed the other Challenge posts I've made:
1. 30 For 30 Challenge: My Items
2. 30 For 30 Challenge: Val's First Week
3. 30 For 30 Challenge: Val's Second Week
4. 30 For 30 Challenge: Val's Third Week
5. 30 For 30 Challenge: Val's Fourth Week
Jean Jacket & Belt: J. Crew / Blouse & Trousers: Forever 21 / Flats: H&M
I actually re-took this outfit picture the day after I wore it because the original form was a little more "dressed up" (I was heading to a friend's birthday) -- I was only wearing the blouse and the trousers with the calfhair leopard heels and a bright red lip. However, as I approached the bar, I saw that it was extremely laid back and I instantly felt overdressed, so in the middle of the New York City street, I threw on my jacket and changed into flats. In retrospect, I ended up looking a little dumpy and I wish I'd had the courage to just be overdressed, dammit.
Click below for the last three outfits.
Blouse & Skirt: Forever 21 / Belt: Necessary Clothing / Heels: Zara
All black outfit featuring two animal print accents. How new and different for me.
Jean Jacket & Dress: J. Crew / Wedges: Target
This dress actually looks a lot cuter without the jacket, but I was hoping to dress it down a touch because it was Labor Day and the whole city was in Laid Back Barbecuing Mode.
Dress & Belt: J. Crew / Flats: H&M
So that's it. Thirty different outfits using 29 different items over a period of 30 days. Full disclosure -- there was a pair of geometric pants that I didn't have a chance to use because they felt a little tighter than usual (whoops), so I left those out.
There are a few things I've been ruminating -- some since the moment I decided to do the Challenge and some things that I figured out along the way.
- Many people who do this type of project rely on jewelry, tights, scarves, hats, etc. to change up an outfit. I honestly entertained the thought of stepping it up and doing more of that as I realized that my outfits were pretty standard and unimpressive, but I thought that some of those accessories wouldn't be seasonally relevant (see: tights) and would kind of invalidate the idea of a summer-themed wardrobe remix. I also just feel more comfortable wearing little to no accessories and piling stuff on to put a new spin on an outfit, although a very fun idea, is just not a true reflection of my style. I tried to keep every outfit as Me as possible, although a few certainly slipped through the cracks (like Outfits 3, 15, and 26).
- I wanted to illustrate that people don't need a HUGE wardrobe to be creative with their clothes. I mean, I'm a hypocrite with a huge wardrobe, but I often stand in front of it, feeling like I have nothing to wear and this forced me to just snap. out. of. it. I definitely admire bloggers out there, like Clothed Much and The Tiny Closet, who focus on maximizing the potential of a minimal closet.
- As I'm sure many of you guys have heard by now, there's been a recent controversy over Forever 21 doing away with many of their employees' hours in order to cut benefits. They are not the first stingy fast fashion company to do something problematic. There are dozens and dozens of other retailers who have equally unnerving practices -- some use suppliers that uphold appalling conditions in their factories, some sell items with cruel or triggering messages, some steal graphics or designs from smaller artists without compensating them, some appropriate (and bastardize) multicultural patterns, and some donate portions of their proceeds to oppressive causes or political candidates. I, like many others, don't have the luxury to spend more money on clothes from companies that implement fairer practices, but what I can do is just buy less. This project has been a catalyst for me to think twice about what I buy, how much I buy, and where I buy it from.
So what'd you guys think? We're considering doing another Challenge during the colder months as more members prefer the layers and accessories of fall and winter. I've never done one during colder temperatures, so I'd be excited to see how I make it work.
