Sooo, I took part in the 10×10 challenge again! #gluttonforpunishment No really, I actually do enjoy doing this a lot, even if I get a little bit tired of my chosen pieces by the end of it. I like the capsule aspect of it, and let’s face it; a wardrobe challenge is always gonna suck me right into its gaping maw. Really, it’s just a fun little diversion in the scheme of things. The fact that this one’s only ten days long makes it quite manageable and painless. I mean, this is coming from someone who voluntarily subjects themselves to quite strict, year-long wardrobe challenges, so you know, we all set a different bar.
So, the scenario; you pick ten items of clothing, which you will wear over the next ten days. You are allowed to freely add accessories like hats, scarves, gloves, bags, jewellery and tights, as needed.
My selection… two dresses, and three tops, three skirts, two pairs of shoes; a pretty easy-to-mix-up arrangement. I made everything except for those blue thongs…
from L to R, all items are linked back to their original construction post; the number in brackets is the number of times each thing got worn during the challenge.
- white linen Hunter tank, pattern by Jennifer Lauren Handmade … (2)
- navy chambray top, our own Perth blouse pattern … (4)
- apricot top, design variation on a pattern from She Wears the Pants … (2)
- black/white striped skirt, V1247 … (2)
- ivory skirt, V1247 … (2)
- red floral skirt, V2894 … (2)
- denim dress, V1316 … (2)
- pink/navy dress, V1351 … (2)
- my handmade clogs … (5)
- blue Roxy thongs …(5)
the outfits:
Thoughts?
No stunning new insights I’m afraid. I’d initially chosen my little hand-knitted teal Audrey-in-Unst cardigan, which I thought toned in quite nicely with all my other things, but the weather turned out to be so muggy and humid! Rapidly realised that cardi was never going to get worn … a giant waste of valuable 10×10 real estate! Moral of the story, check the weather forecast! so I swapped it out for my loose and breezy red floral skirt. Which was an absolute delight to wear. Man, I love that thing. A surprise hit was my navy blue Perth blouse. I basically whipped that thing up just to test my pattern… and I’m enjoying it so much! I did like it as soon as I’d made it but am only just starting to appreciate its versatility and how nice it is to wear. My two favourite outfits for the challenge were the navy blouse with my red floral skirt, and the same blouse over my navy/pink dress… loved wearing both of those outfits and I just cannot choose between the two.
Though, of course I liked all my outfits… all these things are pieces that I love to wear, which is why I chose them, obviously. One thing I’m getting from these 10×10 challenges is that I feel like I’m really making clothes and shoes for myself that I LOVE, that I’m comfortable in now, and my things GO together just how I like them to. This is a very reassuring thing.
Will I be doing the next 10×10 challenge, which is officially the summer one, but for me will be a winter one? yes I think so. I think the winter one is probably the most difficult one; I mean when the weather’s warm, it’s easy, because you can just throw on a frock and your shoes; two pieces and you’re good to go. In winter, you really need the layers just for warmth. I’m imagining piling on the same ten things day in day out. Or maybe you can avoid that? be more creative, if you’re clever with the choices? Hmmm, the challenge of it… I can feel myself getting excited for it already!
I have found this 10×10 very interesting mainly due to the layering of the tops and dresses. Even though I have seen it done before, the silhouette’s were not something I would ever consider but the silhouettes you have shown let’s me see the possibilities, but first I would need to make some dresses.
Now to see what you do for winter, 10 items and cold weather not sure I could do that one.
thank you Sharon, and of course you could do it! Maybe you could give it a try… 🙂
This is such a great challenge and shows how versatile we can be with a few well chosen items. You do it so well! Especially good for travelling. My favourite outfit is the dress with the Perth blouse on top. It will make me more likely to make such a dress and top as the weather in the UK makes opportunities for a sleeveless dress minimal but they are lovely to have in your wardrobe. Thank you for sharing.,
thank you Lis! Yes, I often think it’s like organising a travel wardrobe, except without the actual fun travelling bit though, haha 🙂
I admire this versatile capsule. Your favorites were mine, too!!
thank you so much SaSa! 🙂
Always enjoy seeing the way you wear your beautiful clothes during these challenges. Loved your choices and especially that pop of color in the floral skirt. But what was a great reminder, was how you layered with a top and dress. Such a great ‘look’ and allows one to get sort of double wear out of their dresses. Agree with what were your favorite looks too, but you make everything look so good. 🙂
thank you very much Lisa! 🙂
Visiting old favorites! Thanks again for proving how much mileage we can get out of a limited number of good things.
Also, all these terrific pieces are successful, but the denim dress and the black/white striped skirt really are two all time champions! They look so flattering, fresh, modern and timeless.
thank you so much Sankati! I do really love those pieces a lot too 🙂
I follow your OOTD tumblr and had absolutely no inkling that you were doing this – which I think is definitely a mark of success!
I love all of your outfits, but completely adore that denim dress!
thank you Carolbaby, that is a lovely compliment! I’m glad the repetitive-ness – if that’s even a word! – was not too obvious then!
I always debate capsule wardrobe challenges. I love wardrobe challenges, to shake up my boring attire, and capsules seem super neat. but then I FEAR I will be bored and miss all my other neat clothes.
But, I could do it for 10 days!
next month. This month is No Pants April wardrobe challenge.
thank you Kimberly! I’ve found wardrobe challenges are always quite fun and nothing at all to be feared! Good luck with the April challenge… I guess it means no trousers? or jeans? not no pants, I hope!!