Saturday, April 17, 2010

I'd like to say a few words to mark the occasion, or Dress #45

Dress: Arpeja, thrifted;
Belt: Ann Taylor Loft;
Jade bracelet: Finder's Keepers;
Wedges: Zigi Soho.
How I've worn the dress before: here.


So two very big things happened today: I finished The Dress Project, and we found Mystery Park! So it seemed only fitting that this floral dress got a great setting for the final outfit in the installment.

So about the park. We realized the last time we tried to find it, our Google directions took us to a back entrance of the park that no longer existed. We found it today, and what's even better is that it's only two miles from our apartment, which is closer than almost all of our other photo places. Not only that, the park is completely lush and preserved even though it's minutes from a retail and suburban area. And not only that, it's kind've isolated -- it's not crowded like the other parks near us, and it would be a great place to take kids because there are a lot of scenic areas. Apparently it's land from McDaniel Farm, which was in its prime in the early 1900s as a tenant farm. Lots of the land and buildings have been preserved in the park. We explored a little bit of one trail today and are going to save the rest for some exploring later. I'm so excited about having a new place for photos! Here are some more photos:



Ok, so about the dress. I really loved how I styled it this time around, because now that the weather's nice, the dress can really shine on its own without sweaters covering it up. I felt like I personified spring, walking around with so many bright colors. These photos from this shoot are probably my favorites on the blog so far. I love how the park just inspired us.

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I cannot believe this was the last dress in the Project, because I really feel like I accomplished a big goal. Forty-five dresses took a long time --- I wore one everyday, but the Project took 57 days because there were some days I just didn't take any photos, or felt pretty sick. But now that it's over,
it feels weird to go into my closet now and realize that I don't have to wear any more dresses if I don't want to. I started this Project to appreciate what I already have, and I think I've accomplished that goal. I know I've got a couple dresses that I'm iffy about keeping, but now that I've seen most of my dresses in a new light, I can't see getting rid of them. A few will probably get alterations, but I think that will give them more potential.
As the Project is over, so is my shopping ban. It feels weird to say this too, but I don't have the sudden urge to go on a shopping spree now. I mean, I could probably get some new shoes, but that's it. I have to admit, I think I've become more cautious with my money, which I definitely think the Project influenced.

Lastly, I want to thank you guys for reading through The Dress Project and Sidewalk Chalk. I thought the Project was going to be a hare-brained scheme, but it really has evolved because of your comments, encouragement and support. I really do have the best readers, and you really have meant a lot to me in not only the last 57 days, but throughout the last six months, when this blog started. I've got some other ideas for this blog, and I really can't wait to see how it'll evolve even more. Thank you so much for everything!



21 comments:

  1. Congratulations on finishing the dress project - a lovely dress to end it with!

    I'cve loved seeing what dress you were going to wear for the day!

    Can't wait to see what you come up with next .....

    CC xXx

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  2. Congrats on the Dress project! I've had fun going through all of them with you; I looked at every one of them even if I don't always comment.

    Do you live in Eden or what?! Everything is so green. You and husband are just the cutest!

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  3. Congrats on completing the dress project!

    Shopping from our closets is something we all should be doing a lot more and I commend you for sticking to it.

    I look forward to seeing what else you have in mind for your blog - and I've got to find your cool park!

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  4. Congratulations on completing the project! It's been fun following your blog posts throughout the project. Such a lovely dress to end it too :)

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  5. Congratulations on finishing!

    And how awesome to find such a nice park so close to home!

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  6. wooooo congratulations on finishing the project! fun, spring dress to tie it all up!

    and i am jealous of that park so close by... awesome!

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  7. You saved my favorite for last! You look lovely! =D

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  8. Congrats on being finished! You have some lovely dresses (including this one!)
    Must be looking forward to some jeans and shorts now!

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  9. I think this was a fab project! This last dress is just lovely, so pretty and colourful!

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  10. you look so pretty!

    Forgot how much I enjoyed your lovely blog darling, i've missed it =]

    Stay safe and chic ma chérie,
    English Rose x
    http://iamanenglishrose.blogspot.com

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  11. Oh Yay, congrats on your 45 Dress project! 57 days.. was it really that long, it seemed like it totally flew by! Wow. :) So, are we going to see a collage of all the dresses side by side. That would be awesome!! Hope you're having a lovely weekend sweetie. Oh and that park is fabulous!!

    xx Love & Aloha

    **Stop by to enter my ~Une Very Stylish Fille Giveaway~**

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  12. Love the colors in the dress!

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  13. I know that I say this all the time, but this is my favorite of all the dresses! I admire you for pulling it off, and I totally understand the way blogging about what you have has made you so much more appreciative. I'm now so much more selective when I shop because I actually know what I have and a ton of different ways to work it. I can't wait to see you in some pants!

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  14. Wow can't believe it's over, congrats! I'm excited to see what your next project will be :)

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  15. Congratulations on finishing the project! Wheeee! And the park looks like a fabulous outfit-shoot location :)

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  16. This project was an incredible journey, Joann! And I'm glad you found this mystery park, the shots in this post are fantastic.

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  17. Very cute floral dress!
    -theurbanfashiongal.com

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  18. Congratulations on completing the project! It's been so fun reading about your experience!

    Looking forward to seeing what you'll do next with your blog :-)

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  19. Congrats on finishing!! I've SO enjoyed seeing you in all your gorgeous dresses!!!

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  20. CONGRATULATIONS my dearest! it was so fun to watch you with all your dresses! u looked amazing each time!

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  21. Congrats on finishing such a wonderful challenge!!I love love love this dress btw, such cute colors!

    www.thejoyoffashion.blogspot.com

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