Reflecting on The Dress Project

I'm taking a little break from the project today so that I can get some long-needed chores and errands done (i.e., I'm wearing my pajama pants), but I thought I'd reflect a little on how I'm feeling so far about doing this. We're into Dress 18 (I only put up 16 in the photos, because I'm waiting for it to round out to four photos in the grid), and almost halfway there:

1) I haven't broken down and bought clothing items since the ban started. Except for visiting Target, I've begun to shy away from situations that would usually tempt me, like going to the mall or looking at Gilt's offerings. I'm slowly pulling out long-forgotten things from my closet and thinking that I can recreate a look with what I already have. I think at the end of this whole experiment, I'll probably take new purchases into a lot more consideration.

2) But at the same time, I'm noticing that there are holes in my wardrobe too, of pieces that I didn't realize until now that I could probably use in my rotation. A few basics that I'm considering adding include a white button-down shirt and a neutral closed-toe pump. My problem isn't that I shy away from pattern or color, but that I ignore simple basics, probably because before I considered them too boring to buy or worry about. Now I'm realizing they can be important.
3) I really should photograph my purse collection more, because I have liked collecting those in the past. Though I think I would look awkward displaying one on my arm in the photo. Maybe a weekly spotlight on some of my favorite closet things?

4) Many of the dresses I've worn have been a cornucopia of sizes, and most of them fit me quite well. I know it's just a number on a label, and I know a lot of companies offer measurements as well. But I think things would be much, much easier if companies did away with vanity sizing and a universal sizing process was established. It would make in-store and online shopping quicker and more reliable.

5) For the most part, I've been doing really well with letting the dress stand out for itself by wearing neutral pieces with it. I'd like to incorporate more layering into my routine and combine dresses with skirts, shirts and other pieces so that the dress is only a part, but not the whole outfit.

I really like seeing the photos progress in the grid. I feel like I am accomplishing something, and that feels great.

Any thoughts on the Dress Project so far?

Also, just wanted to say that I'm currently having trouble leaving comments on certain blogs, particularly ones that utilize the separate pop-up comment box feature. I don't know why, but my computer freezes up on them and I'm trying to get it corrected. (Don't worry if your blog has this comment feature, it's most likely my computer's fault)  I have been keeping up on my reading list though, and will be back to commenting and responding on your lovely blogs soon!

Assassin's Tango, or Dress #18

 

Listening to: Assassin's Tango, 

from the "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" soundtrack.

Dress: Ann Taylor Loft;

Sweater: Faded Glory;

Shoes: Aerosoles;

Belt: Fossil.

It's Day 18 into The Dress Project and I'm trying to stay resolute with my goals, but it's beginning to feel difficult when 27 more dresses seems like it will end a long time from now. But I am trying to fully appreciate what I already have, which is why I pulled out this dress today. I specifically bought it for tailgating at my college's football games in the fall --- female fans at SEC college schools usually dress up for the games, and I suppose it's a longtime Southern tradition (you can read more of my thoughts on it here).

So even though it's a day dress, I can't really see it outside of the context of football Saturdays, and so I tried to look past the school colors in it and give it another try today. I ended up like the way I styled it -- it felt feminine, flirty and a little tango-ish because of the colors. I like the matchy-matchiness of it. Instead of my usual wedge or flat, I went with a real heel today, but next time I wear this, I'll probably wear a different shoe because these felt too clunky for the outfit. Oh well, it's a learning process!

In other news, I'm a little behind on the times, but I started a twitter account for this blog (@joannssidewalk) so I could expand the dialogue and keep up with other bloggers' tweets. I have had a personal account for a while and haven't kept up with it, but am excited about my new blog one. If you feel so inclined,you can follow me there too!

 

18 down, 27 to go.

Aquamarine, or Dress #17

  

 

 

 

 Dress: Connected Apparel, from Secondhand Rose (now closed);

Tank: WalMart;

Shoes: Zigi Soho;

Jade bracelet: thrifted, Finder's Keepers.

The weather was so nice outside that I was able to take my sweater off for a little while and not freeze, but it was super windy, so I had to make sure I didn't accidentally flash anyone with my dress. 

Anyways, about this dress. I'm pretty sure it's magic, because I love the color and the shape, and I was tempted to save it to be the last dress in The Dress Project. I got it for a wedding a couple years ago, and have since gotten it shortened. It's got a nice detail around the waist, and I always feel like Betty Draper whenever I wear it.

I'm in love with this location -- it's just a stairway in a park near our home, but our pictures always turn out nice when we take them there. It was a little busy at the park today, so it was a bit awkward when whole families walked by us on the steps. I felt compelled to halfheartedly shrug, "Graduation photos," as if that would explain our compulsive photo-taking and my vanity. Somehow trying to explain that I have a style blog seemed much more complicated.

How do you deal with onlookers during your blog photoshoots?

About to eat some dinner -- have a great night!

 

17 down, 28 to go.

Ruffled up, or Dress #16

 

 

 

Dress: Trulli, Ann Taylor Loft;

Sweater: Ann Taylor Loft, gift;

Tights: Ann Klein, Marshall's;

Boots: Kady cognac, Target;

Black cougar bracelet: Finder's Keepers.

A huge thank you to Kathryn of Schoolmarm Style for featuring me as her girl crush -- it's quite an honor!

Today was one of those days I was going to wear a girly dress for The Dress Project, weather be damned. I think it was supposed to be windy and partly cloudy but I didn't really care. I've had this dress for a couple of years, and it's been ridiculously versatile: I've worn it to all sorts of social events, including some college parties and my engagement party.  I've also worn it to work before, under a longer pencil skirt so that it would be length-appropriate.

It was also a special day, because I got to meet up with my friend Krista, who writes at UnVeiled. We both went to the same high school, and she's since moved to Texas, so seeing her is always a treat because we live far from each other (our last reunion was improbable; we ran into each other in NYC while we were at our respective internships). We met up for yummy Asian cuisine to catch up on each other's lives, and got to talk about style blogging and how much we enjoy this community, especially for me, because most people in my life do not know about my blog or share the same interests in blogging. Being able to talk about this new hobby with someone I know in real life was really fun and it was great to catch up.

I hope all of you lovelies had a great weekend!

16 down, 29 to go.

Are you going to Scarborough Fair?, or Dress #15

  

 

 

 

Listening to: "The Graduate" soundtrack.

Dress: Style & Co., Macy's, altered;

Sweater, boots, tights: Target;

Monsho the turtle pin: thrifted, Finder's Keepers.

How I've worn the dress: here, here.

 It's Dress #15 of The Dress Project, and I've been inspired by Anne Bancroft's and Katharine Ross's characters in "The Graduate," so this felt like an homage to both Mrs. Robinson and her daughter, Elaine. A little collegiate-preppy with the sweater and pin, a little grownup with the animal print.

 I used to shy away a lot from animal prints in clothes because often the print is applied to seductive clothing --- low-cut spaghetti-strap tank tops, lingerie and I didn't think that it was much of my style or something that I could pull off. When I found this more modest dress, I decided to give the trend a whirl. I've gotten it altered since then --- it had a long hem and sleeves -- so I could wear it in the summertime too, and it's been a closet staple ever since. I don't think I would ever wear head-to-toe animal print, but I'd definitely be interested in trying it in accessories like shoes, headbands, bows or scarves. What are your feelings on animal print?

I'm heading out soon with Jeremiah to hang out and watch some straight-to-dvd movie at V.'s house. V swears it's funny in some ironic, low-budget way. Have a good night!

 

15 down, 30 to go.

P.S. In honor of "The Graduate," here's my favorite scene in "The Holiday." Enjoy!