Day 135: Toasty

Can you tell I really like these yellow leaves? I'll be sad when they finally get cleaned up.  I picked up this sweater recently because another one of my conclusions for a better wardrobe is More Sweaters, Fewer Sweatshirts.  This is just as comfortable, but has more of a style.  In the old days (pre-July 6, 2011), I would have probably worn this sweater with a brown long-sleeve tee underneath. But since starting this project and reading fashion and style blogs, I wanted to do something a little more exciting. I thought that contrasting patterns in a gray or tan similar to what is in the sweater would be ideal, but I don't have anything that fits that description. This black and white striped shirt will have to do. What would you wear under this sweater?

Sweater and bag: Target

Top: Betsy's, from Gap

Jeans: Tommy Hilfiger via TJ Maxx

Boots: Gift from Mom, Kenneth Cole via Marshalls

Necklace: Gift from Margaret

Pearly earrings: ??

Sunglasses: Gap

Day 128: A Bucknell Classic

Not all of the fashions from the 1980s were bad--take a look at this shirt! I'm lucky to have attended the same university as my dad for many reasons, one of which is that I have access to this baseball tee my mom picked up when she first visted my dad's alma mater around 1983. I was surprised when my husband said he'd never seen this shirt until today, but it's true that I don't wear it often. The first time I wore it was during College Day in high school, when I leaned back in my chair and got gum on the back of my shirt.  All of the Goo Gone in the world can't get the weird splotch off of the back of this shirt.

I wanted to channel my mom when I was figuring out what else to wear with this, but 1. I don't have any pants that I made myself and 2. I don't know what else she wore when she was my age. Mom, what should I have done?

Top: Bucknell University

Jeans: From Laura, Gap

Chucks: TJ Maxx

Necklace: Gift from Alicia

Bracelet: ??

Day 121: What do you think?

As I'm nearing the end of my project, I want to know what you liked about it. Would you be willing to scroll back a bit and let me know what some of your favorite outfits are? You can also click on the keywords to the right to find older outfits that way.  If you hate an outfit, I probably hate it too, and may have already given away parts of it, so you don't need to tell me that, unless you think it's really important, and you're sensitive about it! I have decided that there is certainly room in my wardrobe for some additions, so I would love your feedback to learn what you think I should add to my closet.  For instance: jeans. I know I need new jeans! I have been adding components along the way, either just for fun (leopard print blouse) or because taking daily photos of my outfits tells me what is lacking (boots, until recently!).  So the project has helped me expand my wardrobe a bit, but I'd like to hear how you think I can improve it some more.  Thanks for reading and encouraging me along the way!  There are still plenty of outfits to come, but I promise they're not necessarily the highlights of my wardrobe. There are some fun pieces left though!

I am picking Chloe up from ballet and then babysitting tonight, which may have partially inspired today's bun in my hair.

Notice how the sign says "Watch Children". That's what I do best!

Sweater: Gift from Dave's Aunt Edie

Phillies shirt underneath, in case of extreme heat or itch: Gift from Easter Bunny, K-Mart

Jeans: Tommy Hilfiger via TJ Maxx

Boots: Gift from Mom, Kenneth Cole via Marshall's

Bag: Old Navy

Coin pearl earrings: Gift from Dave, Syracuse shop

Day 114: Warmth

I'm really working through my sweater collection already. I don't necessarily wear one at a time, and I like to wear big ones, like this yellow one, around the house and to sleep in at night. I almost always wake up uncomfortable from the warmth of a sweater like this, but it's worth it for the pre-bedtime hours. I have two yellow Ralph Lauren sweaters: one was my mom's sister's, and the other was my dad's dad's, so they are a special sentimental component of my wardrobe.  On Friday, I wore the yellow sweater (with the scarf pictured below) while tidying the house and to the Italian Market, and then changed into the blue cardigan for dinner at Amis to celebrate October birthdays.  I still couldn't take off that scarf though: I see what Dave loves about it!

Yellow sweater: Was Aunt Kim's, Ralph Lauren

Blue Sweater: TJ Maxx

Jeans: Tommy Hilfiger via TJ Maxx

Socks and boots: Gift from Mom, Boots from Marshalls

Scarf: Dave's, from Ireland

Day 107: Happy Birthday, Dave!

Let's all wish a happy birthday to my bright, beer-loving husband and photographer, Dave! We're celebrating his 27th by working almost all day, and then flying across the country tonight. The best part is that Dave gets three extra hours because of the time difference, so it will still be October 21st when we land! As part of Dave's present, I ordered a bunch of pictures we've taken over the past year and a half since we've been married.  It's incredible how many places we've traveled together since last April. In addition to various places in Maryland (including Baltimore), New Jersey (including Stone Harbor), and the Philadelphia area (including King of Prussia), we have spent quality time in these great places:

• Providence
• Nantucket
• Boston
• Atlanta
• Charleston
• Savannah
• San Francisco
• New Orleans
• Costa Rica
• Pittsburgh
• Jamaica

All of these trips were so special and memorable, and I look forward to many, many more explorations with Dave.  My recent experience in travel means that I know just how to be comfortable on long plane ride from one climate to another. A light sweater with a substantial tank top underneath, with my comfiest jeans. I'll also change into sneakers or sandals so I can curl up in my seat, and I'm packing a trench coat.

 

 Sweater: Macy's in Minneapolis

White tank: ??

Jeans: Old Navy

Boots: Kenneth Cole via Marshall's

Bag: Target

Day 100: Hooray!

It's time to celebrate! I'm 100 days into this project, and it's going really well! I started to wear all of my clothes 100 days ago in order to take an inventory of what I have. Each day, I have worn at least one piece that I haven't worn since the project started, and I'm well over halfway through.  Right now, I have a bunch of casual, plain short-sleeve shirts left, as well as a whole bunch of sweaters. I also have a handful of formal dresses, as well as my wedding dress.  I feel pretty confident that I'll be able to wear everything I have, even if it means that I will dress up too much for Thanksgiving or I have a party with a theme of "Wear your bridesmaid or prom dress".  Dressing up for Halloween is essential this year, too.

Cleaning out my closet has always been one of my favorite hobbies, and The Everything Project was a result of the biggest purge, after losing some weight and a few sizes.  I restocked on the essentials and some fun new pieces, and I am lucky to share clothing with some friends and sisters.  Today, I realized that I only have about 3 pairs of jeans, and they're all nice and new.  It's important to have jeans like these, but I am itching to go to the thrift store at lunch today to find a perfectly worn-in pair of light-colored jeans with a boyfriend fit. All I have wanted to do is dress comfortably and casually lately.  Last night I was tempted to babysit in my pajamas!

Pink & gray striped shirt: Betsy's, from American Eagle

Sweater: Old Navy

Jeans: From Laura, from Gap

Shoes: Chuck Taylors via TJ Maxx

Bag: Banana Republic

Earrings: ??

Candle Necklace: Gift from Anthropologie at my birthday last year.

Did any of you get the same one?

Day 86: Boot debut

For an early birthday present, my mom gave me these boots! I am really excited about them because while I have rain and snow boots (and one pair of ripped gray boots from Payless), I needed some that value form over function. I plan to wear these all the time, and think they will be comfortable and will age gracefully and wear in nicely. 

Let me know in the comments if you would like this shirt! I bought it last year, but it doesn't fit anymore. (size large) Who do I think I am, the Pioneer Woman?

Shirt: Daffy's

Jeans: Old Navy

Boots: Gift from Mom

Ruby earrings: Gift from Denise

Philadelphia Bracelet: The "With Love" Philadelphia Campaign at a First Friday event

Bag: Coach

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 72: Bundle

You know what I love about fall, and if you don't, everyone you know has written about it on facebook. I never knew it had such wide-spread appeal, and thought that I just love autumn because I was born in October and am used to celebrating as the air turns pleasantly chilly.  I'm not quite ready to jump into jacket and butternut squash weather, but I'm easing into the season slowly. Yes, I can do plaid.

Vest and top: My sister Betsy's

Jeans and bag: Old Navy

Boots: Payless

Sunglasses: Gap

Earrings: Made by Mom's friend Suzanne

Day 65: Red tunic and thoughts of summer

This weekend, I am going to try to take pictures of what I've worn and what I have yet to wear to give you a status update.  I am making progress, but I do get in my own way when I go out and buy new shirts like this one.

I got a little nervous on Labor Day because I still have a few pieces that are very summery.  I wasn't sure when I would be able to wear my flamingo dress or white top that doesn't layer well, but then it came to me! I have already started packing for Jamaica in my mind.  Alicia and Tommy are getting married there in October, and I am prepared.  I also have a few pieces in mind for my trip to Los Angeles later next month.  Hopefully I'll look as chic as I will try to be.

What should my donation policy be? If there is an item I don't want to wear, do I have to wear it anyway, or can I donate it to Philly Aids Thrift so it doesn't really count as a part of my wardrobe? Old Hanson t-shirt, I'm looking at you.

Top and jeans: TJ Maxx

Shoes: Crocs from Laura

Scarf: Heirloom from Mom

Bracelet: Betsy's

Day 58: Casual business

I'm running into a similar issue with brown shirts that I have with black ones.  So jeans it is! In the past, I have generally worn this for very businessy occasions with a brown work dress, but the shades are a little bit off.  I also have to be careful to balance my outfit it since the blazer is not so fitted.  How do you wear brown tops?

Jacket: The Limited via TJ Maxx

Shirt: Gap

Jeans: Old Navy

Heels: Chinese Laundry via Macy's

Bag: Kohl's

Necklace: Betsy's

Bangles: Gift

Day 51: How do you wear black shirts?

When I wear black tops with black pants or skirts, I feel a little more high school stage crew member and a little less Victoria Beckham.  I'm sure it has to do with the fit, and since I don't get my clothes tailored, I end up wearing black shirts with jeans when I can.  This outfit is so comfy. I don't know yet if I'm going to be wearing this to Baltimore tonight or if it would be better to stay off the roads and avoid Hurricane Irene.

Top: Betsy's

Jeans: Laura's, from Gap

Shoes: Banana Republic Outlet

Bag: Goodwill

Green Earrings: Gift from Lauren

Gem Stone Bracelet: Gift from Aga? (That means it's at least 16 years old)

Day 44: Skirting Around the Issue

This skirt has been at the back of my closet for the past month, and I missed it, so I brought it back with a shirt I've never thought about before. The shirt has always been a lounging with jeans around the house kind of shirt, but it's showing me today that it could probably be incorporated into a regular business casual workplace. I am glad that I have been following some style blogs now, because they taught me that you can type "business casz" and it's the most accurate representation of how to pronounce the shortened form of my work attire.

Watch me fiddle with my rings. I am wearing two engagement rings today; one is from Dave, and one is from Kelly Bates. It was very useful at fending off some (but not all) creeps when I was in Morocco.

It's a little bulky. I think I will just stick with the diamonds that are real after this.  It has been fun to wear all of my jewelry; I've realized that I wore the tiniest fraction of it before The Everything Project.

Thanks to my trusty friend (and coworker only for the next 5 hours!) Jan for taking these pictures for me while Dave was away! I will treasure the moments she made me stand on desks, even if I did not post them on here.

Shirt: Kohls? That's my guess for many older, nondescript shirts

Skirt and belt: J. Crew

Sandals: Old Navy

Opal earrings: Gift from Grandma

Heart opal necklace: I've had it for a really long time (13ish years?), but I am thinking it's a gift from Mom, though for some reason I feel like it could be from Aunt Lucy

Ring: Gift from Kelly

Day 37: Guten Tag it's Friday

Man, there are a lot of brick walls in this city. Even when I try to mix up the scenery in these photos, we always come back to different brick walls.  In honor of my good friends Zack and Laura, who are moving to Germany this month, I wore my Germany shirt. It's my dad's, it's from the 70s, and I love it. I was proudest of this shirt when I was reading Tina Fey's Bossypants, which included the sentence, "The shirts allowed me to express myself with cool sayings like 'There's No Crying in Baseball' and 'Universität Heidelberg'.” If I recall correctly, she is not complimenting such shirts, but that doesn't matter to me.  Did young Tina Fey have the same shirt I do?

Can you tell what I did with this scarf today?

I am also wearing flamingo socks.

Shirt: Dad's, from Universitat Heidelberg

Pants: Banana Republic

Shoes: Converse

Scarf: J. Karma

Earrings: Gift

Bag: Vera Bradley (Gift)

Day 30: Tropical Treat

For a double date at Mixto, I wanted to wear this tropical silk tube top. I used to love getting dressed up to go out in the city in this shirt, but now I feel too old for tube tops. It matches this dress perfectly, which is good because something needs to happen with the neckline of the dress. It's something I never would have put together before, but it might have something to do with how good those mojitos were. And of course, the basil lemonade at Misconduct to watch the Phillies win was delicious, as usual.

Dress: H&M

Shirt: Lilly Pulitzer

Earrings and Shoes: Don't know; had since high school

Day 30: City Living

Happy Friday! I know you can't always see my accessories, but I am still cataloging them at the bottom of every post so I can make sure I wear all of them.  Also, you should know that even though I never mention it, I wear my engagement and wedding rings every day.  They are wonderful, and probably don't need an explanation. Gift from Dave!

Shirt: Brooklyn Industries

Jeans: Old Navy

Shoes: Candies

Purse: Liz Claiborne

Blue Earrings: Gift from Sophia

Purple bracelet: Don't know!
Class Ring: Clearview Regional High School

Day 17:More pockets

This weekend, I will escape to cool and temperate Minneapolis for a work conference. I'm looking forward to temperatures in the 80s and the opportunity to wear outfits I don't love as much, since I won't know anyone at this conference (besides my cousin, coincidentally, but she is kind and forgiving).  I will spend most of my time in a big, air-conditioned Hilton, but I'm not sure how to spend the rest of my time there.

I could've used bolder accessories with this dress, but I don't exactly have any. How would you wear it?

Dress: Old Navy

Headband: J. Crew (I haven't worn it since someone spilled beer on my head at Varga)

Necklace: from a Lewisburg antique barn

Friendship bracelet: Authentic from about 12 years ago

Tote: Banana Republic

Sandals: Kohl's. I've realized I only have 2 work-appropriate (read: non-flip flop) pairs of sandals

July 15, 2011: Day 10

Here is a good example of an outfit I have never worn before and am only wearing because I challenged myself to wear all of my clothes. I have a decent number of shirts that fall into this category of not being appropriate for work, the gym, parties, dinners out, or essentially anywhere.  So I'm turning Casual Friday on its head and instead of wearing a dressy shirt with jeans, you get a t-shirt with a skirt. This shirt really makes me want to go right here for a sandwich with sprouts on it.

Shirt: Something Natural on Nantucket

Skirt: Ralph Lauren

Belt: Francesca's

Sandals: Old Navy

Ice cream: Free from the Bourse! (a work perk for today!)

July 8, 2011: Day 3

Here I am on Casual Friday. Cas. Fri. is tricky in July, since I don't want to wear jeans, and it's never permissible to wear shorts at work. So, here I am dressing down my skirt with a Nantucket Nectars shirt circa 2005. I wore this shirt when I worked at the Allserve General Store, birthplace of Nantucket Nectars, but haven't worn it so often since.  This skirt is also from an unknown store in which I had great success on my Vancouver business trip last summer.