I just learned about Project 333 (http://theproject333.com/) a week or so ago. So, I pulled out my wardrobe plans and considered giving this a whirl. The basics of this project are:
- 33 pieces of clothing, accessories, shoes (TOTAL)
- 3 month time period (a season)
Then while I reading about wardrobe revamping at into-mind (http://into-mind.com/2013/01/06/10-step-wardrobe-revamp/), in the comments of one of the entries, I came across Fashion Mashie (http://fashionmashie.com/) - an Aussie lady who wore her existing wardrobe (I believe she only bought one dress and accessories) for one year. (I haven't read her entire journey yet, but what I have is quite fun.)
That got me thinking - I couldn't quite weed my wardrobe down to 33 pieces (actually I haven't done it yet - planning phase) - could I sorta combine the two concepts? I could limit my wardrobe AND wear the minimalist wardrobe for a whole year.
This is just "talk" now, but the ideas are percolating. I'm WAYYY into convertible (multi-use, transforming - actually that's what this blog is really about) clothing and I've wanted to use the pieces in conjunction with a project similar to Project 333.
(I was going to take a moment and share some of my favorite wardrobe books, but I'll save those for future posts.)
Conceptually I have my wardrobe narrowed to around 50 pieces - which includes: pants, tops, dresses, jackets/coat, shoes, and accessories (including jewelry). (Socks, underwear, and pajamas/loungewear/exercise gear are not included in the total - per Project 333 rules.) I'm kinda a "rules" girl (heck, my job is Quality Assurance, what do you expect?!!! ;o)), so I'm trying to figure out the number rule for a year's minimalist wardrobe. I thought about 365/4 but that gives me ~91 pieces and that might be too large of a number for me = minimalist. I might try the Babylonian 60. Hmmm....I might be able to make that work.
Here is the list so far:
1-2. 2 - Long sleeve tunic
3-7. 5 - T shirts (longer than normal)
8-9. 2 - yoga pants
10-11. 2 - jeans
12. 1 - leggings
13. 1 - sarong
14. 1 - oval tunic
15. 1 - button scarf
16. 1 - tube dress
17. 1 - sleeves
18-21. 4 - circle/infinity scarves (various lengths)
22. 1 - cardi wrap
23. 1 - wrap skirt
24. 1 - bog coat
25. 1 - button down shirt
26-27. 2 - tube top
28-30. 3 - furoshikis
31. 1 - jean jacket
32. 1 - gloves
33. 1 - bangle
34. 1 - cocktail ring
35. 1 - necklace (this will be a cheater necklace, watch for a future post)
36. 1 - post earrings
37. 1 - hoop earrings
38. 1 - pearls
39. 1 - brooch
40. 1 - pumps
41. 1 - tennis shoes
42. 1 - flats
43. 1 - ankle boots
44. 1 - sandals (this also might be another cheater - sorta, future post ;o))
45. 1 - purse
46. 1 - tote
(I'm trying to decide if a swimsuit counts or not....According to Courtney Carver at Project 333 - she doesn't count them...I guess a swimsuit would be either exercise gear or lounge wear - depending on who you are. A swimsuit definitely falls into the lounge wear category for me.) After you've read about Project 333, what do you think? Since I'm into modesty, the swimsuit would not be worn out in public other than at the beach or lake (Georgia doesn't seem to have many public swimming pools - at least, I haven't been to one.)
The color palette will be:
black
white
plum
turquoise
coral
crème
taupe/brown
red
The red is what is propelling me into the year-long minimalist idea. Red, to me, is a necessary wardrobe color for Christmas, Valentine's Day and Independence Day.
I'm trying to remember that this wardrobe has to meet all scenarios. I'm not much of an outdoorsy person, but the rest of my family is - so occasionally, I'll accommodate them. That means jeans and the tennis shoes definitely have to be part of the wardrobe lineup. We don't usually go to fancy places, so I'm not too worried about that end of the wardrobe spectrum though some of the pieces can be dressed up to fancy (well, not a black tie event...). My lifestyle is basically work, church, and hanging with the family around the house. (I know, I live a very exciting life...)
Well, that's the beginning of the percolating. The tentative beginning goal date is September 1st.(Georgia usually has the loveliest Indian summers through mid December and I thought I would start then.) The fly in the ointment is getting some of the pieces made before that date.
Who would like to do the journey with me?
P.S. On a personal note, my children "started" school today. Ugh! Even though, they are home schooled and I work outside the home, I still hate that we have to formalize their education calendar. Good news though, my oldest daughter was accepted into the Pathways program with BYU-I. You go, girl!!!
