Welcome to Project 333 Style Stories, a brand new series featuring real people dressing with less. Your stories are so important and will inspire people to try Project 333 and discover the benefits of dressing with less. Send me your style story for consideration with 3 images of you and your 33 and answers to the questions below.
I’m really excited to share Lauren’s style story with you to kick off the series.
Lauren
Tell us a little about yourself like what type of climate you live in, and what a typical day is like for you.
I am a mother, a wife, a full-time employee, a blogger, an avid reader, and searching for a more simplistic lifestyle. Right now, comfort and versatility is key for my wardrobe. I live in Texas where it’s 80 degrees one day and 60 the next. In a typical day, I go from work to mommy mode so I try to keep my work wardrobe professional but casual. Flats and sandals are a must and I try to change things up with my accessories.
Why did you start Project 333?
I used to shop for many reasons that were simply excuses to buy something new: the item was on sale, I was bored, or I had a bad day. Project 333 was the jumpstart I needed to change my habits and modify the old me. The me before I lost a job. The me before I had my first child. The me before something “clicked” and I realized there was so much more I could be doing than shopping.
Clothing was my first step in realizing that I cared too much about material items and not enough about the people and moments that really matter. So, it was the first area of my home and my possessions that I tackled. It has taken over 2 years, but all of my daily clothes (not pajamas, workout clothes, or undergarments) now fit into my half of the smallest closet my husband and I have ever shared.
What’s in your 33?
- 2 black leggings
- denim shorts
- 2 capris
- 3 tanks (white/blue/black)
- black versalette
- gray t-shirt
- 4 dressy tops (blue/coral/print)
- 2 cardigans (gray/blue)
- black seasonless skirt
- blue knit dress
- black dress
- navy maxi dress
- 2 flats (black/leopard)
- 2 sandals (black/silver)
- black converse
- 4 pair earrings (studs)
- 2 scarves (pink/gray and white)
- brown purse
- sunglasses
What have you discovered as a result of dressing with less?
I have more personal style than ever before. This minimal wardrobe has given me plenty of choices. I now have a better understanding of what I do and don’t like and what does and doesn’t look good on me.
Style is not about the number of items that you are trying to stuff into that already overloaded closet. Style is about confidence in what you wear. A minimal wardrobe has provided that confidence for me. It allows me to step out every day knowing that I look and feel good about my clothes. And it only took a minute to throw together!
Follow Lauren and her mom, Carolyn, on their journey towards simplicity at www.smalltownsimple.com or on Twitter.
I love hearing and seeing how other people put together their 33 items! Beautiful choices and great colors!
Thank you Malkah!
It’s neat to see a Versalette on someone’s 333 list! I had one when they first came out, but it wasn’t right for my proportions and always looked awkward on me, so I donated it (along with the helpful instruction card). I hear the new version is better–does anyone know if it’s worth the higher price tag? I love the idea of such a versatile garment as a wardrobe staple but not if it looks weird on me.
I really like the second one versus the first. The fabric lays well and it’s really comfortable. I hope this helps!
I love your style! You look so pulled together, and at the same time, comfortable. I’d like my 33 to be something like yours… Did I read correctly that you don’t have a pair of jeans included at all?!
As to the Versalette, I also wondered how it works for you. I scrolled back up to see if you were wearing it in any of the pics when I saw it on your list 🙂
In response to the other commenter, I got a “new” Versalette last summer, but I’m finding that it never feels or looks right on me. I figured that was because I’m kind of petite, but maybe I’m not the only one. (I just learned yesterday that a friend is pregnant, and I think it may be a perfect pregnancy and new-mom top as it provides plenty of coverage and great breastfeeding access…)
Thank you Elise! One of the pair of capris is denim. I really like the Versalette. I wear it as a tank a lot at home and layer it under scarves and cardigans for work.
What’s a versalette please? I’ve never heard of it.
A versalette is a piece from Seamly.co (http://www.seamly.co/products/versalette). It can be worn 30 different ways. It definitely adds some versatility to my wardrobe.
Thanks Lauren. Looks interesting.