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Home » Capsule Wardrobe Project 333: FAILURE, in the second week in my uniform

Capsule Wardrobe Project 333: FAILURE, in the second week in my uniform

Well, not anything horrendous or drastic (let’s be serious, last week wasn’t a great week for many of us…), but when I woke up Friday morning to the sounds of SNOW HITTING MY WINDOW, I  retreated to my jeans, which I had not included in my 33 garments.  Of course, when I picked those 33 pieces of clothing, I didn’t expect to have to dress for snow.  Sigh…Monday and Tuesday were great, similar to last week, I started with a black “suit”, chose a bright tee shirt, and added a scarf to tie things together and brighten things up.  Tuesday was a core of black garments, with boots, a cardigan, and a cashmere scarf to keep warm,

 

 
Wednesday and Thursday were also very uncomplicated.Another core of black, with a natural-colored linen jacket, and ANOTHER scarf.  This was the one day of the week that was warm enough that the linen was appropriate later in the day; during the cool early morning walk to work, my black jacket and the black patterned scarf kept me warm.  Thursday-the great long silk dress, with a pink sweater over it, my workhorse tall boots, and my favorite fringed scarf.
 
 
Friday, I fell off the wagon.  It was snowing.  I was exhausted, both physically and mentally.  Jeans! and one of the sweaters from Project 333.  And, of course, a scarf.  Saturday, we walked for miles running errands, so I stuck with my jeans, and grabbed a sweatshirt.
 
 
So I strayed beyond the original 33 garments.  I don’t feel terribly guilty about needing to wear a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt – I truly didn’t anticipate snow on April 19th. This time last year, we were facing temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s – my spring jacket was never getting out the door.  Lessons for the future…
 
As a reminder, below you can see the 33 to which I’m trying to limit myself, at least through the end of June, possible through the end of August.
 
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04.22.13 17 Comments

Tags: black, cool weather, my wardrobe, Project 333
<<Must every woman own a pair of Khakis? Customizing the Classics…Now to wear a Neon Yellow v-neck sweater>>

Comments

  1. Laurie says

    April 22, 2013 at 11:15 am

    Not a failure just a reminder to all of us how integral our jeans seem to be…

    Reply
  2. Cornelia says

    April 22, 2013 at 11:52 am

    The cashmere scarf you bought on your last trip to Paris looks to be one of those that plays well with casual as well as more dressier outfits. I also like the black and grey paisley. Brooks Brothers again.

    Reply
    • Cornelia says

      April 22, 2013 at 11:54 am

      Brooks Brother again? (I meant that as a question not a statement.)

      Reply
    • Janice says

      April 22, 2013 at 12:29 pm

      Actually, I bought that one from a street vendor in Washington D.C. for $10. I saw it about a half a block away, and it called out to me… Scarves can be found in all sorts of cool places, and then they always have a story!

      Reply
  3. Pat says

    April 22, 2013 at 12:16 pm

    Just goes to show we should all honor that favorite pair of pants, our jeans. No mater the month on the calendar, we'll probably need them!

    Reply
  4. Tricia says

    April 22, 2013 at 12:41 pm

    I've enjoyed following your blog and had to laugh because I'm freezing in my 35 pieces of clothing!!! I have two long sleeve sweaters and one long sleeve shirt in my closet – More than enough for last year's weather! – but pretty chilly for this year's 30 degree morning temps and occasional snow. At least I have a couple of 3/4 length tees and a warm scarf or two. I'm learning to layer!! : )

    Reply
  5. crb says

    April 22, 2013 at 1:32 pm

    Hi Janice,

    Where did you find the great pair of lace-ups in your Monday and Saturday outfits? And then I guess the bigger question is… would I be able to locate said shoes anywhere around here…

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Janice says

      April 22, 2013 at 1:34 pm

      Mine are Clarks, and they're about a decade old. This time of year in the northern hemisphere you're not going to find anything like them unless it's in Nordstrom Rack or some other clearance-type place. But by July, I suspect there will be some available. Cole-Haan, Stuart Weitzman, Clark's, and Aerosoles have all carried some variation on them in the last 2 years.

      Reply
    • crb says

      April 22, 2013 at 3:36 pm

      Yeah, I'm not known for my timing. I do love Clarks, though, and will definitely keep my eye on the sources you mentioned. Thanks so much! Happy Monday to you!

      Reply
  6. Marie says

    April 22, 2013 at 1:44 pm

    I think it's a failure of mother nature to send us some spring weather….

    Reply
  7. Gail says

    April 22, 2013 at 3:54 pm

    I'm thinking that a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt just go without saying. No damage to the uniform list at all.

    Reply
  8. Anonymous says

    April 22, 2013 at 5:29 pm

    I love the brilliant blue, deep V neck Tee shirt. Whose is it? I searched around the usual stores (internet) but was unable to locate it! Your blog has simplified my life and saved me $$$. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
    Marie R

    Reply
  9. Elizabeth says

    April 23, 2013 at 9:42 pm

    What brand is the black silk dress and where can I buy it? I love it! Totally!

    Reply
    • Janice says

      April 23, 2013 at 9:44 pm

      My black dresses for summer are from Eileen Fisher, except for the Muji dress I bought in Paris last fall. Her dresses in silk or viscose and washable, flattering, comfortable, and often MADE IN THE US! (if you're not from the US, you'll have to excuse how excited that fact can make us, it's very uncommon…)

      Reply
  10. Bec says

    April 24, 2013 at 1:18 am

    I agree with the jeans people. They are essential year round.

    Reply
  11. Anonymous says

    April 24, 2013 at 4:21 am

    I love receiving your post every night. I guess you are not a fan of many tweeds in your jackets. I make most of my clothes and I like to make tweed jackets, I find them less boring than solid color jackets. Yes, your outfits go together, but I feel your outfits are a little boring. You do like scarves and I have worn a few lately because of your posts.

    Reply
  12. S says

    September 28, 2015 at 5:29 pm

    That's the glitch of 333. You plan 33 for 3 months. You should plan 45 or 50 for 6 to 9 months. That way when a cold or heat wave hits, you can layer and you'll always be safe.

    Reply

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The Vivienne Files is a unique personal style blog with carefully-selected capsule wardrobes based on color palettes drawn from works of art, nature, and more. It helps women buy less clothing, and to love what they buy. Read more...
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