I had planned on writing up this post so long ago that I almost decided to just not post it… I mean it’s been over a month since I shared with you my pieces for the fall 10×10 challenge and nearly as long since I completed my participation.
And then I decided that was a lame reason and that it’s always better to do something late than never at all…
Remind me, how many times have I said that here in this space? I should probably just go ahead and make it my catchphrase already. “The Lovely Laura Life: Better late than never…”
Eh, well.
HOW IT WORKS
Never heard of the challenge? All you do is: choose 10 items to dress with for 10 days and then create 10 different outfits over those 10 days — fun right? Tops, jackets, bottoms and shoes all count toward the 10 piece total. Accessories like: bags, hats, scarves and jewelry are fair game. Although since it’s all constructed anyway, feel free to change up the rules however you see fit!
If you want a more detailed overview check out Lee’s amazing guide or Caroline’s quick start method.
GOALS FOR THIS CHALLENGE
In my last blog post I explained to you that lately clothes and I have had sticky relationship. Earlier this year I became acutely aware of just how deeply woven my impulsive tendencies are and how they rear their ugly head when I’m under stress: impulsive shopping being right at the top of my list of go-to stress relievers. And right now, I’m feeling stressed. Venturing out on my own to start my own business is proving extremely fulfilling, but also (deep down) it’s stressing me the heck out. I know this because I want to buy ALL OF THE THINGS. And like NOW. My hope for this 10 x 10 was to not only raise my level of contentment with my closet, but to:
Be content with my ‘right now’ closet. Period.
So how did that go? Well, after day one I could literally feel my body breathe a sigh of relief. I almost immediately felt that nagging discontentment feeling dull. Day two felt even better. But (it never fails) every time I join one of these challenges I’m always so pumped for the sharing part (I mean the little community that surrounds that hashtag #10x10challenge is truly amazing) and then — I get *sucked* into the sharing part. Thinking about sharing and actually doing the sharing or documenting, etc, etc. And by day 3 and 4? I feel like I’m nearly consumed with it and simultaneously loosing sight of my original goal (and all the other mini lessons I know will be packaged in there too). So about half way through the challenge I ‘let myself off the hook’ from sharing and just tried to soak in all the awesome that comes from an exercise like this. Wanna know what ‘awesome’ I came away with? This awesome little Tony Gaskins quote:
“To be content doesn’t mean you don’t desire more, it means you’re thankful for what you have and patience for what’s to come. ” – Tony Gaskins⠀
There is a difference between wanting more and being consumed by that — allowing that sense of urgency to cause you to move at a rate that also causes you to miss out on more meaningful experiences. I know that now. And while that wishlist of mine hasn’t gone anywhere, I also don’t feel consumed by it anymore — and I’m feeling pretty content with that. Even a month later! Every time I feel that sense of urgency rise up in me, I feel content now to quiet it with that quote and the sentiments I’ve been left with from this particular 10 x 10 challenge.
Full disclosure: I officially caved on my #fall10x10 on the LAST DAY and reached for two of the warmest sweaters in my closet (this Madewell sweater I found secondhand and this Everlane cashmere sweater) when getting dressed. Because 37 degrees. 37 DEGREES. (And to think that now we’re in the 20’s…) I mean, whaaat?! 10 days and only 12 pieces worn? I decided to call it win anyway.
Like any of the pieces I picked? You can shop them (or similar ones) and support The Lovely Laura Life at the same time using the affiliate links below:
FLANNEL BUTTONDOWN (old H&M) / Similar / Similar (made responsibly)
LONG SLEEVE TEE (old Target) / Similar
HIGH RISE DENIM SHORT (secondhand Madewell) / Similar
LEIF SLUB TEE by Amour Vert (made responsibly) / Also available at Nordstrom – (pictured in Trinidad Stripe, also available in several other colors!)
SLEEVELESS DRESS (secondhand) / Similar / Similar in long sleeves (made responsibly)
DUSTER CARDIGAN (local small shop, made in USA) / Similar / Similar (made in USA)
‘VINTAGE’ JEANS (secondhand Madewell) / Similar (made responsibly) / Similar (made responsibly
CHELSEA BOOTS (old Madewell) / Similar (in a different color) / Similar (made responsibly)
ANKLE BOOTS (secondhand Madewell) / Similar / Similar (made responsibly)
Did any of you participate in the fall 10 x 10 challenge? What reasons did you join? Or didn’t you? I hope to back next week reviewing two Everlane Cashmere sweaters that I’ve been wearing since Spring — pretty exciting stuff!