Project 333 – One Month In

A month ago I began Project 333 in which I selected 33 items of clothing and accessories to be my sole wardrobe for 3 months. So how am I doing?

On day 5 I lost an earring and nearly lost my cool too, because I started the challenge with just 2 pairs of earrings, which left me with just 1 pair! At that same time a big snow storm was headed to Portland, where we don’t typically get snow. So I focused on what Courtney Carver says “Project 333 is not about suffering.” And with that in mind, I did a swap. I swapped my earrings for a much-needed hat!

Snow hits Portland, so I swap lost earring for a hat

What was funny is about the time the snow was gone and my need for the hat was almost over, I found my earring while vacuuming! So with a little bit of flexibility, swapping the hat for the earrings and then back, I have done pretty good without too much pain.

I find lost earring about the time the snow is melting and swap back

At another point I had on my blue tank top and I missed being able to wear my blue beach glass necklace which would have been a nice addition. It’s a necklace with some sentimental value as it was handmade and the glass ended up to be from Monterey, where I grew up. It also was this artists first piece to sell. But, I stayed true to the challenge and went sans beach glass necklace.

I am noticing that my sense of how I look to others is heightened. I think I may actually become more fashion conscious just from taking the full-length photos daily. And in fact on the 11th day after I took the photo, I promptly went right back upstairs to change my clothes! Yes, it was that bad folks.

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3 (note yellow parka and black pants are for walking versus part of the 33 items).

Week 4

So far there are only a few items I haven’t worn: my flats, a lace top, my flowy pants and a sweater that goes with the flowy pants.   also must admit I wore my black and white tank and the T-shirt below just to wear something different even though the weather does not really inspire me to wear such a light garment. I think weather has been my biggest challenge.

I choose a very unique shirt as part of my 33 items which I don’t think most people would do. It’s a shirt that says “Food is my Healthcare” and it is so me!

It’s interesting as I am finding myself to be more creative and more intentional with fewer choices. Project 333 is making me more aware of fashion and I feel I’ve had more variety in my appearance versus less. I am thinking more strategically about what represents me versus automatically reaching for what was comfortable. I can mix and match colors, shapes and cuts as I am finding what actually flatters me. I am seeing myself more objectively and noticing the message that my clothing is giving to the world. I also have had fun seeing the differences that age, occupation, geographic location and culture make in what we choose to wear.  Here’s to the next two months as I continue to learn how less clothing affects my life! I’ve got a special guest from Australia coming to stay with me for a month, so we will see if any cheating or issues with just 33 items come up!

One of my favorite looks is a long charcoal tank with belt and patterned sweater. I also copied my friend Susan’s side ponytail to get a different look for my hair. The look is casual, but feels very much me!