Monday, January 30, 2012

30 For 30 For 12 Challenge

Some years back, I noticed a lot of fashion bloggers doing a "30 For 30 Challenge." It was started by Kendi of Kendi Everyday (her rules here). It was really interesting to see how bloggers came up with new outfits and flexed their creative muscle to stretch their wardrobes.

Lately, I feel like I've missed out on some outfits by not wanting to wear things too frequently, and I've been wanting to do another long-term challenge, like the one I did in 2009 where I only bought second-hand/thrift/non-brand-new clothes and had a "one-in, one-out" rule in effect (rules here, summary and recap here). I've done lots of little fashion challenges (links here), but I want to really push myself to rely on what's already in my closet. Because, let's face it: I have an awesome wardrobe!

Sooooo...here's my spin: I'm going to see how long I can do 30 For 30, month after month after month. The goal is to do it for a full year, so till the end of next January.

My loosey-goosey-there-are-loopholes rules for 30 For 30 For 12 are:

  • Pick 30 items of clothing, including shoes. Wear those only those for one calendar month.
  • Accessories (belts, tights, jewelry), outerwear, and any layering pieces that I wouldn't wear solo (things like my underskirts, long-sleeved layering tees, camisoles) don't count.
  • I can repeat any number of items the following month if I feel like it.
  • Newly purchased items (of clothing or shoes) will have to wait until the month is up; no swapping in new items.
  • Damaged, stained or otherwise ruined clothes may be substituted for a like item (i.e. a stained shirt can be traded for another shirt).
  • One "Wild Card" outfit may be selected out of the rest of the closet in case of a party, wedding or other special event. 
  • My hang-around-the house clothes don't count (I don't photograph those anyway).
I've already built myself a nice little spreadsheet to track my outfits and see what I'm really getting mileage out of. At the end of each month, I'll post a summary of the outfits and my analysis, and you'll get a chance to vote on your favourite outfit!

I'm actually pretty excited to get this started - Wednesday, February 1st will be my start day. And without further ado, here is my February wardrobe:
Pants, skirts, tops, jackets. I wasn't in the mood for dresses, so there aren't any. There are 5 new-to-me items that I'm incorporating into February's wardrobe.

And here are the shoes:
One new-to-me pair of shoes, and a mix of flats and heels.

Exciting! 

If you're interested in participating, please feel free! Let me know in the comments along the way if you do a 30 For 30, and I'll include a link to your blog in the month-end summary.

15 comments:

  1. Ooh this is so exciting! I think I will join you this month - let me just pick out my 30 items! :D

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  2. I love a wardrobe challenge - I'll be watching you with enthusiasm, of course! I can already see by your fab shoes that some great outfits are being cooked up.

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  3. This sounds interesting.... I will not join you as I am actually trying to wear everything that I have bought in the last few months that remain with the tags on. PLUS I am on a shopping ban - today is my 30th day !
    Although I might do Jane's wardrobe capsule....
    Anyways I do look forward to seeing what you come up with.

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  4. Umm, so if I exclude outerwear and count tops/shirts, skirts/dresses, pants/jeans, sweaters and vests AND shoes, I can only come up with 25 items :( so I guess I'll sit this one out!

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  5. Whoa! I can't wait to see how you tackle this. I would be right along with you, but my closet is small enough without limiting it more. However I will be cheering you on! You go girl!

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  6. Now THIS is a challenge. I might join you for one month along the way.

    Will be watching!

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  7. Sorry for spamming you with comments, but I'm in :) as long as I can tweak the outerwear doesn't count rule? I'm not counting my coat, but if I don't count my blazers and jackets, I won't reach 30 items!

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  8. I've sort of missed Kendi's challenges...though it felt like it got old before she abandoned it. So, I'm very interested in this...and look forward to seeing what you'll come up with. Already have my eye on what looks to be a great purple skirt.

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  9. Ki, you count whatever you need to count! This is all sort of made up anyway, and it's not like we're getting graded or anything, ha ha!

    Whatever works for you! :) I'm so glad you're going to play!

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  10. Hi Sheila

    I'm in! Or the next month at least! I don't have a blog, but will be following at home. Maybe I should resurrect my flickr account...

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  11. Wow, a whole year! Now THAT is a challenge. Sure, every month you get a new set to wear but still, that takes a lot of commitment. I'm going to be watching very closely!

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  12. Great challenge! I actually joined the "Six items or less"-project in last November and let me tell you - it was NOT easy! :-) 30 items a month seems more doable. Good luck!
    Greetings from Ann in Sweden!

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  13. Interesting! I am enjoying seeing each "new" outfit.

    xoxo
    Lynn

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  14. Wow! This REALLY would be a challenge for me. I'm such a thrift store addict. I'd always be swapping in new stuff!

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  15. I LOVE this I'm so excited to follow along and see your creativity blossom.

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