Project 333, Phase 2: The Plan

It's been awhile since the conclusion of my Project 333, Phase 1. Since then, I have been basically dressing with what is in my closet. Admittedly, I've loosened the reins and reintroduced a few extra items here and there. But for the most part, I haven't even had time to unpack my other clothes. There's a lot going on in our household right now, and clothes are the last thing on my mind. And I'm fine with that.

But as Fall approaches, I've been thinking a lot about the upcoming phase, and what items I might want to work with next. I have a few ideas milling around in my head, but I think I might want to introduce a few more rules:

Rule #1: No Iron
I  would *LOVE* a wardrobe of 33 items that require no ironing or drycleaning, whatsoever. Don't get me wrong, by limiting the pieces in my wardrobe, I have drastically cut down my need to iron. However, I'm afraid it's not good enough. I find myself dreading the 15 or so minutes I spend ironing on a Sunday afternoon. There are many low-maintenance clothing options. I just need to put my hands on those that will be low-maintenance without being frumpy. But I know this can be done. My ultimate goal is to not have to even think about my clothing. To achieve this, I will definitely need to apply the no-iron criteria in determining my next 33.

Rule #2: More Personality, Please!
I am not a conservative person. I am not a conservative dresser. However, during my Phase 1, I was told on many occasions that my style seemed to have become much more conservative. I forged through Phase 1 with what was mainly a navy blue, beige and black wardrobe, with my head held high. But deep down. . .this bothered me. I used to be a snappy dresser. I mixed patterns with patterns, layers with layers and created unique colour combinations, like nobody's business. I am afraid that my Phase 1 choices focused so much on function, that I forgot how much I really enjoy expressing my individuality through my mode of dress. My next 33 will definitely have more zip and more "Linda Attitude".

Rule #3: Utilize Everything
In retrospect, I realize how few of my pieces I really worked during Phase 1. I would say, I only used about 70% of my wardrobe to it's full potential. There are a few items that I wore only once or twice! This tells me a few things. ..I could definitely live with even fewer than 33 items. And also, I need to select more carefully. I've thought a bit about why I did not wear some of my pieces. I have figured out why, and for the most part, I put the blame on an ill fit or a fabric flaw. The bottom line is, I need to let who I am and how I live, determine the pieces I choose.

I have not selected a start date for my Phase 2. I am hoping to have the weather guide me, and once the temps turn cooler, I will set the Phase 2 wheels in motion. But Fall turns to Winter awfully quickly in New England. Generally speaking, I'm having a hard time getting my head around how to handle the seasonal transitions. But really, when it comes to this project, I'm starting to feel like that's the name of the game!

Stay tuned. . .