I joined Sal’s July challenge and wanted to do a follow up. Basically my version was to wear all my summer bottoms, styled with tops, topper and accessories. I wanted to see what I could get rid of and what I needed.
I learned that I have a lot of summer clothes and do not need anything as I am pretty content with what I have even after passing on lots of pants, skirts and jeans.
I learned that theme weeks like all color or white bottoms drove me crazy. I can wear color for a couple of days, then crave a minimal neutral outfit.
I learned that I have a good supply of summer toppers and need them for the cool mornings, evenings, and air conditioning, but could use more accessories in summer colors, especially bracelets in orange, yellow, olive, and white.
I have enough though, that I can wear a metal and metallic shoes.
I see that some tops do not fit like they used to and need to have a big try on session with tops and dresses.
I would like to add more wide legged pants and maybe tunics but need to explore volume over volume
Toward the end of the month, I did not do well getting photos, but will add a few to this post from my phone. Thank you to Sal and all who journeyed with me on this challenge.
ETA: photos 1-4are with an old denim pencil skirt, white tee, and EF navy cardigan. Photos 5/6 and 10/11 are olive cropped pants and rust tank with a pattern mix of silk blouse and silk scarf with silver bag and jewelry. Photos 7-9 are EF navy pants with a striped rash guard top and white linen man’s shirt used as a topper. Navy bag and canvas ballet flats with a bit of a wedge ( Clark’s Cloudsteppers).
Sal’s July Challenge: What I learned
26 Comments
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Runcarla replied 5 years ago
I'm a fan of theme weeks :-) but maybe shorter bursts (3days) might be less trying for YOU? I'm crushing on your navy/white outfits and love the pink loafers A LOT. They work like a neutral - extending the leg line, but the colour is so much prettier than beige or tan. #7 kills me! So crisp and fresh - love, love, love.
Yes. Do a big try-on and fire off what doesn't fit. Make room for something new!
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bj1111 replied 5 years ago
Isn’t it great to realize we have enough?
I’ve really enjoyed your series and am going to copy those outwits it’s the striped shirt
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Bonnie replied 5 years ago
What a lot of important lessons you learned with this challenge. It's amazing how much we can learn when forced (even self forced) to follow guidelines. You have a lot of beautiful things and mix them well but you also look elegant in a simpler outfit.
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Angie replied 5 years ago
A very valuable set of conclusions, Joy.
YAY! You did the mega wardrobe edit to assess fit. My toes are tickled. WELL DONE.Looking fun and very YOU, as usual.
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kellygirl replied 5 years ago
Love these. I'm kind of losing steam on the weeding out of stuff. I have a lot of options but I like that. I'm too much of a mood dresser to be able to do a week of themes--like you, I do need my neutral days. That being said--the striped top and dark bottoms are my favorite. Simple, striking and fresh! YLF.
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Cardiff girl replied 5 years ago
Glad that you achieved some clarity from doing the challenge.l really like both these outfits on you and the variations in layering that you have shown for each one are masterly.
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replied 5 years ago
These challenges are great for clarifying what's working and what's missing, aren't they? I like the stripes and dots together especially!
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replied 5 years ago
I'm another that applauds discovering that we have enough for a season or a capsule or a task. It is such a valuable lesson in life.
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Sal replied 5 years ago
Thanks for joining in Joy! You have looked great all month. And learning that we do have enough - me too!!
I also have that non- uniform streak in me. I like to mix it up.
I especially love the first look here ( the shoes and scarf make it) and the monochrome. Gorgeous!!
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Helena replied 5 years ago
Excellent insights!
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Joy replied 5 years ago
Thank you, dear ladies. The challenge was fun and enlightening. I do not been any more black or grey or even white. I should look for a new denim skirt and more natural linen colored pants, gauzy ponch- like toppers and peach/apricot items.
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Jaime replied 5 years ago
Great insights and I absolutely love #7!
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Joy replied 5 years ago
Thank you Shevia. #7 is very simple but still has some pattern mixing. Perhaps I need to try harder to, move In that directions stead of wild pattern mixes as what I am wearing now, the silk top with snakes, monkeys and a princess with plaid pants.. Crazy but DGS loves the animals on my shirt.
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Mainelady replied 5 years ago
This challenge gave you a lot of great information to work with and also helped you determine next steps you may want to take. You make every outfit look special and polished. I thInk the pink loafers are such a great neutral for you. Oh my! Your navy and white stripes and polka dots out fit is absolutely striking! My fave of this group!
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nemosmom replied 5 years ago
Sounds like a successful challenge in so many ways, Joy! You learned so much. I loved all of your looks and can see how you obviously have your style nailed. I can't wait to see what bracelets you add in summer colors - you have the coolest collection!
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taylor replied 5 years ago
Joy, you never disappoint....you have your style so well honed , yet you continue to grow and evolve. You inspire me :)
Love your ability to incorporate your scarves so well ! -
Bijou replied 5 years ago
Joy you look so lovely - my favourite is the graphic black and white - the striped top with the polka dot scarf is just so stylish and fresh.
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Joy replied 5 years ago
Thank you, Taylor and Bijou. I am thrilled that such stylish Fabbers are inspired by these outfits. Being part of this community helps me grow and evolve. It would not happen if not for YLF.
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replied 5 years ago
I didn’t participate in this challenge but enjoyed reading the outcomes . To hear someone admit that they have enough and are happy with it , is a breath of fresh air . I absolutely love the crisp graphic look in #7 , which might be one of my favourite ever among your looks .
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Joy replied 5 years ago
Thank you, Lisa. Outfit #7 is a favorite that I have repeated many times. It works for my climate nearly year round with different toppers. I usually wear a navy or dark denim jacket....from a navy wool pea coat in winter, navy wool blazer or navy knit EF jacket that matches the EF pants in fall/ spring.
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Joy replied 5 years ago
Today’s outfit in black, Citron brand silk slim Capri pants, silk black shirt, ankle-strap flats, EF black silk topper from consignment. Does this work? Also showing a wonderful older Made in India topper that works as dressy with a column of black. It has sequins and I have worn it over pants and a wool midi skirt, added lots of sparkly jewelry and dressy flats. Everyone needs something like this. It has even gone to office holiday parties.
Do these pants especially look ok? The outfits both have movement. Do the work? Too much black? -
replied 5 years ago
Love the sparkly outfit! The pants look ok to me, what's your worry about them? Black is hard to photograph.
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Joy replied 5 years ago
Suntiger in the past I thought they may be too narrow and tight but they seem fine today. They are a crinkly textured matte silk, so feel light and cool on a hot day.
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Suz replied 5 years ago
Joy, those pink loafers are a superb addition. Really versatile! I'm also in love with #7 and your black outfit today (including pants.) Sparkly outfit is also really cool.
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Joy replied 5 years ago
I am so glad I got the pink loafers. They seem to go with everything and are a bit narrower than most loafers, so fit better. Thank you, Suz. These are perfect pants to wear to a doctor’s appt. or to pack as they add only 4ounces of weight.
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cindysmith replied 5 years ago
Joy, I love the outfit with the EF pants. It is so classic yet it feels fresh with the way you tied the topper shirt.
I also really loved the patterned top with the olive pants. It felt sort of unexpected to me, which I always enjoy. I don't know what felt so "unexpected", maybe it felt a bit safari-like or beachy? and then POW that killer metallic bag took it somewhere else. Well done!
