closet breakdown | my 10 items
We're almost a week from the start of the Lenten season, which means it's time to give you a breakdown of the 10 items I picked to wear for this year's fashion fast. I had a lot of interest last time I did a clothing fast, and I'm super excited about the feedback I've already gotten from those planning on joining me this year! Regardless if you decide to join in, I thought it would be beneficial to go into more detail this time around in case you'd like to adopt a similar idea now, or bookmark it for a future Lent. Let's get started!
01 | BLACK LINEN DRESS*
02 | WHITE BLOUSE
03 | BLUE SKIRT*
04 | CREAM CARDIGAN
05 | STRIPE SHIRT
06 | LEATHER JACKET | bought on my honeymoon in Italy
07 | BOYFRIEND JEANS | old from madewell, similar option, here
08 | GREY PULL OVER | old from madewell, similar option, here
09 | OLIVE CARDIGAN | old from old navy, similar option, here.
10 | BLACK JEANS | madewell, bought secondhand, similar here.
*denotes a garment that is nursing and pregnancy friendly
Remember that shoes, accessories, lounge clothes, and your winter coat aren't part of my 10 item list. Stay tuned in the weeks to come because (hopefully) I'll be able to show you my favorite go-to outfits so that you can see how I interchange my 10 piece wardrobe. Keep in mind that I am not a fashion blogger, nor do I have any claim to knowing anything about clothes -- this is a spiritual challenge first and foremost and should be approached as such. But sharing outfits is girly fun so why not be joyful during our fasting?!
practical tips
01 | ACCOUNTABILITY BUDDY | I think if you take on any type of personal challenge it helps to have a friend to do it with. It's useful to text someone to bounce outfit ideas with or just to give you support when you're sick of wearing the same thing every day. Detachment is hard! If you have a support system at your fingertips, you're more likely to achieve your goal. This time around, I started using the hashtag #40dayfashionfast on social media for those friends who want to join me. It's a great way for us to share our outfits and reflections over the course of the Lenten season!
02 | PLAN + PREPARE | You don't need to buy a whole new wardrobe in order to have the "perfect 10 items" to complete this challenge. Everything on my list were already wardrobe staples in my closet. I invite you to do the same! Look at the things you already own to find your 10 items and then plan out a few "uniforms" in advance so you don't have to think about what goes with what. I find this formulaic way of dressing helps take the guessing game out of "what do I wear today?". If you'd like to learn more about fashion uniforms, check out my favorite conscious closet blog, Unfancy.
03 | THINK COHESIVELY | when planning out your outfits, pick your pieces in colors that work well together. You don't have to have a closet full of neutrals, but a few things in basic hues (white, grey, tan, black) will add versatility to your statement pieces. I picked my two favorite colors -- blue and green -- as my stand out colors to wear with my neutrals.
04 | AVOID TEMPTATION | sign up for e-mail screening services such as Unroll Me so that you can avoid those pesky daily e-mails from your favorite stores. If it's not in your inbox, you're less likely to browse the new arrivals and be tempted by the 30% sale promotions. Freeing up your time online will help you be more productive with your precious free time -- like maybe reading a book, taking a walk outside, learning a new skill, seeking silence in prayer, or spending time with your family. Sounds good to me!
05 | KEEP CHRIST FIRST | Remember that fasting is meant to be hard. It's hard because you're dying to yourself in an area that keeps you from advancing in holiness. If it's not hard, then you probably need to rethink about what you're giving up for Lent. It's not a secret that shopping has always been a personal struggle for me. Materialism creeps in on my life time and time again, and it's easy to get caught in the trap whenever the newest "must have item" comes along. When I fall, I try to renounce any inkling of discouragement. Instead, I remember to boldly accept my weakness and rely completely on Christ's strength and mercy. The entire purpose of Lent is to recognize that we can't go through this life without Him. Trust in His gentleness and patience with our many faults and know that He'll help us detach from the things that prevent us from fully loving Him.
“Detach yourself from the goods of this world. Love and practice poverty of spirit: be content with what is sufficient for leading a simple and temperate life. ”