The first 5 days of the #Spring10x10 Style Challenge have been both fun and a test to discipline for me. I've loved having my outfits planned out for me and it has saved me ample amount of time in the morning while getting ready for work.

But the discipline part has been a challenge as I've wished I had added a certain item instead of another. Or wanting to wear just 12 items instead of 10. I've also struggled with the idea that I'm being "judged" for rewearing the same items in different cycled outfits. When in reality, most people probably just don't notice.

AN OUTFIT A DAY

For each day this week, I attempted to shuffle around the items I chose to make sure they appeared differently day to day. Overall, the pieces all work very well together! Check out the 5 looks below.
One major change was switching out my brown booties for black higher heels. This was because there have been a few cooler days and wanted a fancier look for work. My black boots were perfect to dress up this weeks look (on Wednesday) and a few for the next 5 days as well.

With 5 looks down, I've loved what the Style10x10 has to offer. And have learned a few lessons. Here are my first 5 take aways...

TAKEAWAYS

1. A minimal style saves you time in the morning with outfits planned out and ready to go
2. Investing in neutrals is important : it helps pair items you already own to style outfits in a variety ways
3. It's important to choose several accessories that can dress up or dress down any outfit (simple gold jewelry, scarves, bags)
4. Shoes make a big statement to your outfit and can tell a lot about your style : Although I love my Veja sneakers, I naturally tend to go for heeled shoes to give me a bit more height to my 5'3" frame
5. Be inspired by other outfits from the #Spring10x10 but be aware of comparison - I've already wished to have outfits like other bloggers on Instagram, but comparison is truly the thief of joy (and fun, and lessons, and a lot of other things). You look good in what your comfortable in, own it.

Many of the items chosen for my 10 were previously purchased in the last few years from larger name retailers like Loft, Target, Aldo, Anthropologie, etc. But in 2017, with The Good Wear's mission, I have committed to shopping ethically based retailers. Everything these larger named companies do are not all bad, but rather lack the transparency to guarantee that my money is going somewhere that does good for those who make my clothes.  So moving forward, if I wanted these items again, I need to know where I can find similar styles.
Here's a quick list...

RESPONSIBLE STAPLE ITEMS

People Tree Black Jumpsuit
Everlane Basic Stripe Tee
Amour Vert Chambray Top
Everlane White Long Sleeve
Everlane Black Pencil Skirt
Levis Denim
Nisolo Slides
Everlane Boots or ByFar Boots
Veja Sneakers

*Everlane is featured several times as I have found them to be affordable, reliable, trendy and offer various product.

RESPONSIBLE ACCESSORIES

FashionABLE Scarf
Feed Tote
Equal Uprise Hat

MORE WAYS TO SHOP SIMILAR ITEMS

- Shop local and fashion boutiques in your city
- Thrift and consignment shop for affordable pricing
- Invest in basics that you need to add to your closet rather than purchasing a full new wardrobe
 

Have you been joining in for the Spring10x10?
If so, what has been your favorite part so far?

Check back in next week for the Last 5 Days of the Spring10x10, updates for Fashion Revolution Week (WOO) and RVA Fashion Week!

Lots of exciting things happening this April.

-Kelly from The Good Wear

photos by Alexa Wilson Photography