333 Challenge

What if you lost your checked baggage on an airplane trip and only had your carry-on bag? Maybe you grew or shrunk two sizes and most of your clothes don't fit. Or what if you went through your closet, and gave away all the clothes you never liked, never fit, never wore, and there wasn't much left? Starting on October 1st, 2010, hundreds of people have engaged in a challenge of using less of their possessions, fortunately, by choice...
The minimalist 333 Challenge has been going on for 30 days already. I found the challenge on minimalistwoman.com, but see the title link for the original. Basically, I'm going 3 months, using 33 items of clothing, including shoes and accessories, minus underwear, at-home lounge wear, and work out clothes. Furthermore, no buying new things for myself. For example, I was at a jewelry sales party this month. So I bought a gift for my sister :)

I've been officially participating for half of October now, since I discovered the challenge right on Oct. 1st, but started Oct. 15th. Consequently, I'm going to participate through January 15th, 2011. Here's my list...

Five pairs of shoes... (Not shown is a pair of black loafers)

Seven accessories - Includes purse, belt, scarf, watch, winter hat and gloves, and silver chain with an interchangeable pendant.

Two pairs of jeans...

One pair gray slacks.

Two long-sleeve knits - purple and black.

Four long-sleeve button-downs and two t-shirts... (One red work shirt not shown)

Two skirts - Knee-length black skirt, formal, and floor-length burgundy purple skirt in sweatshirt-type material.

One knee-length dress in subtle brown and black leopard print, shown here with scarf...

Four miscellaneous pullovers - dressy/casual - hunter green, blue-gray, blue, and a navy hoodie.

      One chilly weather zip up. Hopefully it won't be too cold here by Christmas! :]


If you count every item I listed, it totals at 32 items. Because I can't think of everything at once, I'm leaving one space open for any unexpected event or change. This way also I don't have to switch anything out, which I feel partially defeats the purpose of choosing 33 things beforehand.

For the past two weeks I've been doing just fine with what I'm allowing myself. It bugs me a little to have to keep using the same things over and over, for fear of wearing them out. I haven't resolved that yet in my mind, but I'm trying to take care of these things better as a result.
One thing I'm learning is to be content with an outfit that doesn't take much thought. For example, I like to present a beautiful picture when I'm dressed (although you wouldn't think that right now, looking at me in my at-home lounge wear!). To achieve a complete look, I enjoy taking extra time to select just the right accessories and clothing. While I may look fairly pulled-together, I often find myself running late, proud of myself, or feeling edgy because I thought about it too long. Limiting my items of choice has already noticeably cut down on that. Yay!