Part 1: January 33 challenge

My attempt at a capsule wardrobe: What I chose

Let me be clear: This is not a “how to succeed” or even a guide to putting together a capsule wardrobe, let alone a Project 333 challenge.

The concept or idea is not mine, I don´t even follow the rules set for the original challenge, and I give credit in my earlier post on the “why” behind this challenge:

I would like to feel like these Expressionist paintings

I also have a Pinterest-board with the visual inspiration for the challenge.

I do not, however, have photos of all the items, nor many fit-pics.

There are several reasons for this, including hardly any daylight, shitty days, having a shitty camera on an old phone, not being all that comfortable taking photos of myself, and not really having found an easy and suitable space or way of doing so.

This may change, at least I intend to document a bit more of my actual and very lovely, but not that spectacular and very not high-end wardrobe, probably via the medium of the humble and poorly lit mirror selfie.

But I´ve put together a few, from grey days at the office:

What were the 33 items I chose for January?

1. Navy/beige Diemme Balbi boots

2. Black Frye moto-ish leather boots

3. Black Adidas GoreTex sneakers

4. Black square-toe Vagabond mid leather boots

5. Dark brown monkey boots (added in week 1 because I felt like it)

6. Black tall leather Vagabond riding boots (added in week 2 because I felt like it)

7. Dark brown Mulberry Elgin bag

8. Navy, rain-proof BRGN bag

9. Red patent totebag

10. Black leather crossbody bag

11. Small orange Longchamp bag (lovely, but did not wear)

12. Orange and beige BRGN raincoat

13. Grey vintage sheepskin jacket

14. Tan vintage sheepskin full length coat (added in week 1 because freezing)

15. Black wool coat

16. Navy Norlender wool jacket

17. Blue Levis relaxed/loose jeans

18. Black slim Theory pants

19. Grey wide Acne checked wool trousers

20. Black Kavu joggers (added in week 3 because comfort under ski pants)

21. Grey Acne wool knee-length skirt

22. Navy Margiela knee-length skirt

23. Beige Prada wool knit

24. Greenish brown vintage leather knee-length skirt

25. Black COS cotton maxi dress

26. Grey checked Tibi Liam blazer

27. Black Filippa K mockneck wool knit

28. Taupe Han Kjøbenhavn mockneck wool knit

29. Forest green wool cardigan

30. Slim ribbed wool knit, grey

31. Slim ribbed wool knit, black

32. Red wool turtleneck

33. Red Busnel vintage wool cardigan

34. Black Filippa K cotton ribbed top

35. Turquoise silk shirt (not worn)

36. Creme wool sleeveless turtleneck top (not worn)

37. Green fuzzy wool bib/neckwarmer

Not included: At home-loungewear, tights, scarves, socks, underwear, headwear, merino wool underwear/tights, ski wear, backpack for work/travel, “office slippers” and jewellery.

What happened:

I added in four items, making it 37 items.

But I ended up not wearing three items on the original 33 list.

So, I did actually wear just 34 items.

What I wore the most:

Orange and beige BRGN raincoat: So good. Makes me happy every time it rains.

Forest green wool cardigan: This must be influenced by the actual painting I referenced in the original post.

Grey wide Acne checked wool trousers

Black Filippa K mockneck wool knit

What I observed: The practicalities (the feelings in part 2)

I plan outfits based on the weather forecast, and January has been rough weather wise. Record-breaking snowfall, freezing temperatures, changing to rainstorm and an actual flood. I managed to stay dry and warm, which is what clothing ultimately is supposed to do.

I stay at home more in the winter. I did not even leave the house more days than I had expected, and I did not have use for the (very few) occasionwear-esque pieces, like the silk shirt and the creme sleeveless top.

I bring a lot of stuff with me daily to and from work in the city (groceries, food prep, gym clothes, gloves, scarves), and I rely on roomier bags. Smaller handbags does not fit my lifestyle that well.

I spend more time than I think in leisure/active/homewear. The content of my wardrobe does not reflect that. (More on shopping for my fantasy self in part 2.)

I walk alot and I added more shoes than I thought. My feet crave comfort and variation to feel good.

A wool turtleneck is my hero item.

I chose a lot of dark and neutral colors. I missed brighter and lighter pieces.

So. Much. Wool. So. Many. Layers. I missed crisper materials, like cottons.

What I learned:

Stay tuned for part 2. This song is a hint.