15:30 – my final wardrobe choices.

All weekend long, I’ve been working on my final wardrobe choices for the 15:30 challenge. I spent most of yesterday shopping with Cheryl for accessories, jewelry, shoes, and other little things that would spice up our outfits for the next month. I bought a few new items (how did I not have a basic white button-up shirt?) and went over all my options with a fine-toothed comb.

In a previous post, I mentioned that I’d cleaned out my closet in preparation of the challenge. I went from having over 50 items, a lot of them unworn and almost brand new, to having 25. This doesn’t count bum-around-the-house clothes, workout clothes, or underthings, although I did clean those out too. I’ve tweezed my eyebrows, given myself a mani/pedi, and I plan on luxuriating in the bath tonight to make sure my skin and hair look their best. I’ve made sure my purses are in good condition – well, my majorly-used and well-loved purse, anyway. I’m as ready as I’m going to be.

So, here are my choices that I’ll be wearing for the next 30 days.

Bisou Bisou Pleated Dress – this comes with a belt, but it’s not on the dress now because I will be using it with other items too.

a.n.a. camisoles – in cream, white, and black. Camis are my staples throughout the year.

Two Worthington 3/4 sleeve Y-neck shirts – one in royal blue, one in white.

a.n.a. blouson top – I’ve had this for a few months now and it’s one of the most comfortable tops to wear to work. Hopefully I can find a way to dress it down this month.

Torrid Striped Open Cardigan – this one is more casual, but I’m going to see if I can dress it up a bit for work.

Worthington Long Sleeve Open Cardigan – I liked the Torrid cardigan style so much that I decided to get a heavier weight one.

Lane Bryant black pencil skirt – this is a very simple, pull-on skirt that is a stretchy material. It is VERY comfy.

Torrid Denim Dark Wash Skinny Jean – this is my jean staple. Seriously.

Roxanne Bootcut Jean – I got these jeans recently and decided to include them in my selection.

Worthington Modern-Fit Angle Pocket Pant – I have two pairs of these.

I have one item that is coming in – a grey ponte sheath dress from Avenue. I’d ordered it last week but they shipped me the plum colored one, so I had to call and get it re-shipped. If it comes in and fits, it will be one of my dress staples. If not, I have another dress I will be using.

I realize that my wardrobe seems fairly drab. I wanted to keep the color palette simple because I figured that would make mixing and matching easier. Not only that, it will allow my accessories to add the oomph. I also work in a fairly conservative office, so I needed things that would carry me primarily through the work week. I do have a trip to Huntsville to visit my friends Amy and Ben next weekend, so that will be my first try in mixing what I always considered “work” pieces with casual things like jeans!

I’ll be taking daily pictures of my outfits (thanks to Doug) and posting them here. I’ve added links to other people doing this challenge on the sidebar of my website, so feel free to follow them to see their staples. I can’t wait to see what everyone will be doing!