Reflecting on The Dress Project

I'm taking a little break from the project today so that I can get some long-needed chores and errands done (i.e., I'm wearing my pajama pants), but I thought I'd reflect a little on how I'm feeling so far about doing this. We're into Dress 18 (I only put up 16 in the photos, because I'm waiting for it to round out to four photos in the grid), and almost halfway there:

1) I haven't broken down and bought clothing items since the ban started. Except for visiting Target, I've begun to shy away from situations that would usually tempt me, like going to the mall or looking at Gilt's offerings. I'm slowly pulling out long-forgotten things from my closet and thinking that I can recreate a look with what I already have. I think at the end of this whole experiment, I'll probably take new purchases into a lot more consideration.

2) But at the same time, I'm noticing that there are holes in my wardrobe too, of pieces that I didn't realize until now that I could probably use in my rotation. A few basics that I'm considering adding include a white button-down shirt and a neutral closed-toe pump. My problem isn't that I shy away from pattern or color, but that I ignore simple basics, probably because before I considered them too boring to buy or worry about. Now I'm realizing they can be important.
3) I really should photograph my purse collection more, because I have liked collecting those in the past. Though I think I would look awkward displaying one on my arm in the photo. Maybe a weekly spotlight on some of my favorite closet things?

4) Many of the dresses I've worn have been a cornucopia of sizes, and most of them fit me quite well. I know it's just a number on a label, and I know a lot of companies offer measurements as well. But I think things would be much, much easier if companies did away with vanity sizing and a universal sizing process was established. It would make in-store and online shopping quicker and more reliable.

5) For the most part, I've been doing really well with letting the dress stand out for itself by wearing neutral pieces with it. I'd like to incorporate more layering into my routine and combine dresses with skirts, shirts and other pieces so that the dress is only a part, but not the whole outfit.

I really like seeing the photos progress in the grid. I feel like I am accomplishing something, and that feels great.

Any thoughts on the Dress Project so far?

Also, just wanted to say that I'm currently having trouble leaving comments on certain blogs, particularly ones that utilize the separate pop-up comment box feature. I don't know why, but my computer freezes up on them and I'm trying to get it corrected. (Don't worry if your blog has this comment feature, it's most likely my computer's fault)  I have been keeping up on my reading list though, and will be back to commenting and responding on your lovely blogs soon!

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