Happy spring, friends! Ah, I’m so happy to be back in this space with you! I’ve been quiet around the blog lately, but a whole lot has been going on. How about a quick personal update before we jump into the 10×10?
WE MOVED! // We moved in February! Aaron and I sold our sweet house in Abilene, and moved about 3 hours down the road to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area for his job. It was hard to leave Abilene, our friends, my family, and our house. I was emotional for weeks. But DFW has always been a sort of home away from home: my in-laws live here, my brother lives here, my parents come visit all the time — I even lived here for a short spell back when Aaron and I were dating. So while it was a sudden change, it feels pretty fantastic at this point — I’m energized by all the newness around me. We’re loving our new little house, exploring our neighborhood, settling into a new routine, and making new friends.
NEW SITE! // I’ve also got a fresh new site design! Isn’t she a beaut? My girl Carissa of Love Riot Co. designed it and she knocked it out of the park! We decided to ditch the sidebar to give everything an uncluttered look. Now you can easily browse post categories from the top menu. And the most personal piece of the design? The new logo — I made it myself, and while I wouldn’t consider myself a handletter-er (or even a person with great penmanship), it feels so personal and meaningful to have my logo in my own handwriting. I hope you enjoy the new site as much as we enjoyed creating it!
Now let’s get down to the spring 10×10 challenge!
SPRING 10×10
Each season, I get to host this little wardrobe challenge alongside my blogging pal (and 10×10 creator!) Lee of Style Bee.
But this 10×10 is extra special because we invited one of our favorite designers to co-host the challenge with us. So please join me in welcoming Elizabeth Suzann as our first official designer co-host!
I couldn’t be more thrilled about having Liz join us. She’s a natural fit for the 10×10 community. Years ago, when I discovered her, I was immediately drawn to the way she creates and sources her clothing responsibly, down to the last detail. But it’s the wearability and durability of her pieces that kept her at the top of my list — machine washable silk and linen? Yes, please.
Liz absolutely radiates positivity and you can feel the joy and passion she has for her work. I’m always left inspired by her integrity in business and her love for her community. (Speaking of loving her community, she’s helping us do an Oprah-level giveaway — more on that in just a bit.)
Anyway, all that to say, Liz, Lee and I are excited and grateful to connect with all of you #10x10friends again, try something new together, and soak up positive vibes from each other.
Ready to get started?
Here’s how it works: Pick 10 items of clothing from your closet. Include tops, bottoms, and shoes for your everyday life. Don’t include accessories, outerwear, bags, PJs, or gym clothes — they can flow in and out freely. Then, for 10 days, create a new outfit each day using your 10 items.
That’s it!
No need to buy anything. No need to throw anything out. No need to commit to minimalism forever. No need to overhaul your wardrobe.
Instead, it’s all about trying something new and having fun. This isn’t a serious, rule-based challenge. Sure, it has guidelines, but really, it’s less about the success of the challenge, and more about what it teaches us along the way.
Everyone has a different reason for jumping in. Some people do it to test drive a minimalist wardrobe without the commitment. Some use it as a trial run to pack for an upcoming trip. Some do it to find like-minded style friends through the #10x10friends hashtag. And some do it to push their outfit-making creativity to new heights.
Whatever your reason, Liz, Lee and I would love for you to join us in the spirit of lightheartedness.
And if you mess up, or can’t make 10 outfits, or something just goes plain wrong — how fascinating! :)
Intrigued? Keep reading — today I’m sharing:
- the 10 (or rather, 9) pieces I picked for my remix
- how to plan your remix in 25 minutes flat (so you can get started with us today)
- giveaway details: how to get yourself a $100 Elizabeth Suzann gift card
MY 10 PIECES
Our forecast looks a little all over the place for the next 10 days — cloudy days, stormy days, sunny days, with temperatures ranging from the 40’s to the 80’s — so I did my best and am crossing my fingers it’ll all work out.
And … if I end up needing to change things up mid-challenge because it’s just not working, I’ll do it in a heartbeat. I don’t stick super close to the rules for these challenges — I’d rather treat it like a game and just have fun with it. :)
All in all, I included:
- 5 tops
- 2 bottoms
- 1 jumpsuit
- 1 pair of shoes
- PLUS I left one Wild Card spot for flexibility later on in the challenge.
You could use this formula, too, if you’re not quite sure where to start.
Here’s the complete line up:
01 / Linn Tee gifted by Elizabeth Suzann
02 / Petra Crop by Elizabeth Suzann
03 / Slide Sandals by Treasure+Bond (Runs large, I sized down a whole size.)
04 / Clyde Pants in Clay gifted by Elizabeth Suzann
05 / Cream Sweater (old by Nordstrom Rack) / similar by Everlane
06 / Artist Smock (old by Elizabeth Suzann) / similar by Elizabeth Suzann
07 / Black Skinny Jeans by Madewell
08 / Wild Card — I like to keep a free spot, so I have flexibility later on in the challenge.
10 / Mara Jumpsuit gifted by Elizabeth Suzann
PLAN + START YOUR REMIX IN 25 MINUTES
Ready to try a 10×10 for yourself? Keep it easy and approach it as if you’re packing for a trip.
1 | CHECK THE WEATHER / 2 min
Hop online and look up the 10 day forecast. Jot down any quick notes.
Crazy weather? Play around and see what happens anyway! Don’t have the classic “spring” weather? No one else does either. ;) The 10×10 is all about rolling with the punches and dressing for your lifestyle, weather, and needs — no matter what that looks like.
2 | NOTE YOUR DAILY ACTIVITIES / 3 min
Next, grab your calendar and make a note of any special activities you have coming up in the next 10 days.
Oh! And, just to be clear, life activities (gym, sleeping, etc) still call for work out wear and PJ/loungewear, so those can still go on in the background like usual.
3 | GATHER THE BASICS / 5 min
Gather two or three foundational pieces you know you’ll include, like jeans and your favorite pair of shoes.
At this point, it’s helpful to make a temporary space so you can see your 10 pieces as you’re pulling them together. You could use one side of your closet, a garment rack, or even your shower curtain rod.
4 | BUILD AND FINISH / 15 min
Begin to build on your foundation, pulling pieces you love to wear, while considering:
- WEATHER + LIFESTYLE. Go off the notes you made earlier, and be ruthless. You’ll enjoy this challenge so much more if you pick items that work with the weather and your lifestyle.
- COLOR PALETTE. Keep it minimal and neutral so you can easily mix and match. Ask yourself, what colors go with the basics you already pulled?
- PROPORTIONS. Pick shapes and silhouettes that work well together, like fitted tops with fuller bottoms or high rise bottoms with crop tops.
And finally, make any adjustments you need. Perhaps you’d rather not include shoes this time. Perhaps you’d rather include 12 pieces instead of 10. Feel free to ditch the guidelines and make it your own.
WANT A $100 GIFT CARD TO ELIZABETH SUZANN? SURE YOU DO!
Since Liz is our first-ever 10×10 designer co-host, we put our heads together and decided to celebrate BIG TIME by giving away 10 prizes to 10 different people. Each winner will receive a $100 gift card to Elizabeth Suzann (plus copies of our three favorite books)!
How do I enter? // To enter, simply participate in the 10×10 challenge by posting your daily outfits to your Instagram feed, using the tags #ES10x10, #spring10x10, and #10x10friends. Make sure to use all three tags, not just one of them.
Do Instagram Stories count? // No. We’ll be choosing the winners from the hashtags at the end of the challenge so we’ll need to be able to refer back to the photos on your feed.
Do I need to post all 10 outfits to Instagram to enter? // Not necessarily. You can post just one outfit or all ten or any number in between. Think of each IG post as a separate entry. So the more you post, the more likely you are to win. (And, if you don’t want all those outfit photos on your feed, you can always archive your posts after the giveaway is closed.)
Do I need to own ES clothes to enter? // No. However, if you do happen to own an ES piece, it could be a fun opportunity to include it, especially since Liz is our designer co-host.
Is the giveaway open worldwide? // Yes!
How will you choose the winners? // We’ll be choosing the winners randomly. So no need to worry about crafting the prettiest pictures to win. :)
I don’t have a photographer / I don’t want to post photos of myself on Instagram. How can I participate? // You could try doing a flat lay — lay your outfit on your bed, the floor, or a table and snap a pic. You could also ask a friend to help you capture your outfits or you could try using your phone’s self-timer. Keep things simple and just take photos against a blank wall in your house. And if you feel awkward in front of the camera, the “look down at the floor and smile” pose is always a sure bet. :)
I have a private Instagram account. How can I participate? // Some people create a separate Instagram account to document their 10×10 challenges.
When will the winners be announced? // On April 9th — so make sure to get any and all of your outfits posted to Instagram before that date!
And there you have it! The spring 10×10 is underway!
Are you joining in? I can’t wait to see your outfits! Instagram your first outfit today and tag it #spring10x10 so we can all follow along. And if you’d like to enter the Elizabeth Suzann giveaway, don’t forget to use all three hashtags: #es10x10 #10x10friends #spring10x10.
Now I want to hear from you! We all have different reasons for doing this — what’s your motivation for joining this time? Do you have a particular intention in mind or are you going into this without any expectations? Share away in the comments!
xo,
So excited you are back! Love the new logo and site design.-Laurel
Thank you Laurel!
Congrats!
Congrats!
Congrats!???
Beautiful in SO many ways. Your new life. Being refreshed. Amazing new cite….
handwritten logo…. BEST!
10×10= as always…. perfect!
Grateful for YOu?
Ah, thank you for the kind words Patricia! xo
Yay Caroline! Always so happy to see you on Instagram and here :) Glad to hear your move went smoothly. I also wanted to let you know I recently started doing yoga and it is constantly changing me for the better. Thanks for giving me a glimpse of it on your corner of the web :)
I love your picks! Anything ES is sure to catch my eye, but I also love those shoes! I was also hoping you could tell me where that woven bag is from?! It’s absolutely stunning!
Hope you’re doing well!!
Hey Sally! Thank you! The bag is from Artisan & Fox (https://bit.ly/2Gn3f2F)
I was ECSTATIC to see this blog post pop up in my inbox. Love all these picks! Welcome back and welcome to Forth Worth Funky Town!!
Woohoo! Thanks Erica!
I’m so excited to participate this time around, and even more excited to have you back in the blog world! You da best!
Happy Spring!
Andrea
Yay Andrea! Hope you have fun with the challenge! :)
Hi Caroline! :)
So happy for you! I have been thinking about how you are doing lately. Both because of my curiousity about your yoga instructor job and because I wanted to thank you for once telling about Frye boots. I got myself a pair on sale a while ago and this winter (that still won’t let go here in Scandinavia) I felt both warm AND stylish every time I put my Frye boots on! !!
So thank you and I wish you all the best!
That’s so great, Jana! Love to hear that. :)
Love it. Where is your straw bag from, it’s darling ❤️
Hey Susan! It’s from Artisan + Fox :) Here is a link: https://bit.ly/2Gn3f2F
Welcome back, Caroline! Your website looks great and I love that you included 5 tops in your 10×10. I think that’s the most ever. :)
Thank you Carol!
Welcome to Fort Worth!! I love it here! This is so fun! I have been off IG during Lent but I saw your post and can’t wait to start! I’m currently wearing the ES Cecilia pants today anyway! Love these challenges. Thanks for hosting!
Glad to have you along for the challenge, Emily! :)
So happy you are back! Loving the new site :)
Thanks so much, Masha! :)
I’ve been a fan for around a year of both you and Lee! I also own two pieces of Elizabeth Suzanne clothes (love them)! But the real reason I’m going for the 10 X 10 challenge is for the learning process that I know will take place. I’m looking to really hone in on “my” style so that I can “be myself” on the outside just as I am on the inside!
Can’t wait!
I love that Janet! I really hope you enjoy the challenge and get some of the insight you’re looking for. xo
Love the new website and am SO happy you’re back at it! I hope you’ll begin posting with frequency again. Do you own everything you link to in the shop or is it just stuff you like? You should add a books/music section to it! Would be great to see another home tour now that you have a new place too. So much to look forward to – happy spring!
I’ve been missing your blog. I’m so happy you’re back.
Thanks so much, Karen. xo
This is my first time, and I am so excited! I downloaded the worksheet from Style Bee. I, like you, had a hard time figuring out my last item. I like your wild card idea!
I’m trying this for a few reasons. I’ve been a longtime fan of your blog! Also, in Minnesota, spring is not really here yet and I want to take a new look at the winter clothes I have been wearing for months. I’m hoping by the time these 10 days are over, spring will be (almost) here. :) And this is a productive, fun thing to do while waiting! Thanks for your great work, Caroline. I so appreciate it.
Oh, and I’m a little shy about posting 10 pics of myself on Instagram, so I think I’ll post just my favorite outfit from the challenge to enter the giveaway and then maybe do a recap on my blog. :)
That’s great, Amy! I love your outlook for the challenge, especially if you’re feeling a little tired of winter at this point. I hope Spring arrives for your sooner than later! Enjoy. :)
I love these pieces!
xx
https://closettostreet.com
Thank you Fatou! Me too ;)
So excited to see your 10×10! I LOVE that jumpsuit so I’m especially looking forward to how you style that piece! :)
Please!? Someone sell me on the convenience of a jumpsuit? Am I totally missing something?
Jumpsuits are awesome, like a dress it is a ‘complete’ outfit, so no need to spend time deciding what top to wear with what bottom. I also find them a fun and playful alternative to wearing a dress. Wear what you love, so if jumpsuits aren’t your thing, try something else.
Hey Sally! I like Hollie’s explanation — it’s a simple, complete outfit without much fuss. :) Is there a specific thing that you don’t like about them? I know some people find them difficult to get in and out of…
I think my issue with them is having to get undressed just to go for a pee lol ? so I just tend to stick with dresses when I want a no fuss outfit. Love the new look Caroline ?❤️
Haha, totally understandable! Thanks, Jen! :)
Yes! That’s it exactly. I love the look of jumpsuits – don’t get me wrong ☺️ – it’s just when I have to quickly get in / out of them, they drive me crazy. Sad, bc I do love the looks of them
Haha! I hear you Sally! It can be a little cumbersome with zippers/ties/buttons/etc.
Woo-hoo! So glad you’re back on the blog, Caroline! The site looks great and I’m glad to hear everything else is going well for you. I don’t know if I’ll be participating in the 10×10 this go around, but I’ll definitely be a spectator, at least :) Also, getting ES to join you guys on this is SO awesome!
Isn’t that fun to have Elizabeth with us?! Sooo excited! xo
I’m so glad you’re back posting!! I’ve missed your blog posts so much. :)
Oh thank you Kristen. xo
So fun! We live in Fort Worth! It’s a great town. If you don’t have Easter plans, come to Christ Chapel Bible Church.
Thanks Natalie! xo
Hi Caroline,
Congrats for your latest life events! The website indeed has a personal note and I am happy to see you shining. I have been following your website for almost three years now and I can see you evolving and growing in a beautiful, sensitive and caring lady.
I would like to take part of this challenge as I am always courious and like to challenge myself, especially when it comes to my personal style.
Thanks and keep up!
Thanks so much for the support Andreea! xo
I’m so excited you’re back. Favourite style inspiration by far…
That’s so kind of you! Thank you! xo
Love the look of the grey crop tee. I am 5′ tall but am self-conscious about my tummy. Is it really short?
Me too! And high waisted counterparts aren’t always a good solution for my mommy tummy either. Hmm……
Hi Sally, I would say it’s on the shorter side, even with high-waisted pants, a little bit of skin will show. xo
I love, love, love your round wicker bag. Please post the brand or similar! I’ve been looking for one this season and can’t quite find it.
Hey Sarah, here is the link: https://bit.ly/2Gn3f2F :)
So glad you are back! You were missed! Excited to learn and be inspired by you again! I wasn’t sure I was going to try this, but now I want to! Not sure how to do the Instagram/# thing though. Any tips?
Hey Gina! You can hashtag any of your photos on Instagram, either in the caption or in the comments. Just start with the # symbol and type in the words with no spaces (i.e. #spring10x10)
You can see some examples on some of my other posts or by actually clicking the hashtag in Instagram!n Hope that helps. :)
Yay!!! So glad you’re back :D I missed your posts…. Loved your 10×10 pieces this time around! Lots of linen. I just picked my pieces… will be posting soon :) Hugs!!!!!
Thanks Paty! Excited to see what you pick! :)
Love the new design and excited to see your 10×10 come to life! I’m joining, but won’t be able to start until Monday as we’re out of town until then. It’s funny to think of my first 10×10, which was a year ago, and how I’ve progressed through the next few. My wardrobe went through a major transition last year thanks to all three of you: you, Lee, and Elizabeth. My spring 10×10 was a bit iffy, but by summer and fall, I loved every piece and outfit I wore! Thanks so much for hosting!
Karen, I love hearing that! I’m so happy the challenges have been helping you. Good luck this go ’round. Excited to see what you pick! :)
So happy to see you back here Caroline! I missed your insight. We moved a year and a half ago and my blog definitely took a backseat as well. I get it! So excited to join in on this 10×10! The community surrounding the challenges is the best! I’ve met so many friends through browsing the hashtags! It’s now my main motivation for joining in ?
Isn’t it so fun?! I’m so glad you’ll be joining us again, Karin! xo
I’m going to try to do it this time! The hardest part for me is not wimping out after day 4 because my kids get all my clothes dirty and I don’t want to do laundry…
Haha, totally understandable! Good luck! :)
I’m so excited for this challenge, and can I just say that those pants are speaking to me!! I have been looking for a pair just like that and this might finally be their moment. Thanks so much for hosting this challenge yet again and inspiring us all with your capsule wardrobe!
Glad to have you along, Emily! xo
Sooooo thrilled to see you back! I missed the 10×10 last year and woo-hoo, here we go, 2018! I’m gonna try my best to not overthink it and just jump in NOW! Welcome to ElizSuzann – I’m in true love with her beautiful work!
I probably can’t wait to buy just one ES piece but am gonna do whatever it takes to try and win that giveaway !
Thanks for this, and all your posts!
My fave blog, no lie!
Ah, you’re so sweet Sally! I love your outlook — just jump in! :)
A warm and hearty Welcome Back to you, Caroline! Your perspective on capsule wardrobing is such a valuable asset to our community, your blog was the final catalyst for me to simplify my wardrobe over 4 years ago. That first step towards minimalism has resulted in so many changes for good for me and for my sweet hubs and bubs, I’d never dream of going back now. I’m also grateful for the Real that you share, it’s an encouragement to me during my own walks thru quiet seasons. Best to you, and to wonderful new adventures in the DFW!
Thank you so much Lesley! I truly appreciate the support. xo
You are baaaacckkk!!!!
I want to do the challenge to help reduce decision fatigue in my life and to be simple.
I hear that! Glad you’re joining us. :)
Welcome back!! Here in Australia I’ve just been revisiting your Fall capsule!
Oh perfect! Thanks for the warm welcome, Becca! xo
So happy you are back in your wonderful blog! It missed me :)) I love so much your work, your style and your kindness <3 Kisses from France
Thank you so much! xo
Hi Caroline, so lovely to have you back – you have been missed, Lx
Thank you thank you thank you. xo
Welcome to the DFW area! I live in Oak Cliff over in Dallas but it’s my dream to move to the Fairmont neighborhood in FW. I hope you and your husband feel welcome and cozy in your new home!
Aw, thanks Loribeth! Texas is such a great place to call home. xo
I miss TX!! I bounced around from San Antonio, North Austin, and Fort Worth the first 4 years after college. The Canadian border of NY is a little different to say the least!
I am excited to start a 10×10! I have a work uniform that is convenient for my minimalist closet, but also results in me wearing ‘real clothes’ (not uniform or workout clothes) only on the weekend. I’m trying to further define my style, so rather than including my uniform in my 10×10, I’m going to explore what’s in my closet – even if that means changing only for the couple hours between dinner and bed :)
Cheers!
That’s great, Shanna! Sure to be an interesting experiment. :)
Welcome back! Glad to hear things are going well – we just visited Ft. Worth for the first time and really enjoyed its vibe. Love your picks and can’t wait to see how you style them!
Thanks, Krystal! We are really enjoying being in this part of the state. :)
Welcome back Caroline! I am so happy to see your blog back!
Just one suggestion, especially since your giveaway is open worldwide (Yeayyyyy!!!!)….many of us are not entering Spring but Autumn, after a long Summer! Yes, it means that any clothing and styling choices will involve similar clothing, but how about adding something like #NorthSpring10x10 and #SouthFall10x10, to recognize your southern followers?
Saving up for an ES piece, as they are expensive, but have my eyes on her jumpsuits and silk tops….
Great suggestion, thanks Rosebella! We’ll keep that in mind. :) And the ES pieces are a worthwhile investment, as I’m sure you will find out. xo
Yay, you’re back!!
Yay!! ;)
So happy to see you back <3
Thank you! xo
Glad you´re back!!!
:)
It’s a good time to be back! Love this community. xo
hey Caroline, and girls… does men blogs have such challenges too? :)
I’ve been checking your blog twice weekly since you took your break & I am thrilled you’re back, on multiple levels – wahoooooo!
Hey, Caroline. The site looks fantastic, and it’s great you got to make the logo! It looks awesome. How is yoga training going? Was that able to continue? Hope you are doing well in the transition to Fort Worth, and that the Universe is supporting you as you make these discoveries about your new space, new place, and new roles as a blogger and advocate for change!
Britt
https://www.radiantearthart.com/
Glad you’re back! I’m wondering the brand of the Nordstrom Rack sweater (I know you mentioned it’s old, but the brand would be handy juuust in case I luck out thrifting…) :)
Hi Caroline, glad you are back. Loving the new website and pop of colour in your wardrobe. I’m visiting Dallas in November and was wondering if you could write a city guide with your favourite places in town (what to do, restaurant, bars, anything…). Keep smiling :)