The Winter 10×10 remix is winding down! Just a few short days until we get to see our whole closets again.
How are you feeling as we come to the end? It’s funny, I’ve only done a 10×10 remix one other time, but I can already spot my patterns:
- Outfits 1-4: SO MUCH ENERGY. Giddy, confident, and excited like, “Nothing’s stopping me, I got this!”
- Outfits 5-7: Starting to lose steam and lose interest in the challenge. Not feeling confident. Starting to question why I decided to do this and if it’s really helping anything.
- Outfits 8-10: The energy is coming back, but it’s more grounded than before. The lessons are starting to come together, I feel a sense of accomplishment, and I see the benefits clearly.
From my conversations with my 10×10 co-host, Lee of Style Bee, it sounds like that’s a pretty normal pattern. And when I scroll through our #winter10x10 tag, it looks like most of you went through similar ups and downs. But, you know what was cool? Having a kind, supportive community through it all, and going through those ups and downs together.
Ready for outfit 9? Let’s do it!
FIRST IMPRESSION
It’s back — the dress that won’t go away! I’ve worn this for, what, five days out of this challenge? But I can’t quit it. It’s ridiculously useful and it’s got staying power.
No experiments here, this is just a straightforward look that works. Remember a few posts back when I talked about what I’ve been wearing out to winter events? This is the outfit!
Over the holidays, I wore it to the Nutcracker ballet, the Christmas philharmonic, and a local film fest. It’s not really a statement outfit, but I sure am warm and comfortable in it. And really, that wins over anything else — especially in the winter.
Ironically, it’s also a great outfit for working from home. Comfortable and warm, yes, but also not delicate.
And P.S. I think it would make an excellent winter travel outfit formula.
WEATHER + DAILY ACTIVITIES
Today is a typical day: working from home, errands, and gym time. Then later tonight, we’re grabbing a quick dinner with my parents, so this look should carry me through the whole day.
As for the weather today, it’s going to be cloudy and windy and I don’t mess with West Texas wind. It’s mean. So even though the temperatures are nice and mild in the 60’s, I’m dressing warmer for the wind factor. (And I’ll probably end up with a topknot because of it too.)
Here’s why this outfit works for today:
- Minimal layers — nothing for the wind to fuss with.
- (Again with the wind) This dress is loose but fitted enough that the wind can’t blow it up.
- It’s comfortable enough to work from home, but cute enough to go out later.
- Dog hair easily brushes off the dress and leggings.
PIECE #9: COATED LEGGINGS
These leggings are from my 2014 capsule, and even though you haven’t seen them around the blog much, they are still a big player in my wardrobe — especially when it comes to winter events and special occasions.
Here’s why:
- They are leggings — the most comfortable things known to mankind — yet somehow they are classified as dressy. I’ll take it.
- The slick, coated finish means my sweater dress lays right and moves freely.
- Lint doesn’t stick to ’em the way it can with other black leggings.
My leggings are old from Urban Outfitters, but there are plenty of similar pairs out there:
Here’s a budget friendly pair for $29 with great reviews. No dry cleaning needed, and the label says to hand wash. But perhaps you could get away with putting it in a lingerie bag and running it through on a delicate/hand wash cycle?
Looking for extra warmth? Here’s a fleece-lined pair for $89. But keep in mind, they are dry clean only.
This pair from Spanx seems to be the golden standard, according to all the excellent reviews. They are priced high at $98, but they are machine washable which is a big deal. They also have a built in control top and a flattering high rise.
STYLING NOTES
ACCESSORIZE … OR NOT | This is a super simple look with no jewelry and not much styling — but I’m into the minimal aesthetic right now so I love it. However, it could easily be spiced up with a long necklace, a few bangle bracelets, or a long, colorful cardigan or coat.
CUFFED LEGGINGS | It’s a simple little styling move, but try cuffing your leggings for more of an ankle length fit.
WARM UP AN ALL-BLACK PALETTE WITH COGNAC | Going for an all-black palette is an easy way to get dressed and get out of the house quickly. It’s chic and effortless. But, I like to add a little warmth to the palette through a cognac bag and pair of booties.
• • •
And there you have it!
Make sure to hop on over to Lee’s blog to see her outfit today!
See you Monday for the LAST outfit! :)
xo,
• • •
Liked today’s outfit? You can shop it and support Unfancy at the same time by using these affiliate links:
01 | Cashmere dress (old) | similar (in cashmere, $286) | similar (chunkier in a cotton blend, $89)
02 | Coated leggings (old) | similar | similar (fleece lined) | similar for less
03 | Cognac booties (old) | similar by TOMS | similar by Eileen Fisher | similar (made responsibly)
04 | Bag gifted by ONA | similar with zip top (made responsibly) | similar with open top (made responsibly)
You know what, I get you on the dress thing – I think the one dress I included turned out to be the thing I used the most during this challenge! There’s just something fun about wearing a dress in winter!
Just wanted to tell you something about Tom’s that a friend told me; that the company may not be as ethical as you might first think. Their motto is that for every pair of shoes you buy, they donate a pair of shoes to someone in a developing country – but, the shoes they donate are way different and much lower quality, and break really fast. I know you’re conscious of ethics – and I also know a company can’t just throw money out the window; they need to make a profit – but yeah, I just wanted to mention this to you! :)
Gwen, what I read is that they always donate the huarache shoes (sometimes the winter boots in colder climate areas), so yes the shoes are less durable than the sneakers or hard-soled shoes. Anyone who has bought a pair and worn them to death can attest to that. But usually the shoes donated are for children and those children often outgrow the shoes before they fall apart. The real challenge is in getting new shoes to the same locations once the children have grown a shoe size. Anyway, huaraches may not be forever shoes but they are 100% better than no shoes because children in those areas can get serious infections, lesions, or fungi on their feet and have less accessible health care to treat it. Their whole livelihood can depend on those shoes.
I’ve read other things about Tom’s as well. They ARE a business. I won’t get into everything because there are positives and negatives to just about every detail involved. But as far as businesses go, they are doing a lot of very good things. I’m inspired by their glasses program, too, since they donate eye surgeries and eye care. Very cool stuff.
Having informed myself, I will still be buying TOM’s over something made in Bangladesh under poor working conditions. Not to mention the shoes are well-made and COMFORTABLE, which is really important to me.
Thank you for sharing your insights, ladies. I’ve also heard mixed reviews about Tom’s. I think they’re trying to do good things, and while they have faced some criticism, I think they listen to that input. You all are on the right track though. Keep asking questions! That’s how we learn more and become better, right? :)
Where are Tom’s made? I read their website, and perhaps I just didn’t look in the right place, but it didn’t seem to indicate anything about responsible, ethical practices being upheld when it comes to MAKING the shoes. But again, maybe I just haven’t found it?!
Any insight is much appreciated!
Holly J
http://closetmatters.blogspot.com/
Hey Holly, I recently heard on a podcast (the name is escaping me right now) that their shoe production was moved from China/Ethiopia to Haiti — that they were trying to build up jobs there that will sustain the community, and that they pay a “fair wage”. I don’t know what is considered a fair wage in Haiti, just hoping they are doing right by the Haitians. If I find more details on this, I will post here :)
Just wanted to say how much I love this look! I really struggled this winter finding “capsule worthy” pieces and having looks I really loved, which caused me to fall back into my shopping addicted ways. With the holidays I felt like I needed special pieces or really cool looks and this would have been perfect. I’m definitively putting a similar outfit on my “to buy” list for next year, this is some serious inpso :)
I’ve always struggled wearing legging with dresses and long shirts/tunics because they would ride up as I walked but maybe you’re on to something with this coated legging business! I’m going to have to try this out :)
Have you ever tried layering a slip between your dress and you leggings? I have one that I bought and cut off very short just for this purchase and it works great! Just a suggestion :)
My type of outfit! Love both a jumper dress and coated leggings, dressed up without being dressed up – perfect! Both are really versatile and can be worn with loads of things. Every January I challenge myself not to shop and try out stuff I don’t wear much in my wardrobe. Then, I use that to find any gaps, as I often have birthday or Christmas money, which I use in the sales to (hopefully) buy an investment piece.
This is my favorite outfit of yours yet!
I love this outfit. The boots look so cute too. You look really nice.Minimal aesthetic is cute and you pull it off so well here.
The Pale Tails
– Beckie x
Gosh this dress is just the cutest!! I’m totally impressed with how many different you looks you achieved with one piece. I really want to go thrifting now to see if I could possibly find something just as awesome!
I had noticed the absence of these leggings from your blog this past year, and am so pleased to hear that you still love them! I had to replace an old pair recently (due to fit) and went with a seamed pair from Lysee (purchased at Nordstrom, Item #1163057). I recommend giving these a try too :)
Thanks for sharing that suggestion, Christy! :) I’m glad these have held up.
This is a perfect minimal look! I really love your sweater–it’s so versatile x
http://www.insearchofsheila.com
Loving this blog series!
Liv
http://www.livforstyle.net
Love this look! I have been wanting those Spanx leggings!! The reviews are great so they may be worth the price! XO –
Anna | http://www.parkavenueblogger.com
I agree, Anna. People can’t say enough good things about them! :)
I love the idea of coated leggings to wear under skirts and dresses. I hate it when they ride up over normal leggings or tights! Maybe that’s why I don’t reach for them as often in the cooler months… *lightbulb*
Can’t wait to see your last outfit!
Try wearing a slip :)
Hi Caroline,
Thanks so much for this inspirational challenge! I changed it a bit – because I’m pregnant and don’t want to buy a lot of new things just for a few month. So now I am looking for 10 pieces, make (at least) 10 great outfits out of them and because I think I may wear them 2 days each I have 20 days of outfits before starting with the same again – great :)
Greetings from Germany :)
Marie
Good plan, Marie! Hope it works out :)
I have been searching for a dress like this to no avail (the ones you link look a bit chunkier than I want). I know it was thrifted, but would you mind sharing the maker of your dress?
Hey Krystal! The designer is Pauw Anderson (whom I’ve never heard of before) :)
I bought a sweater dress from Marine Layer that I just love and I think they may have ethical production standards. I recommend checking them out too.
Haven’t stopped by your blog for a while, but I really, really like it! And what a cool challenge!! Will definetly give it a try after I’ve cleaned out my closet which will be….eeh…soon…
A few years ago I participated in the “6 items or less”challenge, now THAT was hard! Using only 6 items of clothing for a month. But I did it! Won’t be doin’ that again though….:-)
Greetings from Ann, Sweden
WOW, Ann! That would be a tough one for me to get through, that’s impressive! Well done :)
So bummed that I didn’t take part in the 10×10 challenge after all, but I do want to do one for myself in the near future. Thanks for the inspiration!
http://www.archivesstyle.com/
Next time, Renee! :)
I’ve got the same winds in Eastern New Mexico. You’re right, it is very mean. I didn’t realize we were so close to each other.
I have cats so I understand the struggle of finding black pieces that won’t attract every hair in the house. It’s impressive that it doesn’t stick to your dress.
I’m always struggling this time of year to refresh the winter wardrobe, this was so simple & sleek and I rocked it this weekend! May or may not have received some Johnny Cash compliments…..
Nice, Michelle! I’d take that :)
I am LOVING your blog the most. So inspiring! After I recover from the Holiday Bling Squeeze I plan on going through all my stuff, donating & building a capsule. You really are an inspiration! And despite some differences (I live on the East Coast – brutal winters, I am allergic to wool – I can’t wear super sensuous wool socks :(, I am short/tiny/curvy – crossing my fingers I can fit into any kind of jean hahah, I haven’t worn jeans in so long because I can never find any that fit) I plan on starting to put money into getting well made, excellent fitting (getting things tailored maybe because I’m a dang adult & deserve it! hahah) things. I just moved into my first house & am still in the crazy commuter life and want nothing more then to simplify my life & wardrobe. I want to be comfy & cute! Thank you thank you! (also, I love love love those cognac boots! I hope to find some good flats soon too)
ox : a
Angelique, I’m so excited for you! I know sometimes it can be hard to find those perfect pieces, but once you do, you will see it’s so worth it. It will feel good to wear them every time! :)