Photo by Alisa Murray
Today is the last day of the month-long Ultimate Closet Editing Challenge. It was a month filled with frustration, inspiration, cheating and creativity. Each post of mine ended with a statement eluding to either cleaning out my closet or going shopping for the finale.
I chose to end this month a little differently.
Without clothing. A blank slate and an empty bag.
People who work in and around style and have a passion for it walk a fine line between narcissist and collector. I wrestle with this from time to time, but this month I’ve come to accept it and embrace it.
I have a Life List going over on my personal site. There are a few things style related on it currently, but I’m going to add one: Create and live with an authentic closet. It’s not something I will one day just check off as done and move on – but will be reminded of daily.
No more purchasing clothing that is not reflective of my personal self or style.
No more clothing that has hopes of transforming me into a person I am not or do not want to be.
No more quantity for the sake of owning.
Beautiful things come at all price points.
Wear EVERYTHING.
Wear only that which makes me feel fantastic.
Allow myself the outrageous item.
Say thank you when someone tells me how great I look.
It’s been a great month. Thanks to everyone who stopped by along the way and a special thanks to Felicia Sullivan for being the catalyst. I hope those that joined in found it as interesting as I did – and I hope that some of you will consider doing the exercise.
Here’s to your personal collection, the change of seasons and fabrics and textures, the joy of creativity and creating beauty. Here’s to fun, nods to trends gone by and all things shiny. Here’s to style and confidence – the greatest accessory of all.
Xo,
Pam
Many thanks to my sweet friend, Alisa Murray, for the portrait. Alisa is a nationally recognized portrait artist and an award-winning columnist. Most special of all, she is nationally recognized for her work in blending art and medicine. If you ever get the chance to work with her, you won’t regret it. There is a difference with an artist’s touch. *wink*
30. September 2010 at 4:06 pm
You.look.FABULOUS!
So glad you did this as your Day 30 post… totally inspiring!
30. September 2010 at 8:06 pm
Thanks, sweet girl! Now go inspire someone else!
30. September 2010 at 4:07 pm
Perfect. Love it – that’s exactly the right photo.
Now, I must get to cleaning out the closet. Because I agree with you – an authentic closet is more powerful than an overflowing one.
30. September 2010 at 8:07 pm
Thank you, my friend. And, yes, an overflowing closet is depressing, isn’t it? Will you resale shop or swap or just donate?
30. September 2010 at 4:31 pm
Love. This. Post. (Actually, I’ve loved all of your 30-day challenge posts.)
I wish I had some idea what my personal style was. I’m pretty sure that means I don’t have one. It sure would make shopping easier and my closet flow better if I could figure that out though!
30. September 2010 at 8:08 pm
Of course you have a style! It’s anything that makes you feel great… and anything you know you DON’T like. I can’t believe you don’t have a favorite catalog or look or brand… something that makes you go, “ohhhhh….”
30. September 2010 at 5:02 pm
Pam, you look amazing in that photo – and your post rings so very, very, true. I’m glad that I got to meet (blog-meet?) you with this challenge, and I can assure you that you’ve got another daily reader.
30. September 2010 at 8:09 pm
Thank you! It was fun seeing everyone’s “work” — and I’m glad we are new blog-friends, too.
So. What will YOU wear tomorrow?
30. September 2010 at 5:35 pm
Fabulous picture & great post. Thanks for the inspiration
30. September 2010 at 8:10 pm
Thanks, Krista — the kind words are much appreciated. I sure hope our paths cross at a conference in the future. xo
1. October 2010 at 1:04 am
What a great wrap-up post! I’m still trying to figure out what I want to say about the past 30 days. I’ve decided to put off writing anything until tomorrow, since work was frazzling and stressful yesterday and today. And I want to post one more outfit shot tomorrow — the “ta-da, I’m wearing something DIFFERENT, yay!” photo.
1. October 2010 at 1:27 am
I know! Don’t you just want to go put on ALL the clothes you’ve missed this whole month?!
Thanks for the nice words — can’t WAIT to stretch my fashion wings again. xo
1. October 2010 at 11:13 am
Extremely sexy photo, Pam!
3. October 2010 at 8:15 pm
ACK! Pam, I’m still trying to suss out what I want to say about 15:30. My month was filled with awareness, frustration, creativity, annoyance, cheating, and inspiration from you and my fellow bloggers.
I did do one thing — I got a few staples I had been missing, and I’m going to stop buying just for buying sake.
xo
4. October 2010 at 1:48 am
Oh, Felicia! I know what you mean. I felt like if I didn’t write it down, well, SOMETHING had to get written down. It was quite a month. I still feel the need to sit quietly with it, but in the grander scheme of things I know what I walked away with. Thank you for the inspiration.
4. October 2010 at 8:23 pm
Oh Pam, the picture turned out perfect! Classy yet symbolic. It was so fun to peek in on your journey! And, of course, I couldn’t be more proud of the message you’re leaving all your readers with … authentic closet {I think I may have to quote you sometime soon!}
xoxo,
a
4. October 2010 at 9:16 pm
Thanks, April! While I am SOO tired of that word authentic being batted around… it just sort of fits, you know?
5. October 2010 at 3:37 am
Whoa, my fearless friend. That’s one way to end the challenge!
7. October 2010 at 1:12 am
Your turn.