Wearing something OTHER than the Little Red Dress. As much as I loved learning from the experiment, I am beyond thrilled to be wearing jeans.
Polyvore. Have you found this treasure? A site with photos of clothes to mix and match in your own combinations. It's inspiring and addicting.
Going through my closet with tips from The No-Brainer Wardrobe. It's not a fashion book, but rather one that helps you discover your style and find a simple way to dress daily without resorting to frumpiness. I'll be sharing some of my combinations in future posts. Loved this book so much, I became an affiliate: Click here to visit Hayley Morgan @ The Tiny Twig.
A wall beside my favorite chair that I've devoted to art. It makes me happy to see so much color!
Getting better at keeping up with my routines, thanks to Flylady.
Days 29 - 35, I took a break from the Little Red Dress while vacationing in New York. When I got back home and found it waiting, it was a reunion of sorts. I can't say I was thrilled to see her. I sort of begrudgingly pulled the dress over my head; but once I put it back on, it felt right.
Getting back in this Little Red Dress routine calmed me. It gave me fewer decisions and helped put my days back in order. The dress has given me the gift of simplicity. I understand now how owning fewer things can lighten the stress load. Does that mean I want to live in one dress for always? No. I thought at this point I might be willing to do such a thing, but my growth isn't there yet. I'm counting down the days until Sunday.
Lesson five: The gift of simplicity comes through having less stuff.
Sick with a stomach virus, I stayed in pajamas all day.
Day 28
This week was better than last. I had renewed energy about the Little Red Dress.
I've been reading more about other countries and cultures in the poorer communities of the world. They seem to be so full of joy with so little. I'm sure that it wears on them the same as financial worries wear on anyone; but they seem able to rejoice in the little things--savor the small moments. They don't have as many "expectations" or "rights" that they're touting around and being disappointed when it doesn't happen.
I've seen I DO have an entitled mindset. I often feel like I'm owed or that I have the right to what I want. But what about being happy with what I have right now? What about not searching for bliss in the great unknown, but finding it in the everyday? That's what I attempted to do this week. And I found whining has a much harder time showing itself when you're feeling grateful.
Lesson four: Be grateful for what you have in your life TODAY.
This week the Little Red Dress got it's first battle scar; a tiny rip at the corner of one pocket. I had to mend it best I could (I'm only slightly competent at that sort of thing). I couldn't help thinking how it's only been three weeks and I already have a tear. I've been washing my dress on delicate cycle and drying only lightly before hanging it up. I'm careful about what I do in the dress, which I suppose anyone would be if it was all they had.
I can't imagine a child wearing the same thing day after day, the wear and tear must be triple. But then, I suppose if you knew the value of your clothes, you would be more careful. Kind of like we teach children about carrying a glass or something breakable. They learn to be delicate. I've tried to be careful with the Little Red Dress, but when I think of it, it's probably not the I-won't-have-anything-else-to-wear-if-I-ruin-this careful. It's sobering when I think of that.
Lesson three: Having only one garment is a burden.
I guess I should've known that, but this dress has felt like Frodo's ring this week--heavy and burdensome. I lost some of my creativity because I just didn't have the heart for it. It's embarrassing to admit because it emphasizes how spoiled I am--that aspect of this experiment has been painfully evident. And each time I want to whine and complain, I feel this prick in my heart of how I still have a choice. Even now, I could give this dress away and have no worries about it. BUT, there are those who can't; and I'm beginning to understand I don't have a clue of what that's like.
If you'd like to know more about the Little Red Dress experiment go here. Days 1-7 Days 8-14
Second week of the Little Red Dress experiment went by faster than the first one. Maybe I'm just getting accustomed to wearing it, like a student gets used to a school uniform. I've been pretty careful about eating while wearing it, but one morning I spilled coffee down the front on my way out the door. I wiped it up, but of course didn't have any time to wash it and I couldn't change. It was a pivotal moment for me. It made me see how ungrateful I am for something as simple as a change of clothes.
Doing this experiment has made me more careful with my clothes. I hang my dress up immediately after wearing it without dropping it on the dresser or laying it on a chair. I make sure I take it promptly out of the dryer so it won't be wrinkled. I cover myself with a napkin or apron while eating or drinking (especially after the coffee spill) and make sure it's protected while I'm cooking. Although I've done my best to take care of it, there are already a few stains and I'm only into week two.
I feel humbled every time I begin to feel self-conscious and remember that many people have no choice.
If you'd like to know more about the Little Red Dress experiment go here. Or check out Days 1-7.
If you'd like to know why I'm wearing the same dress everyday, see this post. This has been a good first week. I was all pumped at first and feeling invigorated, but by the weekend, it waned a bit. I felt self-conscious at my son's basketball game wondering if people were noticing my repetitive wardrobe. Started avoiding people to keep from being asked questions and when I caught anyone looking at me unawares, I assumed it was my dress. It was at the end of these unrealistic thoughts that I realized I was TOTALLY SELF-ABSORBED. Lesson one: It's not all about you. To add emphasis to that point, when we were driving home I mentioned something about my experiment. Puzzled, my son said I hadn't told him what it was, so I filled him in. He looked surprised and said, "You've been wearing that since Wednesday?" So much for people noticing... Check out days 8-14 here.
I'll be wearing this Little Red Dress for forty-five days.
Why?
I want to connect in a small way with impoverished people around the world. There are women who only own one or two outfits; who wash them at night and wear them over and over. I want to see what that's like: feel the frustration of wearing something stained; of having to replace buttons; or knowing others will see me, yet again, in the same thing. I want to find out more is not more. I want to set aside this time to limit myself and go without. And even though it's only a taste of what some go through, my hope is that it will make me more compassionate, more grateful and more willing to let go of my consumerist mindset.
When will you wash the dress?
I'll wear pajamas at night so I can wash my dress and there is a small vacation time that I may take a few other dresses with me to alternate since I may not have a washing machine. Otherwise, I'll be sporting the Little Red Dress. I am allowing myself accessories and other articles of clothing to add to it for warmth and experimentation to discover that one article of clothing can stretch a long way.
How come you decided to do this now?
I timed it in connection with Lent which began on February 22 (2012). I'm not Catholic, but I like the concept of spiritual disciplines and thought it was a good time to join friends of mine (who are giving up things of their own) to journey together.
Where did you get this idea?
I'm not the first to do a project like this. Some have done it with a little black dress and one with a little brown dress for 365 days. I'm starting out small, well, big to me; but small in the scheme of a year. We'll see where it takes me.
What made you choose a red dress?
Honestly, it was one I already owned and the only button-down dress I had. I thought a button-down would add more versatility to my outfits and I like the classic look. Plus, I love color and thought it would help me persevere if my dress was bright and cheery. Red makes me smile and oddly enough, I have many complementary-colored things in my closet to go with it.
Is this a fashion blog?
No!! *laughs* I don't know much about what's in. I just play around with my wardrobe, so some things I wear may be heinous to you. I simply enjoy experimenting and this is a fun experiment in limiting my wardrobe.
Will you still be doing your Beyond Sweatshirt series?
For forty-five days, this will be my Beyond Sweatshirt feature since I'll be dressing up and technically out of sweatshirts. I'm looking forward to seeing how many different ways I can wear the Little Red Dress and will share my journey each week along with pictures.
Can we join you?
Of course! I'd love to have you join me. No red dress required, pick whatever you want to wear.
