Main wardrobe pieces- ALL black minus one top 😉

1. Bodysuit (Off-Shoulder, American Apparel, new)
2. Bodysuit (U-Back, l/s, American Apparel, used)
3. Bodysuit (U-Back, s/s, American Appare, used)
4. Bodysuit (Tank, American Apparel, new)
5. Cotton turtleneck (J Crew, new)
6. Cotton turtleneck, forest green (J Crew, new)
7. Silk artist blouse (Elizabeth Suzann, new)
8. Silk georgia tee (Elizabeth Suzann, new)
9. Silk marlena mini dress (Elizabeth Suzann, new)
10. Ponte pants (American Apparel, new)
11. Ponte slacks (Mod Cloth, new)
12. Silk pants (Elizabeth Suzann, new)
13. Linen pants (Elizabeth Suzann, new)
14. Riding pants, American Apparel, used)
15. Ponte Mini Dress (American Apparel, new)

“Extras”

16. Cashmere v neck sweater (Everlane, new)
17. Wool trench (Everlane, used)
18. Cotton trench (Everlane, used)
19. Linen blazer (J Crew, new)
20. Slouchy sweater (Express, used)

Here’s what I’ve found:

I love bodysuits. They allow me EASE and freedom. As a life long dancer and yoga instructor, I love to feel like I can move at a moment’s notice. Even when I’m at the office, I take meditation breaks and go for walks around campus. The amount of skirts and dresses I own has increased, and the boyish slacks are OUT. They do not flatter my body type, which is simultaneously lanky and curvy…falling somewhere in between. Aren’t clothing consumption projects designed to help you find what works for your body? I believe they are. Everything high waist. High waists suit my frame, even though I’m short. Everything that had a mid or low waist is out, including my workout wear. It makes me feel pudgy and frumpy. I’m all about body confidence. Another fun find is that a slightly cropped leg looks great on me- and I’m lucky crops are in fashion, because they fit my five foot frame…like regular pants.

Black is my color. It always has been. It isn’t for everyone, and my co-workers tease me a bit, but it’s all in good fun. I don’t feel pressured to wear prints or bright colors anymore. They always bore me. I like simplicity and a uniform, but I also crave variety. As such, I’ve decided that a bit more than 10 items is a perfect compromise. I can swap, mix, and match easily. For now, the semi-uniform adds to my confidence and my daily ease in dressing. Cotton, silk, linen, cashmere, and wool are my go-to pieces. Button down’s make me feel claustrophobic. So do slacks. I wear ponte high waist pants to work with heeled boots and make it work. I do office wear…my way. As I do everything else. With a twist.

Isabel