Day Fini: Wrapping up the project.

“Long is the road from conception to completion.” -- Molière (Jean-Baptiste Poquelin)

It's done! It's over! I did it! I did the entire October dress project! I may have taken some liberties with the photos, but I did wear the dress each day...I simply took some fun photos here and there (such as wrapping my girlfriend's dog in it) to make for more interesting archival pictures. I have to say that I am feeling a tremendous sense of pride, and yes, relief, at completing this project. 

I'm a terrific beginner. I love starting new endeavors. If a prize could be given out for enthusiasm on Day 1, I'd be a shoe in for the blue ribbon. When there is any kind of a wait to be allowed into an event, I am first in line. However, when it comes to sticking things out, my spunk and good intentions peter out pretty quickly. I am fickle, get bored easily and have no qualms about walking away from a situation that isn't working for me. I have half finished needle point pillows, terribly lumpy half finished knitted scarves, dozens of blog posts and shorts stories that remain in limbo, and more dinners thrown in the rubbish than I care to count. Some might call me a quitter. I call myself a 'creative finisher'. I like to be engaged in whatever activity I'm undertaking. I also like to know it's going to be fabulous. The October Dress Project was truly an exceptional learning experience for me. Why? Because I made it a point of honor not to quit. 

Some of aspects of the dress were easier than I had anticipated. Putting outfits together was really quite fun and entertaining. In this area, I had expected to be bored out of my mind. Yet, by perusing catalogs, magazines and just reorganizing my closet (Shop Your Closet was a terrific resource) helped me to envision different ways to rethink my simple black empire waist dress. Additionally, I didn't have to think so hard about what to wear. I knew what I was going to wear. The only question that remained was how I would wear it. Also easier was my own self-imposed 'not buying anything new'. I love pretty things. I love looking like a girl. I love shopping. Yet, this Lenten-like fast was much less complicated than I'd believed it would be, simply because I wasn't focused on what was 'new and now', but rather what was 'here and helpful'.

Other areas of the October Dress Project were more difficult. I was given some bad news, from a health stand point, during this month. Not only did this throw my creativity for a loop, but it also threw my life for a loop the size of a planetary orbit. I didn't want to wear the silly dress. I wanted to wear my favorite jeans and my favorite sweater and to call it 'good'. I had a deep desire, being the lifelong quitter that I am, to say "Time out! This isn't convenient for me!".  And yet, I discovered something fascinating: as I was headed from one doctor's office to the next, the dress became a comrade. It felt like a hug. It felt as if I had company along the way. Despite painful and often invasive testing, the dress was there to say "I was here for you yesterday. I am here for you today. I will be here for you tomorrow." My defeatist attitude was somehow strengthened towards the positive by the dress. Where I had anticipated my own self-realization and leanings towards abdication of the project, I found my health crisis to be a reason to keep going. The dress was something I was proud of doing during weeks in which my pride was all but vanquished.

So...will I burn the dress or simply toss it, as I'd promised? No. I'm keeping it. It will hang in a place of honor in my closet. We've been through a lot this past month, my dress and I. Will I wear every day? Unlikely. But, I know it'll be there as my touchstone in months to come.

Day 31: So long! Farewell! Auf Wiedersein! Goodnight!

Good bye October Dress! It's been a long month...it's been an interesting month...it's been a learning experience. The dress tonight with black patent leather pumps, a taffeta and velvet wrap and Aldo multi-strand pearls give the dress a proper grand finale!

Day 30: Mother-Daughter dress

My daughter, Caroline, and her best friend, Deena, as Caroline wears the October dress herself....

Day 29: Who is that girl in the October Dress?

Having a "girls night" sleep over at my wonderful friend, Noreen's beautiful new home in Walpole, NH...Rosita the Princess of All Chihuahuas is getting snugged in my October Dress.

Day 28: Other dresses that might have worked...

My dress is getting quite thin! I don't think I can wear it without tights now, so thank heavens for cooler weather.  This has me looking at what dress I'd look for next time...and what dress I might like to have in my wardrobe as a good basic 'can create many looks with' addition. Here are some dresses that I found browsing online that would work for me. My advice? When shopping for an "October Dress", for your own 'project,' or simply to have a great piece that can go anywhere, is to find one with flexibility. You should be able to layer both over, and under, the dress to maximize wearability. Additionally, I can't say enough about knit jersey. If you're like me, spilling is a daily occurrence. You definitely need to be able to machine wash the dress---and machine dry would be helpful too. 

Urban Outfitters...great option and could be worn in many ways. Currently $48

I like the cap sleeves on this Anthropologie dress..the full skirt and v-neck would also allow for excellent layering. More expensive at $128, but would be highly versatile, so the 'cost per wear' would definitely be a positive factor. I would probably pick this dress is the neutral color that's also offered at Anthropologie...as much as I love the red, I think it's tough to wear every day.

The least expensive option...from American Apparel. I love the wrap dress! It's able to dress up and down and to adjust to different layers. This would be a fantastic option. At $40, this knit dress has a lot of potential.

As you can tell, all of these choices are SIMPLE. I've seen other October Dress blogs in which the wearers have used brightly colored, patterned and much funkier dresses than I've picked. I respect the bolder choices! But, I simply know that, from my own experience, I'm more likely to wear something less complicated, and to create the boldness with my accessories. But, part of the experience is breaking down barriers. So, perhaps I should give pattern a thought....

Day 27: Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme...

Off to an appointment in Scarborough, Maine...wearing my J. Crew purple "good luck" sweater and belt, Tory Burch Boots and favorite purse. I'm doing everything but wearing a rabbit's foot for luck, because that's just plain mean to the bunny.

Day 26: Packing...

I'm a notorious pre-packer. I will pack days in advance of an overnight trip....weeks in advance for longer ones. I'm heading to see my daughter this weekend in Massachusetts, but am 'getting ready' ahead of time. I've topped the dress with my brown velvet coat (from Urban Outfitters) and  a lovely crewel embroidered scarf I picked up from a street vendor in New York years ago. Very comfy...

Day 25: Waiting for the phone to ring...

Why won't it ring? I'm waiting. And, waiting! And, staring at the phone for one specific call! The dress is topped with my cozy Ella Moss striped cardigan that my kids are positive looks like an Umpire is missing it from his wardrobe, but I love it, and therefore, don't care.

Day 24: Cooking...

There's nothing quite like making Sunday Brunch...Cheese Souffle is wonderful. The dress here just has my favorite apron over it...nothing fancy. My Cheese Souffle recipe is:

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup milk or cream
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar or Swiss cheese...you can even use a mixture
• 4 eggs, separated

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in the flour, mustard and cayenne until smooth; gradually add the milk. bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat; stir in cheese until melted. Remove from the heat. Stir a small amount of hot mixture into egg yolks; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Cool very slightly.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Definitely use a hand mixer for this...by hand with a whisk takes far too long. Fold into egg yolk mixture. Pour into a large greased souffle dish or four greased 10-oz. (small) souffle dishes. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Serve immediately.

Day 23: More Q & A: This time on style....

I do appreciate all the questions and comments I've been getting...thank you very much! Again, I'll do my best to answer as many as I can.

1. Whose personal style do you most admire? The women most closest to me. I admire my mom's style...she has business chic down to a science, but she always looks like 'herself', rather than a cookie cutter. She's the bastion of the 'great jacket makes an outfit'...and it looks fabulous on her. My cousin, Lori, makes rocker chic look business friendly in a way that looks effortlessly cool, and always has. I wish I could bottle my daughter's sense of style. She has cultivated this very pretty Urban Cool meets Preppy Cape Cod meets European vibe than has to be innate. In terms of people I am not blood related to, I admire the current styles of Freida Pinto and Katie Holmes, the timeless style of Helen Mirren, and the eternal style of Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn. I do admire risk takers but I'm unlikely to try to copy them.
2. What's your favorite movie, and how did it inspire your style? I have many favorite movies! I love everything from "The Princess Bride" to "Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid". I'd have to say, however, that my all time favorite is "High Society" in the way that it did influence the way I think of style...and also because we played that genre of music at my wedding. My father/daughter dance was to "Little One".
3. What's your fashion budget and strategy? In terms of money, as little as possible! I'm not trying to be cheeky....but we do live on a budget and I have limited money to spend on myself. I'd rather spend on my kids. So...I do try to stretch my money as far as I can. On the other hand, I've learned, in the long run, that as much as I might fall in love with a piece that's inexpensive, if I don't wear it very much, it's a waste of money. I tend to get attracted to pretty pieces, or funky pieces, that speak to me 'in the moment'. When shopping at times like these, it's good to have my daughter along---who is my voice of reason and my critic. She'll say "Mom, it's cute, but what will you wear it with? How many outfits can you make with it?". So....I try not to shop alone because that's when I make colossal mistakes. My best strategy, before we go to NY or LA or even the outlets in Freeport, is to really take a long look at my closet, look for 'gaps' in what I don't have but could really use and what is wearing out because I love it. I have to be careful, however, not to 'reinvent the wheel'. I tend to be attracted to the same thing, over and over, and leave those gaps because I haven't planned well. For example, this Fall, when Caroline and I went shopping in Freeport, I went to look for a practical pair of good fitting black pants. I didn't have any! So...it helps to look carefully at what you need and not to be spontaneous. 
4. What was your biggest fashion faux pas? I came of age in the 1980's. The entire decade was my fashion faux pas. But, I have to say loose Laura Ashley jumpers with big platter collar shirts. And perming my hair! What on earth was I thinking?
5. What have you missed wearing during the October Dress Project?  Jeans. I've still had to throw them on for various reasons when I needed to do something, but I miss wearing jeans every day.
6. Who are your favorite designers? Because I tend to like classic style and clean lines, I obviously am attracted to Calvin Klein's line, as well as Ralph Lauren's and Diane Von Furstenburg's. I admire the at the design houses of Catherine Malandrino, Vince, Ella Moss, Stella McCartney and BCBG Max Azria. For day to day 'wish list' and basic items, J. Crew is my "go to". I also like shopping smaller boutiques, and I've been unbelievably lucky at TJ Maxx.
7. What about shoes? This is the $64,000 question. I wear a size 5...a 5 1/2 on a good day. Finding shoes that fit is the bane of my existence. Several of the shoes I'm wearing in the photos are children's. Additionally, because I'm literally too big to have a size 5 foot, my feet often hurt. So, I have be careful with what's comfortable too. If I find something that fits and doesn't hurt me, it's like gold. I'm just as likely to find this miracle at Target as I am at Sak's. I'm not a terribly big person, but my feet, according to my doctor belong on a woman who is 4'10 and weighs under 100 lbs. So...shoes are tough.
8. What has been your favorite look so far?  Day 9....Caroline put that look together for me, and it's definitely one I've worn since and will wear again.

If you have any more questions, please feel free to email me...my final Q & A will be the last day of the project.

Day 22: Boring, boring, boring.

I'm not feeling terribly well today, and I'm afraid that shows in my style, my face and my whole demeanor. I actually love this Gap sweater. It's incredibly cute when paired with jeans or a sundress. With my October Dress, however, I think the whole look is dowdy, depressing and dull. I feel as if I look like an Amish School Marm who secretly reads too much Jane Austen and owns far too many cats. Sorry, folks! But, I did promise to show the bad with the good....this is all an experiment and this one went awry. I'm off to change.

Day 21: Still reading...

Finished one book and am on to the next....in comfy style. I'm wearing a green Merino wool boyfriend cardigan, my softest Prana leggings, and sheepskin slippers. It's also nice to have a cup of tea by my side....I highly recommend Coconut Chai with honey.

Day 20: Reading is a good thing....

Many things are stressful today, but a bit of sunshine and a good book? It does the trick every time. The dress with my daughter's magenta plaid scarf, purple snake skin sling-backs and my favorite, albeit very worn, Coach bag.

Day 19: Surrounded by love

Lunch at Chase's...amazing vegetarian fare...wearing my favorite boots (from Day 2), the beautiful red and tan scarf my daughter gave me, the shrug my Wing Chick knit for me and the red glass and stone necklace from my mom. 

Day 18: A jump to the left...

Feeling a bit Bohemian today! This outfit actually looks better in person than it does photographed. I paired the dress with a gray and white striped t underneath from Gap...one that has tiny buttons at the wrists. I added my lace up boots, Hobo bag and richly toned scarf in eggplant, turquoise and gold and use my MK sunglasses (from TJ Maxx) as a head band. I wish the look had appeared better in the photo because, while it looks bland here, it's actually one of my favorites so far.

Day 17: Q & A, Part I

After receiving some comments, both positive and negative, I'd like to share a brief Q & A so that, perhaps, I can answer some of the thoughts that have come my way. If you have more, please feel free to email me at the address on my profile. I'm happy to try to answer them, as best as I can, in another piece.

1. "Why do you want to wear a dress every day?"  The answer? I don't! I do like dresses and skirts, and always have. I'm a fairly 'girlie' woman. However, I live in Maine, I have two immense dogs who need walking and I teach yoga for a living. I'm not a 'dress all of the time' kind of a person...and certainly not one whose religion dictates the need to wear a dress. This aspect of the project is more about self-discipline, and it came from the The October Dress Project's own thoughts. I'm doing this partly to see if I can. I'm a wonderful 'beginner' at projects, but a hellacious finisher of them. When something gets really tough, I usually say "forget about it!". I'm determined to see this one through. This is less about the dress (or even the idea of the dress) and more about my own sense of accomplishment.
2. "I thought this project was about getting *away* from fashion, not embellishing it..."  I think the project is about whatever the wearer of the dress needs it to be about. It would be a lot simpler for me to just wear the dress every day (but it does need a different cami or shirt underneath..simply because my own dress has a very low V neck). I could get up, put it on and be done. But, my feeling was, I'd get very bored. Additionally, I've seen this project (but as The Uniform Project) interpreted in a way that called for creativity. I was attracted to that aspect. I'm not terribly creative. I am blessed with a family of fashionable women, each of whom have cultivated her own unique sense of style.  I had slipped into a rut of jeans, V necked sweater and clogs every day. I love fashion. I love the fashion industry, and "Project Runway" is one of my favorite shows. This is helping me foster that creative spark that I have within....of envisioning something new and different around the same base every day. 
3. "You have an extensive, expensive wardrobe that could make new outfits every day for a year. It's easy for you to accessorize."  I am incredibly thankful to have such lovely things. I have also have fabulous women who give me hand me downs (or ups, in my daughter's case). I love shopping sales! There is nothing quite like getting a great piece at a bargain, at either an outlet (which I'm also blessed to have nearby in Maine) or a department store. But, I've been remiss in wearing those great pieces in 'different' ways because I haven't been willing to step out of my comfort zone. The exquisite caftan from Day 7? A hand me down from my mom that I wore only as a beach cover up. Once. The cute plaid tunic from my daughter on Day 12? I'd never worn it before. These are lessons I'm learning about making use of what I have. Also, when I have a truly good piece, I tend to keep it for years. I'm in my mid-40's, so I have a pretty vast collection. But, I love my favorite pieces from Target every bit as much as my 20 year sweaters from Ralph Lauren. 
4. "Do you really wear the dress all of the time?"  Of course not! I have to admit, though, that it's incredibly comfortable, and it would be easy to do so. But, I still have to go to Yoga and teach (and no, I don't wear the dress while I'm teaching), I still have to help out with fall yard work, I still have get chores done around the house and I still have instances in which it's just not appropriate. But, I will wear it each day while it's practical to do so. 
5. "How often do you wash the dress?" Far too often! I happen to be the world's most klutzy person, and a terrible spiller! One morning, I put the dress on (in a very cute outfit that never made it to being photographed) and almost immediately spilled an entire cup of coffee down my front. Another time, I was playing with my pups in the back yard, slipped in a muddy patch and completely trashed another 'not yet pictured' outfit. I'm still trying to slowly bleach the mud out of my cream colored sweater. Accidents happen. So does every day wear and tear. I have to wash the dress almost every day...which is taking a terrible toll on it. The dress wasn't new when I began this project, but several years old. But, its simplicity and ease were what made me choose it for the project. However, because it's not new, it's getting thinner and thinner with every wash.
6. "Where do you get your ideas for new outfits using the dress?" Everywhere! If I see someone on the street with an accessory I like, I'll make a mental note of it. If I see a photo in a magazine, or watch a movie, I might think, "Wow! I have something similar to those boots...maybe I can make them work with the dress." I believe that inspiration can lie all around us. My daughter is a junior in high school, and one of the most creative people I know. She's also fabulous about making outfits for me. Although she attends college prep school out of state, she's been adorable about setting up 'groups' for me to wear of pieces I wouldn't necessarily put together. 
7. "What will you do with the dress once this is over? Will you keep wearing it?" I had to laugh at this question. I'm just hoping that the dress makes it for another 2 weeks! But, no, I don't plan on wearing the dress day after day beginning in November. If it's not too thin to keep wearing, I'll keep it for a cozy-up day. If it's truly ragged, I'll probably burn it in our pile of Fall leaves...and may even dance around the flames.

Day 16: Singing in the Rain!

Day 16: It's pouring! The dress & tights...with colorful rainboots and scarf from Target, my oldest AT rain jacket and my umbrella from my 'home'.

Day 15: Halfway through!

I have to admit...I'm not a fan of today's look. I think I look like an errant bumblebee trapped in the 60's. It seemed like a good idea at the time, when putting it all together, too. But, I just don't think it works. The thinner knit sweater doesn't stretch over the dress well enough....and seems lumpy. With every project there are bound to be failures, aren't there? The mustard yellow sweater is from Talbot's, the cool pendant necklace was one I picked up in Del Mar at a craft's fair, and the ballet flats are from Target. Love each of the pieces...just not altogether.

Day 14: Ready for meetings!

I'm ready for my many meetings today! White Uniqlo blouse tucked in under the dress, Gucci frame style bag, black patent Nine West pumps and a cameo pendant on a black silk cord. I feel very professional!

Day 13: It's getting chilly!

Cozy on a Fall day in Maine.....in an 8 year old Ralph Lauren Fair Isle sweater, the October Dress, tights and brown lace up Stuart Weitzman boots. Laying is key!

New 12: Something borrowed...something blue.

...something borrowed something blue...today I met my friend for lunch wearing my teenage daughter's blue plaid Urban Outfitters tunic, my hand hammered silver bracelet, D & G bag, blue tights and Aldo booties. Very comfortable...

Day 11: Some reflections thus far...

Skipping the photo today, as I'm simply revisiting an earlier, simple look with my October dress. I've gained some insights into this project, now that I'm all of eleven days into it:

1. The project is actually becoming easier, rather than harder. I'd expected it to become increasingly tedious. On the contrary, it's a relief to know I'm wearing each day. Additionally, I'm discovering that making outfits is becoming more simple as I learn how to 'dress' around the dress.
2. I've made the decision not to alternate the black dress with the gray one of the same shape, design and year of purchase. Why? It felt like cheating. Even though gray is also neutral, it just didn't seem 'right' to do so. So, I'm sticking with the one dress.
3. While I love that I didn't *have* to buy a new dress for this project, I wish that I had. As much as I enjoy this particular black, empire waist, 3/4 sleeve jersey dress from Gap, because it's 3 (perhaps even 4) years old, it is beginning to show even more wear and tear from increased washings. I'm finding that the dress has become more see-through and pilled. I'm sticking with my choice and not going to switch mid-stream. But, I do see why it's beneficial to purchase a dress that's not already worn.
4. That being said above, I'm loving not purchasing any new accessories or other clothes. Wearing the one dress is teaching me what wonderful pieces I already own, and how to use them creatively. I know that some October Dress Project participants are gladly finding new items to go with their dresses. I made my own decision to live with what I have for this month. Therefore, it's not a judgement on others, but rather, my own sense of simplicity, 'recycling', 'reusing' and wanting to step totally out of the materialism that has led me to my own decision.
5. Those who know me have been incredibly supportive. I had expected my teenage daughter and husband to 'poo-poo' this endeavor, but I've been both surprised and empowered by their encouragement.

I hope you all enjoy your day!

Day 10: Legally Brunette

Channeling my inner Elle Woods in a Nanette Lapore sweater, Tory Burch boots, my Mama's pearls and a Marc Jacobs bag.

Day 9: Mother Daughter Pumpkin Carving

Pumpkin carving day with my beautiful daughter, Caroline (right) and her best friend, Emma. The October dress goes Autumn with a Vince sweater, Loft necklace, Brighton belt and Aerosoles shoes. Caroline was my stylist today.

Day 8:Comfortably Outdoors

I'm taking my Murphy for a quick time outside in the New England fall weather...borrowing my husband's Oakley sunglasses, and laying the dress with a striped turtleneck from Urban Outfitters, a Mountain Hardware puffer vest, tights and clogs.

Day 7: Peaceful......

A bit of a stressful day ahead....so I'm bringing out my "Eat, Pray, Love" persona. On top of the October dress, I'm wearing a turquoise, brown and gold embroidered caftan, belted it with a Brighton belt, wearing Indigo shoes & MK sunglasses and have the "Tao of Inner Peace" by  my side. 

Day 6: You are beautiful!

In the same spirit as The October Dress Project, October 6th, has been designated as the International Day of Beautiful Women. No matter what a woman wears, her shape, her size, her age, the color of her skin, or any other meaningless variable, she is beautiful...and precious to all her who know her. Tell a woman you love that she is beautiful today.

In my own October Dress journey, I went very simply: the dress with a bright pink Lucy cami underneath. Am I beautiful? Yes...but not because of my dress, my DNA or any other exterior reason. I'm beautiful  because I love others.

Day 5: What's Phở Lunch?

I met my friend, Elizabeth at our favorite Asian fusion restaurant....The dress gets a new look with a blue and lavender floral shirt underneath and a mother of pearl pendant necklace! I even got to SIT on my friend's bike after we ate! The October dress project can go anywhere you can go.

Day 4: Yoga...

Yoga time: the dress for after my early morning practice....Prana leggings and tank, Nicole Hymas turquoise necklace, Gaiam mat.

Day 3: Sunday Brunch

Ella Moss Top and sparkling Pomegranate Juice....

Day 2: Country Girl

J. Crew Denim Jacket, Nine West Boots, Chloe Hobo Bag, Gap Scarf, hand hammered Sterling cuff bracelet...and our truck...

Day 1

Day 1: Walking the dogs. Basic black at its easiest! Nine west flats, J. Crew gray tank, Zen two stone necklace with pendant by Arizona artist Nicole Hymas and Mala beads.

The Project Begins.

I first became aware of the October Dress Project two years ago, when it became a source for media and "green living" fodder. I began to do a little bit more research and stumbled upon The Little Brown Dress and The Uniform Project . As a self-proclaimed lover of fashion, I began to ask myself if I had the creative chops to take on this task. Additionally, did I have the self-discipline? These are valid questions, and because I know my own limitations (which include both boredom and a love for change), I decided to set upon this task, at the request of a friend who had admired my sense of style.

Although the Uniform Project takes on the task for a year, I'm giving myself the month of October. That will be challenge enough. I'll be posting photos as often as I can, and will include the pieces I'm wearing in each description. I'd also like to point out that I chose not to buy a dress for the project, but rather, to use two identical dresses that I bought at Gap three years ago. It's my belief that making do with what I already own is an integral part of this endeavor.

Can I actually wear one dress (I've allowed myself to wear the same dress in two neutral colors) for an entire month? We'll all find out together.