Style Bee - Fall 10 x 10 - Recap

FALL 10 x 10 – RECAP

10.24.16

Hope your weekend was good! It’s time to take a look back at my latest 10×10 experience. Overall this was definitely the most successful one yet, at least in terms of comfort, wearability and both lifestyle and weather appropriateness. I’m coming away from the challenge feeling a number of things:

  1. Creatively charged with a renewed appreciation for my entire closet.
  2. A much clearer sense of what my style is, what it isn’t and what I want it to be.
  3. Even less pressure to keep up or shop.
  4. Ready to begin slowly making some small but deliberate changes.
  5. Rethinking my approach to blogging.

Now let’s take a look back at the 10 Items I styled into 10 Looks, over 10 days.


10 ITEMS 


Style Bee - Fall 10 x 10 - Recap

10 OUTFITS

(SHOP ALL MY LOOKS AT THE END OF THE POST)


Style Bee - Fall 10 x 10 - Recap Style Bee - Fall 10 x 10 - Recap

PERSONAL STYLE FINDINGS

Throughout this challenge I tried to maintain a certain level of objectivism that would allow me to better evaluate my choices. To my surprise my findings weren’t quite what I’d predicted. I think I expected to come away feeling content and reaffirmed in all my style decisions but instead I’m realizing I’m at a bit of an impasse when it comes to my closet and personal style. Which is not a bad thing! It’s actually a good sign that I’m tuned in enough to realize before making any changes or additions.

Here’s a look at the notes I made throughout the last 2 weeks.

  1. When my hair is done in loose waves I feel 100x better in any outfit. Might seem obvious but it was a breakthrough for me!
  2. My Newbury Boots are a bit too high for everyday wear. I switched to the flat oxfords most days, unless I was going out for a meeting or meal.
  3. I realized I can feel tall, slim and elegant, while wearing flats!
  4. By Tuesday of week 2 I was getting really antsy. I tried on a bunch of outfits from my closet to get a style fix and it helped!
  5. In turn, the challenge helped me to realize how much more I appreciate the clothes I have. I really missed my Mars Boots, Kamm Pants, vintage jeans and cashmere sweaters.
  6. It reaffirmed that the pieces I do have, can work harder.
  7. Getting ready each day was SO easy.
  8. I’m embracing colour more, but was reminded that neutrals are my true favourite.
  9. FOMO – I felt like I missed opportunities to wear some favourite items (like my Georgia Midi, Duster Vest and a few others) during the warm start of October.
  10. It can be hard not to let social media dictate the perceived success of an outfit. Just because everyone seems to like it, doesn’t mean you have to.
  11. No more buying pieces that add bulk to the hip area. Even if I can ‘pull it off‘ I always feel more self-conscious than I would like.
  12. I’ve been feeling a bit unsettled about my style lately. I’m torn between classic basics, and pieces that are unique and unexpected.
  13. Now that the challenge is complete it’s the perfect time to purge my closet while these findings are fresh in my mind.
  14. When in doubt, simplify.

3 FAVOURITES


Style Bee - Fall 10 x 10 - Recap

I quite liked these 3 looks because they felt like ‘me’ but pushed just a little further than I’d normally go. 

  1. I tried something I was nervous about, the socks in boots trick, and loved the result.
  2. I wore two colours at once and liked it! Plus, I found a new denim silhouette I’m smitten with, the ankle crop.
  3. I rocked a bold lip colour and a sultry all black look that felt fabulous.

I didn’t have any least favourites per se. Instead I’ve acknowledged that while I like all 10 looks, for the most part these outfits felt safe and this is not necessarily a bad thing at all! I’m choosing to treat it as more of a sign that I’ve become very comfortable in my style and now I’m ready to push it a bit further and take some (calculated) risks. That is, before ‘comfortable’ becomes ‘bored’.

It was the moments when I tried something new or unexpected that worked, that had me feeling excited about my style again. 


QUICK Q&A

Were these outfits weather appropriate? YES! Although there were a couple super rainy days that required a raincoat and rain boots for dog walking.

What about laundry? I washed the Clyde Pants (after spilling coffee), the striped tee and the swing dress each once during the challenge. The sweaters I hung inside out and I steamed creases out of the wool tunic and merino turtleneck one time.

Did you cheat? A little bit. I wore a denim duster instead of my black coat on Saturday night for dinner with the fella and switched to my wool Clyde pants for a day when the cream pair was being washed/dried. I also had to throw on a cardigan in the office once or twice to stay cozy. Otherwise I was pretty darn good!

Did the challenge make you rethink any items? Yes, my cream Clyde Pants are currently on the chopping block. It doesn’t mean I don’t like them, instead I’m just trying to be mindful of similar items in my closet that could potentially work harder and take their place. For instance, I love wearing both my Kamm Pants and Florence Pants. I’m more comfortable in the wide leg, slim waist/hip silhouette.

I also found the boat neck on my striped shirt a bit annoying. It kept gaping and showing my bra strap and the material is so thin now that it wasn’t warm enough for in the office. I might consider investing in a heavier option.

Favourite Items? I quite liked everything in the capsule but my Modern Oxfords found a new place in my heart and my Wool Tunic reminded me why it was such a hero last Fall/Winter.

Was it as hard as other times? Nope! I believe this challenge gets easier each time as you learn more about your style and how much you can do with your closet. In fact, I could have easily created 5 more looks, so I did! See them all below.

How was the ‘Real Life’ sharing via Insta Stories? I’m not going to lie, I definitely don’t love making insta stories. I wanted to love it, everyone else seems to, but I just don’t and they give me anxiety, at least when it comes to filming myself (and constantly making room on my phone). I feel like a total dink and I hate the low quality. I may try to practice more and will definitely share more Dobby stories because those I love.

PLEASE ASK ANY OTHER QUESTIONS IN THE COMMENTS! Just didn’t want to drag it out here.


5 BONUS OUTFITS


Style Bee - Fall 10 x 10 - Recap Style Bee - Fall 10 x 10 - Recap Style Bee - Fall 10 x 10 - Recap Style Bee - Fall 10 x 10 - Recap Style Bee - Fall 10 x 10 - Recap

#STYLEBEE10x10


Of course, I had lots of fun creating my own looks and playing with my personal style, but my favourite part of this challenge (by far!) was seeing the sense of community that came from it. I absolutely love reading everyone’s insights and thoughts on different looks, especially the ones that surprised them or that they might not have tried were it not for the challenge. It was great to see so many connections being made and all the positive support being shown toward each other.

Fashion can be a particularly icy industry, especially on social media, and one where women are constantly comparing themselves to others, but this exercise felt like the opposite of that. It was inclusive, warm and encouraging, in ways that went way above and beyond my hopes or expectations when I started these challenges over a year and a half ago. I love that the various 10×10 feeds are bringing together women of all ages, with a wide range of different tastes and a broad spectrum of lifestyles. It’s pretty freaking awesome!

Not to mention the incredible array of different outfits everyone came up with! Anytime I was feeling a little uninspired or unsure about how to go about putting a look together, I would peruse the feed and sure enough something would trigger an idea.

THANK YOU so much for joining in and sharing your outfits, ideas and positivity!

Overall it was a much needed reminder that the goal is not a bunch of perfect outfits but instead to have fun, get creative and learn something of value from our style choices. Here’s a few selects from the #stylebee10x10 feed:

Style Bee - Fall 10 x 10 - Recap

1st Row – @atleastblog | @jodieeebeth | @stefaniemurrer

2nd Row – @simplylinkeddesigns | @brandikoz | @elim_chu

3rd Row – @thegarmentlife | @kellyamonson | @juliawhicker

4th Row – @saraweinreb | @eichubb | @verenaerin

5th Row – @alchemisteating | @goesbygrace | @theeffortlesscloset


GOING FORWARD

After previous 10 x 10 challenges I’ve typically made note of some key takeaways and styling tricks and then carried on full speed ahead. This time though, I’m paying closer attention to what my gut had to say about it and what you had to say about it. Which simply means:

1 | CANDID OPINIONS + STYLE DETAILS | I’ve noticed a lot of positive feedback around the more in-depth styling notes and candid thoughts on each outfit, which is awesome! This was a slightly new format for writing outfit posts (at least for me) but I’ve really enjoyed creating them and digging deeper into the looks. So I’ll be continuing that style of outfit post going forward.

2 | REPEATED ITEMS | It’s become very clear that a lot of you are interested in seeing items repeated and styled different ways, which I totally get. I’m still ironing out exactly how this will evolve but I’m thinking along the lines of featuring 1 core item a week, that I style into a few different looks.

3 | COLLABORATIONS | At the moment I’ve put a hard stop on any new partnerships and collaborations for a little while. It’s been so refreshing to take the pressure off that aspect of blogging and I’ve been thinking a lot about how to proceed with brand sponsorships in the new year in a way that’s genuine, meaningful and occasional. Until then I may feature the odd new item, but I will not have been paid to do so.

4 | THE NEXT 10 x 10 | The next remix, challenge, exercise or whatever you’d like to call it, is in the works! I’m teaming up with Caroline of Un-Fancy and we’ll be sure to give you lots of notice!

Hope that sounds good! I’m always all ears when it comes to what you’d like to see on Style Bee so don’t be shy about letting me know.


As always, thanks so much for taking the time in your busy lives to stop here. It is never taken for granted! 


SHOP MY 10 x 10 CLOSET



Leave me a comment here!

  1. I am so behind on my blog reading and just now getting to your recap, but I just wanted to say that I loved this remix! I’m already planning to join in the winter version. 🙂 I hope you and/or Caroline host a link-up for everyone participating so I can be inspired by others!

  2. Kristy says:

    This 10×10 challenge was so inspiring! I’m always excited for fall and winter because it gives me the chance to layer pieces creatively, but it’s easy to get stuck or feel like the proportions aren’t right. You’ve given me some great ideas for how I can combine pieces from my own closet in unique ways.

  3. Brandi says:

    Nice recap – I love the belted dress over the turtleneck in you bonus outfits! It was actually a lot of fun to do this 10×10 challenge so soon after Caroline’s unfancy remix – I felt like between both challenges, I came up with some style breakthroughs and learned some things about my style:
    – I have no use for the T-shirts that I keep buying. I’m much happier in structured or looser fitting shirts, so I need to start culling these from my everyday closet. To that end, I just ordered a T-top from jamie and the jones 🙂
    – I need more variety in my footwear. I mostly have just boots and d’orsay flats. I’ve been thinking about loafers but they never look “right” on me, so I went to Everlane’s SF ‘lab’ and tried on the oxfords which I LOVE and realize they can basically go with everything in my closet and give me a whole different look – they are now on my wishlist.
    – I need to layer more! Some of my new favorite looks have been ones that I’ve never tried before this challenge. Some I came up with mixing my 10 items, some I saw versions of on others doing the challenge and had an ‘aha!’ moment.

    I agree that getting dressed was so easy – that’s why I keep my closet edited, but it was even easier when I only had 10 things to choose from. But it was nice to be able to miss some of my clothes not in the challenge because it gave me a new appreciation for the pieces once it was all over. Thanks for the inspiration (and thanks for including me with all those other lovely stylish ladies in your instagram faves!!)

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks so much for sharing these great insights Brandi!
      1) I’m a chronic T-shirt keeper/adder too. Making a point of purging a bunch in my next closet clean out.
      2) So glad you like the Modern Oxfords too! They’re so well designed and beautifully made it’s hard not to love them.
      3) I’ve found once you get into the groove with layers, they’re a fabulous way to keep your closet and options feeling fresh!

      So glad you had such a positive experience with this challenge! Thanks for joining in 🙂 xo

  4. Lauren says:

    I enjoyed this series so much Lee, and loved reading your thoughts and seeing everyone’s photos! I’d love to do the challenge myself one of these days!
    Thanks for sharing!
    -Lauren
    http://www.chic-ethique.com/

  5. So delightful playing along with this challenge, following your posts here, and reading this stellar recap. Thank you, Lee! Thanks too for posting my @alchemisteating picture – I loved looking through everyone’s posts over the past while.

    Thanks to this 10×10, a couple items that were basically unworn are now among my favourites: the coziest blanket wrap ever and a pair of black PF Fliers. I already loved these…yet felt “shy” trying them out, instead sticking with safe standbys. For me, wearing 10 items meant wearing MORE than I generally wear, and it felt fun!

    The challenge also led me create a wish list based on what I most need to “complete” my capsule wardrobe: a winter coat, a simple black dress, a toque;) and 2-3 scarves that may be neutral in colour but with some patterning (currently, I wear 2 infinity scarves: one black, one grey – the exact same colours as most of my shirts and pants). Thus far, I’ve ordered a black belted wool shawl coat and black drape muscle tank dress from Everlane. For the toque and scarves I’m going to enjoy going slow…spreading out my purchases.

    And…I’m starting to consider how I might best describe/understand my style. This is a work in progress, but one I’m enjoying. I was already minimalist and mostly neutral. But now I’m fine-tuning that, playing with phrases such as: androgynous yet subtly femme, comfortable but thoughtful, classic with a subtle edge.

    Thank you for the guidance and inspiration! Love your site!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Dana, thanks so much for participating and for all the great feedback! SO happy the challenge was a positive experience and that you’re feeling good about making some small but deliberate changes/additions. That’s the best! xo

  6. Alex Chua says:

    Lee,
    This was such a great exercise for me and while it was difficult to stick to only 10 items (11 in my case) I really enjoyed it. I loved seeing you push the boundaries and get really creative with your outfits in ways that were still natural and wearable. One of the things I’ve learned from the exercises you’ve brought to the blog are that I have to ask myself constantly if an outfit fits this criteria – is it classic, comfy, and refined? Asking that simple question has really curtailed my spending and helped me make the best choices yet. While some pieces may look fine or even great, if they don’t feel like “me” it’s time for them to go. Doing that has allowed to me to gain a self confidence I had sorely been lacking in the past. I can’t thank you enough for your thoughtful posts and great insight. You have truly changed my life. XO

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Alex, your comment was such a treat to read, thank you!! I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed the challenge. It’s definitely not easy to stick to as it might seem! Checking in and asking yourself about each look/item is a really great way to stay true to your personal style and avoid going off on tangents or adding items that don’t fit. So happy you’re feeling good about these things and have found an approach that’s working well for you! Keep up the great work lady! xo

  7. Jeska says:

    You are not wearing it in the additional outfits of the a-line dress over a turtleneck, but you have the Everlane black silk tank dress in the shopping section – I have one, and usually whenever a friend has an art opening during fall/winter I will wear it with a black knit faux neck, black tights and little low heel square toe black velvet boxy heels. It’s an all around very comfortable yet put together way of wearing a lighter material dress in the winter, over top of a warm knit still lets the dress hang & drape the way it’s intended to!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Hey Jeksa, That certainly sounds like the perfect gallery opening outfit! I love my little silk swing dress too. Need to try wearing it more this FW. xo

  8. Jodie says:

    What a fabulous recap Lee!
    Due to work/ weather/ lack of daylight I wasn’t able to post as much as I’d like but I really enjoyed playing along.
    That last outfit you added in the 5 extras: dress and turtleneck with oxfords is awesome and so you!
    Thanks for hosting this, and I look forward to the winter remix! Xo! ????

  9. amy says:

    I loved following your 10×10. You are an inspiration. So chic. I need to try it, but was waiting for weather to be fairly consistent for 2 weeks so my choices would work better. I am lusting over those flats! I am still trying to find my style. I struggle with wearing ivory or white pants or all ivory. I feel nervous all day that I will spill all over myself, have a pen leak, it will rain and I will splash up dirt and oil, etc. I need to move past those fears.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks so much for following along Amy! Totally hear you on the weather issue. Fall is a tricky time to commit to such a tiny capsule. I love wearing light coloured pants but it’s no lie that they’re a liability haha. Once you’ve got a couple of good, reliable stain removers on hand the stress subsides I promise! xo

  10. Tanya G says:

    This has been my favourite 10×10 so far! Keep up the great work. I would love to purchase those Clide pants if you were selling! They are #1 on my Elizabeth Suzann wishlist at the moment. Love how you styled the cream for cold weather-I tend to do this alot as well.

  11. Julia says:

    I love how thoughtful, thorough and organized this recipe is! I had such a fun/interesting/challenging time doing this exercise, and I also appreciate you featuring my picture, so thank you so much! You have a gorgeous and refined style — this blog is one of three that i visit regularly, and that’s mainly because I appreciate how thoughtful and articulate you are about your clothing choices. I can’t lie, I wasn’t a huge fan of several of my own outfits for this challenge, but I love all of yours! I am proud that I stuck to it and saw it through, and I DID come to a better understanding of my style, even though I was skeptical. I think seeing the outfits comparatively, all against the same backdrop, really helped me figure out what I’m liking and not liking about my style these days. So thank you! I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us in the new year! xo Julia

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Hey Julia, Thanks so much for the kind words and for taking the challenge with me! I’m so glad you were able to stick it out (it’s not as easy as it might seem right?) and come away with some great insights. No worries if you didn’t love a few of your looks, it’s part of the process and the best way to figure out what works and what doesn’t. I really appreciate you making Style Bee one of a few blogs you visit, that’s awesome to hear! xo

  12. Julie says:

    Lee,
    Great recap! I really enjoyed the styling notes and I look forward to looks with a core item repeated! I’m also curious about your Fall/Winter wardrobe – did you edit it down to a certain number of pieces like your Spring/Summer one?

  13. Carly says:

    Lee, any tips on how to get those confidence-enhancing loose waves?!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Hey Carly, So I’m certainly no expert when it comes to doing hair, by ANY means, but I have found the following tends to work for me:
      I take large chunks and wrap them around a tapered wand for about 20 seconds. Then I gently remove the wand and hold the curl tight with my palm for a few seconds as it cools (this is key for longevity). Then release and move to the next chunk of hair. About 10 times total. Then I softly brush it out and use my fingers to gently redefine the curls a bit. I use a coconut hair protector spray but no hold spray at the moment. Hope that helps! xo

  14. Katrina says:

    Lee,
    Loved this recap! My favorite outfits were your favorite three as well! My least favorite were the outfits with the clyde pants. I dunno, I love the grey wool version, the white just seem wrong unless it’s the heat of summer. Anyway my absolute favorite is the bonus look you styled with the turtleneck, dress, and tights! I will be copying that ASAP. I also so appreciate how much you listen to comments! I’m so excited that you’re taking a break from new endorsements, AND that you’re pairing up with Un-fancy, another fave blog of mine. You may have convinced me that I need the Everlane loafers or oxfords. I’ve been lusting after the loafers since they came out- recommendations? As well as that sotela dress- yes!
    Finally, I failed the 10×10 this time- I only made it 3 days, but I will be trying again very soon!!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks so much Katrina! I really appreciate the honest feedback and positivity. No worries about only getting to day 3 of the challenge. I think half the battle is choosing the items and considering different ways to style them. That’s the most important step to start with for sure.

      I love both my Loafers and Oxfords to be honest. I love that the loafer are slip on, so no bending or tieing required. I will say the oxfords are the most comfortable though and I think a little more refined and elegant. Hope that helps! xo