Style Bee - Fall 10x10 - 2017

FALL 2017 10×10 CHALLENGE

10.06.17

Well friends, it’s that time again! 10×10 Challenge time that is! My blogger pal Caroline of UnFancy (aka. lean closet guru) and I are thrilled to be teaming up for another installment of this fast, fun and furious little style series.

In case you’re new or need a recap, the 10×10 Challenge is a super simple exercise that anyone can do. You just need to choose 10 items from your closet, create 10 looks with those items, over 10 days. Easy peasy right? Right!

The 10×10 Challenge is something I first tried out during a shopping fast in 2015 in an effort to get more creative with my closet. From there, with the help of Caroline and so many other style savvy, conscious closet folks, this challenge and the incredible community around it has really taken off. Now people all over the world are joining in and seeing how fun and useful it can be. It’s awesome!

Another reason why I think this exercise has been so well received is because it’s all about what you learn as you go and take away from it, not so much about how great your looks turn out or how closely you stick to the guidelines. It’s also a wonderful way to connect with other folks who are exploring their style too. In fact, the #10x10friends community is probably my favourite part! It’s welcoming, supportive, easy-going and full of great insights and style inspiration.

So what do you say, care to join the fun? I sure hope so! Still not sure, no worries, this post has all the info you need! 

Now onto today’s Fall 10×10 kick-off post in which I’ll be covering:

  • My challenge goals and plan for the next 10 days
  • The 10 items I chose for the #Fall10x10 Challenge and why.
  • 10 x 10 Challenge 101 – All the info you need to join in
  • A few tips on pulling together your 10 items – To help you get started

Style Bee - Fall 10x10 - 2017

MY 10×10 GOAL(s)


MY CHALLENGE GOAL(S): Embrace my love of uniforms and relieve some style anxiety. 

This will be my 9th 10×10 Challenge if you can believe it. I barely can! So one might assume that there’s little left to learn from such an exercise. But here’s the thing, every time I do it, it’s a little different. Plus it’s always in a new season of my life (literally and figuratively) so it’s a great way to check in with myself and recalibrate my style a bit.

In this latest ‘season of life’ I’ve been feeling a lot of anxiety. I’ve found it difficult to make decisions, balance my time effectively, stay motivated and settle into a routine. I’m accepting that this is where I’m at right now and just trying to implement small, manageable adjustments as I go forward. One of those is to embrace the fact that dressing in a ‘uniform’ method really helps me start my day with structure and generally infuses a sense of calm to my morning. This means I wear the same ‘essential’ outfit everyday but switch up the items to keep it fresh. So I’m going with it!

My uniform for the Fall 10×10 Challenge is:

SIMPLE TOP + STRAIGHT LEG DENIM + ANKLE BOOT + OUTER LAYER

Throughout most challenges to date, I’ve been totally game to try new shapes, combos and layering techniques but when I was pulling pieces for this one I felt so anxious about what I ‘should’ be styling or that my items were too predictable or not ‘exciting’ enough. I felt discouraged and irritated and a whole bunch of other feelings that were ultimately wasting my energy and totally regressive. UGH.

So, I stopped thinking about it for a couple of days. Then I asked myself, ‘What would I choose if I wasn’t blogging about it or sharing outfit photos every day?’. Suddenly, it clicked and I felt much more at ease about my options. Within a half an hour I was standing in front of 10 pieces that I am thoroughly excited to wear for the next ten days. Yay!

Why does this matter? Well, I think I’d lost sight of the fact that this challenge is inherently a very individual exercise. Even though we’ve got an awesome community to tap into, it really is a personal experience. So it’s got to feel right to you, no matter what other people are up to. I simply mean that if you’re feeling apprehensive or as though you’re out of your comfort zone, I hear you! I’m almost in my 10×10 double digits and I’m still seeing the ‘challenge’ take new forms each time. Try not to over think it. Simply trust your gut, choose pieces you’re excited about and remember it’s just a silly style challenge after all! Yes, I’m still talking to myself here too!


10×10 CHALLENGE SCHEDULE


In the past I’ve always taken the same approach to my 10×10 schedule here on the blog. I would post every business day for 2 weeks and take the weekends off. This time I’m changing things up and starting my 10×10 tomorrow (October 7th) and going straight through for 10 days (ending on Monday October 16th). Instead of posting an outfit every day on the blog, I’ll be posting outfit roundups, so Looks 1-5 and Looks 6-10 with a final recap on October 18th. Similar to my co-host Caroline, I’ll be sharing my outfit each day on my Instagram feed and in my stories. The goal is to alleviate the personal logistical stress of posting daily when work is nuts and to keep the coverage concise on here and elaborate more on Instagram. Sound good? I hope so!

Here’s to 10 days straight my #10x10friends


Style Bee - Fall 10x10 - 2017

MY 10 ITEMS


WEATHER: The weather seems less intent on it being ‘Fall’ than I would like but I think we’ll get a taste of it soon. This weekend will be the warmest two days in the mid 20s and then it starts cooling down all the way to a lowest high of 13°C. Nightly lows are looking mighty chilly too so I’ve kept that in mind. This is why I have everything in the mix from a cotton tee to a wool coat!

ACTIVITIES: Right off the bat I’ve got three (Canadian) Thanksgiving dinners this weekend. Then I’ll be working from home or locally most days, running my usual errands, grabbing dinner with friends, family and the hubs (that’s fun to write!). So pretty consistent across the board. I will want to be comfortable but with an element of polish.

So here’s what I’ll be rocking for the next 10 days!

  • 2 Pairs of Pants
  • 1 Coat
  • 1 Blazer
  • 1 Cashmere Sweater
  • 1 Cotton Tee
  • 1 Light Sweater
  • 2 Pairs of Ankle Boots
  • 1 Shirt Dress

Style Bee - Fall 10x10 - 2017

I’m not going to lie, this selection was heavily inspired by my recent time in London where I took some serious style notes. Everyone just seemed to be so effortlessly put-together but still dressed practically for the weather and ready for lots of walking. It was refreshing to see so many simple chic looks on women from all different ages ranges as well. For the most part people had a neutral palette with one statement piece. So other than the weather and my lifestyle, I took these things into consideration too.

PLAID BOYFRIEND BLAZER | Reformation | $248 USD | I wear a size S and it’s quite roomy. | Made responsibly in LA.

I bought this blazer in linen this Spring and it was one of the best additions I’ve made to my closet. It’s a recurring style at Reformation and when I saw it in this beautiful muted green plaid I had to snap it up for Fall! Even though this style is everywhere right now I would still consider it more of a timeless item than a trendy one. It’s the perfect piece to throw on over jeans and a tee with a leather boot to instantly feel like a boss babe, no matter your size or age! 

BROWN ANKLE BOOT | c/o COCLICO | $435 USD | Made responsibly in Spain | Also in Black & Oxblood | I’m a US 7 and have the 37.5 | Save $20 when you sign up here.

The Cally Boot is easily one of the comfiest pairs of shoes I’ve ever owned. The leather is so supple and the heel is the perfect height for all day wear. I LOVE the tall shaft with all my cropped pants and it totally staves off any cold breezes. I wore them all over the UK on our honeymoon and they never gave my feet any trouble. These are definitely and investment piece but I cannot recommend them highly enough! 

BLACK TEE | c/o Tradlands | $49 USD | I wear an XS and it’s slim but not tight | Made Responsibly in the USA.

I absolutely love the Catt Tee from Tradlands and I’m not shy about it! I have every colour and wear them all the time. They’ve been getting softer and softer every time I wear and wash them but the black one hasn’t faded or lost it’s richness at all. It’s a nice medium weight cotton for Fall and the perfect length for tucking in. The hardest part was decided which colour to include! 

CLASSIC DENIM | AGOLDE | $158 CAD | Made Responsibly in the USA. | Most sizes sold out. | Try this option for similar fit for less.

These are my favourite jeans right now. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve worn them but they just keeping feeling better and better! I had them in my Summer 10×10 too.

CASHMERE CREW | Everlane | $100 USD | Made responsibly in China.

I absolutely adore all my cashmere pieces from Everlane. The knit is light enough that it’s good for warm days and still  cozy enough for cold ones (you might remember it from my Winter 10×10)! I usually order a size up (M) for layering but I have this in a Small and it’s perfect for tucking into high waist pants. 

BTW I hand wash it with The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo.


Style Bee - Fall 10x10 - 2017

SHIRT DRESS | c/o Ode To Sunday | €220 | Wearing a Size S which is has a relaxed fit. | Made responsibly in Lithuania.

You might remember this dress from the Summer as I featured it in a 1 Item 3 Ways post and my June 30×30. I’m not a big dress person but I honestly reach for this one all the time. I love the cut and the linen has become so soft. I love it sparsely buttoned over jeans, belted over tights or worn open as a light duster.

CAMEL COAT | Marvin Browne | £90 | Made in England. | Similar here (imported), here (investment) and here (imported) or a shorter option here (made responsibly)

I picked this beauty up during a visit to London’s Spitalfields Market. I was immediately struck by a collection of beautiful minimal wool coats in all the best neutrals and had to try some on. Turns out that after years on the hunt for a perfect camel coat this one found me! 

BLACK ANKLE BOOT | c/o Everlane | $225 USD | I normally wear a US7 and this 7 fits perfectly. | Made in Italy.

These kick ass stompers landed on my doorstep last Friday and they were the best surprise a boot hoarder like me could ever ask for. I put them on right out of the box and they’ve been on my feet every day since. They’re breaking in beautifully with no blisters or issues to speak of yet! They add the perfect dose of attitude to any look.

STRIPED SWEATER | c/o Betina Lou | $130 CAD | I wear a Small and it’s fitted. | Made in Montreal.

How Parisienne can one sweater be? I was dying to get my paws on this beauty and the Betina Lou team kindly sent me one to wear on my honeymoon throughout the UK. I LOVE it and wear it every chance I get. Plus, I find it very hard to go for ten days without wearing stripes.

BOYFRIEND DENIM | Everlane | $68 USD | I wear a 27 and love the fit through the leg but had to have the waist taken in a few inches. | Made responsibly in Vietnam.

Ah yes, the much talked about Everlane Denim! My friend Andrea of Seasons & Salt was about to send these back when I asked her if she’d tried them and as luck would have it, they worked out great for me! We’ll see how they hold up over the next 10 days. PS. Andrea’s got an awesome 10×10 line up btw! 

*The cream sweater and camel coat pictured above are slightly different from my own.


Style Bee - Fall 10x10 - 2017

10 X 10 CHALLENGE 101


No worries if all this challenge talk has you scratching your head! The 10 x 10 Challenge is an exercise I established in 2015 to help encourage myself to get more creative with my clothes during a 30 Day Shopping Fast. The concept is essentially a micro capsule closet that you work with for 10 days, trying new looks and styling your clothes in ways you might not otherwise consider.


WHO IS THE CHALLENGE FOR?


ANYONE! But more specifically, anyone looking to:

  • Take a break from shopping.
  • Reinvest in their existing closet.
  • Test their style creativity.
  • Make their closet work harder.
  • Find a better sense of personal style.
  • Test out a capsule closet.
  • Establish a couple of go-to uniforms.
  • Pack for a trip. 10 x 10 Challenges are ideal for travellers looking to pack lighter.

BASIC GUIDELINES


  1. PICK ANY 10 ITEMS FROM YOUR CURRENT CLOSET
  2. STYLE THOSE ITEMS INTO 10 DIFFERENT LOOKS
  3. USE 10 DAYS TO DO IT
  4. HAVE FUN AND DON’T TAKE IT TOO SERIOUSLY!

I say ‘guidelines’ instead of ‘rules’ because this is meant to be a fun and helpful exercise, not a daunting or rigid task. It’s all about being creative and exploring personal style. If it doesn’t go flawlessly, no worries, you’re still going to learn something positive from it.

For example:

  • You can limit yourself to only those 10 items for the full 10 days or just wear those items to work or after work.
  • Take the weekend off and do 10 business days.
  • You can try a smaller challenge first if you prefer with only 6 items over 6 days or up the ante and choose a few more items to style over a longer period (I’ve done 20 pieces over 20 days before).
  • If you’re really not loving one item, just switch it out!
  • Loungewear and gym gear don’t count unless you want it too.

Do whatever makes it feel manageable but still be sure to challenge yourself!


HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FALL 10 x 10 CHALLENGE


1 | Pick 10 Items from your closet to wear for the next 10 days.

2 | Snap some shots of your 10 pieces and your outfits as you go and post them on Instagram. It can be a flat laywardrobe shot or a stack to start then a daily outfit (ask a friend or the fella to snap one), a mirror selfie or you can wait and share a grid of many looks together. Whatever you’re comfortable with and if that means no photos that’s cool too. 

2 | Use the hashtag #FALL10x10 so we can see what you put together! We’ll be sharing our favourites from the feed during our wrap-up posts too!

3 | Feel free to include the existing hashtags #StyleBee10x10 and #UnfancyRemix if you like as well! That way they’ll be in the general archive for all future challenges too.


CHECK OUT THE 10 X 10 CHALLENGE PAGE WHERE YOU’LL FIND MORE INFO, TONS OF EXAMPLES, STARTER TIPS AND A HELPFUL WORKSHEET TO GET YOU STARTED.


Style Bee - Fall 10x10 - 2017

TIPS ON PICKING YOUR ITEMS


WHAT IS INCLUDED?

Any core closet item you choose counts as a part of your 10 items. For example:

  • TOPS
  • SWEATERS
  • PANTS
  • DRESSES
  • SHOES
  • COATS

Keep in mind these are not hard and fast rules! If you really feel like you need all your shoe options that’s OK, don’t include shoes this time around and add an extra top or bottom instead. No judgement shall be passed ?


WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?

Any accessories or jewelry you add to a look does not count as a part of your 10 items. For example:

  • Hats
  • Bags
  • Scarves
  • Necklaces
  • Gloves
  • Jewelry
  • Base Layers (ie: underwear, tights, bodysuits, socks etc.)
  • Workout Gear
  • PJs and Loungewear

BEGINNER’S FORMULA

If you’re a little bit stumped as to where to start with your items consider this formula:

  • 2 Pairs of Shoes (1 heel + 1 flat)
  • 4 Tops (Consider pieces that layer well like a fitted long-sleeve, a button-down and a cardigan)
  • 1 Dress
  • 2 Bottoms
  • 1 Top Layer

A few other tips for choosing items:

  1. Check the forecast and pick practical items for the weather.
  2. Consider your activities for the next 10 days.
  3. Don’t give yourself too much time to choose. Try to make the call in under 30 mins. But if you need more, that’s cool too! You’ve got all weekend to play around with your picks.
  4. Go for an easy, lean colour palette. Think neutrals, denim, white, black and grey with 1 or 2 colours.
  5. Reach for your favourites first and then add one or two pieces you’d like to wear more or aren’t sure about.
  6. Avoid Dry Clean Only items or pieces that are a pain to launder so if need be you can refresh them during the 10 days.

Style Bee - Fall 10x10 - 2017

SO WHAT DO YOU SAY? CARE TO JOIN US? 

SURE YOU DO!

FEEL FREE TO DROP ANY QUESTIONS YOU’VE AND I’LL DO MY BEST TO ANSWER THEM TODAY.


I’LL SEE YOU TOMORROW ON INSTAGRAM WITH LOOK #1! 

DON’T FORGET TO SEE WHAT MY PAL CAROLINE PICKED FOR HER 10 ITEMS TOO!


This post is not sponsored but contains affiliate links. When you shop via the links above I may make a small commission from a sale. Thanks for supporting Style Bee! All opinions are always my own.

Leave me a comment here!

  1. Denise says:

    Can’t wait for your posts about this, Lee. 🙂 Your outfits are always A+! Congratulations on the wedding and living a life happily ever after.

  2. Michele Ann says:

    I’ll be joining but may be a bit late on the train this time. I had to move back to my old blog due to various reasons but I’m excited to participate again especially since I missed the summer 10×10. Will you be posting your looks here? Or will you be just doing instagram posts this time around?

  3. Krystal says:

    Joining in as well! The weather is going to be pretty warm here (mid 80°s F), so I’m worried about laundry. I don’t have a dryer, so everything usually takes about 24-hours to dry. Any tips?

  4. Un-fancy sent me over! I love the 10×10 challenge you are both doing and I’m going to hop on the bandwagon and try it. I loved reading what essentials have made the cut for your 10 pieces and was pleasantly surprised to see a coat from London’s Spitalfields market. i visit there quite frequently with my friends and boyfriend because I live so close! Can’t wait to see how this challenge plays out and how I manage 10 items because I’ve never done anything like this before.

    Abigail Alice x

  5. cory says:

    so excited to follow along. I love all the pieces you’ve chosen!
    x cory http://www.coffeespoonsblog.com

  6. Janet says:

    I love your picks for the 10 x 10 Lee. I am going to try and do this challenge too. So far I have chosen 2 pairs of straight legged jeans (dark wash and mid blue wash). I have a caramel Theory coat similar to your camel one that I bought in NYC 10 years ago (!) that I might include. The rest I am still working on. I love the burnt orange or cognac half circle bag in the picture. I don`t see a link to it. Where is it from?

  7. So excited to do another 10×10 challenge. All of the pieces you chose look both comfortable and stylish! Can’t wait to see all your looks 🙂

  8. Andrea H says:

    Hi friend! I love your picks so much. You rocked those Colico boots on your trip, they really are the perfect antidote to cold ankles. Excited to see your looks!

    Excited to see how you keep your uniform fresh, and pleased to hear that your wardrobe = more peace instead of more decisions and anxiety.

    xo from Oregon!

  9. Started the 10×10 a little early with a two week travel holiday to a cooler climate. Not counting scarfs, pjs and undies I am very close to 10. I’ve one spare of jeans for emergencies. Did try to on,y take jewelry I will wear everyday this trip. So far so good! You and Caroline inspire me always and especially when packing. -laurel

  10. Paige says:

    Lee,
    I love the uniform approach to this 10×10. Especially if that is what is working best in life right now. It can be so easy to get caught up overthinking everything when you know you’ll be posting and sharing each outfit. I find I constantly have to remind myself to dress for myself, not my blog. I appreciate your honesty!
    Have a great weekend,
    Paige

  11. Shelbi says:

    Yup, I’m ready for this challenge! Bring it! 🙂

  12. Briana says:

    I love this challenge! Such great pieces!

    Briana
    https://beyoutifulbrunette.com/

  13. Sarah M Park says:

    I’ve been waiting to take a peep at your picks all week long! I’ll be joining you on this challenge and have published my own picks on my blog 🙂 I look forward to your style combinations in the next two weeks!

  14. Allison says:

    Wonderful line up Lee! I’ve had my eye on that blazer from Reformation for a while now. Such a beautiful pattern! I also love your boot choices. The Colico ones are stunning and I have all of the heart eyes for Everlane’s new boss boot. I’m sharing my 10 by 10 picks as well soon! Can’t wait to see the outfits you create.

    xo Allison

    http://www.thethoughtfulcloset.com

  15. Lo says:

    What a gorgeous round up! I love that Betina Lou sweater, and I’m interested in how you like those Everlane boots! The concept of uniforms for this challenge is so wise. Sometimes during these challenges, I get carried away with trying to make sure everything is different, but in reality, I love wearing the same formulas over and over.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks so much Lo! I LOVE all your picks, like A LOT 🙂 I will be sure to share how the boots go. So far wearing them every day for a week has been great. Glad you’re into the uniform concept too! Just needed to keep things super simple this time around. Have a great weekend babe! xo

  16. Joy says:

    I have to be honest that the increasing number of c/o pieces on my favorite ethical bloggers’ sites is frustrating. In the past 6 months there has been a proliferation of these pieces being promoted.

    It is hard for me to take the tenets of these ethical blogs seriously, especially when almost half the pieces in a 10×10 challenge are gifted.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Hey Joy, I get where you’re coming from for sure. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this! I can say that the pieces I feature in my 10×10 Challenges are always elective and items I truly love to wear. Honestly, it’s hard to say no when a brand you love is willing to gift something that you intended to buy anyway. I will also say I take everything I feature on this blog and my social media very seriously. Nothing I post on here is done without careful consideration and I know that to be true for many of my fellow conscious closet bloggers. I include the ‘c/o’ note because it’s a legal requirement but I also appreciate it when I read other blogs and can get perspective on how the piece has been acquired. My goal is to share responsible options for my audience and to ensure I have first hand experience with the products I feature. I hope that helps to ease your concerns. Have a great weekend! xo

    • K says:

      I agree. I also thought I saw several C/O items in the most recent Style Bee closet sale, which made me feel a little icky — of course, it’s unreasonable to hold onto things simply because they were gifted, but maybe a portion of the proceeds could have been donated (at worst, they were free — at best, the blogger is given the item and paid to promote it, so it feels pretty unethical to again profit, especially in a sale to a blog reader). It’s a tough line to straddle — this has been a recurring pattern with the blogs I follow. I’m happy to see bloggers I like succeed and don’t expect them to work for free, but it almost always coincides with a shift into more aspirational, less believable content (at least for me).

      Lee, I appreciate your transparency regarding these items and certainly can’t criticize you for being compensated for your work. I would suggest being careful about how you position these C/O items — maybe don’t highly recommend an item as an “investment piece” when you didn’t purchase it yourself, like the Coclico boots in this post. It rings pretty hollow as a reader.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Hi K, I appreciate you weighing in. I see where you’re coming from on many of these points. Here’s my two cents:

      Regarding the SB Closet sale. First off, that was my final closet sale and there will not be another (I just haven’t announced that yet). It’s a ton of work and I find I’m ready to sell fewer and fewer things as the seasons go. Next, I do donate many of my unused items. In fact A LOT of my pieces have gone or go to Dress for Success and other charitable organizations. But at the same time I’m weary of just donating clothing since much of it ends up in landfills. The closet shop has allowed me to ensure the items end up in a new home where they will be utilized better. I do my best not to sell pieces I was paid to promote in my closet sales unless it’s been a considerable amount of time and the line has since released new collections. Finally, I receive inquiries and offers to buy pieces from my closet from readers all the time so I’m not sure that it’s necessarily unethical to offer up pieces I don’t need when the time comes. The profit margins in responsible style blogging are very slim especially when you consider the amount of time and effort that goes into each post. I love what I do, don’t get me wrong but there is a reason I still have a day job.

      Regarding the note on my boots being an investment piece well, I see where you’re coming from but I do stand by it, they are an investment piece and I will treat them as such even though they were gifted to me. Soooo many bloggers simply link to products without sharing whether it was gifted or how much it costs or where it was made and what size they take, all information I find to be very helpful as a reader/shopper.

      I hope that those explanations ease your concerns a bit and I respect your perspective on this topic. Any chance you’ll be joining in the 10×10? Have a great weekend!

    • K says:

      That all makes sense… I just encourage you to continue being honest when you post about these things! This info and background is great to have, and I think it could easily have a place in posts too. (I know there are many, many bloggers that behave badly when it comes to transparency — which is why I don’t read them). I’m not doing the 10×10 (I don’t blog or post about style at all on social media) and keep an already slim wardrobe but will follow along!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks for the input K! I don’t take feedback lightly and will continue to work on striking that ever elusive balance 🙂 Have a good weekend!

  17. Andrea says:

    Absolutely love this challenge! I joined the Summer 10×10 and have been patiently waiting for the Fall challenge–can’t wait to see all the great looks. All your items are swoon worthy (: I can’t wait to see your camel coat in action!

  18. Andrea says:

    My local Nordstrom has an Everlane pop-up on right now, so I checked out the denim. I’ve never worn high waist jeans (80’s childhood flashbacks!) but I tried them on and I am loving them (and for $68 that’s crazy cheap in the world of responsibly made denim). Afterwards I went straight over to Madewell to compare their high waist but I didn’t like them, and they were double the price. If I can get it together enough I might join the 10×10 because I’ve bought a couple of pieces that I want to try to style better. Next week is fairly stable in the mid-upper 50’s with sunny-ish weather. We are going camping this weekend so if I survive 3 days in a trailer with 2 teenagers, a 10×10 just might happen for Monday!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Happy to hear you like your Everlane Denim Andrea! The price point and quality really are rare! I have only tried the boyfriend style but looks forward to trying out the high waist skinnies this winter. Have the best time camping! I’m sure it’ll be fun. If you’re up for it, we’d be delighted to have you join us! xo

  19. Jenifer says:

    I keep following your challenges but haven’t decided it’s time yet. Love all that you share, very inspirational!

    I also feel like I have done a similar challenge whenever have traveled which I do regularly for work and then add on a pleasure trip on the end. I have go Europe and the far east regularly for 14 days at a time and only take a carry on and do not stuff it. Generally I start with this math: take number of days (ex. 10 days), take 1/3 that in bottoms and sweaters (3 bottoms & 3 toppers), and 1/2 that in tops (ex. 5 tops), add in 2 pairs of shoes. I look at the outfits that would make and adjust from there. (fyi-I often don’t count my travel top and bottom since that can get pretty grimey after wearing it sometimes 48 hours straight.)

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks so much Jenifer! I really appreciate the kind words 🙂 Packing for travel is just like the 10×10 Challenge. Sounds like a great formula you’ve got going! Maybe we’ll get you joining in next time. xo

  20. Jodie says:

    Great picks for the fall 10×10!
    I got my Everlane boyfriend jeans in mid blue yesterday finally in the right size (I had to go up for my hips/ butt), and am including them too!
    This will be my first challenge as a MOM (what!?!?) so my picks are very simple.
    Sorry to hear about all your anxiety. As a lifelong PTSD, and anxiety sufferer I wish I could give you better advice. Just make sure you’re taking care of yourself, and hopefully it’ll get better sooner, rather than later!
    Have a great weekend with your husband 🙂

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks Jodie! I have a size up in the boyfriend from my usual 26 and even though the waist was huge I like the relaxed fit through the leg a lot. Nothing a little tailoring can’t fix!

      So exciting that you’re joining in, and especially that it’s your first time as a Mom! Yay!

      Thanks for the insight on anxiety Jodie, I appreciate it. Now that I know what’s going on I can make changes that will help. Need to get to some yoga classes asap. Have a fabulous weekend! xox