Wow, we’ve crossed the halfway point! This 10×10 challenge is flying (I’ve seen others say that, too, so I’m glad I’m not the only one!) and I’m looking forward to returning to my full closet. I’m not necessarily desperate for any item in particular; I’m just ready to not feel boxed in.
No clue what I’m talking about? Head here to start reading about the Spring 10×10 (I’ll still be here when you get back!).
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At this point, everything has been worn at least once, and I haven’t done laundry yet. And I really hope not to, since Michael and I don’t own a dryer and it’s been raining daily. Instead, I’ve been sure to wear a cami underneath all of my tops to keep things nice and fresh.
And with that, here are the middle three looks of the challenge:
MONDAY
Boy, did Monday feel like a Monday. I had dreams about work overnight, which made it tougher to get moving the following day. Couple that with the fact that one of my toughest fitness classes is scheduled right after work on Monday, and I was definitely dragging. Thankfully, clothes can sometimes take on the part of a suit of armor, belying and protecting what’s underneath.
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Outfit Details
Blush Pima Tee | Grey Blazer* | Black Slim Pants* | Black Leather Loafers* | Wayfarer Sunglasses | Tassel Necklace* | Crossbody Pouch* | Circle Studs*
This couldn’t be a simpler combo, but I received a few comments throughout the day. I love this blush tone, though I don’t necessarily know that pink is my color since it accentuates my rosacea. Wearing a blazer over is one way to cut through all of the pink. I once read that a long necklace lengthens the body, and whether or not that’s true, I employ that a lot. My fringe necklace is lightweight and goes with everything, and I like the look of it over a simple tee.
Item Spotlight: Blazer, Banana Republic (similar here)
I bought this blazer a few years ago and never really wore it. I was a bit heavier, and it was an aspirational purchase. It hung in my closet for a long time, and one day I pulled it out and tried it on – it fit! It’s not perfect; the sleeves are too long (though I’m grateful there is a cute pattern in the lining so I can cuff them) and the shoulders are a touch too big, but the oversized look is still having its moment. The fabric is substantial without being heavy and thankfully seems to repel stains. I now reach for this jacket weekly, particularly on work days.
TUESDAY
Tuesday was a pretty standard day: a full day of work followed by errands and the gym. Our afternoon was unexpectedly rainy, but thankfully the worst of it ended just before I left the office. I felt a little more casual than I expected to in this outfit; I work with college-aged students and I often feel the need to dress up a little more to distinguish myself as a staff member. (Without fail though, I’ll still get asked what classes I’m taking, or when my finals are – I guess I should just start taking it as a compliment!).
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Outfit Details
Silk High-Low Tunic | Sleeveless Shirtdress* | Sand Nubuck Mules [save 20% with code WAYWARD20] | Crossbody Pouch* | Geometric Necklace* | Pyrite Studs* | Heartbeat Ring*
This outfit is probably my most “creative” of the challenge. In my first 10×10, I played around with layering tops over dresses, but here I layer a top underneath the dress, leaving the buttons open. Unfortunately, it looked better in my head and has probably been my least favorite look so far. If I attempted it again, I think I would opt for tights and dark shoes. The focus on the shoes and the neckline here is a bit much.
Item Spotlight: Sand Nubuck Mules, Nisolo [save 20% with code WAYWARD20]
This shoe purchase was my most recent, and I feel just a bit sour every time I wear them, which I’ll explain in a moment. I was very wary of the mule trend when it started back up, fearing that this mullet-like shoe style would be fleeting. Eventually, I warmed up to the shoe style and began trying to identify a pair I liked.
I really liked the version previously offered at Elizabeth Suzann, but they sold out. I’d read somewhere (on Instagram, I think, but I can’t find it) that the maker would only be making mules exclusively for Elizabeth Suzann. Once they were completely removed from the site, I gave up hope of finding that style and sought out another. Generally, that’s a bad idea, because you’ll always wish you had the first choice.
The Mariellas are really gorgeous shoes; so comfortable, and offered in the color I was looking for, but the material is harder-to-care-for nubuck. Within ten minutes of wearing them, I’d managed to scuff them. I’ve waterproofed them, but I’m still paranoid about wearing them even in damp grass. And as these things go, Faye began selling the mules in her shop a few weeks after I received my Nisolos. I don’t need two pairs of tan mules, so I can’t decide if I will stick with the Nisolos, or sell them at quite a loss and get the Sevilla Smith pair. [Update: I did end up selling them and purchasing the Sevilla Smith mules!]
WEDNESDAY
I spent a lot of time working at an on-campus event on Wednesday and interacting with our students, which is always a pleasure. After work, I went out to eat with my mom at our local French restaurant. This outfit would have been perfect for that meal, but ultimately I changed into non-10×10 clothes. The restaurant is delicious but quite odorous! I didn’t want to spend the rest of the challenge smelling like a croque monsieur (though I think Michael wouldn’t mind terribly).
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Outfit Details
Black Silk Tee* | Black Slim Pants* | Sand Nubuck Mules [save 20% with code WAYWARDBLOG20] | Bandana* | Midi Ring* | Stone Studs*
I felt really happy in this outfit – completely comfortable all day. I decided at the last minute to add this rust-colored bandana but with the points to the back instead of my usual roll-and-tie. I mentioned on Instagram that this makes me feel like I’m going to camp (Fancy Camp!). I feel like it really warms up this dark outfit and adds a bit of approachability. I’ll definitely be repeating this look after the 10×10 is over!
Item Spotlight: Ankle Pants, Gap (similar here)
Believe it or not, these are my only work pants. I’ve been searching for a pair of slim grey pants for about a year now to add in, but I simply can’t find my “unicorn” pants. Thankfully, these pants fit well and go with just about everything; since there is nothing necessarily special about them, I can wear them more than once a week, and no one notices (at least I don’t think they do!).
My one complaint with these is that the zipper pull is constantly exposed. For whatever reason, the flap over the zipper pulls back to reveal it underneath. If you have any suggestions for how to fix that – please let me know!
*this item is no longer available and a similar product is linked
Inspiration from the Feed
I love scrolling through the feed – so much positivity and so many great outfits!
Top Row: @melanie_rubenesque_, @liarosestudio, @daftplague Middle Row: @a.single.blue.thread, @nat_wears, @_taylorjarvis_ Bottom Row: @thatgirlalia, @giaochi__, @zaleabadalea
Almost there! How are you feeling about your wardrobe? Anxious to get back to your full closet, or are you wanting to hang out with your ten items a little longer?
Find all the Spring 10×10 Looks here: Preview | 1-3 | 7-10 | Wrap-Up
Hi! I just came across your blog by looking at the instagram #spring10x10 hashtag (which has been really fun to follow!). I’ve actually been thinking about buying those nisolo mules for a while- if you would like to sell them, I’d be interested! (Depending on the size of course) Shoot me an email if you’d like! Gabriela