Frugality is one of the most beautiful and joyful words in the English language, and yet one that we are culturally cut off from understanding and enjoying. The consumption society has made us feel that happiness lies in having things, and has failed to teach us the happiness of not having things. ~Elise Boulding
Do you ever feel like you have too much stuff? Have you ever stood in front of a closet full of clothing, yet said, “I have nothing to wear.”
I’ve done that more times than I care to admit, so I am currently in an experiment with my wardrobe. Between February 27 and May 27 I am participating in a clothing challenge called Project 333.
The concept was created by minimalist/simple living blogger Courtney Carver two years ago. The rules are pretty easy: take 33 of your favorite pieces from your closet–dresses, skirts, jeans, tops, jackets, shoes and accessories–and build a wardrobe from only those items. The remainder of your stuff gets boxed up and put away for three months. When the three months are up, unpack the rest of your clothes and pick 33 more items for the next three months.
There are a few exceptions to the project, things like undergarments, workout clothing, lounge-wear or sentimental jewelry you wear every day, such as wedding rings, don’t count toward your 33 items. Also, three “bonus” items are allowed during the three months. Bonus items can be anything you want, perhaps you know you’ll be attending wedding or another event where more formal dress is required during your three months. You can use bonus items to swap or rotate out of your three month collection.
Over the course of my three months, I’ll be rotating out one pair of winter shoes for a pair more suited for warmer weather, a heavy sweater cardigan for a summer hat and a long-sleeved shirt for my Urban Nomad silk wrap skirt, this one item is so versatile it can be worn in numerous ways, as a skirt, a shawl, a top or a dress, so it’s perfect for this experiment.
To learn more about Project 333, visit this Getting Started guide, which outlines the project from A-Z, you can also visit the Project 333 Facebook page or view Courtney’s Project 333 community Pinterest board.
View a complete list of all the items I chose for the experiment by viewing my Project 333 Pinterest board.
So tell me, what are your thoughts on this experiment? Have you done something similar? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below 🙂
Amanda Bretz 