Fall 10x10: My 10 items
It's time for my fourth 10x10 challenge, the Fall 10x10, starting Monday, October 22! The challenge is to create 10 outfits from 10 items for 10 days in a row. Created by Lee and co-hosted by Caroline. For more challenge details see my Spring 10x10. I've enjoyed the last 3 challenges because each one is different from the other. Not only because I live in Michigan, meaning every season has different weather to plan for, but also because it's helping me grow in my personal style.
Lee & Birch Partnership
This 10x10 I've partnered with Lee & Birch, a local Michigan boutique with 3 locations in Grand Haven, Rockford, and Grand Rapids. One of the things I love about Lee & Birch is how they treat their customers. Have you ever walked into a boutique and walked right back out because the vibe felt uppity or the stylists didn't make you feel welcome? Or they were too pushy? I have, many times, & I hate the way that makes me feel.
When I walk into Lee & Birch, I'm greeted warmly, am left to wander on my own taking in all the options, and receive styling advice in time or when I ask for it. The ladies there are great at giving you current trends and ideas that complement and elevate your personal style. You'll get a part of this experience throughout the next 10 days here as they've shared some great advice for fall style I'll be sharing with you!
Goal
My main goal for the Fall 10x10 is to find versatility and layering options while mixing classic neutrals with pattern and texture in a playful way. I want to build upon the color and texture I explored in my Summer 10x10.
Inspiration
I gained confidence in pairing my go-to neutrals with patterns and texture thanks to the summer challenge. It's nice to express more shades than ivory, black, and gray, which I did last winter. I still can't do bright red though, it just is not my color. Moving back to the lakeshore has me swooning over all things cottage & cabin this season. Practical fabrics like flannel and heavy knits with tones that reflect the wild neon sunsets we have this time of year are inspiring me deeply.
The weather is going to be high 40's, low 50's, partly cloudy and showers. Pretty moody and common for fall in Michigan. Neon sunsets, moody gray waves, deep greens surrounding me, changing of the leaves, and all the cabin vibes are my inspiration.
My 10 items
I'll be splitting my time between teaching a college design course, getting my hands dirty at a print shop, and some time in my home studio. The range of environments I'm in this season is my biggest challenge. Going from a professional classroom environment to a dirty, inky print shop and then casual studio vibes are a bit of a whiplash. I really focused on selecting versatile and durable items to account for this. I also have a wedding, meetings, and business lunches mixed in. I'm NOT counting shoes this time. I removed them from my count to have a few more items for layering since layering is a challenge for me (some great tips from friends here).
10 items from Lee & Birch
6 Tops
Pearl-studded sweater
Buffalo check button-up
Black and white cardigan
Plaid cardigan
3 Bottoms
Camouflage moto pants
Hudson Jessi high-waisted denim
1 Dress
Supporting Items
3 Shoes
Sorel Joan of Arctic Wedge II, Ash Brown
Sorel Margo Chelsea Boot, Black
Sorel Campsneak Slip Sneaker, Cattail
3 Jewelry
Nakamol Earrings
Nakamol Layer Necklace
Crescent Moon Necklace
My looks
I shot 10 looks ahead of time again, this time with my pal Leigh Ann Cobb. My approach to the challenge continues to evolve. Based on the great conversations with you guys each 10x10 season, the inspiration route (vs. "live" outfit documenting) seems more helpful for you. I, of course, will link to what I'm wearing because sometimes a piece or two is all we need to get started.
Lee & Birch has some great brands for the Fall. If you're local, they have all the styles and items I'm wearing in-store right now so you can get exactly what you see during the challenge. If you're following from afar (hi Canadian friends!), the Lee & Birch website will have all the styles available early November so keep a lookout for that.
My 10 items for the Fall 10x10 | Free Guide Sheet for download | Emily Bode blog | Partnership with Lee & Birch
I want to elaborate on my statement last challenge re: retail therapy. I still stand by not needing retail therapy as much as we think we do. There are multiple perspectives to everything – even within one person. When certain areas of my life get hard or I've had a shitty day, shopping is a good avoidance tactic. So is wine. And TV. And the list goes on for all of us, doesn't it?
Shopping can also be a treat or a gift to your hard-working self. I haven't done that much the last couple of years so dang it if I won't get a few new items. ;) I've been in a rut this fall and while I'm definitely proud of having 134 items in my year-round closet, I want to refresh some classics and bring in more color. Now I have 140 items, fresh sparks of inspiration, and continue to build my wishlist as I keep saving.
I did a quick poll in preparation for this 10x10 and most of you responded you won't be joining but plan to follow the challenge. Awesome! You can follow on Instagram [here]. Happy 10x10 friends!
A special thanks to Lee & Birch for providing all the items for this shoot, style tips, and brand information. Follow them on Instagram [here] for more fall styles. And thank you to Leigh Ann Cobb who shines a positive light on the goofiness I feel when getting my photo taken. All the upcoming challenge photos are by her.
