So, it’s been one week since the last day of my participation in the spring 10×10 capsule wardrobe challenge. I had entirely meant to publish this last week but travel, and an honest lack of motivation, prevented me from doing so.

This round was a little different than previous rounds as the original host, Lee of Style Bee, was unable to host due to other commitments. As a result, and with Lee’s go-ahead, 2 Instagram accounts – @selltradeslowfashion and @buyfrombipoc, hosted the challenge. There was an emphasis on clothing from BIPOC (Black, Indiginous People of Color) makers in this round.

The first 10×10 challenge that I had ever participated in was last spring. I also participated in one during the summer and fall. So I feel like I’ve come full circle with this capsule wardrobe challenge. Having completed three challenges where I select a capsule of 10 items to wear into 10 unique outfits over 10 days, I feel ready to share some about my experience.

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The Items

I don’t own a lot of items from BIPOC makers. The 2 makers that I do have in my wardrobe are Aliya Wanek and Cuyana. I included the only 2 clothing items that I own from these brands, a rust colored sweatshirt from Aliya Wanek and a white silk shirt from Cuyana. I also own a belt bag and pajamas from Cuyana (they seriously make the best pajamas…I have this set in 3 colors)!

The following are the items that I included in my capsule for this round of the challenge:

1. Black bodysuit
2. White silk shirt
3. Grey flannel shirt
4. Rust colored sweatshirt
5. Black silk blazer
6. Plaid wool blazer
7. Cream wool jumpsuit
8. Black sailor pants
9. Blue jeans
10. Olive velvet pants

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The Outfits

Day 1/10

Day 2/10

Day 3/10

Day 4/10

Day 5/10

Day 6/10

Day 7/10

Day 8/10

Day 9/10

Day 10/10

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The Takeaways

I didn’t find this challenge to be particularly challenging in terms of putting outfits together. I have come up with 3 reasons why this may have been the case:

1. Having completed 3 previous challenges certainly helped me in terms of selecting the “right” items for my capsule. This time around, I included a variety of layering items, which made outfit combinations feel fresh and unique.
2. I feel like there was a good balance of casual and dressier pieces. I was going through the weekend (even though the challenge didn’t officially include the weekend).
3. All of the pieces that I included were favorites. In the past, I have included pieces that I have been unsure of but as I’ve curated my wardrobe, I find that I am pretty happy with most pieces.

Unlike past challenges, I don’t feel like I learned much in terms of my personal style. But maybe that means that I’ve finally nailed down my personal style…for now ;).

I do think that it was great for resetting my mind in terms of how little clothing I need to make a lot of outfits.

Probably the greatest takeaway from this was the introduction to, and highlight of, BIPOC brands.

Aside from Aliya Wanek and Cuyana, which I mentioned above, some new-to-me brands include:

Esse

Esse was born out of a desire to redefine the way consumers approach fashion and interact with their garments by inspiring them to consider their garment’s purpose and lifecycle.

Alicia Tsi

Brass Arrow

I set my intentions on creating Art that resonates with my beliefs in the healing powers of positivity, sustainability and the handmade. I try to create with a focus on quality & a sense of heritage to be valued by the collector, each piece made to order to be worn with the talismanic symbolism resounding through to the wearer to empower, embolden and bring love to every body my creations adorn.

Noel Bennetto

Ginew

Ginew (Gih-noo) is the only Native American-owned, premium denim collection in the world. We make hand-built heirloom goods in the USA using old-time methods with a focus on American-made materials. Each item incorporates elements of our Native American (Ojibwe, Oneida, Mohican) and craftsmen heritage, and is designed to last a life’s journey. Ginew is premium Native – Americana, fusing Native style and workwear.

Erik & Amanda

Warren Steven Scott

His collection bridges the Western concept of luxury fashion with his ancestral worldview on ethics, craft, and aesthetic sensibility, representing a distinct contribution to a genuine Canadian fashion. Scott’s approach to design pictures a modern image of fashion through an Indigenous lens.

Warren Steven Scott

Two Days Off

Two Days Off is a small line of thoughtful pieces for women who appreciate function, form, and quality materials. Everything is made to order in Los Angeles, California with a focus on sustainability. We believe that a good wardrobe should be simple, conscious, and have enough ease for everyday life.

Gina Stovall

Irro Irro

My vision is to create a community around the brand. Connecting people with like-minds who support small businesses, ethical and slow fashion, and inclusive of diverse representation.

Marie

A special thanks to @minimalmills, @theoppositeofcool and @buyfrombipoc for introducing me to these makers.

Now, I’d love to hear from you! Did you participate in the Spring 10×10? If so, what were your takeaways? What one of my 10 looks was your favorite? And finally, do you know of any more BIPOC brands that I could check out?

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