One Dress, Two Ways - The Challenge

Fabulous, stylish Sheila of Ephemera has challenged herself to wear her new wardrobe purchases three times in a week, to see if they pass the "keep it/lose it" test. I really like this challenge, because so often if I am on the fence about an item, I stick it in the back of the closet to live on for another judgment day.

I only dress up for work three to four days a week, so I'm giving myself a twice-a-week challenge for business wear. (It's no challenge to wear my favorite jeans five times a week). This is a double-good discipline because it forces me to come with new looks on short notice. Staying sharp for style!

I thrifted this brown and white polka-dot dress a couple of weeks ago. It fits and flows nicely, washes and dries in a heartbeat and had potential. It didn't stir my soul, but I broke that rule because of the low, low price (about $4).

Here it is on the first wearing, with just a simple leather belt and bronze cowboy boots. My photographer was not available so please excuse the wonky mirror photo; the mirror is beveled and I have not had my legs cut-up:

I like this look, I felt swooshy yet grounded all day.

Two days (yes!) later I wore the dress as a blouse, with a flared skirt on the bottom. I accessorized with a vintage gold-tone necklace, wooden cuff, and Tsubo booties

I did not do this at the office. Very much.

This was a fun and worthwhile challenge, but the dress did not pass the "keep it" test. The fabric is just too inexpensive-feeling and the dots aren't my favorite print. So I re-donated it. (Note to self: Do Not Ignore the soul-stirring test in favor of the almost-free lure). I will "double up" again in coming weeks, for the sheer joy of playing in the closet.

Are you intrigued by Sheila's challenge? Would you double-or-triple-up in a week to see if an item passes muster in your wardrobe?

Have a fabulous Thursday!