Another week of my 75 Hard Style Challenge is in the books, and this one brought a mix of cozy comfort, wardrobe edits, and a few style surprises. As the weather swung from unseasonably warm to cool again, I found myself reaching for both old favorites and new thrifted finds—some that instantly felt like keepers, and others that quickly made their way to the donate pile.
This week was all about paying closer attention to how each piece makes me feel, letting go of what doesn’t work, and celebrating the little wins (like finding the perfect sweater or finally breaking out my cropped jeans).
With each day, I’m learning that intentional style isn’t just about what I wear, but how those choices shape my confidence, comfort, and mindset—whether I’m running errands, staying in for blog work, or heading out for a fun lunch with friends.
Weekly Reflections
This week really highlighted how much my mindset around style and shopping is shifting. I found myself being more honest about what I actually enjoy wearing versus what just takes up space in my closet. Letting go of pieces that don’t fit right or don’t make me feel good is getting easier—and honestly, it’s a relief to drop something in the donate bin without second-guessing it.
Thrifting continues to be a source of joy and inspiration, especially when I find something special like a super-soft cotton-cashmere sweater or a unique Madewell piece. But I’m also learning to walk away from things that aren’t quite right, even if they’re a “good deal.” I’m paying more attention to fabric, fit, and how an item holds up after a full day of wear.
I also noticed how much the weather impacts my outfit choices and how important it is to have a wardrobe that’s flexible. Some days called for cozy sweaters and staying in, while others had me reaching for cropped jeans and lighter layers. I’m excited to finally start paring down my collection of cropped jeans by focusing on fit and comfort.
Most of all, I’m realizing that intentional style is about more than just clothes—it’s about how I feel in them, the memories I make, and the confidence I carry into each day. Whether I’m running errands, working from home, or catching up with friends, I want my wardrobe to reflect who I am and support how I want to show up in the world.
Daily Outfit Diary
2/5: Thrifted Sweater Win
I am really loving today’s sweater. It’s new-to-me from my thrifting adventures yesterday and is 95% cotton and 5% cashmere. It’s super soft, thick, and warm, with a slight bell sleeve that gives it the prettiest detail. I paired it with my lighter ribcage Levi’s, but I think it would also look great with darker wash jeans and my new denim trench. This one might be a contender for NYC.
2/6: Donate Bin Realizations
I had a bunch of errands to run while the hubby was working and hit a couple new thrift shops along the way. After wearing this tee all day, I realized I don’t like it—it’s thin, too long, and looks worn and dull. Into the donate bin it goes. I want something a little thicker that holds its shape better.
2/7: Too Warm for Sweaters
Went super casual today with just jeans and a sweater. It was the wrong choice because it got up to almost 80° and I was a little toasty. We ran errands, got groceries, and took the kids to dinner and the arcade. This sweater was originally part of a set, but the bottoms ended up being too short on me so we donated them and I kept the sweater. This is the first time wearing it alone and I’m liking it better than with the set.
2/8: At-Home Set Comfort
Opted for an outfit set today since I knew I wasn’t leaving the house and just catching up on some blog work. After wearing sets during the winter ice storm, I still believe that this isn’t really an outfit and I won’t be wearing this out of the house. I do like the sets, though—they make me feel a little more put together than pajamas, especially on days I stay home.
2/9: Cropped Jeans Season
Had a few errands to run and did some grocery shopping for the week. It’s been unseasonably warm, so I’m finally breaking out some cropped jeans! I have way too many pairs, so I’m excited to pare them down by paying better attention to fit and feel.
2/10: Proportion Puzzles
I’m not 100% sure how I feel about my outfit today. Something about the proportions feels off and I can’t quite put my finger on it. It might be the jeans—they’re one of my favorite pairs of cropped straight-leg, but I think the leg is more of a skinny than a true straight. They’re super comfortable, but I’m on the fence about how I feel and look in them. The shirt is definitely a keeper—I have it in two colors and it’s a great sweater tee that feels a little more dressed up than a regular tee.
2/11: Lunch Date & Rust Tones
Heading to lunch with a friend and then to Homesense because she’s never been. I don’t plan on buying anything since I’m still on my low-buy journey, but I do have a wish list of home goods, so if I find something I need, I might snag it. It’s a little cooler today, so I’m wearing my new-to-me thrifted Madewell sweater with wide leg jeans. This sweater is a beautiful rust/orange color that I love.
What I’m Learning
This week has really shown me how much my approach to style and shopping is evolving. I’m learning to trust my instincts—if something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to let it go, even if I just bought it or thought I’d love it. Letting go of pieces that don’t fit, flatter, or make me feel good is getting easier, and my closet already feels lighter and more intentional.
I’m also realizing how important it is to pay attention to the details: fabric, fit, and how an item holds up after a full day. I’m no longer settling for “just okay” pieces, even if they were a great deal or seemed like a good idea at the time. Thrifting has become less about the thrill of the hunt and more about finding quality items that truly fill a gap in my wardrobe.
Weather and daily plans can change in an instant, so having a flexible wardrobe with pieces I actually enjoy wearing makes getting dressed so much easier. I’m also noticing that the more I focus on comfort and confidence, the more I enjoy my outfits—whether I’m out running errands, staying in for blog work, or meeting up with friends.
Most importantly, I’m learning that intentional style is a journey, not a destination. Each week, I’m getting better at curating a wardrobe that reflects who I am and supports how I want to feel every day. The process of editing, experimenting, and letting go is just as valuable as finding that perfect thrifted sweater or pair of jeans.
My Current Wardrobe “Needs” List
As I continue refining my closet and focusing on intentional shopping, I’m keeping a running list of wardrobe “needs”—pieces that would truly add value and versatility to my style. This list helps me stay focused while thrifting and avoid impulse buys that don’t serve a real purpose. I’m excited to say I’ve already crossed a few items off thanks to some recent thrift finds!
This month, I was thrilled to cross off a major item: I found a beautiful, almost floor-length black wool overcoat at Thrift Giant for just $28. I also picked up a cute red and black plaid midi skirt—though I’m still on the hunt for a darker plaid in green, blue, or black.
I love seeing this list evolve as I find new pieces and cross off old wishes. It keeps me focused on quality, versatility, and what will actually get worn—rather than just adding more for the sake of it. Here’s to more intentional thrifting and finding those perfect wardrobe staples!
Wins, Challenges, and Surprises
Wins:
- Stayed committed to dressing with intention every day, even when tempted to just throw on loungewear or pajamas.
- Letting go of pieces that don’t fit or feel right is getting easier—I’m able to add things to the donate pile without second-guessing.
- Made progress on my wardrobe wish list by breaking out some cropped jeans and getting honest about which pairs actually work for me.
- Thrifting continues to be a highlight, and I’m proud of only bringing home pieces I truly love instead of “almost right” finds.
Challenges:
- Dealing with unpredictable weather and figuring out how to dress comfortably when the temperature swings from chilly to almost 80° in a single day.
- Second-guessing a few outfit choices, especially when proportions felt off or a piece didn’t look quite how I imagined.
- Still working on resisting the urge to keep something just because it’s comfortable or was a good deal, rather than because it actually makes me feel good.
Surprises:
- Noticed how much my mood improves when I put in a little extra effort, even if I’m just staying home or running errands.
- Surprised by how quickly my style is evolving as I pay more attention to fit, fabric, and how I feel in each outfit.
- Realized that sometimes the best part of thrifting isn’t the clothes—it’s the memories made with family and friends, and the excitement of the hunt.
Looking Ahead
As I move into the next week of my 75 Hard Style Challenge, I’m excited to keep building on the progress I’ve made—both in my wardrobe and my mindset. I want to continue refining my closet by focusing on quality over quantity, sticking to my wish list, and only adding pieces that truly fit my style and needs.
I’m looking forward to more intentional thrifting, experimenting with new outfit combinations, and letting go of anything that doesn’t make me feel confident or comfortable. Most of all, I’m reminding myself that this journey is about enjoying the process—celebrating the little wins, learning from the challenges, and staying open to surprises along the way.
Here’s to another week of mindful style, new adventures, and maybe a few more wish list finds!
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