Day 25-Blustery

The Dress, Top: Marshalls' clearance rack (years ago!),
Watch: Michael Kors, Shoes: Guess, Bag: Kate Spade

Sunnies: Marc Jacobs, Earrings: m. marie boutique

As you can see, the wind did wonders for my hair today. The awkward alley photo shoot doubled in awkwardness trying keep my dress from blowing up. I wanted to share my verse of the day with you today, because it goes right along with what has been revealed to me through this project.

Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And He chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. 1 Corinthians 1:27

So for all of those that have looked at me like I have two heads after telling them about the dress project, He is using it. Something as silly and powerless as a dress.....has become a platform to share His work in my life. Over the past 25 days, I have really poured my all into this, in more ways than just choosing accessories and traveling everywhere with my camera and tripod.  I have carved out time and have committed to prayer and reading his word. It is changing me. It is sustaining me in a world where I am easily distracted and knocked of coarse. My brokenness is becoming beautiful, a journey that with His help,  I will continue on even without the dress!

Day 24-"Countryfied"

The Dress, Top: Elizabeth & James, Shoes: BCBG, Necklace & Ring: Stella & Dot,
Bracelet: Gift from Courtney

It's day 24, can I get a Yee Haw??? I love this top but it always reminds me of a picnic tablecloth, and tying it up definitely adds a "countryfied" flare. I can't believe I only have six more days in this dress. It has gone by pretty quick I must say. I am excited to get back into my closet, but I am also nervous that temptation is going to start creeping. With the dress I have no choice, I must wear the dress. But out of the dress....I hope that I don't start to struggle with wants again. So far so good, so I will keep on keeping on.

I did get a little treat today, my bracelet from The Hunger Site that I will be wearing throughout November. It amazed me how excited I got over something that I would not have thought twice about purchasing prior to the 12X12 Project. It's actually refreshing to be jazzed over the little things, and oh how much more I appreciated opening that package!

Day 23-Newsworthy

The Dress, Necklace: Tiffany & Co., BagL Elliott Lucca, Belt: Francesca's,
Shoes: Steve Madden

Watch: Michele, Bracelet: Stella & Dot

So far, day 23 has been the most fun of all! It started off at MOPs where we heard an amazing message by Pastor Mark Bedwell. Then it was off to the park for interviews with News Channel 8. I was so excited when my amazing friend and news anchor,  Jennifer Leigh, contacted me after seeing the October Dress Project on my Facebook page. Tonight, a story will be running at 7pm featuring my sweet girlfriends, our mission, and of coarse...our dresses! Even better, we had the opportunity to share the 12X12 Project as well. God is really good and we are thrilled that our mission, and wearing a dress for 31 days really IS newsworthy! ;)

Day 22-I'm Back!

The Dress, Scarf: Banana Republic, Belt: J. Crew, Shoes: Nike

It's so good to be back! Spending the weekend at Tres Dias was the most amazing experience I have ever had. There really is no way to describe it other than I felt so very loved, and I have finally grasped the truth of God's grace. He loves me unconditionally, not expecting anything in return but my love. I can't spill too much because it would ruin the surprise for future Tres Dias attendees. Not knowing much made the weekend so much more meaningful to me, and I completely understand now why they want to keep it that way. I met so many dear friends, and I am excited to be a part of this community for support, love, and encouragement!

As far as the dress, it is getting much closer to the end and I am SO looking forward to wearing something else in my closet. I haven't really been tempted to buy anything, other than my bracelet from  The Hunger Site which I will wear all of next month in support of the 12 X 12 Project. My purchase bought 50 cups of food, now that felt good! I hope your week is off to a fantastic start.  :)

Day 18-Part Two

The Dress, Belt: Anthropology, Necklaces: My Grana's, Leggings: c/o no nonsense,
Flats: Tory Burch

Cameo Ring: Saks

You won't be hearing from me for the next three days. I know you will be hanging in suspense....ha ha. I am attending Tres Dias, a weekend retreat. Please be in prayer for me, as I know that God has something very special planned. My husband went last weekend, so I am excited to see what this is all about. He wasn't able to tell me much, but I know that it was one of the most amazing weekends he has ever had! As for the dress, pictures aren't possible as we won't have our technology. It will be interesting to see how I do without my phone for three days. I look forward to filling you in when I get back, have a wonderful weekend!

Day 18-The 12 X 12 Project, A Year to Change The World

Thanks to my amazing, talented, super sweet photographer friend, Rachel Absher, I am sharing a few pictures from our October Dress Project photo shoot! I know I have mentioned the 12 X 12 project before, but I wanted to share the press release with you that went out this morning!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The 12 X 12 Project

A Year to Change the World

LAKELAND, FL, OCTOBER 18, 2012- A group of Lakeland mothers have decided to embark on a yearlong endeavor to live simply, purchase fairly, and tell others around them about the injustices that exist in our modern age. They feel this journey will challenge and show others that one person can make a difference. Close to 75 local ladies have already committed to the project.

Inspired by Jen Hatmaker's book "7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess," the 12X12 Project is a one-year journey to bring twelve different social justice issues to light through monthly meetings, fundraising campaigns, and by wearing the same outfit from each organization all month long. A group of the ladies kicked off the yearlong endeavor by participating in the October Dress Project, where they wear the same dress for 31 days. “This is the third year that I have participated in the October Dress Project”, said Cathy Hayes. “It inspired me to start blogging, and to be more creative with what I already have in my closet.” There are a total of 25 Lakeland moms participating in the October Dress Project this year.

The 12x12 project is a year of living intentionally. Each month the ladies will highlight specific injustices, needs, and causes. They will give their time through outreaches and hands-on activities, and they will give their voices through monthly gatherings, social media, blogging, and anywhere else they can talk about it. Each clothing item or accessory they wear will be tied to the cause for the month. For example: In October the focus is Uganda. Their dresses or accessories came from a Ugandan company that gives employment to local women.

To top it off, they are saying no to frivolous spending. They will not shop for themselves for the entire year unless it's a serious need. “It started as an idea. One that seemed quite silly and pointless in my small, full-of-doubt mind,” said Ida Mundell, co-coordinator of MOPS at First Baptist Church at the Mall. “But now God is using this, HIS idea and I am thankful that He will use someone like me to bring glory to His name.”

About the 12 X 12 Project

The 12X12 Project is a one-year endeavor to bring twelve different social justice issues to light through monthly meetings, fundraising campaigns, and wearing the same outfit/accessory from each organization, each month, for twelve months. For more information visit: www.facebook.com/12X12Project.

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Day 17-Sparkle

The Dress, Sequin top: INC, Bag: tulu, Shoes: Plenty by Tracy Reese
Jewelry: Mixed bag

Mixed bag arm party! 

The solution to any overcast day: Sparkle. Although, you may feel a bit overdressed shopping the aisles of the grocery store, taking your dog to the vet, or picking your child up from preschool. But I can guarantee you will brighten someone's day, even if it is your own!

Truth?? I am really tired of this dress. 

But onward!!! Only 14 days to go!!!

Day 16-Color Blocked

The Dress, Cardigan: J. Crew, Belt: Banana Republic, Tights: Betsy Johnson,
Necklace: Stella & Dot, Bag: Vintage, Shoes: Franco Sarto

Vintage Rolex: Husband's, Leather bracelet: J. Crew, Bracelet: David Yurman

Feeling colorful, and happy today! That is all!

Day 15-Shopping Trip

The Dress, Top: Marshalls clearance, Belt: Target, Shoes: Steve Madden,
Bracelet: Banana Republic

Mom would probably never mix zebra with polka dots. Baby steps right? 

I went on a shopping trip today. But no fear, it wasn't for me. I took my mom. She is taking a trip on Thursday and needed some new tops. She bought a really cute striped jacket and was nearly floored when I suggested a print underneath. She wasn't quite getting the print mixing. BUT I did talk her into a colorful print top that she has agreed to wear under her new jacket!

She is the complete opposite of me and never buys anything for herself, so it was a treat to help her make selections and see her be the one to come out holding bags. My hands may have been empty leaving that store....but my heart was full!

Day 14-"Sowing" Lessons

The Dress, Vintage Tunic: Gift from Courtney, Clutch: VS,  Shoes: BCBG
Necklace: Stella & Dot, Belt: J. Crew

Throughout the first 14 days of this dress journey, God has been teaching me about forgiveness on a deeper level. Most certainly because that is an area in which I struggle. I can say that I forgive, but do I really feel the freedom of forgiveness? Do I forgive immediately when I have been offended, or do I hold back and wrestle with my pain? Today Joyce Meyer posted the following on Facebook:

"If someone has offended you, start sowing forgiveness. You may need some yourself someday."

Sowing Lesson 101, heard and noted. Thanks Joyce!

I don't know if you have heard the song "Forgiveness" by Matthew West, but you have to watch the story behind it here! An amazing "sowing" lesson!

Day 13-Saturday Love

The Dress, Scarf: My Mum-Mum's, Necklace: Old as dirt

Shoes: Fossil (Thrifted)

With my goods from the local farmers market! 

It's day 13 and I am officially getting tired of this dress. I wanted to throw on shorts for the soccer game today SO bad it was killing me. But I washed it, put it on, and showed up completely overdressed. I am almost halfway back to my closet. Reminding myself why I am doing this makes it much easier to step into. Thinking of women here or in other countries who don't have a closet, who walk miles and miles to feed their starving babies puts it in prospective for me real quick. I am blessed. I need not one thing.

My brother joined us today for soccer and a trip to the local farmer's market for produce, lunch, and some hot beignets courtesy of the Poor Porker! This evening will be pizza and game night with my kiddos one of my very favorite friends. It sure has been a great day, I hope you have enjoyed yours!