365:365

Top from Anthropologie, slacks by BCBG MaxAzria, leopard print heels (a must for my last day!!) by Kelly & Katie.

This day represents something more than the end, checking a box, having freedom again. This day symbolizes so much more. This day proves to me that I have determination, self-discipline, heart and soul, to give my everything to something bigger than myself. This day proves to me that I can set aside what has been on my elevated pedestal and be content with what is already taking up space in my life.

This project has taught me to just be.

I remember the day I hit, 'Publish' just one year ago with both excitement and fear as I instantaneously changed the railroad tracks of my near future right before my eyes. My first thought was, "Holy crap, what did I just get myself into." While on the flip side, I knew it was time for me to pull in the reigns on a part of my life that had quite honestly gotten out of hand. Yes, style and fashion are something I am absolutely passionate about - and there's nothing wrong with that - but yet it became a black hole. There was too much month at the end of my money because I had somehow justified unnecessary purchases - quite easily unfortunately...and I was prioritizing my own need to be on the edge of the latest trends rather than first meeting my basic needs. And if I really loved something but didn't have the cash I would think to myself, "I'll just put it on my credit card - I can pay it off next month."

It was time to practice self-discipline and God made the first move.

I can only give God credit for this blog idea taking off. I had heard of people doing 365 projects before and that was intriguing to me, but just thought they were all crazy people and was perplexed how anyone managed to find time to do something so entirely all-consuming. I honestly can't explain what came over me a year ago #Goddiditagain, and never thought I would join the category of "crazies" but never say never...My grandpa Lewis always said, "If you live long enough, you'll have to eat every word you ever said." Low and behold that day, one year ago, my heart began pumping quickly in my chest, and I impulsively decided to go down this unpredictable path, joining the "crazy" train. It was almost instantaneous, all happening within an hour - God knew once I publicly committed, there was no going back - so He gave me the nudge.

While on this journey,  lessons were learned.

Wolf Photography

I learned that trying to fulfill wanting more will ultimately never be achieved. The bottom line is there will always be something better out there. The end. We are bombarded with advertisements convincing us that if we just had that, we would be much better off, more liked, and that much cooler. The truth is, there is more to this life. There is a bigger picture and we must turn our backs to this constant temptation. Being brainwashed by consumerism will numb oneself to one's true purpose on this earth. It's time to take back being thankful and content with what we already have.

I have also learned about money. As I mentioned earlier, prior to this year, fiscal responsibility was unfortunately not a top priority. It was the side-effect of whatever I felt like doing that day or in that moment. I would take care of it later. The truth is, 'later' never went away. 'Later' was constantly tapping me on the shoulder via credit card bills and having to adjust my monthly budget on the daily. 'Later' kept ruining my life. And after one year of fiscal responsibility, 'later' has for the most part gone away (we won't talk about those dang student loans though...). I no longer have credit card debt, and I have made ample progress in building up a significant savings cushion as well. I won't bore you with numbers, but I will say, the more I save, the more energizing it becomes to try and save more, though it never hurts to leave a little room for fun...

If I were to choose one theme that stuck out for me above all else throughout my project, it would clearly have to be self-discipline. In the past, I have viewed self-discipline with negative eyes. I have looked at self-discipline as being trapped, restricted, missing out. I have looked at self-discipline as being controlled in an area/s where I would prefer not to be controlled. I started this project with self-discipline as my enemy, and I have ended this project with it as my friend - though it's still a work in progress! No matter who you are, there is an area of your life that you need to take control of, allowing transformation of your heart/mind/soul. Nobody is perfect and sometimes the fear of this reality forces a tight grip on something we think we can control. For me it was my wardrobe. Now that I have a handle on this area of my life, it's time for me to dig into other areas that need a little - or a lot - of construction. In the end, self-discipline actually allows freedom to ensue.

Shopping restructured.

Will I buy clothes again? Yes. Will I be more strategic than I have been in the past? Of course. However, I have to give myself a little credit - I did have my moments of being strategic, picking my favorite of the three shiny new items and leaving the other not-as-amazing two items behind, telling myself I can only spend X amount of dollars, but for the most part, discipline was lacking and as I move forward from here, self-discipline as noted above, will be key. My goals moving forward will be:

1. Avoid shopping when I'm bored.
2. Identify needs versus wants.
3. Establish a budget.
4. Allow a few days to think on it before making the purchase.

People ask me if I'm specifically going to go on a wild shopping spree when I'm done with my blog. My answer? Not really. My reasoning? If I go on a wild shopping spree, it will defeat the purpose of saving money - one of the positive side-affects of my project. Instead, throughout the year I was able to tuck away little bits of cash here and there when I did side jobs - beyond what I was putting in my savings account - and was able to save up some cash for a few special items:

1. A ring
2. A black leather jacket
3. Gray jeans

Ken & Daughter Jewelers

To explain my reasoning a little further, I am choosing to buy a ring because I want to be able to wear the ring as a daily reminder of my year of self-discipline (insert angels singing and trumpets resounding
here!) and it will be something I wear until I'm 95 years old! Every time I look at this ring, it will channel courage and will remind me of leaning on God to achieve something I truly thought impossible. 

Staying with the theme of longevity, I would prefer to get a few very special items, rather than a lot of average items. Therefore, along with the ring, I am going to get a black leather jacket. I've always wanted a black leather jacket and to me it conveys, "strength," and "sass!" Hence why it's numero 2 on my list! This project has helped me to gain strength, confidence and even a little sass so what better to represent those qualities than a black leather jacket.

Lastly, gray jeans. Not that exciting I know, but this year I realized I have so many black pieces, that a legit pair of gray jeans - to replace my current mediocre ones - will compliment literally half my closet...I'm a sucker for black...AND I'll probably wear these jeans five days in a row just because I can now! #kiddingnotkidding

Beyond those three items, I will play it by ear based on my budget. I may get a few accessories like scarves and statement earrings, or maybe a strategic pair of shoes so I can mix up the clothes I already have without spending too much moolala. We'll see what tickles my fancy. So stay tuned for a follow-up post, capturing my post-project goodies :).

The final words.

I am changed. Because of this year of my life, I will never be the same. I am changed. I have gained strength, confidence, courage, drive, and a humble heart to let go of control of my passion, while at the same time viewing my passion through a different lens. I am changed. I was held accountable to something daily for an entire year. I am changed. I was pushed to become creative outside of my comfort zone. I am changed. I was left with myself and my thoughts to contemplate life and share that perspective through my voice as a writer. I am changed. I climbed to the top of this mountain. I am changed.

Wolf Photography

As I said in the beginning, this project has shed light beyond the shadow of myself and in doing so, I hope you as a reader have been able to gain light as well. As one of my much-needed supporters this year, I challenge you to earnestly dig into the trenches of your own life and take hold of your weaknesses. Where are the missing pieces in your life? What areas of your life are you neglecting? What choices are you making that are negatively impacting other areas of your life? I challenge you to not settle for mediocrity when instead you can thrive. And I challenge you to go against the grain, taking the road less traveled, because on that road you will gain more richness in solitude than achieving popularity among the crowd. Be changed.

"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style."

~Maya Angelou

Wolf Photography

Until next time,

Jennica

Many thanks...

I could not have done this project without the support of a few key stakeholders in my life.

DJ ~ Thank you for being an advocate from the very beginning. Thank you for being my encourager and supporter, even though this was all-consuming and bled into your life as well. Thank you for being patient whenever I would have to play catch up for days on my blog and thank you for recognizing my passion for style and design and pushing me to seek my potential. I love you!

Mom ~ Thank you for teaching me how to sew. Thank you for showing me the ins and outs of the art and even passing along some of your treasured vintage pieces to live on in my closet! Thank you for supporting me on a journey I didn't expect to take and thank you for believing I could do it beyond a shadow of a doubt from the very beginning when I told you about it in the parking lot, moments after I hit 'Publish'. Thank you for your encouragement along the way, and being my ultimate advocate! I love you!

Ken & Daughter Jewelers ~ In choosing a ring, I couldn't think of anyone better to work with than Edie at Ken & Daughter Jewelers. I have worked with her before, and what I come back to every time in describing my jeweler experience and what I even hear others say as well, is that she is so intuitive and personal. She quickly gains a sense of my needs/wants for a piece of jewelry and I feel at home whenever I'm in her shop - never pressured. I say this with all sincerity that if you are ever in the market for jewelry or need jewelry repairs, go to Ken & Daughter Jewelers! It has most certainly been a blessing working with Edie and it will be a high-quality piece of jewelry that I will treasure for the rest of my life. I can't thank her enough for helping make this moment so special!!

Mapel Boutique ~ Thank you for sharing my blog with your customers and encouraging me on this project that I know made all of your Mapel Fashionista hearts stop! Thank you for allowing me to set up a display in your boutique to share my excitement of completing my challenge. And thanks to Staci's generosity, you (Jennicouture Fashion readers) can use the coupon code 'Jennicouture' online or in store for a 30% discount on your next purchase! I wanted to pass a special treat on to all my supporters/readers and Staci was eager to partner with me. Thanks Staci! It's been so fun working with you and becoming friends with you throughout the last few years and I appreciate your willingness to collaborate on this special occasion!! Much love!

My Readers/Family/Friends ~ Last but not least (!!!), thank you family/friends/readers/followers for reading all or most of my blog posts! Thank you for putting up with all my Facebook posts that cluttered your news feed. Thank you for  your encouragement when I really wasn't sure I was going to make it through the year. Thank you for sharing in my excitement both in the beginning and in the end of this crazy adventure. Thank you for allowing me to be vulnerable - allowing me to share a piece of my life and a piece of my passion with you on a daily basis. And thank you for being my accountability and support network through it all. It truly means a lot. Thank you!!

364:365

Tee by Tresics, maxi skirt sewn by my mother!

The last post before the last post...here I am. I couldn't be more thrilled. In honor of my blog-completion-eve, I chose to wear this vintage maxi. However, it's not just any vintage maxi. It's my mother's. What makes this even more special is my mom sewed this skirt from material my late grandmother picked out in Florida when my mom was in college. I never had the privilege of meeting my grandmother, but it was her that taught my mother how to sew, and it was my mother who taught me how to sew. So today, on my blog-completion-eve, I represent the maternal side of my family who has in one way or another played a role in the development of my love for fashion.

And to represent how I feel today, and how I choose to feel tomorrow and beyond...

XOXO,

Jennica

363:365

Dress by Soprano, sandals by Unisa, hat by Forever 21.

In the last week or so, I've been going through my closet in particular to pull out items that I either clearly haven't worn this year, or just don't love. Though I don't have a pile that's so tall, it's competing with the Tallest Building in the World, I've been able to start identifying what's worth keeping and what's not. So as I say goodbye to things that are just taking up space, I can breathe out complexity and breathe in simplicity.

I would recommend that you go through this process either every season or every six months because otherwise you begin to accumulate too much and it becomes more of a daunting task down the road!

xoxo,

Jennica

362:365

Shirt by Truth, cropped pants by Banana Republic, sandals by Cole Haan.

One thing that has really stood out to me this past year, though I'm still working on it (!!) is my time management. It seems like there are so many things that suck up our precious time into a dark, never-ending black hole, and we will literally never get that time back. Technology is obviously one of them. Though it can be a blessing in so many ways, it has become the default "boredom fixer." We no longer seek creative outlets, but rather stare mindlessly into our phones seeking affirmation via number of likes and comments or even just watch everyone else doing really fun things. 

It's time we take our lives back and utilize our time like Beyonce and Oprah. Other than being two of the richest women in the world..., time is our level playing field, so it's time to step up to bat!

xoxo,

Jennica

361:365

Top by Ogle, skirt by Kyumi, Oxfords by Steve Madden.

Standing tall or using good posture can be tough sometimes but it's very important. I know I'm constantly correcting my posture but when I have good posture, I can breath better and I even feel and appear more confident. Keep that spine in check! It will thank you later.

xoxo,

Jennica

360:365

Dress by Le Streghe Italia, sandals by Unisa.

So tonight was a late night for me...kind of a crazy day in general. It started out with me zipping up both cats in their travel bags and loading them up and out of my apartment so my counters could be refinished.  They weren't happy about that...Those eyes though! After that, I spent some time in my classroom, cats in tow and then made my way to Mapel Boutique to set up a display, promoting/celebrating the end of my blog! Though I am not sponsored by Mapel, I will say that I've always loved being a part of their family. Staci, the owner is always willing to collaborate, listen to new ideas, and do what it takes to make Mapel warm and inviting. That being said, Staci was thrilled when I came to her with the idea of a "Celebration Display" going on the theme "Now that she can shop..." Though I will be adding a few finishing touches tomorrow evening (today...since it's so late - ugh!) I would love for you to stop by and check out the space!! And stay tuned for a special Mapel treat ;).

Here is a sneak peek of my display...Yes I took a selfie. Deal with it ;) and ignore my super bright-white face from the flash... There was no one else there to capture this moment at 11:00 pm at night so I did it myself!

xoxo,

Jennica

359:365

Dress by Studio Opal Boutique, sandals by Unisa.

This dress has been in my closet for waaaaay too long...It was sadly in the mending for quite a while. Then I fixed it. Then it waited. And waited. And waited. Until today when I finally pulled this gem out of my closet. I bought it in Walla Walla in a darling eclectic boutique right in the center of downtown. It was just so unique and fun AND it was on sale so I couldn't resist...This of course was long before my blog had started so don't worry, I didn't cheat! 

Labor Day is right around the corner and though I'm not wearing white today for #7 of the count down, I tell you - don't put away your whites! Wear them. Even in the winter it's OK. 

XOXO!

Jennica

358:365

Tank and shorts by Nike, sandals by Groove.

Today officially marks the last week of my project. I can't believe 51 weeks have gone by (but then again I can...It's about time!) Though I've had more bad hair days than I would like to admit, and plenty of "naked face" days, this has definitely turned into more than just a fashion blog. I have grown in so many ways and have developed a new perspective on many areas of my life. 

Fifty-one weeks in and I'm thrilled to see the finish line in view and I can taste the slow evenings where I have no - or at least less obligations. 

As for #8 below, all three come in handy - especially rock/paper/scissors for my students! But as far as red lipstick goes, every woman needs a good red lipstick. If you don't have one, put it on your shopping list! It's a game changer ;). But make sure you get a second opinion as matching reds to skin tones can be tricky!

XOXO,

Jennica

PS~ Don't forget to let me know if you would like to celebrate with me! Email me at Jennicouturefashion@gmail.com and I'll forward you the invite. If you received the invite and haven't made up your mind yet, just keep me posted :).

357:365

Top by Miley Cyrus, jeans by Cello, shoes by Blowfish.

Stoller Winery was having an event for its club members and the theme was "Fiesta!" This is my attempt at "Fiesta!" using items from my current wardrobe...

I have come to my rule #9 as I end my project, because even still, I have yet to wear all my clothes...That's not good. Of course there are occasions that have occurred this year leaving some dresses or outfits untouched, but as for the daily clothes I neglected this year, I have to be honest and ask myself if it's truly worth taking up space if I can barely even wear it once a year.

Recently, I pulled out the clothes I haven't worn yet, and am pondering each one's value to me. 

Almost there!

Jennica

356:365

Tee by Billabong, skirt by Threads 4 Thought, sandals by ____

In the theme of setting your phone aside and being present, make eye contact with the person/people you're with. The other day I saw some people who made a phone pyramid at a restaurant and made the rule that whoever checked their phone would have to pick up the tab. That could make an evening very interesting very quickly...

#lookup

Jennica

355:365

Blouse by Petticoat Alley, jeans by Pilcro & the Letter Press, wedges by DKNY.

Opening a book for the sake of reading is a lost art. Staring at some sort of screen seems to be more appealing these days for most of us. Though the Kindle is amazing, as are other similar technologies, smelling the pages of a new book while digging deeper into a story, be it a biography or a fictional fantasy, allows our minds to be taken to a a place anew. Find a book that interests you, set aside your technology and read.

XOXO,

Jennica

354:365

Top by Ginger, shorts by See Thru Soul, wedges by B.P.

Being a good listener is something I'm always working on. Though "shiny object syndrome" can be a cause for my terrible listening skills at times, often I'm more focused on my own opinions or thoughts that I'm going to share. Listening deeply can build relationships by increased trust and deeper understanding of one another. Spend some time this week focusing on setting your own opinions and thoughts aside (or just put your cell phone down and make eye contact) and show someone you care by listening.

XOXO,

Jennica

353:365

Top by Buttons, jeans by Vince, kicks by Nike.

By no means am I saying to ignore your problems but a deep sleep or a hearty laugh are refreshing in a way that other things are not and can bring a renewed perspective to life.

XOXO,

Jennica

352:365

Top by Nike (surprisingly!), belt from Target, skirt by Contempo Casuals, wedges by Guess.

This outfit is a little random, but I was VERY confident I hadn't worn this combination yet this year! 

And here's to eating healthy and eating what the good Lord has provided for us...introducing...#14!

XOXO,

Jennica

351:365

Shirt by ??, bermuda shorts by Honolulu Wahine, wedges by Guess.

I'm not totally in love with this outfit, but it was really hot, I was working and wanted to stay cool!

On a more serious note, hearing about Robin Williams today was so devastating beyond words. He was an actor so dedicated to his roles, captivating millions with his every breath, making them laugh with just one flinch of a facial muscle and could perform a comedic act impromptu during an interview with Barbara Walters. He was a class act. I wonder if he truly knew the joy he brought to so many people. I wonder if he knew he was on this earth for a purpose bigger than just living.

I'm saddened to think that he had been going through such turmoil for so long - to eventually reach the point of dried up hope left as shriveled dust in his own hands. To think that this joy-giver, this bold comedian, this actor with a gift others only dreamt of attaining could go on no longer leaves me speechless and devastated. He had more life to live. He had more legacy to leave. He was not finished as he let himself believe.

We are constantly in a battle with ourselves. To love ourselves can become the greatest feat. We are imperfect beings and part of loving ourselves is to accept that we are not perfect, accept that we will always be changing and growing and accept that no challenge is too great to face. More importantly no challenge is too great to face with others by your side. Everyone goes through struggles - some trivial, some earth-shattering - I've been on both sides, and regardless it's crucial to lean on your friends, family, or counselors/psychologists for help. 

If life is too hard to face, then let God face it for you. We are not meant to carry the burdens of this world. Haven't heard of this God guy? It's OK. I'm sure there's someone you know who would be happy to fill you in. God is real, God wants to know your struggles, and wants to carry those burdens for you.

I don't mean to get sappy, but I kind of do...This is all happening too frequently and something needs to be done about it. So the least I can do is let others in on my secret to finding peace with my own short-comings and imperfections. 

I also firmly believe that everyone needs a counselor! We all have issues, we all have complexities we need to sort out and who better than an unbiased third party?! If you haven't gone to a counselor before, then I'm just impressed. You must really have things figured out. But seriously, just go. 

All this to say, no one is EVER alone. There will always be someone to talk to.

YOU ARE LOVED.

XOXO,

Jennica

PS~If you have been following this journey of mine and would like to come celebrate with me, please email me at Jennicouturefashion@gmail.com to let me know! I will add you to the invite and fill you in on details! ;)

350:365

Dress by Tulle, shawl by Shokay, wedges by Nine West.

I'm continually working on getting better at #16...

XOXO,

Jennica

349:365

Tank by Forever 21, shorts (cut off by me) by Fossil, loafers by Me Too.

XOXO,

Jennica

348:365

Dress by Matty M, sandals by Unisa.

Self-discipline is always a work in progress in my life and I'm taking baby steps  here and there - one major baby step being this whole blog thing...i.e. not shopping for an entire year, not wearing the same outfit twice, and the hardest part - posting a blog post every day! This has all required self-discipline on a level beyond what I thought possible. Some people look at self-discipline with negative conotation, and to be honest, I do too. Slowly but surely, I'm learning to embrace self-discipline with a positive tune.  More on all this later...

XOXO,

Jennica

347:365

Hat by Aldo, top by Frenchi, jeans by Joe's Jeans, Oxfords by Steve Madden.

Throughout this project, I have had a blast making up new recipes, trying new recipes, as well as trying new foods. Though I am no Julia Childs (and definitely never will be...) I was especially inspired by the bright colors and beauty of fresh salads. In particular, though a minor achievement, I was thrilled to make a homemade salad dressing for the first time - so much better!

I will say, however, that I'm still mastering the art of trying out new recipes with a budget in mind - it always ends up being so expensive!!  If you have any tips on trying new recipes on a budget, let me know! 

XOXO,

Jennica

346:365

Dress by BCBG Maxazria, sandals by Unisa.

With so many fabulous local shops and businesses - especially in the Portland area - as consumers, we have a wide variety to choose from without even adding the large corporations to the mix. Supporting our local businesses means supporting passionate entrepreneurs. Do your part. 

What are some of your favorite local businesses? Let me know below or on my Facebook page!

XOXO,

Jennica

345:365

Hat by Otto, shirt by Hurley, shorts by Nike, sandals by Groove.

This is something I am always working on!! One thing I read in Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover, is to create a new budget for every month. He said, and we all know that things come up. There are some months where we have more expenses and there are other months that don't require dealin' out the dough. I thought that was good advice, because I always struggle with sticking to that glorified perfect budget, and then I feel like I've failed.

So here's to budget success!

Jennica

344:365

Blouse by Forever 21, jeans by Vince, wedges by Report.

And the count down continues...

XOXO,

Jennica