The 18 facets of Paul's wardrobe.

As is often the case, Dana is much further along than I, having already taken his photos and posted them well before I had even finished my laundry.
My interest in undertaking this project is similar to Dana in that I am an avid consumer of products and own way too much stuff.

I've also gotten worse in the last couple years, identifying clothing styles that I enjoy, becoming a better shopper in relation to my body, and being generally less concerned with the (negative) judgment of others.  I have also become extremely addicted in having a cohesive life whereby my wardrobe and the items in my house represents me, yet I have been unable to fully complete either look to my satisfaction, which means new things must be added to what I have (and it doesn't help that I'm back to enjoying thrifting like I did in high school, especially since it can be so cheap).

So, for me, this project serves to really hone in on what I need to fulfill my enjoyment of the way(s) in which I present myself, hopefully getting me to a cohesive wardrobe that is simultaneously "Paul" and doesn't require constant additions, but gladly expands with the occasional new purchase.  Yes, this project isn't about stopping my consumption, but to really make my consumption about things that I truly like, actually need, and will wear rather than simply consumption for consumption's sake. 

Sadly, I can't find the cord to upload the photos from my camera, so for now the 18 items will be in verbal description form with links to photos of the item when I can find them.  (Though I'll do an outfit post tomorrow using the camera on my computer so the outfit can be seen.)  To that end, I give you my 18 items.

Pants (5)
     (Overdyed) black Levi's 514s*
     Vintage worn-in Levi's 501s
     Gap grey skinnies
     Gap navy skinnies
     Gap selvage skinnies
I wanted to make sure I cover a broad range of color in my pants so I have an overdyed black, a selvage denim which is heavy in indigo, a navy skinny that is solid and even in color.  The comprise my dark pairs.  For the lights, I like my light grey skinnies because they pass as non-denim but still have the comfort I find in denim.  Finally, my new vintage 501s are extremely light and broken in.  I actually think of them as my version of the boyfriend jean since they were broken in by someone else and oh so comfy.

Shirts (4)
     Light blue Old Navy button up
     Deep blue Old Navy button up
     Black American Apparel polo
     Beige American Apparel polo
I've been on a kick to make sure I wear more collared shirts, starting mostly with the polos and recently adding some button ups.  I wanted a dark and a light collar of each shirt type but with the colors all staying pretty close to neutral (yes, even the blues).

T-shirts (3)
     Black Forever 21 v-neck
     Basic athletic grey crew neck (from Target?)
     Heathered taupe Forever 21 crew neck shirt
For tees I wanted them to be extremely basic and neutral, easily worn in, and extra soft.

Sweaters (2)
     Athletic grey and white striped Old Navy crew neck sweater**
     Black Old Navy v-neck sweater
Sweaters for me ended up taking two forms: a v-neck for layering with a collared shirt and offering some classing up with a tie; a crew neck for the get up and go sweater mornings.

Outwear (4)
     Black jersey Calvin Klein cardigan
     Navy H&M cardigan
     Athletic grey H&M cardigan
     Basic black zip-up hoodie (from Target?)*
Finally, my cardigans.  I need them, it's like they complete me.  I decided I need 3 because I love them so much.  But, they tend to not offer much warmth so I added in a basic, black hoodie for warmth on those chilly desert nights.

Overall, these items all work together in some form, giving me somewhat of uniform where all the tops and bottoms are interchangeable, allowing for easier rotation and yet giving a different twist on the same item.  This has actually been something I've wanted to do with my wardrobe so this will hopefully allow this to occur and let me know whether I enjoy this type of dressing.
Mind, I don't know if I have an "endless supply" of accessories (I'm pretty sure Dana's tie collection alone outnumbers my t-shirts).  But, since I've wanted to regularly incorporate more accoutrements, I'll be actively jazzing up my outfits with various bits of flair and fun. 

Alright, t-minus 12 hours until The Dana and Paul Project is a-go!

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*pretty close.
**stripes like this, this is not the sweater.