The Twenty Pieces Project is the newest endeavor of Julie Barrios and Cate MacDonald, two writers, spiritual directors, friends, and SoCal girls looking to live outside the siren song of materialism and consumerism.
The basic premise of the project is this: live for one year with only twenty items of clothing and no shopping.
You can find the “rules” here.
Despite what it may seem, the project isn’t just about clothes, it’s about engendering thoughtful dialogue, introspection, a better way of life, and, hopefully, a growing community of people who are interested in what it might look like to move a little away from our consumeristic mindset towards the way we dress and, in a larger sense, the way we live.
Thanks for being here,
Julie and Cate
Greetings Cate!
Your post about “Twenty Pieces” happened to pop up on my facebook roll and I was so intrigued that I browsed through your site. What a bold and passionate idea! I love it and kudos to you and your friend for thinking of it.
I have spent nearly a year deployed to Iraq and it has certainly made me re-evaluate a lot of things in life. Food, clothing, shelter, family, friends, faith, politics, and philosophy…and much more. The one theme that has been running through my thoughts is that we, Americans in particular, move through life with an astonishing lack of gratitude and mindfulness.
You are right…less is more. And the starting in your closet will be challenging! But…with a sense of gratitude for each of those 20 pieces of clothing maybe it will be freeing?
May I join you?
Kind Regards,
Erinn Woodside
Thanks Erin! We would LOVE to have you join us!
Interesting concept. I’m adding you guys to my google reader!
Hello,
My friend put me onto your blog and the more I think about it, the more I am challenged and the more I kind of want to join in… I have some questions… Does the twenty pieces include footwear, outerwear, accessories? What about underwear and exercise clothes? I’m quite exercised by the idea of having the same wardrobe whether it’s -15 or +25…
Thanks,
Jenny Cheung
Hey Jenny! Check out our post on The Rules for all the details, but in short, footwear and underwear don’t count, and neither do pajamas or work-out clothes, though these should be carefully picked through and curated by you and a friend.
We would love to have you join us!!
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Julie and Cate–
I love this!
I have fantasies about giving up everything that I own and moving into a yurt in the forest. As that is not a realistic possibility (or rather, not a choice I am willing to make at this point in my life) I am always looking for ways to simplify. The Twenty Pieces Project feels digestible and do-able.
I look forward to following your blog.
Best, Katie Rose
Thanks, Katie!
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I’m a friend of Sarah Green’s – saw that she wrote on here and *boom* I’ve looked over a few pages of your blog. How fun! My husband and I have been moving around (for his job) for the past 8 months and we have 3 months still to go. Started this journey out with a LOT of clothes. Now, 4 or 5 moves later, I’m down to a small suitcase, containing *less* than 20 articles of clothing. I totally feel your blog because the minimization of my wardrobe has been really freeing and, actually, has made my style feel more refined and defined. I’m down to my very favorite pieces, and learning that I really don’t need much to feel stylish. Thanks for starting this blog – I love the challenge!
Thanks so much for sharing your story, Katy! If you ever want to write a guest post on your experience, let me know!
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The premise of this blog is so inspiring! I think I will have to try this as my New Year’s Resolution. I would imagine to live for one year with 20 pieces is difficult with all the style / fashion blogs out there. Retailers like F21, Old Navy, etc don’t make it any easier. I find that I’ve become more or less of a shopping addict, buying to recreate outfits that I’ve seen on someone’s blog or their instagram feed or their pinterest board. You have motivated me to save the money I’ve been spending on clothes for something more worthwhile. I will definitely be subscribing to your blog!