Those who know me well, know my favorite thing about cold, Ohio winter is that you can comfortably wear lots of layers.  A few chilly days in January gave me the opportunity to layer sweaters, tights, tees, and jackets with my skirt.  I was inspired by the gray skies to brighten my days in other ways and to approach this styling task less seriously by mixing and not matching colors, textures and patterns.  So bring it on February.  My skirt and I are ready for you.

Day 5 - Styled with a grey faux leather jacket, over a Stewart Brown tee, 49 Square Miles carved wood heart necklace and wood stacked heel ankle bootie, all from Substance.

Day 6 - Wearing equestrian print romper and Bauxo double buckle belt from Substance with my own pointelle cashmere shrug, Missoni stockings and Frye boots.

We tried to get a close up to show this adorable tiny horse print on the equestrian romper.  It makes me smile.  You may have to see it in person to get the full effect.

Tiny horse print close up.

The thing about layers is that they can add bulk. I use belts a lot to minimize the fullness of the extra layers. I also look for light weight fabrics in my tops, because I can comfortably layer them for warmth with the added bonus that I can still wear most of these tops on their own in the spring and summer.  You’ll definitely see me in many of these pieces again, on their own, in the warmer months.

Day 7 - Wearing ditsy floral printed bow blouse over Stewart Brown tee, Bauxo skinny belt, vermeil circle pendant all from Substance with my own purple tights and studded boot from Barneys New York.

Day 8 - Wearing Indigenous Designs just sleeves sweater, agate slice buckle and Solesu imprinted leather belt from Substance with my own abstract floral knit top, Missoni tights and Chie Mihara lace-ups.

Extra purple ... in case I meet Prince today.

I am just over a week now into my 100 Day Challenge. The most unexpected bonus, so far, is how much time I save figuring out what to wear. I’ve already styled the skirt into the 8 outfits I plan to wear in the month of January. Folks, that’s significant. That’s 8 less hectic mornings in the Getachew house that I don’t have to think, stress or give a second thought to what I am going to wear. It’s done!

This is also a commitment that has forced me to appreciate all the style nuances of my skirt. Most importantly, the full sweep lends itself to big dramatic twirls.

Check out pics below of my outfits Day 2 thru Day 4.

If you are still considering trying your own 100 Day Challenge, here are the 5 style requirements I suggest you look for in the item you choose to wear 100 days this year.

1. It should be neutral in color and pattern.

A black, grey, khaki or menswear pinstripe are all easy to wear with other fun bright colors, prints and patterns. So even though your challenge item is dark or neutral, your entire outfit doesn’t have to be.

2. It must be comfortable.

If it doesn’t fit well or feel good on your body, you’re not going to enjoy wearing it for even one day. Don’t set yourself up for failure. Comfort is key.

3. It should be classic.

Select a piece that can easily go from work to play. Unless you work in a night club, style fads like a super short hemline, or one-shoulder tops make it tough for you to wear this item in different settings throughout the year.

4. It should be made in an all season material.

Make sure it will provide the warmth you need in the winter and breathe in the summer. Your best bet would be a cotton or cotton blend or a lightweight wool.

5. It should be high quality.

You need it to last for 100 days of wear. It doesn’t mean it has to be expensive, but definitely invest in a well-made garment that will fit your definition of easy clean and easy care.

Day 2 - Wearing skinny scarf & Sue London flats from Substance with my own Ella Moss sparkle knit top.

Day 3 - Styled with a floral printed scarf, faux leather jacket, Stewart Brown tee and stacked heel ankle boot, all from Substance

Day 4 - Styled with a statement necklace from Substance, my own sweetheart neckline top, tribal print belt and Barney's studded boot

Eileen Fisher Organic Cotton Long Cami

Imagine a fashion industry lead by socially and environmentally responsible individuals, women like Eileen Fisher, who pay their employees fairly, produce in organic materials minimizing their toxic carbon footprint, grow their businesses and reputation on quality, exquisite design, timeless style and a genuine concern for the global impact of their success.

My admiration for Eileen Fisher began in the summer of 1990. I would window shop the Eileen Fisher store in my Upper West Side of Manhattan neighborhood. I was only 21, and had just started on my own career path in fashion. But still, I was acutely aware then that she was leading her company on a road less traveled. At that point the industry had not yet become cluttered with mass market chains that fill our shopping malls. Women still had two separate wardrobes, one for work and one for play. Eileen Fishers’ designs were a bridge that allowed women to have one fabulous dress, pant or top that worked for all occasions. It was sustainable design before fabric developments like organic cotton, wool and hemp were introduced.

What was so inspiring to me more than 20 years ago, and thrills me to no end now, is to have Eileen Fisher available for sale in my Substance store front. If you haven’t seen it yet, stop in or visit our website to see her products online. Eileen Fisher makes what I love to sell, the clothes you keep.

- Christina