We are halfway through May’s Mission: Put Together endeavor! So far, I have been amazed at the pictures folks are posting in the photo pool and the supportive comments in response. Everyone has been really put together (PT), and I could not be more pleased. So, what better reason do we need to bust out the spreadsheets (again), crunch some numbers, and see just how much fun we are having?
As of press time, there are 23 members of the photo pool who have added 130 pictures! I had this sneaking, silent desire that we might have 100 pictures by now, and look! Talk about exceeding expectations, people.
Yesterday, I went through and entered data on each photo, which I compiled into a data set to represent the pool as of 1:30pm Eastern time on May 15. I’m sure the numbers have changed since then, but the 118 pictures in the pool at that point generated the following statistics.
Views:
- Total: 10,497
- Average views per picture: 88.96 (SD=59.74)
Comments:
- Total: 790
- Average comments per picture: 6.69 (SD=3.67)
The following graph shows how often participants thought they were PT. These numbers do not exactly correspond with submission rates, since some pictures were delayed for various reasons, and I thought it was best to highlight the occurrence of feeling PT rather than when the photo appeared online. There is a noticeable drop-off on the weekends, and May 14 reflected the largest spike of submissions so far with 23 pictures.
On their photos, M:PT participants noted 72 different brands of clothing, shoes, and accessories! Each time a store or brand name was mentioned, it logged a “vote” in my spreadsheet, so multiple items in a single outfit and multiple occurrences throughout the pool (wearing a pair of shoes again) garnered multiple votes, but redundant entries (the same pants in two different photos) did not. The question is: when participants feel PT, what are they wearing?
Generally speaking, people shop at nationwide chains. Yes, there were pockets of handcrafting jewelry, hunting in flea markets, and receiving gifts from friends, but 57.6% of the items in the pool came from the following chain stores, ordered from most to least frequent:
- Ann Taylor Loft
- Target
- Gap
- Old Navy
- Ann Taylor
- Banana Republic
- NY & Co.
- H&M
- Express
When examining the brands associated with clothing, the pattern is largely the same: 54.6% of these items came from the first six stores listed above, with the exception of Ann Taylor. This repetition is not surprising, since clothing items make up the majority of one’s wardrobe. Between Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft, the two (related) stores provided a whopping one-third of all accessories noted in the pool.
In the shoe department, our favorite brands and stores, which constituted 50% of all shoe brands listed, were:
- Aerosoles
- Nine West
- Target
- Macy’s
- Bandolino
It must be noted that many members denoted their sale savvy by citing bargains at outlets, gift cards, and clearance racks, which only proves that being PT does not mean having to spend a lot of money. Thank goodness.
Other notable bits of trivia:
- 20 pictures noted issues or techniques with hair.
- Janet’s casual day outfit has accrued the most views and comments with 377 views and 17 comments! It must be those cherry shoes!
- M:PTers are getting ideas! In general, we want to experiment with patterns, find necklaces, look for jackets, and try new color combinations.
Two housekeeping items:
- Erin contacted us with the following brilliant idea: “I have a drawer full of random accessories that I never wear because I don’t like them or they look weird on me. Do other people have similar drawers? Perhaps, in the spirit of looking put together, we could arrange an accessories swap.” If you are interested in taking part, feel free to contact her. Erin plans to post details for the swap next week.
- Don’t forget that being PT extends outside of the workday! Show us your looks for walks in the park, dinners out, and those upcoming Memorial Day cook-outs!
As I mentioned before, I am absolutely tickled by everyone’s participation and positive energy in this project. It is lovely to see snappy conversations, admire creative fashion, and hear about thrifty habits. I’ve really enjoyed clicking around to see what people are donning, and it’s great fun getting positive feedback on my own looks. You all are too nice, especially when it comes to shooting down my insistence that I have chubby arms. I appreciate.
If you’re looking on and you want to join in, don’t hesitate! The invitation stands for put-together men and women, and we’d love to have you. If you don’t have a Flickr account, just send us your photos with any corresponding description, and we will make sure to submit for you. As OPH puts it, “If you’re going to put a cute outfit together, you may as well get credit for it on the internet.” So true!
See you at the pool!
17 comments
I might have to get in on this. I aspire to be put together. Today… I am not put together at all.
What I would like to know is when will the first male brave an entry into M:PT. I think you ladies need to campaign to get some men included. Or is it a female only thing?
No, we would love photos from any put-together guys out there! I will update the post accordingly. Add our first male submission, James!
I never want M:PT to end. (Although I did suggest changing the name to “Wear a red necklace with that!” which I think ranks as the best, most universally-accepted piece of advice to come out of M:PT.)
I am having such good times. It also means that I am actually thinking about what I am throwing on my body. I have really been working not to just wear my staple black pants which is impressive for me. I don’t believe I have worn the black pants once this week. Could be that we need to do laundry too.
I’m with Laurel…I hope that M:PT isn’t limited to the month of May! I’m really enjoying this glimpse into what others are wearing, since I rarely feel PT. Lots of great looks and good ideas! I love it.
Hee - I LOVE THIS. I’m with Laurel - M:PT should be an ongoing, not-limited-to-the-month-of-May thing!
This is such a classic RA post. I love it!
I have been counting down the days (and now the hours) to when I will be able to post my outfit for Put Together: Tim’s Graduation. I am so excited to show it off (spoiler alert: it may or may not involve a pattern!), and it’s even hanging by my desk as I type this since I won’t have time to go home before tonight’s festivities. So I will not only be put together, but I will be putting myself together in the work bathroom. Bonus points, right?
I love how “classic RA” is a nice way to say “insanely geeky.” Don’t deny it, Audrey!
Ooh, I didn’t know we could submit non-work outfits! That’s why I have been SOOO lacking on my submissions - because my work is just not office-y at all, and I didn’t want to look like the random slacker in my jeans and shorts and whatnot. Now, however, I will be submitting every time I have something on that looks decent! Yay!
Also, I LOOOVE the fabulous geekiness inherent in this post. I really, really do. I heart you, RA
You know, I am totally going to have to break down and buy a full-length mirror just so I can finally join M:PT. The statistics have convinced me!
I am BLOWN AWAY by the level of detail in this post. You are unbelievable.
MPT has made my life better. Not kidding even a little bit.
I absolutely love and admire all of your statistical breakdowns!
I’m loving M:PT, too, and whole-heartedly agree that it should not end! I will have to seriously consider sending you some pics.
I love M:PT! I never want it to end either! I actually spend more time thinking about my outfits since I know people will comment on them.
The accessories swap post is in the works and should go up Sunday or Monday!
this post is absolute brilliance. You know, this is what my hubby does for a living, albeit not on this topic. He is a polling analyst. Have you ever considered a job like that? You would be SO GOOD!
Oh boy.
I guess I should join then huh??
M:PT has been fun. Although I admit that I am now feeling LESS PT when compared to everyone else who is younger, hotter and just more PT then I am.
Alas…I’m getting some good ideas for future outfits.
(I didn’t know I should be posting my weekend outfits. Good to know.)
And now, I need to get a hold of Erin for this swap!
i have been checking out the photos every day and anxious to get involved! my full length mirror will be purchased this weekend - finally got some extra $$!
yay!
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