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January 27, 2017

Adopting Minimalist Sensibilities for My Wardrobe

January 27, 2017

So let me preface this by saying I’m not a minimalist and I don’t (at least at this moment) have a desire to be one. But I do have a desire to have a streamlined wardrobe that reflects my current style and to let go of things that aren’t of use or to use the words from Marie Kondo of The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, “bring me joy.” I’ve just bought a new sliding mirror wardrobe and I’d like to fill it with the perfect clothes. I typically have a running list of items I want, but I want to be more intentional about my clothing/accessories purchases in 2017 by focusing more on replacing things when they get worn or filling missing gaps than shopping just to consume. Stay tuned for items on my current wish list that need upgrading or replacing in a separate post!

I recently participated in the recent Unfancy and Style Bee’s 10 x 10 challenge where you wear 10 items in various configurations for 10 days (I just didn’t have the time to actually photograph my outfits…). It was surprisingly difficult for me though my 10 items are all pieces I love, I missed the rest of my wardrobe by the time it ended. But I will say that the challenge made me realize that:

  1. No one around me really cares (or likely notices) how often I repeat regularly worn items or outfits.
  2. I don’t work in fashion or beauty, so why should I care if I repeat items often if I feel good in them! Three cheers for repeating beloved outfits!
  3. I’m fine with sticking to somewhat of ‘style uniform’ on a regular basis: fit + flare skirts or dresses, boots or wedges, skinny jeans, neutral or striped tops, pops of colors in accessories like headwraps, etc.

There was a time particularly when I was doing more frequent OOTD (outfit of the day) posts where I’d want to wear new and different things frequently. But wearing new and different things all of the time is just not realistic or necessary for my current lifestyle and more importantly given the fact that I don’t currently monetize this blog. I also don’t work in fashion or a field where image is particularly important beyond generally looking professional. When I really think about it, I’m also happier when I use my money for financial goals, decorating my home, and for enriching experiences like travel rather than buying more stuff. I could honestly get away with wearing jeans to work on most days quite frankly but I actually like dressing up. I dress up because it’s a part of my preferred personal style. Style is fun and a great way to exercise creativity, but it shouldn’t’ be limited to a price point or only for folks with vast closets (no shade if you do). I look forward to doing more content on this blog around being creative with what you have in your closet or making strategic purchases to refresh your look rather than buying a bunch of stuff just for the sake of buying it. Perhaps I’ll even do some sort of capsule wardrobing in the future which I’ve considered in the past…we’ll see how that goes.

Have your clothing buying habits have evolved over time?

What are your thoughts on streamlining your wardrobe this year?

 

Images: A Pare and a Spare | Design Love Fest

· Labels: Style Tagged: fashion, minimalism, style

October 16, 2014

October Wish List

October 16, 2014

October Wish List

Chicwish Puffy Cable Knit Sweater in Wine // Chicwish Sleeveless Fur Leather Coat  // Lys 41 Perfume Oil // J. Crew Calf Hair Pouch  // Gap 1969 Deconstructed Mid-Rise Real Straight Skimmer Jeans //  Mango Asymmetrical Wool Blend Coat // Mango Triple Compartment Bag  // C. Wonder Elephant Bottle Stopper  // Steve Madden Marshha Ankle Boots

Here are some items on my ever-evolving wish list.

· Labels: Style Tagged: Chicwish, Fall Style, fashion, J. Crew, Mango, Steve Madden, wish list

January 9, 2014

Winter Coat Love

January 9, 2014

Winter Coat Love | Shen Dove Style

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 //

Now that the temperature is slightly warmer in Philly (20 degrees is an improvement from 7 degrees…), I’m started to wish for a winter coat that is more cute than it is functional.  Here are a few I currently have my eye on.  I’ve been so preoccupied with dressing for warmth that I forgot how much I love outerwear!

You can see more style inspiration for the cold weather on my Winter Style Pin Board.

· Labels: Style Tagged: Coats, fashion, Roundup, Winter

December 16, 2013

Hat Attitude

December 16, 2013

Shen Dove Style | Hat Attitude 1
Hat: AA // Dress: Target // Vest: Old Navy // Ankle Boots: F21 // 
Coach Bag: thrifted

Happy Monday!  I’ve never really been a “hat person,” but the cold temperatures in Philly lately have made wearing hats a necessity.  Since the cold weather will be here to stay for a while, I’ve decided to start investing in hats that I actually like to wear. This wide brimmed hat was the first in my “cute winter hat collection.” I can guarantee that you’ll be seeing me wearing more hats in the new year. 
What are you favorite stores to buy cute, affordable hats? 
Shen Dove Style | Hat Attitude 3
Shen Dove Style | Hat Attitude 2

· Labels: Style Tagged: fashion, hats, stripes, vest

Welcome!

My name is Shen Dove, I'm a Philadelphia native currently living in DC. I decided to turn my life-long love of style and fashion into a blog. I love books, films, traveling, cupcakes and pretty things. Thanks for stopping by!

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Shen Dove Style contains some contextual affiliate links. An affiliate link is a link in which advertisers have agreed to pay a commission should a purchase be made from that click-through. I do not post anything that I haven't or wouldn't purchase on my own. All images on this site are taken by myself unless otherwise noted. If an image of yours that appears here has been miscredited or you would like it taken down, please let me know and I'll take care of it! I strive to maintain good blogging manners!

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