As time goes by, I become more aware of how to re-purpose my clothing in order to give it more life rather than throwing or giving it away. For years, I’ve done this easy DIY (it’s honestly so easy I don’t even like to call it a DIY).

personal style, musings and inspiration
As time goes by, I become more aware of how to re-purpose my clothing in order to give it more life rather than throwing or giving it away. For years, I’ve done this easy DIY (it’s honestly so easy I don’t even like to call it a DIY).
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:
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
This week has been a rough one for many, but I just wanted to reflect on last year before we get too far into 2015. 2014 seems to have gone by at lightning speed! Every year has its highs and lows, but overall, 2014 was a great year. I expect 2015 to be an even better year!
This year I hope to utilize what I already own to the fullest, try more new-to-me hairstyles, stick to my shopping budget each month, thrift more, and support independent designers and businesses more for my purchases. Before I finish drafting plans for blog content for the year, here are some of my favorite posts from 2014:
Style
Books
Beauty
Tips
Thanks so much for taking the time to visit this space last year. Here’s to an amazing 2015!
{Image: My Instagram}
The time for heavy knits, scarves, tights, and sturdy boots will be here soon enough. For now, I’m currently loving these items to be worn now by themselves and later with multiple layers.
SHOP THE POST
Old Navy Women’s Graphic Slub Tee // Halogen ‘Katrina’ Bootie // H&M Fine Snit Sweater // Steve Madden Ecentric Sneaker Leopard Pony // Old Navy Women’s Faux-Leather Studded Belt // OASAP Candy Color Skater Skirt // Ann Taylor Large Stone Statement Necklace // Lodis Accessories Pebble Metallic Summer Crossbody // Kate Spade Gramercy Bracelet Watch // Gorjana Teagan Cuff // Essie Fall Nail Polish – After School Boy Blazer // SheInside Army Green Long Sleeve Epaulet Drawstring Trench Coat // H&M Circle Skirt
Hat: Roxy (similar) // Sweater: Marshalls (similar) // Jeans: Target (similar) //
Wedges: DSW (exactly) // Necklace: Eastern Market (DC)
I’ve been wearing a variation of this outfit on weekends lately. Hats, skinny jeans, and lipstick make foolproof weekend outfits. Especially on those days when styling your hair seems like too much effort. But I’ve learned the hard way to hold on to hats on windy days so they won’t blow off your head! This may or may not have happened to me over the weekend…
Here’s to a positive and productive week!