I was trying to get dressed yesterday when I threw on a favorite dress of mine. This is the dress actually, it’s one of my favorite outfits I’ve shot for summer. It’s bright and fun, flowy and comfy. I threw it on and looked at myself in the mirror and just was honestly, annoyed.
I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. I started to question everything about this dress I used to love. The color? It’s not really my most flattering color option. I even tossed this dress recently because I just feel kind of off in the color. They’re identical…
My general fashion rule when it comes to summer pieces is to always opt for cotton or linen. Natural fibers, always. That dress was 100% polyester and can only really be worn when I plan to be indoors in air conditioning (yes it is that hot in Atlanta).
I started to think, what else am I holding on to because I used to love it, but haven’t grabbed it in ages? Or is it just how I feel today and I’m going to be back to wanting to wear it tomorrow? You know how those days go right? Or am I just having a minimalist mindset lately?
A More Minimalist Mindset
I think I’m definitely in a minimalist mindset lately. With a potential year in New York, my brain has been really wanting to simplify everything in my life. Having a cluttered home is my least favorite thing.
I’ve even unfollowed nearly half of the people and brands I followed on Instagram. I even found myself showering the other day and started to throw out bottles I wasn’t using while shampooing my hair. Nothing in my house is safe lately.
But lately, it’s the clothes that I’m struggling with.
While I’ve done the Marie Kondo method and have kept up with it for the most part, when you love to shop (and you’re a style blogger who receives lots of gifted clothing), it quickly gets out of control. And the truth is, when you have too much stuff, getting dressed is hard. Which then causes you to end up in a style rut that’s hard to get out of.
If you haven’t done the Kon Mari method, I highly recommend it. It’s helped to keep my life much more organized and actually makes maintaining it all much easier. It really forces you to also have a minimalist mindset.
While my organization is there, I think maybe my shopping addiction is a bit of a problem. That’s not really some insightful revelation, it’s my reality. I don’t know if I could go 30 days without shopping (or accepting gifted products from a brand). I know that’s a position of ridiculous privilege but it is also part of my job.
As a style blogger, sure it’s my job to share looks and outfit ideas. And that is 100% part of my problem. I will say, I think I do a good job of sharing old pieces that I really love and wear a lot. I also believe in having investments in your closet that can really stand the test of time.
Take today’s outfit for example. This is an old blazer I’ve had for a few years, and the same with these shoes. It’s something I’ve tried to be more mindful of the last few years as I create content and am part of hyper-consumerism.
I’m guilty of…
I’m guilty of loving something but not wearing it. I do that A LOT. I love this mini pleated skirt, but have I really ever worn it out? Nope. Where am I going in this? I bought these green trousers thinking I’d wear them all the time. Guess who hasn’t? Me.
And thanks to photographing my outfits non-stop, I definitely hold onto things because it would be “good for the blog”. The wrong mentality, honestly. Something I’m also very guilty of. And maybe it’s just a crutch of an excuse for me because I just don’t want to say goodbye to perfectly good stiletto pumps.
I also am 100% guilty of the “just in case” mentality. What if I get invited to a wedding, I can wear this and not buy something. Sure, that works for maybe a dress or two, but not 7. And maybe we don’t need all these just in case things when I’m sure I can figure something out with what I already have, right? Right.
The Style Lesson I Learned In Paris
While in Paris, I came away with lots of life lessons. The biggest one was how simple life should really be. You don’t need a million things.
I had minimal clothing, and honestly still only wore a portion of what I brought to Paris. And I felt my best having a curated capsule wardrobe. I also didn’t need a million beauty products or skincare items either. There are literally three nail polish colors I rotate through, why do I have dozens of other options? This one is thanks to the just-in-case mentality.
So as I weigh this decision to possibly do a year in New York, and really just a way to get back to that post Kon Mari lightness I felt, it’s time to really purge, again. And reconsider how I approach shopping.
How I’m Approaching Shopping Lately
The shopping approach for me I think has definitely shifted. I find myself putting away the items that I am lusting over and that I know deep down I just won’t get a ton of use out of. Whereas before, I would buy something because it was new and different for me to share.
I’m being more aware of what things I need to fill in the gaps in my closet. I think starting a list on my phone may be best too that way I can reference what I need, and stop buying things that I just want.
Also, bulking up the pieces or categories I adore and wear the most so I have more options in what I really love. Another helpful insight for me was understanding what I owned but didn’t love, but wanted to find a better version of. Sometimes we make a mistake with shopping and don’t get it quite right. It all comes down to intention.
the moral of the story is…
The moral of the story is. It’s time to be more cutthroat with what I keep in my closet. And what I add to it. Being more mindful in adding things that help to complete the wardrobe, instead of just adding pieces without intention. And it’s all about figuring out how to create your own style while you’re at it. So that when you do shop, it all works together to complete your personal look.
Not shopping is not going to happen. I love fashion, I love putting outfits together. But I think a mindset shift is in order. And that’s why I’m thinking it’s time for a minimalist mindset.
