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| Old school style Goodwill jeans and Target tee |
You know, back in the olden days before I started blogging, I never thought I'd ever be caught up in what amounted to wardrobe warfare with myself. Let me explain or set the scene for you. 2008 was a tough financial year for us, it sat me down and opened my eyes to any wasteful spending and I began to really embrace simplicity. I started my blog as a journal based on the premise of living a simple, beautiful life on a budget. Then things went sort of off track.
Before blogging, I never used to count my clothes or be so obsessive about them. I basically wore jeans a tee shirt, a pair of black flats and I was done. I always felt presentable and a little stylish. I owned 2 or 3 handbags, minimal jewelry and I was fine. So what changed? Being able to peek into strangers closets is what changed. And guess what? They had a helluva lot more than me and it created DESIRE.
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| Prior to 09 I thought Hermes was for the ultra wealthy. |
Then I came across Project 333 and I thought that was the ticket. I embraced it, but then I began to obsessively count my clothes and accessories. The whole swapping out seasons thing posed issues too. Look, I only have one small closet in my home and I didn't want to be boxing up and moving clothes every few months. Plus honestly my lifestyle does not require a ton of clothes. I'm not an executive going to the office every day needing a professional wardrobe, I really do work in yoga pants. But I will say the Project was very worthwhile in that it taught me to pay attention to what I already had, what I needed and why. If you are going to have a limited wardrobe, you really want each piece to be awesome. There's no room for ill fitting clothing or things you don't love. That's my biggest takeaway from 333.
Please don't get me wrong, I adore fashion, I really do. But Lord, I need to get a grip and chill. Being up here has really made that evident. The small closet I'm operating under has been more than adequate and reminds me of how I used to be (and I liked her.) But if small ain't your thing, so what, have fun, it's all a matter of personal choice. No matter who made them or how many clothes are hanging in your closet, I personally think you are gorgeous just the way you are. x
I know for me the size of my wardrobe is out of control because of weight fluctuations (up and down), leaving me with everything from size 2 petites and up (and up and up . . .). I hang on to the "little" clothes because I want to fit back in them and the "big" clothes because I have to wear something or be arrested.
ReplyDeleteThis is so me!!!
Deleteso funny anon, have you met stephen andrew?! i cannot stand anything that fits too tight!
DeleteI agree whole heartedly and I still say our best accessory is a simple smile!
ReplyDeleteYou're never fully dressed without a smiiiiiiile! :-)
Deletethat is so true laurie and holly. so true!
Deleteclassic pieces in few color tones go far to making a woman look lovely and put together. that's what i aim for no matter my current size. :)
ReplyDeletesherry, such a classy look!
DeleteBill Blass said, "A woman with a closet full of clothes, but nothing to wear does not know herself very well."
ReplyDeleteKarl Jung said, "Our lives are about getting the outside to match the inside." When I first read Jung, about a dozen years ago, all I thought of were my 4 walk-in stuffed closets. They had to become 1 closet of clothes, not stuffed. About a 2 year process.
Now, I've moved from that 30 year home into a home of equal size, but at 115 years old it has few closets, and the attic is not accessible. Had never considered my coat closet part of my master closet. This house has no coat closet. Winter clothes had been in guest room dresser. Now, I don't even want to do that.
Culled many clothes to thrift store, and more joyously to a client's 2 daughters. More to go.
Love a day realizing every bit of clothing, excepting undergarments, are thrift store.
Garden & Be Well, XO Tara
thank you for sharing that bill blass quote tara. i agree!!! and how kind to give joyously to your clients daughters.
DeleteI think this post is full of great thoughts! I'm not a minimalist, though I keep my things pared down pretty well in the smaller closet that my husband and I share. You seem to have it figured out for you and I think that's great. Do you ever post anything about a basic wardrobe for men? I'd be curious to know how you handle that (if you do).
ReplyDeletethanks UF.
Deletewho can resist a well-dressed man? they seem to be pretty rare these days, esp in california.:)
larry is so outdoorsy he's not interested in fashion in the least so he's comfortable.
but yeah, i'd love to have a guest post by a man on a basic wardrobe. i def have my thoughts on it but it would depend on their lifestyle.
I have a fairly large wardrobe. When I retired, I relentlessly culled anything that reminded me of my former life. And that first year, I was on a new wardrobe spending spree. I can't tell you the junk I bought at sales. Then reality set in! I don't need this much stuff and both my taste and lifestyle have changed. However, I found Project 33 difficult and got cold feet every time I tried to downsize. What has worked is "shopping my closet." Using items in new ways and not saving anything "for good" has given me a whole new perspective and tamed my shopping addiction. I keep a giveaway bag in the closet when I find something that simply doesn't work and continue, SLOWLY, to downsize and build a workable wardrobe.
ReplyDeletei think shopping one's closet is the smartest things to do. it takes creativity vs just spending more money on something different. it's something i truly look forward to when i get home.
DeleteI heard that.
ReplyDeleteI had to quit Instagram about a week after I joined a few years ago because it was a barrage of the things I didn't have and wanted or decided I wanted. Of course not everyone would have that visceral reaction--but with my infinite affinity for melodrama, I did. So I closed the account and told myself all the perfectly sculpted rich happy people I followed got fat and busted for tax evasion. I know, I can't believe I haven't been invited to host a TED talk either.
It's good to check yourself. I love your blog because you share feelings, moods, moments, and wishes. The topics you cover are so much harder to translate to posts than material goods. so make sure you give yourself some credit!
you were so right about IG. i didn't last v long either.
Deletei would love to hear you do a ted talk. how awesome would that be?!
thanks for your kind words. how about doing a basic wardrobe post for men???
SAJ basics: starve for approximately three months. Do cardio for 2-4 hours a day. Have someone drive you to the mall as you are too lightheaded to drive. Buy everything you see in every color (except brown or anything 'heather' or dingy off-whites). Then, the next day, begin rapidly gaining all the weight you just lost back. This way your new wardrobe will remain in prime condition. Then gays (or I suppose very confident straight men) on a budget will enjoy your virgin Eurotrash wardrobe very much when they pick it up at Goodwill. Repeat every two years.
DeleteOh god, I love you Stephen Andrew!
Deletexx, D.
I've always had a small wardrobe, even as a teenager. I've never stored clothes away season wise or because of excess - it's all together, fall, winter, spring, summer. I have a dresser with 6 drawers and share a closet (meaning 1 and only 1 closet!) with my husband. I know exactly what I have and have never had an "oh I forgot I had this" moment. I can't operate any other way, I think I would feel too overwhelmed. Counting how many garments I have and keeping at a certain amount would be overthinking things for me. The thing is, I feel I'm the opposite of some of the stories I read about people buying too much clothes. I have a dreadful time trying to find clothes I like. Usually, the items I like are too expensive, too trendy, or just don't fit properly, so I end up leaving the stores empty-handed most of the time. It's very frustrating and I've come to really dislike shopping now. I don't know which is worse, not being able to stop buying clothes, or not being able to find clothes I want to buy!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I love that outfit on you!
xx, D.
i too have teeny tiny wardrobe as a child. a school uniform and some play clothes. and really you nailed it re the counting clothing, shuffling it around. i think the project 333 is really good to bring focus on what the hell we women are doing, overspending and in the end not even liking what we've bought so that is good. i'm just tired of obsessing about it all.
DeleteI am exactly in the same situation as you. I had to throw away 2 tops, one because a stain I could not remove and another because it was really too much worn out. It leaves me with only 4-5 tops and I really have to buy something otherwise I need to do the laundry too often. But I don't find anything that I like or that fits really well! And I hate shopping!
DeleteThis is funny Janet because these last couple of months I've been back to my old simple style, the way I dressed when I had a bunch of little kids and a dog to look after. A simple dress, or jeans and a striped shirt, a chambray shirt over a stripey tee shirt dress or even with jeans on a house-cleaning day, that's what I'm wearing these days. I think it's because I have a dog again who is the size of a pony and needs three walks a day, I need simple outfits everyday and flat/low-heel shoes that can walk through the park.
ReplyDeleteI always had a small wardrobe but I went a bit crazy as I approached 40, I gave myself a larger clothing budget and decided to dress like a grown-up. Honestly it's been so fun but I've taken it all down about 100 notches and that's fine too, the remains of that time stick with me and have improved the old uniform, I'm back to wearing jeans and a shirt but now I have a Chanel jacket (a gift from my dear friend Our Tabs) to throw over, I have a signature accessory (pearls) and I pay maybe too much attention to my handbags, but whatever it's all good and I feel awesome when I get dressed in the morning.
I'm definitely back to a simple style and I have embraced outdoor life which quite frankly is much better for my mental health. This will continue into winter because we've found a new ski place so we'll be outdoors and active all through our long winter... honestly I can't wait and the simple outfits will continue.
Love this post today and the fact that we're on the same page, big hug to you my friend. XO
there is no doubt in my mind that your simple everyday clothing is still stunning. your's was one of the closets i was envious of! i love that chanel jacket that tabs gifted you. who does that?! she's the sweetest. but then you gifted me the white, silk lined linen dress...who does that?! i will never part with that. :)
DeleteI've never owned a really nice wardrobe. I've never owned a well fitting navy blazer or amazing jeans or a skirt that made me feel like I won the lottery. I have a closet full of things. And I guess all I actually need is something that fits and looks good on me. The me I am today--not the me I want to be or the me I was. See, that's the hardest part.
ReplyDeleteyou are so right joanne. clothing that fits not only the outside but the inside!
Deletereally that's a genius thought you have. i can't count the number of things i bought that fit physically but really had nothing to do with who i really am or the life i'm living.
DeleteYou know how I love my clothes and shopping but I admire the discipline for those who want to limit their options. I love all my clothes but I also enjoy a ruthless declutter! Haven't bought a single Hermes scarf all year! They are $650 here and $450 in Europe so I think I'll wait til I am back. Love to have lots of options and choices for everything. Love this post. x
ReplyDeleteWow FF the difference in price is amazing, good idea to wait until you are back over that way! Catherinex
DeleteThis season though hasn't been great in the new release scarf patterns though FF, so you haven't really lost out! x
Deletekirstin your wardrobe is stunning!
DeleteBeautiful thought for the day in this whole post, and I really love the quote by Bill Blass that T. Dillard provided here.
ReplyDeletei know met too emily!
Delete....it created DESIRE. It does indeed. In this world of technology, I am constantly recalculating and trying to stay true to me. I try hard to keep my email notifications and Instagram follows well edited. The temptation is real. And, seriously, most of the time just uses up precious time that could be spent much better. As always, you are time well spent.
ReplyDeletekathy i never thought blogging would ever make me obsess so much about my clothing. the internet is sneaky like that.
DeleteFashion and style are different. Some people spend more on an outfit than I do on a months groceries.
ReplyDeleteI like that - fashion and style are different. So true. I never thought of it quite like that. Janet, you look so good in everything you wear.
Deletewhat's the RL quote? something like...fashion comes and goes but real style lasts forever.
Deletethank you jeannine. x
DeleteThis topic is so interesting Janet! Having a job I work from home I have discovered extra clothes in my closet as well I probably will never wear, and to be honest we dont have that exciting a social life either to need all the extra that comes with evening attire, apart from a few staples. Its hard to part with them though especially the coats as I love coats, but this winter hardly wore them. I agree with Studio Cottage, style and fashion are totally different. Working on your style far outweighs what is in fashion I believe! Happy gardening, Catherine all the way from Australiaxx
ReplyDeletei love coats too catherine! but last year in southern california i barely even needed one. i think a simple outfit of jeans and tshirt topped with a pretty coat is perfect!
DeleteI love this post. As I've recently lost 50 pounds and I'm back to my "fighting weight" - for good this time.. no creeping up. I'll weigh each week and if any gained, then just cut back the next week.. . I've just completed a minimalist fall-winter wardrobe of a few good things that can take me anywhere. I've given away or sold all things that are too big for me or too small - as I also kept tiny things hoping they will fit. The weight I am now can be maintained and is fine for me at this age.
ReplyDeleteI've kept my wardrobe as just enough for the space in the closet I share with my husband. Now he is purging stuff too!!
It's great to have just enough and know where and what everything is and especially nice to know that everything in my closet is wearable NOW, fits me, and coordinates with most everything else. It is a dream come true! . I've gone back to the classic style I always liked. Mostly simple knit tops and sweaters with pants, plus a couple of skirts and dresses. Scarves and jewelry - both of which I design and make, will be my "fashion statements".
It is getting easier and easier to simply STOP and not purchase anything not needed and/or which will not be worn often. I've been very particular in my purchases now as I want only things that will last and that will be loved for a long time. No compromises.
Janet, I just love this post and others you have written like it. You are such an inspiration.
thank you janice. it seems to be getting easier for me to stop too. for me it's key to not go wandering aimlessly killing time through shopping sites. if there is something i truly need i should be able to go in, get it and get out. that's my new goal.:)
DeleteHey Janet--another smashing post! Love your outfit--all of the clothes you have seem to suit you just perfectly. I'm at that age--50--where I kinda have to decide am I going to go appropriate the rest of my life or pull out the artsy, fun, quirky and distinctive that I've worked all my life (and loved). You know, mutton dressed as lamb thing--do I have the nerve? Well lead on Janet because you rock! You own your look and have a spunky, mischievous smile to go with! Your hair looks great too and that's my next big decision. Gray sooner or later…Thanks Janet for your joie de vivre!
ReplyDeletethank you dannie. i say go for whatever your gut and heart tells you! i do think you have the nerve:)
DeleteWhat an insightful post Janet!! I especially love your line about how certain things can create DESIRE.....how true. My husband & I owned a very small retail business for 18 years, & every fluctuation in the market or downturn on any level had a profound effect on our personal income. When our customers suffered, we suffered as well. Those situations taught me to really ask myself a few questions before making even small purchases. The main question being "do I really need this?". I hated those times, but felt that they ultimately made me stronger.
ReplyDeleteI have always leaned toward classics in clothing, so that helps not to get caught up in the latest fad. Now that I'm retired, my wardrobe has simplified even more. I have more in my closet than I need, but it's a tiny closet !! I tend to have what I call "uniforms" for different activities. I realize that most shop owners don't remember what I had on the last time I was there. I was a shop owner & I rarely noticed what someone was wearing unless it was bizarre or inappropriate.
If I'm honest, most of what I wear these days (retired) needs to function in the garden or workshop. As you have shown us with your wardrobe Janet, good taste is really what matters. So many great comments here, but ultimately each of us needs to decide what works for us with our lifestyle & budget.
Anita ~ the cabin on the creek
so true anita, it all boils down to personal taste and style. thank you for your sweet words. :)
DeleteLoved this post Janet. I think our wardrobes are such a reflection of what is going on inside and where we're at in that point in time. When we moved into our current house we had a large purpose built dressing room for the first time. Our previous house (a rental) had very, very limited storage. While we were only there for a year I had to throw out a lot of stuff, cull it down… plus I was pregnant and then a new baby so clothes needs changed dramatically. When we moved into our now home I hung everything up and there were so many empty places! I think the temptation is to fill up your storage, it doesn't force you to be ruthless. I've tried to keep the empty patches by operating on a one in/ one out policy. The past two years have also been about embracing my everyday clothes with what I purchase… which are not the cocktail dresses/ dinner out things that I bought as some sort of psychological release when we were renovating our house and I had toddlers underfoot and a husband often travelling for work. I have enough 'good' dresses now to last me a while (providing no weight gain). The problem is everyday clothes are kind of boring. Maybe that's why we get so caught up in blog fantasy land and wardrobes? After all posting photos of jeans/ ballet flats/ top/ cardigan combo (more what I wear everyday) doesn't really inspire the way heels and a dress do.
ReplyDeleteso agree heidi. i have been known to buy things for the life i've imagined instead of the one i'm living. and to be honest, i like the life i'm living so why change it?!
DeleteYou are just so real, evolving in front of us and being as transparent as possible every step of the way. There is a lot of take away from your story. This is why I enjoy your blog so much.
ReplyDeletethank you karen, you are too sweet. x
DeleteI've been struggling with this issue as well lately, darn Pinterest! I realized I needed to relax. My wardrobe is not all that important. I started spending more time focusing I what I don't have, than what I do have. When that balance is out of whack, I usually realize I need to get it together.
ReplyDeletei've never really gotten on the pinterest bandwagon, thank goodness. i just don't have the time. this blog already has me online too much! i think all of us here are very visual people and beautiful things just really hit home with us. remember the days when all we had was a few magazines to deal with?!
DeleteA timely post. I have been overwhelmed with caregiving and decided that what I needed was a new wardrobe...ASAP! But I've been driving myself crazy with the search for a "perfect this and perfect that" and really, I don't have the time. It's not important right now, I just think it was a fun mental health break and I need to appreciate what I have while also remembering that even a small, simple wardrobe needs updating and replacement pieces at some point.
ReplyDeleteSE, boy can i relate. i can't even tell you how much i used to think about finding the perfect white tee, white shirt, jeans, handbag....ugh, exhausting!
DeleteGreat post Janet. I had to step back from the whole wardrobe obsession thing - truthfully, I did not find it satisfying spiritually and it seems to breed the gimmes, at least in me. I didn't know anything about fancy things nor did I seem to miss it, so have been glad to dial it back!
ReplyDeleteyep i hear you wendy. but your closet is do die for. :)
DeleteI was very into clothes and shoes when my boys were growing up, I was determined not to be the stereotypical "frumpy" mom but that was long before blogging. Now I'm much more into my home than my clothes and since I no longer work, most days find me in shorts, a tee and flip flops:) A big part of it is the weight struggle also. I was tiny in my 20's and 30's whereas now at 47, it's a daily challenge! I'm thinking of going the Vegan route but I sure would miss my steaks:(
ReplyDeletevictoria i didn't want to be a frumpy mom either but boy my style was simple. ahhh, the good old days. lol
Deletei would encourage you to try vegan even if it's just for a few days. i think you'll be surprised by the change in the way you feel. i'm hiking everyday with free-range cattle and have grown pretty attached to this herd. i know their fate and it makes me sad. try watching the trailer to Earthlings. hard to watch but life changing...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2ctwOTHQYo
It's hard not to get caught up in it all. On the positive side, those jeans are quite in vogue right now so you obviously possess an innate elegance!
ReplyDeletethanks jen...tooo sweet. x
DeleteI completely agree that certain blogs (even ones about minimalism) create a desire in me for things I didn't even know existed. For me, when I have felt insecure in real life (like becoming a new mom or starting a new career) then I fell harder in my desire for stuff because I thought it would make me feel more confident, stronger, or do a better job. In reality, I live a pretty causal lifestyle and need clothes that can handle hard work and play. Though it would be awesome to have fancy dresses and attend a chic soiree- that is not my life right now! Learning to be happy with and accept my reality has made it easier to desire less. Thanks again for a wonderful post, Janet.
ReplyDeletethanks nadya. it sounds like we have similar styles. mostly casual but a couple of pretty dresses would be perfect.
DeleteI have a simple life and a few clothes that I wear often. My weakness is for Hermes scarves and have a few of them. I love to thrift shop and if I live jeans and a white or striped tee shirt. A little black dress and a cashmere sweater would round out my minimalist wardrobe. Great post and very insightful. Our choices in clothing and lifestyle must match our personalities. There is a lot of truth in saying that our clothes say a lot about us.
ReplyDeletei know you and ff love the hermes scarves. i thank God they aren't my style (lol) but i do think they are beautiful. x
DeleteI just love your style. It's mimics my favorite....jeans, flats, and a simple fitted shirt with minimal jewelry and perhaps a casual scarf. These favorites make me feel great (as long as the jeans are fitted and compliment my petite figure) and the look is cute but extremely comfortable. You look like you're in great shape....your previous pictures always showed your slim figure but I'm wondering if all this hiking is toning you even more. Thanks always for a great blog. Janie
ReplyDeleteThat's such a nice sentiment at the end of your blog post, Janet.
ReplyDeleteI still struggle over clothes because I've always had too many and think I need to keep certain things back for that 'what if' (I need this or that for a certain occasion; then the occasion never arises, so it's just clutter...). I've also coped with several size changes. But I'm continuing to skewer things down. I have a big load of clothing to go to a local rescue mission next week, in fact. My husband had been away on business, so I really spread out and sorted while he was gone.
I realize, too, that I'm never going back 'to the boardroom;' that was another life, another size and another set of clothes. And I look great in high heels (as do most women, no?!!!) but never wear them anymore due to foot problems (probably from wearing sky-high heels for too many years!!). I'm continuing to admire from afar...just don't BUY...because I do LUV shoes.
Something I do, too, that just floors me and gets me disappointed in myself is that I tend to accumulate cheap costume jewelry and this was just never me when I was a younger woman; where did my good taste go?!!
You know that saying Clothes horse, well this post spoke to me! I am you, that lady who wants not, and needs not...I am compleatly happy in a beat pair of jeans and a white crisp man shirt. Or a Tee as you fashion well, I can throw on something and it's happening.... I make sure I have enough Blazers fore each season because how else is one going To be fashionable with out a couple or more blazers, as for a small closet I hear you, and that wholes ooking my yo finances in 08, well I was in that same boat same year when the economy crashed and sucked the life out of many of us I too looked at my big home 4,000. Sq feet and said WHY? now down sized with my daughter in college in a home where a 3rd of our belongings rest, feels so liberating, comfortable, and even soulful. It touhes our spirit to find a great thrift shop find, making it that much more exciting to add a new piece to it.
ReplyDeleteAs for those orange boxes Hermes? Who wouldn't or couldn't want plenty from this store? I found a hand rolled silk scarf at a estate sale, the lady wash selling everything and moving back home to France after her doctor husband had passed away, she so.d me a bag of her travel scarves in the bunch for $11.00 was a gray and white silk hand rolled hem Hermes Paris scarf that I turned around a placed it on Ebay 2009 and the auction closed at a littles ore then $800.00 dollars to find the lady who bought it wroteeme telling me it was worth $3,800 and she buys and sells back vintage Hermes scarves back to Hermes, I never knew such a thing. So keep a watchful eye for vintage Hermes, you never know what it's worth until you sell it :)
Small beautiful living to you my friend, this is what we so love about your beauty in all aspects of your life.
Xoxo
Dore
PS....Janet, my home is under 1,300 sq, and I adore it.... I know I could even do a 1,000 sq ft as you have done with adding in your porch space as extra living space when weather permits. You are one fortunate lady, beauty, theift, and a wonderful sense of style, who lives big in a much smaller world.
ReplyDeleteXoxo
Dore
Janet, well said. Love this post and all the comments.
ReplyDeleteback in the 80's and 90's there was a consignment shop just blocks from my home where I loved to shop. the shop was in a town with some upscale areas and carried some really high end stuff for a fraction of the original cost. the women who worked there got to know me and my taste. I probably got carried away on some occasions but there was no real financial damage done. eventually the shop closed and I moved away. there are times when I still miss that place. especially if there is a special event. when I moved I had to go from 4 closets, I was using the kids old rooms, to one. but now I like having a smaller wardrobe. I might even do a bit more culling. my life is much simpler, jeans for volunteering at the animal shelter, or riding clothes for the barn, even going out for dinner can be a pair of jeans and a nice top. and my 1100 sq ft home feels plenty big enough for me.
ReplyDeleteDarby
Love your timeless style Janet. I too tried Project 333 but didn't last very long. I began reading the blog Unfancy and completed the free Wardrobe Planner. The exercise forced me to put to paper how I want to see myself. The forced introspection really changed the way I saw the usefulness of certain items of clothing. I learned 2 pairs of jeans are plenty, and that you can go far with just 3 pairs of shoes; simple flats, cool sneakers, and heels. These blogs helped me part with clothes that I was hanging onto that were no longer useful. Its been about 18 months but have donated bags and bags of clothing and still have more culling to go. I don't obsess about the number of items I have. What I am keeping makes me smile.
ReplyDeleteHi Janet,
ReplyDeleteLove this post! (and your outfit).
I was laughing at Dore's comment...I used to be a clothes horse. I still am crazy for fashion, but on a budget now, at least most of the time. :)
I can resonate with your comment about blogs...I periodically do buy something because I saw it on a blog. My husband used to say my looking at blogs cost him money! Haha he is right.
Linda
xo
P.S. I wore my Target necklace to a family dinner in Boise last week and my 21 year old niece complimented me on it. :) Have you worn yours yet?
I own less than 35 pieces of clothing, including dresses and sleep wear. I own only 8 pairs of shoes, that includes a pair of slippers, my garden clogs and winter boots. Almost all my clothing is thrifted and beautiful. Being a child of a hippy and then becoming one myself, has always served me well. Use it up, wear it out, simplification and appreciation.
ReplyDeleteI used to wear clothes that I thought made me me until I left the high corporate life and completely gave away anything that was not me. Then I sat down (with Pinterest to help but not make me feel bad) to figure out my style. I am somewhere between classic preppy and a little Texas. :) I like simple clothing, not too much print, must be comfortable and well made. I gave up on trying to tie scarves in a cute way, anything with polyester/boho feel to it (I sweat too much and I look silly), complicated, heavy jewelry (If I hear one more person talk about a statement necklace), no more high heels or long skirts that just make me look like a long tube of fabric. My preferred look is jeans, rolled, flip flops or boat shoes, a nice t shirt or cotton top and simple jewelry. I am very discerning when it comes to buying clothes. I stopped shopping online because I have to touch the clothing I am buying. I have slowly rebuilt my wardrobe for the person I am, at the size I am and it is so much easier. I stopped watching YOUTUBE videos and left IG for the very same reasons. People boasted of simple living but were replacing their wardrobes every season with new items. I always wondered well where does the old stuff go? How do they shop that much and still say it's simple? Confusing and consumerism.
ReplyDeleteThanks to your advise I bought the striped T from Target and I love it. It's my new "go to" shirt for casual events. I love your style Janet.
ReplyDeleteAngela
Such a classy look. This is so me! You're never fully dressed without a smie!
ReplyDeleteI think Pinterest really helped me cut down on my wardrobe. My Pins helped me define my style which was transitioning because of a job change and age. I didn't want to be sloppy casual or old lady. It also helped me by just pinning something I liked that was really out of my price range and studying what I really found attractive about it. Sometimes I want a classic item that is expensive because I will get so much use out of it, other times a less expensive copy or vintage item will do. Consequently, I have sold lots of unused items of clothing and jewelry that aren't really me or fit my life style and just have things I am really happy to wear.
ReplyDeleteHi! I'm it total agreement with yours goal of simplification . . . just wondering what you ended up choosing for phones. Everyone I know has a cellphone, but I just don't want to go there--can you tell me what y'all use? thanks!!!!
ReplyDeletehi ellen. we are at the tail end of a contract with AT&T and will switch when it's done. i suggest you go to
Deletewww.mrmoneymustache.com and look at all the research he and his readers have put into cell phone plans. we will be doing the same soon! good luck.
Fabulous, will do!! Thanks for your reply, and also for your wonderful blog!!
DeleteHave you seen the blog UnFancy and her seasonal capsule wardrobes? I love it. But I would like to see someone older take up the challenge (actually older than you, but you're closer!)!
ReplyDeletehi lynn. i just went over and took a look. what a cutie she is.
Deletewhat i'm aiming for is to have one comprehensive wardrobe, i want to get away from that capsule idea only because it really does involve a lot more clothing than i can comfortably store in my closet. i want to have just enough so i don't have to be switching things out each season. does that make sense? i can't wait to get home to really work on this. being away has given me some perspective on what i've been doing and how to correct it. thanks for the suggestion of her blog. x
You and I don't really need to do the seasonal thing where we live. ¨Warmer, cooler and wetter¨are really all we need and we need them pretty much all year round. I don't want a lot, but I want everything to go with everything else, be good quality and fit well.
DeleteI wish I could take back some of the $ I spent on career clothes over the years, seems like such a waste. I keep all my clothes now in one average closet, even my winter coats. Its so simple to get dressed these days on a more limited wardrobe. Its nice to look good, but it shouldn't break the bank.
ReplyDeleteI like The Vivienne Files. Not so much the premise of beginning with the colors in a scarf,but how she takes five or six basic pieces in a core color and adds in a couple off accent colors and just a few accessories and bingo! Many, many possibilities. Add a little more, a slight expansion of accent color and the wardrobe seems huge, but in reality , is not. Everything is interchangeable...that seems to be key. Would that be something you would find boring or too restrictive?
ReplyDeleteHer travel wardrobe plans are wonderful.
Dear Janet,
ReplyDeletenow it's official: you are a style rolemodel, the way you rock the timeless relaxed style with 2nd hand clothes.
I found vintage Bally shoes, burgundy red with a small heel. They are so cool and unique. Today I found a flared jeam, with intact fabric (NO hole). I see myself wearing the flare jeans with the Bally brogues. Or the vintage Ferragamo pumps I will buy on a local the 2nd hand online platform.
You will probably have hick-ups in the near future. Sorry! That will be me, thinking of you every time I wear the jeans and the vintage shoes.
Thank you for being an inspiration over the years!
Paula
lol i've never heard of the hiccup thing. so cute! i came across a pair of perfect bally boots but they were 1/2 size too small and it killed me. xo
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