Everything about this outfit perfectly illustrates my ideal style direction and types of pieces I would like my wardrobe to become composed of.
First of all, the neutral colors are classic. The striped tee and black jeans are classic...yet casual. The scarf adds a touch of sophistication to the casual ensemble. The cognac brown color with black is a favorite. The shoes are really comfortable and a very low wedge heel. (I'm slowly getting rid of anything but the lowest heels because they just don't feel like "me" any more.)
And lastly, I felt this outfit was flattering to my figure. Not all of my clothing is an attractive fit or look for me.
Overall, this outfit just makes me happy when I wear it.
That's where the difficulty comes in.
Distinguishing between "liking" certain pieces and "realizing" that they are not the best choice for me or that I'm not super happy with how something looks on me....and then coming to the point of being able to let them go in order to achieve my personal style goals.
For me, it's easier said than done.
It's an ongoing process and a slow one because sometimes I feel like maybe I should give a piece another try by reworking it into a another combination of garments or adding a different accessory to see if I obtain a better result. Little by little, as the mood strikes me, I'll reach into my closet and grab something and think "Today is the day for this to go" and plop it into the donation bag. I never really regret my decision. I am actually happier with other clothes I have. So why oh why is this process so difficult for me?
I wish I could just take a day and do a full on clean out...removing everything from my closets and drawers and only choosing a select amount of items that I absolutely love and feel good in (like the outfit today) to put back into my closet. That would get rid of all the excess that doesn't achieve the style or happiness level I'm looking for and I know I'd feel soooo much better.
The problem is that I have culled quite a bit, but still have LOTS left...and I like everything I have. It is difficult to let go of my "likes" and settle only for the "loves" group. Sometimes I'm not even sure of the distinction so I have to ponder it for quite some time.
I think I'm just wanting someone to wave a magic wand and do it for me so that I don't have to go through the painful process and decision making. haha
These shoes are one of my favorite summer thrift purchases. I've worn them so many times already. They are my new go to shoe.
p.s. I love this top so much...and guess what?! I have just found another one exactly
like it, but with long sleeves for only $3.99. Yay!! I hadn't
noticed, till I got the one in photos home, but someone had actually cut
off the sleeves to change this top from long sleeves to short sleeves.
I love the length of the sleeve and you can't even really tell they've
just been cut off with a scissors. I could even roll them up if I
wanted a shorter look.
So now I have a short sleeved and long sleeved version of my new favorite tee! :)
thrifted:
black skinny jeans $7.67 Celebrity Pink
striped tee $? Merona
scarf .69 cents
black gold hoop earrings .69 cents
belt $2.49 Ralph Lauren
purse $3 Kelly & Katie
sandals $? Aerosoles
At
times I have failed to record prices of things I've thrifted so I'm
occasionally blank on the cost of some items....but you know it was probably a super sweet deal. ;)
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The long sleeved tee has become part of my "basics"...a wardrobe staple. I am really enjoying the simplicity and versatility of them. I love just adding a scarf or necklace to such a non fussy item and creating a perfect outfit to suit my style.
Edit: Second thoughts... Even though I like the style of a long sleeved tee....I'm just no longer feeling this color...or so much of it. I have put the shoes into my donation bag to take and drop off today. The top and scarf are going into my "probably donate" pile. I'll think about it a few days and then I will most likely donate those two items as well.
After seeing these photos I realized I do not really "love" this outfit. I tried to rework the top with other more neutral cardigans etc., but still couldn't find a look I was happy with. These days I seem to be finding myself much more pleased with neutral basics such as black, gray, cream, tan, and white...with maybe a bit of melon or blue (a little pink) here and there.
These thrifted Ked's sneakers are just what I was looking for. They'll provide comfortable walking, they fit my lifestyle, and they'll be perfect for our July trip.
I talked previously about being inspired by a lot of "minimizing your closet" videos. Planning my wardrobe for our 10 day trip was another big eye opener and source of inspiration.
I chose items that I can mix and match, items that I like, shoes that are comfortable, etc. and that will all fit into 1 carry on suitcase. Looking at the pieces I'd chosen I realized I could create numerous outfits (1 of which I'll be traveling in and won't have to pack) with 4 pr trousers (+ 1 pr shorts), 11 tops, 3 cardigans, a casual cotton hooded jacket, 3-4 pairs of shoes, 6 scarves, and some jewelry.
(I will photograph and show you my travel wardrobe in a later post.)
The areas we'll be traveling to will range in temperature from a low of around 58 degrees at night to a high of about 90 during the day. The coastal area will have a daytime temperature of about 70-75 degrees, but the inland area may be up around 90 degrees. So I'm bringing a variety of sleeve lengths and layers in accordance with the expected weather conditions.
But...as I hung everything up in sight where this whole collection could be viewed...I realized that collection could be my minimalist wardrobe right there! And I could probably be happy with those clothes and still have plenty of choices. I would have to add in a few pieces such a couple of heavier sweaters and fall/winter shoes...but not a ton more. I could probably double that amount of clothing (not counting shoes and accessories) and bring my wardrobe item count to roughly 50 pieces. That amount could conceivably see me through all seasons.
I'm excited and astounded by that thought!
(I just did a quick count of the items of clothing I just have hanging in my closets and on double hanging rack in my dressing room...and I counted approx 250 items. That doesn't even count the clothing I've got out for our trip, or what's in my big dresser or shoes/jewelry/scarves/coats, etc.)
Sooo... my current and first goal is to work on cutting that amount in half and go from there.
I have recently pulled out 3 more bags of things to donate. I'm finding the prospect of a smaller closet exciting and a bit liberating! :)
