If you've been following my blog for the last few years, you may know that it's been a long-term goal of mine to move toward a smaller closet - one that is growing in selectivity, increasingly more responsible and of a higher quality in general. I started this blog years ago because I loved to shop, but as I've learned the impact and consequences of mindless consumerism, both for myself and for the world, I've sensed a desire for change. Now, my hope is to try to reconcile what it means to care …
buy less choose well
Upgrade
There's always a happy satisfaction in finding a really great version of a classic piece... …
Simplify
Oops... black jeans, again. If you've been following my recent outfit posts, you might gather that these bottoms are the only ones I ever wear. But if I'm honest, it's actually been kind of true. …
Easy Refinement
I've recently noticed a common thread in all of the favourite garments in my closet: they are easy, effortless, and comfortable, while still managing to refine and pull a look together. …
The Closet Edit
This is no secret if you regularly read my blog, but over the last few years it's been a personal goal of mine to learn to live more simply. A large part of this has consisted of seriously editing and refining my closet. As someone who's poured way too much time and money into shopping for much of my life, it was important to me to question why and to make some serious adjustments. It's taken time, but the fruits of these changes have been incredible: in addition to decreased spending and …
Classic Casual
In my efforts to own less and streamline my wardrobe over the past couple of years, one thing I've learned is that the fewer things I keep in my closet, the more I realize I really don't need much at all. Recently, I've taken up the habit of storing only the things I want to wear now in my main closet and packing everything else away... and it's probably been one of the best sartorial decisions to date. It's been refreshing to be able to put outfits together more effortlessly in the mornings, …
The Long Haul
Look down at what you're wearing right now. Yes, at this very moment. How long have you owned each piece that you have on? Perhaps it's not the case for you, but for a long time that question sadly revealed the sheer quantity of shopping that I did. For many years, it's been all too easy to buy into that familiar mentality of seeing some pieces as "classics" we keep forever, and others as "trendy" ones that we get, wear once or twice, and get rid of a season later. I'll admit that this was …
The Classics
I have a bit of a confession to make: when I first started blogging (and for a good while after, actually), I would quite often buy things largely "for the blog". What I mean by that is that it was customary for me to strongly consider how standout of a piece it would be and how it would photograph, and that would be at the forefront of many purchasing decisions. That obviously wasn't a very good way to shop, and as a result I ended up with a closet full of things that I truthfully didn't really …
THE CLOSET ESSENTIALS NO.2: The White Shirt
The next item on the Closet Essentials list can be a bit of tricky one: it's a simple piece, but - if my personal experience is of any indication - finding a good one can require a lot of searching. The "perfect" white shirt is completely individual, based on your body type, style, and needs. And although the process is long, the end result is completely worth it: the right piece will be a complete classic in your wardrobe, giving off the most easy, chic vibe. Paired with black cigarette pants, …
THE CLOSET ESSENTIALS NO.1: The Black Pump
After going through the process of downsizing your closet, then comes the fun part: building it back up! I'm excited to start sharing some of my "Closet Essentials" list with you, starting off with the super classic, tried-and-true black pump. I personally like mine single soled (i.e. no platform), pointy, and between 3-4 inches, as I think those features make for the most flattering and chic pump. I'd also recommend buying the best quality you can afford: it's worth it to invest in great shoes, …