Savoring simple daily pleasures
As we approach the change in seasons in earnest- with days getting longer and warmer and, thank heavens, the clocks changing next weekend, I've been bust thinking about switching out my wardrobe and giving some thought to style, and what makes us feel good to wear: for our size, shape, tastes and lifestyle.
My journey of a no buy year (with the odd hiccough!) this year has helped me to hone in one the styles I prefer, the colours and hues that suit me and my skin tone, and the overall essence of what makes me feel confident and pulled together.
I know any people have "had their colours done", which is something I have never invested in as such. Being from an artistic background and family, the use of colour is something which comes naturally to me and is instinctive. I think most of us know when we try on a garment if it makes us feel good, if the colour compliments our skin or washes us out, if the pop of colour is something we can feel confident with. I cant wear orange or anything lime green for example- but burnt orange and rusts or olive greens are colours I enjoy wearing- especially in the autumn.
Its become apparent my winter pallet consists of some key items which can mix and match with each other in a variety of combinations and looks.
Tan, cream and off white
Navy and dark denim
Black and white
Olive green and greys
Nautical stripes
And for pops of colour, a bright red and a shocking pink make an appearance - sparingly.
Leopard is always a good idea, in moderation, and in my book is a neutral.
Most of these colours can transition into spring summer too, with a heavier lean on the creams, whites and lighter denim.
Even with trying not to purchase anything new in the past 9 months during this no buy year, and with regular declutters and culls of my seasonal wardrobe, I am itching to get into it next month when I have time for a wardrobe overhaul and to try to hone it right back to the minimal (within reason!) capsule wardrobe I historically was so disciplined about. For years I practiced the 10 item wardrobe and gradually it has built and gathered and increased back up again to many many items.
Half my problem is I think I have rather a good eye for a bargain and also for a second hand/ pre loved gem, and when I get that lovely rush of endorphins after scoring an absolute steal of a quality, timeless well-made garment, I find it really hard to let that go and admit that its surplus to requirements... or doesn't fit, requires repair or alteration, doesn't quite suit me etc. if its something I know is high quality and I paid a minimal amount for! I need to be strong and re home those items. I can think of two in particular right now hanging in my wardrobe- a grey/ mushroom colours silk blouse with black trim. Its beautiful quality, and fits me, but is a little dull and I'm not sure it does much for me- its not exiting or a statement or classic enough to be kept- If I'm brutally honest its still there because I know it would have been a few hundred dollars originally, is well made and above all 100% quality silk. None of those are really good enough reasons to be taking up valuable hanging space.
Id like to get back to a point where there is ample space between hanging garments, so nothing needs sliding along to retrieve an item, where I know exactly what I've got as there isn't so much that I forget about pieces that I own. That everything fits me well, suits me and I LIKE it. Including shoes. ( I have a teeny tiny problem with a shoe addiction)
I also have several items that were thoughtful gifts that aren't quite right, or hand me downs that were a generous idea but not me, or things I've worn and loved so much they've lived their life, or styles that are not me- that are just not me. Its hard to tune into some times but you know when you put an outfit together if you feel good. I'm talking confident, spring in your step, comfortable and stylish as well as functional. We all have one or two outfits we know we feel a million dollars in. All our clothes should make us feel this good- not a little uncomfortable, or self conscious, or require constant tweaking or adjustment thought-out the day. Effortlessly stylish and US.
I have a confession: I recently purchased a pair of espadrilles for summer- purely for nostalgic reasons. I have vivid memories of one summer growing up, a hot true English summer that began in May and ended in September, with warm days, twilight humm of lawnmowers at 10pm, hot air ballons and peach juice dripping down our arms- and for that summer I wore a pair of yellow and white striped espadrilles. When I saw these, I had to have them- and I cannot wait to put them on as the weather turns and the ground dries out form all our recent heavy rains. They feel like carefree childish joy.
Who says clothes aren't emotional! They are something we wear and have to consider and select in some capacity every single day- why not enjoy the process!?
I shall update you all in a week or two once I've started my mission!
0 $type={blogger}