Dressing daily- transition from wearing clothes to wearing outfits

 Savouring Simple Daily Pleasures

"It is the silence that provides clarity and precision.  Creativity arises from stillness and when there are too many thoughts in our minds that create confusion. It is actually the silence around the thoughts that creates the clarity- that creates the focus" Andy Puddicombe

Savoring simple daily pleasures- while the absolute ethos and core of the blog, and I shall always be someone who notices the little details and takes huge pleasure from daily life, savoring the seemingly mundane and appreciating the ordinary magic in our lives.

 I have come to truly realize over quite some time and many walks- to sort my thoughts and give space to creativity, that I derive so much pleasure from dressing, daily. Putting outfits together, being creative- not necessarily shopping but pulling from what I have. Trying new combinations or investing in a new style or cut and adapting current pieces with it. Using clothing to channel my mood, how I carry myself in a particular outfit or style, and setting an intentional trajectory for the day or event. Its an intrinsic and really important part of my day- and I believe so firmly that there is a big difference between an outfit and just putting on clothes- letting the clothes wear you, instead of finding and rejoicing in your true style and all the joy and knock on feelings, emotions and confidence that comes with that. Its empowering, fundamental, and a prerequisite to a day of productivity and composure- to live your best life. Everyday. 

I am a busy working Mum of two teenage girls. We don't eat out a huge amount, we attend a handful of functions and special dinners or events a year, and similarly, with outings to the Ballet or theatre, and generally we entertain at home with friends or casual dinners around town. I walk to my place of work, (even tho I have a car I love to drive too) and we travel overseas a few times a year and have regular beach vacations within New Zealand. But I'm pretty ordinary, with a pretty average income and lifestyle. My life and my daily tasks and objectives would resonate with countless women of a similar age around the world no doubt. I don't often need to dust off the ball gowns, stilettos or power fitted two-piece suit. 

I derive so much joy and creativity from planning my wardrobe, my daily outfits, and dressing each day. Choosing to put together and wear outfits rather than just clothes. The finer details, the unexpected accessories, and the seasonal changes, while remaining faithful to my true personal style. Having a little fun!

I'm not swayed by current trends easily- and it may take me a year or more to experiment with a new style - from skinny jeans to barrel leg for example. I LOVE to shop, hence my conscious pullback last year with my NO BUY YEAR. And I love a good deal- who doesn't!? Picking up a quality timeless piece for a fraction of its original cost- on sale, consignment or secondhand, gives me a little frisson of excitement and a rush of those endorphins we shoppers like. 

When you get to a point when you know what you really like to wear, give yourself permission to invest in quality pieces in the confidence you'll wear them often. I'm not suggesting you go into debt or spend what you don't have ( Eh humm....been there) but make a list and know what you're looking for, keep an eye out for bargains, and be prepared to wait. Constantly edit pieces you no longer like, use or require or that are ill-fitting or scratchy- or that you simply don't feel good in. And when you make your list be precise- list honestly your Needs, wants and Nice to haves.  If you have the money and the right piece crops up- do it. But be mindful to purchase or acquire items that you will wear- Be very mindful of how you spend your wardrobe dollars- spend them in the area you spend most time. If you keep buying cocktail dresses but never go to formal events, yet spend 95% of your time in tatty athleisure and sloppy tees.... it might be time to re-look at your priorities when it comes to new purchases. 

 I am currently on the hunt for a timeless trench- I realize they are very a la mode right now, but I have worn trenches for years and I'm just looking to replace and update my current tired one. Which, I hasten to add, I got during a ClothesSchwap when my girls were babies. I also have a cropped one purchased second-hand at least 10 years ago but sometimes cropped just won't cut it. pun intended!

At the tender age of 18 I saved my money up from my Saturday job (In a clothing store- my first department was the shoes....it stuck) and I purchased a classic trench coat, a traditional umbrella in a muted plaid with a wooden hook handle, and buttery soft chocolate brown kid leather gloves for my darling Mama who was turning 50. This year shes turns 80- and she still wears and enjoys all three of those quality purchases. 

So my style and love of clothing isn't about the latest trends or fast fashion- its about presenting yourself well, expressing your true style, and above all, making you feel good. 

I am reaching my late forties (!) and I think the more years I have behind me the more relaxed I am about being judged and confirming- I am by no means wild in my style sense, and generally and fairly neutral and classic, with the odd bold color or print thrown in- and always room for leopard. But I remember the angst of teens and early twenties where if it was exactly as we were told it should be, it was so wrong it was cringe-worthy. Stuff and nonsense to that I now say with alacrity! 

While I believe there are some rules or guidelines we'd be wise to stick to in terms of body shape, age, lifestyle, and geographical positioning- I believe if you feel good in what you are wearing you naturally project that- you look good too. Own it. 

So its quite likely for the next little while this blog may take a slightly different path and focus a little more on style, wardrobe staples, and clothing choices. Its a topic I never get tired of and feel I have much to offer as well as much to discover. 

I still firmly stand by my "savoring simple daily pleasures" motto, as the perfect coffee, a cracking fire or dressing well are all equally pleasurable to me in my everyday. 

This encompasses everything from grooming to undergarments, handbags, accessories, and shoes to nightwear. 

Just as if you have had a great workout or a run, you are more inclined to reach for the green juice or protein-packed breakfast, so too if you are in attire that speaks volumes about how you wish your day to go. Even when I am sick- I feel better showering and dressing in something presentable but comfy, with maybe a little makeup or none but clean hair and always a spritz of fragrance. During lockdowns I still showered, dressed, styled my hair and put a little makeup and perfume on every day- without fail. This was as much for me as my family's benefit. We still had jobs to do-all be it from home, school classes to attend online, and each other to be there for. 

Getting dressed is something we (Hopefully) all do every day. So why not enjoy and savor it. Appreciate and be grateful for our clothes and our wardrobes, look after our garments, seek to buy quality over quantity and be open to new styles and possibilities. 

This week I will post my daily outfits on my Instagram, and we'll check back in next week. Thanks for stopping by.