Minimalism

I would like to end this year with less stuff than I have now and to have a smaller, more focused wardrobe.  However, with regard to my wardrobe, I don't really know where to focus.  I feel like my tastes change so often.  I am hoping a common theme will emerge over this year. 

Last night, I was reading "I Love Your Style - How to Define and Refine Your Personal Style" by Amanda Brooks.  She discusses different styles - Classic, Bohemian, Minimal, High Fashion, Street, Eclectic.  I don't think I have to go with just one style, but I was immediately drawn to these photos in "Minimal" -




Amanda Brooks



Sophia Coppola



Then I woke up this morning really wanting a pair of black snakeskin ballet flats.  I guess my subconscious thought is that if I'm only going to have a few items in my closet, they should be simple, well-made and beautiful.  I'm a little surprised by that feeling, because I'm usually drawn to what is bright and flashy.  Do you like the "Minimal" style?

One year

While pondering my month of not buying clothes, I came across the blog of a girl who wore only one dress for a whole year (www.onedressprotest.com).  It made me start thinking, "Is my one month enough?"  I was telling a friend at church this morning that I was thinking about extending my moratorium on clothing purchases to a year.  As soon as the words came out of my mouth, I knew I had to do it. 

I have to admit that on the way home from church my brain started thinking about all of the items I might want this year.  Could I start after I buy a new pair of jeans?  What about my running shoes that are about to wear out?  What if I get invited to something for which I don't have the appropriate attire?  And I thought about all of the fun places I am going in the next few months - New York, Las Vegas, Palm Springs.  I was really looking forward to the shopping.

However, under all of those frantic thoughts is an excitement in my gut.  Instead of feeling restricted by the prospect of not buying clothes for a year, I feel more free.  I'm relieved of the decision about whether to buy this or that.  I can spend all my shopping time on other pursuits.  I can use that money for something bigger than myself.  I am interested to see how my perspective on fashion and style will change in the next year.  I really want my life to say "The Lord has provided", and how can it say that if I am constantly filling it with more than I need?  So, here we go...


"You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance.  Your people settled in it, and from your bounty, O God, you provided for the poor."  Psalm 68:9,10

*In full disclosure, I am going to continue sewing, which may include some clothes for myself.  Sewing feels very different to me than shopping, so (for now) I do not consider buying fabric and sewing clothes the same thing as buying clothes.

Morning sun

Fun day

I know I've been seriously introspective this week, so I decided to do something a little fun today.  I planned a date with my youngest daughter.  I needed an outfit that was appropriate for a restaurant lunch and the park, so I thought about this photo -

I am sure we all have button up shirts and pullover sweaters.  I looked through my closet and came up with this combination that I have never worn before -

When you start trying to put random shirts and sweaters together, the combinations could be endless.  You could even be bolder with the colors and patterns, because it's such a preppy look.

Dressed in our nice but comfortable outfits we headed off to lunch.  I know I've shown you this place before, but I have really been wanting to go back -

It's Flip Burger.  And it's nice and empty at 11:00 on Friday.

Of course, we had to start our meal with a Nutella and burnt marshmallow milkshake.

It gave my daughter a stomach ache.  Bad mommy.  We moved on to our meal.  I ventured into strange territory with the chorizo burger, which comes with hash browns and fried eggs on top -

It was so good.  The fries were useful for taking the edge off the spice -

Then I had to let my daughter run off her sugar high, so we visited Chastain Park, which is where I used to go as a kid.  It's much nicer now.  The trees are amazingly huge and gnarly.

Now it's time for a movie.

Can shoes bring me happiness?

I originally posted this photo in December.  Ever since then, my desire for these boots has steadily increased.  I thought they might be the answer to my search for the perfect cute and comfortable shoe.  When I read that every editor at Lucky Magazine was wearing a version of this shoe, I was confirmed in my choice.  However, I had a gut feeling that I was beginning to live under the illusion that my next purchase was going to make me happy.

I don't think I have ever prayed specifically about purchasing shoes before, but I felt like I should ask God if I should buy them.  After a couple of days, he said, "No. Give the money to _______" and gave me a specific name.  Someone else needed the money, and I needed to be set free.  So, I wrote a check for $127.95 and sent it on its way.  And that made me happy.

Brussel sprouts

I have to share these with you, because they made my day -

These are the brussel sprouts we had for dinner.  I couldn't stop eating them.  The little burnt leaves taste like candy.  This is how you make them -

Cut the ends off each sprout then cut them in half
Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt and pepper
Spread them out on a pan
Bake them in the oven at 350 until you can smell them

Delicious!

Fashion Week is coming

Next week, I'm going back to New York for the beginning of Fashion Week.  For me, it is the ultimate way of appreciating fashion without feeling the need to acquire it (as I spoke about in my previous post).  The creative expressions of the attendees spur me to think more creatively.  To get you ready, here are a few photos from September that I have never shown you -



Blogger Susie Bubble

Susie Bubble (above) writes a very detailed blog on fashion.  She always finds and wears items that are on the cutting edge of clothing design.

I don't particularly like this next outfit all together, but the individual pieces (the fan, the feathers, the studded belt, the sparkly skirt) are each interesting on their own -



Once again, I don't think I would wear all of these pieces together, but I really like the bright stripe on the pants and the criss-cross straps on the shoes -

I'm getting excited.