I think I gave the impression in my previous post that applying the principle of “does it spark joy?” when deciding what to keep in my closet was really easy. It was easy, for 90% of it. I started running into trouble with the remaining 10% and started to think and question too much. So although the KonMari Method recommends cleaning in one fell swoop, I had to put that pile aside, clear my head (which meant ignoring it for a few days), and coming back later.
What I learned from that:
- If I answer “I don’t know” to the question “Does it spark joy”, then the answer is really “No.”
- It’s ok to say goodbye to something I loved before but no longer love now. I used to worry sometimes that my tastes are too fickle, but now I’m just going to go with it. Things change, that’s always ok.
Kit & Ace sleeveless top // Mexx cardigan // J.Crew necklace // Gap ponte leggings // eric michael booties
Some other important things I learned when going through the exercise of going through my closet:
- Neutrals rule. As much as I like colour, I prefer to keep it as an accent and stick (mostly) to a palette of black and grey. I know, it’s not very adventurous, it’s not out of my comfort zone, but it works for me, and my life needs my closet to be safe and easy right now. I love this, but not right now. Maybe later.
- Things that spark joy don’t have to be fancy, or really unique, or really different. I love a simple pair of black leggings or black ballet flats. A basic black pencil skirt makes me happy. Just because they’re simple pieces doesn’t mean they can’t spark joy. I used to think that basics were mere necessities, but maybe I used to have the wrong ones.
- I’m never ever paying attention to those lists of "Wardrobe Essentials" or "10 Things Every Woman Must Own" again. Every woman is different, and while these guides might be helpful for some people, they don’t work for me. I don’t have a blazer (never found one I liked), I don’t have any button-down shirts (shocker for someone who works in an office), and I won’t get any unless I find ones I love.
First, you look great. I like your neutral pallet. And your hair is getting so long!
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who is also reading that book and doing the tasks laid out. She, too, is taking her time with it. But the amount of stress that book would bring me would be astronomical. She agreed and told me not to read it. I'm too much of a hoarder. I envy both of you girls who can edit your stuff down. I do donate a bunch in my closet each year, but I really need to make a larger effort. I find joy in too much!
I agree with you about those wardrobe essentials. I have another friend whom swears by those lists and will only buy items from them. I guess we all have some sort of edit in our lives.
I am so hoping this 2015 has been awesome for you so far!
Jenni
Thanks my dear! :) My hair is getting long again, I'm due for a cut but I always put it off. And then the longer I put it off, the more hair I'll have to chop off.
DeleteI don't think this book is for everyone, so if it will cause you stress, don't read it. It's not worth it. It happens to work for me, and that's great, but I don't think there's one solution for everyone.
So far, 2015 has been pretty good! Fingers crossed it stays that way. :)
Grey is a good colour on you. You look amazing. I also really like your glasses.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm like Jenni... I tend to be a hoarder. I think it's because like you pointed out, tastes change. I gave away a pair of gold sandals 15 years ago. I regretted it a few years later and that mistake still haunts me.
I tend to the opposite of hoarding, I'm a chronic purger for the most part. I've definitely had some regrets that I think about occasionally. But in the grand scheme of things, a regret about clothes given away is not the end of the world. If those are the only regrets I have, I'm doing pretty well.
DeleteI like that you found what works for you and are sticking with it. I agree that those "Essential Wardrobe Pieces" lists are pretty misleading, because like you said, every woman is different. Like if I were to come up with a list like that, it'd include a brightly-colored coat (because Seattle can get dreary and cold, so a brightly colored coat will keep you warm AND give you some color to look at!) and at least one shirt with a llama on it because I happen to love llamas. Not quite applicable to people who live in Arizona or non-llama lovers.
ReplyDelete