There seems to be lots of buzz in the blogging world about creating a capsule wardrobe or paring clothing down to those essential items that bring you joy. My friend Carrie at A Lovely Little Wardrobe is doing just that, and she has some great suggestions to get you started. While I agree with the idea in theory, I'm not ready to go that far. The problem is, most of my clothes bring me joy, and I like variety.
Over the holidays, I did decide that it was time to take a "critical" eye to my closet, and I donated two big bags of clothing to the thrift store. But there's still a LOT of stuff in there. I started counting what I have for research purposes, but I got bored in about five minutes.
Instead, I thought it would be fun to see how long I can go without wearing the same thing twice. At this point, the experiment could last well into spring! This will only apply to sweaters, tops, jackets and scarves. My bottoms are more limited and pretty basic, and I don't own that many pairs of shoes (Deena is fainting somewhere in Saskatoon right now).
Rather than turning my hangers and switching them around when I wear something, I'm going to try to take an outfit picture everyday. Maybe this will help me get rid of more items when I see the photographic evidence of how they look on me. Feel free to comment if you think something should go!
Finally, I'm not planning to purchase anything new for the next few months. I'll never get through my closet if I keep adding new things.
I've only got two outfits to share this week. I spent the first three days of 2016 in sweats, taking down Christmas decorations and doing the closet clean out. Both the blue sweater and the plaid shirt were buried in the depths, forgotten and never worn.
Clearly I need help. Let the experiment begin!
What a great idea! I think most of us could go longer than we think without wearing something twice or buying something new!
ReplyDeleteIt will be fun to see how long it lasts!
DeleteI'm trying the turning hanger thing but this is an even better idea! I'm looking forward to seeing how you do with this experiment! Both of these outfits are super cute!
ReplyDeleteJill
Doused In Pink
Thanks Jill. I actually think the hanger idea is really good.
Deletehahahah. You funny. I did this when I went back in September and lasted almost to Christmas (with my clothes) The shoes were another story. I also like variety and am not a capsule girl...love the idea of taking a photo. I'm going through my sweaters right now, I should just start 2 days in...
ReplyDeleteIt was your shoe wearing that gave me the idea to do this. I just need more shoes!
DeleteI love the second look most of all! Very stylish. I'm kinda putting myself on a spending hiatus, too, because I simply do not need anymore winter clothes! And as far as a capsule, I love my clothes way to much for that, too!
ReplyDeleteThanks Laura. So far it's been easy to not buy anything - but it's only been 6 days -haha!
DeleteOh man! This is something I really need to do. I think I might be able to go a full year without a repeat. Yes, I have a problem, but like you, I adore variety and would quickly get bored with a capsule wardrobe. Even the name "capsule" sounds like medicine to me.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I'd run out of quickly is jeans. I own 4 pairs I think and yet that is one of the items I wear the most when I'm at home. Hmmm...there may be a lesson in there somewhere but I'm not willing to listen just yet.
I do hope to go through some of my closet though. I've run out of space.
bisous
Suzanne
I would love to see your closet. You have the most beautiful clothes!
DeleteOmg I've got to go through my clothes again and dump stuff. I do it yearly. Which means I end up tossing tons of stuff out to charity with tags on it. Call me a compulsive clothes shopper???
ReplyDeleteI'm right there with ya!
DeleteBoth are such cute looks!! :)
ReplyDeleteJaymie
www.jaymieashcraft.com
I look forward to seeing your outfits. But how will you remember if you've worn something already? Do you have a side to your closet that you could move already-worn-items to? Or maybe put THOSE items on backwards hangers. With my memory I'd forget! ~Sheila @Making the Most of Every Day
ReplyDeleteSince I'm taking pictures of each outfit, I'm putting them in a folder for reference. I might end up turning the hangers around though!
DeleteYou look adorable and these outfits and I bet you look adorable in sweats too! This is such a fabulous idea and I'm going to try a few of the tips myself!
ReplyDeleteThanks Andrea! I do have lots of sweats...
DeleteThis is a great idea and I need to do the same thing. Always talking about "I have nothing to wear" when really I have no idea whats on my closet
ReplyDeleteI was feeling the same way. Hopefully this will help me weed out the things I don't really like.
DeleteWhat a great idea! I tend to abide by the William Morris quote to not have anything in your house that you do not believe to be beautiful or know to be useful. That eliminates a lot of my wardrobe! I used to hang on to things hoping I'd fit back in them or just out of guilt over the money I spent on them, but I've cleared out everything as per William Morris! xx
ReplyDeleteYour clothes are so beautiful, I can't imagine you'd want to get rid of anything! But you're right, we shouldn't keep things that don't make us happy!
DeleteYay! I can't wait to see how long you can go with no repeats. That's actually a really fun idea. Thank you for the shout out, friend!
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to see your pared down wardrobe. Maybe I'll get there eventually!
DeleteI barely have a 3 maybe 4 week supply and I'm going to pair down... lol, except for my tank tops... I need everyone of then ;-) ... you look cute Lana ... have a great week ♡
ReplyDeleteThanks Launna. You too!
DeleteCute outfits! Looking forward to seeing how long you can go with repeating a look. :-)
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
It will be at least a few months, but probably longer. Thanks!
DeleteI've heard about the Konmari thing - if they bring you joy or not - as well as turning the hangers back.
ReplyDeleteEither way, I can never figure out how and when to get rid of clothes. I wonder how long I could go without repeating. I'd say keep what's in that photo!
I'm not very good at getting rid of clothes either - clearly. We'll see how this works out!
DeleteYou look fantastic! Kudos for your experiment. I, on the other hand do (and always have) hate shopping. If it were up to me, I would wear the same micro wardrobe always. Fortunately, Husby loves to shop. And he had gifted me with many suits and sweaters. Most of which are surprisingly attractive. Well, on the hangers, at least . . .
ReplyDeleteI could use with a little less shopping! I love that your husband loves to shop and buys things for you!
DeleteThis sounds like a fun experiment Lana. When I cleaned out my closet a while back I discovered items I had been overlooking - and it was like I had just been shopping. I love the blue color of your sweater - both outfits are definitely keepers!
ReplyDeleteThanks Susan. I found many things I hadn't worn forever!
Deletesuch a great idea, I got rid of a TON of shoes... now I feel like I need to add back to my collection lol
ReplyDeleteConfessions of a Frumpy Mommy
There might be a few calling your name from Vegas!
DeleteI'm a big fan of the capsule wardrobe concept. It's seems so simple. I tried to do it last year, but never found a few of the "essentials" to make it work. And now I have too many things I don't wear, even after getting rid of stuff. Anyway...the blue sweater is cute with the scarf and I'm a fan of plaid for fall and winter, so I like both your outfits!
ReplyDeleteI do like the idea in theory - maybe one of these days.
DeleteI can't wait to see all you come up with! I"m sure you have lots of great things! You have such a great sense of style.
ReplyDeleteThank you Rena!
DeleteI absolutely love the idea of the experiment. It actually might help me survive the next few months shopping free. Plus, in January after Christmas I'm always broke, so any expense reducing idea is welcomed. Great post xx Abby
ReplyDeleteThanks Abby. It will be interesting!
DeleteI don't think I can even count everything I own, especially my tops. I could go months without repeating outfits also. I have done the capsule thing but I much prefer the entire closet too. You look great in navy. I love the second outfit, Lana.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ada. It would be fun to see inside your closet!
DeleteHOw did I miss this?! Love it! Such a good idea! Maybe I'll join you for February?
ReplyDeleteThat would be so fun! I will still be going - it may take all year!
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