This year I've been thinking about replacements. At the beginning of the year, I set a goal for myself to buy only replacements in order to save money toward paying down our mortgage. "Replacements" can be quite a broad category, if desired to be so. (How about I replace the hole in my wardrobe, with these cute shoes?) :) I'm not so sure how vigilant I have been about keeping my purchases only to replacements, although I have tried. I may have even forgotten about this commitment from time to time.
This notion of replacements in regards to my clothing has been on my mind. I don't hold fast to the one in one out principle, but I'm not really the type of person to let a lot of clothing linger in my closet either. I like to know what I have...and for all of it to have a purpose. I've been wondering if it could be useful to have a list of pieces...and then to simply fill in the corresponding blanks (+ let go accordingly as well). This system would allow the idea of replacements to work quite nicely.
It has taken me a while to observe what I wear...what I prefer...and my patterns of boredom + frustration. I don't think that any of these things are set in stone, but there are some patterns that I can begin to see over time. For example, I feel like I should love wearing jeans every day, but I often find them constricting + uncomfortable. I don't need to wear jeans. Well, that's something to consider. As far as pants (trousers) are concerned, I prefer a high waist + a cropped leg on my figure. Good to know. And as far as boredom goes...even if I really like an outfit, I can get tired of wearing it over a period of months.
I've been playing with the elements of a somewhat minimal list of year round clothing + here's what I'm thinking at the moment.
-tank tops x 3
-t-shirts x 3
-long-sleeved tops x 3
-sweatshirt
-pullover
-cardigan
-fitted jacket
-dress?
-jumpsuit
-pants x3 (one pair being jeans?)
-leggings
-shorts
-clogs
-sandals
-trainers
-boots
-flats
total :: 25 pieces
This does not include under layers, athletic wear, pajamas, or outerwear...although there is some cross over...+ those categories do have their own minimal numbers.
I find the idea of the list appealing, because would make it simple to know that I have enough. I've thought through each season + all the combinations that this limited number of pieces would offer. It would help me to plan my wardrobe season by season and would reign in purchasing + spending. It feels freeing somehow to know that one button down is probably enough...and to have fun choosing the most versatile pullover. Of course, these are mostly things to look forward to...as at the moment letting go would be the most pressing part of instituting the list. I think that simply setting aside some pieces might be smart at first (rather than letting them go).
I feel like this might be a good method for a mostly thrifted wardrobe. As pieces wear out, replacements can be found.
Flexibility is also freeing to me, so if I found that I really would prefer to have four pairs of pants or two sweatshirts...that's fine. Time could certainly change desires, so the list could adapt. The observation + the conclusions would be satisfying.
So what do you think? Is there any appeal to having a list?
Love,
Jane
This notion of replacements in regards to my clothing has been on my mind. I don't hold fast to the one in one out principle, but I'm not really the type of person to let a lot of clothing linger in my closet either. I like to know what I have...and for all of it to have a purpose. I've been wondering if it could be useful to have a list of pieces...and then to simply fill in the corresponding blanks (+ let go accordingly as well). This system would allow the idea of replacements to work quite nicely.
It has taken me a while to observe what I wear...what I prefer...and my patterns of boredom + frustration. I don't think that any of these things are set in stone, but there are some patterns that I can begin to see over time. For example, I feel like I should love wearing jeans every day, but I often find them constricting + uncomfortable. I don't need to wear jeans. Well, that's something to consider. As far as pants (trousers) are concerned, I prefer a high waist + a cropped leg on my figure. Good to know. And as far as boredom goes...even if I really like an outfit, I can get tired of wearing it over a period of months.
I've been playing with the elements of a somewhat minimal list of year round clothing + here's what I'm thinking at the moment.
-tank tops x 3
-t-shirts x 3
-long-sleeved tops x 3
-sweatshirt
-pullover
-cardigan
-fitted jacket
-dress?
-jumpsuit
-pants x3 (one pair being jeans?)
-leggings
-shorts
-clogs
-sandals
-trainers
-boots
-flats
total :: 25 pieces
This does not include under layers, athletic wear, pajamas, or outerwear...although there is some cross over...+ those categories do have their own minimal numbers.
I find the idea of the list appealing, because would make it simple to know that I have enough. I've thought through each season + all the combinations that this limited number of pieces would offer. It would help me to plan my wardrobe season by season and would reign in purchasing + spending. It feels freeing somehow to know that one button down is probably enough...and to have fun choosing the most versatile pullover. Of course, these are mostly things to look forward to...as at the moment letting go would be the most pressing part of instituting the list. I think that simply setting aside some pieces might be smart at first (rather than letting them go).
I feel like this might be a good method for a mostly thrifted wardrobe. As pieces wear out, replacements can be found.
Flexibility is also freeing to me, so if I found that I really would prefer to have four pairs of pants or two sweatshirts...that's fine. Time could certainly change desires, so the list could adapt. The observation + the conclusions would be satisfying.
So what do you think? Is there any appeal to having a list?
Love,
Jane
