This last week of March has brought a couple of days with temperatures that touched the 70s F! As I write this I'm feeling resistant to thinking back on the rest of this cold + cloudy month. I just want to look forward to sun-kissed shoulders + bare feet. It's coming.

New collections came out this month which fueled those dreams. Dreaming made it a little easier to tolerate the still present leggings + sweaters...as did trading long-sleeved tees for short-sleeved ones, wool socks for cotton, and fur-lined boots for trainers. Little switches really did make things feel a bit fresher. 

My closet received a mini clean out + a few things were put up for sale on ebay. The usefulness of my pieces has come into acute focus over the past few years. I like the concept of objects maintaining their value through use. If I'm not using a piece to its full potential, it can feel good to pass it on to someone else who will use it well. I'm not looking to replace things with newer, shinier or more exciting versions. Less is liberating + often brings more value to the things that remain.

I'd been keeping an eye out for a restock of Aliya Wanek's beautiful sweatshirts all winter. A longer sweatshirt would be useful year-round in my simple wardrobe. This month I was able to purchase one in just the color I'd been waiting for. The rewards of patience have been evident lately. Now if I can just internalize + apply the lesson going forward!

This month it felt good to wear what is in my closet, to try on a few versatile pieces that I'm looking forward to wearing over + over in the warmer months to come, and to let a few things expand their stories with another wearer. Tiny moves have been made toward a truer alignment with function + beauty in my life + in my wardrobe.

For accountability's sake: (March)
bought fair :: sweatshirt
sold :: sweatshirt, pants, shoes

Love,
​Jane

A couple of Saturdays ago, I found myself sucked into a van life rabbit hole. One video turned into another...partially because I found this couple just so likable.  :) I haven't been totally attracted to long-term van life, because it doesn't fit our stage of life right now...but I am attracted to a life filled with exploration + adventure + not being hindered by stuff.

When I'm trying to keep perspective on how much I do have + that I don't need more, I often think of people far less fortunate than my family. I'm so lucky to have all that I do have. I have everything that I need. This week I found myself thinking of van lifers as well...having all they need in that vehicle...especially in terms of clothing. When I'm on vacation I'm happy to wear the one sweatshirt I have, when it's sweatshirt weather. I'm happy to wear the one pair of pants or shorts or jacket or trainers or sandals that I have. I wash things less often, but enough. It doesn't matter if I wear the same sweatshirt for parts of every day for two weeks. I'm not really thinking about my clothing, because I'm looking outward ...experiencing every moment of every day. My clothing is quite important. (I've had to buy an extra layer when I misjudged things on camping trips.) Clothing enables the adventure. It's a tool. It keeps the mosquitos off, enables swimming, hikes well, keeps me cozy or cool or dry.

I'd like to be able to keep this perspective in mind in my daily life as well. I don't have to keep all of my clothes in a cubby, but there is no reason that I (+ the planet) can't benefit from this mindset.

I think I've linked this video here before, but it combines what to me is the best of van life + mindful living. My thoughts revisit this concept often. Intentional living comes in an endless number of forms + can be just so incredibly creatively constructed.

Love,
Jane

Today I started a little bit of a wardrobe transition from winter toward spring. This involved a good closet cleaning + the consideration of each piece that went back in. I have a carry-on suitcase that goes in that space between the shelf + the wall that holds my out-of-season pieces (+ keeps my woolies air-tight in the summer). In went the gloves, hat + scarf. Out came the short sleeved tees. (It's optimistic, but I'm wanting to try the lighter layer under my pullovers.) In the closet go the parka + boots. Fingers crossed.

This is a really great time to think about what I wore this winter + what I didn't wear. I'm going to set aside the pieces that didn't earn their keep + see how my wardrobe functions without them...while it is still cold. I'm excited about this little learning experience...even if it involves only the tiniest of shake-ups. I'll reevaluate the set aside pieces' usefulness in a few weeks. 

The sun is out + we're ready for spring!  :)

Love,
Jane

After I made my imaginary small, fair wardrobe for work, I told Jo that I would make her one too. I finally made good on that promise.  :) Since I know some of her preferences + her employer's dress code, this little collection is pretty customized. Almost all of the pieces here are secondhand (+ pretty awesome!). I very much enjoy trying to collect pieces that will mix + match + layer in so many ways. I used most of the same principals here that I did in my original post.

I like how every single one of the tops could be layered over the dress. A top + the cardigan would even work with the dress. The tee paired with the jeans + a pair of Vans (they didn't fit into the grid) could be quite casual. The cardigan could be layered on for cooler days. Another casual outfit could be made with the Vans + tee (tied at the hip with the knot turned under + the dress (tied at one knee). The button up can be worn tucked into the pleated pants, tied over the dress or layered (both under + over). That's just the beginning of the looks that could be created. Lots of choice.  :)

Twelve pieces that could make up a very versatile work wardrobe for Jo:
-black jeans
-pleated pants
-skirt 
-dress
-cardigan
-pullover
-top
-tee
​-button up 
-oxfords
-boots
​-Vans

All lovely photos via links.

Hope you like it, Jo! 

Love,
Mama (Jane)  :)

During the past year I decreased my wardrobe...and then made some silly purchases trying to create excitement + style. Of course this is about more than just clothing. It's about contentment. It's about what I'm trying to say with my clothing rather than my life. I'd like to focus on contentedness + living life outside of a focus on clothes. I do like fashion, but I am feeling the need to forget clothing a little more...in order to stop always looking for more.

One of the tools that has come in handy on this journey has been my list of pieces that I've decided is enough. I compiled the first list during a year spent trying to buy only replacements. I found it helpful to have a list of things that I'd deemed worthy of being replaced...a list of highly scrutinized "necessities". Over the past year + a half, I've continued to consider the necessity of each item on that list. I've observed what is truly necessary during each season that passes + made note. Obviously we would each come to different conclusions for our basic simple wardrobes. I'd encourage taking weather, activities (work, lounge, weekends, events), style + comfort into account. My list includes daily clothing...but excludes outerwear + intimates. I could lounge, sleep + workout in the pieces I've included on my list.

My base wardrobe now consists of the 20 following items:
8 tops
7 bottoms
1 jumpsuit or dress
4 footwear

My current preferences break down like this:
-2 tanks
-2 tees 
-layering tanks + long-sleeved tees (counting these as 1 item, bc I don't wear them alone)
-1 sweatshirt
-2 sweaters 
-2 soft pants  
-2 fitted pants
-leggings
-2 shorts
-1 layer-able dress or jumpsuit 
-sandals 
-trainers
-boots
​-flats

When I have these wisely chosen items + they mix well...I have enough for all the seasons + all the situations I anticipate finding myself in. I can add pieces to this list, but I don't need more. The idea is that I can find rest...contentment...a break from the desire for more. I'd really like to get back to having long periods of time when I'm not thinking about my clothes...and short periods of time when I reassess what I need + shop for those specific pieces.

The way I composed this collection of pieces in the first place was just to shop my own wardrobe. There is no reason to go out + purchase a whole new "capsule wardrobe". I've found one trick to making "less" work in various situations is to choose pieces that aren't too casual or too dressy. Depending on the events for which one needs their wardrobe to function, pieces might be chosen accordingly (choose a black rayon dress + dressier flats or boots instead of pieces like those shown).

The images above are not the pieces I have in my simple wardrobe (those might be getting a little redundant around here).  :) They are a mix of thrifted + fair pieces that just might fit the bill. All lovely photos via links.

Love,
Jane

February was month four of real winter. I cannot remember a winter with as many ice days, snow days, and sub-zero temperature days as this one. I heard that the children in my hometown had had sixteen snow days this year...by mid-February! I know that never happened when I was growing up. February had me dreaming of spring...hard. I doubt I'm alone in that!  

End-of-season sales + peeks at spring collections came along + for the most part, I didn't even really try to resist "window shopping". The above fair leggings...a great addition to the dark ones I've been wearing since November were purchased with money received from selling some pants. A jumpsuit was made in attempts to stave off the temptation of a designer version. A dress was thrifted...and is folded away ready for warmer days.

February is my birthday month, so a gift was searched for. I decided on a cardigan-like layer...found on deep discount + tailored to my liking (hemmed shorter). I feel like I added quite a lot to my wardrobe in February. In hindsight, I wish I'd skipped the jumpsuit (but I will reuse the fabric).

On a positive note, my simple wardrobe has proved itself functionally in this cold weather. I have this dream that there is a single pair of boots that would be enough for every function...but I have not located them yet. This year, I purchased a pair of thrifted slim Uggs (deeming them satisfyingly off-trend enough to adopt).  :) I don't feel exceedingly stylish, but they close the gap between my preferred slightly cropped pant length exquisitely. When it is wet (snow, slush, freezing rain), I wear wool socks + leggings with my wellies. My feet + ankles have not been cold this year (a frigid memory that sticks with me from last winter). Two pairs of boots is not too many.

Last month, I shared that I had made a little plan of a few pieces I'd like to add to my wardrobe this year. This month I tried a piece on the winter portion of that list (supposed to be my birthday gift) + found that it doesn't really suit me. This provides a bit of a frustration, in that, I can't shop for fair pieces locally. I'd love to be able to go to a shop, gather a few pieces to try, see if they flatter + which size suits. The postage + delivery involved otherwise is less than optimal. It causes a whole lot more feelings than simply hanging something back on the hanger + leaving it at the store. Now I need to reevaluate my plan + feel a little less settled, but I'm trying to remind myself that simplicity is not necessarily easy. It takes work to be a good editor, so I might as well try to enjoy the process as much as possible.

For accountability's sake: (February)
​made :: jumpsuit (resisted an expensive temptation)
thrifted :: dress (patience rewarded) + cardigan (birthday gift)
purchased fair :: leggings (bought with profits from sold pants)
sold :: pants 

Love,
​Jane

Chances are most of us have come across a "capsule wardrobe" or two. Advice abounds on how to create one. There are also plentiful lists of wardrobe "must-haves". Inevitably it all starts to look similar: a white button-down shirt, black + white tees, black blazer, jeans, black pants, and a wrap dress.

It's easy to see why these "classics" show up again + again in capsule or minimalist wardrobes. They are versatile pieces that stand the test of time. And while I love these simple choices...sometimes one wants to have a bit more personalized style.

I've spent quite some time (years) looking for just the right fair cardigan in the right shape + material + price...to add to my simple wardrobe. Lately I've returned over + over to a slightly different option than I had in mind...Black Crane's Square Shirt. I love Black Crane for their unique architectural shapes...reminiscent (in my mind) of 80s Issey Miyake. I love their commitment to American manufacturing + natural fabrics. 

And...I love that they have developed some of their own signature shapes to return to collection after collection. This speaks to a sort of minimalist sensibility...a resiliency of style...and a versatility of design. It takes a stand against the frenetic churning out of design after design in the attempt to hit upon a few that sell. It tells the customer that a piece bought three years ago is still relevant + valuable.

I love the idea of embracing a few personal classics. There are some indisputable classics...like those listed above. But what if each of us were to choose a few of our own personal classics that we embrace year after year? Think Bill Cunningham's personal classic blue jacket or Chanel's signature suit. This embrace of a single versatile style encourages us to happily wear our clothing over + over...to keep them in use + out of the landfill...to search for enduring, versatile shapes...and helps us develop personal style!  :) I think the square shirt shown above (in different seasons' lengths, fabrics + hem variations...styled by different stockists) could be just such a personal classic for me.

All lovely photos via links. 

Love,
Jane

My fairdare goal for the year is to forget about clothes for long stretches of time...and to make/buy fewer pieces of clothing. I want to add clothes seldomly + purposefully. Ultimately, I am working toward building a beautiful, functional, simple, well-curated, small, fair collection of clothing. 

This last statement makes me think about if I already have all of that. To some extent I know that I do. There are enough clothes to cover my body in my closet...but the goal is to motivate myself to stick with this challenge all year. I like thinking about style + keeping an eye on what ethical designers are doing. If I tried to tell myself not to look at clothes or that I couldn't buy anything...the challenge would feel like drudgery + deprivation. I think that all of this is very personal. It helps to know ourselves. The frenzy of want can cloud our knowledge of ourselves...so taking steps to remove that is definitely helpful in the pursuit of said knowledge. There is so much value in taking "buy nothing" months or even a full year.

In January, I worked toward this goal, by committing to adding nothing to my wardrobe other than the quilted jacket I already had in progress. I tried to think about why I liked the clothes that I wore (especially when I felt tired of them). We are deep into the cold months here...which means lots of leggings + layers for me. What do I like about them? I like the comfort + warmth + ease of movement that my clothes offered me this month. 

The fun thing I did this month was to take a look at my simple wardrobe as a whole, to see all that is good in it + to dream of what I'd like to add in the year to come. What pieces would complement what is already there...what would be versatile...what do I know I will love wearing until it falls apart (there are those pieces that I just know)...what will be comfortable on the body + in the world...what would feel like "me"?

I wrote down a piece or two that I would like to add for each of the four seasons. There may also be an occasional replacement needed or treasure found...but I will not be on a constant search for an ambiguous "something". I will be free to live in a state of contentment. It's funny how happy it made me to see just a handful of pieces that I can look forward to choosing or making. The list makes me feel like I'm in control of the situation + my budget. It feels manageable, and I can see how my wardrobe will move closer to that beautiful, functional, simple, well-curated, small, fair collection of clothing I envision.

For accountability's sake: (January)
-wardrobe additions: a handmade, scrappy jacket

Love,
Jane

P.S. A few more sparks for personal fairdare challenges.

A quieter look in my closet was one goal of my recent closet reshuffle...limits was another. Four designated drawers create limits. For example, I have one drawer for my tees. I could easily fold all of my tees + tanks to fit here...summer + winter. I haven't decided if I want to do that, but it would work. I'm sticking with 5 summer tees/tanks total + 5 long-sleeved layering tees for colder months. In addition I have a few layering tanks that I wear under things year round. It's enough + it keeps replacement manageable.

In the drawer for layers, I have 3 sweaters + 2 sweatshirts. Nothing more will fit, so if I want another piece one will have to go. I really like what I have, so that will motivate me to avoid falling in love with a piece that I don't need.  :)

Limits...they're a good thing.

Love,
Jane

When I read or listen to the words of others talking about engaging in + maintaining habits like minimalism or healthy eating or zero-waste or sticking to a budget...they often offer motivations like the desire to travel* more or to lose x number of pounds or to fit their trash into a jar or to pay off loads of credit card debt. These motivations are concrete + measurable. They can be accomplished + lived. 

I hear these messages + wonder: What is my motivation? Am I at a point where I am just trying to maintain...to stay out of debt (other than our mortgage), to keep my wardrobe small, my purchases as fair as possible + my home free from the unnecessary? Yes, there is that. But should I be basing my life on experiences or making it a goal to travel more? Should I make a bucket list? Should I always be looking for the next thing?

I've struggled to think of what my motivation could be. I love things like experiences + travel. They just don't totally speak to me as a major motivation right now. 

I've finally worked out what my motivation is for myself through writing. I wrote + wrote until my mind came around to recognizing my personal motivation...compassion. It feels silly to have struggled so long...once I reached this conclusion. It's right there in the description of this space. Compassion motivates me to consider my tribe, my body, fellow humans, farmers, garment workers + the planet in my choices. It just seems a bit out of step with the motivations others offer as their own perfectly wonderful examples. 

Sometimes motivation is easy to recognize. Maybe our goals provide their own motivation. Maybe zero debt is the motivation. Maybe setting up a simple life in order to work a job that engages a passion is the motivation. Motivation might be a little bit harder to label once the debt is paid off + the job is landed. Maybe we pursue contentment or gratitude in the life we worked toward + now inhabit. Maybe we can pursue growth or awareness right where we find ourselves. Maybe faith or open hands or generosity or service is our motivation. 

Motivation can be the talisman that refocuses...the crutch that helps us take another step...the grit pushes us to persevere. Motivations come in so many different forms. Taking the time to find the right one for right now can be so helpful moving forward into a new year full of possibility + hope. 

* various motivators are in italics

Love, 
Jane