Autumn passed in the blink of an eye. Snow flew early this year + stayed...which means that winter temperatures settled in with the snow. In the past few years, November offered at least a couple of weeks worth of autumn...but this year we've transitioned to the woolies + said goodbye to the short-sleeves with confidence.

Above is a little of the type of winter wardrobe I'd like to be channeling with my pieces...and here is what I'll be wearing this winter:

A few notes:
-I wanted oat colored + black pullovers. Last year I could only locate a grey one, so I'm keeping the grey one, but ideally might choose a cardigan instead. 
-I'm keeping my sweatshirts out for now for variety, but it is usually too cold for them.
-I'm open to adding a piece or two.
-I do like black for the colder months, but am considering moving toward lighter natural tones with replacements. 

That's it. When I'm looking ahead, I often overestimate how many pieces + how much variety I'll want. I really need to keep this in mind moving forward!

All photos via links.

Love,
Jane

blouse + short jumpsuit + sandals + baseball cap
for canyon exploring + beach walking

Eight days in October in California with only the things that fit into a backpack...were amazing! In short...I didn't miss a thing + felt prepared for all that we did. Thirteen pieces of clothing (including shoes) were more than enough.

I loved that I had just a few choices that layered + mixed well. I could change a bottom or layer a top for different activities, temperatures + locations.

Once we arrived (+ it was only 10am), I changed out of my sweater, tee, jeans + trainers (it was a record low at home)...and into my short jumpsuit, block print voile top + sandals. The temperatures were in the low 70s F to mid 80s F during the days + dipped into the 60s F in the mornings + evenings. There were a couple of mornings that were cool enough to wear jeans with my blouse before changing into shorts, but most days I just wore a lightweight, loose blouse over my shorts jumpsuit with sandals. I washed the jumpsuit in the sink + hung it to dry overnight once. (It helped to bring lightweight fabrics that I knew line dried quickly.)

I bought a swingy jumpsuit that I wore one hot day. It was cool + breezy during the day and layered well under my tied up long-sleeved tee for an evening spent watching the sunset on the beach. I also bought a hat (which was on my list) on our first day there + it came in very handy. My cashmere sweater was the most (unexpectedly) perfect layer even over shorts at the beach in the evening.

When we hiked or worked out, I could wear my tee, leggings + trainers. I changed out of the leggings + into my block print pants post-hike. The tee + tank were easy to wash + hang dry. The tank could be worn as pajamas + with leggings for lounging. I wore the tank, shorts + long-sleeved tee to the beach the day we headed home. Closer to departure, I traded the shorts/sandals for jeans/trainers + added my sweater.

I don't know how easy that is to follow, but it gives a little peek into how I was able to happily wear thirteen pieces so many ways + for all situations. No regrets!  :)

Love,
Jane

A trip often offers the perfect opportunity to try out dressing with less. I've always preferred to pack lightly. It might come from long camping trips with my family of six growing up. There wasn't room to take a whole lot along...but we always had plenty to do + enough to wear. For some reason, I just never want to have too much to keep track of...and I'd most always prefer a little more space rather than more stuff. 

Anyway...we are planning a trip to California + decided to just take backpacks. For me, it's probably a sort of exercise in minimalism...but it turned out to be less of a challenge than expected. We will be hiking, beach going, museum visiting, sightseeing, pool + balcony sitting, shopping + eating (lots). It will be warmer during the day in the city and cooler by the ocean + in the mornings + evenings.

Here's what I'm taking for 8 days in Los Angeles in October:
-3 breezy blouses- that work well with jeans + jumpsuit
-shorts jumpsuit- works as shorts + swimsuit coverup
-long-sleeved tee
-leggings- for hikes + workout + relaxing
-tank- for sleep + workout 
-soft pants
-sandals
-underwear 
-swimsuit
-purse, sunglasses, keys, wallet
-water bottle + reusable bag
-journal + pen
-phone + charger
-toothbrush, toothpaste, conditioner, comb, hairspray, deodorant, face cream, lip balm, hair ties, vitamins, allergy pills, advil, bandaids
-book + magazine
-all packed in a 12.7 in x 15.6 in x 5 in backpack  :)

I'm wearing my bulkiest clothing which will work well, since it'll be colder here when we leave. I'll be wearing:
-tee
-jeans
-sweater
-trainers

Most of my things can be hand-washed + hung to dry overnight, if necessary. I'll pick up sunscreen + maybe a baseball cap there.

Love,
Jane

Today I got to thinking about what the most basic, functional, good clothing would be for me. ("Good" is such an underrated word.) What would those pieces be, if I were to have to start over from scratch (because of a house fire or natural disaster...like so many have)...if I were to be on a very tight budget (which I am)...or if I wanted to just exist in the most basic, functional, good space (which I usually do). What pieces would do their job + make me feel good day to day + all year long?

This may be a good way to start thinking through our wardrobes...whether we are simply doing a clean out...a curation...or a reassessment. Even if we don't want to live with such a small number of basics, this could be a good jumping off point for adding in other pieces + personalized touches. I like the idea of a small wardrobe because it helps me to live within my means, to consume what I need rather than over-consuming, to produce less waste that ends up in the landfill, and to choose fair when I need to consume.

It was surprisingly easy to come up with a sort of system for these pieces. My everyday outfit would consist of: pale, soft jeans + an oversized, oat-colored pullover. In order to help these pieces function in any weather I'd add a long-sleeved tee, sweatshirt, short-sleeved tee, + tank. All of these additional pieces would be white or cream.

My outfit that would function well in the more formal settings I find myself in (but also for everyday) would be: black pants, black silky tank, black pullover + flats. In order to allow these pieces to function in a broader range of circumstances, I'd add a short-sleeved tee, sweatshirt + long-sleeved tee. All of these pieces would be black accept for the shoes.

Lounging would call for black leggings or soft shorts + the above tops. All of the pieces could mix + match. Chosen with care, these pieces could function as athletic wear (leggings + tank) + sleepwear (soft shorts + tank) as well.

My basic, functional, good pieces ::
-pale jeans
-black pants
-leggings
-soft shorts
-pullovers: oat + black
-sweatshirts: cream+ black
-long-sleeved tees: black + white
-short-sleeved tees: black + white
-tanks: black + white
-footwear: flats, trainers, boots, sandals

Add some socks, underwear, a jacket, a tote bag and I imagine that these pieces would see me through most situation year round. I'd need to work up to having all of these pieces, if I were truly starting over. Seasons would spread out purchases + multiples could be put off. In theory, this could work. In practice...my mind + finding exactly what I want could get in the way. 

We are transformed through the renewal of the mind. I'm working at it.  :)

What would your most basic, functional, good pieces be?

Love,
Jane

Struggle is a common word in this space. It's an honest word when it comes to parts of my journey toward simple, fair, compassionate living. One of the main things I've kept in mind from the beginning is that moving toward "fair" simply involves one choice at a time. I don't need to tackle an entire shift all at once...I move toward a fair wardrobe one choice at a time. I move toward zero-waste one choice at a time.

It is in these choices that I sometimes encounter struggle. As I address needs in my wardrobe, for example, the choices are not always black + white. Sometimes I can't find a fair + affordable version of exactly what I'm looking for. Sometimes one piece can't address fit, comfort, presentability, uniqueness, affordability, + longevity all at once...and I have to prioritize. Sometimes my desire for clothing to mask my imperfections + to say something about me too is just too much to ask.

This summer I struggled to assemble a collection of clothing that consistently felt like enough + like "me"...was presentable + appropriate + comfortable...wasn't too many pieces. It's been a couple of a years since I've felt such unrest in this area.

Learned :: Where there is struggle...the path to rest often involves some sort of surrender.

In regards to my clothing, one or more of the following could be surrendered:
1. want...I can't have everything
2. the desire to look a certain way...thin, young, hip...
3. less...I might need a few more pieces
4. the perfect fit
5. the idea of the perfect piece
6. dollars
7. style...I could just choose to give in to what can be found thrifting
8. the fairdare...I might not be able to find a completely fair version of something I need
9. materials...I might find that plastic fibers work best right now for some items
10. the desire for the perfect, simple collection of pieces
11. "need"...maybe I can uncomfortably do without

Sometimes it can be difficult to decide what to surrender...but I've found that at least sometimes it must be something. My values (fairdare, natural materials, budget, less) definitely provide some guidance. This summer after struggling to "fix" my wardrobe, I opted for somewhat uncomfortably doing without. 

The dress above was one I carefully planned to purchase. When it arrived, I just felt unsettled. Yes, I think it's fair...and it's fun (+ I am worthy of some fun). It felt like the perfect thing to wear the day it arrived + on an upcoming vacation. But I couldn't think of a way I'd like to wear it as the temperatures dip...I wasn't completely convinced that it was flattering on me...and it's quite an investment piece. But I love the colors + the weight of the fabric... + it's fun! 

Today I packed it back up to return + I instantly felt more at peace than I had the entire day before. Surrendering my "right" to own that beautiful dress + returning it was the right decision for today. The peace of mind confirmed it.

Also :: Perfect is the enemy of good. Perfection is always a good candidate for surrender.  :)

Love,
​Jane

It seems like we often gravitate toward simpler + simpler shapes + colors as we move toward simpler wardrobes. People who share their small wardrobes online often recommend a collection of black, white + grey pieces in classic shapes...a few tees (one striped), a couple of button-down shirts, a sweater, a jacket, black pants, jeans, a black dress, trainers, flats, heels. There is ample opportunity even within this formula to choose individual shapes + fit. It's a great basic collection that would serve almost any daily situation, + we seem to tire of these simple shapes + colors less quickly. 

Some simple wardrobe wearers inject a signature color or two for each season. This approach also requires restraint. Different people like different things, however, + I'm sure many have found their ways to more colorful, simple collections. I'm interested in exploring the possibility of building a small collection of a little bit more adventurous pieces...and to observe the speed of tiring of these pieces. Autumn colors invoke feelings of cozy rather than dread of the cold that is to come. ​They always call my name, so no doubt that has something to do with these thoughts...but not everything. I imagine that I'm not alone, as a wardrobe of paired down basics can get a little bland for some.

So anyway...here's a little collection of pieces that I imagine could make me quite happy in the season to come. I know that I often say something like that in a post like this. I'm aware that part of that comes from the fact that all of these pieces would be new to me...and I don't think that buying all new pieces each season is at all ethical or sustainable. So...obviously simply adding a less ordinary piece or two to my existing wardrobe is what I've really been exploring lately. What I'm struggling with a little bit is that I'm not used to seeing myself in pieces that aren't a bit more on the quiet side...and I'm wondering what's really "me"...or what I really want to wear. I'm still deciding.  :)

Love,
Jane

I made a list of everyday wardrobe items a little more than a year ago. My goal was + is to have a sort of system that helps me to know what I need + to stick to "enough". Less resources consumed. Less wondering what goes with what, because the goal is for everything to mix with everything. Less to mend + repair + care for...making it more manageable to do so. Less searching for second hand, sewing, or investing in a fairly made piece...again making it more manageable to do so when necessary. I'm not prescribing this list to anyone else...we each have our own needs, desires, circumstances + climates to contend with. This has simply been a personal process of experimenting + observing...and for some reason I find it quite interesting.  :)

I'm happy to report that the list has worked very well this year. It gives me a bit of a thrill to know how few pieces are really necessary. I have long ago forgotten the aversion to wearing the same things day after day. I will not say that I have never been tempted to expand the list...but its existence has kept me from doing so. I know that the items on the list, when chosen well, are "enough" to keep me clothed appropriately for the vast majority of situations + weather in which I find myself. Straying too far from this list might signal that I've let my wants get a little bit out of control...or that I might want to take stock of what state my mind is in. Of course this is very personal...and I am gentle + kind with myself...while striving for restraint as well. I'm a work in very slow progress.  :)

A few of the ways this list has been positive this year ::
-I like my clothes. Each piece serves a purpose + I know I'm prepared.
-This list is now tested (for my current life). I haven't encountered a situation this year for which I was unprepared ...clothing-wise.  :)
-The list slows me down. I really need to consider if a new piece is better than what I already have...because something has to go to make space for something new.
-I know that I have enough...or that replacing just one worn out thing will still be enough.
-There aren't too many combinations to think through, when I want to make sure a new piece will match everything.
-I have a more cohesive, well thought out wardrobe.
-It keeps spending in check. Even if I were to replace a bunch of pieces in one season...there just wouldn't be that much to replace.
-I don't end up with things that I never (or seldom) wear.
-I've found my personal basics + that mixing in a few sprinkles keeps things interesting.
-Making fair choices is a little bit easier. Less to replace means I can spend a little more time thrifting or sewing...or a little more money buying something that provides fair wages.
-The guilt about using more than my fair share of resources is lessened.
-I feel like this is a system that helps me to live in tune with my values. Less. Enough. Fair.
-Laundry is easier. Less to wash. Things were worn more often before washing. I don't let the pile get too big, because I need my clothes back.  :)
-My closet feels spacious + organized.
-I can get my seasonal wardrobes set early in the season + then just get on with living.
-Most of the year, I didn't think about shopping! This is huge for me + I want more of that!
​-It has strengthened my faith + trust in "enough" elsewhere in my life.

Needless to say, I'm keeping my list...with a few tweaks...based on the things I've learned this year. I love learning.  :)

Love,
​Jane

I've been asking myself for years if I could (or wanted to) wear a uniform. I've sort of had unintentional, seasonal uniforms at different points which simply reflected the silhouettes I loved at the time...a striped tee + jeans + cardigan...just dresses...a tank + shorts...jeans + a top. When I think of a uniform loosely like this, it doesn't seem very intimidating.

When we moved to London, we were taken shopping for Jo's school uniform. She was to wear a white button down shirt, blazer, skirt, tie, socks, black shoes, + black coat. I'd never worn a school uniform + neither had my girls. We didn't have access to a washer or dryer at that time...and when we finally did, there was only a washer (no dryer). Under these circumstances, I would have bought a number of tops + skirts...but was told that 2 tops + one skirt would be enough. And...it pretty much was...even with the added drying time in that damp climate!

What if I didn't just think of uniform dressing as a series of similar tops being worn with a series of similar bottoms...but as just one or two tops being worn with the same one or two bottoms? What would even be the benefit of such thought? I'm wondering if it would get me to the point of wearing out my clothing more often instead of moving on from it before it is finished being worn. I don't have any problem with passing beautiful clothing on to be worn by another...or wearing wonderful secondhand clothing for a period of time before passing it on again. I have, however, had a little trouble lately with the reality of this scenario. 

So...I would love for my enthusiasm for a piece of clothing to endure for that piece's wearable lifetime. I think lavishing all of my love for a certain style on one (or two) pieces rather than spreading it over a greater number of pieces in that style could be a step in the right direction. 

Which brings me to this pair of pants that (I'm sorry) have shown up around here quite a bit. I suppose they were a sort of uniform for me this summer (my favorite pants for sure). When I found this (giant) hole in them...I found it a bit strange to actually be feeling a sort of happiness. I know that I can no longer find any more of this fabulous fabric (I had already tried). But...I find it so exciting to have loved a piece of clothing enough to have (almost) worn it out. My wabi-sabi patch job will allow me to get a little more use out of these pants (because new patch on very thin fabric will not last forever...and this is a weird sort of visible bum patch). And then, I can move on to a new uniform without guilt. 

Love,
​Jane

A few of my surprising (good) discoveries:
-Four tops are enough :: I still don't really know how this works, but that's the magic of it. With four people to do laundry for, I always have a clean top to wear!
-I don't have to wash my tops after every wear, even though it's hot. Thank you, deodorant.
-The clothes that I already have (+ think I don't love) are usually better than the clothes that I think I want.

Some other (not so positive) discoveries:
-Shorts that I feel good about wearing in public are hard to find...but would be so beneficial.
-Finally found some more comfortable sandals...and then never wore my clog sandals again.
-Online shopping sometimes (really) stinks. This summer brought out all the worst in my hopeful online purchases...vintage with undisclosed issues, sandals that made me feel like I have crazy feet, and all the things with unpredictable sizing.
-Sewing doesn't always yield what I want to wear. (Although 3 of my pieces are last year's makes.)

​Switches I'd very much like to make/made ::
olive shorts out (too big) :: would like a pair of high-waisted, comfy, good looking shorts
voile tank out (only matched olive shorts) :: would like a top that makes shorts wearable out
clog sandals out (not comfortable for walking) :: comfortable sandals in
​
What did you learn from your relationship with your wardrobe this season?

Love,
Jane

P.S. If I don't say this often enough, I apologize. I want to be clear that there is no perfect number of pieces of clothing to own...there is no race to the least number of pieces possible. What I share here is just my own journey toward finding my personal sweet spot of enough.  :)

I visited a thrift store the other day which held multiple matching tops hanging in tandem with their matching skirts, pants or dresses. My grandmother used to purchase her clothing this way, + it seemed like such a luxurious way to shop. Whereas in my closet, I might have struggled to pair a particular skirt with just the right top, she would always know exactly what to wear with her skirt. She always looked so put together + polished.

Today (then too), I appreciate being able to put most of my tops together with most of my bottoms. One-pieces like dresses + jumpsuits...when chosen with an eye toward layer-ablilty...can offer even more creative options. Since choosing to have less in my closet, I've particularly come to appreciate this ability to make multiple outfits with just a few pieces. It's just my personal preference.

As the summer wears on, I've been trying not to lose sight of the fact that my limited number of pieces are enough. I spent the past month attempting to "fast" from clothing lust...trying to sit + marinate in "enough"...making space to be grateful for what I have. I'm not sure how well I did with all of that...but my awareness was keen + I tried to maintain focus. 

Part of this practice is to keep my eyes on my own paper (wardrobe)...maybe diving in to my appreciation for individual pieces that I already own...rather than obsessing about a piece that I'd like to make mine. Trying a couple of different ways to wear a piece can renew my appreciation for it. This jumpsuit from Lacausa has been a surprisingly versatile piece for me during these (very) hot months. It is extremely lightweight + just about the breeziest thing I can imagine wearing. It doesn't bind at the stomach (glorious during certain times of the month). The straps were shortened slightly in order to raise the neckline + minimize the need to adjust. A few of my favorite ways to wear it...along with a few ways I can imagine wearing it...follow ::

-My favorite way to wear this piece is under a top...like a tee, muscle tank or long sleeved button down...and I'd love for the weather to be cool enough to wear it under a sweatshirt. Worn this way, it looks like a swingy pair of shorts...not too long + not too short.
-I wear it on its own..but only at home, because it feels just a little too bare for me otherwise.
-It would be cute with a longer cardigan or kimono.
-It would be great as a swimsuit coverup too.
-I think of using it as a slip under under a sheer dress.
-It works as a top...tucked into pants, shorts or a skirt. The lightweight fabric makes it ideal for tucking + stuffing without bulging.
-The choice of shoes can change it up as well...casual or dressy sandals, cute trainers, or flats.

Sometimes an exercise like this is all I need to truly treasure + appreciate the pieces already in my (small) wardrobe. Try it?  :)

Love,
​Jane