Recently I came to the conclusion that my sleepwear is a category of my clothing that needs some attention. The tanks I've been wearing are more than a decade old. They are worn, holey + no longer fit. I'm sure we all have different opinions on what we prefer to sleep in. This is as it should be. The specifics of my thought process will probably be useful to no one but me. It's the process of thinking this through (or maybe even just the fact that it's something worthy of thought) that might have a kernel of relevance.  :)

My thoughts on sleepwear led me to consider not only my preferences + circumstances, but also the number of pieces necessary, the frequency + amount of laundry (water + energy usage) I'm committing to doing + the possibility of these pieces being able to serve multiple purposes (like workout wear + everyday wear).

One option is to have three muscle tanks. These tanks could serve as sleepwear, workout wear + everyday wear. They need to be washed often as they get sweaty + lose their shape quickly. (Three pieces that double as workout tops. More laundry.)

Another option that I've employed in the past would be to have one lightweight cotton, sleeveless, short nightgown. I could sleep in this several nights in a row before washing it. When I did wash it, it would hang dry before bedtime. (One piece. Less laundry. Need separate workout tanks.)

The third option is to have a maybe four fitted tanks that can also add a layer of warmth under a button up or sweatshirt during the colder months. These tanks are the most comfortable to sleep in. On lazy mornings, I can add a pair of shorts or pajama pants + be in-the-house presentable without needing to add a bra. I could add leggings + do yoga. These tanks need to be washed often. (More pieces. More laundry. Still need some workout tanks.)

It felt really helpful to make notes on all of these things before deciding how I wanted to move forward. I pulled out the three muscle tanks that I use in the warmer months for working out. Two of them have words on the front of them that are scratchy to sleep in. I also went through my sewing patterns + scrap fabric to see if I could make anything from what I have. I found no real winners.

I looked for thrifted + new nightgowns + muscle tanks. In the end, I've decided to purchase a few new, organic cotton, fair-trade tank tops. I'm choosing black ones, because they don't show stains + we do the darks load of laundry most often. I hope this will make them longer lasting + allow me to have less of them, since they will have more opportunity to get clean.

​I could make do with what I have, but I don't feel that opting out of consuming is the choice I want to make this time. I plan to wear these new tanks like I did the ones they will replace...for more than a decade...every day...until they are all used up.

Love,
Jane

Thought I'd follow up my style exploration with a little progress report. I've been thinking about how I want to show up at work...and in regards to clothing, that involves figuring out what clothing is most appropriate for the temperature + level of exertion required. I'd tried wearing sweaters to work + found that they were often too hot + too delicate. Sweatshirts seem like a good option, but I hadn't found any that I liked enough to embrace wearing on repeat. I'd like to look put together, while still being comfortable doing physical work + being on my feet all day.

I find that embracing a style helps me focus the pieces I own in a certain direction + allows me to have less in the end. Less is great for the planet, farmers, garment workers, upkeep + my wallet. So here's where my thinking went next:

• I already have a couple pairs of jeans + some thrifted olive pants. That gives me some direction style-wise + is enough too. 
• A pair of mary janes could elevate casual outfits a bit...as long as I could find some that are comfy enough to walk in all day.
• A couple of blouses would serve that dreamy, romantic style, are comfy to wear + the appropriate weight for warmth.

My choice additions include:

• Exactly the Auntie Oti shirt I wanted + found second hand. I can roll up the sleeves or not...tuck it in or not...and layer it under a sweater or sweatshirt or not. I've worn it three times already + I love it so much! 
• A Doen blouse on deep, Black Friday discount. I just received this yesterday + it made me smile so big when I tried it on. It's going to get worn a ton!
• A pair of mary janes that are made of natural materials + feel really comfy on. I knew these were going to need to get worn in, so I've endured one blister...but know I'm going to get so much wear out of these with jeans, pants + dresses.

This brings me a few steps closer to feeling like my work wardrobe is appropriate, comfortable + enough! Progress for sure!

Love,
Jane

Like I said yesterday, I'm exploring a few of my favorite styles as I think through how I want to show up these days (especially at work). My days look a bit different lately, and this exercise is helping me process this shift in a visual way.  :) 

I'm calling this style dreamy romantic. My version is kinda dreamy on top + grounded on the bottom, since I still need it to perform some physical tasks. Doen is the brand that most inspires me in this direction. They are making some exciting changes by offering more pieces made with GOTS certified organic cotton, looking into regenerative cotton sourcing + offering onsite resale. 

What I'm focusing on with this style is the way a few beautiful tops can elevate blue, black or natural jeans while still giving an air of casual effortlessness. In terms of footwear, I'd add birks, blundstones, clogs or flats to these pairings. The only issue I have with this is style is that it might require the addition of just-the-right cardigan these days...not impossible...just something to consider (bunching sleeves + all). 

While Doen pieces are not inexpensive, it is possible to find them secondhand. They are also good inspiration for sewing tops like Roscoe or a vintage 70's sewing pattern. 

Top + jeans + footwear = simple (+ pretty). Nice.

All lovely photos via Doen.

Love,
Jane

I've been thinking through how I want to show up in my life...for people...and at work lately. There is so much to sort out in my mind, but one of the most enjoyable places to explore some of this is with clothing. Silly as that sounds, I feel that it's part of feeling settled in how I show up + the ease with which I can do so.

I've been able to focus in on my personal basics over the years...and with those pieces in place, it is relatively simple to make subtle shifts that feel significant. They might be shifts that no one but me notices...and maybe I like it that way.  :)

The shift from wearing a lightweight button down under a pullover rather than a tee...or wearing mary janes instead of boots with my jeans can change the whole feel of an outfit. It can change my outlook, my posture + my gait. It might provide a more polished option when I take off the sweater, because I'm heating up too.

I'm attracted to a few different styles that can come from some of the same basics. This first one I'm exploring is what I'm calling artistic minimalism. Some of my favorite inspiration in this style comes from Bon. They create the most artistic images...always with a touch of whimsy...out of the most basic shapes.

I think one of the secrets of this style is keeping it very simple. It's not really about layering or accessorizing. Solid colors sing + prints shine because of their rare appearances. An exquisitely cut white button up pairs beautifully with straight jeans and a pair of leather oxfords.  A shapely dress needs nothing more than a pair of simple flats or a red beret. Rennes also does this style particularly well.

The pieces on offer are artistically + fairly made, and the prices are not inexpensive. Often we have similar basics already in our wardrobes + it's more about wearing them with renewed vision + appreciation. Maybe we get the idea that one or two additions might elevate everything + search for a secondhand button up or a new pair of mary janes. (I think that idea is sticking with me.)  :) The lovely shapes can be great inspiration for sewing pieces like Bob pants, Heroine jeans or an Olya shirt too.

Simple always works for me! (It's fair too!)

​All beautiful images via Bon.

Love,
Jane

This week I'm starting a new adventure. Thinking through how I'm going to show up in a new way is often a useful part of these types of transitions...whether it involves beginning a new school, a new activity or a new season. 

When thinking through what clothing I will need in a new situation, it's very easy to get caught up in feeling that I don't have what I need or that I don't have enough. It's true that I may need to add pieces to my wardrobe. It's likely, however, that I have enough to see me through the first few days without adding anything just yet.

One exercise that has been very helpful to me, whether I'm beginning to attend yoga classes or moving to a new climate, is trying to think of just one good outfit to wear in that situation. (Notice that I didn't say "perfect". That's too much pressure.)  ;)

At first, I may think of dreamy pieces I've always imagined wearing or pieces in new collections of brands that epitomize this type of activity or locale in my mind. It's fun + exciting to imagine my days, feelings + interactions wearing these lovely pieces. I might try some things on...try mixing them with pieces already in my closet...layer them up...move in ways that are to come.

More often than not, I come back to the pieces I know that I love...my personal basics. Since I've chosen them with my daily life in mind (every day, season, activity + occasion), there are usually some pieces that will serve this new situation.

At this point, I may not be able to comprehend what I will wear every single day in my new situation. I may not feel confident knowing how much will be enough. But I am coming closer to thinking of one outfit that seems appropriate, comfortable and "me" enough to work on one single day in that new situation. I have found some direction, and that feels like a good start.

Love,
Jane

P.S. Just for fun...speaking of one good outfit...his.  :)

I'm not sure anyone else does this, but I find myself starting with the pants when thinking through my wardrobe. A few good pants just seem to allow the rest of a simple wardrobe to come together easily. I've been thinking about autumn, and I keep coming back to soft, faded jeans, white canvas pants + black jeans. 

The right cut, weight + fit of each of these pairs nicely with my preferred tees, oversized pullovers, button-ups + sweatshirts. I like monochromatic pairings + mixed pairings too. That allows for quite a few different outfits to emerge across the seasons with a few pieces.

In thinking of the season ahead, I've made everything an option. When I think of these tried + true combinations, however, it feels like a calming exhale. That's it. These pieces feel like me...still.

All lovely photos via links.

Love,
​Jane

June has been hot, and the outfit I've been reaching for most is this one. It's made up of a pair of linen shorts + fitted tee. I knew I loved these shorts from Black Crane the moment I saw them. They somehow feel very modern + minimal to me..and at the same time they remind me of summers in the (not so modern + minimal) late 80's. Shorts weren't so short, and clothing was oversized. Summer, for me, was full of sun-kissed shoulders + sand between my toes. 

Today, I wear these shorts with a little tee that reminds me of 90's, tiny tees worn over + under slip dresses. Tiny-tee summers were, for me, full of a different coastline's sand + salty breezes. This summer, these two pieces feel just right together. There is no sand where I live these days, but we have a trip planned. This outfit will come along to the beach, no doubt.

The pieces:
-Black Crane shorts :: made in the USA from natural materials - linen :: they get wrinkly + it just doesn't matter to me 
-It is Well LA tee :: made in California from natural materials - cotton + modal :: this tee has held up well to weekly wear over more than a year
-Birkenstocks :: made in Germany from leather, cork + synthetic material :: I wear these year round with socks or without

My small wardrobe offers plenty of variety...but also...I have no problem wearing my favorite things (also know as "the same things") over + over again!  :)

Love,
Jane

I had a hard time thinking of what outfit I'd highlight for May. The weather was quite rainy + then it was hot + then it was cooler again. When it comes down to it...the outfit that I wore most in May is the one I have worn almost every day for the past year. It's the outfit I wear to work as a coffee roaster: a tee, jeans, socks, trainers + a watch. 

I thought I'd check in with myself + answer a few of the questions I'd have had about wearing the same thing every day...before I did it.  :)

Do I get tired of wearing the same thing every day?
Not really. There are times that I think I'd like to have some different things to wear, but I don't think I've actually felt that way as I'm getting dressed for the day. Whenever I've worn something else...like a button-up or a sweatshirt...I find out why it that piece doesn't work as well as my regulars. A sweatshirt is usually too hot + a button-up gets in my way. I wore different shoes one day + immediately stained them with coffee. On the other hand, this outfit just works.

Do my coworkers notice that I wear the same thing every day?
I don't know...maybe. They most often wear some version of this uniform too...though they probably have more of each item.

How are my clothes holding up?
I spend most of my time on my feet, dragging 150 lb sacks of green coffee, carrying the chaff bucket out to the dumpster, lifting + pouring + bagging + shipping coffee beans. My clothes have to work hard + get dirty + sweaty too. I not only wear these shoes to work, but work out in them too. They've logged a lot of miles this year. Everything has held up very well. 

What are the benefits of wearing the same thing every day?
There are so many!

• No decisions to make in the morning. I wear the same jeans for a week (or two) + grab the next tee on the stack...clean socks (they're all the same) + same shoes + my watch. Done.
• No urge to shop. I have everything I need + I know it.
• If my weight changed (which it had at the beginning of last year), I know that all I'd need is a different pair of jeans.
• There isn't much to take care of. At the end of the work day, I fold up the jeans + lay my watch on top...ready for tomorrow. 
• Less expensive than always adding to the collection.

Will you do it for another year?
Quite possibly, yes! Maybe I'll find the perfect pair of overalls or start wearing my olive pants to work (I'd like them with a different pair of shoes). I'm not looking to make a change...but I haven't really made a commitment to only wearing this uniform either. It just kinda worked out that way...and it does work.

Do you wear a sort of uniform to work? I'd love to hear.

Love,
Jane

Would you consider a cotton "swimsuit"? I grew up in a beach town going to the beach a lot more often than I do these days. I've had a couple cotton swimsuits, and I don't remember the cotton being too much of an issue (not that I swim a ton)...so...yes. Yes, I am considering wearing a cotton swimsuit on our beach vacation this summer. :)

My minimalist heart loves the idea of a two-piece option that just so happens to double as an "everyday necessity". It's all in the perspective, right?

My perspective is greatly helped along by seeing these types of items worn in the beach-like spots.  :)  (Thank you, Pansy.)