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revisiting personal basics

3/8/2022

4 Comments

 
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I'm on a constant mission to redefine my relationship with things...my wantiness...my desires. I want to live in appropriate relationship with others + the planet. I know that I cannot live without impact, so I long for my impact to be as minimal as possible, to be collaborative + to promote further flourishing. This is a highly aspirational introduction to my evolving thoughts on personal basics, but I believe that it provides a goal to work toward.  :)

In the past, I've approached the idea of my simple wardrobe by thinking through silhouettes I want to embrace. Maybe this goes along with that, but I feel that my thinking has evolved. I am understanding with more clarity what I feel good wearing + what works for my life. Maybe I am just settling into being satisfied with what that means for me. Anyway...I am feeling differently these days.

I've noticed two things in particular that have moved me toward these feelings:
  • I found my jeans :: I've said before that I could live without jeans. That's still true, but jeans do work particularly well for my job as a coffee roaster. About a year ago, I found my jeans...not the jeans that I thought I was searching for...not the jeans that I find most intriguing or new or stylish. I found my jeans...the ones that feel like me...the color + shape I want to wear. These jeans work well with every sort of top I want to wear...further confirming that they belong in my personal basics.

  • I recognized one outfit in particular that I feel I could wear every day :: This outfit feels like me. When I wear it I don't feel conscious of any part of my body. It feels comfortable + appropriate. I can wear different shoes (with this top + pants) that change the look + feel of the outfit and make it work in various climates.

These two realizations may not seem like much, but they bring me so much peace + comfort. They feel like a resting place in my quest to know "enough". I want to own less + to wear what I have until it wears out. I have found that this means I don't need much. The more I have, the less I wear each piece...and chances are that I will tire of a piece before it is worn out. It is best to have a few versatile pieces that I want to wear over + over. 

The pieces I have landed on are probably the least important part of this. The point is for each of us to personalize our own basics. A few questions that might be helpful:
  • Is there an outfit I would be happy to wear over + over again?
  • Is there a piece that I always reach for as soon as it's clean?
  • Do I have a signature piece?
  • Is something stopping me from having "everyday pants" or wearing the same thing again + again? Am I ready to challenge that fear?
  • What values are most important to me here?

I truly feel that love is the key to sustainability. Once we establish where our true values lie (for me that's with people, planet, plant + animal life), we can put other desires (maybe personal style + fun) in their rightful places. 

All photos via links.

Love,
Jane
4 Comments
Jo in London
3/9/2022 04:37:16 pm

Sounds like you've worked out your perfect daily uniform. Simple clothes that suit your life and make you feel good.

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Jane link
3/27/2022 04:41:19 pm

I think so! Feels good! :)

Reply
Gretchen link
3/10/2022 12:12:13 pm

"The more I have, the less I wear each piece...and chances are that I will tire of a piece before it is worn out." Yes! I just said that recently. I rarely wear an item of clothing out, but often get tired of it.

The two things you noticed are so important. In order to do that we need to be willing to try some things. Try living with a smaller collection of clothing for a period of time and see how we feel and what we notice. For me that includes accepting imperfection - in myself and my clothing.

Your questions are great and very helpful. While the pieces are the least important, I always appreciate seeing what has worked for others. It gives me a recipe to work from.

Reply
Jane link
3/27/2022 04:52:20 pm

Often these realizations seem so simple + elementary, I feel silly needing to wake up to them. I suppose when so much of what the world has been feeding us is contrary to simplicity, we do have to work hard to wake up to simplicity's wisdom.

I am happy to share wardrobe specifics. I do appreciate hearing that you care to have a peak. I feel exactly the same about others, but don't want to be boring + redundant. :)

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