warm weather wardrobe

this year i noticed that there are mainly three seasons happening in my closet:  cold weather, warm weather and transition.  the pieces that make up these seasonal wardrobes aren't necessarily exclusive to one collection only.  there is some crossover.  realizing that each season has its (pretty equal) place does give me peace about each the value of each piece, whether it had crossover ability or not.

i like variety, so a wardrobe of very minimal pieces that work in all seasons is not a goal of mine.  i admire those who can make this work for them, but i do not aspire to it.  i love that the simple wardrobe is for us to discover and adapt individually.  it can look totally different from one person to the next...an expression as individual as what we choose to put on our bodies.  i don't share my simple wardrobe ways to create a mold, but to simply share.  i love this process and all the discoveries it offers.

here are my current warm weather pieces from which i can create my monthly simple wardrobes:

jumpsuits:
-navy
-tan
-clay
-black

dresses:
-white linen
-white linen
-red mexican

tops:
-indigo
-white tee
-black tee
-white linen tank
-red block print 

shorts:
-denim cut-offs

layers:
-olive button down
-3/4 cropped stripe
-indigo tee
-grey cardigan

shoes:
-flip-flops
-clog sandals
-toms

total: 20 pieces

i purchased two of these pieces on our road trip.  each purchase was made with complete certainty...after a few weeks of indecisive purchases and returns leading up to the trip.  ugh.  i bought a found (secondhand/vintage) white linen dress from my favorite store on earth, general store.  it just looked like something i would wear, an easy a-line shape with pockets...and when i tried it on, it was a perfect fit.

the other piece was a black jumpsuit from the designer's shop in echo park.  i had eyed it on her website, but wondered how it would fit.  i almost didn't try it on...but when i did, it was just the most flattering jumpsuit i'd ever tried.  it is dressier than the other looser fit jumpsuits i own.  i wore it out to dinner on our anniversary and felt good.  

i share these experiences just to say that a good purchase now brings no remorse or regret.  my vintage dress is made of natural linen...was preowned (now loved rather than landfilled)...and was bought in an independent boutique that i am happy to support.  my jumpsuit is made from a lovely soft natural cotton...made in a carefully chosen, woman-owned factory in peru...and designed by an independent designer that i am also happy to support.  i think these purchases served all of us...the ones who grew them, the ones who made them, shop owners, designers, the earth, and me...the way it ideally should be!

love,
jane