I used to look at my wardrobe on any given day and think "I've got nothing to wear" even though it was rammed full of clothes. Other times it would take ages to find the 'right outfit' or I'd spend ages digging out hidden items of clothing all in the search for something fresh to wear.
In spite all of this every time I'd go shopping I'd end up buying the same item of clothing (how many black cardigans can you wear?) or similar styles (just different colours). When I did try to vary from the norm and buy that expensive item I'd find the next year I no longer liked it or it didn't go with anything else - all to the detriment of my wallet!
Worse still, in spite of this ever growing mountain of clothes, the bulging wardrobe and numerous articles of clothing, I'd invariably always end up wearing the same thing which would lead to a vicious cycle of crying "I need more clothes!"
This was me - can you relate? Are you also tired of the same thing? Well I started to do something last year and it's revolutionised the way I dress.
My wardrobe is now lighter, neat and compact and yet I know everything compliments each other. Best still I know on every given day I can pick up an outfit to wear in minutes knowing it will look good and I'll feel great in it.
My shopping habits have changed and I now spend less but yet have better quality outfits that don't go in one season and then out the next. If you're interested I'd love to share the how, why and when all of it with you.
It all started last year when I read the book Lessons from Madam Chic by Jennifer L. Scott. Amongst all the witty stories, anecdotes and glimpses into elegant lifestyle of a Parisian family with whom she lived. The author shared something she learned called the capsule wardrobe.
The capsule wardrobe, in essence focuses on refining your wardrobe - down to 10 core items, After reading it, I was so inspired to try it I found myself nodding in agreement, and sometimes saying "YES!" out loud!
The author notes how French people repeat items multiple times per week. I agreed with her “people should have more to worry about than how many times you wore a particular item clothing...While in Paris, I observed the beauty of the ten-item wardrobe. I noticed that the French people whom I saw on a regular basis…wore the same clothes in heavy rotation- un apologetically and with great panache.”
Here's the deal with the French wardrobe. They have a few pieces, a core wardrobe of clothes they love, and they wear these clothes out. Shopping is not a sport for them.
They are not the only ones to be seen wearing with the same clothes and even my favourite royal the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton does not mind to be seen in public wearing the same dress twice so why should I?
Here's the deal with the French wardrobe. They have a few pieces, a core wardrobe of clothes they love, and they wear these clothes out. Shopping is not a sport for them.
They are not the only ones to be seen wearing with the same clothes and even my favourite royal the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton does not mind to be seen in public wearing the same dress twice so why should I?
 |
| Image via Ramey Pix/ Getty Images |
 |
| Image courtesy of Miki Photography |
“We have so many clothes! Is this a good thing? Are we happy? Do we absolutely love everything in our closets? What is the quality of the clothes we are buying? And most important, why were standing in front of our jam-packed closets every morning complaining that we have nothing to wear?"
Just like Jennifer, I decided to try out creating my own capsule (10 item) wardrobe.I know that it can be drastic thing going from a large wardrobe to only 10 core items - but I have found it liberating!
Now I know what you're thinking. 10 items?! That's impossible!?
However as Jennifer says and as I have found that this is not about necessarily taking it too literally it's about finding '...what works for you.'
"The point of the ten item wardrobe is to free yourself from jam-packed closet full of ill-fitting, underused, or poor - quality clothing. Your ultimate goal is to create a wardrobe that you love, in which every item of clothing speaks to who you are, and to create space for your clothes to breathe- by eliminating clutter."
Although the author creates a core of outfits that include silk dresses and cashmere sweaters, I could create a core from Zara if I had to. It's not so much about money or labels as it is about simplicity and ease of dressing. If you have a few pieces that fit you well and flatter your shape, then you never have to spend time trying on twenty outfits whenever you go out. This saves you a lot of time and also money.
Next week, I will discuss how I got started with my own capsule wardrobe and how you can too:) x
I would love to know what you think.Please leave me a comment below or if you wish you can also email me at annadizon.rr@gmail.com. I try to respond to every comment and question.
See you soon! xx
Twitter @itsmeannadizon https://twitter.com/itsmeAnnaDizon
Instagram @reliablerealist http://instagram.com/reliablerealist
So true. I can so relate with your article... Looking forward to reading your next discussion. Bless you! X
ReplyDelete