Simple Living: Preparing for Fall

As the end of summer approaches, I am excited to start a new school year with fresh ideas and a new last name, but sad to be away from my family for so many hours each day.  However, in the name of simple living, motherhood, entrepreneurship, good coffee, and all things kind and simple, I need to prepare for the fall season in order to be as productive, joy-filled, energetic, and stress-free as possible.  Whether or not you’re a student or educator, autumn is the perfect time to give yourself a mindset makeover.  It is your opportunity to give your New Year’s resolutions a test drive, get rid of old, bad habits, start new, good habits, reconnect with friends, purge items that are no longer usable or no longer add value to your life… possibilities are endless with the changing leaves and sweater weather.

For some people, spring cleaning happens in the spring.  But for simple living advocates, minimalists, essentialists, and any person seeking inspiration or positive change in their lives, I recommend several ways to give yourself a boost with the new month and new season:

Evaluate your wardrobe.  It is really easy to anticipate a new fall wardrobe with cute boots, pretty scarves, and a cashmere dress.  Fall is always a highly-pushed season to shop for the latest styles that can be worn to Back-to-School Night or the upcoming office holiday party.  However, I encourage everyone to reevaluate those trusted and timeless pieces, like that black peacoat, those bootleg jeans, and that chambray dress.  Do we need to shop for a new wardrobe, or can we resist the urge to buy something new simply because the season is changing?  Does your closet really need updating?

Research seasonal produce.  I am going to be really sad to see the berries and avocados with more expensive price tags, but I am eager to see more pears and pomegranates at my local farmer’s market.  Part of my personal simple living journey means shopping from more local sources, which encourages me to interact with local farmers and craftsmen.  Take a little extra time to see what you can expect with the changing season.  It’s the perfect time to try new pumpkin recipes from scratch!

Donate old office supplies to schools.  I can think of a myriad of teachers and students who would love my post-its, index cards, colored pencils, and other office and art supplies lying around my house.  I know that I’m not alone.  Before you drop off boxes at the donation center or toss them in the trash, see if your local neighborhood school is interested in taking items off your hands.  There’s always a new teacher, office administrator, or PTA mom or dad who can make use of your unwanted, unused supplies.

Enjoy more outdoor activities before it gets too cold.  I’m sure not many people need a push to jump in the pool, go to the beach, or have a family barbecue a few more times before lots of schedules change.  Whether it is fall or any other season of the year, enjoying the outdoors is always a great idea to add simple joys to your life.

Rearrange your furniture.  Again, who says that only students and educators get a fresh start?  Give your living space a new energy and rearrange a few pieces.  It can be as simple as rotating lamps or as dramatic as painting the whole house and switching bedrooms.  Do something bold!

Sleep at an earlier hour.  Nobody likes losing an hour of sleep when daylight savings occurs.  Instead of shocking your system, ease into an earlier bedtime.  You will feel the difference sooner than you expect and you will be so much happier and so much more productive.

Set positive goals.  Aim to get half of your Christmas shopping done through Amazon Prime before Thanksgiving.  Bake ten pumpkin pies for families in need.  Sew and sell Halloween costumes on Etsy.  Drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up.  Walk half a mile before lunch and half a mile after lunch.  These, among countless other ideas, can all be positive goals that you set for the new season.  It is important to use ANY EXCUSE, even a new season, to set a goal and work hard to achieve it.  Big or small, set one and surprise yourself with how quickly you accomplished something positive in your life.

What are some positive ways you can prepare for autumn?  I would love to read your comments!  Maybe it’s something new that I will try!

Minimalism: 3 Accessories that Go with Every Capsule Wardrobe

I am obsessed with finding monochromatic capsule wardrobe and french wardrobe ideas on Pinterest.  They are so black and white, both literally and figuratively.  For the past year, I have voraciously read about simplifying my lifestyle through the “modern greats” of minimalism: Marie Kondo, Erin Boyle, Caroline Rector, Francine Joy, and Dee Williams.  I gravitate towards the versatile outfit combinations, timeless prints, and effortless style for day and night.  There are lots of great minimalist wardrobe and capsule wardrobe ideas out there, some incorporating hues of rose and peony or teal and turquoise.  But in the flesh, I have noticed 3 accessories that make simple wardrobes classy and chic.  I’m not referring to a leather-strapped Fossil watch or a rose-gold chevron ring.  Instead, I’m thinking about simple chic style icons, like Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot or the girl next door living in the succulent-lined Brownstone, who always wear 3 simple things to compliment their wardrobe:

A SMILE.  When I see a cute outfit on a straight-faced, rather disinterested woman, I am not as captivated as I am when I see a woman rocking simple style with a bright smile.  It makes me curious: what makes her so happy and content?  Is her life fulfilled by other joys that make a flashy, full wardrobe dull in comparison?  As cliche as it sounds, a smile makes a big difference.

A POSITIVE ATTITUDE.  From the same family as a smile, a positive attitude is attractive and electric.  It radiates one step further through your thought process and speech.  I remember my naive 17-year-old self, interviewing for college with an alumni from my dream school.  I will never forget when she walked in to the coffee shop, wearing sweat pants, a messy bun, and no trace of makeup.  She definitely didn’t look like a success story.  She looked like an average person on her day off, grabbing russet potatoes at the grocery store or getting half a tank of gas with change from her cup holder.  But after five minutes of chatting with her, I was enamored.  My interviewer possessed such a positive and encouraging attitude.  She wowed me with her passionate stories about work and travel.  She flooded me with a myriad of tips for success in college and I left feeling ready to run a marathon.  Her positive attitude outshone her outfit.  I’m not advocating dressing in pajamas or yoga pants 365 days a year.  I’m simply stating that minimalist wardrobes are that much more “effective” when people aren’t impressed by what you wear, but how you make them feel.  This always makes me feel great, no matter what I’m wearing.

A BEGINNER’S MIND.  Be a lifelong learner.  The person who is never too old to take a guitar class, never too smart to take a cooking class, and never too busy to take a painting class can wear any outfit with poise and elegance.  Ambition about learning new things and continuing to grow in skill and interest is a surefire way to see your clothes wear themselves to tatters.  When you’re investing money, time, and energy in activities you love, your focus shifts away from outfit pairing.  This is one of my favorite things to wear!

What accessories do you wear with your capsule wardrobe?

THRIFT STORE OR NEW? Closet Wardrobe

“Thrift is not an affair of the pocket, but an affair of character.” – S.W. Straus

When I was a kid, it wasn’t cool to shop at a thrift store.  It was embarrassing.  You didn’t want to be the kid with the USED, dirty things. Then, when I became a teenager, shopping at a thrift store meant vintage, chic, exclusive.  I visited consignment stores and loved my one-of-a-kind pieces.  Now, as an adult and mother, thrift stores mean spending money wisely, finding items with character, living an environmentally-conscious life.  

How do I choose what to buy at a thrift store versus what I buy in new condition?  When I need to purchase something, what criteria do I have for an item, sending me to check if it is available at a thrift store first?

I have had many people ask me these questions and I would love to help anyone I can.  Thrift stores are all they are hyped up to be… if you know where to look and if you know what to expect when you get there.  I am writing a series of blog posts that discuss different lifestyle areas, starting with basics of your home, that will guide your train of thought before you find a local shop.  First, let’s start with your CLOTHES!

WHAT WOULD I BUY AT A THRIFT STORE?

1. BLUE JEANS. Jeans can be tricky because you need them to fit just right (If you haven’t already, check out a recent post about denim). But that’s the beauty of thrift stores: lots of people have trouble finding the right jeans, or they feel right in the fitting room, but no longer feel good after walking and jumping around in them, so they donate their perfectly good, gently-used jeans.  I have found everything from 7 for Mankind to Rock & Republic to Gap and Banana Republic… all for a tenth of the retail price.

2. BOOTS. After checking the sturdiness of the heels and cohesiveness of the toes, boots are typically safe because they are worn with socks (check the insides of they’re clean and you’ll see whether or not the previous owner took care of them!).  Boots can be really expensive, especially as the Fall season approaches.  If you find a good pair that is comfortable, hop on it!  By the way, anything genuine leather (boots, purses, wallets, belts)… worth it.

3. DRESSES. Dresses reflect your taste and personality.  Find prints that you like and that fit you well, flattering in places that make you feel confident.  Watch out for fading, arm pit stains, stubborn zippers, and loose buttons, all of which have been deal-breakers for me.

4. BABY APPAREL. Everyone knows how fast babies grow, so if you see something cute, snag it!  They’re usually much less expensive than adult thrift store clothes and SIGNIFICANTLY less expensive than retail baby clothes (more on baby items in a future post… stay tuned).

5. RAIN-PROOF GEAR. Jackets, warm-up pants, etc…. Living in Southern California means that I don’t need to invest in a North Face jacket.  I hardly find stains or anything wrong with these items at a thrift store.  I have reasoned that most people have concluded, like me, that living in Los Angeles means having a ton of cute coats that you never use and should probably just donate.

WHAT WOULD I BUY NEW?

1. SOCKS, UNDERWEAR, BRAS. Yes, we are entitled to say that we deserve the feeling of new undergarments.  This is not about money and frugality, but quality of life. Admit it: putting on a brand new pair of socks and a brand new set of underwear makes you smile. And you need to wear bras that fit.  Most bras at thrift stores are several years old because most women hang on to bras longer than they should.

2. WHITE COTTON SHIRTS. Like socks, underwear, and bra, everyone deserves to feel fresh in a new white shirt.  Especially since most people do not take the time to care for white shirts the way they were intended, they fade and turn yellow.  Treat yourself to new white shirts.

3. SHOES: flats. Depending on your style and taste, many brands compete, so you can find your style inexpensively.  When people usually donate flats to a thrift store, they are already falling apart and have lived a good life.  I typically don’t even browse the shoe section.

4. SHOES: flip flops. Similarly to flats, flip flops can be anywhere from cheap to affordable, available in Targets and strip malls.  If I’m going to expose my feet, I like to show them off with flip flops that are hand-selected to complement them.  Not every flip flop looks good on every foot (my feet look better in slim thongs, not thick thongs).

5. LEGGINGS. I usually wear my leggings to death.  They become faded and end up with holes in them until I have to throw them away.  Leggings are very much like underwear to some people.  They’re an affordable staple and worth the investment.

 WHEN ELSE WOULD I BUY NEW?

– IF I’M IN A RUSH AND NEED TO BE SOMEPLACE SOON, WITH A SPECIFIC OUTFIT IN MIND. If I spilled soy sauce on a white shirt right before a job interview, I have no problem zooming to the nearest Target instead of trying to get lucky at Buffalo Exchange.  That would never make any sense, given the situation.

– IF I HAVE BEEN EYEING AN ITEM FOR A LONG TIME AND HAVE INTENTION WITH MY PURCHASE. If a new item suits my capsule wardrobe and I have clicked a link on the brand’s website a million times, I would definitely buy the dress or boots in new condition.  That is not binge or impulse shopping, but purposeful and thoughtful according to my budget and lifestyle. 

What would you buy at a thrift store? What would you buy new?  Do you agree or disagree with my lists?  I would love your feedback in the comments!!

STAY TUNED FOR MORE POSTS ABOUT THRIFT STORE VS. NEW, SUCH AS KITCHEN, BEDROOM, BABY APPAREL, AND MORE!

Minimalist Wardrobe: DENIM

“I want to die with my blue jeans on.” – Andy Warhol

I love denim.  I don’t wear it as often as other “t-shirt-and-jeans” gals, but denim sits on an important rung in the hierarchy of my wardrobe because it’s versatile, comfortable, and timeless.  It is the universal clothing staple that does not discriminate sex, size, or style!  I don’t know any woman OR man who doesn’t love denim, even the girliest of girls who hardly wear jeans but love to rock their chambray dresses.  I think it was the universe’s way of saying, “Even if you don’t think you have any style or any time to put together an outfit, here’s a freebie.  Take it and you can’t go wrong.” In a weird, pushing-the-envelope, way-too-existential way, I find denim to be beautiful in that all-inclusive, harmonious way.

And so, I am REALLY EXCITED to add a new denim piece to my wardrobe: a denim overalls-esque romper! Okay, it’s faux-denim and is actually 100% cotton (which makes it completely comfy), but it was 30% off ($7.99) at my local junior miss fashion store and stretchy enough to be nursing-friendly.  I see myself wearing it with EVERYTHING: baseball tees underneath, a gingham smock, a cardigan, or black tights and booties.  A handful of wears and it has already paid for itself!

So what kind words do I leave my readers regarding denim?

1. It’s okay to NOT HAVE THE PERFECT PAIR OF JEANS. For me, it is an ongoing search.  Especially as a woman who has gone from post-high-school-body to maternity-body to postpartum-body, I can’t quite get it right.  On days when I get frustrated at this, I have my dresses, leggings, and of course, sweat pants!

2. If your favorite denim piece isn’t your blue jeans, ROCK IT!  I am a huge fan of denim dresses, jackets, Converse, handbags, backpacks, and of course, rompers!  That’s the great thing about denim: it’s a chameleon that wants to agree with you and is willing to take many forms to serve you and make you happy.

3. Never feel guilty for spending more money on quality denim.  If anything, denim is durable.  You want to make sure that it serves one of its most valuable purposes.  I’d rather spend half of my paycheck on good Levi’s than continue to torture myself wearing disposables.

What are your favorite ways to wear denim?

Share in the comments!

Serving God Through Minimalist Fashion

Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.

-1 Peter 3:3-4

I have always loved shopping.  Especially for clothes.  Then, when I adopted a minimalist lifestyle, I reflected on my choices, which conflicted with my need to be fashionable.

One selling point aligned with my faith.  I realized several things when I updated my wardrobe, all in respect to my relationship with God:

1. I focused less on my appearance.  Instead of feeling insecure as well as vain, I viewed clothes as functional.  I did not want them to define whether or not I was someone who could hold a conversation.

2. I wasted less money. I realized I could survive on fewer materials, which is what God intended for me all along.

3. I wasted less time. I found myself spending more time in prayer and reflection instead of shopping or stressing about what to wear to work the next day.

4. I prayed with a more grateful heart.  Lots of reflection came naturally with my lifestyle change.  I started praying more, either for strength in this endeavor or in gratitude for a clear mind and an open heart.

5. I donated to those in need. I realized that I had many usable items that another person could use, so I happily gave them away.

6. I cursed less. There was less crap all over the floor and my car keys were easier to find.  This significantly lowered my negativity.

7. I leaned toward modesty. As a children’s librarian, I couldn’t minimize my wardrobe to crop tops and denim shorts.  I wanted my closet to be versatile, featuring items that made me look professional at work, but could also be worn leisurely and comfortably on my days off.  I realized that my clothes were more modest and did not expose lots of skin.  It made me feel beautiful! Everything I wore was safe for Church.

8. I wasn’t as impressed by high maintenance beauty and expensive fashion.  I started to notice simpler beauty and style, which enamored me.  Instead of false eyelashes and fancy dresses, I quickly became impressed by top-knot buns, simple makeup, and chambray shirts.  These women radiated beauty with their style and their under-accesorizing, which is how I believed God called them to be.

9. I cared more about quality over quantity. My clothes were a metaphor for other areas of my life, like friendships and relationships.  I would rather have a lasting garment that made me feel good and confident over something trendy that would only last one season.

I learned many things and I am continuing to grow with this adventure.  Other minimalists… how have you grown through your experiences?  SHARE!

Minimalist Style (For Babies): The Ultimate Staple

As I read and research capsule wardrobes and minimalist living, I think about my son.  I have inadvertently applied a minimalist wardrobe for him too!  If you visit my blog, Instagram, or Facebook, you will notice Liam is usually wearing a plain white onesie.  It stemmed from a conversation I had with my father during my pregnancy: “Babies should always wear white.  It looks clean and makes them look like angels.” I thought it was crazy until I saw my son.

I realized that white onesies are simple and easy.  They go with everything.  They’re perfect alone for hot summer days or for wearing underneath cute tees and sweaters so baby bellies don’t show (although, how cute is that?!).

They bring out the beautiful contrast between his dark hair and fair skin.  They allow me to stay focused on his handsome face without being distracted by wordy tees and loud colors.

Anddd, they’re affordable and easy to clean.  This is one of my best kept secrets for sanity as a new mom and working mom.  I love that a 5-pack of good 100% cotton onesies at Carter’s won’t cost me more than 12 dollars.  I will never feel an impulse to buy clothes, fearing that it will be discontinued next season.  I love the idea that I can bleach them and feel like they’re good as new, or constantly be reminded of fun memories through merciless stains.

In conclusion, I will always be faithful to one of my “villagers” who have supported my motherhood journey.  Plain white onesie, short sleeve and long sleeve, I’m happy you’re around!