minimalist wardrobe – Page 2

20in2020 update: The limit does not exist

Welcome back to another update on my attempt at a low buy year using the 20 in 2020 challenge–where the goal is to buy no more than 20 items of clothing. I didn’t write a March update because I was busy being terrified, anxious, and glued to the apple news app (you too?). I’m writing an April update in the same emotional state, mildly dulled by its consistency for the past 45 days. Am I feeling better? I think so, until I need to bring my stress blanket to bed.

20 in 2020 update: Month two of my low buy year

We are now two months in to the 20in2020 challenge, a delightful instagram community of people trying to limit their clothing purchases to under 20 items this year. This month…I bought more things. I dealt with some guilt. This post is me letting the guilt go because there’s NO LOOKING BACK. Here’s what I bought, what I learned, and what’s on my March wishlist. Plus my thoughts about the extremely philosophical question: Do I shop end of season sales?

It’s the little things: Reviews of 5 (physically) small wardrobe accessories I’ve been loving

One thing about being on a clothing budget that I don’t like so much is that it makes me want to make “big impact” purchases. I love instant gratification, and compliments. In my opinion, the things that make the biggest splash in those categories are dresses and cool shirts, so, no surprise, those are the things I love browsing for the most. Taking a step back from shopping has meant thinking more about purchases that will make a difference to how I feel and not just how I look. So here are reviews of accessories and wardrobe basics that aren’t as “flashy” that have really made a difference in my closet (including some trendy internet-only brands like ThirdLove, Boodywear, Thinx, and Bombas).

Month 1 Reflections on #20in2020

In case you missed it, I’m limiting myself to 20 clothing purchases for the year. And now I’ve survived the first month of the challenge! I took in one item this month, but I was tempted…a lot. Here was my pick, what I expect for the next month, and other thoughts on replacing shopping with other activities!

The one where I try to buy less than 20 clothing items in 2020

“This challenge you’re doing has me shook. I bought 10 items of clothing last month alone.”

“20 items?? Including shoes?? Including thrifting??” -recent texts from friends

I posted yesterday on Instagram that I am going to try a “low buy” year for 2020 and am limiting myself to 20 clothing items for the year. If this number sends your mind reeling on the search for loopholes (yes, shoes count, no it doesn’t count if I return it) or announcing your intention leads to a deeply skeptical look from your partner then know that I am with you. I love to shop and it is time to slow my roll. Today I’m talking about my goals for buying less this year and sharing a little wishlist of what’s on my mind in 2020 (items and brands). Here we go!

How I figured out my personal style in grad school

When I arrived at my MA program, I had a lot of clothes, and liked clothes, but was also one of those people who never felt “pulled together,” and especially not in a way that looked effortless. Fortunately, I had a habit of stress reading blogs. And I soon found capsule wardrobe bloggers. Through their influence, I figured out that my problem might actually be too many clothes, going in too many directions. So I started doing a couple of things to find the direction in my style.