Last September, I made a promise to myself to stop buying clothes that were… a waste.  No more impulse sale buys, no more cheap junk, no more fast fashion.  Once I made a firm decision to do that, I realized I didn’t really even need a seasonal capsule wardrobe anymore.  It slowed me down SO MUCH in the shopping department, that it’s been simple to keep a smaller wardrobe year-round.

I just can’t enjoy a good trip to the mall anymore because it’s so boring!  There’s no real way of knowing who made all those clothes.  I mean, I have a pretty good idea, so I just play it safe and say no.  The hardest stores to give up were Madewell (I seriously start sweating when I pass by) and Target (because I’m there ALL THE FRICKIN’ TIME and yeah, sometimes a good Justin Bieber t-shirt and some strappy sandals are just calling my name.)

But for the last 10 months, I have put the shopping blinders on, and I’m actually pretty proud of myself.  Neither my year-long shopping diet or capsule experiment yielded these kinds of results.  I do still shop a little bit, though it’s mostly online with an abundance of trial and error.  And I’m trying to slowly build a wardrobe that reflects my style – as a 37-year old mom who still thinks she’s 25.  Nah, actually like 29.  Gasp! That should be a store!  FOREVER 29!!

Buuuuuut…

Did you know a “but” was coming?

I am still a normal girl who loves clothes and shopping and sometimes I get plain old bored with a small wardrobe.  I haven’t been overwhelmingly tempted to buy mall clothes, but I do get overwhelmingly tempted to blow my budget on ethically sourced and consciously made items.  Give me all the USA made linen!! What? Everlane has a thing?  I must have it!

So today, I sat down for a few minutes with my friend the Capsule Wardrobe Planner, created by Caroline over at Un-Fancy.  Not to start another seasonal capsule, but to remind myself that what I have is enough.  And if there are things I don’t like anymore, that’s ok too.  I simply need a fresh set of eyes looking into my closet again, reminding myself why I am doing this.  And enjoying the process of making the same ol’ clothes feel fresh and fun. One of my favorite basic outfits, upgraded with accessories.  Stevie said he wants “to go do something” and I’m like BRAH.  IT’S 100 DEGREES OUT THERE. chambray: old from old navy (better option) // tank: everlane (on sale!) // cut-offs: old from aeo (better option) // sandals: teva // purse: old from Target (better option) // bracelet: bravelets // friendship bracelet: gifted // necklace: old from F21 (better option) // sunnies: ray-ban

I guess the moral of the story is that I’m still learning.  And I have to remember that I am much more content with less clothing now, than I ever was with a huge wardrobe.  There’s a lot to be said for that. I want to keep that feeling going.  I notice it spilling over into other areas of my life as well and I love it.  It is so damn gratifying to feel that space. Ya know?

Who else is still on the capsule wardrobe train?