Life in plenty or something
I'm not going to gripe about this warm California fall because we know it's ALWAYS this way. Just know I'm upset about it. If I needed warm clothes and I did the capsule shenans this is what I would do.
Black Coat // Collared Shirt // Jeans // Black Heals // Knit Sweater // Leather(ish) Skirt // Black Loafers // Valas Backpack // Black Bag // Pink Bomber // Ripped Jeans // High-Top Chucks
If it were real summer and not June gloom summer, below would be my wish list. I said I would never get into overalls, but now I want them. I'm also on snapchat and use it sometimes. I don't even know who I am anymore.
Dungarees // Printed Blouse // Block Heels // Apolis Bag // Silk Scarf // Striped Top // Ripped Shorts // Sandals
I think one of the best ways to simplify your wardrobe and make it usable and interchangeable is to pick a palette. I found that when I chose to only buy clothes in neutral colors it simplified my purchases and my mix match decisions in the morning. This is a very good thing for me, as I have a tendency to walk around like a zombie until noon because I'm still waking up. Waking up is the hardest part of my day, and I'm a counselor.
I recently read an article about the Science of Simplicity. The premise is that some of the greatest modern minds (Steve Jobs, President Obama & Mark Zuckerberg) choose a uniform they wear every day. This is a strategic choice for them because they are so busy making decisions that change the world, they get decision fatigue and want to cut out any superfluous ones, like what to wear or what to eat (I've started calling Trever every day at noon asking him to choose my lunch for me…no).
I have a former boss who wears "the uniform". He's so crazy, it isn't just his uniform, it is the uniform and all of our co-workers refer to it as such. The uniform is just all black, and every time someone wears all black they get compliments on their uniform. What a nut. I'm obsessed when people are unapologetically weird.
In this article I refer to, they quote Henry David Thoreau who says, "our life is frittered away by detail…simply, simplify". I don't know if I could go so far as wearing the same exact thing every day because I enjoy change, but the notion of simplifying decisions about what to wear in the morning, I can get on board with that.
So, stick to a color palette, then you can still feel good about what you wear but it takes up less of your brain time.
I may not be making wartime decisions, but I like the concept…thanks Obama.
Paris is obviously the best city on earth…don’t even start to argue with me, it is! You already know I have a love affair with the Isle De La Cite and the surrounding areas including the St. Germain, Le Marais and the Isle St. Louise. The City of a Thousand Greys, Life in Pink, The City of Lights, it actually is that magical.
When we were there in May I made a point of paying attention to the fashion on the street. Why are the French known for their fashion? Here’s what I discovered, it’s not mind bending so don’t go getting all excited…buuut I basically discovered the secret to good fashion. Simplicity. Yes that’s it, write it down and remember it every time you go shopping. As Leonardo Da Vinci says, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”…that’s a nice quote, I should put it on a plaque.
The French wear a lot of basics (yes I know I already gabbed about this, but it's true). You may not look at them at think, wow that’s a fashionista, but that’s just it. They don’t ride the rollercoaster of trendy fashion, they keep it classic, and high end. Even among the wealthiest, it might look like a basic tan handbag, but with a closer inspection it’s an Hermes satchel. The point is, it’s the right basic tan handbag. Now that doesn’t mean they don’t lead the fashion trends for the world, but they do it with subtlety and close attention to details, nothing is overstated.
Clothes are in neutrals and not overly fitted, there are less bright colors and patterns, and both men and women are dressed fairly formal on a daily basis. Women’s Makeup is light and natural and their hair is less done- it isn’t overly curled or ironed, they let it wave with its natural shape and color and maybe twist it into a bun on a sunny day.
To contrast that, they are also never undone although they may give the air of breezy carelessness. Grubby clothes and old sneakers aren’t the norm, but pristine flats and a nice blouse with a scarf around the neck for good measure.
So I changed the way I shop. I buy less, I buy better, I buy understated, I buy elegent. It keeps me from the utter exhaustion of trying to keep up with every new bold and trendy fad floating in and out of Urban Outfitters…omg I love Urban Outfitters.
So - detailed well fashioned basics. Simplicity. Write it down.
If you do it right, you'll look exactly like this girl…right?
Photos by Trever Hoehne for Darling Magazine
Ok the first thing we need to talk about is my hair whipping, I feel like you should be impressed. Are you?
Moving on...I generally like to dress well, but I don’t like to roll out my paycheck for it - it's not worth it. So I’m always making precise decisions to keep my closet interesting and my bank account positive. There are so many other things I would rather do with my money than spend it all on clothes. When I have the temptation to want to drop ungodly amounts of dollars on clothes, I just think about my memories of travelling with my husband then I try to remember if I still have the shirt I bought myself a year ago and if it means anything to me now. Ok, so you see where I’m going with this.
I believe in buying good quality basics and sticking with a style. It will keep you from riding the trend train and help you save for your trip to Iceland, or whatever.
I used to go in stores and be so overwhelmed by the options and all the items I needed in order to be with it, so I would just get one statement piece. A floral, calf length, sweater, smock thing. Then I just had a ton of statement pieces that I couldn’t wear that often, and they couldn’t really be layered or switched around much, and then I don’t feel like I have clothes. Lame.
So the key to fashion happiness for me, is a good solid set of basics. Then, every once in while if I want the weird smock thing, I go for it. It’s a no-excess approach to fashion, and it will solidify your look. Am I the bohemian hippy girl? Or the LA rocker type? Or the urban Birkenstocks type? Pick one and stick with it.
Here are my basics, all day e’rrday -
Black Jeans :: Blue Jeans :: Black Cardigan :: Grey Long Sleeve T :: Brown Crop T :: Leather Jacket :: Green Jacket :: White Tank :: Black Blouse
In the photo I'm wearing Top Shop Tunic & Jeans, Daniel Patrick Sweater, Ecote Ankle Boots & a Timex Watch
Oh, and I'm pretty sure my socks aren't matching…but I can probably find the link to them if you want.