Don’t you love the word “intentional”? I think all of us really want to live intentional lives, don’t we? Sometimes minimalism gets a bad rap, but it’s really all about being intentional and can be truly freeing. From legalistic, restrictive 30-piece wardrobes to slightly more flexible capsule wardrobes, “minimalism” can be defined in many ways. We prefer this one, relating to a fantastic wardrobe as a “minimal amount of versatile, quality items.” But let’s get past the whole she-who-dies-with-the-emptiest-closet-wins mentality: the bottom line is that instead of many low-quality items you may or may not ever wear, you’re curating a collection of high-quality, durable, classic pieces.
Consider this working definition of minimalism: “At its core, minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of everything that distracts us from it.” If your values include making environmentally friendly and financially savvy choices, minimalism can extend to suit those aims, as well.
The All-Important Purge
The first step to creating a more intentional wardrobe is definitely the most difficult: purging. Now before you start to resist, relax: no one is asking you to get rid of your favorite pair of jeans or that top you wear on occasion and absolutely love: instead, we’re all trying to remove items that distract from your intentional pursuit of a streamlined wardrobe. In other words, let’s get rid of those items you don’t wear or love.
Do you have pieces for which you paid a premium and can’t bear to part with, yet seeing them in your closet makes you feel guilty because you simply do not wear them? What about those that are no longer flattering to your form, so when you see them, you feel bad about your body? Yeah, get rid of those. If you need a little more guidance in this step, consider making 3 piles: one for definite items to Release, one for those you certainly want to Keep, and a third for those you need to more carefully Consider.
The Over-Arching Goal: the Right Combination
As you take this all-important step toward building a more intentional quality wardrobe, remember this: “A woman doesn’t need a lot of garments to create a lot of great outfits, she just needs the right mix of garments.” At the same time, though, quality pieces that no longer serve you may easily meet another woman’s wardrobe goals. When it’s time to go through that “Release” pile, you may want to consider donating or consigning them with the Penny Pincher Boutique.
In Part 2, we’ll consider the two remaining steps in creating a more intentional, minimalistic wardrobe: evaluation and rebuilding.
Penny Pincher Boutique
We’re Westchester’s luxury consignment shop offering women’s designer clothing, jewelry, shoes, handbags and much more. Visit our shop at 184 Harris Road in Bedford Hills, New York or visit us online at www.pennypincherboutique.com. You can also find a selection of our items on sale on eBay. We ship throughout the United States.
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