I know when I'm blushing but you don't

Things I am trying to accomplish #2 

Six months later I’ve still not completed furnishing my apartment (not pictured) and in some ways it’s a blessing because now I know exactly what I want: minimal furnishing and lots of clear space. 

Things I’m learning: 

Let the size of your home dictate how much stuff you have, and not the other way around.

Set aside time to go through your things and get rid of the ones you don't use anymore -- I typically do this 4 times a year i.e. every 3 months 

Be organized. If you have everything in it’s place it’s easier to comprehend how much stuff you have rather than compiling it in a corner or storage area.

Have a temporary and junk area. You can’t be so organized that you don’t have one. But bravo if you can do without it

Store things where you use them 

Realize that life is about experiences, not things. Advertising can be very convincing -- try not to fall for it. 

Things I am trying to accomplish #1 These past few years I’ve been thinking about human consumption of goods and how the commercial fast fashion/beauty culture has become a norm without question. Because I move often, I’m able to asses the value and quantity of clothing I own when I pack and unpack. It’s a slow build up of frustration and now I know that I should consider a capsule wardrobe.

I believe that I’ve narrowed down my style at this point, and I do set up my wardrobe by season--because never enough closet space anyway-- and that’s half the journey to a capsule wardrobe. These are current things I’m doing to make this a gradual transition and some tips:

Stay away from the mall (when did it become a place to kill time? go to a bookstore instead or call someone easy to talk to and laugh)

Participate in a trend only if it appeals to your sense of style in the long run (like you’ll wear it for years to come)

Expensive doesn’t mean the best quality. Some of my thrifted pieces are my most valuable (are clothes even made like that anymore?)

It’s okay to have more basics than non-basics 

Remember that once you start spending less on clothes, something might try to sneak in to take it’s place--like beauty products--so be strong and try to pull the concept of minimalism to everything you spend your money on

And I choose to be aware that it will be phenomenally okay.