Living out of my suitcase makes me not miss about eighty percent of my wardrobe in New York. Even the desire for shopping stops.
Having only a handful of outfit options gets rid of the dressing headache. From here, I’m not faced with racks and shelves of clothes (don’t get me started on the shoes). At home it’s cool to rummage but increasingly it’s one big headache that makes me feel like just getting rid (my shop is a constant revolving door). Also remember this purge post by my friend Daria?
I’m living out of my suitcase for a couple of weeks and it’s like a preview of the capsule wardrobe that I strive for. I brought about five tops, two bags, four dresses, three denim shorts, one pair of jeans, dungarees, a few sandals and the Adidas Gazelles. Note: it’s not the clothes themselves, it’s the number of clothes that is appealing.
Granted, I don’t live here so a short list works, but the theory of pulling from a small selection stands: If I can feel this content with this little, then does 80% of my wardrobe need to go?
I think I already know what the answer is although while here I did cave on these leopard print Adidas Gazelle trainers online…
Regardless, this living out of a suitcase reminds me that cliche’s aside, less sometimes is more and too many signs point to me kicking myself up the butt and just living that way when I return to New York too.
Tina-Lynn says:
It’s nice to have a wardrobe you can choose great pieces to travel with. My headache did clear up when I cleaned out my closet. ( I was repeating items) I’m happier with less garments.
Tina-Lynn says:
It’s nice to have a wardrobe you can choose great pieces to travel with. My headache did clear up when I cleaned out my closet. ( I was repeating items) I’m happier with less garments.
Karen Blanchard says:
Ok that’s confirmed it when you said the headache stops. I repeat items too and always feel better when I off load as well.
Currently Wearing says:
Love your capsule wardrobe. Especially the shoes!
X
Miri
http://currentlywearing.com
Currently Wearing says:
Love your capsule wardrobe. Especially the shoes!
X
Miri
http://currentlywearing.com
Karen Blanchard says:
Thank you! It’s the bare minimum when I think of what’s left in New York
Lorena Lorena says:
It does keep it simple, I’ll give you that.
When I travel for work, my time getting ready us reduced to a minimum. I’ve lived out of a carry on for two weeks. There are no other options to choose from, so you settle.
However, as good as it is to know that it is an option and something I could do, I chose not to.
Lorena Lorena says:
It does keep it simple, I’ll give you that.
When I travel for work, my time getting ready us reduced to a minimum. I’ve lived out of a carry on for two weeks. There are no other options to choose from, so you settle.
However, as good as it is to know that it is an option and something I could do, I chose not to.
Karen Blanchard says:
Yes traveling for work or please does make you settle. I think the fault for most is that we refuse to when back home again but that’s when the simplicity stops. Well said.
tsp says:
you’re absolutely right. when you have less clothes, you have to be more creative with how you’re going to wear those clothes. i definitely feel you are happier and less stressful when you have less things. sometimes when you have a lot of stuff, the feeling of having too much is overwhelming, and it’s something i constantly fight with on a daily basis. so i completely agree with you, it is something i try to live with – less things, less stress (hopefully) 🙂
Caroline Howden says:
I went backpacking on my own a few years ago – lived out of a backpack with my capsule wardrobe 😉 for 13 months. Ok it’s a lot easier packing for warmer climates with a bikini, flip-flops & a pair of shorts. Also having so little choice I think can make you more creative with what you have? I do miss my island days (mermaid hair, don’t care) I’d never felt so happy & free. Now im back in the UK, my wardrobe is fit to burst (again) & I often wonder if I buy so much to try and feel happy again?
Caroline Howden says:
I went backpacking on my own a few years ago – lived out of a backpack with my capsule wardrobe 😉 for 13 months. Ok it’s a lot easier packing for warmer climates with a bikini, flip-flops & a pair of shorts. Also having so little choice I think can make you more creative with what you have? I do miss my island days (mermaid hair, don’t care) I’d never felt so happy & free. Now im back in the UK, my wardrobe is fit to burst (again) & I often wonder if I buy so much to try and feel happy again?
Pam Chafin says:
I so agree. With Spring approaching, it’s time for a serious purge. I have several pieces I haven’t worn in years and I doubt I will. No, not doubt, but KNOW I’ll never wear. Just need to rid my mind of that “the second I do away with something, I just know I’ll need it” mentality.
Daria says:
great post 🙂
Alexandra Bowman says:
As much as I like the idea of a capsule wardrobe, I know it’s kind of unrealistic for me because I looove to shop. I’ve gotten much better about it, (especially since I make less money now, lol) but I feel like I’d miss having several choices in color and style. So for now; I’ve chosen to slowly streamline my closet. Knowing what you feel most confident and comfy in is what makes it easier. My bag collection was the first part I trimmed down… I definitely reach for some bags more than others, but it’s nice to have variety.