Happy Friday! Got any fun plans for the weekend?
A few weeks ago, I created a little form where you could send me a question you’d like to see answered on the blog. Let’s get down to a few of your questions.
Do you have an “emergency budget” for shopping in-between capsules in case one of your pieces were to be severely stained or ripped? –Sarah
Hi Sarah! I do keep an emergency budget — about $100. I think it’s a great practice because if I ever do have a wardrobe emergency, it won’t turn into a financial crunch.
So far though, I haven’t needed to use it. I’ve had a couple of pieces rip or stain mid-season, but the few times that’s happened, I decided that the lack of that particular piece wasn’t going to “slow down” the rest of my capsule wardrobe.
Now, the day my jeans rip, I’ll be singing a different tune. And I’ll be really grateful for that emergency fund. :)
I don’t have the finances to upgrade all the pieces I would like to, but I would really love to move from a wardrobe of clothes I bought in college because they were cheap to more appropriate attire for my life now. I’d love to hear your thoughts on how to downsize while incrementally upgrading. –Rebecca
Hi Rebecca! This is such an important question. Every situation is different, so it’s hard to address it all in one tidy answer. But for now, I’ll try to answer your question the best I can in the fewest words:
1. Let go of all the “shoulds” — the way you should build your wardrobe, the amount of pieces you should have, the places you should shop. Instead decide to play with possibility from here on out and go your own way.
2. Take the pressure off yourself and think of it as a long term project. Instead of trying to create an upgraded wardrobe in 3 or 6 months, reframe it to 12 or 24 months, or however long you need … and then relax for the ride.
3. Focus on buying just one or two quality pieces each season. It will feel painstakingly slow. It’s not sexy. But try not to diminish your progress. Small change over time equals big change. And if you need some encouragement to stick with it over the long haul, read The Compound Effect.
“Never give up on something just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” ― Earl Nightingale
Do you take a minimalist approach with your undergarments too? I’m also curious about what other books that you read. I know that you have listed some books already, but I’d love to hear about more. –Lisa
Hi Lisa! I just recently decluttered my panty drawer and I can’t tell you how nice it is to open that drawer and know that everything fits comfortably + makes me feel my best.
That wasn’t the case about 4 months ago, but I finally decided I’d had enough of uncomfortable undergarments, so I started doing research + preparing to upgrade.
I ended up settling on these panties because of the amazingly comfortable fabric and the fact that I can wear them underneath anything.(Here’s a brief version if you’re interested.) I have 9 pairs and I’m happy with that number. I purchased 3 pairs every month over 3 months so I didn’t have to invest all at once.
Other stuff? I have about 12 pairs of “PJ” panties. I’m currently working on downsizing my bra collection. And I have a few pieces of pretty lingerie.
And, oh! I’m regularly adding to a Pinterest board of books I’ve read and loved. Have a look: Book Club Pinterest Board
Want to see one of your questions answered on the blog? Head to my contact page and click “Got a question for me?”
xo
Jacket: old from Zara (similar here)
Tee: old from J.Crew (different but equally cool here)
Pants: old from Aritzia (similar here or similar for less here)
Shoes: old from Madewell (similar here)
Bag: Marc Jacobs (similar for less here)
