The sentimental box

Lately I've been reading a number of organizing articles and of course, hooked on youtube videos discussing the KonMari method. I don't recall where I heard this from, but someone had shared that they keep a box separately for sentimental wardrobe items. 

As many have suggested, keeping seasonal items completely separate and packed up when it's not the right season is a great way to keep focused on what you need instead of getting distracted by your gazillion winter scarves in the middle of summer, no matter how unlikely you will reach for them. It's just one more less thing to process and dismiss. 

Similarly, I had a few items in my wardrobe that I no longer wear but hold great sentimental value - my dad's vintage hoodies (still in amazing condition, and I was wearing them well into my young adult years), my university logo-ed sweatpants, or the shirt I was wearing when I first met my husband (the Batman Tshirt really caught his eye haha).  When they were mixed in with my regular wardrobe, I would sometimes think about wearing them and then debate over it (despite knowing I won't), thus wasting my time and brain power - now, they are tucked away in the top shelf of my closet in a cute box and it makes me smile to know they are there, but also keeps me from even thinking twice about them when putting together an outfit. Less is more. 

Make sure to keep the box small and manageable, or there really is no point. And here, is where I found the KonMari folding methods to be excellent to fit all the items. 

Do any of you have a sentimental box? What's in it? 

June color capsule summary and showcase!

So, early into June, N and I decided that we had to stray from our color capsule plan - we had originally thrown in different shades of blue into the mix. The reasons being (1) since neither of us planned to do capsule wardrobes this year, we didn't account for materials in the hot season - what we owned in our chosen colors were just too hot for us; and (2) summer is for COLOR!

Here are my outfits - 

I've highlighted my favourite outfits

Here are N's oufits - 

Love her red and blue blazers! so sharp looking! A brighter blazer for spring and summer is on my radar as a future purchase, or a cream/ivory vest.

So far through my capsule experiences, and in general, I have learned that:

• I need more blouses - I am always at a loss for what to wear on top when I'm not wearing a dress and it's maddening in the mornings. I just need a few more in some basic colors and make sure they are lightweight so they can serve dual purpose in the warmer weather, and also as layering pieces when it gets colder.
• I may need to re-organize my closet, or considering storing my seasonal items completely away - people were right when they said even though you know you won't use an item, just having it in view, is distracting.
• I like longer blazers - the ones I have now are fine, but I will be on the look-out for longer ones when my current ones need replacing, or exercise the one-in-one-out rule.
• The mint green blouse I bought this month from Banana has become a fast favourite! And the light colored blazer I was having difficulties wearing in previous years is now easier to wear and getting lots of use. (Just have to figure out the gray pinstripe blazer now... any ideas? =S)

So far so good...

We're almost nearing mid-month of March and so far I've managed to keep my goal of not making any purchases. 

I do put it out there that I did purchase two items from Target, NOT for my wardrobe, but to help me organize and de-clutter my bathroom. 

I purchased some little containers that were less than $1/each for a pack of 2 (I bought 2) and a jewelry stand. I don't have a jewelry box as I hide my valuables haha, and I've never been one to pay too much attention to costume jewelry. Last year, however, I did commit to incorporating more of my costume jewelry into my style  and daily wardrobe. I have been eyeing a jewelry stand for ages but just didn't feel compelled to shell out $20 for it - I know, I can be SUPER cheap about some things. With Target lowering their prices as their Canadian stores close down, I figure, finally, why not. 

I now have de-cluttered my small counter top (I live in a condo, trust me, there is practically no counter space) and feel a lot more organized. My jewelry is now where I can see it and easily accessible - loving it!

I don't count this as a wardrobe purchase, but more so, as necessary tools to help manage my life, thus bringing me more clarity and joy =)