Monday Musings: Minimalism and What I’m Shopping For
Happy Monday, ladies. Today’s title may seem a bit contradictory, but there is a method to my madness. Since it’s still early January, I figured we could continue to chat about fresh starts and getting organized. My makeup and lingerie drawers got decluttered over the weekend, which feels fabulous. How did I collect so many lipsticks? And eyeshadows? And random brushes?
Because I prefer products without preservatives and chemicals, they have a shorter shelf life, so I knew it was time to clean things up. Here’s what the Mayo Clinic has to say about expired makeup. I got rid of at least eight lipsticks and equally as many lip pencils. When was the last time you cleared yours out?
I’m not sure where the urge to simplify has come from, but it’s taking on a life of its own, and I love it! A few clean shelves, a non-crammed clothing rack, and just like that, I want to pair down to a more minimal everything! I want to have fewer just ok items, and more I love items in my life.
As I packed bras to donate, I wondered what your favorite bras are. Which ones do you find the comfiest? These are my current favorites. I’m not well endowed, so I gave up underwires many years ago and have not missed them one bit. I know many of you swear by them, so please share your faves in the comments. BTW- did you know that bras are under-donated and much needed at battered women’s shelters?
What I’m Shopping For This Month
I’ve been on the hunt for some new exercise clothes to help motivate me to go to the gym. I went through my drawer on Friday and discovered everything looked dull, black, and/or boring. That’s not going to make me want to head to the gym, so I went shopping for fresher options that are not black. I ended up trying on some Vuori, and wow, it’s pretty amazing.
These pieces are the softest thing I’ve had on in a long time. The pants look black, but they’re charcoal. I didn’t buy them because I’m not a fan of the jogger shape, but as I look at them here, I think they’re fine! I also don’t usually opt for hoodies because they have a more sporty vibe than I wear. And with that, I’m saying to myself…Jennifer, but you’re looking for clothes for sporty activities! You have to be able to laugh at yourself, and I’ve been doing that a lot while shopping for workout clothes.
Then I tried on some Alo things. Again, super soft and oh-so-cozy. The sweatpants have a ribbed fabric that looks like stretchy corduroy. I loved this midnight green, but they have jogger bottoms, so I left them at the store. The pullover is fabulous, so I ordered it in a medium.
I’ve also been shopping for a handbag. For several months. I want one that feels luxe and special and isn’t black. Do you see the theme here? I own enough black. I’ve been shopping in person and online at second-hand luxury stores. I haven’t found the perfect one yet, so my hunt continues. My daughter got a fabulous LV waist bag at the Real Real that’s in much better shape than the one I’ve used for the last 20+ years. Fashionphile is also a great place to buy used bags, so I’ve been checking them out often.
In other news, I finished knitting my hat, and I’m back in the brace I wear for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis. Coincidence? Perhaps. So I plan to take it a bit easier with my newly rediscovered knitting addiction habit because I don’t want to need surgery. I’m also shopping for a hand brace that isn’t black :).
Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel fabulous.
Guess I am the odd one out because I just can’t bring myself to pay those high prices for work out gear! Sorry, but I find appropriate and sensibly priced tops and bottoms at Kohl’s! I work out several times a week and try to walk most days…so they are well used. Being glamorous at the gym isn’t important to me!
I hear you. I certainly don’t want to look glamorous, but I want to feel good about how I look.
Thanks for sharing the Vuori line of performance wear. I like the look, but am wondering if they are too warm for the indoor gym. How would you rate these for an indoor aerobic class? Thinking they would work for outdoor jogs and walking. Love the colors!!
The joggers are very light, but the top is thicker, and I’d only wear it outside, getting to and from the gym.
Glad to find someone else who is not into the jogger look! I think the jogging suits of the 70s ruined it for me. Not a look I care to sport again.
That could be why for me too plus I think they make my feet look longer.
Love, love, LOVE my Spanx Bralellujah underwire bras… I have a drawer full of them, and they’ve been my only bra for years! They are SO smooth under knits both front and back, and knit tops are essentially all I buy anymore. I am small chested at 32D, but I like the support of the underwire and it’s not uncomfortable for me. Think you need to buy some joggers, as you look terrific in them!
I may give them a try 🙂
Hello: I recently tried Lands Ends Women’s wireless seamless t-shirt bra, currently on sale for about $40. I am finding it much more comfortable. I saw a Ted Talk that underwires really only push you “in” rather than giving much support. But of course, we all want to wear what’s comfortable. Thanks for all your good suggestions. My ortho arthritis guy recommended that I use a brace only for my thumb rather than the enormous whole hand one I had. It works out quite well. Brand is meta-grip, but I really only had pain in my hand, not my wrist.
My pain is predominantly in my wrist, sadly.
I have had success for several years wearing Empreinte bras…good support with underwire and padded shoulder straps. The lace is beautiful , so no matter which colour you wear, you feel feminine and pretty. These imported bras are not inexpensive, however a local boutique has an annual discount, so I order 2 new bras each February. I am still 36D… which is good…this larger size D from a C coming late in life for me, which is rather unwelcome.
( the reason I have been editing my closet and consigning things that won’t zip up completely.)
Shari…great suggestions for managing diet! 👍
I have been making soups since it turned damp & chilly , and trying to include more salads. Seeing some weight disappear, slowly, and coming back to my former ‘set point’ that was acceptable … feels good.
I found some great leggings for Pilates in another local sportswear shop , and they are Vuori, so I understand your comments… so soft and well fitting, and a pop of colour too. I’ll likely purchase another colour in a few months.