Monday Musings: Satorial Choices and Stress

I find stripes to be classic, tidy, organized, calming, fresh, modern, sophisticated, and on and on. I’ve always loved stripes of all widths but I recognize that because I’m just 5’4″, narrower stripes are a more flattering proportion on me.

I was chatting with a fellow blogger last week, and we agreed that because we’re constantly trying on new clothes and surrounded by so many changing styles…we’ve managed to burn out our personal desire for fashion. I think this is part of the reason I love to wear neutrals so often. They’re quiet, easy to coordinate, and don’t demand much energy from the wearer.

I’m coming to realize that the smaller the wardrobe I own, the less stress I feel. I’ve written several posts on how wardrobe essentials make it easier for us to get dressed, and I fervently believe that owning fewer clothes of higher quality is better for the planet and our wallets.

I travel with a capsule wardrobe and basically live with one at home. I don’t like owning too many clothes because it feels wasteful and stresses me out. Opening my closet to a well-edited collection of things I love feels so much better than facing shelf after shelf of options. I do like to mix and match pieces for variety, but often repeat outfits exactly as I wore them the last time. A simple color palette in classic shapes makes it all the easier, so that’s what I’m gravitating to these days.

As a fashion blogger, I wear and style clothes that are not my personal style. I recognize that not everyone appreciates my aesthetic, and I like to be a resource to help women put their outfits together. Know that just because I wouldn’t wear something doesn’t mean I don’t have fun styling the pieces because I do. It’s a lot of fun to play with fashion outside my comfort zone, and I find it inspiring.

I may not always gravitate to neutrals, but for now, they work and I’m OK with it. All of that said, I was delighted to pull on my only red sweater to go out and watch the Super Bowl yesterday, so I recognize that none of this is set in stone.

Do I occasionally open my closet and feel bored with my neutral options? Yes, but that’s ok for now as I work through this process.

Save or Splurge

For this week’s save or splurge, I thought it would be fun to look forward to spring.

This outfit starts with a crisp pink and white striped shirt and a pair of medium-wash blue jeans. It’s accessorized with driving loafers, a shoulder bag, and a belt in a great neutral. I added gold earrings and a necklace with some subtle sparkle.

These outfit comparisons are intended to inspire you to shop your closet and point out that great style can be had at all price points.

The splurge outfit comes in at around $8607, and the save comes in at close to $244! Would you be able to spot the difference if two women walked toward you wearing these outfits?

More interestingly, is there an obvious piece that looks less expensive or cheap?

Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident and happy.