Embracing Simplicity with Style
“Fashion changes, but style endures”—Coco Chanel
With the Western society having so many choices, it’s natural we end up with too many material possessions, like our closets that are crammed with clothes of which 80 percent we no longer wear. Springtime is the perfect time to take control and rid your wardrobe of clutter. Unusable objects have an aura of negativity, constraining your movement, and zapping vital energy. So if it is unflattering, worn out, uncomfortable, or it simply no longer excites you, toss it overboard to keep your energy afloat.
And once you’ve purged your closet, you’ll be amazed with the space and your new calm, motivated mindset. Now it’s time to make the most of your newfound space and be smart about how you fill it.
Follow these smart shopping tips to restock your wardrobe, embracing simplicity with style…
– When you choose a new piece, be sure you can wear it with five other items in your closet.
– Limit yourself to 12 outfits that can be mixed and matched. This will guarantee you have enough to cover every occasion.
– Stick with these five basic colors, which are all you need: white, gray, beige, black, and navy. A closet filled with classic pieces and a pared-down palette makes it easier to pull an outfit together.
– Choose a graceful dress with simple lines for evening wear.
– For day wear, opt for a well-cut ensemble, whether it’s a knee-length jacket and shift dress, or skinny white jeans/pants with a tunic.
– For that weekend getaway to the beach, your number one go-to piece should be a pair of white linen breezy pants.
– Never buy anything just because it’s on sale and a bargain, unless it fits the above criteria.
– Organize your closet by color.
– Keep it less confusing, and store your off-season clothes in another place.
– Show some respect to your clothes, and invest in quality hangers, using quilted ones for the more delicate pieces. Toss the wire and plastic hangers!
– Perfume your wardrobe with a beautiful diffuser, calming to your senses.
– Choose accessories that you can wear with at least five of your outfits, including one leather belt, two casual scarves (one solid color and one patterned), a black linen scarf with a little shimmer for evening, a fedora, a floppy hat, a leather bag, a casual clutch, and one evening clutch.
– Choose your jewelry with your wardrobe in mind. One statement piece, a casual short necklace, a long necklace (great when you can wear as a bracelet as well), and definitely pearls!
After you’ve transformed your closet, transform the rest of your home and your life, with a book recommended to me by my daughter, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying by Japan’s expert declutterer, Marie Kondo.
Peace!
- About the boutique
Using the soothing color palette of a coconut by the sea—whites, neutrals and splashes of turquoise—Coco Blanca has created a trademark look. Her lifestyle boutique offers expert solutions for home design and women’s fashion—blending a clean, fresh, sophisticated, feel-good style.
210 South Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.535.8002
