I just got rid of over one third of my wardrobe.
Eek!!
And I'm just getting started...
With my increasing schedule and an awesome venture I've been taking on, my plate is full y'all. With no time or space for all the "extras" these days, I've taken to trimming up my life to make room for the stuff that really matters.
This blog began with the sole focus of making the most out of what you have. And after practicing this for a few years, I realize the most I had is now too much! After creating a plethora of options, well... I don't need so many options anymore. I started with around 35 pieces and have around the same today but as I continue on with this blog, my discussion is naturally evolving into the subject of minimalism. Now, I suppose that's a different subject all together - but is it? The Tiny Closet is all about knowing your life and knowing it well. Minimalism is same. And once you know your life well, it's the process of making it extremely easy and streamlined to live it everyday.
I finally had to come to terms with the way I live mine:
I don't wear heels
I live in stretch jersey
Jeans are my go-to
I can wear jumpsuits all year long
and...
I'll take a great fitting tee over a leather jacket any day
I know that doesn't sound like the most glamorous nor the dreamiest of wardrobes but my dream is that someday soon, my entire closet will be able to be hung on a five foot clothing rack where I can just pick an amazing piece and go - and more importantly, it will mostly be made up of my own designs.
I know that doesn't sound like the most glamorous nor the dreamiest of wardrobes but my dream is that someday soon, my entire closet will be able to be hung on a five foot clothing rack where I can just pick an amazing piece and go - and more importantly, it will mostly be made up of my own designs.
Lots of planning (blah), sketching (eh) aaaand fabric shopping (yay!!). But here, I'm wearing MM6, a jersey dress with a connecting layered top with an open tied back. I adore.
So I'm currently designing and sewing myself a new wardrobe. Of course, I'll share with you along the way, each piece that I add to The Tiny Closet. And from time to time, I will even be selling a piece or two! So, stay tuned to my usual postings each week for moooooorrrre!
And I hope you'll follow along with me on this slightly new path of making a personalized minimalist closet. Maybe a collection of clothing, perhaps? The Tiny Closet Collection :)
See ya Monday!
Natalie, dear, I am already on this journey with you. Less is more. A few years ago, I had this one bedroom apartment that only had ONE closet. The closet was in the bedroom. It was an okay size for sure, but, I thought (back then) who in the world can live with ONE closet!? The apartment was built in 1938 (it's such a beauty) and when I had looked back on THOSE times, most folk in that era HAD a simple wardrobe. After that move, I had gotten a much larger space with three closets! I filled them all thinking that I HAD to and it caused me to be unhappy. It was too much to keep up with. I ended up donating, selling, and trashing majority of items. I am back to the small, and wanting MORE of less-and I'm happier in this place of less. For me, there has to be balance, order, peace and clutter-free space. YES! On my way to minimalist, too!
ReplyDeleteI am so elated for your inspiration of how you put things together. Thank you so much. I adore the photos here and the piece that you are wearing. Did you make that? Is that a tee with a bow-tie kinda knot detail in the back? That's haute! :D
Yes! Less for me is certainly more. I'm working on using only half my closet space. This dress is actually MM6 but definitely in the vein of my own designs. Thanks so much for reading as always, Shante!
DeleteI love how you are looking out contemplating all of this! I second what you stated here as I have my hands full as well. I have been donating and trimming up my closet and I hope to one day get my sewing skills up to make a few pieces I love too.
ReplyDeleteWay to go Natalie. Did you cut your hair? I am still growing mine, but at times wondering why when short suits me and my lifestyle?? Why do we add more to ourselves?
Ah, your comment stuck with me since I first read it - I too wonder why I make myself grow my hair out when short definitely suits me as well. I suppose curiosity is to blame. Short is always so chic and simple. And goodness, you've certainly got the bone structure, Shon! Yes, to answer your question, I did cut my hair - about 6 inches! But I've wanted a bob since forever so I had to try it again sooner or later. Good luck sewing! Find a super simple pattern and have a blast :)
DeleteWhen I moved last year, my closet got a huge purge. Now I have the itch to do the same this summer. I'm really interested in your designs and would love to hold your collection in my store opening this summer. I will email you with more details.
ReplyDeleteThat's so sweet of you, Shalanda :)
DeleteDefinitely following. I luv the refining towards a customized minimalist style works with "your" lifestyle. I like the realness of going deeper into the fruit for the seeds. Also, chuckling over your reaction to "planning": I feel like the same way about planning.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what you make!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Danielle!
DeleteThis definitely resonates with me. When I moved a year ago I had pared down my closet considerably, but the career and weather shift necessitated a few new items. With spring, my minimalist tendencies kicked back in and I am currently working on going back to basics. I can't wait to see what you create for yourself. And also +1 to "no heels."
ReplyDeletexx Abby a geek tragedy.net
So proud of you Natalie! Look forward to your sharing the new minimalist Tiny Closet!
ReplyDeleteInteresting!!! I also have about 35 pieces (or 50 including shoes, bags, jewelry and accessories) and have noticed that is just about enough before I start neglecting parts of my closet. Partly that's a seasonal thing - I have to be able to dress for about 30 to 100 degree weather and I live in a city with no A/C, so of course I have wool sweaters and tiny strappy tops. But I don't need more. 35 - 40 is the sweet spot, and that's only because I don't have time to do laundry 2× a week.
ReplyDeleteI love where you're going with this! I am trying to do 25-30 pieces but who knows what will be best suited for me. Yes, yes and yes on everything you said! Cannot do laundry more than once a week, ugh!
DeleteGreat post! Did you recently decide to stop wearing heels? I notice you've worn them in the past. I've been thinking about getting rid of my high heels too. I want comfort AND style in my shoes.
ReplyDeleteHey Kimberly! It actually was a recent decision and one I don't regret. I think 10 years ago, we wouldn't have had many options for stylish flat shoes but now, we have a sea of options! Women's fashion is broadening so widely, a beautiful feminine shoe now takes many different shapes. I don't think you'll need to sacrifice style for comfort. But keep a couple pairs around for those nights when you can't think of anything else you'd possible want to wear!
DeleteIt's so funny you should post this. I recently got a storage space to pack away the baby's bits and other items the family isn't currently using so I got inspired to scale down. I'm consigning, selling online, donating and recycling most anything I can. I'm also purging my closet of outdated and tired pieces of resignation to more bold pieces with purpose. The most inspiring thing you've said, for me, is to make room for the pieces you really love. I have a lot of filler clothes with not much that feels like my style. For the first time I actually have a wardrobe instead of a closet of "nothing to wear".
ReplyDeleteGreat post love everything you wear
ReplyDeleteAnd I was JUST thinking of what you've been up to! I'm looking forward to seeing your new wardrobe. Oh, and I've decided to get rid of a lot of my clothes too. I wish I could sew myself a new wardrobe though! LOL.
ReplyDeleteIm slowly getting there...thanks for sharing. Knowing your need and lifestyle is key.
ReplyDeleteCant wait to see you collection
Rosy
I have been moving in this direction for a while now. I'm so tired of those blogs that seem to focus on "look at me in my designer clothes." Nothing wrong with a few pieces here and there, but they all seem to look the same and I'm definitely not into mindless consumerism. Your style is interesting and practical and as a petite person myself I appreciate that having style does not mean you have to run around in 4 inch heels all the time.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sue! That means a lot :)
DeleteWe are kindred spirits! I could rock a sneaker, sandal or wedge every day- heels- not so much. They just don't feel natural to me!! LOL I love, love, love a jumper! I have been looking for vintage dresses to re-purpose, like you did awhile back. I would so ROCK the dress you are wearing! Love jersey material:)
ReplyDeleteSo in love with the premise of this blog! You definitely inspire me to clear out the clutter in my life. Can't wait to see some of your new pieces!
ReplyDeleteStretch jersey is ALWAYS a good idea!
tiffany / tiffanyeatworld.com
Less IS more. Ive recently cut my wardrobe down to 55 hangers... Thats it, aside from underthings, pajamas, and workout gear (which aren't much). If I want a new piece, I have to donate a piece. I've also recently taken up sewing because my Old Navy Pixie Pants (I SO love the fit) aren't holding up as well as my small wardrobe needs. So I am making my own! Happy creating!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! I hope you're enjoying the amazing world of sewing. It's empowering indeed making your own clothing. Have fun with your Tiny Closet!
DeleteWhen are we going to see you wearing and re-wearing the clothes you have kept? I love seeing how you style your clothes in different ways and hate it when you are 'off air'. Pleeeesssse come back.
ReplyDelete