Today’s post is a continuation of my “May 2014 Accountability Update.”  Since I had so many realizations, insights, and tips to share in my last post, it ran very long.  Thus, I decided to split the post into two parts.  In this second part, I share what I wore last month, my favorite and less favorite outfits, some style reflections, and the changes I’ve made to my shopping priorities list.

I hope you find my ponderings on these topics interesting and that my process inspires you to delve deeper in your own style journey.  I sometimes hesitate to post my outfit photos, as I don’t want to open myself up to criticism, especially since this isn’t really a style blog per se.  I firmly believe that there is no one right way to dress.  Sure, some people dress better than others, and there are objectively more flattering ways to dress for certain body types. But in the end, what matters most is that we are each happy with our personal style.

Do you take the time to ponder your personal style?

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It’s amazing what we can discover about our wardrobes when we take a step back from shopping all the time and instead focus on what we currently have.  For years, I was always looking outside of my closet, pondering the multitude of new items I could add to my already burgeoning wardrobe.  In the meantime, many of the pieces I had were scarcely worn.  This year, armed with my new item limit, I’ve cut way back on how much I’m bringing in, which has forced me to look at what I have with new eyes.

In today’s post, I share one of the insights I’ve learned in recent months as I’ve been shopping in my closet more than at the stores.  Yes, I’m probably still buying more new pieces than many of you (over 20 so far this year…), but my current garment inflow represents a sharp reduction over years past.  What I’ve learned has turned a few of my prior notions about smart shopping and workable wardrobes on their side.  After I share my new knowledge, you may either nod in agreement or think I’m crazy, but I just might get you to consider a new perspective along the way. Continue reading →

Happy New Year, everyone!  I hope you all had an enjoyable holiday season and that 2014 is off to a good start for you.  As I mentioned in my last post, I’m going to be doing a series of 2013 “wrap-up” posts in order to close out the year and powerfully start on the next leg of my recovering shopaholic journey.

In today’s post, I’ll be sharing my reflections on the past year in regards to my wardrobe, shopping habits, and personal style.  I will recount the ways in which I’ve grown and changed and open up about the challenges I still face.  In an upcoming post, I will write about my goals for 2014, many of which will be similar to those I stated upon starting this blog in January 2013.

Let’s Pause a Moment to Reflect on 2013…

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I recently received an email from a reader, who commented that many of the clothes she’s seen in my accountability posts seem very “practical.”  She wondered if I had any garments that I feel are “pretty” or which make me smile when I look at myself in the mirror.   Although I responded to this reader privately, I decided this would also be a good topic for a post.  I often get some of my best post ideas from the comments and emails I receive from readers.  Your feedback can bring forth insights I would not have otherwise had, and I love the synergy created through our collective pondering.

Do your clothes bring a smile to your face?

Today’s post explores the “happy factor” relating to our clothes, as well as the issue of balance in our wardrobes between practical items and pieces that warm our hearts and bring smiles to our faces.  I know I’ve struggled a lot in achieving such balance and I suspect that many of you have as well.  It’s my hope that the insights and questions I share in this post will help bring enhanced clarity for both you and me. As always, I welcome your thoughts on this topic.  Who knows, another post may arise from what you share! Continue reading →