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How to Pare Down a Large Jewelry Collection

As you may recall, one of my goals for 2014 is to reduce the number of jewelry pieces I own by at least a third.  Earlier this year, I shared the results of my first jewelry inventory, during which I let go of 23% of the items in my storage armoire.  Since that time, I have added some new pieces, and I’ve recently started feeling overwhelmed by the size of my collection. So this past weekend, I took a few hours to review and pare down my assortment of jewelry.

Jewelry Armoire

This is where I keep my large jewelry collection.

In today’s post, I share the simple process I used to help me further reduce the number of jewelry pieces I own.  At the end of the post, I present the results of my latest jewelry inventory.  I believe my method may be useful to readers who possess large jewelry collections like mine, and it can also be used to pare down an over-abundance of clothing and shoes.  If you decide to try my process, please let me know how it works out for you! Continue reading →

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A New Twist on an Old Shopping Rule

One shopping guideline I’ve often mentioned on this blog is, “Don’t buy something on sale that you wouldn’t buy at full price.”  While I frequently repeat this tried-and-true principle, it didn’t originate with me (although I don’t remember where I first read or heard it).  I firmly believe we shouldn’t buy things just because they are on sale or for the reason that we’re getting “a good deal.”  We’re far too likely to settle in terms of quality, fit, color, or silhouette when faced with a very low price.

Sale signs

Don’t “settle” when you buy things on sale!

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What I Wore in May 2014 and My Style Reflections

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.

Outfits and style reflections

Do you take the time to ponder your personal style?

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May 2014 Accountability Update

Before I delve into the topic of this post, I want to extend a warm thank you to all of those who purchased my first e-book, “UnShopping: Recovery Solutions from an Ex-Shopaholic.”  Because of your support, my book reached #1 in the “Compulsive Behavior” category for Kindle books and stayed there for two days!  Of course, that’s exciting and all, but the most important thing is that those who read the book get lots of value and helpful tips from its contents.

If you’ve read the book and enjoyed it, please let me know, and if you have a moment, please post a short review on Amazon.  That will help to spread the word and lead others to read it.  If you haven’t read the book and would like to learn more about it, you can read my announcement from last week or review the book summary on Amazon.  You can also check out today’s post on “Untitled Minimalism” reviewing my book. Continue reading →

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How Many Basics Do We Really Need?

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 →