A Minimalist Who Loves to Buy New Things
When I became a mom and my day-to-day lifestyle changed (shout out to all my stay-at-home moms!), my preferences naturally shifted. I started to consider minimalism, slow fashion, and how often I buy new items. I’m in awe of people who have capsule wardrobes and achieve no-spend January’s. On the other hand, I’ve always loved buying clothes and having lots of choices. Give me all the complex layers, current trends, and unique pieces! I wanted to change my buying process, but I didn’t know how.
ONE | I needed to first understand the two style concepts: Minimalism vs. Maximalism. Minimalism is when empty space and the bare minimum tells your story. Maximalism is when bold patterns, unique pieces, and complex layers tell your story. Both have a place in design!
TWO | I needed to be honest. I teeter-totter between the two and incorrectly thought I should be one way or the other. In reality, it’s less about fitting into a style, but more about being honest with myself and figuring out where I land on the style scale. On a scale of 1-10 — 1 being minimalism and 10 being maximalism — I would say I’m a 4.5/5. I’m right in the middle and I’m okay with that!
Here are three truths about me:
I can easily spend money on clothes.
I’m drawn to spacious places more than filled ones.
I’m motivated by purpose and fun!
This honest evaluation helped me feel more free and less guilty. Then I established a wardrobe goal, slowed down my buying process, and crafted a more intentional one.
Where do you land?
Consider these steps when you want to evaluate your own buying process and be more intentional:
Step 1. Be honest, where you do you land on the style scale? 1 (Minimalist) — 10 (Maximalist)
Step 2. Are you content with where you land on the scale?
Step 3. What is your wardrobe goal?
Step 4. Create one measurable step to work towards your goal. How does that step embrace who you are and your lifestyle?
Step 5. Set a boundary. Slow down your buying process by 10-20 days as you learn to be more intentional.
Here’s an example:
I’m a minimalist, but not a pure minimalist. I’m a 4.5/5.
I’m really content!
My goal is to wear and love everything I own.
I want to buy a new pair of boots because I have a fun, new outfit idea.
I’m going to take 20 days to research quality ones and figure out if I need it.
This last statement gives me time to use what I own and find solutions in my closet to complete the outfit I envision.
There are so many other factors that contribute to our buying process. Buying on trend, marketing power, our mood, and much more. We can get into that another time. The first step is to be honest so you know how to work with your personality and lifestyle; not against it. That in itself takes time, asking friends, and evaluating your purchases.
Being intentional is not so much about the rules, but more about having fun within the healthy boundaries you set. Start with an honest assessment of your natural style tendencies, then create realistic boundaries. Boundaries that will probably shift and change as your life does.
Apply it
Where do you land on the style scale?
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Related post: Build a Wardrobe You’ll Love