My Favorite Handbag Essentials and Organization Tips

When my kids were little, my handbag was a messy mix of snacks, toys and other essentials for both me and them. I would clean it out but after a couple weeks of running around to activities and events, it would be a mess again and always ended up weighing about 30 lbs. It was a lot of strain on my body, especially my neck and shoulders and it was also hard to find things. Fast forward a few years and I was able to ditch the kid snacks and toys but still found that my purse was a bit of a disaster. I realized I had to streamline my contents of my handbag but also shift my mindset about what I really needed to carry around with me. I also adopted a few organization techniques to keep my purse from getting overloaded with unnecessary items.

My Favorite Handbag Essentials and Organization Tips

1. Kari Gran Lip Whip Tinted Lip Balm - A little moisture, a little color. The perfect amount of color for everyday.

2. Follain Small Hand Cream - Small enough to fit in my purse and mighty enough to moisturize my hands when they get dry like on airplanes and in other climate controlled areas. Also has a nice light citrus scent.

3. Blue Q Small Floral Zipper Pouch - Helps organize the little things in my purse so they are easy to find.

4. Small Coach Wallet - The perfect sized wallet. More than enough spaces for my cards and cash and that’s it.

5. Beautycounter Hand Sanitizer - I really try to not use haand sanitizer but it’s good to have on hand just in case. This one smells amazing and also moisturizes.

6. Poppy and Pout Lip Balm - I love Poppy & Pout’s flavors and their lip balms are made with only the best ingredients.

7. Madewell Small Leather Crossbody - Small but not too small. This handbag holds everything I need for most of the things I do when I am out and about. I also like to pack it my suitcase when I go on trips.

Downsize - Unless I am traveling or going on some type of day trip, I no longer need a large, oversized handbag. I used to carry one around as a default and then realized how quickly it was filling up with unnecessary stuff and how heavy it became. Now I tailor my purse size and contents based on what I’m doing and quite often I only really need a small bag with some very basic things.

Zip Pouches - I used to keep small items in the pockets of my purse but now I use zipper pouches. They work so much better at keeping small items contained and they are so much easier to find. No more digging around pockets and the bottom of my purse. The key, of course, is to remember to keep them zipped!

Clean Out Frequently - I clean my purse out at least once a week or after a trip, event or activity where I might be collecting or carrying extra stuff. I am always amazed by how much accumulates in such a short period of time.

Only Pack What I Need - If I’m going on a trip or out and about for an extended period of time, I make sure I go through my purse and remove or add based on what I’m doing. If I am just going out to eat, there is no need for me to carry the same things I would need if I was going to work. It really doesn’t take that much effort and it prevents my purse from getting overloaded.

My Favorite Cozy Travel And Game Day Essentials

On a recent trip to Tennessee, I was limited to a medium-sized carry-on and had to be really intentional about what I packed. The weather in Tennessee is changeable, just like New England, and I needed items that I could layer for warmth and inclement conditions. As predicted, when we arrived it was warm but by game day (Go Vols!), when we needed to be outside for a good three to four hours, it was raw and cold. I also needed items that I could wear on the plane and be comfortable with the shifting temperatures and tight seating. So, what to pack? After decent amount of travel over the past few years, I have found some great items and I’m always on the lookout for new ones to make traveling easier and more comfortable. These items are also great for a chilly game day or any low-key outdoor activities. Here are the items that worked well for me and that I recommend on your next trip!

My Favorite Cozy Travel And Game Day Essentials

1. Good Quality Non-Athletic Sneakers - Hear me out on this one. First of all, non-athletic sneakers are much more versatile and the ones made with all leather protect your foot from rain and cold much better than the fabric and “new material” construction of many of the athletic sneakers now. They also look better with your outfits! This pair from Soludos is very similar to what I wear when I travel and the neutral color goes with everything. I was very happy I wore them on a particularly rainy day because my feet stayed dry. They are also easy to take on and off at security and look great with both jeans and sweats. Soludos Ibiza Platform Sneakers $139

2. A Lightweight Rain Resistant Hooded Jacket - Depending on the weather, I like to bring a lightweight, breathable hooded jacket that can easily fit over a warm sweater or sweatshirt and is also rainproof. I really love this jacket by The North Face. It’s nice looking and the blend of cotton, nylon and polyester makes it breathable but also good for dashing from here to there when it’s raining or a little windy. The North Face Women’s Rainsford Jacket ON SALE for $49.57.

3. Lightweight Wool Socks - When I think of wool socks, I think of the thick-knitted variety that I wore growing up and had to stuff, along with my foot, into my winter boots. Not anymore. The wool sock has evolved and it turns out that wool may be much better for your foot than cotton and certainly synthetics. Wool has this natural temperature regulating ability that keeps your feet cool, dry and warm depending on the conditions. I needed a warm sock for the game and the nice lady at the general store in downtown Knoxville convinced me to try them. They were warm and comfortable but not itchy and I’m pretty sensitive to wool. I really like both Smartwool and Darn Tough brands for well-made, comfortable construction and a wide variety for various activities and needs. I bought these long socks by Darn Tough and the no show socks by Smartwool and they were perfect for everything we did that weekend, even on the plane ride back my feet were warm and comfortable. Darn Tough Socks Wool Socks $24 and Smartwool No Show Socks $16.

4. Comfortable Sweatshirt and Sweatpants - If you’ve talked to anyone who traveled in the “golden age” of air travel you know that attire was much more formal and people took how they looked seriously. Like the wool sock, air travel attire has evolved just a bit. Truthfully, and with no disrespect, if I am going to be packed into a metal tube like a sardine, I’m going to dress comfortably. I am also not going to look like I just rolled out of bed either. A cute and comfortable sweatshirt, sweatpants and sneakers are my go-to. I, personally, do not like to travel in clothing that I am going to wear at my destination because of the risk of staining and that I always feel so grimy after sitting in airplane or car for a few hours. I love this comfy matching sweatshirt and sweatpants from Madewell. It comes in 6 colors as well as petite, regular and plus sizing. Another thing I love about Madewell is that they are almost always running some type of sale or coupon deal. Madewell MWL Superbrushed Easygoing Sweatshirt $65 and Sweatpants $75.

5. A Neutral Lightweight Scarf or Wrap - This is an essential for me. A lightweight wrap or scarf is an easy way to add warmth. I wear it on the plane and out and about, if needed. I like to bring it when I’m out to dinner in case the restaurant is chilly. A neutral color or motif makes it easy to pair it with any outfit. This double layer wool/cotton blend scarf from Madewell is similar to the one I take with me on trips. It’s comfy and cute. Madewell Double-Faced Plaid Scarf $52.

6. A Neutral Knit Hat - A knitted hat is an easy thing to throw in a suitcase or bag in the event that you need that extra layer of warmth. I was very happy I had one on this last trip. One note: bring a hat with no pom-pom so that you can easily wear your jacket hood if needed. Trying to stretch a hood over a pom-pom hat is not a great look and not comfortable. Also a neutral color allows you to wear with whatever jacket you decide to pack. Herschel Elmer Knit Beanie in Heather Black $25.

7. Dark Denim Jeans - I don’t think there is anything more versatile than a pair of dark denim jeans. You can wear them both day and night and denim is sturdy enough to stand up to several wears. I have a few denim brands I really like but I brought these Everlane ‘90s Cheeky jeans in Deep Atlantic. They are well-made, comfortable and very reasonably priced. They also come in seven washes and three inseams. Everlane The ‘90s Cheeky Jean $108.

14 of My Favorite Fall Picks From Anthropologie

If you’ve ever walked past an Anthropologie, you know it’s hard to resist going inside, especially during fall. That window display alone is enough to pull you in. Once inside, it can be exhilarating and a tad overwhelming especially if you’re looking for something specific and not just browsing. Fall is one of the best times to shop because the store is loaded with wonderful items. I’ve picked out a handful of things I think are perfect for the cool, cozy weather ahead. Of course they have great clothing and accessories to help keep you warm and comfortable but they also carry some great things to make your home look and feel inviting. If there’s ever a time to treat yourself, it is now, because you know you’re going to be buying for everyone else very soon!

14 of My Favorite Fall Picks From Anthropologie

You can buy many of these as a special treat for yourself but they make a nice gift for a fall birthday or event or you can start shopping ahead for the holidays. I’ve made sure that everything on this list was picked carefully and consciously so you’re sure to find something you will love. Let’s dive in!

The Cheese Board Deck

This is great for gifting but it’s nice to get for yourself and a fun way to get clever, new ideas for cheese and charcuterie boards. Perfect as we head into the season of celebrating and entertaining but also just a nice way to enjoy a cozy night at home with family and friends. Pairs nicely with this cheese knife set and rustic wood and marble cheese board. SHOP HERE

Cookies: The New Classics by Jesse Szewczyk

Baking is one of my favorite things to do in the fall and cookies are number one on my list. This book takes cookie classics and puts a spin on them. I have to say I’m intrigued. SHOP HERE

Half Baked Harvest Every Day Cookbook by Tieghan Gerard

If you have been following Half Baked Harvest on social media then you know the recipes are amazing. Tieghan’s dishes are easy and perfect for those cozy fall nights at home. SHOP HERE

Pastel Pumpkin Apron

Super cute and so fun for fall entertaining or just a little refresh for your kitchen textiles. Perfect for fall gifting too. You can also get the matching oven mitt. SHOP HERE

Mushroom Candle

It’s a candle and it’s cute fall decor! What more could you ask for? The mushroom is the vessel for the candle so once it burns down you can either put another candle in it or just use it as decor. SHOP HERE

Set of 3 Botanica Journals

I buy these journals trios all the time and usually have to update them seasonally. The botanical theme and warm hues of these journals are perfect for this time of year. They are great for journaling, notes, grocery and to-do lists and are light and slim enough to put in a purse or bag. They are also easy to recycle after you are done using them. SHOP HERE

Natropathica Sweet Birch and Magnesium Bath Flakes

A warm bath with magnesium is a great way to relax and unwind and ease tired and sore muscles. I love a warm bath on a chilly night. Light some candles, get a book or some music and enjoy! SHOP HERE

Greylin Long Shacket

This shacket is so soft and cozy and I love the longer length. It’s perfect for football games, fire pit gatherings, hay rides and all of those other chilly fall activities. This shacket will have you coming up with excuses to wear it. Comes in three colors. SHOP HERE

Favorite Daughter Collegiate Sweatshirt

Cozy season is not complete without a comfy sweatshirt. This one caught my eye because of its preppy college sweatshirt vibe. It’s perfectly oversized and in a classic navy color and made of all cotton. This is one that just keep getting better every time you wash and wear it. SHOP HERE

Daily Practice Joggers

I like these because they are soft and comfortable but also tailored enough to feel put together while out and about. I also like that they contain some cotton which is comfortable and breathable and the grey is the perfect neutral. SHOP HERE

Lemon Cozy Cotton Crew Socks

I have a couple pairs similar to these that I bought last year from Anthropologie and they are so comfortable. I use them for lounging around the house because they are bit more substantial than a regular sock but they would also work in boots that allow for a thicker sock. SHOP HERE

Anthropologie Houndstooth Scarf

This is beautiful oversized scarf. The pictures do not do it justice, the colors are so warm and inviting. Brushed for softness and large enough to wear as a wrap. Cozy and cute. SHOP HERE

EMU Australia Plush Shearling Micro Boots

These are the cutest and coziest boots. Shearling both on the inside and outside in a neutral cream color. You could wear them as slippers or out and about to keep your feet warm on the chillest days. SHOP HERE

White & Warren Striped Cashmere Beanie

Super cute and cozy. 100% cashmere and so luxurious. You deserve to treat yourself! I love the stripes and it comes in two color ways. SHOP HERE

Cozy Sweatpants for Fall and Beyond From My Favorite Organic and Sustainable Brands

Cozy season is finally here! After a long and very hot summer, I know I am ready for some cooler weather. I’m also ready for all of those soft comfy clothes, especially a great pair sweatpants. Finding clothing that is comfortable as well as safe and sustainable has gotten so much easier. More and more new sustainable clothing brands are popping up and offering multiple style and color options for every taste and lifestyle. I’m loving some of the loungewear that is coming from these brands; they are on-trend, cozy and well-made. I picked a handful of styles from trusted brands I love but there are so many more to discover and I will link to those as well.

Cozy Sweatpants for Fall and Beyond From My Favorite Organic and Sustainable Brands

Coyuchi Solstice Organic Cotton Jogger - I own this jogger in two colors. I love them; they are incredibly soft, wash well and fit perfectly (true to size). They are lightweight so great for warmer weather or just hanging out inside on colder days. Made of GOTS certified, Made Safe and Fair Trade cotton. Coyuchi Solstice Jogger $58, 3 color options. Also take a look at Coyuchi’s Dillon Organic French Terry Jogger.

Pact Organic Cotton Airplane Jogger - Made with GOTS certified and Fair Trade organic cotton. Double ribbed fabric, pockets and the comfort you need for a long plane ride or just hanging out. Available in 6 colors. Pact Airplane Jogger $68. I love that Pact also offers this matching Airplane Cardigan ($88). Here are a couple other options from Pact that you might like: The Downtime Sweatpants $68, 8 colors or the Thermal Waffle Jogger $78, 5 colors.

The Studio Track Pant by Pact - Another cozy option by Pact but with a long wider leg and side snaps. Also made with GOTS certified and Fair Trade cotton french terry as well as some elastane for stretch. Super cute and on-trend. Available in 4 colors. The Studio Track Pant by Pact $78.

Amour Vert Salice Mixed Cupro Pant - Made from repurposed cotton waste fabric, which is also 100% biodegradable. I like this pant because you can wear it as a lounge pant or dress it up to go out and about. Cropped wide-leg and elastic waist. Amour Vert Salice Mixed Cupro Pants, 5 colors $138.

Amour Vert Skylar Paris Rib Joggers - Created from beechwood fibers, these joggers are super cute and made for comfort. The ribbing is a nice detail that makes these unique. They come in 6 colors, but three are currently on sale for a really good price ($24). Amour Vert Skylar Paris Rib Joggers $98.

Mate the Label Organic Terry Classic Jogger - All cotton comfort and available in 6 essential colors and 8 limited colors. Mate the Label Organic Classic Jogger $128. Mate has incredibly high standards and ethical practices.

My Top Eight Favorite Travel Essentials For 2022

*Updated from a previous post on 8/2020

While I would not necessarily consider myself a “professional” traveler, I have traveled quite a bit over the last couple years. College tours were the beginning, then my daughter decided to go to school in Tennessee, let’s add in regular vacations and long weekend getaways. I looked back and realized that I had spent a lot of time packing my bags, racking up car and air miles, staying in hotels, booking car rental cars, dinner reservations, tours and excursions and that everything I did while I was gone needed to fit into the size of a suitcase. I wanted to plan for the “what ifs” but I also didn’t want to deal with heavy, over-packed bags and multiple suitcases. I also wanted to be able to get through the airport checkpoints with ease, especially if I only had carry-on bags. Through my travels I have discovered items that have made packing and traveling so much easier and carefree, aside from the travel-sized, TSA approved items.

My Top Eight Favorite Travel Essentials

Go From Liquid to Solid - One of my favorite switches was going from liquid moisturizer, shampoo and conditioner to the solid versions. Solids eliminate any worry about leakage, especially during air travel. They are carry-on friendly, plastic free, easy to pack and they have come a long way in terms of efficacy. I’ve been traveling with Kate McLeod’s Mini Body Stone and loving the compact, small size and I was surprised to find that my skin was still moisturized at the end of the day. On my most recent trip, I tried HiBAR shampoo and conditioner bars and was really pleased with how easy they were to use and how soft and manageable my hair was. I haven’t fully explored the world of solid beauty products but there are solid facial moisturizers and cleansers available as well that would be great for traveling. Those are next on my list to try! Kate McLeod Mini Body Stone Moisturizers $14 and HiBAR Solid Shampoos and Conditioners $26.50 (for both).

Facial Mists - I completely forgot to bring my facial mist on my last trip and totally regret it. My face gets so dry on the airplane, in the hotel and at the beach and facial mists do a great job of temporarily replacing moisture and alleviating that dry, tight feeling I despise. I’ve been loving Ilia’s Blue Light Mist ($18 for .47 oz. travel size or $38 for 1.7 oz.), it moisturizes but also protects against blue light and other pollutants. This travel size fits perfectly in your purse or luggage.

Lightweight Drawstring Bag - One of the most versatile things I pack is a drawstring bag I received as a freebie. It takes up no room, weighs next to nothing and I have used it for everything from wet clothes, excursions, dirty shoes, a beach bag and as a purse. I just turn it inside out, give a good wipe down and it’s ready to use again. They are also incredibly inexpensive (every single one we have in our house was a freebie) so if I need to replace it, it’s not a big deal. If you don’t already have one hanging around your house, here’s one for $10 on Amazon.

Individually Packaged Towelettes - I generally try to avoid individually packaged items because of the extra waste, but these are a must for me when I travel. They are great for refreshing after a long plane or car ride, wiping down surfaces and for cleaning hands when a sink and some soap are not immediately available. I keep a couple in my purse, beach bag and my toiletry bag. I love both Herban Essentials $16.00 for 20 wipes and Giovanni $12 for 20 wipes, both on Amazon.

Convertible Lip, Cheek and Highlighting Palette - Anytime I can find a multitasking product, it makes packing and traveling so much easier. I especially love multitasking beauty products like this lip, cheek and highlighting palette by RMS Beauty. It includes a bronzer, highlighter, two colors that can be used for both lips and cheeks and a balm for skin and lips. It all comes in a slim, easy-to-pack compact. RMS Beauty Pop Collection Signature Set and Mod Collection Signature Set, both under $45 on Amazon.

Cord Snaps/Keepers - I kept passing by these in my local Anthropologie and thinking they were a good idea but did I really need them?? I finally ended up purchasing them when I received a gift card and I’m so glad I did. They are the perfect way to keep all of my tech cords organized when I travel. No more tangling, knotting or digging around my bag. The Anthro cord keepers are no longer available online but you can find a similar version on Amazon for about $7.

A Versatile Pair of Jeans or Denim Skirt - I used to be a terrible “over packer” because I had no strategies for efficient packing. While I’m not as minimalist as my husband (that’s never going to happen), I am much better than I used to be. One of my strategies is to pack a pair of jeans or denim skirt that can be used for a variety of uses like shopping, sight seeing, casual dinners and other events. Denim is a good material that can typically stand up to multiple wears and it looks good with everything. I’ve really been loving the AGOLDE’s Riley Straight Jean. It comes in several washes and they are super comfortable and flattering. Our recent trip was to an area with a warmer climate so opted for a denim skirt to keep me cooler. I hit the jackpot when I found an awesome Rag & Bone denim skirt on Poshmark, but I also love Madewell’s collection of denim skirts in a variety of lengths and washes.

Washi Tape - Washi tape is a great little tool for giving toiletries and other potentially leaky items an extra seal before they go into your bags. The nice thing about washi tape is that it’s easy to tear off of the roll (no scissors necessary) and easy to peel off your items when you’re at your destination. I keep a small roll in my toiletries case when I travel so I can re-seal before I head home. Try this set for under $10 from Amazon or buy individual rolls at your local craft store.

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My 6 Steps To Creating A Fun And Functional Wardrobe I Love (From A Former Clothing Hoarder)

The decision to fine-tune my closet and stop over-buying clothes comes in the midst of a two year project to really clean out my entire house and keep only the items we really need and want. My goal is to be as minimal as possible without feeling like we are deprived or lacking in any way. Swedish Death Cleaning, I think? When it comes to cleaning out my clothes, it’s been a bit more challenging. I love clothes, I have since I was a pre-teen. My thought had always been, more is more. If I saw something I liked and it fit, I bought it. After a while I started noticing a recurring trend of accumulating a bunch of clothes and then getting rid of them after only wearing them a couple times or, um, not at all. Also, despite having a closet full of clothes, I was not able to easily put together outfits that I loved. In fact, it was opposite. Often times, I felt overwhelmed and put together outfits that I felt were just okay when I knew I had better options. So, I decided to do something about it and I knew it had to be done in a way that was sustainable for me. I pulled ideas from a variety of sources including Marie Kondo, Emily Ley, a free capsule wardrobe guide I downloaded a couple years ago, slow fashion expert and advocate Sarah Fagan of Wander and Rove as well as my observations and experiences from working in clothing retail. No, I’m not a professional organizational expert but these steps are what has worked for me so far and I feel will continue to work for me.

Relentless Clean Out: This has been the hardest part for me. I spent days going in and out of my closet deciding what stays and what goes and sometimes it was things I bought only a few weeks or months ago. A relentless clean out means only keeping the things you really love and wear on a regular basis. One suggestion I received was to pull everything from my closet and drawers and lay each item out in one of three categories: Love and Wear Regularly, On The Fence, No Way. While I haven’t pulled every piece of clothing out, I have been using this three-category method to sort through my clothes at a pace that I find comfortable. I also plan on applying this method to accessories, jewelry and make-up.

• Clothes that fell under the “love” category were pretty easy for me to pick out. They are clothes I wear regularly. They’re comfortable, fit well, and flattering. I will admit that this has ended up being very few items, which means that I still had a lot of clothes that needed some serious contemplation and many of them were going to end up being sold or donated. These were the “no brainers” in my wardrobe.

• Clothing in the “on the fence” category was a bit more challenging. Clothing that made it into this category were items that I just could not make an immediate decision and required me to evaluate them in some way and then decide if they were worthy of taking up space in my wardrobe. If the issue was just fit and it could be easily altered, then it stayed. If it was a matter of styling and I was easily able to find something to go with it, then it stayed. If it was uncomfortable, unflattering color, did not fit my personal style or cheap construction and fabric, I let it go.

• Clothes that made it into the “no way” pile were really a mix of clothes that were just complete impulse purchases, not at all my style, out of style or were worn out or damaged in some way (stained, frayed, torn). The most frustrating part about this pile was that many of those impulse purchases were items that were so similar to something I already owned that it seemed ridiculous to keep both. I also noticed that a handful of items were relatively new and were already pilling, fading or showing other signs of long-term wear. This made start to re-think my standards when it came to new clothing purchases.

Applying the three category process to my sweatshirts.

Choose Quality Over Quantity: This mission all started with a growing frustration over the lack of quality in many of the mainstream clothing brands I have bought over the last few years. It also started with a fabulous pair of boots. I bought a nice well-made pair of boots last fall and absolutely fell in love with them. I wear them multiple times a week. I wear them out at night, to work, running errands. You name it. Every time I wear them, they get better and better. I can see myself wearing these and continuing to love them for many years. I realized that this needed to be my benchmark when cleaning out my current wardrobe as well as purchasing new items. I also realized that there were only a handful of items that I have purchased over the last ten years that fell into this category. That’s right, a handful. The truth was that my closet and drawers were full of things that just felt…“meh.” Which meant they were full of things that I didn’t love or the quality was just okay and they were not going to stand the test of time. I realized I was okay with having fewer things I really loved and that would last, rather than having a wardrobe busting at the seams with mediocre items. Affordability was certainly something I had to consider when making this decision. Quality can cost more, but it doesn’t necessarily have to in every case. I’m okay with investing a little more in certain items from time to time, but I also love to hunt for a bargain. This is where clothing resale and consignment platforms like Poshmark, The Real Real and Thred-Up are incredibly valuable. They make it very easy to find what you are looking for by using customized filters and you pay a fraction of retail prices. They are also great for selling unwanted items.

Avoid Being Lured By Trends & Cheap “Fast Fashion”: The fashion industry is perpetually focused on “the next shiny new thing” and there are plenty of manufacturers and retailers willing to play that game and offer a wide variety and high volume of those items at enticing and affordable prices. The problem, for me, was that the gratification from buying those items was fleeting. I’d wear them a few times and then realize the quality was terrible and/or they were so trendy that I could only wear them for a short period of time. Buy, wear and toss, again and again. It was a cycle that no longer felt comfortable. Fast fashion also has a huge impact on our environment between sourcing of raw materials, irresponsible manufacturing practices and textile waste. It became more important to me to seek out companies that were dedicated to more responsible manufacturing practices and focused on quality and timelessness of items over quantity.

It’s estimated that 92 million tons of textile waste is created globally each year. Yikes!

Find a Good Seamstress or Tailor: Sometimes the only thing standing in the way of actually wearing and loving an existing piece of clothing is a little nip and tuck. It took me a while, but I found a seamstress who is well-skilled and can provide good advice on whether or not an item can be tailored to my needs. Before I decide to donate, sell or return, I get her advice and then make my decision to from there. There are many times a little tweak took a piece of clothing from “on the fence” to “love.”

Reselling on Poshmark has been a great way to make money on items I let go.

Get To Know Yourself and Your Style: Getting to know myself and developing my own individual style was another way I started creating a more enjoyable and functional wardrobe. For me, this meant taking note of the items I already had and loved as well as observing the types of items I was drawn to when I went shopping. I also took note of what colors looked best with my skin tone and the silhouettes that looked best on my body type. This was much more important than I ever thought. Even though I love certain colors and styles does not mean they are meant for me. So, I took off my rose-colored glasses and got really honest with myself about what I could and could not pull off even if I really loved it. I knew that even if I initially loved it and kept it, eventually the illusion would dissipate and I would see that it really just did not work for me. Another one of my shopping pitfalls was getting “lured” into buying items based on how they looked on someone else (i.e. that model who makes everything look good) rather than how they looked on me or completely ignoring my individual style because I admired someone else’s. Again, just because they made it look good and felt comfortable, did not mean that I would too. I also want to mention that sticking with your individual style does not mean you can’t push yourself out of your comfort zone. Sometimes we don’t know what we like until we try it so it’s good to keep an open mind but forcing or fooling yourself into liking it and then later regretting that decision, is a completely different story.

Playing around with outfits is a great way to figure out if certain clothing items are going to work in your wardrobe.

Do Try-ons and Outfit Building Sessions: The only real way for me to know if an item is going to work in my wardrobe is to do a try-on and outfit building session. It is important for me to know that I have other items in my wardrobe that will make it work. It’s also important to know that it will fit my lifestyle. I may be able to build a great outfit but if it doesn’t work in my lifestyle then it’s not worth keeping because it’s just not going to get worn. I’ve also purchased items thinking that they will be so easy and versatile in my wardrobe, only to try it on and find out that it was a complete dud. The other advantage of doing these sessions is so that I have outfits ready to go for all types of occasions, even casual everyday outfits. No more standing in my closet wondering if this and that will look good together. This worked well for going through items in my “on the fence” cleaning out phase, especially with items that had me really stumped.

While this has been a really great cleaning out and organizational project, it’s also been a very interesting journey of self discovery. It really pushed me to look at my purchasing habits and understand how and why I ended up with such an unnecessary surplus of clothing. It also pushed me to find sustainable strategies to help me avoid falling into the same vicious cycle over and over again. Breaking old habits takes time and so does sifting through years of clothing purchases so this project is far from done, but I do feel I have the right mindset and strategies to finally get the fun and functional wardrobe that I love.

Hygge Ideas for Spring and Summer

Hygge gets a lot fo attention in fall in winter because that’s typically the time of year we think about getting cozy and comfy, but the Danish practice Hygge all year, even in the warmer months. It is so much more than putting on your cozy clothes and sitting in front of a fire with a cup of tea. Hygge is doing things that make you feel good; things that bring comfort and contentment and that can be done all year. Of course what you do in the spring and summer is going to be different than what you do in the fall and winter. Here are some ideas for some warm weather Hygge!

Hygge Ideas for Spring and Summer

Create and Outdoor Space for Relaxing: One of my favorite things to do when the weather gets warmer is to relax on my back patio. I especially love it in the late afternoon or early evening when it’s a little cooler. We also do a lot of entertaining on our patio. I’ve always tried to have an outdoor space to relax and socialize no matter where I lived, even in some of my apartments. Sometimes it was just a couple chairs and potted plant, but it worked. If you have the opportunity to take advantage of an outdoor space, do it and do it right! To make the space more inviting, try an outdoor rug, lighting, a patio pit, cushioned chairs, a hammock and potted flowers; make it your outdoor sanctuary! Need inspiration? Check out these 58 patio ideas from House Beautiful.

Photo by Arcwind on Unsplash

A Good Spring Cleaning: It’s such a great feeling when your home is neat, clean and organized. Whatever it is that you need to get your house in order so you can go out and fully enjoy the warm weather, just get it done! Getting rid of excess crap is always a good place to start. Clean out your drawers, closets and other storage areas. Open up your windows and get some fresh air in the house. Launder your throw blankets, comforters and throw pillows. Get your rugs, sofas and chairs professionally cleaned. You don’t have to do this all at once; I do all of this over the course of a few weeks. For other ideas and tips on spring cleaning, check out this guide from The Spruce.

Make Some Sun Tea: I loved doing this last summer. I took our largest pitcher (FYI, this pitcher with a twist and lock lid is awesome), filled it with water and a handful of tea bags and let it sit in the sun for a few hours. Sometimes I would throw some lemon and mint in there and sometimes I left it plain. Put it in your fridge for a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up. It’s also really good mixed with lemonade. Yes, you can go out and buy iced tea but this is much more fun and it tastes much better than what you can buy in the store.

Go for an Evening Walk or Beach Trip: Dusk in the summertime is my favorite time of the day. It is a great time for a walk or a beach trip. We like to order pizzas and then bring them to the beach for a little picnic and then do some beach combing. I also just like to go out and walk my neighborhood with a friend or my husband for a casual evening walk. No sunscreen needed. However, you might want to use a little bug spray!

Fill Your House with Fresh Flowers: Okay maybe not FILL your house, but a bouquet of fresh flowers has a way of instantly brightening up a space. You don’t have to spend $50 a week on a fancy bouquet; you can buy inexpensive ones from your grocery store and rearrange them to look like they came from a more high end florist. Check out this 5 minute tutorial on how to make inexpensive grocery store flowers look amazing!

Plan a Small Outdoor Gathering: Use that gorgeous outdoor space you’re creating and host a gathering! Yes, you can do this safely. I like the idea of individually packaged snacks like S’mores kits. You can also order individuals meals from a restaurant that does take out. Beverages, even wine now, comes in single serving sizes. Hook up a bluetooth speaker, hang some lights, light a fire and just enjoy the company.

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