Dressing My Truth: Love the One You're With? My Continued Quest to Find Signature Style w/ Six Items or Less

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Love the One You're With? My Continued Quest to Find Signature Style w/ Six Items or Less

12:30 AM |

Posted by Mystic Comfort |

Edit Post

Favorite Outfits...

This continues to be my favorite 30-day wardrobe challenge, so far, because I have several outfits that are my favorite. I do notice, though, that even within such a small capsule, I have preferences.

My absolute go-to outfit is my brown cardigan with the brown pants and either tank top...

Free Image Hosting at www.picturetrail.com

Signature Style Insights...

Six Items or Less and other 30-day wardrobe challenges have permanently changed my relationship with my clothes, but not in a minimalist, live-with-less kind of way.

Well, I did initially think I would restrict my wardrobe to a fraction of what it used to be. And that could still happen at some point. I guess.

But I decided that what was even more important for me was to only wear what I really love.

And it turns out that that is harder than I expected! In fact, I recently noticed that, without my realizing it, some "it’s okay"clothes have started sneaking their way into the space held for "I love you very much!" clothes.

I'm sure it won't surprise anyone who reads this blog regularly that this insight came to me when I was shopping J.

Right there, on the J. Jill website, were clothes whose colors I loved immediately, and they put to shame several of the things currently hanging in my closet. In fact, I immediately wanted to pack up those other things (that I haven’t yet worn) and send them back. I intend to the next time I go out.

But how did it happen that I began to buy things that weren't as wonderful as they could be? I think it was a case of "love the one you're with" to be honest. If I saw something that seemed to match all the requirements, but wasn't perfect, I still wanted to give it a try rather than wait for something I might want even more.

And when they arrived, just as imperfect as ever, I decided to wait and see. Maybe they would grow on me. Have you ever bought something, thinking the same kind of thing?

But that did not happen and now I have a small collection of things I've never worn that need to be returned. What's still hanging in your closet that you never wear?

7 Fashion Myths Exposed
Discover Your Style
Discover Your Energy Profile
How to Dress Your Truth
Contact Me

I help plus-sized women who don't feel beautiful in their clothes discover their perfect style & create a closet filled with clothes they love that love them back!

"I thought I didn't feel good in my clothes because I was not my ideal weight. I am still not my ideal weight, but since learning how to dress my truth I feel like I look good. I haven’t felt that way for years. And all thanks to this remarkable new way of seeing myself." –Michelle, posting on Carol Tuttle’s Facebook wall.

Labels: Defining Personal Style, Find Your Signature Style, Project 333, Six Items or Less

12 comments:

Carolee Sperry said...: I have a bad habit of grabbing things and buying them without trying them on first.

I get home and it won't fit or I hate it....

Thanks for becoming a member of The Blogging Buddies Social Network...please remember to check back in and fill out your profile page, add check out the new groups that have been added. You can also "like" our new Facebook Fan page from there.

Have a blessed Easter!

Carolee
Come On Home; April 23, 2011 at 11:25 AM
Jeanine said...: Hi Carolee! That's actually how I do all my shopping now, without trying anything on first. Sometimes it works, sometimes it definitely does not, LOL!

Thanks for coming to visit! I need to get back to the Blogging Buddies community.; April 23, 2011 at 11:32 AM
Work With Marcus said...: Hi Jeanine,

I used to have a wardrobe of clothes I hardly wore.

Now days I implement a very tough love "chuck out" process that works every time.

If at the end if a season, say Summer for example, I didn't wear something, it goes to a part in my wardrobe I call, "Last Chance".

If I have still not worn it at the end of the following Summer then out it goes.

~Marcus; April 23, 2011 at 11:31 PM
Jeanine Byers Hoag said...: Marcus, what a great plan!! Making a mental note to do the same each season.

Although I sorta do that, already. I have a "maybe" section" and add clothes to it sporadically. But a specific intention to do it seasonally might be good for me.; April 24, 2011 at 3:52 PM
Janet Callaway said...: Jeanine, aloha. Your clothes journeys continue to amaze me.

Actually, my wardrobe is in good shape in terms of wearing what is hanging there. As I mentioned in an earlier comment, when I buy something new, I have to get rid of something in my closet. Since I have done this for years, my closet is in good shape.

That being said, I must admit that I am not "in love" with everything in my closet. Because of you, Jeanine, I am making more conscious choices when I buy & discard.

Thx for much for your tips and for sharing your journey with us. Aloha. Janet; April 24, 2011 at 5:25 PM
Samantha Bangayan said...: Jeanine! It's so exciting to visit your blog and get to know you! I'm so glad we've connected through the CM group. =)

One of my favorite outfits also includes a cardigan, but a grey one. I tend to wear a lot of black and white + shades in between, so I usually wear my grey cardigan with my black running tights. So comfy! =)

I completely know what you mean about collecting things I've never worn, but that all changed when I came to Peru. I wasn't able to bring much, so I focused on select pieces of my wardrobe and I find that I wear almost all of my clothes all the time! =) I need to because I don't have much choice. =)

Can't wait to continue with you on your fashion journey! =); April 24, 2011 at 8:52 PM
Jeanine Byers Hoag said...: @Janet, I really admire your practice of one out for every one in, and I can see what a positive impact that would have on your wardrobe. Glad you're making more conscious choices!

@Samantha, it's great to get to know you, too! How cool to be forced to get really clear about what you love.

Not sure how I would handle having a limited wardrobe long-term, though.; April 24, 2011 at 10:22 PM
Jon Alford said...: Hi Jeanine,

I battle with frugality so I THINK about shopping but then never get out there. That means I hang onto apparel that should have been tossed ages ago.

It's become second nature to tell myself "no" to purchases that are wants and not needs. But gosh I do kinda miss the fun in buying new threads :)

You have the song stuck in my head that your title is tied to heheh...

Jon; April 24, 2011 at 11:21 PM
Jane | Find All Answers said...: Oh Jeanine,

Since the last time I visited your blog, I have let some clutter develop there in my wardrobe. I am addicted to buying all that I see.

But I must also admit that too much of stuff actually make me look good when I go out. So may be I should not get rid of anything but buy a bigger wardrobe? :)

Cheers,
Jane.; April 25, 2011 at 4:52 AM
Jayne Kopp said...: Hi Jeanine, since reading your post, I have decided that whenever I buy something new (even though I have told you I am a Jeans sort of girl I do have a weakness for summer tops)... I put my new item in and get rid of two items I don't wear.

I am sure I have things I have never worn and its frustrating. It's actually a waste.

I totally understand the sense in buying and wearing what you love. clothing deserves the attention you give it.

I always love to read your dressing thoughts!

Thanks

Jayne; April 25, 2011 at 10:31 AM
Jeanine Byers Hoag said...: @Jon, one good thing about being frugal is that when you finally let loose, there's often a good bit of money saved to go wild with, right? And actually, one new piece wouldn't be so bad, would it? :)

@Jane, well, yes, if it's all working for you, just add more!

@Jayne, there's a good practice! You'd have to really love it if you knew you were going to sacrifice two other items for it.; April 25, 2011 at 7:19 PM
Bob and Rosemary Clarke said...: Hi Jeanine... I am very tough on my wardrobe... if it hasn't been worn in 6 months or so, it's out! My closets aren't big enough to accomodate "stragglers".

I also have to admit that I hate shopping for clothes, mostly because I never knew what to buy. Happily, my wife Rosemary has taken over that part of my life. When she says buy, I say "how many?" :-)

Love your blog!; April 25, 2011 at 8:53 PM