Are You A Minimalist Or A Maximalist?

This is a post from the archives, as I am at the fabulous Vancouver Blogger Meet-up today. Hope you don't mind a re-run from 2011.  ☺

Neither of these is my own closet. I am somewhere in between.

I have read many books, articles and blogs about simplifying one's wardrobe, minimalism, de-cluttering and "pruning" the closet. And I've done quite a bit of this, especially when we've moved house. It always feels good, and I love the feeling of a cleaned-out space with fewer, better options.

So why does it seem so difficult to stick to the pared down wardrobe? I truly enjoy having "just a few well-loved items", and a "closet of gems". Getting dressed is easy, the family budget is relieved. But I am still adding to my wardrobe, albeit at a far slower rate than in my 30's and 40's. Here are some of my theories:

• "Dithering" purchases: these are the quick stops into Ross, Marshalls and TJ Maxx on my way home from work, or tacked on to another errand. I see an attractive blouse or scarf, it's (always) less than $25 and suddenly it's mine. Did I need it? Certainly not. I wanted it, it looked good, I can afford it, and wardrobe philosophy be cursed.
• Thrifting. A blessing and a millstone. Like many fashion-lovers I enjoy the hunt, the hope of a score, the "OMG this is a real Marc Jacobs!" moment. And it's a social time too, when I chat with other women and we trade stories, advise each other. But sometimes I come home with STUFF that now needs: cleaning, pressing, arranging and justifying.
• The mythology of "this one will be perfect." For example, I have four pairs of great jeans. That's enough for my lifestyle, by far. I have dark and medium denim, two straights and two bootcuts. If I wore jeans every day, and at three wears each, that would be twelve days before laundry was due. PLENTY. But I still long for what magazines call the "perfect pair of dark denims". Well, at age 60, I think I would have found them by now.

Of course there are good reasons to add to my wardrobe: those great jeans will wear out and need replacing. All my favorites (shoes, boots, bras) will need to be replaced over time. And I like to add a bunch of fresh tee shirts every spring, new tights, a few new necklaces, a new belt and a nightshirt. The challenge is to be wise in my purchases, and keep the pleasure of the simple closet in the front of my mind.

What about you? I think all approaches are good, if they give you joy. Do you like to have a little or a lot?

Stay fabulous,

There's always room for a great pair of jeans, cute flats or a yummy nightgown:

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