Change of Plan... Moving Towards Minimalism

For those that remember my scarf challenge from around two years ago I wore a different scarf everyday. Those that were not worn I donated. I wore several different outfits with these scarves.

Over the last two years, I have collected more and more clothing (along with other items) and hardly gotten rid of anything. I always worry if I get rid of it that that is when I will need that item.

The last couple of months I have been slowly trying to change my consumer habits, buying habits and to stop holding on to items that do not bring me joy.

Since I met my husband I have been amazed that everything he owns (except his computer) can fit into a small trunk/foot locker. One of my first thought was poor guy he does not have much. He only has 3 shirts, a pair of jeans and shorts. How does he live not being able to change his outfit everyday? I think you get the point.

I had another friend who growing up I was always amazed at the items she had and always wanted the items when she would pass them on. One year she came home from college and cleared out almost everything that she owned. I was in shock. She has lived like this since and said she has never been happier and does not regret this decision for a second.

Over the last few months I have been getting sick of not being able to find certain clothes, shoes jewelry, paperwork, photos etc. I cannot move my clothes hangers in my closet. I cannot stand the crammed drawers. I cannot stand not being able to see all my shoes, jewelry and accessories. So I have decided to try and minimize what I have.

I figure this like the scarf challenge might inspire people to try something new and hopefully it will keep me accountable.

Yesterday, I did my first round of going through my closet. I filled a large box with shoes and another box with clothes. There is definitely a long way to go but I can finally move most of the hangers from side to side. I think the biggest asset was there were about 4 items I was keeping for very sentimental reasons. Really worried I would forget them. So I took photos of them to remember them by forever.

If y'all really want to see just how bad my closet it I am going to post photos down below.

I forgot to take photos until I got through the tank top section but the rest of it is very accurate. 

Then here is the sweater, jacket and other random stuff section. 

This is the after. It does not look like much but if you look there is defiantly more space between hangers. 

My next step is what I will start this evening and that will be trying every single piece of clothing on. get rid of what does not fit, what colours do not look great on me, what styles no longer look good on me etc. 

Day Forty One of my Scarf Challenge

Hallo Everyone!

So keeping with the Christmas theme I wore red again today. This scarf holds a lot of memories. It is the first scarf I ever remember wearing vividly. I wore it when I went on my trip to Washington DC for my sororities convention. I have so many cute photos of me wearing it on that trip that I almost posted those. 

I want to say that I bought it at Target but in all honesty I have no clue! It is one of my original scarves and my most warn scarves. I also like that I do not have to tie it and it stats in place because it has some weight to it. 

Goodbye for now. 

-Widget-

Day Forty of my Scarf Challenge

Merry Christmas in April!

So this scarf is very special because my Big (from my sorority) gave it to me. I received it this Christmas when she did 12 days of gifts for the 12 days of Christmas. This scarf she gave me on the third day for the three french hens. She told me the hens had headed back to France but they had left a scarf behind for me. 

I love that it is gray so it goes with just about anything. Also I had seen scarf like this that I liked but it was very itchy because of the sequins. With this scarf, though, I do not feel any of the sequins which is very nice. The glitter was also perfect around Christmas time. 

Have a great day!

-Widget-

Day Thirty Nine of my Scarf Challenge

Howdy Everyone!

That is how we say hallo it in Aggieland. 

I was so glad I was wearing this scarf. I was wearing my Texas A&M logo scarf at work. It was very busy so I was bouncing around but I kept trying to figure out why this mum and daughter kept staring at me. When it was time for them to ring out the daughter goes, "Are you a Texas Aggie?" I exclaimed, "Yes, class of 2014!" She told me she was class of 2010 and we tried to figure out if we knew any of the same people. Slightly possibility but still awesome. They actually returned a bit later when it had slowed down to talk to be a little more. All because I was wearing my scarf. 

Note: I was wearing my Aggie Ring which everyone says identifies you but I would like to know why no one every seems to notice it on me. 

The reason I bought this scarf was my dear buddy Caro who was a German exchange student was getting a few last minute items to take back to Germany with her. We were in Target and saw these. If my memory serves me correct we both bought one. If not she talked me into it. It was a scarf that when I got home I was like why did I buy that? I am graduating in six months and then am I really going to wear it? I have worn it so much more then I ever thought I would and I probably where it the most out of my three Aggie scarves. 

Thanks and Gig 'Em.

-Widget-

Day Thirty Eight of my Scarf Challenge

Hallo Everyone!

So we are getting close to the finish. I wonder if I am actually at 55 but I am so backed up that I am passed 55 or something and I just don't know it. 

This scarf is a scarf that I bought at Francesca's. I am really strange when it comes to pink. When I was in grade one everything in my life was pink. Even grade two was close to everything being pink. Me not liking pink as much happened when I really wanted to be Mary in our school Christmas play. There were between six and eight of us that wanted to play Mary. Once my teacher announced that we had to wear blue for the play it came down to three of us. My teacher decided to take a vote and I think I won by a landslide. It was then I realized that good things could come from not wearing pink. There were many other  lessons learned during that whole process that I am still amazed I still remember. 

I do on occasion like to wear pink for a bit of colour. I either love a ballerina pink or like an 80's neon pink. This should come as no surprise to those that know me as I love both these kids of styles when dressing along with many styles in between. 

Ballet pink with black is one of my favourite combos. It allows me to dress edgy with just a little bit of softness. 

This scarf is awesome because it is so fluffy and cozy. 

Until later. 

-Widget-

Day Thirty Seven of my Scarf Challenge

Start of the streak!

No not streaking but a streak of me wearing pretty much all black for quite a few days. 

The jacket I am wearing I really debated buying it or not. I am SOOO glad that I did because I wear it usually at least four days a week. Really good purchase in my book. Now I just wish I could get a real leather jacket like that. I have the hardest time though finding real leather anymore which I think is insane! 

Anyways, my scarf. This scarf is actually a dark royal blue and black checkered infinity scarf. I got it for about $5.00 at a Francesca's outlet store. I love it because it adds a little bit of colour to an otherwise completely black outfit. However, it does not loose the edgy vibe which I really like. I bought it when I went and met my new boss for the first time. It is light weight but it does keep me warm. 

I also tried to do a faux hawk dutch braid today. Obviously a fail. I can do a great dutch braid pretty much anywhere on my head but not down the center. Should not surprise me as it is the same for french braids. 

Sorry for the horrible photos but this is what happens when no one else can take the picture. 

-Widget-

Day Thirty Six of my Scarf Challenge

It's a blue and paisley kind of day!

So today was a great day but not a great day. I thought I was going into the dentist to have a wisdom tooth pulled. Turns out there is no wisdom tooth there was after about two hours they finally came to the conclusion that they had no conclusion. My mouth has baffled the dental and orthodontic communities for years so I will not hold it against them. So no teeth pulled yeah but sad because no conclusive results. 

So because of this I dressed extremely casual today. a spirit jersey from my honeymoon and my blue paisley scarf. It is true, blue is a very calming colour so I loaded up on it today. Again, like yesterday nothing too special about this scarf. I loved that it was blue a colour that I really do not own much of in the scarf department. Plus, paisley is beautiful and perfect for this time of year. Again a pattern a love but I do not own much of. 

Sorry for the squinty eyes but it was bright. 

Have a day full of colour!

-Widget-

Day Thirty Five of my Scarf Challenge

Sorry for the delay everyone!

Considering it has been almost a week you are going to be getting some scarf concentrate. Like orange juice, only scarves. 

This is a scarf that does not really have a super special story. I bought it when I went down to meet with my new manager at her old store. It ended up being about $7.00. What I like is the two fabrics and how they compliment one another. I love my neutrals and browns and beiges and such. This scarf is perfect because it has all of that and just a touch of colour to add a little pop to the outfit. A lot of people tell me I need to wear more purple so here you go for the folks that tell me that. 

I really wish I had worn my gray jeans or something instead though. Plus all the photos with my face were terrible so you just get the outfit. 

Have a great one. Thanks for your patience and your continued support! 

-Widget-

Day Thirty Four of my Scarf Challenge

I have been seeing lots of stars this week. 

Starfish earrings, necklaces, shirts, scarves, bracelets, pretty much anything you can imagine. Yes I am obsessed with starfish probably more then scarves. 

I have also been feeling a little more nautical then edgy the past few days. A phenomenon that does not often happen. Bring starfish into the picture and things change a bit. 

My scarf today is one of my favourites. It is a bright coral scarf with white starfish. My husband bought it for me on our honeymoon at Amelia Island. I bought it at a store that was I believe the first store my family and I went into when we visited Amelia Island years ago. It was still so nice to see it there. There were so many items with starfish that I wanted but I narrowed it down to this one. Up until my honeymoon I did not own a scarf with starfish as I had never found one that I loved. I even did the game with this scarf of okay this is the first store I am going in and we are here for three more days. If it is still there in three days I will get it. Well it was and my husband surprised me with it. How special, lucky, blessed, and loved am I. Pair this scarf with a navy and white striped shirt and it just jumps. 

I was in a bit of a rush so no fun makeup. Sorry. 

Anchours away. 

-Widget-

Day Thirty Three of my Scarf Challenge

Lobster for lunch anyone?

I have been very very bad about posting. I feel very bad as I have had several people the last few days ask me when I was going to be posting next as they have been seeing and reading. I did not realize. Haha. Sorry for that.

This scarf has the same story as the bicycle scarf that I wore very early on in my challenge. I got it at Icing when I volunteered at an event called Grand Ball. One of the best events I have ever been apart of. We did two days of shopping. One was just to try and find me a dress. Which we finally did. It was on sale and it took two malls and a good part of two days to find. I grabbed the bicycle for reasons you can read in my old post. For the lobster though it is a lot different. I do not like the taste of lobster at all. Most people find this very hard to believe. I tell them they should like me more because it means more for them. I do love lobsters on clothing though. Something just so nautical about it. Lobsters also remind me of the north east. One summer my parents took us on a road trip from Nova Scotia all the way back down to Florida. It was one of my most memorable road trips with them. I also love blue and red especially together and it just adds a little bit of patriotism in there.

Sorry for the very straight uncomfortable pose. I was uncomfortable as there were several neibours walking about staring. 

Eat up. 

-Widget-

Day Thirty Two of my Scarf Challenge

Ahoy Sailours!

So the outfit for today was very colourful. I had it one way before work and then had to modify it for work. The picture you will see is the modified look. I preferred it with white shorts or my blue skinny jeans. I also wore it with brown braided leather slippers (aka flip flops.)

This whole outfit really has a story to it. Well most of the components. The shirt was a top I bought before I went to France. I decided I wanted some basic v necks to wear while I was in France. They had very few colours in my size and so I bought what I could get. I decided I did not like the colour because it was too bright and thought I would never wear it so I did not take it to France. Plus I took only nudes (mostly darker ones with me.) Now I love this colour and it is very in for spring right now.

I bought the shoes about a week ago at the Hospice thrift store. I am so sad that they will be closing this branch. As many know I am a huge supporter of Hospice. I used to volunteer hundreds of hours  at my local Hospice each year. I got these Sperry's that were maybe worn once or twice for $7.50. My mum was so worried I would get blisters from new shoes that she had me take a change of sandals with me. No sore feet and no blisters. I am super excited to have them. Somehow I always get Sperry's that I like and want on discount I just have to be patient.

Lastly and most importantly my scarf. I have my mint and white seahorse scarf on. It is very soft and just so different for my "nautical" wardrobe. I love seahorses but have nothing with them and the colour was beautiful. I got it at Francesca's ( of course.) I also bought matching sea horse earrings to go with them.

Sorry, the jeans need to be altered to fit me a little better. I have lost 30 pounds since working and probably about 15 or 20 from when I bought these jeans. I think that may have been why I preferred the other pants I had with the outfit earlier. 

Anchours Away.

 -Widget-

Day Thirty One of my Scarf Challenge

Goodnight OddBalls.

Yes. This is the kind of day it has been. The kind of day I am telling people goodbye and goodnight before I even get started. Today I worked a double. Not as bad as I thought it was going to be. I made it through with no caffeine. I also woke up planning to go to work all beachy, spring and preppy and instead I went black, dark, and comfortable. Anyway, to the scarf.

So in the last few days I have met quite a few other Aggies here in spring break both staff and students. It has been so nice having them around. In honour of that I actually wore my Love Aggies scarf that my mum bought me for Christmas two years ago. 

Thanks, Gig 'Em and God Bless.

-Widget-

Day Thirty of my Scarf Challenge

Leftovers Anyone?

I am still feeling the green from St. Patrick's Day so I wore some olive green. Still green but darker as I am in mourning that I have to wait another whole year until St. Patrick's Day again. 

My scarf came from a little seaside town in France. We had been on the bus for many hours and we were ahead of schedule and were behaving so they stopped off in this town that had a beach maybe 500 feet long and a town that was not even a block. A cute little ice cream parlour overlooking the ocean. I never was able to get the name of the town even from our tour guide or bus driver. It was a place I wish I could just stop by again but I was never able to recover the name sadly. As y'all probably know by now I am in love with olive green which really attracted me to this scarf. I loved the two tone look and it is the softest scarf I own. Sometimes when I was in France and wanted something soft to sleep with I would snuggle up to it in bed. 

I cannot say I was thrilled with the bottom part of my outfit but that is what I had and I really wanted to wear that top and scarf. 

I also tried something new with my hair. I did much better with it today then yesterday (which is when this outfit is from.)

Have a great day. 

-Widget-

Day Twenty Nine of my Scarf Challenge

Dia duit Everyone!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day. One of my favourite days as it gives me the excuse to wear a ton of green all at once. I love wearing green as it really pops the green in my hazel eyes and I love love love green eyes. I also love Irish Step Dancing. Something I got to do while there was a teacher in my community for two years and when she left I was so sad. One of these days I really hope I get to do it again and for an extended period of time. 

This scarf is a yellow and green scarf or I would like to call it Emerald and Maize (my sorority colours.) I found it at the Humane Society Thrift Store about a week ago. It is a small square scarf. I have been trying to find some square scarves as I have some new ways to style and tie them that I have wanted to try out. Unfortunately, yesterday I was in such a rush that I did not get to practice. However, I did tie it two different ways. The first way was around my wrist. This is the way I normally tie my bandanas when I feel like wearing one. The next way I used it was by tying the scarf around my purse handle to St. Patty's Day it up a bit. I definitely preferred this way more. I was not thrilled with the bracelet. 

My dress is from Francesca's. One of my favourites I have ever bought from there. My boots are BCBG and my mu bought them for my my freshman year of college as part of my Halloween costume. Probably the most expense piece of a Halloween costume she has ever bought but she also knew I would be wearing them again. 

  

Sorry for my daddy's not so great photography skills. 

May the luck of the Irish be with you.

-Widget-

Day Twenty Eight of my Scarf Challenge

Hallo Everyone!

My dad and I went on more exploring adventures. Some of the activities we had planned fell through but it was still just a nice time to spend with my dad.

A lot of people thought my outfit was nuts but I did spend most of the day indoors. Strangely with long sleeves and a blanket scarf I was not uncomfortable. This is also a lot of colour compared to what I normally wear. No special story to this scarf as of now. It was one of the scarves I bought from Aerie/ American Eagle. Again, a great deal for $10.00. I loved that this scarf also was not plaid. It was striped and very colourful.

Plus a little bit of sea foam green for a pre St. Patrick's Day celebration. 

Love. 

-Widget-

Day Twenty Seven of my Scarf Challenge

Hallo Adventurers! 

Today my dad and I went exploring. I decided to wear my scarf in my hair today. I wrapped it around my head a few times and then tide it underneath. I actually traded for this scarf from my mum back at the end of my seniour year of high school into my freshman year of college. My Grandma at Christmas my seniour year of high school gave me a peach scarf. The exact same scarf that I am wearing just in a peach/tangerine colour. I love wearing navy and my mum likes more colour. When I saw she had the navy and then I decided to go to Texas A&M I really did not want the orange scarf so mum and I traded scarves. 

The way of styling this scarf this way was an idea I got after Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 came out in theaters. Tibby wears a scarf around her head like that. I wear this scarf and another two I have that are similar in my hair like this when I travel or explore. I do not know why but when I go to do new things I wear scarves around my head and in my hair. 

I am glad in the picture the scarf does not look as thick as I feel it did when I looked in the mirrour and got ready this morning. 

Hope everyone is staying warm.

-Widget-

Day Twenty Six of my Scarf Challenge

Bonjour Everyone!

Yesterday I was out of town and I was also out of town most of the day. Hence yet another late blog post. Yesterday was my cousins baby shower! I can not wait to have another girl in the family as we are out weighed by lots of testosterone. It was a long drive and so I did not wear what I was wearing to the shower. Plus I went thrift store shopping as I drove to the shower. Got a new pair of Sperry's for $7.50. However, I am sad as my favourite thrift store is closing at the end of this month. 

I wore my scarf that I bought in Paris. When I was in Paris I was looking for a scarf that just had little Eiffel Towers repeated over and over again. Unfortunately, in my whole trip I never found one that looked like this. Since being back I have not actively searched for one but I am sure I could find one. Would just make it so much more special if I got it while in France and better yet Paris. The place where I got this was a place we were told was a closed loop and was safe but advised to still be with at least another person which I always do while traveling. It was a place we almost had a Taken moment and I was so glad I have travelled enough and am street savvy enough to know what to do. A full street turned empty in a matter of seconds and some creepy men that were all ganging together. Not a fun experience for any reason. So as much as I love this scarf in many ways it brings back awful memories. 

Of course I was barefoot. :)

Au Revoir.

-Widget-

Day Twenty Five of my Scarf Challenge

Good Evening!

Today I wore my other scarf from Pimkie that I bought in France. You can read more of the story in a previous blog. This scarf I found after I had already checked out and I was waiting on everyone else that I was with to check out. My husband (then boyfriend) had just finished his year as a chaplain in his corps outfit. They also have their dress uniforms called Midnights. They are my favourite and they are an olive green. So when you see this scarf it will make total sense when you see it. For me it was also nice because olive green is one of my favourite colours to wear. It makes my eyes look greener and I love that! I also loved the crosses. I had been wanting a scarf with crosses on it for a while. I had the hardest time finding one though that I even somewhat liked. So when I found this one I just knew that it was perfect. It described Karl and me in one. I am also religious so the crosses are perfect for me. 

I styled it based on all the positive revues and comments I received the day before with wearing my scarf close around my neck. 

Ciao.

-Widget-

Day Twenty Four of my Scarf Challenge

Howdy Everyone!

This post is actually yesterdays post. I finally have my family back in town for a few days so I am trying to enjoy them as much as possible. This also leads to a lot of sharing, compromises and unplanned adventures. This takes me away from the computer sometimes. Sorry about that. 

This scarf is the other scarf that my Grandma bought me at Kohl's that I mentioned a few blogs ago. It is a Mudd navy and red plaid infinity scarf. It was a great "trainer" scarf when I was getting used to scarves as it was thin and it was an infinity so I could just throw it on and it looked good. I have not been wearing it recently as I do not like how thin it is anymore and I do not buy nearly as many infinity scarves as I used to. As you will see from my photos I had it one way when I walked out the door. By the end of the day I changed it up and had gotten several compliments on it. I personally liked it better as well. I did not get a chance to take a photo of how I styled it yesterday afternoon until this morning so sorry for what will look like a crazy outfit and makeup change. I also recently got my first flannel shirt and they are actually the exact same colour and pattern. 

First way of wearing my scarf. Just throwing it on in a rush out the door. 

This was how I wore it later in the day and I got lots of compliments. I liked how it looked and it was very comfortable. 

Kisses. 

-Widget-

Day Twenty Three of my Scarf Challenge

Good Day Everyone!

Not much of a story today. I just kept it basic today. Wore neutrals and then added a pop of colour with my coral scarf. This is another one of those few scarves that I own the same scarf just in a different colour. 

What is so nice about this scarf is that it feels like denim and it is super soft around my neck. I also like the parts of it that are sear sucker pattern. 

Happy Styling.

-Widget-