In a previous life… my world was: fashion.
I was a:
wardrobe stylist
mobile boutique owner
personal shopper
and closet cleansing maniac
And my closet reflected that (in my own way.)
But one thing I didn’t focus on at the time was longevity.
I bought well but I didn’t invest. I didn’t think about how many years I could take care of a piece. How it would support me long term. I just thought about what matched my style at that moment.
And then I met this little silk dress… and everything changed.
I believed then as I believe now- that your style is unique like your fingerprint. And while it evolves, it’s essence stands the test of time.
So when Collin and I were attending a winter wedding a few weeks ago and none of my go-to dresses felt warm or right for the occasion I decided to go shopping. On the hunt for something long sleeve, cozy and not at all what I came to fall in love with.
Which was this spaghetti strapped silk dress. Considering it wasn’t warm like I was looking for and was priced for the quality, lasting piece that it was… I hemmed and hawed. I wasn’t sure if spending money on the dress made sense.
But I’d never felt so good in something. I put it on and was like “woah….” I looked at myself differently. And it got me thinking about investing… in pieces that last longer than a season or one event.
It shifted the way I looked at my wardrobe… and left me with an urge to fully invest in it.
To stop buying fast fashion that works just for this season and start thinking “like a Parisian.” Like someone who sees wardrobe-building as a lifelong curation, not a constant sport of shopping.
So here’s what I did about it:
First: I tuned into what I’ve been wanting to wear… and noticed the gaps to fill in my closet: SLOWLY OVER TIME.
At this current moment… it’s 14°F (feels like 4°F.) Soooo I’ve been craving not feeling cold.
The past two winters I’ve felt most comfortable when I’ve layered.
Hiding long sleeves under my sweaters- opting for warmth over all else.
And yet my sweater game was lacking… and what I had didn’t feel like me.
Want to see the 32 things I recently got rid of? Click here
So: I went on a hunt to find a quality brand that makes my kind of classic clothes…. the ones I need right now.
I found Sezane and fun fact: it’s literally a Parisian brand🤷🏼♀️🤣 (I really went for it.)
I found myself 4 sweaters (1 that can be worn two ways) that fit into a color palette I’ve honed for years. In shapes that fit me well (because prioritizing silhouette over trends makes more sense to me.)
Rose 2-Way Cardigan | White Bodysuit | Navy Cardigan | Striped Sweater
Instead of asking, myself “What’s in style right now?” I found myself focusing on:
What shapes flatter me?
What cuts feel like me?
What colors work best for me?
Because there’s nothing wrong with finding your uniform and building on it.
What I love most about these pieces are that they’re in tones + weights that work year round:
In the spring (and on a cool summer night) the pink is pink enough to pair with a white tank and fit in.
And in the fall and winter, styled with darker shades, they don’t feel too bright or out of place.
Not to mention the weight of each knit keeps me warm with layers and comfortable without them too.
That’s another Parisian mindset I focused on: neutrals that mix well, are effortless and make a statement piece pop.
I also needed new boots and found some great choices in Toms:
(a brand I’ve always loved but style had no longer felt like mine… until I found these)
Bennet Fur Lined Boots | Evelyn Heeled Booties
They’re not top-of-the-line by any means but they offered what matter:
Waterproof
Warm
With a lugged, non-slip sole
(… let’s just say my super cute $20 Target rainboots that I tried to pass off as winter boots out of convenience last year…. left me falling down our icy stairs more than once 🤦♀️)
And *COMFORTABLE* insoles
All things that don’t require a high price tag to achieve long-lasting quality.
The other brand I considered was Blundstone but felt like the Toms style was more me.
I also grabbed these cute new tennies to replace my worn out ones.
Last but not least I finally gave my jewelry some attention:
After I got on a roll, investing in this longer lasting look for myself, I was at a trade show for my mom’s business and came across this amazing booth.
I’d had some issues with my wedding rings (I think they need to be re-dipped) so I’ve been looking for a simple gold band that matches me now.
When I saw these cute stacking rings and met the amazing couple who created them- I was sold.
Then- I saw their customizable chains and had to create one that matches my color palette (aka I can wear it all the time and it’ll always match my look.) LOVE it✨
At the end of the day… it’s all about the feeling
And the way *I* feel:
investing in my wardrobe,
focusing on silhouette over styles,
and building up my look slowly, intentionally and with longevity in mind
… feels really really good.
I love that Parisian fashion is about intentionality, slowness and what works FOR YOU... just like our conversations here:
Their wardrobes reflect identity, not aspiration.
Dressing for their real life, their real bodies and their real taste- not what everyone else finds cool in this moment.
That their goal isn’t about perfection but effortless coherence.
And that they stop before they buy to ask themselves:
Does this match the rest of my wardrobe?
Will I still want to wear this in three years?
Is this flattering from every angle?
Can I wear this in multiple ways?
I meannnnn… what can be more intentional (and minimal) than that?
As I finish this piece I’m realizing this is another deepening into my minimalism practice, another way I’m staying minimal and intentional in my life. It’s a way of being aligned that I never considered before.
I’d love to here your take in the comments↓
P.S. Are you a minimalist or an aspiring one? Curious about: Maintaining less, to access more of life’s simple luxuries.
Then join us inside the paid tier to unlock my latest series: Staying Minimal.
Filled with thoughtful prompts + candid conversations around: decluttering, financial minimalism, time stewardship and intentional decision making to support the daily rhythms you desire.
For intentional creatives craving not just a simpler home, but a simpler way of being — where your actions align with your dream life.
