Beauty

[aprilskies]

I agree, this isn't about not buying, it is just being mindful of what you bring in and making better choices.  We have to take care of ourselves too.  Last year, I had a handful of clothing purchases but every piece was put into rotation and used.  Nothing sat or sits in my closet that I bought.  The only thing I haven't used yet is my instapot.  I don't know why I procrastinate on using new appliances, the ones I have to learn that is. But, I will. 

The only thing I bought this month was a small coffeemaker, but I needed it. ....and some coffee, which I didn't, but it is a consumable. 

No beauty purchases at all this year so far. I have been tempted but not strongly.  Mainly because I just recently bought so much.  It is amazing how quickly the mind forgets but I am really going to try and hold out this year.  I gave myself a strict budget and it helps when I think about charging against it. I want to create a capsule skincare and makeup kit this year.  I don't want so many products around.  It really overwhelms me and I need to start reducing stress.  And it really bothers me I am trying to use an old eyeshadow palette while my newer ones sit around collecting dust.  However, having said all that, it will be a challenge. 

I need to look into the Vionics.  I need comfortable shoes. It is amazing how my feet have changed.  The other day, I went to put on a pair of boots I haven't worn in a long while and I had to take them off.  Weird how the feet change.  If I am honest, I need to get rid of another pair of brown boots, but I couldn't do it so they went back into my closet for now.  Oy, I love those boots but I couldn't even make it out of the house without taking them off. That's two boots, oy. 

I have decluttered two more boxes/bags of stuff.  I will check out the decluttering site mentioned.  Inspiration always helps.  I don't have a lot of low hanging fruit anymore.  I even got rid of a little computer table that killed me a little bit.  But I don't need it and it just sat in a corner.  It didn't fold down so it was just cluttering a corner. It feels so good to have my dining room a bit more streamlined. 

Well, the snow found us.  It is definitely a cold snowy wintery day out there.  I am so tempted to put on my boots and coat and go for a walk but not sure I want to be cold first thing this morning.  The wind and snow are blowing with a vengeance.  Where's my hot cocoa?

[just bee]

---

@kitty45 wrote:

I didn't cancel the TSV (Isaacs cardigan).  I wear cardigans at least 80% of the time.  The last time I bought a cardigan was about 2 years ago.  I'm glad he didn't have yellow, turquoise or lavender or else I would be in trouble. Bought the pink one.  

I went in my closet & got rid of a few dresses I've had for years & never, ever wore!  I gave them to my neighbor.  I saw dollars with wings fying out when I did that but oh well, the money was gone anyway.  

I need to go through my bag collection & get rid of some.  I use only Vera Bradley now because they're cute & light. The leather bags I have are killing my back & shoulders.  I don't even know what I have.  Sad.  

On the bright side, I haven't bought any jewelery for at least 3 years now.  I will try to give some away eventually.  

I'll also look into the365 declutter blog.  

---

I have way too much jewelry.  There was a time when I wore it and that time has passed.  I have necklaces, bracelets, pins and watches that I've never worn.  There are items that I know I'll never wear now, so why am I still warehousing them?  I bought a ton of marcasite when it was popular.  When was the last time you saw marcasite?  And onyx.  A ton of onyx.  Remember the fantasy-cut rings in every color?  Tennis bracelets.  Charm bracelets.  Charm necklaces.

I remember my mother telling me not to fret about it.  "One day you'll need the money and you can sell it!"  I wonder if I'll be able to.  Who would want it?

[just bee]

---

@aprilskies wrote:

I agree, this isn't about not buying, it is just being mindful of what you bring in and making better choices.  We have to take care of ourselves too.  Last year, I had a handful of clothing purchases but every piece was put into rotation and used.  Nothing sat or sits in my closet that I bought.  The only thing I haven't used yet is my instapot.  I don't know why I procrastinate on using new appliances, the ones I have to learn that is. But, I will. 

The only thing I bought this month was a small coffeemaker, but I needed it. ....and some coffee, which I didn't, but it is a consumable. 

No beauty purchases at all this year so far. I have been tempted but not strongly.  Mainly because I just recently bought so much.  It is amazing how quickly the mind forgets but I am really going to try and hold out this year.  I gave myself a strict budget and it helps when I think about charging against it. I want to create a capsule skincare and makeup kit this year.  I don't want so many products around.  It really overwhelms me and I need to start reducing stress.  And it really bothers me I am trying to use an old eyeshadow palette while my newer ones sit around collecting dust.  However, having said all that, it will be a challenge. 

I need to look into the Vionics.  I need comfortable shoes. It is amazing how my feet have changed.  The other day, I went to put on a pair of boots I haven't worn in a long while and I had to take them off.  Weird how the feet change.  If I am honest, I need to get rid of another pair of brown boots, but I couldn't do it so they went back into my closet for now.  Oy, I love those boots but I couldn't even make it out of the house without taking them off. That's two boots, oy. 

I have decluttered two more boxes/bags of stuff.  I will check out the decluttering site mentioned.  Inspiration always helps.  I don't have a lot of low hanging fruit anymore.  I even got rid of a little computer table that killed me a little bit.  But I don't need it and it just sat in a corner.  It didn't fold down so it was just cluttering a corner. It feels so good to have my dining room a bit more streamlined. 

Well, the snow found us.  It is definitely a cold snowy wintery day out there.  I am so tempted to put on my boots and coat and go for a walk but not sure I want to be cold first thing this morning.  The wind and snow are blowing with a vengeance.  Where's my hot cocoa?

The smartest thing I ever did was to stop buying cheap athletic shoes.  Disposable shoes.  I'd buy several pairs at a time and watch them self-destruct.  Were they comfortable?  Not really.  A good pair of shoes is an investment.  A necessity.  I've said it before: All you need in life is a good mattress, good food and a good pair of shoes.  That was from my Italian grandfather who died when I was two.  But I know it makes sense.  Sleep is important.  Nutrition is important.  Your feet are important.  I say find a brand of shoe that makes you look forward to wearing them.  Foot problems are a nightmare.  It shouldn't hurt to walk.  

---

[aprilskies]

I agree, Just Bee.  At this point, comfortable shoes are where it is at.  My problem is finding shoes that are comfortable but still stylish.  I am not ready for old lady shoes and that is all I find that are mildly comfortable.  But, maybe I need to go to higher end stores and get higher end shoes. I don't mind paying for shoes at this point if I know they will serve me.  I really need them badly.  Looking and trying this weekend is definitely out.  LOL.  I am starting to feel so couped up but every time I look outside, I shiver.  

I need shoes badly but, I guess, now I need new boots too.  Maybe next year on the boots.  I doubt I would even find my size late in the season. 

[dosey]

The snow found us too, aprilskies.  We had sleet and then snow.  It is still cold, but the sun is melting some of it.

I have not pursued any of my 2016 goals (bread, spaghetti sauce, and Spanish), yet because I haven't felt up to it.  My sinuses are really congested, and my face hurts.  I haven't bought anything because I haven't needed anything (excluding food, gas, etc.).

DD and I will go to some clothing sales next month.  When we shopped for sweaters for DD a few months ago, she found only three sweaters that she liked.  One did not hold up.  I am hoping we will find a couple of good deals. 

I like the idea of a makeup capsule.  This will be the year that I become current.  Last week, I threw away an eyeshadow stick and two lipsticks.  There is no way my older lip colors are going to last until the end of the year.  So far, none are bad, but I will be checking them regularly.  I wish I could remember which ones are the oldest because I would just throw them out now.  By the end of the year, I am going to have only one container for lip colors.

Now that winter has finally arrived, I can wear my winter clothing.  In March, I will take a look at what I did not wear and why.  My closet really is not in terrible shape, but it could look better.

[just bee]

So I saw this article in a local publication and I made a copy of one of the pages which, unfortunately, doesn't identify the author.  But this person has a capsule wardrobe based on what she refers to as "a rule of fours."

She prefaces her list of wardrobe items with a description of "tops."  Says she has one in each of the neutral colors and one that's a wildcard for "a pop of color."

So this is her wardrobe:

4 great tanks

4 t-shirts

4 blouses

4 cardigans

4 sweaters (all turtlenecks)

4 jackets

4 pairs of pants

4 skirts

4 dresses

You're staring at this, aren't you?  Now you're thinking about your closets.  Now you're asking, "What's a great tank?"

Allow me to fill in some blanks.

4 great tanks -- She's talkin' silk camis with lace trim.  I don't do camis so this is useless to me.

4 t-shirts -- She likes Urban Outfitters' boyfriend v-necks.

4 blouses -- No description.

4 cardigans -- No description.

4 sweaters (all turtlenecks)

4 jackets -- A classic trench and military-style wool coat from Express; a lightweight wrap coat and a leather jacket.

4 pairs of pants -- She says 4 pairs of pants including 2 pairs of jeans, black trousers, black cropped trousers.  Then she adds that you can never have too many pairs of leggings.  I guess the rule of four no longer applies here.

4 skirts -- A pencil, a pleated midi, a mini with lace trim, and "a silhouette-hugging bandage skirt that hits right below the knee."  (I know what you're thinking.  I can't wear any of those -- nor would I want to.)

4 dresses -- Says she has a dress for "each occasion I can think of."

I really don't know what to do with this information except to use it as a guideline for paring down.  Ever fantasize about getting rid of every item of clothing you own and starting from scratch?

[aprilskies]

---

@just bee wrote:

 Ever fantasize about getting rid of every item of clothing you own and starting from scratch?

---

Yes, and not just for clothes. 

[dosey]

---

@aprilskies wrote:

---

@just bee wrote:

 Ever fantasize about getting rid of every item of clothing you own and starting from scratch?

---

Yes, and not just for clothes. 

---

Ditto, DITTO, DITTO!

[dosey]

---

@kitty45 wrote:

I didn't cancel the TSV (Isaacs cardigan).  I wear cardigans at least 80% of the time.  The last time I bought a cardigan was about 2 years ago.  I'm glad he didn't have yellow, turquoise or lavender or else I would be in trouble. Bought the pink one.  

I went in my closet & got rid of a few dresses I've had for years & never, ever wore!  I gave them to my neighbor.  I saw dollars with wings fying out when I did that but oh well, the money was gone anyway.  

I need to go through my bag collection & get rid of some.  I use only Vera Bradley now because they're cute & light. The leather bags I have are killing my back & shoulders.  I don't even know what I have.  Sad.  

On the bright side, I haven't bought any jewelery for at least 3 years now.  I will try to give some away eventually.  

I'll also look into the365 declutter blog.  

---

I like VB's, too.  The bags in solid colors are very nice.  When I need a new black bag, I am going to buy a Vera.

[FindingMyJoy]

---

@kitty45 wrote:

I didn't cancel the TSV (Isaacs cardigan).  I wear cardigans at least 80% of the time.  The last time I bought a cardigan was about 2 years ago.  I'm glad he didn't have yellow, turquoise or lavender or else I would be in trouble. Bought the pink one.  

I went in my closet & got rid of a few dresses I've had for years & never, ever wore!  I gave them to my neighbor.  I saw dollars with wings fying out when I did that but oh well, the money was gone anyway.  

I need to go through my bag collection & get rid of some.  I use only Vera Bradley now because they're cute & light. The leather bags I have are killing my back & shoulders.  I don't even know what I have.  Sad.  

On the bright side, I haven't bought any jewelery for at least 3 years now.  I will try to give some away eventually.  

I'll also look into the365 declutter blog.  

---

Isaac's cardigan TSV got a bunch of us to buy!!! I first bought a few of his other cardigans last year and they have become my work uniform. Seriously. It's almost every day that I put on black pants, a tank top and one of his cardigans. I thought the TSV was a nice simple basic. I bought 2 - the blue and black. Then had a bit of buyer's regret, tried to cancel the blue one and it said it was too late to confirm if it was cancelled. So I'll wait and see if it does ship. If I get both and they are good quality with good fit for me, I'll keep them and most likely wear them to death. They would easily replace a couple sweaters that look quite beat up after being worn for years.