This has been the hardest transition I have made since starting college. I have sold/donated about 70% of my clothes and I still have a ton of sh*t. This is ridiculous! So, to make this process easier, I have decided to start creating a capsule wardrobe of items in my closet that fit a color theme that I want for each season (three months). I sort of missed the first month of Spring, but better late than never right?

So below, you will find two different capsule wardrobes: a work capsule and an "off-duty" capsule. Because I do not intend to intermix the two wardrobes as I wear them, it will allow me to be super-critical of what I actually wear or want to wear for the season. 

Spring Capsule Off-Duty Wardrobe

Now, let me explain:

I decided to pick 8 colors/shades for my Spring capsule wardrobe: navy, khaki, white, coral, shades of green, turquoise, yellow, and denim. I chose these based on a Vince Camuto dress that I purchased about a month ago. I love the shades of coral, green, beige, and white in it. The turquoise was thrown in based on my love for the color during spring. Denim obviously only comes into play for my off-duty, but serve as a neutral along side navy, khaki, and white.

I know what you're thinking...why not black? Well, I love in Florida, and black in Florida heat is a no-no for me, no matter how light the fabric. Even though black is by far my favorite color to mix and match with, I am placing it aside to allow navy to be my dark neutral for spring and summer.

Using Polyvore, I created 40 (yes 40!) work appropriate outfits and 16 off-duty outfits that are inspired by items in my actual closet (so forgive me if the colors don't seem to coordinate...they do in real life). I have the app on my iPad so I will be using it as if I had the dream closet that Cher had in Clueless...except mine isn't electronic...yet!

Here's two outfit sets that I have already worn for this week. I plan on getting proper outfit photos when I get back in the habit of scheduling photo session times. For now, here's a peek at the inspired sets:

Monday, April 6th 2015

Spring Work Look 2 by sarahjaner

Tuesday, April 7th 2015

Spring Work Look 1 by sarahjaner

Now I know they have the StyleBook app where you can use actual photos of your items from your closet but I'm a firm believer in free apps so I will use my free alternative. I figure once my wardrobe has been scaled back about 50% more, then I will get the app. By then, it won't take me 10 years to photograph every item in my closet.

I will be posting a video blog on the process of re-organizing my closets and shoes. Until then, live free and minimal...with a twist of expensive splurging.

Peace, Love, and Happiness

Sarah Jane R.

*Blows dust off of website* 

Geez it's been over as year since I've posted on here. The reasons are very stereotypical of most bloggers who just stop blogging (work, family, stress, busy life, etc.) but what I am about to do is going to change my life.

Minimalism.

I know you may be wondering exactly what it is? To sum it up, it's basically living on the most minimal necessities in life (clean eating, capsule wardrobe, modern technology, lack of unnecessary spending) in order to live a life full of clarity. In other words, getting rid of all your hoarded crap and only keeping what makes you your best you.

Now that you've stopped laughing at the idea that I, Sarah, could actually do this, I am here to tell you that I am going to try it. Here's why:

I am starting to hate fashion and shopping.

What has transpired in the past year or so is emotional shopping. I am by nature a shopaholic and have overcrowded my room with boxes from online shopping and bags from mall shopping. My closets (I have two room closets and a double sided garment rack) are filled to the max and my shoes barely fit in my room. I have done two major closet clean outs, leaving me with a total of 15+ bags full of a mixture of clothes with tags and clothes that were barely worn without tag. However, because I saw so much space in my closet, I shopped more and as a result have landed myself in a ton of debt and regret.

I don't even like shopping yet it has become a part of my day. Here's a glimpse of my days:

Workdays:

-Wake up

-Eat breakfast

-Go to work

-Shop on lunch break

-Work

-Go home

-Eat dinner

-Shop online

Off Days:

-Wake up

-Shop online

-Eat breakfast

-Shop online

-Eat lunch

-Shop online

-Eat dinner

-Shop online

For some people, it's drugs. For some, it's alcohol. For others, it's sex. But me, I am addicted to two things: sugar and shopping (the sugar addiction will be in a different post).

So, obviously, the shopping isn't the only problem. Because I have given myself too many options, I struggle to figure who I am style-wise. Of course, I'm obviously am classified as a hipster (by many college friends) yet I still identify with urban and classic styles. So, basically, my style reflects my mental health (saving that post for a later date as well). I don't know whether I am edgy, hipster, classic, modern, or urban/ratchet. I just am a mixture of it all. Hence why my closet looks like a department store exploded in it.

So, I started with the "turn the hanger backwards" approach, but it did not stop me from shopping.

I also did the "self-edit your closet and get rid of things" approach. Again, still went shopping.

So, why do I think minimalism will work for me? Because technically, I can still shop. I'll explain:

With minimalism, it isn't about never shopping again, it's about shopping smarter. For example, I am currently obsessed with the idea of owning every style I like in every color of the rainbow. However, it makes getting dressed for work a hassle. Really, it makes getting dressed in general a hassle.

Also, I have gained a lot of my weight back so now clothes/styles I like don't look great on me anymore. And because I come from a bloodline of hoarders, I can't let the items go. By not letting them go, it's blocking what I actually can wear.

So, I have decided to draft a minimal wardrobe plan that works for me and my lifestyle. I plan to use the following websites/YouTube channels/blogs to help me through this:

Light by Coco

Shirley's Wardrobe

ViviannaDoesMakeup

Un-Fancy

Project 333

I have also created a Pinterest board with inspiration for creating my seasonal capsules.

I wanted to introduce the idea to you because this blog and Youtube channel will serve as a platform for minimalism for the curvy woman. I started my blog and channel to chronicle my personal style. This is a new chapter in a new book of my life. I hope to carry this minimalistic mentality through all areas of my life (well, except when I get married one day. That's going to be an extravaganza lol).

Until next time...

Peace, Love, and Happiness,

Sarah Jane R.