I'm noticing a bit of a shift in the way I think about clothes. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but it's definitely a world away from my usual "I'll take two in every colour" mentality.
Rewind to six months ago and I'd have told you that you were mad for even suggesting it, but I'm starting to think that a more edited, carefully curated closet might be the way to go.
When I was a student, I didn't have a lot of disposable income. After train fares, food and study supplies, I was usually left with enough for one practical purchase a month, whether that was a pair of new jeans or a sensible winter boot.
Don't get me wrong, I didn't do too bad. I managed to save a lot from my part time job and sold a lot of my old clothes on eBay, but it did mean that I had to be really clever with my purchases - choosing items that would stand the test of time and would go with a lot of the other things in my wardrobe.
Although it taught me some valuable lessons in the art of considered curation, it also left me feeling really limited and frustrated with my wardrobe. I was starting to really understand my personal style, and yet didn't have the funds to experiment and test out what really worked for me and my lifestyle.
So, when I graduated and starting earning a proper salary, I had a bit of a "treat yourself moment" - or year. I would buy at least one item of clothing per week, was completely head over heels for the ASOS new in section and would spend the majority of my spare time adding items to my Zara shopping basket. I also saw my DPD delivery man much more than was humanly healthy. Shout out to Robert...
I'll admit, it wasn't my most responsible or economically savvy idea, but it did help me to get to grips with my sense of style. Minus the off ill advised pair of jeans or rogue t-shirt, I've developed a good idea of what I like to wear, what suits me and makes me feel my best. I talk more about my thoughts on personal style here.
These days I'm still completely obsessed with clothes, but I am starting to think more carefully about the quality of the items I'm buying, the pieces that are worth investing in and those trends that I always get sucked into buying but never actually wear more than once. I think it might be time to give up my penchant for dungarees...
I don't think I'll ever be one of those super restrained people who only invest in one or two items of clothing per year, but I am trying to think more carefully about the clothes I buy and invest more of my money in pieces that are going to stand the test of time and will remain firm favourites in my collection for years to come.
To start me off, I've decided to try something new. I'm going to roll up my sleeves and create my own capsule wardrobe from the items that I already own - forcing me to think carefully about the clothes I reach for most, feel my best in and the items that work best together. I won't be making any new purchases during the next month, which will also help me to spot any obvious gaps in my collection and any staples that could benefit from an upgrade over the next couple of months.
I'll be documenting the whole process on my blog - sharing with you my thoughts, findings and outfit combinations from the month. Although I know it's going to be tricky at first and there will be more occasions than I care to admit when I'll find my finger lingering longingly over my ASOS app, I'm determined to hang in there and see how I get on.
What I'm wearing: