a classic (and simplified) wardrobe.

Remember the big 30 for 30 blog challenge last year? Lots of bloggers joined in to wear just 30 items from their closet for 30 days. I didn't participate, but I liked the idea of the challenge. It forced bloggers to take an honest look at the potential excess in their closets and get creative. A couple years ago, I "gave up" my wardrobe for lent. I wore white v-necks, jeans, and my trusty rainbows everyday, plus a sweatshirt on cold days and a skirt on Sundays. It was pretty humbling and also had one major side benefit: picking out my outfit each morning took .01 seconds.

I'm thinking of doing a similar, but more long term challenge with my current wardrobe. I have a lot of things that I only wear once or twice a year, which has me asking, are these really worth the space and trouble? Probably not. So, I'm going to start paring down my wardrobe, holding onto the pieces that are versatile, classic, and that I really love. The rest? Adios. I'm hoping to get down to 50 or less (which, saying it now, still sounds pretty ridiculous and first-world...) I've already filled a large bag for Goodwill and I have another full bag on "probation" (meaning that if I don't wear anything that's in the bag in the next month, it's gone). 

My inspiration for this idea came from a few different places. First, my constant drooling over the Hatch Collection (and I'm not even pregnant). Hatch only sells 18 pieces, but they're super cute and really versatile. 

Second, Ina Garten. This lady has some serious class, and a signature look. I love that her personality and passions shine more than her clothing. And her popped collar is just screaming at you as if to say, "Yes, I'm this awesome, and Jeffrey knows it too."

Third, on my trip back to Portland earlier this month, I only brought a tote-size purse with me to avoid a ridiculous $30 fee for a carry-on bag. But, I was able to fit four days worth of outfits, plus running clothes, running shoes, my laptop, a book, water bottle, toothbrush, and a quart of blueberries in my bag. The trick? My outfits consisted of different combinations of a black maxi dress, striped sweater, black tank top, collared shirt, and white shorts.

All of this has me thinking that less is more. That keeping classic pieces and letting the rest go would not only bring ease to my morning routine, but more importantly help me take a deeper look at the ways I tend to live in excess. This is just another opportunity for me to trust God's provision over my own, in an area where I'm prone to feeling like I'm constantly trying to keep up. 

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xoxo.

[top photo via]