Style Bee - Closet Mission 2015

Closet Mission 2015

01.03.15

Style Bee - Closet Mission 2015

Simplify. Curate. Enjoy.

That was my mantra going into my 2014 Lean Closet Mission. I had great intentions when the year started but I sort of lost focus along the way. I am impatient by nature and ended up approaching my wardrobe overhaul hastily instead of thoughtfully. I concentrated my efforts too much on need and acquisition rather than simplicity and careful editing. While last year’s closet mission helped me identify some ideal wardrobe staples and timeless pieces I didn’t take the time to really explore my personal style and the day to day art of getting dressed, which is where I now believe true wardrobe contentment is established. Instead I rushed to collect the “essentials” I thought I should have, and while many were a great addition, I never really stopped feeling stressed and anxious about my style, my options and shopping in general.

To be totally honest I ended the year feeling sick and tired of fashion. Not a good mind set for a style blogger! I’ve talked about my aversion to some aspects of the blogosphere and social media before but I decided it was time to take action, seeing as most of my discomfort was self inflicted. I unsubscribed from over 40 newsletters, unfollowed a slew of accounts that were making me feel like I needed to ‘keep up’ all the time and took a significant step back from social media. At the end of November I put a hard stop on any shopping (except for Christmas gifts) and within a few weeks I finally I felt like I could breathe again.

I’ve mentioned my intentions of establishing a more purposeful and value oriented Style Bee. With a lot of reflection, research and inspiration seeking I’ve decided to renew my pledge to ‘Simplify, Curate and Enjoy’ with a 2015 Lean Closet Mission. But this time I’m going in armed with some incredible resources and tested tactics to better ensure my success. Before I dive into the action plan I’m setting clear objectives for the mission and those are to:

  1. Spend less time, effort and money on clothes.
  2. Define my personal style.
  3. Feel good about every addition to my wardrobe. 
  4. Live better with less.
  5. Save money and spend more time enjoying the moments that matter.

Do any of those sound like something you’d like to achieve this year? If so, please consider joining me! Now let’s talk about that mission!

Style Bee - Closet Mission 2015

 

2015 Style Bee Closet Mission

I’ve spent the last few months submersing myself in research about consumer behaviour and why we buy; exploring the concept of minimalism and living well with less, examining how to build a capsule wardrobe and the best ways to curate the closet of your dreams within your means. There are some seriously savvy people out there (see my resources below), each with their own set of tactics to achieve the ever elusive wardrobe satisfaction we crave.

I’m sure there are plenty of methods to achieving a lean closet but I’ve combined some of the approaches that resonated with me and a few skills I learned throughout last year’s mission to create my own set of steps, which are:

1. FAST

Cold turkey time. No shopping for at least 30 days. This is a chance to live with what you have. Get to know your closet and stow away some money right off the bat.


2. CLARIFY/DEFINE

This is the longest leg of the journey and the one I most overlooked the first time around. Within this step we’ll really dig into what makes us tick and see how understanding our lifestyle and preferences makes all the difference when we shop.

Reflect

Define

Inspiration

Cut + Fit + Feel

Colour + Pattern

Accessories

Routine


3. EDIT

Expose. Sort. Remove. The three critical steps in establishing what stays and what goes. This is the point at which we thoughtfully and purposefully clear the way for closet enjoyment.


4. ESTABLISH A FOUNDATION

This step is all about wardrobe essentials and discerning the good that already exists in your closet and what is legitimately needed to really round things out. We’ll talk capsule closets and uniform dressing here too.


5. PREPARE

Time to assess your space and the functionality needed to house a lean and healthy wardrobe.


6. PROCURE

Finally, this is where all our hard work starts to pay off and we’re ready to shop and choose really REALLY well.

Style Bee - Closet Mission 2015

Join me!

One of the biggest take-aways in my research was the staggering amount of women who, just like me, want to simplify their style, shop smart and feel good about getting ready each day. My hope is that the Style Bee version of a lean closet mission will keep it simple and help you (and me) realize that closet contentment is very much attainable. While I can’t promise anything and I’ll be learning as we go, I’m certain that we’ll have a blast and discover more about what style really means to each of us.

I’ve tried to keep my composure all post, but you guys, I’m SO excited! I hope you’ll join me next week as I dive into Step #1 – Fast where we’ll put the breaks on buying clothes for a bit and explore the reasons we overspend, impulse shop and end up with buyer’s remorse. Trust me I’ve got some shopping skeletons in my closet and they’re all coming out.

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Cheers to a new year and a new closet mission! 

Style Bee - Closet Mission 2015

Resources:

Leave me a comment here!

  1. maja says:

    Thanks for stopping by my blog. I really loved the concept and am now trying it out….My picutures cannot compare to yours but it is a start, as you said…thanks for the inspiration!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      My pleasure! I’m thrilled that you’re giving it a try. No need for fancy photos, it’s the results that count. Have fun and looking forward to hearing how it goes. xo

  2. Katie says:

    Yes to all of the above! I have been feeling the exact same way for the last little while. I will definitely join you in your closet mission!

  3. Emily says:

    This post articulates everything I’ve been thinking and just couldn’t put into words. I think you’ve hit the nail on the head and will continue to follow. Love all the links you’ve shared. I’ve been following Unfancy for a little while and have been truly inspired by both of you. I think it’s time to stop reading and thinking and just get DOING. Thanks for the push to get started. Looking forward to following you on the mission!

  4. Jodie says:

    Just read all the blogs you listed. Into Mind was by far my favorite! Thanks for the good reads! Best wishes to you too. I think I need to focus more on minimalism like you’re talking about. Thinking better and more selective. Instead of less. Have you read about the culture of scarcity? Brene Brown talks about it in her book, Daring Greatly. A really good read. I think our culture of more, and what’s next and we need things to feel better about ourselves really hit home for me and I enjoyed how she discussed it. Xo!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Into Mind is such a great resource, she’s my go to minimalist guru! I’ll have to give Daring Greatly a read. I’m always on the lookout for a good book. Thanks for the suggestion! xo

  5. Jodie says:

    I just read this and found out we are doing the exact same thing Lee! Love your well thought out steps! So helpful to see it written down. Best wishes and I’am glad to be found through this with such a Stylish lady 🙂

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Hey Jodie! That’s so great! I always need to write things down to get a clear picture so I’m glad you find it helpful too. I’d love to hear about any tips or general thoughts you have on fashion fasting. Thanks and here’s to a great year ahead! xo

  6. Hannah says:

    Really pumped to try this Lee! My closet is far too often a point of stress for me these days, and I know just buying more stuff thoughtlessly is not the solution.

    Im excited to follow in your wise foot steps!

    Hans

  7. Yulia Mia says:

    Thank you for this post, Lee! It’s exactly what I needed – to know that I’m not alone. I learned about lean closet movement a few months ago, and it has been my goal ever since. I think shopping fast is also a great idea. So, I’m totally with you on this! Let’s do it!

  8. Lee, I absolutely love that you are exploring the idea of minimalism on your blog! I’ve also spent time this year unsubscribing, turning off notifications to ‘declutter’ my digital space. Minimalism extends to so many areas beyond fashion! I love that minimalism enables us to simplify our lives. I discovered Into the Mind this year and have absolutely loved it as well! You should check out Light by Coco, she has an amazing monochromatic, capsule wardrobe and makes YouTube videos on minimalism 🙂 Happy 2015 and have a wonderful year, looking forward to your blog posts! <3

    • Lee the Bee says:

      That’s so great Naomi! I started exploring minimalism more after a year of living in turmoil and seeing the impact it had on my head and heart. I cant wait to delve in more. I will be sure to check out Light by Coco, sounds great! Thanks so much for reading and your positivity! All the best in 2015 to you too. Xo

  9. So well articulated, Lee, as always. Look forward to reading more about your journey here — I truly believe the key to making style less trivial and more substantial is being thoughtful about what you wear and why. Keep on keepin’ on you lovely lady you! 😉 xoxo

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks for your kind words Mary. I completely agree with you, it’s not about trends or even ‘fashion’ it’s about putting your best self forward and using style as a tool to help you do so. You’re a constant inspiration! xoxo