Monday Musings: Minimalism and What I’m Shopping For

Happy Monday, ladies. Today’s title may seem a bit contradictory, but there is a method to my madness. Since it’s still early January, I figured we could continue to chat about fresh starts and getting organized. My makeup and lingerie drawers got decluttered over the weekend, which feels fabulous. How did I collect so many lipsticks? And eyeshadows? And random brushes?

Because I prefer products without preservatives and chemicals, they have a shorter shelf life, so I knew it was time to clean things up. Here’s what the Mayo Clinic has to say about expired makeup. I got rid of at least eight lipsticks and equally as many lip pencils. When was the last time you cleared yours out?

I’m not sure where the urge to simplify has come from, but it’s taking on a life of its own, and I love it! A few clean shelves, a non-crammed clothing rack, and just like that, I want to pair down to a more minimal everything! I want to have fewer just ok items, and more I love items in my life.

As I packed bras to donate, I wondered what your favorite bras are. Which ones do you find the comfiest? These are my current favorites. I’m not well endowed, so I gave up underwires many years ago and have not missed them one bit. I know many of you swear by them, so please share your faves in the comments. BTW- did you know that bras are under-donated and much needed at battered women’s shelters?

What I’m Shopping For This Month

I’ve been on the hunt for some new exercise clothes to help motivate me to go to the gym. I went through my drawer on Friday and discovered everything looked dull, black, and/or boring. That’s not going to make me want to head to the gym, so I went shopping for fresher options that are not black. I ended up trying on some Vuori, and wow, it’s pretty amazing.

These pieces are the softest thing I’ve had on in a long time. The pants look black, but they’re charcoal. I didn’t buy them because I’m not a fan of the jogger shape, but as I look at them here, I think they’re fine! I also don’t usually opt for hoodies because they have a more sporty vibe than I wear. And with that, I’m saying to myself…Jennifer, but you’re looking for clothes for sporty activities! You have to be able to laugh at yourself, and I’ve been doing that a lot while shopping for workout clothes.

Then I tried on some Alo things. Again, super soft and oh-so-cozy. The sweatpants have a ribbed fabric that looks like stretchy corduroy. I loved this midnight green, but they have jogger bottoms, so I left them at the store. The pullover is fabulous, so I ordered it in a medium.

I’ve also been shopping for a handbag. For several months. I want one that feels luxe and special and isn’t black. Do you see the theme here? I own enough black. I’ve been shopping in person and online at second-hand luxury stores. I haven’t found the perfect one yet, so my hunt continues. My daughter got a fabulous LV waist bag at the Real Real that’s in much better shape than the one I’ve used for the last 20+ years. Fashionphile is also a great place to buy used bags, so I’ve been checking them out often. 

In other news, I finished knitting my hat, and I’m back in the brace I wear for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis. Coincidence? Perhaps. So I plan to take it a bit easier with my newly rediscovered knitting addiction habit because I don’t want to need surgery. I’m also shopping for a hand brace that isn’t black :).

Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel fabulous.