In 2013 I made a resolution to shop less, or a least more meaningfully. And this is one resolution that I actually stuck too. Shopping in Cyprus is not the best and the majority of my shopping is done on the few London trips I get each year. But with very few London trips in 2013, at least at the latter half of the year, I have made fewer purchases and my bank balance is certainly happy about that.
I don't know what other expats wardrobes are like, but mine has definitely changed in the last few years. Firstly, in England, you have to have just about every garment, on hand, because you never know what weather you will wake up to in the morning. In Cyprus, your 85% sure that there will be sun and winter is confined to the months of December through to March, and even then it's better to have a steady supply of layers to take off as the weather changes throughout the course of the day. Secondly, the actual items within my wardrobe have changed; in England, I think I had one swimming costume and that was only used at the gym. Now I have more swimwear than knitwear.
But aside from the items that have changed, the size has also changed. I think when you have to pack your wardrobe into two suitcases and move across Europe, you realise the importance of streamlining your items. And you realise what items are important in the first place; I would rather sacrifice space in my suitcase for a few sweaters and swap them for photographs and books that make any place feel like home.
So my first purchase of 2014 ended up being some pattern in the form of a polka dot grey sweater from Mango. In 2014, I want to continue to shop more meaningfully and actually find my style; find the style that I can consistently maintain and feel comfortable in. Il keep you posted how my pursuit goes.
It's gorgeous! I love polka dots. I had to buy a pair of boots and a blush leather shearling jacket (which hasn't arrived it). I know exactly what you mean about your wardrobe changing, mine certainly has. In all honesty, I'm not sure it's reduced in volume (I would like to think it has) but it's the more grown-up me, with bits of the childish me still in there. Until we left Australia I've had a wardrobe in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. Now it's only New Zealand and Fiji. It's a real treat going to the other place and looking through what I have etc :)
ReplyDeleteI think as I get older I find my comfort zone with style a bit more; I know what I like and more importantly I know how to dress for my body type. I have fallen into the trap of boring and somewhat safe choices though and it is easy to look at my wardrobe and pull out the same outfit time and time again. Totally jealous you have two wardrobes. The only things I have left in England are the "serious winter" items.
DeleteI love polka dots, I seem to be leaning towards stripes these days. That is also one of my goals, to shop for more meaningful stylish pieces rather the whats on sale. Still trying to figure out my style.
ReplyDeleteOh Kayleigh stripes are always a fail safe option. And I know what you mean about finding your stye, I am still trying to find mine.
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