spring forward

I always roll into January completely exhausted; the holidays (and the long school break) kill me, every year. By the beginning of February, I’m ready to get back on track, which usually means cleaning closets and getting rid of every single thing we are not using any more. This year, Henry and I cleaned out the attic, which was a full two day project that included getting rid of the very first plastic Christmas tree Wade and I ever bought.

I am Goodwill’s best friend right now, you all.

February is also when I start to rethink my own closet, both in terms of weeding out what’s worn or doesn’t fit and rethinking those pieces that I’m hanging on to but not wearing. I am always tempted to just toss everything and start over, but since that’s not really an option (at least not if we’re going to do things like eat and pay the electric bill), taking the time to assess what I have — and what I actually wear and what I really love — helps me to shop smart and spend wisely. I’ve been assembling outfits, with a focus on pieces I don’t ever wear, and then committing to leaving the house in those same combinations. It’s surprising how easy it is to put something in the giveaway pile after you wear it around the house for an hour and are miserable in it. Go figure.

Sweet Relish

I’ve also been looking over the pieces I wear all the time, to see what needs to be replaced or what could benefit from some simple restyling. I have some great basics, mostly in neutral colors (khaki, navy, white) and so this year, I’m looking to add more color to my closet, particularly bright greens and pinks and reds. And — wait for it! — I may even wear them together! I’ve bought a few new things (pink suede loafer from the Gap, a green merino sweater from J. Crew Factory) and I’m keeping a running list of other things I’m seeing that would work with my navy basics to freshen up my wardrobe a little.  Things that are still on my want list: pink jeans, a great heart tee, and a big, bright statement necklace. I’m also half looking for a cute spring dress, but since the weather here isn’t very dress-friendly right now, I’m in no big hurry.

I’ve been using Sweet Relish to organize my finds; it’s nice to see everything in one place, with the price and a direct link to the product. I’ve always been a big fan of curated inspiration boards, and this is the best virtual shopping inspiration board I’ve seen yet. I can use Sweet Relish to bookmark my finds — say, in the middle of the night when I can’t sleep — and then go back later and decide what to buy. And I can see what other users are finding as well. So easy. You can scope out everything I’m coveting on my My Style list at Sweet Relish.

Read all about how to make Sweet Relish work for you here. And give it a try!

What’s on your wish list for spring? And how are you organizing what you find?

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5 thoughts on “spring forward

  1. I’ve been doing a 15-ish-item wardrobe experiment this month. It went well until the two snow days, when I lounged all day, then I wanted to rebel and wear stuff I hadn’t been wearing. BUT I have seen what I can do with so little, so I think a major purge is in the near future.

    • Hi- I look forward to your recommendations and did sign up for Sweet Relish; unfortunately, I gave a full name (not initial) for the account (as I thought it was required for registration but that i would later be able to chose my name as it appeared on the account)–silly, I know but I did not think.
      I got a confirmation e-mail back, but no reply when I asked about cancelling my current account (so I can establish a new one with less identifying information).

      Any suggestions as to how/who to contact for this?
      Thanks!

  2. Floral Toms. Check. Tall brown boots. Check. Black and white zebra cowboy boots. Check. The perfect under armour hoodie. Check. A grey ruffley scarf. Check. Still looking for 3 perfect-fitting fun t-shirts, one new pair of jeans (probably Q Baby), a black control-top tank, cute stud earrings, a perfectly designed baseball cap from The Game & the camel swing coat from Land’s End. And on my dream list…. Fossil handbag, Mountain Hardwear jackets.

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