I ran this post last year. For me, as I continue to work towards a life of fewer, better things–which isn’t always easy and a continual work in progress–I need reminders. So….
Recently when I went down a Pinterest rabbit hole, I found this 2015 article from Another Magazine called, “The 10 Celine-isms: Live Life the Celine Way”. In my days as a magazine editor, I would have probably written an article like this, and the ideas in it have a lot in common with how I still like to think of style, clothing and its place in one’s world.
Maybe it’s age (though I also see plenty of younger women doing the same), but now more than ever, I want a uniform–a wardrobe with limited color choices and silhouettes, so there is consistency and a succinct, as rigorous as I can stand, point of view. I want my clothes to make me look good and feel good, I wanted pieces cut from the best (and ethically-sourced) materials, and I am only interested in items that will last…possibly longer then I’ll want to wear them. I took screen shots of the story in case you don’t want to click through and included the short list at the end; maybe it’s something to keep on your phone as a reminder when you get fixated on something you know you don’t need, or that is a waste of your time and energy (because an edited life is meant to be much more than clothes).
This was just so good! Thank you for this Jennifer. It also came at the right time; I have been caught up in the excitement of the change of season and have felt a pull to buy more than I really need. This post is an absolute keeper.
Thank you. This is everything.
I’ve had this article in a file for several years. It struck a cord with me when I first read it and clearly you posting this again means I needed to be reminded again.
Jennifer, you’re in my head! This is exactly how I’m thinking about dressing – and living – these days. Thank you for the wonderful reminder.
Thank you for this thought provoking article. Where I live, in a small rural town in Virginia, what is considered stylish is the antithesis of this philosophy. So, I often feel the need to fit in at work and play. After reading this today I’ll stick to what I like and accept that in my world I’m considered plain and boring. Especially, because here recently I’m very drawn to Meg Ryan’s back in the day movie style.
I, too live in a small town where elegance is very hard to find. Stick to your guns!
Great article that I will keep as a reminder when I go off track..
30-something London-based vlogger/blogger Emma Hill exemplifies this aesthetic. There’s something about dressing in this classically chic way that transcends age.
I agree, I really enjoy Emma Hill, besides her style she is funny! For a while, I’ve found myself enjoying younger bloggers. Not so much because I want to be young, it’s quite the opposite. Some younger bloggers have a paired back style that is more grownup. Whereas, many style bloggers my age tend to be a little more fussy.
I love this. Great reminders. Your site always hits the spot. Thank you.
I love this and always aspire to a carefully curated (and edited) wardrobe. But as someone who loves a gorgeous vintage score now and again, how do I balance the careful edit and the love of a fabulous vintage caftan or hot pink silk 80’s dress? 🙂
First off thank you. Second, adding standout vintage pieces that make you happy seems like a win-win. You always want a couple of “wow” pieces in your wardrobe. Just don’t go overboard. And be as choosy about your vintage, or even more so, than you are with the rest of what you bring into your wardrobe. If you feel like you’re teetering on the edge of too much, start adapting the “one in, one out” rule. Hope this helps!
It’s a great list, and even more relevant today. I’d like to add (if I may) “Buy for your real life, not your imagined one”. xo
One hundred percent!!
This is a wonderful piece that really resonates with me. Thank you for sharing. xo
Thanks Tina!
Great piece. What would PP
Wear to a formal black tie where a king dress is required?
I remember seeing her in a strapless jumpsuit with a tuxedo jacket. I don’t think she wears dresses.
Loved this when you ran it before and still love it. It reminds me a lot of Dieter Rams’ 10 design principles in the best way. I’ve determined that my style is casual, comfortable chic. A lot of these items resonate with that.
That is a great reference! Thanks for the reminder.