Since I couldn't make it to the YLF NYC meet up last weekend, I consoled myself by cleaning my closet and doing some musing about where I am in my style journey. I actually took everything out, dusted the shelves and rods, and then put everything back in. I didn't try anything on like I usually do when I play around in my closet, but instead looked at every item and asked two questions: Is this me? What do I love about this item?

It was a really interesting experiment! And I ended up dividing my wardrobe into three categories:

Elements of Love
Really Useful/Practical Items
Meh!

To my surprise, my Elements of Love category included a lot of PATTERN and EMBELLISHMENT. How did I not know this about my style? Wow. It was a new discovery for me. See photos #1 and #2 of some of my favorite tops and dresses, and photo #3 of my scarf collection. My love of pattern and embellishment was so incredibly obvious when I put all my favorites together it kind of blew me away! It's amazing how sometimes you miss what's right under your nose.

My Really Useful/Practical Items category included mostly sold neutrals (black blazer, white button blouses, etc.). See photo #4 for a small sample. It's boring stuff to look at, but all-important "glue" for making everything work. See photo #5 for a little sample of my favorite embellished shoes and practical/useful shoes/boots.

My Meh! category was made up of those items that tend to languish unworn in my closet and that cause me frustration either because I don't feel fab in them, or can't figure out how to wear them in a fab way.

SO, I only put items from the first two categories back in my closet. (Photos #6-8 are of a happy, clean, and functional closet). The "Meh!" items are hanging in wardrobe purgatory in the guest bedroom. They will only be invited back into my wardrobe if I can find some way to incorporate them that makes me really happy. They'll have to prove their worth or else be sent to goodwill! (Photo # 9 is Meh! clothing purgatory)

So far it's working. I see only "Love" or "Useful" items when I open my closet, and that feels great. One at a time I'll try to incorporate some Meh!

In the meantime I REALLY need to think about how to better incorporate my love of pattern and embellishment into my look. Hmm.

(thanks for reading...I know this was long!)