A few thoughts I had on the article...
I tend to most treasure the items that evoke memories -- purchases from my travels, gifts from friends and family, clothes I wore for certain events. While I definitely do have many belongings that bring me joy, experiences are hugely important to me. My travels are some of the most formative, joyful events in my life, and I treasure those memories (and the photos/art I make from them), but I also love having a *tangible* reminder. Mementos are fun. Some last a long time, and some I let go after a certain number of years as other things accumulate. The less expensive, impulse, kitschier type of items don't have the same longevity as the bigger investments that I pondered before buying.
I rarely go wrong when I make the "go bold" choice when it truly resonates with me. The teal Burberry trench instead of classic beige, the cobalt blue backpack instead of the black one, the orange sofa instead of a more neutral color... But often the neutral truly is the better choice, and my instinct is good this way -- I can balance the need for something to work with an existing palette and a desire for a great color or pattern. Sometimes the simple black item is the most useful!
"Organized complexity" is a concept I'm going to return to and ponder more. I need to think about how it applies to the art I make, as well as decor and design choices, and my personal style. I think it definitely comes down to balance, and how each person's individual tolerance perceives that balance. An acceptable level of organized complexity for someone who enjoys pattern mixing may be OTT for someone who likes to dress in all solid neutrals.
The bit about "jokes" reminded me of a photography workshop in which we discussed how some images "sizzle and fizzle" -- they make a big initial impact and then there doesn't seem to be much to linger on. They are like visual jokes -- they don't invite further pondering, open up questions in the mind of the viewer, or deepen understanding. I think similarly some outfits can feel a bit like this -- mostly uber-trendy fast-fashion type outfits, but also I think that's why costumey ensembles look...costumey. A little complexity or contrast or mixing of eras can help give a look some depth and not just look like someone is cosplaying.
"Waiting out the urge" is something I *TRY* to practice but often fail at. I told my husband years ago about my practice of walking away from an item while shopping if there was a question in my mind, and then seeing if it pops back up in my mind. If it keeps returning, then check and see if it's still available -- if it isn't, it wasn't meant to be. But the second visit is usually the make or break moment that answers whether I should take an item home.
I need to engrave this on my psyche: "There will never be a shortage of wonderful things to buy.”
