Angie's capsule blog got me motivated today I think. Well, that and a recent trip to an actual physical store to try on some things I thought I might like. So glad I did that instead of ordering online. I came home empty handed and felt glad to be empty handed. Trying lots of things on does open your eyes. I tried patterned pants in various styles and realized this just wasn't my look. The truth is that I'm getting tired of shopping/returning stuff. I KNOW it's crazy right? Seriously, I want to hone in on a wardrobe and only add a few things each season if possible. I have a few things on order for fall/winter. Black ankle boots, olive green slim pants (to replace the baggy ones I'm not wearing I bought from Gap).

I also did some closet cleaning/purging and came up with a list of some of my most worn/favorite items and looked for holes. I came away with a better understanding that I need to focus on the colors/styles I like. Moving forward I think Color, Fit and Feeling are going to be my main criteria. As opposed to going for something different just for the sake of trying something different or new. If that makes sense. Those "different" things end up being orphans 90% of the time.

I have a few items that were unworn this summer I thought I would use. My chambray blazer for one. Could be that it was just too hot to wear it and maybe I'll work it into my fall wardrobe. I also have a faded denim jacket which just sat there in the closet. It fits and faded denim is a favorite but something about the faded wash denim near my face bugs me.

I have a renewed confirmation of the colors I like- navy, chambray, charcoal, heather grey, white, chocolate brown (leopard is fitting into this brown for me as well as I bought a leopard blouse, belt and scarf this year), flax or natural taupe/tan, and black. Neutrals are and always will be more "me" I guess. I have a few items in ruby red, burgundy and a couple in deep emerald green and olive green that I still like. Only a few prints - mostly stripes like navy/white or navy/coral, one semi-floral blouse, a couple of abstract printed tanks.

What isn't working and I'm purging:

Thin ribbed cotton tanks. And I have waaaaay too many. I think most are moving on to a new home. I don't like the cling factor. Same goes for several t-shirts.

Heavier cotton button downs, esp. if they make "noise" when I move in them.

Orange or orange-red and anything too pale pink or pastel in general (aside from light chambray). I'm purging a few brights in red, orange, purple or brighter greens. The bright neon coral utility jacket I have I only wore twice on rainy days but I ended up feeling like I should be directing traffic -- not my fashion plan.

Several handbags (too small or too worn) and a couple pair of shoes I bought for a wedding and ended up regretting but got stuck with after the 30 day return window. At least they weren't too expensive.

It was good to vacuum out the dust in the closet that had gathered on the shelves and floor behind the clothes.

If you made it this far you are very patient and I appreciate it.

I think I have a better handle on what I need vs. what strikes my fancy at the moment. Sometimes it just helps to line it out.