Why I buy (and how to curb it)

This year I am committing to less. I don’t even have a word for the year. But it would be “less” if that didn’t feel so counter-intuitive. One of my commitments is less spending (on clothes in particular). It seems like my corner of the internet is going wild over the Minimalist documentary right now. Full disclosure: I haven’t seen it. We don’t have Netflix. How is that for minimalist? Even without seeing it, it’s clear that less consumption is on a lot of minds at the moment. My personal commitment came after a wardrobe cull and the realisation that I absolutely do not need any more clothes.  Read more

How to shop the big confusing stores

How to shop the big shops

I love browsing carefully curated boutiques with a small selection of beautiful clothes. There is a sense of calm and order. Each piece has been considered before earning its place on the rack. Shopping is a pleasure.

There is no such ambience when I walk into a large chain or department store. Instead, I often feel overwhelmed. That I am trying to find needles in haystacks. The sheer amount of clothes is confusing and it even makes me a little sad. It’s hard not to think of landfill when there is just so. much. stuff. There are times when I would prefer to run away than shop. And I like to shop.

Of course, I buy things in large chains like Uniqlo and H&M or department stores like Myer or Target. They are often the best places to buy basics. There are times when I need a broader range (and lower prices) than offered by a local boutique.

How do you navigate the large shops without feeling overwhelmed? Or walking out with everything other than the garments you actually needed?

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What to buy in the sales

What to buy and avoid in the sales

I’ll be heading into the fray and checking out the sales today. I never go on Boxing Day or near thereafter. Partly because I prefer to lazily recover from Christmas. Partly because more extensive mark downs happen later in any case.

Here’s what I’ll be buying AND what I’ll be avoiding.  Read more

DIY Droppies for Christmas – See & Sew

DIY Dropped Crotch Pants

I have made the whole family Christmas shorts. I’m pretty sure we are going to look ridiculous Christmas Day but it’ll make some awesome Instagram and Facebook posts. Sorry in advance for the spam.

I made myself some very comfy DIY droppie PJ pants and I thought you might like to make some too. Read more

Summer Dressing: Beach to BBQ to Bar with Freez

Sponsored by Freez clothing

Beach, BBQ and Bar

Summer holidays are nearly here.

I can almost smell the salt air and feel the sand between my toes. My family will spend a fair bit of time at the beach, at BBQs and neighbourhood gatherings. I’m looking forward to sunny days on the coast and those glorious summer evenings with friends that seem to go on forever.

For those casual, relaxed days, I want to wear easy pieces that reflect my mood. No-fuss, easy-to-wear clothes that can be dressed up or down. The kinds of clothes that can be easily packed for a few days on the beach. Things I can throw over swimmers and just as easily wear at a beachside bar.

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