Hello, my friends, long long time, no talk. As you probably guessed, I’ve been busy with my new life in real estate, and it has been more wonderful than I could have imagined. But it is not without its challenges either, building up a book of business takes time and it is a true hustle. But I am very thankful to be on a great team and surrounded by people who are generous with their knowledge and insights. I’ve been very impressed with the brokerage I joined, and the caliber of the training and expertise offered there. I could go on and on about real estate, I literally dream about it now, but I know that’s not why you’re here. You’re here to talk outfits, so let’s do that instead!
I finally feel back to my creative self when it comes to getting dressed for this new job and career I am in. I think I had to get a little bit of confidence under my belt before I felt like I could spread my creative wings when it comes to building outfits. And I wouldn’t say I’m dressing particularly creative, but I can feel my outfits getting more creative than they have been in the last few months and it’s been enjoyable and comforting.
This year I set out to do something different and I decided to do a ‘low buy’ 2023. Coming off 7+ years of blogging-related acquisitions, it felt like the change I needed. I am inspired by my friend Paige, who has done this for the past three years. My goal is to add no more than about 20 (maybe 25) items to my closet in 2023, including gifted items.
I haven’t noticed a ton of holes or felt like I’ve needed to shop much lately, but I had a pretty deep closet to start with. My blazers are getting worked in overtime, which is awesome. I wear them every week and I love the way they pull my outfits together. The area that I did feel most lacking though was denim. I had so much light wash and distressed denim but nothing that really felt appropriate for a casual day at the office. Which leads me to the topic of today’s blog post: what I added in January.
This month I added two pairs of jeans, and two light jackets. Four items is not a very good start to the year, so my goal for February is to be more minimal. But this is hard work. Considering, weighing, and telling myself (and brands!) no. But, it makes me feel light and free to own and acquire less clothing, which helps me stay motivated.
WHAT I ADDED
The Big Mood by AYR
I actually bought this one in December, but it arrived in January so I’m counting it for 2023. I bought it during a sale after eying it all fall. I was very drawn to the colors in the plaid and the fact that it’s 100% wool. (I love that it’s made in a family-owned factory too.) This one is fun to wear because I don’t own a lot of plaid, and I feel like it makes an impact on any outfit. Plus, it’s warm!
2. Scott Trench by Sézane
Last fall I had a partnership with Sézane that allowed me a certain amount of shopping credits on the website each month. I know, so very fortunate to have that opportunity, their clothes are gorgeous! And it was a great way for me to build up my professional wardrobe a little bit. January was my last month and I knew immediately I wanted to use my credit ($200) toward this trench coat that I’d been eyeing for well over a year. I wear my camel coat by The Curated so often, that I knew I wanted an option for the spring/and or rainy weather. I haven’t actually worn it yet, but I have a feeling I will get to soon as the weather warms up a bit. It’s nice and thick, and I think it will look great with jeans and a white tee or over business casual outfits.
3. Annina Trouser Jeans by Citizens of Humanity
I will always be a denim girl. But this denim girl has s-t-r-u-g-g-l-e-d the last few years to find my just-right style of jeans. I ordered and tried so many, but ultimately it took me a year-plus to figure out what I wanted, and that is: more of the 90’s jeans I love (see below) and a pair of straight/wide jeans, which are the Annina. And in full transparency, I ordered and returned these in different colors and sizes over the last 18 months, and I finally realized it was just best to get them long and have them hemmed to the length I wanted. And I absolutely love them. So worth the wait! These I also ordered in December, but they didn’t arrive until January, and it took me until the end of the month to decide on a length and have them hemmed, so I am counting them for 2023. I ended up taking the smaller of my two denim sizes (26). They do not have stretch but the denim is soft and thin.
4. Agolde 90’s Jeans in Trance
If you’ve been around here for awhile, you know I’ve been touting this style for a handful of years now. They are my absolute favorite cut of denim. I have them in light wash and they are my most worn pair! I also have a few pairs of the pinch waist style, but I don’t like them as much as the regular 90’s style. They aren’t too big, and they aren’t too small, they are just right. I love the thick denim that gets softer with time. I’m thrilled to add a dark wash pair to my closet so I can make some office-friendly looks with them.
Thank you for reading along. I’ll try to share another recap after February. In that post I’ll go a little more detail into how I’m planning my whole year, purchase-wise so I can stay on target for my goal. I miss being here regularly, and I hope you all have been well!
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I’ve actually really loved following along and learning more about your journey into real estate! Up until the last few years I never really dreamt of home ownership, so seeing “the other side of things” has been a treat.
Okay, and that Sézane trench is an absolute travel-ready dream.
Awwww, thank you so much for the support Alyssa! It really is a great option, and an investment in your future (instead of paying someone else’s mortgage!). There are so many creative ways to make it happen now. You know where to find me if you need any insights or info! :)
YES, I love the idea of travel-ready clothing, that is a GREAT qualifyer!
Are you finding that strength training is having an effect on how your clothes fit; or more like it has changed the way your older clothes fit? I have been strength training for just over a year and I haven’t noticed a whole lot yet. I haven’t done a cut or anything so that would probably effect things too. I have enjoyed the snippets you provide on that aspect of your life; I also love real estate so it has been interesting watching that journey as well! Thank you for sharing with us!
Hi Bee, thanks for the nice comments. YES, strength training has affected the fit of my clothes a lot. Over the last two years I’ve done two build phases (eating extra to build muscle) and during both of those I had to move up a pants size. So now, I just keep pairs around in a few sizes. But right now, not in a bulk, and just in a regular phase of life, the area I notice it the most is in my quads/thighs. Some jeans are too tights. However, very fortunately, denim styles have changed, and almost all my pairs are in a looser/wider leg cut now, and that helps tremendously! If I were to wear a bootcut style, I would probably need stretch to accommodate my gains. Wish I could say the same for my glutes, but they are a little bit slower to join the party. ;)
Hello! I just wanted to share that you’re not along – I also struggled finding the right size in the Annina jeans! I bought them during a Black Friday sale, wore them a couple of times and realized they were too small. I had already taken the tags off and couldn’t return. I couldn’t bring myself to buy another pair for a couple of months. I finally took the plunge and bought them again in 2 sizes bigger (full price!!!) and then realized they were too big and too long. Luckily I didn’t take the tags off and could exchange them for the correct size. However, they were too long (the smallest size was the perfect length – for some reason the length was way longer on the next size up). Anyway, to end this saga, I had them hemmed (which was difficult because the original hem was distressed – I got the lighter colour). Now they’re perfect and I love them (am wearing right now). They are definitely my most expensive jeans though – in time invested in getting them right and money! I’m hoping to sell the smaller ones on poshmark. C’est la vie.
I’m glad your real estate endeavour is going well!
Oh man! I feel your pain! I noticed the inseam difference to between two sizes, so strange! I am glad that you finally got your unicorn pair! They are so great, right? And a silhouette that has been unbelievably hard for me to find!
Thank you so much for the support 🙏🏼
Happy New Year!! I have missed you posting. I am so glad that you are learning so much and enjoying the real estate biz.
I love the pieces you added to your wardrobe, especially that trench….tres’ chic!!
I have decided to start a “capusulish” wardrobe and have been looking at your older posts for guidelines.
Take care,
Shon
I’m so excited to have you as a 20-ish item goal buddy this year. It really is so hard, but also feels so good to have fewer decisions to make in the hustle and bustle of the busy days of juggling work and family and all the things.
Really looking forward to following your journey on getting dressed for your new job. Also, I totally relate to “it makes me feel light and free to own and acquire less clothing”, that’s exactly how I feel although sometimes it’s difficult to pass on things you would like to buy.