The Capsule Wardrobe

I know many of you have heard about 'the capsule wardrobe' and if you haven't, please ready here. 37 pieces of clothing for three months made women across the country want to jump in on the minimalism trend.  And I love this!

I am very much into minimalism as most (all) of you know too well.  I have written about it in prior articles & on the blog but, this concept of the 'capsule wardrobe' has inspired me to revisit this topic. 

My whole beauty approach from head to toe is about minimalism.  I absolutely LOVE minimalism in skincare, beauty/hair care, clothing, LIFE.  I think minimalism enhances beauty and allows me (all women) to be 'seen' vs. people noticing an outfit, hair style, etc.  It's just very freeing to be as natural as I can be. 

So many of you want me to share more about my skincare, style, beauty, etc. routines and you can head over to the Apothecary if you want to know specifics on actual products that I use.

I feel whenever I share the truth about my actual approach via head to toe style, people are disappointed and often go as far as to say 'No, that isn't true. What do you really do'?  haha.  I think less is more is something that has transformed my inner confidence about beauty.  It really has.

Here is my routine:

I wear no hair products (maybe once a month at most, I wear a little hairspray).  I only wash my hair about every 5 days and I use whatever the cheapest organic and natural shampoo/conditioner that I can find at Whole Foods.  I do not stick to one brand, I rotate.  I dry my hair about twice a month with a blow dryer otherwise, I let it air dry, throw it in to a ponytail most of the week and then each weekend, I do my hair on Fridays (aka brushing & styling).  My hair is healthy because I just let it naturally 'be'.

As for skincare, I only use quality oils on my skin.  I do not use lotions - none. I don't use a toner. I don't use eye creams.  And  I don't use anti-aging products b/c I am aging and the fact that I am alive is something to celebrate 'naturally'.   I do use an Apricot scrub from Walgreens to exfoliate once in a while and I buy the trial size which will last me a month (it's like 2.99).  Otherwise, I use my favorite high quality oils which I listed in the Apothecary as well. My skin is supple & it glows.  I think the oils penetrate and hydrate my skin on a level that lotions never could.

Makeup.....during the week (Mon.-Fri.), I use mascara, a lose mineral based powder and lipstick.  And that's about it.  Sometimes I will throw on eyeliner during the week but I mostly only wear more makeup on the weekends.  My makeup routine takes about 5-8 minutes.  It's simple.  I use whatever brand that suits me via color palette from Whole Foods. 

I don't wear perfume.  I use a combination of whatever oils I have on hand at home with an added dash of pure maple sugar & cinnamon (or vanilla) from my pantry! Yes, it's true! I just sprinkle them in, mix with my finger and slather on (0:

Hmmm....clothing.  If you have seen me out and about in Chicago, I am typically in muted solids (navy, white, black, heather grey hues).  I love wearing red to weddings though (It just usually works out that way by some odd chance). And a lace dress always finds it's way onto my body for a formal event.  I love fully lace dresses and plain silk dresses in a moss color (fabulous)!  I feel like I have a style that is all my own (I am not into trends at all) but, those that really know my heart well, know that I am much more into experiences/adventures then concerning myself about what I will wear.  I love having a minimal wardrobe - love it.  I have about 24 items of clothing that I wear Spring through Summer and then a few added pieces for Winter.  So I have less clothing then the capsule wardrobe which suits my personality. In the summer, I wear TOMS until they fall a part, flip flops and ballet flats of various styles. And I am into the ankle boot for all seasons, especially in summer w/ shorts.

The white dress above is a personal favorite. 

I don't really wear much jewelry other then some choice earrings that my dad has bought me through the years - they are my staples. I will wear two bracelets I've had for years and occasionally a ring that my friend bought me.  I will be one of those women when I get married who will not be concerned with the 'size' of a ring or style - just focused on the love!

And that's my whole routine.  Yes, really (smile).  I appreciate natural beauty.  And I think the most beautiful women are the ones that have just this natural vibe. I don't strive to be the prettiest girl in the room.  And I don't care to be the most stylish.  I want to be the girl that is noticed for her heart - kindness - zest for life - smile - rather than the latest handbag I am carrying.