My husband shot this quick video of me last night giving you a little peek at my minimalist wardrobe, since I’ve received so many questions about my six mix and match outfits. If you’re a fashionista or you like variety, you’ll might be a little horrified (or very horrified!), but it’s what works for me and it saves me so much time and effort to keep it simple!
I was going to include a detailed explanation of how this works and my criteria for choosing clothing and keeping my closet pared down. Instead, I’m going to just post up the video and then if you have questions, I’ll either answer them in the comments or in a follow-up post.
{My apologies that the video is so skinny. I totally forgot that we needed to turn the phone the other way to shoot this. We’re still learning and will eventually get the hang of video blogging… maybe!}
I just had to leave another comment because I finally realized why it is that I’m continually inspired by your minimalist lifestyle – it calls me to live out the Gospel message, free myself from material things, and store up my treasures in heaven. Thank you!
Your Vlog totally inspired a major closet clean out!! It was highly liberating! I have a lot of great clothes to donate:) I didn’t get it down to six; but I did get it down to the amount that I needed to make me happy…and got rid of all the regrets of past purchases and too small/ too big clothing that I was waiting to get into or hoping not to need to wear again!! This was a great reminder that true beauty comes from within…not from that which adorns us! That’s true 1 Peter 3 and Proverbs 31 inspiration!! Thank you
I want to thank you for inspiring me once again! You gave me the motivation I needed to pare down my wardrobe so that I only have clothes in my closet that I love to wear. It makes getting dressed so much easier and gives me more time to spend with my little ones and hubby. Thank you, thank you!
Crystal, I know this is a little off point, but I just wanted to say what a blessing it is to see someone so beautiful inside AND out! I am ashamed to admit that when I read your blog and see the way you live your life through your words, it’s easy for me to be like ‘well, that’s easy for HER’. Somehow it makes it easier to not do it myself by imagining that when you say you only have about six mix and match outfits that you dress in ill fitted frumpy clothing (because for some reason that’s the stereotype that comes to mind when I think of ‘second hand’!) that wouldn’t work for me… but then I see you in these video blogs and you are so well put together and your clothing and look is in no way ‘frumpy’ and I feel immediately humbled for allowing myself to make excuses for not disciplining myself and using the ‘I’m too young, I’ll get eventually’ excuse… because you’re young too! I think I sometimes forget that, because your words and practices seem so mature compared to other people our age. Thank you for being such an inspiration to so many of us!
I LOVE it! For years, I have been sporting a minimalist wardrobe! 🙂 I am ecstatic to see that I am not the only woman who likes to look pretty but without all of the fuss! Thank you for sharing!
Wow, that was extremely inspiring. I have often thought about doing that, but seeing someone else do it gives me more courage to do it. Thanks so much.
This is VERY inspiring….do your children have minimalist wardrobes as well? I would love to see what their’s look like.
I think this is awesome. I want to go clean out my closet right now. I am not sure I am ready to go this minimalistic, but I do think I have so many things hanging in my closet and in my drawers that I don’t need or even like. Thanks for all that you do and share.
What about winter clothes? Do you have sweaters? hoodies? sweat pants?
I like the idea of the minimalist wardrobe….
That’s awesome! Was that your winter or summer wardrobe? Also, what do you wear for stockings? Tights? I find that nylons last one wear when I’m around my little ones…
I just wanted to tell you that I think you are just TOO cute!! I liked seeing you, it makes your blogs come alive – makes you more of a “real person” and not just a blog. I enjoyed it. Also, I think your wardrobe is great!
Okay, I misread that last part and thought that you were apologizing that YOU were skinny, not the video. It must be because all through the video I was thinking, “Oh, wow. I didn’t know she was so tiny!”
Maybe it’s time for me to look into P90X. 🙂
😉 You’re cracking me up!
I would like to know if this is really your only clothes or just the ones you wear outside your home? Do you clean in these clothes? With just one dress I assume your church is casual?
I am inspired to get rid of some things but I don’t think I will be going that far. The color coordination is a great idea – do you ever get board?
Do your children’s closets look like this too?
That’s it for Summer, aside from pjs and workout clothes. I usually wear skirts to church and mostly wear something very similar each week. 🙂 And yes, I clean in these clothes — just whip on an apron and you’re good to go.
I usually replace three shirts per season, so I don’t get bored.
If you read through some of the comments above, I talk a little more on my children’s clothes.
Your wardrobe freaks me out! I spend little to nothing on groceries so that I can buy Betsey Johnson. Wheee! And I shall not apologize. 🙂 (I will think fondly of you this afternoon as I switch out my summer closet for my winter one though, lugging it all up and down the stairs.)
Hello!
I read through all the comments the other day, so I’m hoping not to repeat anybody’s question. Will you post what kind of items (shoes included) you have for your fall and winter wardrobe? I know you mentioned having boots, but are they full calf length or ankle? I love the idea of boots, but seem to be clueless on how to pull them off. 🙂 I read and watched this vlog around the same time as reading Randy Alcorn’s book, The Treasure Principle: Discovering the Secret of Joyful Giving, and I have been never more challenged to change my greedy ways.
Thank you!
I’ve been trying to minimize my closet so I really appreciate this post. I’ve struggled a little bit b/c I’m still “in between” sizes after having my second baby. But thanks for sharing! However, I have a few questions:
1. What about exercising? Do you have additional clothes for that and if so, how many?
2. Is this just for one season or is that all you have all together?
3. What’s your take on shoes & socks? I’ve ben trying to cut down my shoes by sticking to one color scheme so that some day I could get rid of all my shoes that don’t fit with that color but I just haven’t quiet been ready to get rid of the “other” colored stuff yet.
Also, I just thought I’d throw out a reminder to other readers that we are all in different situations and to be careful not to be too legalistic and think that everyone should have some magic number of clothing items. Especially since our “outside the home” activities can vary.
@Ashlee,
That’s a great reminder. As I was watching this, I realized that I have a lot of other clothes that are for specific occasions. I am a Cub Scout leader so I have a shirt for that. I also help at AWANA and have a shirt for that. I do run and I like to run outside – when you live in the Midwest that means a lot of different layers. So besides my clothes that I wear on a “normal” basis, I have others too. (I don’t have to swap seasons because everything that I own does fit into my alloted space!)
We don’t all have to choose to do exactly what she says! Take some inspiration but not a rule!
I am pregnant now for the 4th time in 4 years! We feel very blessed to have a growing family, but I am having a hard time knowing what to get rid of when I’m constantly changing sizes! I’ve made some progress in letting go of some things, but now I’m inspired to take it further. I do tend toward certain colors, so that is helpful. And I already have a very minimalist shoe wardrobe. Perhaps I should just stick to loose, roomy tops all year round. But it’s oh-so-hard to get rid of those cute outfits that you just “might” fit back into someday!
Inspiring video- I have been thinking along those lines recently. The only problem is- I love a variety of colors, and a variety of tops with designs, embroidery, etc! And it’s hard to get rid of anything, because there always is the hope that someday I may need it desperately!
THankfully, I don’t usually spend more than $2 on a single item of clothing! Thanks for the ideas!
while i love the colors of your wardrobe and your minimalist approach, i’m concerned how you stay warm when it is cold out? i have several hooded sweatshirt jackets and sweaters b/c i’m always freezing cold even when it is in the seventies. i am always layering shirts and jackets to be warm
After reading a few of the comments, I’m reminded to pull out my apron for cooking to cut down on at least those stains and keep my smaller wardrobe in nice condition. For the baby/kid-caused stains…gotta pre-treat as soon as they hit, or the clothes are a loss. Got an outfit from lunch today that’s being treated as I type.
Well done! I pretty much live like this too except I wear blacks and greys
So of course I now need to ask-what kind of earrings do you wear?
First.. you are adorable! So tiny and i bet anything you put on looks great on you! But..for those of us not blessed with such a beautiful, small figure/frame..it is much harder to just have a few items to mix and match. I, by far, do not have a lavish wardrobe believe me! 🙂 I so wish I could do this too!!!!!!
I am so thankful you posted this. I have to admit I was feeling very frustrated when you said you had only 6 items of clothing. At the time I was packing for a 8-day trip and had many more than 6 items laid out. And my closets were still stuffed! I couldn’t imagine how you live with only 6 things, but now seeing it, I understand. Like you, I am not big into fashion and think I could minimize my wardrobe. I probably couldn’t get down to 6 items, but 20 would be a great goal. After watching your vlog I am motivated to count my pieces and simplify!
PS Flylady.net has a good tutorial on simplifying your wardrobe. She, too, lives on a basic wardrobe. What a great way to save time, stress & money!
Haha, the comments here are so funny!!!! I’m trying to get a group of women together that can share with each other inexpensive ways to have an nice wardrobe! I’m a minimalist and fashionista…so I am SUPER excited about this. If you want to check it out come on over to http://clothedwithlilies.blogspot.com and plus I’m doing a OLD NAVY gift card giveaway right now(super low entries)!
You would probably love having a “clothing swap” with your friends. Instead of giving all your extra clothes/accessories to the Goodwill, you save the nicest to swap with your friends. Everyone gets a chance to clean out their closets & fill them up with some new clothes at the same time. It is fun, fashionable & free!
@Laura, That’s such a wonderful idea, if I had any friends, I would TOTALLY do that…but I don’t right now…:( Just moved to a new city, having trouble in the area of finding friends…but great idea, none the less!!!
Maybe someone already asked this, but my big dilemma is between, cooking, cleaning and taking care of the kids, my clothes are always stained. I would love to have a minimilist, streamlined wardrobe, but my stuff is always getting ruined.
@Danielle, I’ve dealt with some of that, too, and my solution currently is to take a tip from past generations and wear an apron. I’ve begun wearing one more often when I cook and am thinking I will begin wearing them during messy times of day as well. I only have two very utilitarian aprons right now, but there are some cute ones out there — as well as some easy patterns for those who can sew.
I tried to scan through all the comments and see if anyone else had asked this (forgive me if I missed it), but do you ever receive clothes as gifts? Maybe a big bag of hand-me downs for you? How does that play into your wardrobe?
My Mama or sister or even husband will occassionally buy me a new sweater or shirt for my birthday or Christmas, or maybe a t-shirt from their vacation. Or a lady from church will hand me a big bag of hand-me down clothes for “me”? I think I’d feel bad if I didn’t keep/wear some of those things. Is that ever an issue?
I would refer to Flylady. If you don’t love it, get rid of it! Don’t let someone else’s stuff cause you stress. After many years, I have finally started getting ruthless with this. I ask my mom/husband for receipts and return things. I only keep the very best of the hand-me-downs I’ve been blessed with. It is wonderful you have so many generous people in your life. You have to control what stays or you will be overrun. I say that because I know! : ) Blessings to you, my sister!
Thanks for the cute video! I really like the way you keep things simple… yet cute and in style. Timeless classics… that’s my style too. I love reading your blog and I find you to be an inspiration.
(I love your little guy toddling around in the background too… isn’t he too cute??)
Can we see a video of your closet?
I hope we get an updated video when you bust out your Fall/Winter clothes!!
Simplicity is it’s own reward. Frugal may be the new “it” lifestyle, but it’s always been a choice. Celebrate your choices! For inspiration, try reading Frugal Luxuries and Frugal Luxuries by the Seasons by Tracey McBride.
I buy second hand clothing that looks like new and hit a bag sale at church flea markets. It’s recycling for me to be able to use clothing others don’t want and I donate my clothing I no longer want to them for others as well and it helps out the church. I do less laundry and bigger loads so it saves energy for my family to have more clothing that I find so cheap!
First, you are TOO adorable!! 🙂 Second, you are crazy/incredible to have that little of clothes. 🙂
Wow, it is so courageous of you to vlog about this. I must say the P90X is working (I want to read posts on it!). We recently moved and I purged a lot, and then more when we moved into our current place. I still have plenty though… it is amazing how much we acquire if we allow ourselves to. Great post, and I thouroughly enjoy reading the comments on interesting blog posts – but only on your blog! And I have to say my son has way too many clothes (hand me-downs). I just sent a case with my husband to a co-worker of his, and my son still has two boxes and a large drawerful. Oy.
Crystal, I am requesting a blog post about HOW to cut down my closet. It’s bad, really bad (my drawers are breaking because they’re overly stuffed). I own a tank top in every shade of color because they mix and match well under so many tops. I also tend to keep all my old clothes for years. I have things I wear from 7 years ago, and don’t feel the need to throw it out. *sigh* How to downsize??
Stains…I would love to have a minimalist wardrobe, but I am constantly getting food/spit up on my clothes. Laundering sometimes works and sometimes not.
I hear ya sister!
INSPIRATION!!!! I love fashion. Most people think I spend thousands of dollars in clothes but I buy a few good pieces and pair them with extremely inexpensive accessories or shirts. Still I do not come close to you. I will never complaint and say “I do not have anything to wear”!! I will NOT let my husband watch your video ; )
@Clarissa,
Ha ha this made me laugh!
@Clarissa,
That’s so funny. I left this on the computer screen and my husband watched it! Lets just say I’m not going shopping anytime soon.
@Jaclyn, I feel for you!!!! He will always remind you of this video : )
A charming vlog. I would have loved to see the child talking in the background. (I am an empty-armed grandma!) My problem with clothing is most of it has been given to me, I have made some of the things over, really haven’t bought anything for myself for a few years (but today I bought a cute tshirt on sale at KMart for $2. I am a senior citizen on a strict budget, fixed income, and I always think I am going to lose weight, hence the smaller sizes in my closet. But I think the minimalist idea is great and a good antidote to “packratism” (a disease that I and a lot of us older folks seem to have.” Great job on this site. I have only been subbed for a week or so, but I love it!
I am so inspired and amazed with you. You are such a blessing to our lives. Thank you for your bold work for the glory of what really matters, His kingdom!
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do more Vlogs! They are SO fun to watch! You are so inspiring!
WOW! 2 pairs of black shoes + tennis shoes! I have a very hard time getting rid of clothes/ shoes ( I always think I’ll have somewhere to where it at even if not used in years…) so you would hate my closet! I decided after reading this to go count my BLACK shoes and I have 9 pairs of them not counting flip flops! No need to think I’m not frugal, the oldest one I wore to my high school prom almost 14 years ago!!!! So I am not always buying, just keeping stuff for too long! The newest I bought over 2 years ago brand new on clearance for $2.5 and the box was marked originally 79.99… My mom also buys me at least 2 pairs of shoes and sends to me before my birthday since she says she never knows what to buy me ( I tell her all the time I don’t need any more but she won’t listen). As for the high school shoes – they still fit me and I really don’t know if I can get rid of them just yet!!! Help Crystal!!
This video speaks to me and inspires me almost like a good sermon. It motivates me in many ways beyond my wardrobe – but it doesn’t motivate by guilt. It reminds me to be deliberate about focusing on what is really important to me. Thank you, Crystal.
Thanks so much for your kind words. That is so what I want — to encourage and inspire, but not put people on a guilt trip! Because we’re all in unique and different situations.
Yup, that’s the way I like to dress! I have what I call my “Mommy uniforms,” which consists of 6 pairs of cream, black, or grey pants, plus 6 shirts in cream, mauve, or blue. I have one nice dress for going out, and sweats for gardening or stay-in weekends. Everything goes together; one less thing to worry about in the mornings!
Wow, I am so inspired. I went to my basement and put at least 20 things in a pile to go to Goodwill. I think you previously living in a smaller apartment really helps with this. If you don’t have anywhere to put it, you certainly won’t buy it. I unfortunately have a basement I keep piling stuff up in. I need to get control of that. I’m sure it also helps to stay on top of your weight control so that you fit into what you have!!
I also feel prodded by your “minimalistness” to be more content. I feel I’m always looking for new things because I just don’t like what I have or feel that what I have is not flattering/in style/comfortable/etc. Thanks for your encouragement. I’m certainly going to work on some things I know I should.
I’m going to clean out my closet tonight! 😉 I actually have only a few outfits that I wear but have more that don’t fit. Good motivation to find a thrift shop that gives credit or cash this week for adult clothes. I’m the queen of clothing my kids for free but myself, well, I have really let that one go by the way side. It’s probably been about the beginning of the year since I got anything for myself.
Thanks for the inspiration!
That’s wonderful! While pregnant, my wardrobe selection was very similar, and it was SO easy to choose what to wear and look nice. You’ve inspired me to strive for that with all my clothing, or at least once I’ve lost this baby weight and get some new clothes that fit.
Whenever I mention to my grandma how time consuming it must have been to wash laundry by hand and make your own soap, and all the things they did back in the olden days, she points out how much simpler life was then, and how laundry was easy because you had 2 outfits, and were usually washing one and wearing the other. We really do make things harder on ourselves by gathering and collecting more and more things. I hardly ever buy clothes, yet I get hand me downs or have things from long ago and have a hard time purging them all out “just in case”. I’m thinking of all the space I could create by just letting go.
So, that must be a lot of laundry????
I am so inspired!! I LOVE this idea! And your little one looks so cute!! Any ideas on kids clothes?
I have a pretty minimalist wardrobe too, but I am wondering if you ever work in the yard or paint the house or do anything messy! 🙂 I have several extra shirts and pants just for those kinds of jobs because I would surely ruin my other clothes if I wore them to mow the lawn, go camping, or even just roughhouse in the grass with my kids.
You’re so cute, Crystal! Thanks for sharing with us. I am more of a minimalist than a fashionista, but I do like to have variety. Right now it’s just my husband & I so we aren’t short on space and we’re living pretty frugally. My sister and I can share clothes so we swap so I can get more variety but not have to pay for it. 🙂 You’ve inspired me to get rid of what I don’t wear though… those things are just clutter. Then I can have room for what I want, and be content with that. Thanks! 🙂
You are so little!!! You have been such an encouragement to me the last two years. It was nice to “see you”. Thank you for this post. I love your personal posts.
Oh my friend – that was GREAT! Yes, I hang my head in embarrassment. I have bought more than that in one Frugal Fashionista yard sale haul, but then…I am struggling with a stuffed closet. 🙂
You have what I call a “core wardrobe.” Everyone should start (or end ;)) there. 🙂 If people want to branch out, then they accessorize from there. I have a few extra little black dresses….you want one? xoxox
@Jen@Balancing Beauty and Bedlam, I love the frugal fashionista series!!! I like clothes-just not paying a lot!
Aren’t you just the cutest little thing!
Thanks for sharing. I think it is time I went shopping, even, if I have to buy sizes I don’t particularly like:o(
Crystal, your vlog on clothing was really inspiring. It has inspired me to look at my closet in a entirely new way. Also, your comment about “stepping outside of your comfort zone” has inspired me to finally post a comment! I have been following your blog for about a year and finally am posting a comment. 🙂
Thanks for commenting — and for your kind encouragement!
ok…first off–thanks for the inspiration to purge my closet. It really, really needs to be done!
Can I ask when you started wearing pants? I may be wrong but I was sure that you girls only wore skirts! I love skirts but I love my jeans, too 🙂
I’ve actually always worn pants — except for when I was a lot younger and just loved skirts/dresses — you just don’t usually see many pictures or videos of me here so you wouldn’t know what I normally wear! 🙂
(My second daughter is a lot like I was; she rarely will wear pants and much prefers skirts/dresses whereas my other daughter only wears them to church and would live in her camo pants if they didn’t have to be washed!)
@Crystal,I must be confusing you with someone else! I thought I remembered a post on your Biblical Womanhood site about skirts–you look cute in either! After I read this post earlier, I cleaned out a closet and have a huge bag of clothes to donate! Such inspiration!
I have been overwhelmed and frustrated by not having enough closet space for a while. Your video really motivated me to pare way down. I can’t wait to do it on my next day off! Thank you for sharing!!!
Crystal,
No need for me to repeat everything others have said. But thanks…and I love your blues and greens! Those are my 2 favorite colors. So pretty. Happy belated birthday!
I have been a minimalist my entire life. Most folks just thought I was nuts. I have less clothing than Crystal and yes, it can be done. ( I also have to take clothing to a coin laundry and it still can be done.)
My current living situation due to the econmy gives me and hubby and his office 480 sq ft. My closet for all our clothing including winter/summer spring/ fall is the size of a very small pantry/ broom closet and we fit fine we even have some space. Hubby has a bit more clothing than I do (the weight issue is a factor)
As far as when you need sloppy clothing for gardening or painting one set does the trick for most all. ( I did find myself painting one day in my underware due to lack of clothing to risk getting paint on but hey know one knew until now and the bedroom got painted)
So , it is like those cold showers crystal spoke of when times were tight no one can tell that you had a cold shower or a hot shower if your clean your clean.
We fit fine winter coats boots and all and our closet is way smaller than size of most folks closets and I have two people in that space.
The bright side is when you go away on a trip your suitcase is light and many folks have commented I didn’t pack anything and I tell them that is almost everything I own and they are shocked!
No extra fees for overpacking and if your really lucky like I am I can get it all in a carry on size so no risk of a lost bag.
Loved Loved Loved your video – and I love seeing and hearing your voice!!! Ummmm I was just thinking about my shoes for Relevant and I have a feeling I’ll be bringing more than you have in your closet lol – yikes…You are amazing and inspiring! Thank you for being transparent!
Sometimes I think that fashion is really a work of art…it’s a way to express yourself and being that God is the ultimate artist – I think we can reflect a piece of his character in the way we dress while at the same time I think that fashion can dangerously teeter on vanity, greed and self-centeredness. I struggle with this balance at times.
Your clothes do reflect you and your holy God so well and it’s beautiful!
Much Love,
Courtney
Inspired to go through the drawers and closet and get rid of the things I am holding onto that don’t really fit well, aren’t worn or the extra “play” clothes that have stains. I will probably not scale down as much but definitely like the point of view. My friends think I’m a “plain Jane” (their words) and minimilast! If only they knew I think I have too much and what your version of “wardrobe” entails! I am going to have to learn to use a few key accessories to dress things up! Love your site.
Wow you did so much better this time (I enjoyed the first one too so I’m not putting that one down, it’s just that you have improved so much) with the vlog. You’re clothes (and you) are cute too, I like your color scheme 🙂
I skimmed the rest of the posts but did not read them all, so here goes. I love the idea of pairing down. I have a 22 month old, a 11 month old and am do with our third in 3 months. With that being the case, I do change clothes often. I try to only do laundry once a week so that the loads are full (I’ve read that it’s better for the clothes and cuts down on cost). How do you keep enough clean clothes on hand?
Love the Vlog, Silas is such a cutie. Have you always been a minimalist? Just curious, I have found since being a mom I tend to wear the same outfits over and over. Easy and I know what I like.
I’ve been curious about the minimalist wardrobe. I would like to see your fall wardrobe when you get it out. I had heard of turning the hanger around, but for a year–since some things are seasonal. I tried that a year ago, and found some things to get rid of. You have inspired me to get rid of some more. Thanks for doing this! It was great! I have enjoyed getting your blog and implementing some of the things you talk about.
Crystal,
Could you comment on how this could be adapted for working moms? I’m taking a year off from work, so I can get by on just a few items, but when I go back to work, I know I’ll feel like I will need more outfits (but then of course, I’ll have more money for more outfits :). I’m a teacher, so I’m in front of people all day.
I added a comment above to one of yours, but just wanted to add again “thanks” for sharing your wardrobe. I know such posts must open your life up to criticism from others and honestly, I don’t understand why people really care if you have 2 pairs of pants or whatever you choose to have (it’s your life!) Personally I like to look presentable and clean, but don’t feel I have to keep up with trends or what other people think (as that really doesn’t matter to me).
I totally “get” why you do what you do. You are smart to live with less at such a young age. I’m sure it makes a difference in your day-to-day responsibilities, what you need to pay for and care for, etc. So many Americans think adding “stuff” to their life is what it’s all about. It’s simply not. It’s why many are frazzled, broke, in debt, etc.
Your attitude of “less” is admirable. You certainly are not alone in your beliefs. Hope you’ll post more about this topic of “less”. 🙂
I learned a cool trick from a friend. At the beginning of a season, when you hang all your clothes in your closet, put your hangers back wards. At the end of the season, which ever hangers are still hanging backwards tell you what you didn’t wear and you can get rid of those items without any questions.
Loved this! Thanks for sharing! You are inspiring.
This is very inspiring! Thank you for this vlog! We have a small home and closet and dresser space is limited, but this has helped me to see that we have plenty of space to store what we need. I am encouraged to see that there is another way to do wardrobes. I like the system of only buying clothing that matches one color of shoes. I can see that would be helpful with children’s wardrobes also. My husband is a minimalist when it comes to clothes. I thought it was just a man thing. 🙂 But I’m inspired now to try some of these tips. I would like to spend less time putting outfits together for me and my children. And less time shopping for tights or shoes to match a certain outfit.
Here’s a way to save money on clothes – get your Dad to buy them!
Yes, I’m in my thirties and my Dad still buys me clothes every Birthday and Christmas – lucky me eh! And the clothes are super nice too – I really, really appreciate it because not only does it save money but it takes the hassle out of shopping plus I get stuff I wouldn’t have chosen myself (which actually looks great). Spoil?..probably!
Mind you, I don’t look as lovely as you! The fitness regime is paying off because you look fab. You have motivated me into doing exercise again.
I’m impressed that your *Dad* buys your clothes — and that you like and wear them. Wow!
@Crystal,
I absolutely love them plus they are usually branded items that I can’t afford.
I never ask him for them – he just does it. After I had my second son – he bought me lots of tops. He even tried to buy tops that were suitable for nursing a baby!
I’m really lucky – he tends to buy me more stuff than the children because he thinks that when we get older we appreciate it more plus children get alot of toys anyway.
@Katie, My dad likes to buy me clothes too, but he tells me to use his credit card and pick out a couple dresses. He ordered a credit card with my name on it for convenience. Sometimes he’ll tell me to fill up my gas tank on his card. Nice!
We don’t have seasons here so I would get tired of having the same few pieces for the entire year or longer. Don’t people get tired of seeing you in the same pieces? Does your church not dress up much? I understand having mix and match, but so few??
I had put clean out my clothes on my ‘need to do list’ just last night! I have to keep alot of shirts because I freeze all winter and I wear lots of layers as it helps keep me warm. This is an old idea but the old ‘Color Me Beautiful’ book really works. If you stick to the color palette that is best for you then everything you have will mix and match and make your skin and hair look great. I have shopped with my color pallete for over 20 years and I find I am more likely to wear those clothes as I always have things that match them and I feel good in them. I am showing that I am 50 here! I have 19 and 27 year old daughters that are cute and tiny like you Crystal! At my age I have to have more clothes though!
You know, this makes a lot of sense. People in Europe often have far less clothes than we Americans do. Part of it is that the older houses they live in and their flats have small closets. Even here in America the older homes have small closets. They didn’t have underbed organizers and tons of extra drawers. They just made do with less clothes. Really the only disadvantage I can see to your plan is that your clothes need washed more often. =)
@Emily, You’re fight! I have a dear friend who is Russian and she has a very basic wardrobe and is fine with that.
By the way, I love the idea of wearing an apron more often- good tip for me as I find myself getting my shirts really dirty when I cook! Maybe that would help me….
I agree, you are too cute!! 🙂
This was totally inspiring. I share a tiny closet with my husband and have such a hard time getting rid of things so we’re just crammed in there- I have old sweatshirts from high school, t-shirts from high school and working with various ministries, etc. I do think I’d probably need a few more tshirts and such as I garden and work outside a LOT and they get very dirty but this is so challenging and I needed to read this! I hate clutter and I feel just so crammed and cluttered lately and I’m trying to get rid of the extra “stuff” that is not needed. Thank you for challenging me!!!!! 🙂
And Silas is a doll! I love it. I chuckled as I could imagine my little boys squealing or running around if I ever attempted to do a vlog. Haha! 🙂 I, too, am curious about your organization with your children’s clothes- I have a TON of clothes for the kids- and am actually thankful I kept so many of my other son’s clothes because he’s not fitting into my older son’s clothes- he’s chunkier in the belly. 🙂 But we were given so many clothes when my first was born that some stuff is like new. I have a 2 year old (2 and 3 months) and my other just turned 1….and they’re in some of the same clothes!! (or close to it!) Eeeek! 🙂 I liked how you said you don’t want to make your kids conform to your personality- good reminder to let them be who God made them to be. I appreciate that you’re not saying everyone should be like you, just sharing what worked for you! Thanks so much!!!!!!
I love it!! I try to keep my wardrobe to a minimum too, although I have a lot of t-shirts and only a couple of bottoms (jeans, capri’s, shorts, skirts) to mix and match the shirts with. I love the minimalist attitude when it comes to clothing and everything else. Plain and simple will always be in style! 🙂
Since you are a minimalist, and have very conservative closet, I wonder what do you do with all your extra closet space? Have you turned the closet into an office? I am assuming that you have a walk-in. I am a minimalist too, not quite to your extreme, but find that there is more of wasted space in these newer houses with “lots of storage,” and massive master bedrooms. They seem to breed excessiveness and such. Just because this space is here, doesn’t mean I want to use it for this, I wish they would design the houses with more living space and less space for us to sleep and store stuff. Off my soapbox. Just curious! Thanks for sharing!
Just wanted to echo the others in saying that you are too cute! Thank you for being so inspiring. 🙂
Crystal, you are so cute and tiny! I can’t wait to meet you in a couple of weeks!
Love this idea and wish I could pull it off.
First, I started following the site and got into coupons for about 2 weeks now . . . I love all the $ I’ve saved now. Thank you for all that you do! I really like the minimalist wardrobe. Mine has certainly became that way now that I freelance at home and I love it. I save so much $ and it’s so not complicated trying to figure out what to wear in the morning!
Awww! I have to agree, my favorite part is Silas (no offense, Crystal, you did a great job at the video and showing the wardrobe too!)! I absolutely loved the “uh-oh” – my little guy is 15 months old and that is by far his favorite word. I actually did a double-take and thought it was my little guy saying it when I first heard it! 😀
If nothing else, you’ve inspired me to go through my closet and get rid of all the things I never wear (which is 75% of my closet).
You are completely adorable, by the way. Love the vlog.
You are so inspiring!! Thank you so much.
Crystal, you are so very encouraging.
And I think it’s important that we remember that is the purpose of this blog…encouragement! I’ve read through all the posts (not normally something I do, but this one is very interesting, plus it’s the baby’s naptime!) and it’s wonderful to see so many inspired readers. One thing we all need to keep in mind when reading this blog and others, is that we are not trying to be clones of Crystal, as fabulous as she is! Take her ideas and use the ones that are feasible for you. Some of her ideas can be taken in spirit…meaning go clean out your closet, but don’t get frustrated if you end up with 10 outfits and not six!
Thanks, Crystal, for this blog. It’s been a blessing in my life!
Amen! Please do not try to be like me!!! I want to inspire you, but, seriously, if 600 outfits works for you, than you are more than welcome to have 600 outfits. 🙂
{And I have so many, many shortcomings that I promise, you don’t want to be a replica of me!}
You just saved me a lot of money! I’ve been searching the web, with no luck, trying to find a good deal on a new pair of brown boots to replace my old worn out ones. After reading your comment about only having back shoes, I realized there really is no need for me to buy new brown boots just to go with a few old brown shirts. I already have a pair of black boots that I love. So no more brown for me in the winter, I’m sticking to shirts that go with black!
@Amber, brown and black are both neutral, so they go well together!…not that you shouldn’t cut down your wardrobe 🙂 I just moved at least 10 more items to the ‘sell’ pile myself, lol
This was SOOOO refreshing to see. You are such a tiny little thing–I swear, I keep expecting these big monster moms behind these monster mom blogs. I almost keeled over when I saw FishMama–you are both so cute in your videos. Thanks for doing this–a whole different impressionon my end.
I couldn’t do it – I have to go to the office, wear suits etc. and then there are changes in the weather etc.
You are one hot momma! Your minimalist wardrobe is very inspiring – and like others have said, while I don’t know that I could live off of quite that few pieces, I do find myself wearing the same several outfits over and over again.
I am currently pregnant, and if this one is anything like the last pregnancy, by the end I’ll be down to about 3 shirts and 1 pair of pants that actually work! So I guess that’s motivation too… 🙂
I do the flip the hanger thing, and I found that over the course of a month, I only had a few items that weren’t flipped, but there were many that I knew I had only worn once, that I didn’t necessarily love. I may have to figure out a system to weed those out as well.
That is great! I need to go through my closet & get rid of some stuff. I have saved some clothes for years & do wear them again- but probably don’t need nearly as many as I have! Also-Silas is adorable!!
Love It!! So, if you pan the camera to your walk-in closet…..is it empty?? lol! I have such a prob with my 18 mo. olds clothes. She has a zillion shirts/onsies/pants and NOTHING matches. It’s so frustrating. I have to throw the pile on the floor just to get an outfit!! I must minimize her clothing immediately. As for me, I don’t have many items because I usually wear sweats and logo t-shirts. I’m one of those moms who buys for everyone except herself.
I was actually going to do this vlog *in* my closet, but the lighting is so bad in there what I decided to pull everything out. 🙂
Thanks for showing us your wardrobe! It looks a lot like mine! I can’t wait to meet you at Relevant!
Looking forward to meeting you, too!
Love this post! Good job on being minimalist!!! I have 4 dress that that I use (1 of them is my Sunday church dress) so basically 3 dress for everyday! and that is it, 1 knitted sweater for cold season 3 aprons to protect my clothes.
(and my dress are nursing maternity dress so they are use during and after pregnancy – we have 3 girls 3 and under- so pregnancy and breastfeeding all the time!)
I love not having to worry about what to wear, just pick a dress and go 🙂
How do you get by with so little when you are traveling? Or do you not travel? I just ask because that is how I know we have enough. If it will get my kids through a 9 day trip without doing laundry then it is enough.
We travel every few months — but rarely for longer than five days. I can’t go much longer than 7 days without doing laundry, I’ve learned! 🙂
Wow, I could never, ever do that.
I’m surprised to learn you have a phone with video on it! That seems like a luxury to me. We don’t pay the extra $10/month and I think of it as a savings of $120/year + tax.
Anyway, thanks for the video!
@Jenn P., Yes, it is definitely a luxury and one that I waited two years to upgrade to (my husband had to convince me long and hard that it was worth the extra money). Since we have two businesses, they pay for our phones/data package as they are used almost exclusively for business purposes so it’s a tax deduction. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have them. And it’s been a huge help/timesaver for us to have data packages on our phones — worth every penny! I’d highly recommend it for those who are self-employed!
Yes, I’d also like to know how often you wash clothes.
And what about your husband? Is he a minimalist as well?
@Tracy, My husband is not a minimalist, but he’s also not one that has 50 shirts or 15 suits. But he does like to have more clothes than me — and that’s totally fine by me because it works well for him!
Love your vlogs!
It does inspire me to pare down my closet even though I’m mostly a minimalist too. The truth is that I usually only wear my 2 identical long denim skirts and some favorite tops but I have so many other clothing hanging around because “I need that outfit for the Fourth of July” and “Mom bought that for me and paid a fortune even though I don’t like it” and “So and so bought me this in Thailand and it might come in handy for a costume someday” etc. etc. I also get sooooo many hand-me-downs from every one who knows me that I save some shirts so that when my current favorites are worn I’ll have more for next year.
I also like to have a few things on hand for different “moods.” Like a gauzy, floral dress for a ladies’ fancy tea party or Easter dress, a dark dress for funerals, an artsy broomstick skirt for colorful days, a simple, classic skirt for a business look, a western outfit for a ranch outings or day horseback-riding, etc.
I think it would be fun for us to challenge ourselve to a six-piece wardrobe for a week or two and see what it’s like! (Before I go getting rid of my favorites, of which I have lots!) 😉
Mermaid Jerilyn
LOVED the toddler — very funny!!
@Jerilyn, I think that’s a great suggestion! I just might have to do that! It would be a really good way to see what you can live without. Thanks for the idea 🙂
@Jennifer,
I’ve come up with a fashionista’s minimalist wardrobe, following Crystal’s example with only slight modifications. Hope to get photos soon!
Jerilyn
@Jerilyn, That is a really good idea. If only someone could help me get rid of the other stuff….
I enjoyed your little vlog today. Your hair looks amazing. I liked your wardrobe and am working to pare mine down. Would you believe I had 50 Reitmans blouses? In addition to sweaters, tees, dresses etc. Since I am completely a SAHM, my clothing preferences have changed completely and most of the things in my closet aren’t anything I would wear during a regular day. I’m also realizing how much easier it would be to have less and your post today solidified it 🙂
I did want to ask you, do you wear the same dress to church each week then?
@Jenn @ Beautiful Calling, I pretty much wear something similar every week to church — usually one of the skirts, a top and a white sweater (as most people in my church are probably well aware of by now!).
Thank you for sharing your wardrobe and ideas. You’ve inspired me to make two rounds through my closet so I’ve reduced my clothes by a lot, but I think I have another round to go before I feel like I have what I use and have donated all the things I do not need. Thank you for sharing.
Wow! I’m impressed that you can look so nice with such a small wardrobe. I wasn’t at all horrified at seeing your wardrobe, but I’m afraid you would be horrified if you saw my closet. I have to admit that I am a bit of a clothes-a-holic. I grew up with not much in the way of new clothes; we wore mostly hand-me-downs, so part of my issue is that I enjoy not feeling poor now. Also, my husband is really picky about his clothes (and he likes to shop for clothes more than I do, if you can believe that). So, he wants me to look nice and fashionable, too (not that you don’t….I’m not implying that at all). He just likes a lot of variety.
However, we are completely debt free (even our home), we live on a budget, we give generously, and we buy most of our clothes from the clearance racks at Belk….they have really awesome clearance deals. I rarely pay more than $5 for very fashionable, well-made clothes. And we enjoy giving the clothes that we no longer use to local thrift stores to help support them.
So, yes, I could and should reduce my wardrobe, but I believe that I’m generally a good steward when it comes to my clothing purchases. I think that God enjoys blessing us, and He knows what makes us happy. Right or wrong, clothes are one thing that make me happy. 🙂
Wow! What a concept! My only problem with having so few pairs of pants is I’ve tried that and I wear them each out in about a year. If that is your entire wardrobe does it wear out really fast?
I also found that keeping the old worn out clothes on hand gives me clothes to ruin as I work in the garden (which I do a lot) . Do you have that component to your wardrobe as well?
Thanks for taking the time to share!
diana
My mom is always telling me I need new clothes because I always wear the same few things. And if I stop and think about it, I’ve had most of my clothes at least 5 years too! That’s why I like plain, classic styles – I can go forever without replacing them and not look (completely) out of style. Thanks for stepping in front of the camera! It’s nice to actually “see” you in person!
You did a great job! I just went through this same thing…. over the past year, my wardrobe however is about 3 times larger as I dont have a washer and dryer in the apartment, so it allows me to wait and wash everything at one time, as not to waste money. My colors are purples, blues, white and black… for bottoms … blue jeans, tan capris, and for my favorite dress…. a simple Audrey Hepburn-Type basic black dress I got on sale at JC Penneys a year ago! – – My husband lives this way, and I thought I’d give it a try. I truly am so much happier with a smaller wardrobe. I spend far less time worrying about appearance, as I find I look fabulous regardless 🙂 LOL… thanks for posting your video, I am going to share it…. take care and also, thanks for blogging LOVE YOUR SITE AND ENJOY YOUR EMAILS 🙂
Teresa Carns
Calif.
I meant to include that there are three of us: two adults and a toddler.
I’m really curious . . . how much laundry do you do? We have lots of clothes, so we don’t have to repeat outfits during the week (though my husband usually gets two wears out of work pants before washing, and our jeans go 3-5 wears in between) – but I still do 4-5 loads of laundry per week (including one of towels and one, every other week, of sheets). In theory, I’d be washing fewer clothes – but I’d still have to separate darks, whites and delicates. So I’d still be doing as many loads – just smaller.
@Christina, We do around 6-7 loads of laundry each week (two of those loads are bedding). Most of that is children’s laundry because they get dirty or spill stuff and I don’t like them wearing dirty clothes around if I can help it, so they sometimes go through three outfits in a day. So we probably do more laundry than many families and that’s an area that I should work on cutting down on!
@Crystal, You said you do a couple of loads of bedding a week. How big is your washer? Because when I go to wash/dry my comforters, all the stuffing gets down in the corners or gets all bunched up. Any tips?
Great job! You did great!
Thanks for sharing!! I really enjoyed it. I’ve been lurking on your website(s) for years and really enjoy all the ideas that you share!
Thank you for posting this. It seems a frugal sister tends to lean in one direction or the other. Either ultra-minimalist or hoarder. I’m not a hoarder, but would be happy to shoot for somewhere around “medium-alist.” I’m blessed to have a dear woman from my church who raised 6 children come work with me in my home to help me get rid of my stuff. She used to only let her kids have 4 outfits a piece. And she says it was extreme, in hindsight. But it sure did cut down on the laundry! For as much as you’ve shared personally on your blog, I appreciate it. I don’t think anyone has asked this question yet, and I understand if it’s too personal to answer, but how many pairs of undergarments/socks does a minimalist like yourself keep? I have so many socks and underwear, and my problem is that I keep wearing them even after I’ve bought replacements!
@Merrilee, Probably too few, by most people’s standards. Except I did recently get some free workout socks from a company so I have around eight pair now, whereas I used to only have three. I feel like I have an abundance and probably need to purge some of them!
What are your children’s wardrobes like? Are you minimalist when shopping for them also?
@Rebecca, See my comment above (#79) for more on our children’s clothes.
You are too cute. What do you do with all the extra closet and drawer space?
@Kathy, Well, we have our dressers in our closet — which likely wouldn’t be possible if we had a lot of clothes in there. 🙂 And I use half of my small dresser for things that most people would likely keep in a desk (I don’t have a desk right now).
I am similar with my clothes but I have a lot more tops. A. I feel alive when I wear different colors and B. My husband “likes it” when I dress fun. Also I go to my husbands corporate events and parties so I need several dress options. You made a great point by stating that you really don’t need tons of clothes. With my 3 year old daughter though, I am one of the lucky few. My mom buys all of her clothes and I don’t have to spend a dime!
I see all the skeptics, but I believe you! Why? Because I pretty much wear jeans and a T shirt every day. A black T shirt, usually. I just don’t have the time or energy to have more clothes, and as a stay at home mom, I don’t really need to. (When I worked full time I had much more of a wardrobe…) And I buy one pair of black clogs and wear them until they fall apart, then I buy another. (This summer I scored superdupercheap Rockport sandals, so I wore those every day instead.) Hooray for minimalism!
@Marla, If I could wear a black t shirt and jeans every day I would! I always feel confident in it, and it goes with everything.
Great video! I can’t imagine how uncomfortable I would feel doing such a thing, but good for you for getting out of your comfort zone! My toddler and I enjoyed watching. 🙂
I admire your ability to stick to such a small wardrobe… but then I start to think about the things I wear… and I actually only wear about six outfits anyway… so maybe it’s time for me to clean out the closet!
I would imagine with a minimalist wardrobe it would be easier to accessorize (and you could also narrow the shoe collection, too.) And when you have a limited wardrobe, you take better care of it, too!
Thanks for making me think about my own closet and clothing habits!
I only buy black shoes (other than my tennis shoes), so that’s another way which I narrow down my outfits when shopping: if it doesn’t match with black, I don’t buy it!
Wow.
I’d never make it. I need more color than that. BUT, it does give me the will to purge, purge, purge. I just put my shirts in 2 stacks, and I’m going to see if I can live out of just one of the stacks…
Honestly though, I hope you get a little more color and this just happened to be what you have right now. I think you’d look great in a few more colors, and maybe the change would put a little spring in your step too. 🙂
I sometimes do different shades of blue and also lavender; I just happen to have mostly all greens right now. However, I don’t find that many other colors besides those look good with my color palette. So I stick with that — and it makes things really simple!
You hair is gorgeous!
I was just reading Peter Walsh’s book and he said to turn all your hangers around in your closet and whatever you don’t wear in a month get rid of it! He said we only wear 20% of the clothes we have!
Seeing what you have makes me feel way to materialistic (sp?)
Oh, thanks! I recently got it cut and it turned out a little “choppier” and shorter than I usually wear it, but it will grow!
I was soooo glad to see that you vlogged about this. I have always been a minimalist, but never knew that the way I dressed had a special name :-). I always felt guilty that I wasn’t more of an “accessory/fashionista” type girl. I always felt so plain with what I wore, but it was what I was comfortable in and always felt more like “me”. Watching this video makes me feel like, “Hey, I’m not the only one!” Although, my closet is nowhere near as minimalist as yours, I feel like it is just validation for me that it is “okay” not to be a fashionista and have a million different accessories and shirts and shoes, etc. I am inspired to learn more about a minimalist life and feel so much peace just thinking about the changes it will bring. Now to apply that same minimalist mind set to my daughters’ closet. Whew…I get a lot of clothes given to me and I feel like I have clothes coming out of my ears for them sometimes…it is a “good” problem, but I feel overwhelmed sometimes. Do you think you could ever talk about what and how many pieces of clothing you keep for each child? I would be interested…I feel like I need to keep everything for those “you never know…” situations. 🙂
Love Your BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As far as the children’s clothing goes, I keep a similar wardrobe until they get old enough to care/want to give input and then I let them exercise some of their own “self-expression” (or whatever you want to call it!) so long as they stick with around 7-10 outfits or so. We go through their clothes at least twice a year and get rid of all those they are not wearing on a very consistent basis, those which are torn/stained, too little… I’m still trying to figure out the best way to keep their clothes organized and not have an overabundance without trying to make them be a “minimalist” like me — if that’s not who they are. I don’t want to try to stifle their personalities or make them carbon copies of me.
thanks for sharing! your simplicity is inspiring – i just gave my sister a bunch of clothes, but now i want to go through my closet again to see what else i can force myself to part with 🙂
Great job! Thank you so much for showing this. It makes me feel better about my half-bare closet! I never thought to called my wardrobe “minimalist” before, but I will do so now, as it captures the reality of the situation. Because while I could easily have more clothes than I do, I don’t want a stuffed closet, but rather a few things that look good on me.
I agree! I’d rather have 3 shirts I really like, than 30 that I don’t!
That’s great that you have found something that works for you, Crystal. I’m sure many people could benefit from paring down their wardrobes. I do think it’s important to say that, for me, it’s important to stay true to who God made me to be. For you, it’s a minimalist wardrobe. I tried to do that for several years when things were tight, and it didn’t work for me. I am pretty creative and I love the ‘art’ of creating outfits and accessorizing them, as well as traditional art and crafts. I a seamstress and LOVE making garments, especially for myself. I tried to ignore that part of me that God created in His image and found myself feeling junky because I was trying to be someone else than who God created me to be (in this area, as well as other areas). So all that to say, your wardrobe is wonderful and I’m glad it works for you. For some of you reading through the comments, you may be thinking- “Wait- I LOVE clothes! Am I being a bad wife/woman/mother/runner-of-the-household?” If you have a budget and are not going into debt, if your family’s needs are met, and you need a larger budget for clothes to express yourself, then go for it. I did this, and found that I regained part of myself.
@Emily, I agree 100% 🙂
@Jennifer, I was just thinking about what I wrote, and I don’t think anyone would get this from my comment, but I just wanted to say that I don’t think Crystal was saying we should all do this, or that she would ever think that. I wanted to just write as someone who has the same values (frugality, simplicity, view of our life on earth as temporary) but came to a different conclusion.
I totally agree. Be who God has called you to be, don’t try to be someone else you’re not. {And I wish that I was more the creative/artsy type, but I’m learning to accept that it’s okay if I’m gifted in those areas!}
@Crystal, Nope, we don’t all have to be the same in life. I appreciate the fact that you discuss your minimalistic life and would like to read more about it (future posts, perhaps?) There are many out there who choose and/or want to live the same. More stuff does not always equal more happiness. The older I get the more I feel this way. I’ll take time and freedom to live as I want over stuff and making more money any day of the week. You’re certainly not alone, Crystal.
Your wardrobe makes me think about my maternity “wardrobe”. I feel so limited by having 3 pairs of pants and 2 skirts, and about 6 shirts… it doesn’t help that most of my maternity clothes are for warm weather, and now it’s getting cold with 3 months to go on this pregnancy! I know that once I start dropping the baby weight, I will be itching to get back into “normal” clothes and have more than 3-4 clean tops to pick from every day.
@Anitra, can you borrow any clothes from friends/family who might not be using their maternity wear at present? I borrow/swap a lot from family and find it helps to flesh out my wardrobe. That way you wouldn’t have to pay for clothes you’re not going to wear for very long.
@Saver Queen, I don’t know many women my size (L/XL and tall), and so all I could borrow the first time around was 2 shirts (which were both too small by 7 months).
This time, a lovely friend lent me a HUGE bag full of maternity wear… problem is that a lot of it is too big (especially since I don’t seem to be gaining as much with this pregnancy). But it has allowed me to branch out a little bit, and I found a few pants and sweaters in there that fit – and a winter coat! I never thought I would find one that I could be sure would still fit around me by 9 months. This one is huge!
I am inspired now to clean out my stuff. Although not sure if I could sell it, so maybe I should keep it for when other stuff wears out?
I thought I didn’t have that many clothes- about 7 short sleeve and 7 long sleeve tops. I wanted more long sleeve tops but reminded myself I do laundry twice a week and don’t *need* anymore.
What about a wedding, or something more formal that only comes up once in a while? Do you wear the dress or get something new (new to you)?
Right now, I’m wearing the dress if there’s something more formal but I usually replace my “dressy” outfit once a year for variety’s sake.
Crystal, I agree with the others – you are so pretty and look/sound great on camera.
I have one question – do you buy good quality pieces that last you a long time, or do you prefer to buy cheaper items and replace them fairly regularly? I have a hard time figuring out which labels/brands are long lasting. These days I find whether I pay a lot or pay a little, the clothes fall apart before long. So, where should I shop?
I’d love to hear your response to this and would enjoy hearing other weigh in as well.
Thanks!
I personally find that namebrand clothes at the thrift store or off the Target clearance racks work best for me. On few occasions, I’ve also found things at Penney’s or Kohl’s or Old Navy. But I’m really liking Target right now, so that’s pretty much where I’m doing my twice a year shopping at. 🙂
I look for items which I love and which fit well, which are made well, too. However, because I have young children and wear things over and over and over, very few items last longer than a year or two in my wardrobe right now (before children, I’d have stuff for years before getting rid of it! Not so much the case anymore!).
I have quite a few more shirts than you have and I get bored with wearing them over and over. Don’t you ever get bored with just a few shirts? Also, do they wear out pretty quickly since you wear them so much? If they only lasted a season or two and then got replaced, there would be less time for boredom 🙂
Since I usually replace three shirts every six months and I can layer stuff, I don’t really get bored. Of course, I’m also the person who is perfectly content with white walls and the same room arrangement for years and years. 🙂
@Crystal, I’m with you with the same room arrangement for years and years (mostly cause I’m too lazy to rethink a furniture arrangement when I have one that works perfectly well), but I HAVE to have colors on the walls! My husband bought our house before he met me and there was NOTHING but white walls, which is perfectly fine. But it needed a bit of color to cheer it up 🙂
@Crystal,
Now I know why I get tired of wearing the same things over and over and am glad to switch out clothes for the season (did that today)…. because I have to re-arrange the furniture at least THREE times a year!! LOL!! I really should decrease my wardrobe (didn’t think it was that big till I saw yours!!) THANKS for the encouragement!!!!
😉 Can you come re-arrange my furniture after you get finished with your third re-arrangement?
This minimalist approach makes so much sense to me- thanks for posting! I’m taking some inspiration here to pare down my closet tremendously. Thank you!
Wow I have like 30 pairs of pants and like 50 shirts. Its funny tho because I love to be comfortable so I only wear sweatpants and big tshirts or hoodies. Do you normally “dressup” just while being around the house with the kids?
I like seeing vlogs. Makes it seem like the blogger is much more real 🙂
I guess it’s all in your definition of “dress up”! 🙂 Since most days we have someone coming over or we’re going somewhere, that helps me to try and look presentable most days! I also try to wear things which I feel good in — and I personally don’t feel good in sweats and oversized hoodies, etc.
LOVE IT! You have inspired me to clean out the closet!
P.S. Oxyclean works great to get our stains out!
Heather
I remember in an earlier post you said you’re not comfortable in front of a camera, but you’d never know it from watching. Great job! Love the vlog – love how everything matches so finding an outfit is easy. Thanks!
I *made* myself do this because I’m trying to step out of my comfort zone. And then I only let myself do one take because I wanted it to be *me*. 🙂
I’m my own worst critic and am trying to get over being such a perfectionist. One reason I’ve hesitated with vlogging for so long is because I knew I’d want to do 25 retakes until it’s “perfect”! But I’m trying to remember that you all would probably rather just see me exactly like I am, instead of me trying to look polished and perfect.
Anyway, thanks for your kind words!
Congrats Crystal for stretching yourself. You are a brave girl. I admire your courage and success. Keep it up!
Aw, thanks. 🙂
@Crystal, So glad you got out of your comfort zone and did this vlog!!! I loved seeing you “in person.” And I also LOVED seeing Silas! My youngest (my fifth) is almost the exact same age as Silas. My little Malachi will be 18 months this week. You have made me want to clean out some more things in my closet. I am definitely a minimalist when it comes to clothes, but I haven’t gotten rid of near enough stuff that I don’t wear. I would love to know how you handle your children’s clothes. I have so many clothes for my children since we’ve had five (so far!) How do you handle you kids’ stuff when you know that there is a possibility of another baby?
You are so BEAUTIFUL…sure wish I could be like you….
“oh ou!!” That was the best part.
You have a very cute face and a very cute toddler who stole the show 🙂
I have a minimalistic wardrobe too but a few more pieces for daily chores, casuals, etc. But yea, its really easy to maintain. Too many clothes in my past have stressed me out.. lol I also like to have a few ‘new clothes’ in my closet so that I don’t have to run to the store just in case. I prefer sticking to classic cuts and don’t mind paying a tad more for good quality so that they last me a long time.
What do you do when something gets ruined? I am such a klutz, it seams I am getting grease stains, or doing something to ruin a good shirt all the time. With such a small wardrobe- I would be afraid that this would make me have to go to the store all the time to replace items. Do you find this happening to you? Or are you just really careful?
Thanks for the post- I truly am inspired! (you you look great!) 🙂
I usually shop for clothes for me no more than three times per year. So no, I don’t find I have to run to the store all the time to replace stuff. As I mentioned to another commentor, I use Shout for stains and try to treat them within 24 hours and I’ve found that it gets almost 100% of things out. I also often wear aprons when cooking. And if I were going to do something really grungy, I’d probably throw on one of my husband’s t-shirts or something.
@Crystal, I recently discovered that soaking clothes in a stain remover repeatedly can work wonders. I just recently got tomato sauce off of a pale pink shirt (from the dollar story no less) by soaking it and running it through an occassional wash for four days straight. This was something new I tried because I was constantly soaking something in those first few weeks after my daughter was born. (She’s apparently the queen of blowouts!)
Using this technique we also haven’t had a single baby clothing item with lingering stains– despite all the messes that just wouldn’t stay in the diaper. I was even able to make several hand-me-downs that had really old stains on them look great.
The stain remover I use is called Trizyme– but the concept might work with others.
This made me smile, and I think I will have to show it to my husband, so he knows there is another young woman out there who has a wardrobe the size of his wife’s! He was so cute when we got married because he couldn’t believe that was really *all* my clothes and shoes. Growing up with two sisters he expected me to have as much as they did. I am *such* a minimalist! When I was pregnant with our first child, all the women in our church gave us so many little outfits! Our families thought we were nuts when we took the majority of them back in exchange for diapers and wipes. My mother-in-law still thinks my children are deprived because they have such simple wardrobes! 😉
Erin, comment #58, please refer to the answer under comment #41, for the answer to your question.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing!! Your blog is truly helping change my life. I have been a very disorganized person all my life and since I have found your blog I’ve downsized, downsized and downsized. I use to go to the thrift store and come out with bags of unneeded clutter which I don’t do anymore. I still have a ways to go but thanks for the inspiration!! I’d love to see your kids closets. Any tips for types of outfits? I have two girls and a little boy spaced out and aged almost the same as yours. Mine are 4 (almost 5) 3 and 19 months. I was blessed and given a ton of hand me downs but I really need to downsize them. I feel overwhelmed with the clothes.
Wow Crystal! You look great! Totally does not look like you had a baby a year or so ago! And little Silas is adorable. 🙂
He’s 17 months old tomorrow, so I kind of have no excuse if I don’t have all the baby weight off by now. 😉
How can you have 3 little children and look that pretty and polished?! Not fair! 🙂
I have a question–my problem with maintaining a small wardrobe is that my clothes always get stained, stretched out, faded, worn out, etc. really quickly. How long does your clothing last and how do you take care of it to keep it in good condition?
Shout is my best friend. 🙂 I use it a LOT and I’ve found that it takes out pretty much any stain, provided you use it liberally and treat the stain within 24 hours.
One reason I choose to buy almost all of my clothes at thrift stores or off the clearance racks is because then if something really does get ruined after only a few wears (as happens on occasion when you have young children!), I can just get rid of it without having to lament all the money I just wasted!
I lived overseas for five years, and had about as many clothes as you do, and do you know what? It was SO freeing to not spend as much mental energy on putting outfits together, etc. I have several friends who are fashionistas, and that’s fine, but for me, I have a hard time accessorizing or worrying too much about the fashion statement that I am making. I still try to make sure things go well together and look good for my frame, coloring, etc. but beyond that, even if I owned the extra clothes, there would be no way I would wear them all!
The other thing I’ve observed is that the more you have, the more you are required to buy. I’ve heard it referred to as the law of creeping incrementalism. Say that you love this pair of boots that you’ve seen and they would go really well with the skirt you already have, but really, they would look best with tights with that skirt, and so off you go to buy the tights. . . and suddenly you’re wondering how one pair of boots cost way more than their purchase price. Keeping it simple definitely is the way to go, at least for me :).
All I can say is “Wow!” No workout clothes? No sweaters? Or tanks for layering during that in-between weather? If I had such a minimal wardrobe, I would not be shopping Goodwill or Target clearance–I’d be buying good-quality, investment pieces!
As I mentioned to another commentor, I have workout clothes and pjs not shown. I don’t wear those outside the house, so I don’t consider them part of my “wardrobe” — though if you stop by my house, you’ll definitely see me in them on occasion. 🙂
And my Fall/Winter wardrobe is similar to this, but I’ll replace the t-shirts with sweaters/long-sleeved shirts,
I’ve found that Goodwill and Target clothes will usually hold up for the 150 to 200+ wears they usually get before I get rid of them so it works for me. 🙂
Crystal,
Thank you for the mention of Goodwill and Target. The clothes last just as long as brand new, because they sometimes are.
It continues to surprise me how well you can live by a simple paradim shift. I worked in corporate America and thought you had to spend a lot of money on clothes and appearance. The amount of money I am saving now(thanks in part to your site) has enabled me to stay home and in fact increase our standard of living and savings even with a 40% drop in income.
@Crystal, I love the Goodwill! I have a very nice, wool coat I purchased there 10 years ago for $6. It still looks like new and I wear it all winter. It was a better brand then I could have afforded elsewhere. Same goes with most of what I purchase there. The better brand/quality lasts a long time.
@Crystal,
I hope we get an update when you bust out all the Fall/Winter stuff!
What about the “corporate-wife” clothes? I know your husband has his own practice, but as a lawyer, don’t you have to host/attend functions? I only ask, because I have a friend whose husband is a lawyer, and she says her husband is judged by what SHE wears. (tacky, I know.)
Oh, I meant “all too complicated…” I really do know how to spell, sorry!
I have black pants for work – a couple good quality pairs (I get Land’s End at a LE “Inlet” store for $14.50 a pair) and they wash and wear just great. All my solid tops go with black. I like red, hot pink, teal and purple tops. Everything matches everything else. I tried pulling brown and navy in as pants and it all just got way to complicated…LOL
I have jeans – I get Liz Claiborne off ebay for about $10/pair because I know they will fit.
It is warm where I work so I keep a sweater nearby (black, of course) to layer if I need it in winter.
And some t’s and hoodies for weekends. Very easy, it can all go in the same load of wash because it’s all darks.
I lived in a hotel room in the UK for a year and I think that was a great lesson in simplifying your life. Just think to yourself, “if I had to pack a suitcase and that was all I could have, what would I pack in it?” Then get rid of the rest.
@Mary, We know about living in a hotel room. We did it when I was pregnant with #3…so hubby, myself, a 1 year old and 5 year old in a one room hotel room for 4 months! Yes…talk about simplifing. =)
@Mary, Oh I love the idea about packing a suitcase. Thanks for sharing that! Of course I would need a winter suitcase and a summer suitcase. 🙂
Love it!
You are so cute! I’m not sure if you take that as a compliment or not, but it is! (some people don’t like to be called cute, but I think it’s a GREAT thing)
I honestly don’t have much more clothing than you. There’s a lot in my closet, but not all of it fits. I’ve gotten to take advantage of some great sales lately so I am excited about replacing some of my more beaten down articles of clothing.
Tania: That makes me sad about getting a demerit if you wear the same thing more than once. I sure hope they compensate you enough to be able to afford that. As long as you are professional and clean looking, I think that’s all that should matter!
Loved the vlog and loved seeing your tiny little boy in the background. TOO cute!
That is so great! I love it. I think I’m going try to scale down my closet tonight!
I really needed to hear this today! I have way too much and I am going to get rid of stuff – right now!
Thanks for posting!!!!
Hi Crysta,
I think I am with everyone else, it was fun to actually hear you talk, you seem much more alive. It’s like meeting the person behind the computer is not fake. I love your minimal approach. I think it makes us all take a second look at what we own, classic is the way to go.
Ha, I think its funny to read people say wow you are not a geek or I not going to boot you.
It was like a look behind closed doors-literaly.
Thanks for the peek into your wardrobe. I also have a small amount of clothes, but mine is double yours because I work outside of the home. I have a minimal amount of work clothes and then clothes for “play”. The best part of your video was little Silas, who is just adorable. Even without seeing him, just hearing his little voice was priceless.
I know; he added the perfect touch!
Are any of your items dry-clean only or do any need ironing? This is a great idea I hope to emulate!
My nicer dress and blouse need ironing. I try to keep my wardrobe to the fewest possible items needing more than throwing in the washer since it’s not practical for everyday living with three little ones to have lots of stuff that needs dry cleaning, etc.
Crystal, you are so thin! It makes me chuckle now to think back about that comment on the EVOO post, where someone told you EVOO would help you lose weight. ‘Cause *obviously* you need to lose weight (wink, wink). Thanks for vlogging. It helps us loyal readers feel like we know you better!
Wow! Thank you for the inspiration. I definitely need to clean out the closet, but I have such a hard time getting rid of things {I have that “maybe I will wear this again SOMEDAY” syndrome}. I think matching things up into outfits would help a lot. Thanks for sharing your closet. 🙂
@Vanessa, I am with you. I can’t get rid of things either. I just found a sweatshirt that once was my brothers. It has paint on one of the sleaves and it is so warn but so comfy. He probablly got in highschool and we graduated back in the 90’s. I never wear it but why can’t I get rid of it. I would love to become more of minamilist. As it is I don’t wear half of my clothes.
I too have a very simple wardrobe. About 11 pieces (I am including my running clothes). Shoes are the same way, flip flops (1), casual/dressy black (about 6 years old & still look good!), everyday gym shoes & my running shoes (for running only). I’ve lost 33 pounds (7 more to go!) & was able to get these items in smaller sizes! 🙂
P.S. Silas is a DOLL!
Great video, doesn’t work for many with ‘real’ jobs though. I’d get a demerit on my record if I wore the same shirt two days in a week.
That’s awful! Even if you put a sweater or jacket over something you can’t wear it more than once a week??
@Tania, Actually my easiest wardrobe was for my first “real job” where I got compliments all the time–I had a (black/white/red) plaid suit, a red skirt, a black skirt, and a black jacket. Then, I had 5 blouses in black, white, red, grey and royal blue. Because of mixing and matching, those 10 pieces never looked the same and always looked sharp. My clever frugal Mom had me get the blouses at a thrift store, while spending the most on a quality black jacket.
Crystal, you are wonderful and adorable and lovely 🙂 and so is that baby! I am amazed (read happily shocked) at the mix-and-match, although not totally surprised as I have followed your blog for years. And, I thank you for sharing and vlogging, it is so fun to see you and your family! By the way, all of the mix-and-match outfits are beautiful, love the colors. For my own closet I have lots of clothing and I enjoy fashion~however, all at a second-hand price and sometimes even for free.
You’re kind; thank you!
This will be do-able once I am out of the childbearing stage. At the end of Dec., I will have 6 kids, so I can’t see myself going down to so few pieces of clothing. If I were to add all my weight gain and lost when I was pregnant, nursing and preparing to have a child, it’d be around 600 lb. weight gain lost and gain. My body has gone through so many changes that it is impossible to keep so few clothing items. My lesson through your video is to continue to simplify.
I usually gain 30 pounds with each pregnancy and then lose 35 pounds while nursing. So I guess since I’ve done that three times, I’m at about somewhere around 195 pounds gained and lost so far! Sounds pretty incredible when you put it like that, doesn’t it??! 🙂
@Crystal, yes that is scary to think about it like that!
I also wondered about excercise clothes, work clothes, lounge (like sweatpants) sweaters, sweatshirts. These aren’t all your clothes? Just your regular use outfits, right?
This is it, except for pjs and workout clothes, for my current wardrobe. But I’ll be transitioning out my Fall/Winter clothes and will replace the t-shirts with sweaters/long-sleeved shirts and throw in a hoodie, cardigan and fleece (I have a few more tops in the Fall/Winter because I do more layering then as opposed to just wearing short-sleeves in summer).
I’m glad to know I am not the only one that owns nothing but solid shirts. I was lamenting to my husband last week how all I ever wear are solid shirts and jeans. I was wishing for a fun print, but I never seem to find anything I like and I have decided you can be just as cute without a fun print.
I rarely find shirts that aren’t solid which I really like. So I usually always just have solid colors in my closet. Plain, but it works for me!
I loved this vlog, thank you so much for making/posting it! This is inspiring to me to try to minimize my closet. Every week I do laundry, I find myself frustrated that I don’t have enough hangers/space to go around. Not to mention I’m pregnant with #1, and I will have to share my closet/dresser space with the new little one a few months from now! I love how your clothing is modest too. Thank you for all you do! And thank you little Silas for the laugh! 🙂
I have three pairs of capris, and two pairs of jeans. I have a lot more shirts because my sister gives me hers when she is tired of them. It’s hard to get too wrapped up in how you look when your baby is a puker.
@celia, i feel you. i’m on my 4th shirt of the day thanks to puking baby. 🙂
Love seeing you “for real”!
I too have just a few outfits…and mix and match them. They doget worn out, since I wear them each multiple times a week, but since I am at home with the kids all day, it is ok! I keep a couple of the shirts for dates with the hubby, etc, but don’t mind wearing a worn-out/small stain, yet clean shirt at home. I’m working on making my kids clothes the interchange through the seasons better, though their growth spurts make it a little more tricky! I’d love to see if you have a minimalist kids wardrobe as well.
Silas was my favorite part:) So sweet!
@Julie Johnston @ Flitterbugs, I was wondering the same thing as well! It seems like every time I see pictures of the kiddos, they are wearing something different and adorable!
Is this what you wear to church also?
I think that keeping your closet pared down is very important, too (and I should take that advice!), but I have a question. How often do you do laundry? I only own 3 pairs of jeans, but I find myself wearing them two days in a row sometimes because there are weeks when I only want to wear jeans, and there’s no reason for me to do two small loads of laundry every couple of days (I only have a small portable washer). Or do you usually wear each of those pants every week?
@Diana, We do one load of laundry each weekday and then usually a few extras (bedding, etc.) on Tuesday. I wear a pair of jeans at least 2 to 3 days in a row — unless they get something major spilled on them.
You are so cute AND you are tiny!!! Love the simplicity of your wardrobe and that you aren’t afriad of color. 🙂 (Big color fan here)
i think it is awesome, that must cut down on so much laundry, wasted space in your closet…i am inspired. I hope that I can do that!
I’ve seen your picture before but actually seeing YOU makes me like you a bazillion times more. You even look grateful and kind and you are too cute to boot! Love the simplicity of your wardrobe! Yet again you are super inspiring!
@Megan, My sentiments exactly! :0)
Thanks, Crystal. I thought I was pretty minimal, but I guess not!:) I do have “levels”: grubby work clothes, basic everyday clothes and Sunday dress clothes. The grubby level is just the old stained stuff. The everyday and Sunday best are made up of basics with jackets/sweaters/scarves and jewlery that add “flair.” I was just thinking the other day that I wonder if anyone notices I wear the same basic 2 or 3 necklaces/earrings?????
@Deb H. in Wisconsin, Should I confess that I currently only have one pair of earrings?! Does that make you feel better? 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing a video with us. I’m sure that was a little scary at first, but I feel that you have given a lot of people something to think about regarding all of the clothes that we have. I have four kids myself, and laundry is a nightmare. I have been pairing down on their items, even kids know what they like (favorites, yucks, etc.).
Keep up the great work! My family and I love reading your blogs, tips and deals, you inspire me to work smarter, not harder and have fun while making my way through life! 🙂
I am so excited that you are in this video! Welcome on the vlog bandwagon!
YOu are adorable!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂 I need to see how I could do this with skirts/dresses since thats what my hubby really likes me to wear. 🙂
Loved the video and it’s always fun to put a face with a blog. With so few clothes, it definitely makes it easier to get dressed in the morning. And then, I think, you can always accessorize very easily too, when you have the solid color shirts.
I’m curious like some others, what about your “lounging around the house” clothes? And shoes… lets see shoes 🙂
I thought I needed a closet and dresser full of stuff for variety, this made me realize I really only wear about 10 things and need to purge.
@Carrie, At this point in my life, we don’t have a lot of “lounging around the house” going on, but on the occasional day when no one is coming over and we’re not going anywhere, I’ve been known to stay all day in my workout clothes or in {gasp!} my pjs! 🙂
I have two pair of black shoes for Spring/Summer (flip-flops & dressy sandals) and two pair of black shoes for Fall/Winter (boots & dressy shoes). I also have a pair of tennis shoes.
Thank you for sharing…I hope that I can someday be as minimalist…having so many things really does bog a person down! Thanks again!
Love it! So classic!! You have such a great style!
Any one of those items could easily be dressed up with a long necklace for “date night”. (Not practical for daily wear when you have little ones.) Now I don’t feel so much like a dork for wearing what I call my “Mommy Uniform” all the time!
Tell us how do you deal when stuff starts to look worn, faded or stained. Do you just get rid of it and replace the one item?
Wow! I’m very impressed!! I don’t think I could handle a minimalist wardrobe…I love variety and get bored very easily. However, it’s nice to see that it can be done. Thanks for sharing!
(I had to watch this twice…..the “uh oh” was too cute!)
I also keep my wardrobe to a minimum, although not quite that minimum. I have fewer pants and more shirts (also a target clearance shopper!). My question is how do you decide to move on with a shirt. I have a few shirts I used to wear but now I don’t find them as comfortable, or they have a small stain ( I wear these around the house only), or they are extrememly out of fashion. I always donate my clothes (the un-stained ones) but that cut-off point is my downfall.
@Lee, If I don’t like it or it’s stained, then I don’t keep it. I usually replace three shirts in the Fall/Winter and three shirts in the Spring/Summer. I try to only keep items I really love and that fit well.
I have a closet full of clothes, but I always end up wearing the same handful of clothes. I need to just break down and clean it out and donate what I don’t wear. Maybe this will be the motivation I nedd to do it.
@Jennifer, This is me! My closet starts at one end of my room and runs the whole length of the wall. Only my clothes are in the closet and it is all squuezed in there. So i have PLENTY of clothes, but I seriously wear the same things. I always think I will wear it under something, or to clean, etc…. I need to go through it and this might help! (I just wish someone else would do it for me, they would be able to get rid of more! lol)
Yes I’m also curious about “seasons” which I know you have too in Kansas! I have the sweater/sweatshirt box that I swap summer clothes with, but I need to pare down!
I think this is a great strategy, but I have to tell you I am skeptical. Is that really it?
I have been pregnant and/or nursing for the last 4.5 years (pretty much have kids the same age as yours, except twins from my last pregnancy) and my body has been many different shapes and sizes during that time, even though I always lose the pregnancy weight. Do you have maternity clothes and post-pregnancy clothes packed away in a box somewhere? Do you get rid of the clothes when you are done with them and then buy more as you need them?
Also, what about workout clothes? Or yard work clothes? I get so messy during a normal day at home with the 4 kids, I can’t imagine wearing my one good pair of jeans during that time. They are reserved for outings.
Even after all my skepticism, I am encouraged to purge my closet. I am embarassed to say how much clothing I have that I don’t love or doesn’t fit quite right. I shop thrift stores and accept hand-me downs from friends, so I haven’t spent a lot, but the clothing clutter is costing precious time and energy.
@Shannon, I’m in your boat, in fact I just had a conversation with my husband about this because I was so frustrated by the size of my closet but I can’t figure out how to throw stuff out because my body goes from a size 2 pre-preggo to a size 8 post-preggo. The last time I tried to simplify my closet (because I figured I’d never get THAT skinny again) I dropped to 85 pounds and had to go by new shirts all over again! And then I had a surprise pregnancy a month later. *Sigh* I think I am going to start by tossing all my old t-shirts I keep for sentimental value though.
I have a maternity box that I put all my maternity stuff in and it goes in storage except when pregnant. I have some post-partum “fat” clothes in there, too, that I keep to wear for the first few months afterwards when it seems nothing fits! 🙂
@Emily Johnson, Some of friends have had their sentimental T-shirts made into quilts. I am sure you could google it and find someone in your area. This is pricey though–maybe you know someone who can quilt. One of my college roomies played golf and had all her high school and college t-shirts and hats and polo shirts from tournaments made into a quilt. I have a bag of old T’s that I have been meaning to cut out the logo/picture/sentimental part and put into a scrapbook (another idea I saw).
@Shannon, Yes, aside from workout clothes and pjs, this is pretty much it! But I do have a box of maternity clothes/”fat” clothes that is in storage which I pull out during pregnancy/post-partum. And I also have my Fall/Winter tops in my bottom dresser drawer and will swap those out with these Spring/Summer clothes in the next few weeks as it’s almost time for those!
Great video! You are looking very fit! The little guy was a hoot! “Hi, my name is Honey and I’m a recovering fashionista.”-Haha! I love the creative expression of clothing and accessories. But I am constrained by economic limitations. All by God’s gracious hand! It inspired me to be content with what I have and make it work to my advantage in not have too much stuff to fuss with.
Your adorable and classy!Thanks for sharing!
First off, I agree with the first post. You are so adorable. 🙂 So, what about comfy clothes, like t-shirts and sweatpants? You know – to hang out in? (I feel silly even asking such a thing) I’m terrible at clothes. My complete and utter vice. I have too much of everything!!!! Please continue to inspire me to reduce. I used to work full-time, then part-time now I am at home. But I forget that I don’t need all those clothes to go to work in. My closet is a complete waste of money. 🙁 sniff, sniff. I’ll get better — NO GAP 30% coupon use for me today!!! 🙂
@Mary, I have some workout outfits which I wear in the mornings to work out in and then some comfy pjs if I want to lounge (say on a Sunday afternoon) or for the occasional day when we’re not going anywhere and no one is coming over. 🙂
Awww Crystal — you are so lovely!!
I keep a pretty pared down closet by your standards, but there is still more “never wear” items in there than I want. You’ve really inspired me to reduce even more.
Thank you!
You are adorable! Nice to put a face to the blog 😉 Your wardrobe is great, I’m no fashionista either. Simple is good!
Crystal you did great! thanks for sharing with us! I don’t think it’s something I could do, but it obviously works amazing for you! Thanks for sharing a vlog with us so we could see your gorgeous face!
Yeah, I think the toddler stole the show a little! It’s so interesting to see how people handle things like their wardrobe, especially frugal people who still look good! You look great!
Thanks for the inspiration, I’m going to go find some things to get rid of in my closet right now!
Enjoyed this greatly. I keep my wardrobe to a minimum as well. Nice to find others who do the same. I love the clean, minimalist bedroom! a nice place to relax & breathe….no clutter or trinkets in the way. Less dust & less time to clean, right? LOL!
@Rhonda, I’ve heard from people who give tips on how to get better sleep that paring down the contents of our bedrooms helps. It creates a simpler place that is focused mainly on sleep. So many bedrooms have computers, TV’s, etc., and all those little lights and extra stuff add to the visual clutter, making the bedroom a less relaxing place. Who couldn’t use more sleep? 🙂
Good job! What I try to do as well is find accessories on clearance (Kohls is great for this – use those coupons they send out and they are practically free) and pair them to snaz up any outfit! But hey, what about the SHOES? 🙂
Very minimalist indeed! The colors of blue and green are pretty, but I could not live with such a limited selection. I also have a question about your hair. Do you highlight/color yourself or go to a salon?
Thanks for the vid!
Alison
@Alison, She goes to a salon, she’s admitted to us it’s one of the few things she splurges on. 🙂
@Alison, https://moneysavingmom.com/2010/05/qa-tuesday-habitual-non-frugal-splurges.html
😉
oh wow! i’m not sure i could be that brave with so few colors, but i love the idea! i sent it on to my ‘fashion-ista’ daughter for a laugh! keep up the videos, it’s very inspirational!
I’m guessing the uh-oh in the background was from Silas? Sounded just like my kid who’s the same age 🙂
I will admit that I don’t do laundry often enough to be able to only own 6 shirts, although I only own about that many pairs of pants. 🙂
@RuthS, especially when you get baby puke on you and end up changing your shirt 3 times in 30 minutes like I had to yesterday!
Crystal, are your kids’ wardrobes this simple too, or do they have more pieces?
Thanks!
You’re so young and pretty. 😀
I love the “Uh oh!” How sweet.
I Love, love, love it! I was worried you were going to be a dorky, minimalist but you’re not. You’re hip and classic and I love that look. You’ve inspired me to pare down my jam-packed closet and my kid’s closets! Thanks!
You are super cute.. but my favorite part was when the toddler ran into the wall. 😀
@Heather, mine too!
@Lee, Ha Ha! That gave me a laugh!
@Dani, I had to rewind it 3 times, I was laughing so hard my nursing baby had to unlatch!
LOL!!!
I couldn’t stop laughing-too cute!
A star is born 🙂
😉
@Heather,
Ha me too!
I was really imprssed that she didnt miss a beat!
@Heather, totally!!! the best part!! i kept rewinding!!!!
Wow girl that is awesome! I have a hard time getting rid of stuff thinking that I will wear it again sometime. What about sweatshirts?
Chrystal you are very pretty!
You are so cute!
And what a great way to keep your wardrobe simple but cute!
Can’t wait to meet you at Relevant!!!