June 2017 Sampler Wardrobe Outfits (D)

Friends, Romans, Countrymen... we have reached the end of June. Summer is in full swing, and my goodness, what a creative jolt this month has provided me! Sketching and painting these weekly croquis has simultaneously anxiety-inducing and exhilarating; the process seemed to imbibe me with an artistic focus and confidence I've been lacking as of late. It's a joy to feel that burst of energy again. (Thanks, sunshine!)

This panel is, obviously, the remainding items of my sampler wardrobe (minus the jackets, for which I may need to do an extra painting), but I'm pleased to see that they also harmonize into something of a "basics" category. Due to their simple versatility, most of the pieces above were my June workhorses -- my partner even commented that I wore his retired white dress shirt more often than he ever had to work!

Unfortunately some of these regular-use pieces are beginning to show major signs of wear-and-tear. My low-tops are sporting some nice holes, my favorite black skinny jeans have been patched not once but three times, and my brown ankle boots might even be past hope of a cobbler at this point. It's always a bit sad saying goodbye to beloved clothes, but that's what limiting yourself to a smaller wardrobe is all about: selecting clothes you really love to wear and wearing them out!

Stay tuned for my July selections! I'm so excited to shop my closet tonight...

June 2017 Sampler Wardobe Outfits (C)

This panel could be a visual history of my love affair with the color red. It's a favorite of my mother's, so naturally I was dressed in this color a lot as a small child. In those days, even the brightest reds suited my towhead locks. As my hair has matured to a duller, odd shade of blondish-brown, however, I've had to adapt my color profile to suitably softer tones.

This dusty peach wrap dress was one of my first departures from pure red and crimson. I find its midtone shade to be wonderfully comforting on days when my skin's at its palest (i.e. all the damn time.) The soft pink hippie dress is lighter than I'd normally go for, but it makes me feel like Clara from The Nutcracker, so I'm hopelessly devoted.

Do I believe everyone should stick to their "color profile" all the time, never venturing beyond what suits their skin tone? No. I think creative dressing frequently has its own agenda. But if you're suddenly feeling uncomfortable in shades that used to bring you joy, it can be helpful to think within those bounds toward a new palette!

June 2017 Sampler Wardrobe Outfits (B)

As much as I love color, everyone's gotta have some neutrals in their wardrobe!

Many a minimalist dresser has relied on black and white for their staples, and while I've always thought of this approach as somewhat unimaginative, I'm falling for it nevertheless. It really does make getting dressed so easy, and whether I'm thrifting with a girlfriend, showing VIP guests to their table, or sweating it out on the subway with lightsaber-battling children, black & white keep me feeling balanced, sophisticated, and chic.

May I also just say I'm totally in love with this banana shirt? Guys, it's a banana... What even?