One of my new favorite things to do is take pictures of things I like while I'm shopping. I realized a lot of the things I was attracted to the store was just based on emotion and I didn't really have a practical use for the item, especially home decor items. By taking a picture of it I feel like I can take the item home with me without actually buying it. Then every few weeks I flip through the photos and realize I'm glad I didn't buy any of that stuff.
Great idea! When I'm browsing online stores, I save things on Pinterest that I like but don't need. That way I can appreciate them and look at them any time I want without cluttering my house or wasting money.
Lol I do that too with those cute, big eyed ty stuffed animals! When ever I see them I want to buy them all, so I just take a picture of them so it feels like I have them and can still see them lol
+Mindi Bear I do that too. That way I can "have it" straight away in a sense and decide if I actually need it, if it will serve a purpose, and if it's worth the money. I definitely find I feel good about all the things I didn't buy!
+Mindi Bear Stores were never my problem, but shopping online is my downfall. I've started using "save for later" etc., and then I seem to still get that satisfaction of "choosing" the item I'm planning to buy. But when I look at it a week later, I realize I don't need it.
I think society has conditioned us to think that we need to have a lot of stuff, especially clothes. Once we rebel against this idea, we see that really, no one cares. I agree that price doesn't always mean better quality.
Many people say that more expensive clothes/shoes/bags last longer, but I agree with you that they actually don't. I have cheap clothes that lasted several years already. If they do get damaged for some reason or worn-out, you can always buy some new ones.
you're so right about others not noticing what you wear. if I think back to what a friend wore even the last time I saw them I couldn't even remember. we are so critical of ourselves.
There are many people out there that have multiple copies of the same outfit (or two outfits) and this is their signature style. And these people are highly focused people, with top salaries and very successful. Clothes mean warmth, comfort, purpose, status. They are meant to serve us in the most suitable way, not distract us from living life to the full.
You're so right about how people don't really notice what you wear. While I'm not wearing a capsule wardrobe, exactly, I do stick to a simple color scheme for work, and try to streamline my outfit selections a little more each month.
Great video! Yes I struggle with the mindset that I am going to "miss out" if I don't buy it now. And that if I decide later I want it it will be gone. But you are totally correct....there will always be something just as good or better in the future when you need it.
Love this! So true that it's almost an addiction in our society. I've been getting progressively better about buying less and focusing on what makes me happy, not what things make me happy :)
Great points! Before I started watching YT I didn't even know that it's considered weird in America to wear the same outfit two days in a row. In the Netherlands that's not weird at all. Why is it considered weird? It's not dirty or anything. Is it because of the consumerist nature? Does it come up in commercials or something and people massively bought into it?
Yes it's completely silly! If you show up at work wearing same outfit as the day before people assume you didn't sleep at home (if you know what I mean). I disagree with this thing and don't really follow it :).
+Van Hedde From what I’ve experienced (usa), it’s more common that people do pay attention in the workplace or school if someone wears the same article of clothing 2 days in a row, and as well, I’ve heard gossip regarding a shirt worn twice in the same week (was it washed?). It’s like most would not let on if they haven’t showered on any given day. Its intention is to put others down, imply that they’re dirty in an attempt to make themselves look better. Also, it can be another type of judgement as “Beauty Psycho” commented.
+loretta calling this is incredibly stupid, and your "gossip story" is a clear example of it. I can't figure out why I should waste my time thinking and talking about other's people laundry! xD Seriously, it's odd. Also if I wear something once and I didn't swear or stain it, I don't consider the "item" dirty, I will wear it again for sure...THEN I will wash it. BTW I'm really interested in this topic, it's almost anthropological! :D
+xxelodiaxx I swear Americans are so wierd, they wear a shirt once and consider it dirty but they pack a luggage and put soles of dirty shoes on top of clothes and it is completely ok no need to have a separate shoe bag to keep your clothes clean. Or they also put a dirty luggage on top of their bed were they sleep :/. I will never get used to it.
+Nellia F. That's awesome that your school is teaching budgeting. Blows my mind how they teach algebra and calculus, but the math that most people need every day to survive in this world is a complete mystery to most high school graduates.
You're so right, Melissa! Most people don't pay attention to those small things at all. I am doing "One Dress One Month" for April, where I wear the same dress every single day this month. And surprisingly, no one has said anything to me about it yet!
I'm almost done with my month and I've decided to donate a dollar a day ($30 total) to Rahab ministries which helps trafficked women. My one suggestion is: make sure your dress is good quality, because wearing it every day will cause it to show some wear.
All great advice! I'm really trying to strive for a more minimalist approach as it's all really hit the fan and I'm starting to feel very suffocated by how much I've accumulated. I appreciate your statement also that high cost does not always equal higher quality. I really love finding clothing at thrift stores so I can really relate to this. Thank you!
Dear Melissa My name is Kelly from Korea. I was struggling with my whole life. I am always busy, tired , so many things to do.. made me exhausted and found your video. It was really inspired me and motivated to go on. Thank you so much for your video. I'm wondering that your daily routine ^______________^ and cleaning tips to keep organized space. Have a great day!
Girl ppl do notice. Im always getting on my daughter about only wearing the same few outfits despite having more options. All in all you make great points.
Sometimes it's because we haven't found out style and we end up wearing what we're most comfortable in and what suits our figure. I remember Melissa doing a video about how she found her style and realised she liked a certain style of dress and showed her collection and they were all beautiful. I used to get the same comments from my mum but I used to buy sooo many things. Now I realise I have to be more particular with what I buy and I have to visually pair it with things I already have. It's a form of art 😄 haha
Thanks, inspiring and motivating to be just fine as a minimalist. It's all about creating your unique personal style and confidence no matter what. So cool, thank you.
This video is full of great info! I have gotten really good at shopping with the idea of a capsule wardrobe, which is huge-- I used to be a crazy shopper, but got sick of wasting money on clothes that maybe only got warn a couple times, then sat in my closet for years. I now need to get into the routine of eliminating those pieces from my closet that are just sitting there. Progress not perfection! :)))
Thanks, this has been my favourite of your videos. I relate to your scarcity shopping, I try but often fail to not buy cause I'm scared it will run out, or I'll need it. I appreciate the tips and reassurance.
I only buy in stores that allow me to return things for a refund. I probably return about 70% of what I buy. Everything I buy I try on again a day later at home and many times I'm not as excited about it anymore. Might sound weird but I like shopping and buying stuff but I don't like it cluttering up my space - that's how I solve this issue 🙈
This maybe totally opposite of the minimalist mindset but on rare occasions if I find a nice pair of jeans, pants, or a classic dress in a neutral color that fits perfectly, I will buy two of the same and rotate them so they won't wear out as fast. It depends on what I did that day and that determines if they go in the laundry. If not I'll wait until the second time I wear something to wash it. I finally had to retire my two pair of jeans by a company that is no longer in business. They lasted me 13 years.
I wish I knew how to tell what made clothing high quality! I've been using a small work wardrobe (2 bottoms, 4 tops, a dress and a cardigan) for my full time job and my pants got a rip and my cardi got a hole, so I need replacement but don't want something that's going to deteriorate quickly. Must research!
this is all great. I think that people do notice based on where you live. I actually know this. depending on where you live, people will say something. I used to have people say things to me all the time and I usually spaced things out by two weeks. now that I live somewhere else, absolutely no one notices. its just the culture of the area (much further from NYC than my hometown) I think we just need to not care what people say.
I agree. I personally always notice what my friends or people around me wear. However I don't see it as a bad thing if I see them wear the same thing over and over (unless that thing doesn't look good on them).
Dear Melissa :-) Thank you so much for your wonderful videos - I absolutely love them! I have a question about doing your laundry with a capsule wardrobe: I seperate colors in dark, bright and white for washing. But I could never fill a machine with a minimalist wardrobe as I see it in many videos and would feel bad to run it half empty?? Hahaha maybe you feel like sharing how you handle it. Thank you so much and all the best, Zizi
I am working on having less clothing, but I find that I hang on to some items because my weight fluctuates up or down one size. For example, when I'm preparing for a trip, I end up trying on everything I'm considering taking with to see what fits. Six months ago and was slimmer and now I'm up back into the bigger size. I'm planning a vacation soon and I get so frustrated having to go through this time consuming task of trying my clothes on again before deciding what I can wear on my trip. Do you have any suggestions for those of us who don't stay at a stable clothing size?
+Shruthi Reddy I've honestly had a lot of luck with the Kirkland clothes from Costco. They seem to last me a long time, and they're so much cheaper than new. Better yet, I buy something at thrift stores for 80% cheaper than new. (a) It's used so it's already "consumed" as far as capitalism is concerned, (b) even if it does wear out, I can replace it 5 times for the price of new, and (c) the proceeds usually go to some kind of charity.
+Kimberly Melchor I googled it for you and anyone else that might scroll down here and see your comment. "Capsule wardrobe is a term coined by Susie Faux, the owner of a London boutique called "Wardrobe" in the 1970s. According to Faux, a capsule wardrobe is a collection of a few essential items of clothing that don't go out of fashion, such as skirts, trousers, and coats, which can then be augmented with seasonal pieces."
One of my new favorite things to do is take pictures of things I like while I'm shopping. I realized a lot of the things I was attracted to the store was just based on emotion and I didn't really have a practical use for the item, especially home decor items. By taking a picture of it I feel like I can take the item home with me without actually buying it. Then every few weeks I flip through the photos and realize I'm glad I didn't buy any of that stuff.
Great idea! When I'm browsing online stores, I save things on Pinterest that I like but don't need. That way I can appreciate them and look at them any time I want without cluttering my house or wasting money.
Lol I do that too with those cute, big eyed ty stuffed animals! When ever I see them I want to buy them all, so I just take a picture of them so it feels like I have them and can still see them lol
+Mindi Bear I do that too. That way I can "have it" straight away in a sense and decide if I actually need it, if it will serve a purpose, and if it's worth the money. I definitely find I feel good about all the things I didn't buy!
I started doing this. it works really well...I seem to get the thrill of the buy, without the bill.
+Mindi Bear
Stores were never my problem, but shopping online is my downfall. I've started using "save for later" etc., and then I seem to still get that satisfaction of "choosing" the item I'm planning to buy. But when I look at it a week later, I realize I don't need it.
I think society has conditioned us to think that we need to have a lot of stuff, especially clothes. Once we rebel against this idea, we see that really, no one cares. I agree that price doesn't always mean better quality.
I stopped about a year ago. It was a slow gradual process. I have saved so much money and have much more time on my hands!
Many people say that more expensive clothes/shoes/bags last longer, but I agree with you that they actually don't. I have cheap clothes that lasted several years already. If they do get damaged for some reason or worn-out, you can always buy some new ones.
you're so right about others not noticing what you wear. if I think back to what a friend wore even the last time I saw them I couldn't even remember. we are so critical of ourselves.
There are many people out there that have multiple copies of the same outfit (or two outfits) and this is their signature style. And these people are highly focused people, with top salaries and very successful. Clothes mean warmth, comfort, purpose, status. They are meant to serve us in the most suitable way, not distract us from living life to the full.
You're so right about how people don't really notice what you wear. While I'm not wearing a capsule wardrobe, exactly, I do stick to a simple color scheme for work, and try to streamline my outfit selections a little more each month.
you are such an inspiration! I have been getting more and more into minimalism and I feel so great when I have less items in my life
Great video! Yes I struggle with the mindset that I am going to "miss out" if I don't buy it now. And that if I decide later I want it it will be gone. But you are totally correct....there will always be something just as good or better in the future when you need it.
I, too, struggle with thinking that I will miss out if I don't get it now. Trying to get through that, but sometimes it's not so easy.
Love this! So true that it's almost an addiction in our society. I've been getting progressively better about buying less and focusing on what makes me happy, not what things make me happy :)
Great points! Before I started watching YT I didn't even know that it's considered weird in America to wear the same outfit two days in a row. In the Netherlands that's not weird at all. Why is it considered weird? It's not dirty or anything. Is it because of the consumerist nature? Does it come up in commercials or something and people massively bought into it?
+Van Hedde same here in Italy. So strange.
Yes it's completely silly! If you show up at work wearing same outfit as the day before people assume you didn't sleep at home (if you know what I mean). I disagree with this thing and don't really follow it :).
+Van Hedde From what I’ve experienced (usa), it’s more common that people do pay attention in the workplace or school if someone wears the same article of clothing 2 days in a row, and as well, I’ve heard gossip regarding a shirt worn twice in the same week (was it washed?). It’s like most would not let on if they haven’t showered on any given day. Its intention is to put others down, imply that they’re dirty in an attempt to make themselves look better. Also, it can be another type of judgement as “Beauty Psycho” commented.
+loretta calling this is incredibly stupid, and your "gossip story" is a clear example of it. I can't figure out why I should waste my time thinking and talking about other's people laundry! xD Seriously, it's odd. Also if I wear something once and I didn't swear or stain it, I don't consider the "item" dirty, I will wear it again for sure...THEN I will wash it. BTW I'm really interested in this topic, it's almost anthropological! :D
+xxelodiaxx I swear Americans are so wierd, they wear a shirt once and consider it dirty but they pack a luggage and put soles of dirty shoes on top of clothes and it is completely ok no need to have a separate shoe bag to keep your clothes clean. Or they also put a dirty luggage on top of their bed were they sleep :/. I will never get used to it.
❤️ this video. At school we are working on budgeting, etc. and lots of the points you said were exactly what we were learning! :)
+Nellia F. That's awesome that your school is teaching budgeting. Blows my mind how they teach algebra and calculus, but the math that most people need every day to survive in this world is a complete mystery to most high school graduates.
You're so right, Melissa! Most people don't pay attention to those small things at all. I am doing "One Dress One Month" for April, where I wear the same dress every single day this month. And surprisingly, no one has said anything to me about it yet!
+bee_beautyfull17 That's so cool!
+bee_beautyfull17 I might try this in May but for only a week and see how I feel=)
I'm almost done with my month and I've decided to donate a dollar a day ($30 total) to Rahab ministries which helps trafficked women. My one suggestion is: make sure your dress is good quality, because wearing it every day will cause it to show some wear.
Wonderful! :)
All great advice! I'm really trying to strive for a more minimalist approach as it's all really hit the fan and I'm starting to feel very suffocated by how much I've accumulated. I appreciate your statement also that high cost does not always equal higher quality. I really love finding clothing at thrift stores so I can really relate to this. Thank you!
Dear Melissa
My name is Kelly from Korea. I was struggling with my whole life. I am always busy, tired , so many things to do.. made
me exhausted and found your video.
It was really inspired me and motivated to go on. Thank you so much for your video.
I'm wondering that your daily routine ^______________^ and cleaning tips to keep organized space.
Have a great day!
I agree, I have some really cheap shoes which just don't seem to wear out and I had a pair that were more expensive but wore out much quicker.
Girl ppl do notice. Im always getting on my daughter about only wearing the same few outfits despite having more options. All in all you make great points.
Sometimes it's because we haven't found out style and we end up wearing what we're most comfortable in and what suits our figure. I remember Melissa doing a video about how she found her style and realised she liked a certain style of dress and showed her collection and they were all beautiful.
I used to get the same comments from my mum but I used to buy sooo many things.
Now I realise I have to be more particular with what I buy and I have to visually pair it with things I already have.
It's a form of art 😄 haha
Thanks, inspiring and motivating to be just fine as a minimalist. It's all about creating your unique personal style and confidence no matter what. So cool, thank you.
The people I work and study with, recognize every nail polish and clothes I wear! :D
This video is full of great info! I have gotten really good at shopping with the idea of a capsule wardrobe, which is huge-- I used to be a crazy shopper, but got sick of wasting money on clothes that maybe only got warn a couple times, then sat in my closet for years. I now need to get into the routine of eliminating those pieces from my closet that are just sitting there.
Progress not perfection! :)))
Thanks, this has been my favourite of your videos. I relate to your scarcity shopping, I try but often fail to not buy cause I'm scared it will run out, or I'll need it. I appreciate the tips and reassurance.
I went minimal but they told me to put some clothes on. :(. ......buy less more time for life.
+Thomas Sutherland lol
+Melissa Alexandria marry me haha
Such great content, Melissa. I definitely have that scarcity mindset and I am working on changing that. Thanks for this video!
yes your right! it doesn't mean expensive has amazing quality..I love your videos
+White fairy Thank you xx
I only buy in stores that allow me to return things for a refund. I probably return about 70% of what I buy. Everything I buy I try on again a day later at home and many times I'm not as excited about it anymore. Might sound weird but I like shopping and buying stuff but I don't like it cluttering up my space - that's how I solve this issue 🙈
I really love this video! Very inspirational!
This maybe totally opposite of the minimalist mindset but on rare occasions if I find a nice pair of jeans, pants, or a classic dress in a neutral color that fits perfectly, I will buy two of the same and rotate them so they won't wear out as fast. It depends on what I did that day and that determines if they go in the laundry. If not I'll wait until the second time I wear something to wash it. I finally had to retire my two pair of jeans by a company that is no longer in business. They lasted me 13 years.
I might try this. I need to simplify and downsize my stuff .
this very enlighting :) thanks for sharing your path
Thank you so much for this video! This is great advice
I wish I knew how to tell what made clothing high quality! I've been using a small work wardrobe (2 bottoms, 4 tops, a dress and a cardigan) for my full time job and my pants got a rip and my cardi got a hole, so I need replacement but don't want something that's going to deteriorate quickly. Must research!
You are so inspirational!
+LeleGLAMXO Thank you :)
this is all great. I think that people do notice based on where you live. I actually know this. depending on where you live, people will say something. I used to have people say things to me all the time and I usually spaced things out by two weeks. now that I live somewhere else, absolutely no one notices. its just the culture of the area (much further from NYC than my hometown) I think we just need to not care what people say.
I wrote this on my phone, so excuse the typos.
I agree. I personally always notice what my friends or people around me wear. However I don't see it as a bad thing if I see them wear the same thing over and over (unless that thing doesn't look good on them).
💕💕💕💕💕
Dear Melissa :-)
Thank you so much for your wonderful videos - I absolutely love them!
I have a question about doing your laundry with a capsule wardrobe: I seperate colors in dark, bright and white for washing. But I could never fill a machine with a minimalist wardrobe as I see it in many videos and would feel bad to run it half empty??
Hahaha maybe you feel like sharing how you handle it. Thank you so much and all the best, Zizi
I am working on having less clothing, but I find that I hang on to some items because my weight fluctuates up or down one size. For example, when I'm preparing for a trip, I end up trying on everything I'm considering taking with to see what fits. Six months ago and was slimmer and now I'm up back into the bigger size. I'm planning a vacation soon and I get so frustrated having to go through this time consuming task of trying my clothes on again before deciding what I can wear on my trip. Do you have any suggestions for those of us who don't stay at a stable clothing size?
Hi Melissa! quick question, are there any website that will tell if a brand is being responsible with its manufacturing?
Are there any clothing brands in particular that you notice have good quality clothes that hold up over time? What about shoes?
What brands do you shop from?
+Shruthi Reddy
I've honestly had a lot of luck with the Kirkland clothes from Costco. They seem to last me a long time, and they're so much cheaper than new. Better yet, I buy something at thrift stores for 80% cheaper than new. (a) It's used so it's already "consumed" as far as capitalism is concerned, (b) even if it does wear out, I can replace it 5 times for the price of new, and (c) the proceeds usually go to some kind of charity.
As a minimalist, how many time per week do you wash your clothes?
Do you know any ethical brands I can buy quality running shoes from?
It echoes in your house. Did you realize that?
You're totally wright! People don't care about what clothes you wear. I try to buy only second hands clothes and accessories.
what does "capsule" outfit mean?
+Kimberly Melchor I googled it for you and anyone else that might scroll down here and see your comment.
"Capsule wardrobe is a term coined by Susie Faux, the owner of a London boutique called "Wardrobe" in the 1970s. According to Faux, a capsule wardrobe is a collection of a few essential items of clothing that don't go out of fashion, such as skirts, trousers, and coats, which can then be augmented with seasonal pieces."
Thank you
How ARE you 🌹❣