DESIGN SHOULD
NEVER SAY,
“LOOK AT ME.”
IT SHOULD
ALWAYS SAY,
“LOOK AT THIS.”
David Craib
left, and shortest on the right. This helps me see at a
glance the components of an outfit.
CONGRATULATIONS! By this time, you should
have piles of eliminated items cluttering the floor, and
a delightfully roomier closet. If not, sister, you need to
go back and start at the beginning!
I would be remiss if I didn’t briefly mention the
importance of accruing smartly. Unless we apply
the virtue of simplicity in our shopping habits, we will
continuously end up in materialism – owning more
than we need or can put to use. So shop smart, with
attention to quality, style, and functionality. Resist
cheap deals and save up for a few pieces that fit
well and can be enjoyed for a long time. Turn down
free items when they’re not needed. Choose neutral
tones and styles that add versatility to your wardrobe.
Learn to say “no” to anything that adds eye candy to
your closet, but little functional use.
In conclusion, I want to leave you with a fabulous
quote by a designer named David Craib. He said,
“Design should never say, ‘Look at me.’ It should
always say, ‘Look at this.’” Though Craib was referring
specifically to graphic design, I think we can apply
the concept to the way we keep our closets as well.
The “perfect outfit” is one that draws attention to so
much more than itself. The most beautifully dressed
women I know are adorned with clothing that reflects
their inner character. Ask yourself, ‘Does what I’m
wearing shout, “Look at ME?”’ or does it invite those
around you to appreciate the refreshing values of
modesty, simplicity, and femininity?
I have no doubt that I will always love pairing patterns
and colors. I will remain a dedicated thrifter. And my
favorite part is that embracing simplicity doesn’t
keep me from doing these things. In fact, simplicity
allows me to do them better because it eliminates
distracting, binding excess and frees me to enjoy fully
what I have.
So closet cleanse with confidence, girls. Enjoy the
process. I expect that as you apply simplicity to your
own wardrobe, you will be freed from ‘cumber’
and enabled, as Richard Foster said, “to enjoy your
material things for what they are - goods to enhance
life, not to oppress life.”|
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