Sweater: H&M (old, but adore the non-turtleneck version) | Denim: Topshop | Flats: Chanel (similar here and here) | Sunglasses: Chloe
We shot this outfit over two months ago and I realized, I never got around to posting it. Occasionally that happens and next thing you know, it’s 12 degrees outside and there’s 5 inches of frozen snow. Yesterday, we finally submerged for a breakfast outing, but aside from that, it was full hibernation mode. The good news: being cooped up at home, resulted in some of the most productive days I’ve had all year.
There have been so many things on my looming to-do list, but as it always goes, I kept putting it off until “next week” or when “I’m less tired.” One week turned into a month which turned into a year and the cycle continued. The crazy thing is that mentally, it was clogging my head-space. It’s amazing how a clean home, a home free of clutter, or a closet full of things that you actually want to wear, actually contribute in setting the tone for the day. I was sick of walking into my closet, or opening up my nightstand drawer and getting frazzled. When we first moved into our home, my closet was my happy place. It was clean, organized and it was one of my favorite ways to start the day. Overtime, it turned into such a cluttered sh*t show (along with other parts of our home) that I couldn’t stand it any longer.
After listening to several inspiring podcasts that touched on the topics of actual things, decluttering and how it’s okay to let go, it left me inspired and made the process significantly easier. These are the rules I went by (and we’re still in the middle of it):
*If it’s something I haven’t worn, used, touched in over a year, it went into the donate or trash pile. So many of us keep things because of “one day.” One day we will wear that dress, one day we will use those plates, one day we will watch those DVDs again, but the reality is, how often does “one day” turn into one month? Into one year? And in my case, several years. The guys from The Minimalists podcast often say that “one day” is our worst enemy. So I went on a rampage and if something held zero sentimental value, it went into pile. I even got Keith involved and several hours later, we had 15 garbage bags. We let go of the guilt often associated with purging and it actually felt really empowering.
*I went by the same method when tackling the drawers in our house. I started with my nightstand drawer which essentially turned into my junk drawer. I took everything out, placed the contents on my bed and put back only the things I use every single night. Now, I actually have a nightstand that is clean, organized and brings me an odd level of satisfaction. The crazy thing is that I don’t even remember what else was in there or what I threw out. Just a bunch of unnecessary crap!
*I did the same with our cabinets. If there were spices or canned good that haven’t been touched in ages, it got tossed.
So while we’re still in the middle of this process, mentally, I feel lighter and inspired to tackle one section at a time. This is something I really wanted to share as I can imagine that so many of you are in the same boat. If you are, I hope this post will inspire you to start doing the same. I promise you, it’s the best feeling.
Shop My Outfit
46 comments
Molly
Could you share what podcasts you have been listening to that you like on this topic?
January 8, 2018Kashia
Love those flats! I enjoy listening and reading about minimalism even though I’m far from actually being a minimalist. I do take certain things away from it and apply it in my life such as decluttering & enjoying simple moments.
http://www.thelifeshecreated.com
January 8, 2018Rena
This cosy look is so beautiful and decluttering the home is always a good idea!
January 8, 2018xx Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Meghan
Decluttering really can make such a huge difference mentally and emotionally. Also, love the chunky knit and distressed denim!
Victoria | Picture It Pretty
https://pictureitpretty.com
January 8, 2018tricia
I’m a professional organizer (part-time as a labor of love) and my favorite part of the organizing process is always decluttering. It’s the first step toward a simpler, calmer, and less complicated life. It’s so nice to haul bags of stuff out as I leave the clients home and they can see how much space they’ve opened up. I work a lot with artists in order to help them get organized so they can produce their best work. Decluttering helps all of our minds have room to grow and think. 🙂
January 8, 2018Helena
Tricia, no way! That is amazing. I have such admiration for those who are talented organizers! It really is such a skill to know how to do it properly!
January 8, 2018Bree Lee
I love this post and your whole blog in general. I’ve been trying to start my own blog (still under construction) and have fallen in love with yours while researching and developing my own style. Just wanted to thank you for being a huge inspiration!! ((:
January 8, 2018Helena
Bree,
January 8, 2018Thank you so much for this lovely comment!
Natali
You did such a great cleanup and got me very inspired as well! Love your minimalistic and perfectly styled casual combo. 🙂
https://lartoffashion.com
January 8, 2018Peppermint Dolly
Love a good podcast!! also, this is a great outfit – love the polo neck!
Rebecca
January 8, 2018xx
http://www.peppermintdolly.com
Brenna
Ahhhh!! The Minimalists podcast is so so good!!! What episodes are your favorite? P.S. Such a fan of you and your blog!!! 🙂
January 8, 2018Helena
Hi Brenna!
I actually *just* got introduced to them and I’ve been loving it. I haven’t gotten that many episodes under my belt, but if you have personal favorites, I would love to know!
January 8, 2018Kristina
I REALLY have to declutter my closet, this is something I need to do this year because I feel the same way about it as you do. I want it to be my happy place again.
January 8, 2018♡Kristina
TheKontemporary
Rach
I love this outfit! I’m glad you shared it even though it is not wearable now. That sweater is so cute! I need to get started on de-cluttering too. A lot of things in life keeps getting in the way and I need to manage that!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
January 8, 2018Ewa Macherowska
Perfect look! x
http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
January 8, 2018Jae
Helena, this outfit is so youuu! I love it. Love how the white loafers bring a totally different vibe to the outfit. I’m also so into decluttering nowadays and it’s such a satisfying feeling!
January 8, 2018http://www.allthatjae.com
Andrea
Love this outfit!! So casual and chic!
Have a great week!
Andrea.
Seize your Style
January 8, 2018Michael @ Mile in My Glasses
I love this! I definitely need to do a big decluttering, it helps ring in the new year!
I hope you’ve had a great Monday,
January 8, 2018Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.com
Jalisa
Ah, you’ve inspired me to relook my wardrobe. I’m guilty of saying one day too often, haha. I’ve purged my closet so much, but there are still many pieces that I’ve neglected to get rid of because I think that someday I’ll wear them again and I never do. Anyway, I absolutely love this outfit, those loafers look so good with the all grey!
XO,
Jalisa
January 8, 2018THE STYLE CONTOUR
Tasha Juli
Loving the Chanel loafers! And speaking of decluttering, I read something that spoke to the “someday I’ll use/wear this” mentality we are all guilty of. It said that you are keeping someone else from getting use/joy out of the item by holding onto it. That really put things into prospective for me.
January 8, 2018Tasha Juli
http://www.stylesplendorbliss.com
Shloka
I am so guilty of the “One Day’ thought but this year I am determined to clean up my closet! I’ve already started! Thanks for the motivation!
x
January 8, 2018Shloka
http://www.thesilksneaker.com
Candace
Must be something about this weather – I’m in Connecticut, so I feel your pain…and subsequent triumph after finally tackling some of the spots in my apartment that I’ve been putting off for far too long. I just did my whole office today and I already feel *so* much better. Next up, the closets. It really does feel so good to get rid of things and I feel so much more at peace.
January 8, 2018Mary
There is something about cleaning up and organizing the home and closet after the holidays. I am in the midst of doing the same. Too many things around you becomes a burden and it drives me crazy. It is freeing to let it go.
January 9, 2018Docdivatraveller
I so want to start my year with decluttering! Thanks for sharing!
January 9, 2018http://www.docdivatraveller.com
Kaya-Quintana
Love his outfit and decluttering and minimalism. Can’t live without it!
January 9, 2018Mireia
Absolutely love it!
Mireia from TGL
January 9, 2018https://thegoldlipstick.com/
Mariya
I’m absolutely the same!
x Mariya
January 9, 2018http://www.brunetteondemand.com
My Current Wish List
[…] to decide which ones to try. I love how Helena pairs them with shades of grey and blush pink in this chic outfit. Hers are well out of my price range, but I’m looking at this Sam Edelman pair, and Free […]
January 9, 2018Ashley robertson
Absolutely love this pair of denim! I need to begin decluttering too… I am definitely a culprit of procrastinating to clean out my house!
xx, Ashley | https://www.theteacherdiva.com
January 9, 2018fatou
love this look so much, babe!
January 9, 2018xx
https://www.closettostreet.com/
Jandrew
Great post, a cluttered environment adds to a mind , and vice versa !
January 9, 2018Jandrew
Dress The Part
http://www.jandrewspeaks.com
YZ Chan
I love organising and decluttering because I can get overwhelmed if I have too much stuff. Lovely outfit!
http://www.yzwears.com
January 9, 2018Kristie W.
Great outfit! The white loafers look fabulous!
January 9, 2018Kate
I love the idea of decluttering and I need to actually get around to it! My biggest problem is that I have assigned sentimental value to a lot of stuff I don’t use or wear anymore and I just can’t bring myself to get rid of it!
xx
bombshell-to-be.blogspot.com
January 9, 2018Gitta
Decluttering also clears your mind and that is so essential. We should do this way more often.
x Gitta // http://www.gittawitzel.com
January 10, 2018Glory of the Snow
Great look! I so need to declutter my house!
Magda
https://www.gloryofthesnow.com/
January 10, 2018Adriana
Love this look! Looks so pretty and chic!
xx
The Black Blush
January 11, 2018sophiaejessi
I love the outfit and you are looking gorgeous in denim jeans and sweater.
January 11, 2018http://bit.ly/2FssOvb
The pink pineapple
So cute outfit
January 12, 2018https://thepinkpineappleblog.blogspot.com/2018/01/natural-oils-new-trend.html
Lora
You had on this ruffled grey sweater on one of your stories. Can you share the brand name? Thanks.
January 15, 2018hotmail sign in
I like it. It’s so simple but also beautiful
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