THE MINIMAL WARDROBE //

These past couple of months I've been intrigued by the concept of a 'minimal wardrobe' - a coherent, streamlined collection of clothing where each piece matches harmoniously with the others to create a multitude of different looks. A wardrobe that revolves around quality pieces, core basics and added fun bits (and not the other way around). Now, I'm sure I'm not the only one who has a wardrobe stuffed full of clothes and still claims to have 'nothing to wear'. Come on... Anyone? Anybody? Just me? Okay.

I'm quite taken by the idea of having a few select items of clothing that I love and wear to death - and know I can rely on - rather than a closet full of clothing that I don't make the most of. Which is my current situation. Lately I've been reading up on ways to cull and organise my wardrobe, in order to make the most of what I have.

I especially love the quote by Vivienne Westwood above, about being selective and choosing carefully - the emphasis is on quality, not quantity. In order to help me with being more intentional with my purchases and to create a curated collection of clothing, I've decided to shift my shopping habits in line with the 5 Piece French Wardrobe Principle.

The Principle:
- Invest in classic pieces and well-chosen basics
- Add only five statement pieces to the basic wardrobe each season to update your look
- Basics, socks, accessories and underwear don't count
- Everything else (e.g. coats, shoes, bags) counts
*And I'm also 'breaking the rules' like Sophie (see below) by allowing second hand shopping and thrifting.

Here's the recommended reading/watching list:
- Sophie of The Private Life of A Girl has done an awesome collection of posts on her own 'minimal wardrobe in the making', which I found to be incredibly helpful, and which is what inspired me in the first place. See here and here to get started.
- WhoWhatWear has also written some great articles on editing your wardrobe, such as this, this and this.
- Here's a fun wardrobe spring cleaning video by Anna of Vivianna Does Makeup and another one by Lily of Lily Pebbles.

I think my greatest struggle with this will be not spending excessively on 'basics' and everything else that is justifiable (i.e. on the list of essentials). I'm in the middle of clearing out my closet, but I admit that I'm not very good at being ruthless when it comes to getting rid of clothes - wish me luck!

Image via At Home In Love


Have you heard of the '5 Piece French Wardrobe'?
Is your wardrobe "organised chaos" like mine? ;) x

CANDLE CURATING, TEA TASTING, FRESH BLOOMS & GOOD READS //

Welcome to the nicest smelling corner of my room...

Sometimes it's easy to overlook the joys of a fragrant room, a comfy armchair, a cup of tea, a good book, and flowers fresh from the garden - especially when other shiny objects seem to call my name. I've been reminded not to dismiss these little luxuries in favour of buying another lipstick or pair of shoes. They are - for the most part - far more affordable to begin with, and the perfect way to relax after a long, stressful day. Strapping on a pair of heels or swiping on a bright lippie just doesn't compare (not in this instance, anyway)!

Candles

I like leaving the lids off my candles (see first pic) to create a subtly-fragrant atmosphere that requires no supervision - and I often find that the candles smell better when not burning. For me, being greeted with sweet scents when I walk through the door is an instant mood-lifter.

L-R:
Ecoya Sweet Apricot and Orange Blossom Maddison Jar Candle
Glasshouse Cuba Candle
Mango and White Tea Soy Candle
Ecoya Sweet Pea and Jasmine Mini Metro Jar Candle
Marseille Soy Candle in vintage teacup

Tea + Teacups

There's nothing better than a cup of tea on a cold day. Especially when it's presented in a pretty little tea cup. Sometimes they're a great incentive for me to wake up early, a lovely post-dinner treat, or something to unwind with before bed.

T2 Choc Chip Chai, Creme Brûlée and Strawberries and Cream (glass jar) Teas
Floral Tea Cup and Saucer
Milk + Sugar Expresso Tea Cup and Saucer (from Sussans)

Books, blooms + pretty things

Revlon nail polish in 270 Cherries in the Snow
Bourjois Shine Edition Lipstick in 23 Grenadine 
Ralph Lauren RALPH Mini EDT
Salvatore Ferragamo Signorina Mini EDT
Amazing Face by Zoë Foster
Love Your Hair by Richard Kavanagh
Style by Lauren Conrad
Beauty Rules by Bobbi Brown


Have I inspired you to sit in front of the fireplace with a good book and cup of tea?
What are your little luxuries? (:

'SATURDAY' SMOOTHIE // (AKA BREAKFAST SMOOTHIE)

Yup, using up bananas again - and this time making a quick smoothie inspired by the one my dad makes for us on Saturday mornings. It's definitely a more exciting alternative to muesli, cereal or toast. I must admit that my version is somewhat lacking, compared to the real deal...

Ingredients:
2 medium sized bananas, peeled and sliced
1.5 cups rice milk (or any other kind of milk)
A handful to half a cup of almonds
A drizzle of honey (optional)
A teaspoon of vanilla essence (optional)
Cinnamon (optional)

Throw it all into a blender and blend until smooth and frothy. Add more milk to thin, if necessary. Sprinkle with cinnamon and enjoy!

LAZY LUNCH FOR LAZY DAYS //

Lately I've been loving simple snacks that are satisfying, without requiring significant preparation or cooking time. This burger/toast/roll has been on high rotation these past few days, especially as the cooler weather has me hankering for a heartier meal. (Sandwiches just don't cut it). I usually don't like ham or cold meats, but it's actually quite nice when panfried. It tastes just like a Bacon & Egg McMuffin, with the added bonus of nutritional value :P

I've tried this combination with different types of bread and my favourite would have to be Helga's wholemeal, though the 'filling' makes practically anything taste good! It only takes about 5 minutes. Max.

Ingredients used:
1 egg
1 slice of ham
1 slice of cheese
1 bread roll/slice of bread
Pepper to season

I heated the bread roll in the mini oven, fried an egg, seasoned it with pepper, heated the ham on the still-hot pan, melted the cheese and shoved it all into the bread roll. And then proceeded to devour it in a most unladylike manner. I wanted to add some tomato or lettuce as well, but we didn't have any. This would also make a lovely lunch paired with a garden salad and fruit smoothie. Maybe next time (tomorrow)...

SUMMER SMOOTHIE //

I thought I'd make the most of the last few days of Summer with this simple berry smoothie. Not only is it a healthier alternative to sugar-laden soft drinks and syrup-based fruit juices, but it's also a great way to use up bananas that are heading towards the 'over-ripe' stage. (Mushy, over-ripe bananas are the worst!)