Monday Musings: Minimalism and What I’m Shopping For
Happy Monday, ladies. Today’s title may seem a bit contradictory, but there is a method to my madness. Since it’s still early January, I figured we could continue to chat about fresh starts and getting organized. My makeup and lingerie drawers got decluttered over the weekend, which feels fabulous. How did I collect so many lipsticks? And eyeshadows? And random brushes?
Because I prefer products without preservatives and chemicals, they have a shorter shelf life, so I knew it was time to clean things up. Here’s what the Mayo Clinic has to say about expired makeup. I got rid of at least eight lipsticks and equally as many lip pencils. When was the last time you cleared yours out?
I’m not sure where the urge to simplify has come from, but it’s taking on a life of its own, and I love it! A few clean shelves, a non-crammed clothing rack, and just like that, I want to pair down to a more minimal everything! I want to have fewer just ok items, and more I love items in my life.
As I packed bras to donate, I wondered what your favorite bras are. Which ones do you find the comfiest? These are my current favorites. I’m not well endowed, so I gave up underwires many years ago and have not missed them one bit. I know many of you swear by them, so please share your faves in the comments. BTW- did you know that bras are under-donated and much needed at battered women’s shelters?
What I’m Shopping For This Month
I’ve been on the hunt for some new exercise clothes to help motivate me to go to the gym. I went through my drawer on Friday and discovered everything looked dull, black, and/or boring. That’s not going to make me want to head to the gym, so I went shopping for fresher options that are not black. I ended up trying on some Vuori, and wow, it’s pretty amazing.
These pieces are the softest thing I’ve had on in a long time. The pants look black, but they’re charcoal. I didn’t buy them because I’m not a fan of the jogger shape, but as I look at them here, I think they’re fine! I also don’t usually opt for hoodies because they have a more sporty vibe than I wear. And with that, I’m saying to myself…Jennifer, but you’re looking for clothes for sporty activities! You have to be able to laugh at yourself, and I’ve been doing that a lot while shopping for workout clothes.
Then I tried on some Alo things. Again, super soft and oh-so-cozy. The sweatpants have a ribbed fabric that looks like stretchy corduroy. I loved this midnight green, but they have jogger bottoms, so I left them at the store. The pullover is fabulous, so I ordered it in a medium.
I’ve also been shopping for a handbag. For several months. I want one that feels luxe and special and isn’t black. Do you see the theme here? I own enough black. I’ve been shopping in person and online at second-hand luxury stores. I haven’t found the perfect one yet, so my hunt continues. My daughter got a fabulous LV waist bag at the Real Real that’s in much better shape than the one I’ve used for the last 20+ years. Fashionphile is also a great place to buy used bags, so I’ve been checking them out often.
In other news, I finished knitting my hat, and I’m back in the brace I wear for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis. Coincidence? Perhaps. So I plan to take it a bit easier with my newly rediscovered knitting addiction habit because I don’t want to need surgery. I’m also shopping for a hand brace that isn’t black :).
Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel fabulous.
Guess I am the odd one out because I just can’t bring myself to pay those high prices for work out gear! Sorry, but I find appropriate and sensibly priced tops and bottoms at Kohl’s! I work out several times a week and try to walk most days…so they are well used. Being glamorous at the gym isn’t important to me!
I hear you. I certainly don’t want to look glamorous, but I want to feel good about how I look.
Thanks for sharing the Vuori line of performance wear. I like the look, but am wondering if they are too warm for the indoor gym. How would you rate these for an indoor aerobic class? Thinking they would work for outdoor jogs and walking. Love the colors!!
The joggers are very light, but the top is thicker, and I’d only wear it outside, getting to and from the gym.
Glad to find someone else who is not into the jogger look! I think the jogging suits of the 70s ruined it for me. Not a look I care to sport again.
That could be why for me too plus I think they make my feet look longer.
Love, love, LOVE my Spanx Bralellujah underwire bras… I have a drawer full of them, and they’ve been my only bra for years! They are SO smooth under knits both front and back, and knit tops are essentially all I buy anymore. I am small chested at 32D, but I like the support of the underwire and it’s not uncomfortable for me. Think you need to buy some joggers, as you look terrific in them!
I may give them a try 🙂
Hello: I recently tried Lands Ends Women’s wireless seamless t-shirt bra, currently on sale for about $40. I am finding it much more comfortable. I saw a Ted Talk that underwires really only push you “in” rather than giving much support. But of course, we all want to wear what’s comfortable. Thanks for all your good suggestions. My ortho arthritis guy recommended that I use a brace only for my thumb rather than the enormous whole hand one I had. It works out quite well. Brand is meta-grip, but I really only had pain in my hand, not my wrist.
My pain is predominantly in my wrist, sadly.
I have had success for several years wearing Empreinte bras…good support with underwire and padded shoulder straps. The lace is beautiful , so no matter which colour you wear, you feel feminine and pretty. These imported bras are not inexpensive, however a local boutique has an annual discount, so I order 2 new bras each February. I am still 36D… which is good…this larger size D from a C coming late in life for me, which is rather unwelcome.
( the reason I have been editing my closet and consigning things that won’t zip up completely.)
Shari…great suggestions for managing diet! 👍
I have been making soups since it turned damp & chilly , and trying to include more salads. Seeing some weight disappear, slowly, and coming back to my former ‘set point’ that was acceptable … feels good.
I found some great leggings for Pilates in another local sportswear shop , and they are Vuori, so I understand your comments… so soft and well fitting, and a pop of colour too. I’ll likely purchase another colour in a few months.
Have to join the chorus about your workout wear being too hot to actually “work out” in. Great for a walk but not the gym. Sleeveless tanks, sometimes layered, or over a sports bra, or short-sleeved tees and cotton leggings or shorts seem to be the fitness uniform at the gym.
There doesn’t seem to be a bra that supports well-endowed women without the use of underwire. So, the ‘Cassiopeia’ by Empreinte, ( sorry if the spelling of this french brand is off),is my go-to bra. I live in Canada and the price is exorbitant but I haven’t found a bra as functional and pretty in any other brand. Usually supportive bras are as ugly as sin, but these ones are attractive and it is hard to return to the uglies after wearing one of these. They last forever, fortunately, even though sometimes they have ended up in the washing machine, or worse, the dryer!
Found the best fitting bras for me are Natori from NordstromRack. UW, very comfortable.
Good to know, thank you.
I agree you look great in the joggers! I have some from Athleta that I wear around the house, grocery shop, and errand “running.”
The key in whether or not they look good is getting the right length and a lighter weight material. I also love the Brooklyn ankle pants from Athleta. I took them on a trip to France and wore them several days in a row, washed them in the hotel sink, hung them to dry, and wore them another several days. They are very lightweight and great for packing.
After recently being diagnosed with a chronic eye inflammatory condition I am going to throw out old make up and start over with new. My doctor wants me to avoid make up on my eyes, but not sure I can do that as I have dressed my eyes since I was in junior high! Any suggestions for eye make up that is less irritating?
I have ocular rosacea, chronic dry eye, and meibomian gland dysfunction, which is giving me problems lately. I am replacing much of my makeup with things for sensitive eyes. Eye shadow might be ok for you. If you use a deeper shadow, you could skip the mascara which is close to the lash line.
I am a semi-retired personal trainer, so I live in workout clothes. I am a fan of Athleta’s offerings and of the Zella and Sweaty Betty brands at Nordstrom. I can only buy on sale though – everything is way too expensive for my budget these days. I like the outfits you’ve featured, but as casual wear, not for working out: I think I’d keel over from heat exhaustion!
Thanks for the inspiration to scale down/scale back. I am working on it! I had cataract surgery just before Thanksgiving, and that spurred me on to get rid of all of my eye make up and brushes. I did not want to run the risk of contamination when I was allowed to wear make up again.
I am in awe of your knitting skills.
I think that’s a wise idea!! I’d probably toss my old stuff too.
In regard to your comment about bras, I recently found the most comfortable one I think in my life! It is from Soma, and it is called the “Unbelievable Minimizer”. It does have an underwire, but is so lightweight, making it more comfortable. Yet it does provide good support, and my clothes look great when I wear it!
Another vote for T by Talbots for athleisure and workout wear. Thanks for the nudge to declutter lipsticks, I will do that today and will donate some old bras too.
My favorite bra comes from ThirdLove – the T-shirt bra. Great fit. I need an underwire to feel like I get a nice silhouette and lift the girls!
I like the Wacoal bras. Thinking about looking at no underwire. I need to clean my drawers as well.
Embracing minimalism is a wonderful process…sounds like you are on it!
For bras, I wear Prima Donna made in Belgium, not inexpensive but they offer the support which I need. I buy 2 a year.
Your handbag search sounds great! You’ll know when the best bag pops up on your radar!!! Good luck.
Cute hat!
Happy New Year Jennifer! I hope it’s a great year for you and your family.
Happy New Year, Leslie!
That hat is great. I want one!
Hi Jennifer. I don’t own a black daytime handbag (I do have one black clutch for formal events). My new crush is Strathberry bags which come in interesting colour combinations, like sand/olive/grey. http://www.strathberry.com
I have been looking at Strathberry too, and they are stunning!
Hi Jennifer! You look great in the workout clothes! Thanks for showing us some of the different tops and bottoms. I personally like T by Talbots,as I wear a plus size and they have a nice variety of active wear to choose,from. They also go on sale from time to time,which helps! I am in the market for a different brand of a bra. I wear Maidenform,but I have to wear them with extenders right now. I am a 44C. Losing weight would help,though!🙄
I’m not well endowed but like the support of underwire. I find my clothes look better when my breasts are where they are suppose to be, not droopy. Having had three children those babies need a little help.
Hoodies are great for going to and from the gym but not while inside working out. They make your back hot as you now have three layers of fabric against your skin, plus they sometimes flop forward when you are bending down. Also, you get hot while working out so the fabric should be lightweight and breathable, not heavy as hoodies are. UnderArmour has great breathable fabrics. It is the only brand of tees my husband wears.
Oh, and I throw out my lipsticks routinely. I’m trying hard to not buy several lipsticks, foundations, mascaras, creams at a time. They clutter up my drawers and then I end up throwing some away when I feel it’s due to purge the old.
Good morning.
You have inspired me to downsize my clothing and makeup. Will only keep my favourites…. I try to wear pieces I have not had on my back this season which reminds me they are out of style and should let them go. Very hard for me …… My problem is I cannot find clothes to fit so hang on to the ones that do much longer than I should….decisions decisions?
Enjoy your posts!
I love Wacoal bras, was fit at Nordstroms and have been pleased ever since, will donate my used ones after reading your post. Thanks!
Thanks, this was just the nudge I needed to weed through and discard old cosmetics. This purge is on my list, but i am moving it up to the top. I’m tackling the medicine cabinet as well, which should be a lot easier as we don’t keep old meds around. (Our local police station will take them.) I’m not a runner so don’t wear performance joggers. I wear leggings at the gym and for yoga. I sometimes wear regular joggers when out walking.
Hi! I AM a runner, and I wear the same tights/leggings for that as for weight training and yoga. 🙂 I have a few pairs of joggers which, in my opinion, make really comfortable loungewear.
My favorite bra is Sloggi ( similar to True) , I bought in Italy, I’m small on top. The joggers look good. I wear exercise tights, and a tee to class. I run cold so some synthetic styles don’t keep me warm enough. I live in merino wool , what a great fabric.
The exercise clothes your showed look really comfortable. We walk everyday and golf so I have quite a lot of sporty outfits. But I noticed mine are getting a little worn looking so this was very helpful. My problem is I’m only 5’1 and everything is so long. I’m always on the lookout! I wear Calvin Klein underwire with some padding. I had a lumpectomy so have to wear an insert. I try not to wear tight tops as I feel selfconscious about that. I wasn’t a candidate for surgery so just have to live with different size breasts. Not fun but I’m cancer free.
I am a little taller than you are, and really like 7/8s legging, which are widely available. Misses cropped athletic wear pants also fit well.
I’m 5’1” too. For pants, I can wear T by Talbots petites without shortening, as well as Chico’s Zenergy and Chico’s petite lengths. Tops and jackets are always too long, as well as sleeve length, unless I find my preferred 3/4 sleeve! HTH!
Cancer free is fabulous, Rosemary!!
I am not a fan of jogger pants but your outfits looked so nice and classy. I must try them again.
Just returned from New Years Eve crusise and as I up packed I realized it is time to reorganize big time. I am excited to start this project and give my closet and drawers a new, neat look.
I love your knitted hat. You did a great job. Sorry you’re back on the brace. Keep looking, I have some made by Mueller Sport Care which are beige in color.
I had the surgery for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis and it was a good decision for me. Wearing a brace and putting up with the discomfort got pretty old. It really wasn’t a big deal and afterwords I wondered why I put up with it so long. I’m also a knitter and now never have wrist pain. Thank you for all the inspiration you give me daily
I had the same surgery years ago and the relief was totally worth it! Like you said, Jane, the braces and pain got so old. My hand surgeon was wonderful, that makes all the difference.
Thank you for sharing that, Jane. I certainly hope to avoid surgery, but if the pain gets too severe, I’ll just go for it because they won’t give me any more steroids.
Love Vouri and you rock the joggers. Vouri was a big hit with my family for Christmas gifts. Re de Quervain: I had that too, in both wrists. Surgery for one, and a shot cured the other five years ago. My surgeon suggested a common cause was picking up (grand) children under their armpits! Sorry you’re dealing with that; good luck with finding a new brace.
I think mine must be how I use my phone, and I have got to nip it in the bud.
We were on a river cruise in Europe this summer. A number of the women in our group were wearing very attractive pants and someone finally asked what they were – they were the Brooklyn pants from Athleta that you have featured. They are as comfortable as leggings and much more dressy. I never give my bras away, just like I never give underwear away – I may have to change. I am well-endowed and have mainly Soma bras that never wear out.
The Athleta Brooklyn pant comes in many colors and styles. They are great to wear on a long haul flight, too, and you look great walking off the plane, without being all wrinkled. No baggy knees, either.
I can understand that! The Brooklyn pant is lovely and so comfy.
Exercise clothing – ugh! Too much of it is way too form fitting for me – and has been for years. I realize there is a large market for leggings and tight tops – they look great on women who are already fit. But there are very few flattering or inspiring choices for those of us working on getting to that level. The comfortable shorts and mens t-shirts I feel relegated to don’t do much to make me feel very good about myself and the efforts I am putting in.
I do like joggers. They seem to be a good option for travel as they are comfortable, are often much nicer fabrics and less sloppy cuts than sweatpants.
I go to Soma for bras – I am well endowed – but find it has as much to do with the fitter as the brand.
I am not a fan of tight exercise clothes either, as you can tell by my choices. I’ll feel good wearing them to the gym and won’t feel like I’m showing more than I want to.
You look good in your joggers and workout clothes. I wear a short sleeve, hoodie , yoga / jogger style pants to gym.
As far as bras , I like Warner bras that I bought at Target. I am small B cup, but they sag now , so I have gone back to underwire. There is a Maidenform one I have that has no wire , which gives lift. I also have bought my workout clothes at Target ,and nice lightly lined fleece joggers on Amazon.
I wear my workout clothes to run errands and around the house. My nice ,good clothes last much longer by doing this .
I am interested in gymwear discussion. I would find long sleeve athletic shirts and joggers too warm for workouts. I rotate a pair of gym leggings with pockets and sleeveless tanks. Fortunately I go to a gym where anything goes. Have been a gym goer for 40 years, three times a week.
I wear joggers at home all the time, and seeing them on you confirms the appeal. Thanks for this post!
You look great in joggers. You look cute and comfy. I love them but had never heard of Vuori until my son and his girlfriend came for Christmas week. She had on the joggers and loved them so much my son bought a pair. I think I may have to as well. What size did you find fit you? As for weight gain, it’s a constant struggle for me. Lost 20 lbs during my husband’s illness and passing a year ago and trying not to gain it back. It’s not easy. As for bras, I still have not found the perfect bra. I’m small busted so don’t need UW but just can’t find one that’s comfortable. It’s like finding the perfect pair of jeans….
It is like finding the perfect pair of jeans :). I am wearing a medium in the Vuori and love them.
You look good in the jogger pants. I have bought a silky look version for a holiday which will involve walking ++. Favourite bras are from Simone Perele. The YSL bag is lovely, but am rather fancying an Aspinal tote bag – they had a lovely grey in a couple of styles.
I’ll have a peek at them. Grey is such a great neutral for a bag. Do the Simon Perele make non underwire bras?
The Aspinal tote bags have a 🐝 on them!! I love it!! Thank you
Simone Perele do make wire free bras.
You look great in the jogger pants! I have a few pair that I wear to walk the dog and a light weight pair for around the house when I want to be really comfortable.
I adore the YSL bag!! I realized last year that I need a grey bag, but like you have not found one I like – either not quite the right gray, or not in a style I like. Maybe this year…
As for lipsticks, I’m guilty of keeping some far too long. I even had one that was almost 10 years old as I was trying to colour match it with no luck. I finally threw it our last summer when I realized it probably wouldn’t suit me anymore.
Color matching lipstick is hard!! The different formulas change the color. I guess we’ve all dealt with the dreaded “discontinued” lipstick shade experience. It’s the pits.
The joggers look great on you and Vuori joggers are so soft! For bras, my go-to everyday bra is now the Spanx Bra-llelujah. The hunt for the perfect sports bra continues.
I’ve heard great things about that bra. I must try it.
Hi Jennifer,
I like Wacoal bras as well. They are comfortable and hold up very well, No pun intended!
Love your purse! I wear joggers for comfort and warmth.
You have inspired me to organize and purge.
Thank you for the amazing blog!
I always appreciate a good pun 😂
I think the joggers look fantastic on you, Jennifer! I had DeQuervains years ago, went to a ortho doc specializing in hands and had 2 steroid injections that took care of it. No issues since then. Hope you get some relief soon!
I’ve had 3 injections and they tell me no more! It’s been gone for over a year but I’m apparently doing something to exacerbate it.
Jennifer, what color lipstick do you have on in pic with grey bag?
It looks fabulous without being overpowering.
I think you look great in jogger pants. Congrats on getting
rid of items, I am doing the same.
I’m wearing Lune and Aster in “double booked”. It’s a nice cool shade with depth. https://shopstyle.it/l/bQ9m8
Jennifer the one I wear is FUTURO Deluxe Hand Stabilizer. Check the site out as well as Amazon.
Good luck.
Vuori feels and looks great. You can’t go wrong.
This is a bit off the clothes stuff, which I appreciate but a few suggestions regarding age and weight gain. Try this: a brisk walk 45-60 (minimum of 5 days a week).
Now for the biggest challenge. Avoid going out to eat. Hard to really eat healthy. At home, lots of fruits and vegetables, 2 quarts of water a day, try to stick to fish and chicken, avoid beef and pork, only avocado, olive or coconut oils, avoid “white” –
(Potatoes, rice, pasta, bread). Read ingredients. Many crackers for instance (almost all) contain bad oils. No sandwich meats, sausages,etc.
Ok. Enough. As an RN, you will be surprised how quickly the pounds fall off and how much healthier you will feel. Not always easy, but once you get into this lifestyle, you will love it.
I agree with everything you mentioned 👍👍 One feels so much better adapting those habits, most of all, reading labels! Love your comment about not eating out. My husband and I rarely go out, it’s just not worth it. Special occasions, for sure, however when we don’t feel like cooking there are always easy, healthy options we can come up with, made with ingredients that we control. Enough of my soapbox, I just wanted to reiterate your comments. Thanks!
Eating out is a big pitfall. I totally agree and we have gone back to doing it which could be a big culprit. Great tips!! I never eat beef or pork but those starches are a downfall too.
Hi Jennifer,
Go on line and check out the company called Futuro. You will see the hand and wrist supports in gray. The company used to make them in tan. I live in mine, I have RA and it gets into everything. I will go on line and tell you the ones I wear.
Also Amazon sells them.
They do get so dirty on my hand!! Thanks I’ll check them out. I need to immobilize my thumb and wrist.
I also have not been a jogger pants fan, but I might reconsider. They look great on you.
I’m not sure exactly what type of brace you need but I suggest looking at the Incrediwear website. I have a knee brace from there and I love it. Bonus – they come in more than just gray and black! Incrediwear.com Good luck!
Heading over to look now. Thanks!
I think you need to embrace the jogger pant. It looks great on you, especially the Vuori. They fit perfectly. They looks comfortable and smart at the same time. And I always wear them now for air travel; much more comfortable, no drafts on the legs and easy to manage if/when you have to use the facilities on the plane….lol.
You are right: if I wear a straight leg pant on the plane, I roll them up before sitting down in the WC! Joggers are very useful traveling and can be glammed up a bit to suit your style.
Joggers are brilliant
You bring up an excellent point about the legs of pants when traveling and using the facilities!! Brilliant.
Maybe we hesitate to wear the joggers because we equate them to the old style sweatpants. But, I think you should give them a second look. They are a more modern style and the fabrics offered are very comfortable and functional too. Great for workouts! BTW, you looked so good in the joggers and hooded top. Wow, to that color on you!
Every spring I have restocked my bra collection. I have never donated in the past but will definitely consider that after your comments. Walmart carries a fantastic line of Warner bras that work so well for me at a fraction of the cost that I had previously spent.
I find that by simplifying my life it clears my thinking and curbs anxiety. Love all your suggestions Jennifer!
Yes to curbing anxiety!! I often struggle with anxiety so am happy to do anything that helps.
Good morning Jennifer
You look very nice in the jogger style pants. My favorite bra is Wacoal, they have wide variety of styles, color fits. I also donated bras that fit okay in the store but didn’t feel comfortable upon wearing into week two. Years ago I volunteered at our county Battered Women’s home, I remember how much these brave ladies need.
I’m inspired to clean out the make up bags!
Have a lovely day
That’s my prefer place to donate.
I’ve not been a jogger pants fan, but my daughter pointed out that with them the cold doesn’t rush up one’s legs. You look great in the ones featured. Maybe we should reconsider, huh? Love the slouch hat. Do you have easy instructions for it?
The hat pattern is here- https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2019/01/30/classic-ribbed-hat/
Great points about the air not getting up your pant legs with joggers 🙂
Thanks so much for instructions reference. I have used their patterns and beautiful yarns before: A fabulous yarn store!