Suzanne Carillo

Curating Happiness How To Create A Wardrobe Full Of Joy

Do you ever go into your closet and think,

“Ugh! I hate all of this!”

Your energy levels are hitting rock bottom and you just can’t be bothered, and that includes putting on clothes. Those are the days best spent in our PJs snacking on whatever we can rummage while binge watching Netflix.

We all have those days.

Since chillin’ with the Flix often isn’t an option, here are some of my personal tips for curating a wardrobe that will energize and excite you with possibilities for the day ahead.

1. Shop within the boundaries of your personal moral comfort zone.

The first solution for creating a wardrobe full of joy for myself is shopping secondhand first. I feel happier knowing I’m making an effort to help the earth.

2. Don’t be persuaded by marketing or social media.

Only you know what is required for your life, your closet and your body shape.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve purchased beauty items that someone else I trust has raved about online only to be forced to throw it all out. I hate wasting money and resources like that. What works for someone else doesn’t mean it’ll work for me.

Create a wardrobe full of joy. Curate a closet full of joy without regret suzanne carillo — Top – super old, Shoes – old from TJ Maxx, Necklace – very old, Skirt – vintage bought at Ian Drummond’s sale

3. Pay attention to comfort.

The older I get the more this one resonates with me. If something pinches or squeezes too tightly all day long I won’t like wearing it, no matter how pretty it is. This extends tenfold to shoes. When every step is a painful one it isn’t worth it.

4. Don’t buy something that requires extra accessories or alterations to work. (Unless you are a brilliant seamstress with extra time to kill.)

I’ve done this before and then never wore the items because it’s too much work. Whatever you buy should look great on you now.

5. Buy items that make you feel good about yourself.

Stay away from anything that makes you think you are less than freakin’ fabulous.

6. Remember what you already own.

Repetion in a wardrobe for some is comforting, for me it is boring and takes up valuable space in my closet.

7. Choose pieces you love more than…

Ask yourself, “Do I love this more than..?” If I’m considering buying a dress I have to love that item more than the other dresses I currently own. Why buy something that is second rate to what you already own?

8. Focus on colours that make you happy.

Colours reflect our emotions. If having a calming closet of neutrals makes you blissful then go for it. Me, I’m all about bold colour and the joy it brings me.

9. Choose pieces that work with your body shape.

Don’t be enticed into buying a piece that you know is totally wrong for you just because someone else looks great in it.

10. Don’t buy items because you think you need some retail therapy.

Go for a walk instead. Listen to some relaxing music, pet the ~~pug~~ dog/cat. Go into your closet and pull out pieces you already own to create some new outfits.

When you consume without need it is impulse shopping and just like that chocolate bar you grab at the cash, you will regret it later.

Do you have any tips to create a wardrobe full of joy?

Linking up with Patti for Visible Monday, Turning Heads Tuesday and Fancy Friday

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Can you feel the tension in the air?

Much of the world is suffering through a massive heat wave in addition to political, social and economic uncertainty. It’s not easy. People’s nerves are frayed, they’re hot and uncomfortable. We’re all anxious and unsettled.

I try to balance my day by limiting the amount of time I spend reading depressing and worrisome news stories and keeping cool with some air conditioning. CBC comedy and pug videos are one of my coping mechanisms.

At times like this it seems frivolous to consider writing or talking about clothing.

We still need to get dressed though so as a girlfriend said to me, ” A style distraction isn’t a bad thing”.

To keep cool and comfortable I’ve resorted to a favourite thrifted silk kimono I’ve had in my closet for years.

Silk Kimono For Summer

You may remember this from about five years ago when I was in Holland visiting Anja, Sylvia and Greetje.

That’s Anja in front, wearing my dress. We had a very fun day of dressing up which you can read more about here.

I did little essays on each of the ladies, Anja is here, Greetje is here and Sylvia is here.

I was hamming it up in one of Anja’s wigs below.

Ahhh…sweet memories : )

When I thrift I always look for natural fabrics like cotton, wool, linen and silk.

Tags often claim that silk has to be dry-cleaned but I wash my pieces by hand and air dry them without issue.

Nothing is quite so fine as wearing silk when the temperatures head north of 30 C.

This kimono has an empire waist and large, open sleeves. It’s as comfy as wearing PJs all day but substantially more attractive.

My beret is made of light cotton.

I thought I’d share a laugh with you from Ivan Decker, a Canadian comedian.

Stay cool and find some positive things to focus on.

How do you cope with the heat and rising tensions in the world?