Let's get down to essentials

I'm talking wardrobe. I saw this post on Say Yes and it got me thinking about how to edit my own wardrobe.

12 Wardrobe Essentials for Every Budget

When I look in my closet, I always feel like I have nothing to wear. I also have been feeling like I wear the exact same thing everyday. I definitely have a favorite outfit!

I have worn my DIY skirt to death!

I don't think there's anything wrong with having a go-to uniform or in my case "a signature look" *striped shirt/skirt/statement piece and flats or sneakers* I don't follow many fashion rules but I don't wear dark colors often and I always stay away from purple *I don't want to be mistaken for a certain dinosaur* However, when it comes to clothing basics, I could use some updating. There are some key pieces I am missing in my wardrobe.

In January, I cleaned everything out of my closet and took an inventory of my wardrobe.

Before I cleaned my closet

Believe it or not, this is after I cleaned my closet

I definitely suffer from clothes hoarding.

That sweater on top belonged to my Mom. She has patches from all the places she's traveled. I love it but I don't wear it anymore because I'm afraid I might ruin it.

What you are looking at:
10 pairs of pants in every color of the rainbow *except gray, denim or black!*
10 shirts *I really want a light chambray shirt, an embroidered tunic and a swiss dot shirt*
10 tops/tees *Nothing special here, I could use some new boatneck tops and I want this shirt really bad!*
15 Sweaters *I'm good here yet my white cardigan has a hole in it and needs replacing*
14 dresses *I could use a shirtdress and a navy jumper*
3 shorts *I am considering cutting my old jeans into shorts, well see how they turn out*

I made the most progress getting rid of tons of shirts. They were old and I never wore them. It was hard but I used the 12 month rule, if you haven't worn it in 12 months, it goes in the donate box. I got rid of anything that didn't fit well and I sent some things to the cleaners for repairs. I should invest in a good garment bag for my fancy stuff.

I also went through my shoes and accessories. I must admit, I have too many shoes. I promised myself I wouldn't buy any new shoes unless I got rid of a pair.

I sacrificed my old Green New Balances *they started hurting my feet* for my lovely floral Golas. I got them for next to nothing with my birthday discount at Anthropologie.

Unfortunately, as much trouble as I went through to get them, I am getting rid of my white oxfords I wore to Le Dîner en Blanc. They are super cute but I came home with the worst blisters on my heels from all that dancing. Funny thing is, they didn't bother me at all during the night but when I took them off, I wanted to cut my feet off they hurt so bad. Lesson learned, always put band-aids on your heels when wearing a new pair of shoes. I am considering new white shoes for this year's dinner.

So here's my 12 Wardrobe Essentials

Trench coat, Saltwater sandals, dot chambray shirt, creme pullover sweater, mint jeans, polka dot oxfords, denim shorts, striped shirt, black t-shirt, statement necklace, green cardigan and gingham shirt

I have similar pieces to Liz Stanley but I don't have a cable knit sweater, black ballet flats, I've yet to find a pair of booties that look good on my giant cankles and I am on the hunt for a pretty embroidered tunic. I would add a denim jacket, a pencil skirt, a shirt dress and my signature Ban.do piece for my basics.

I am starting to tone down my bright color choices and I'm leaning towards a more mature/classic style. I can always go nuts in accessories and jewelry. What's going on in your closet? Have you mastered the essentials?