Collab Perfection - RefxHaim

Nothing to wear? Think again. 

Let's talk collabs. It's no secret that celeb collaborations have been so. hot. right. now.  Kanye x Adidas, Rihanna x Puma, A$AP Rocky x Guess Originals are just some of the many making headlines.

The latest - Reformation x Haim. Reformation has long featured other brands - Patagonia , Baggu and Soko, to name a few -  and I love how they never compromise their brand image - in fact, they add another layer to it. This is so apparent with Ref x Haim. 

The two are a perfect match. The all-female band screams cool-girl-vintage with their messy waves and love of leather. Ref dresses follow the same aesthetic with their playful patterns, sultry silhouettes. 

Ref x Haim has ten pieces for your holiday social calendar. Bring on the mistletoe. 

What's in the bag?

Do you know what I live for? Bag-ception. 

The bag lady of the 21st century is a different bag lady - she is a lady with bags in bags in more bags. 

When traveling, or doing just about anything, I find that these are necessary to keep me organized. My go-to black tote always has no less that three other bags in it. The bottomless pit that is my bag becomes less bottomless, which in this case is a good thing. (Less bottomless brunch? I'll pass.) 

Here are some of those little ones that have me panting heavily these days. 

Baggu Small Pouch available on Reformation for all those things that end up at the bottom of your bag. 

The Mini Shine Pouch by Everlane when you want your accessories to shine.

The Leather Travel Case Set by Cuyana when you want to jet set in style.

The Leather Pouch Clutch by Tribe Alive for everyday use.

Bag of goodies

PSA: Holiday Heave-Ho

Before your closet overflows with new items in this season of shopping and gifting, take time to sift through your closet and find clothes to donate. I outlined what I recommend donating in my post Closet Detox, but here's a seasonally appropriate addendum the list.

With chilly winter temperatures, clothing banks and homeless shelters are especially in need of coats, sweaters, gloves and boots. If you have any of these items lying around, consider those who might need them more. While you're at it, take a look under your sink. Any unused toiletries (read: hotel "souvenirs" or goody bags from long-haul flights) can also go to your local shelter. 

Some places to consider near you: 

USA: 

New York - The Bowery Mission

Boston - Rosie's Place

San Francisco - St. Anthony's

Sweden - Stadsmissionen

Just a friendly reminder to give a little extra this holiday season. #giveresponsibly

Closet Detox

A few times a year, I give my closet a serious purge . Mostly because an annual purge à la Spring Cleaning sounds too daunting, partly because I need the space, and somewhat because I still have nightmares about closets featured on Room Raiders. In order to maintain a minimalist wardrobe, it’s necessary to reevaluate one’s closet and make necessary adjustments. Do it unmercifully, do it often. Seeing as I’ve just completed the latest closet cleanse, here are some tips to do it yourself.

What’s Gotta Go

• Anything stained, faded or ripped
• Anything you haven’t worn in ages and tbh didn’t know you still had
• Anything you bought months ago but still haven’t worn 
• Anything you haven’t figured out how to incorporate into an outfit
• Anything that doesn’t fit (Even if you’re hoping it might one day, you’ll want to treat yourself with new clothes and you absolutely deserve that.)
• Anything that doesn’t make you feel confident

What Can Stay

• Pieces with sentimental value
• Pieces that are seasonal necessities (I’m looking at you, Stay Puft winter jacket.)
• Pieces that are one-of-a-kind

What To Do With Your Discarded Clothes

• Donate them! Just make sure you’re donating useable items.
• Sell them at a second-hand store.
• Sell them at an online consignment marketplace, such as Threadup.
• Sell them on eBay.

While living in the states, I used Threadup with every closet purge. I don’t have the time to sell individual pieces online, and they send you a clean-out bag you can stuff full of your closet rejects. Plus, they donate anything they can’t re-sell. You can only use their services in the US, so here in Sweden I donate items to the Red Cross or Myrorna.

Once you’ve given things the old heave-ho, reorganize and refold everything in your closet. If you’re like me, you’ll find more you can toss during this process. Then, once you’ve organized, sit back and admire your Instagram-worthy closet. 

Flash Flood into Fall

Late August here and fall-like weather is upon us. It rained most of last week and through the weekend, making it an opportune time to dig out my Everlane anorak from storage. Though I’m not ready for the shorter days and dropping temps, I won’t complain about piecing together my fall wardrobe. And of course this jacket will be in it. 

Update: apparently blue skies and warmth return this week. - exhales -

Why a minimalist closet?

I’ve been asked this question often in the three years since I swapped my overflowing closet of misfit pieces for a minimalist one, and whoa, Nelly does it get me talking. Here’s a quick breakdown of the wonderful things you can expect with your #minimalistcloset 

 Your closet will start to resemble your Pinterest goals and your heart will swell with pride.

You will get dressed in a fraction of the time because everything matches. What a concept! Save that stress for the workplace, thanks.

You will wear lots of black, which is obviously v. chic and v. mysterious.

You will exude European sophistication and sensibility. Or at least think that you do.

You will exercise that discipline muscle while shopping and your credit card statement will no longer incite fear and rage.  

And so many more. Go on and do it already.