“Minimalism is not a style, it is an attitude, a way of being. It’s a fundamental reaction against noise, visual noise, disorder, vulgarity. Minimalism is the pursuit of the essence of things, not the appearance.” (Massimo Vingelli)
This quote is so true, at least this is how I would define minimalism. My style may not be minimalist in the sense of Jil Sander or Stella McCartney, however my approach to life is clearly influenced by the minimalist lifestyle. I am utterly attracted to the idea of minimalism. By embracing minimalism, I have in fact acquired more from purging and decluttering both physically and mentally.
I would say my approach to both style and life is equivalent to the golden mean – a cross between extreme asceticism and extreme hedonism – though I must admit that my obsession with perfection may be excessive at times. I have learned that the pursuit of the perfect wardrobe pays off and decreases the urge to possess lots of clothes and stuff in general. I maintain that having a superfluity of objects yields dissatisfaction. Rather than buying stuff to fill a void in my life, I constrain myself to cope with dissatisfaction by limiting the quantity of stuff I allow myself to purchase. It takes a lot of effort to become effortless and achieve the look of ease – but this is a further theme that I’ll save for another occasion. I suppose that the choices I make as a minimalist perfectionist are still in alignment with my own effortless simplistic values.
Until nearly three years ago, I found it difficult to conquer my impulse consumerism. For me, the transition from being a hoarder to approaching minimalism was like a release from the burden of possessions. In spite of being able to resist purchasing things on impulse, parting with anything once it was in my possession was the hardest part, especially objects I was strongly attached to.
I believe that the best part of being a minimalist is the feeling of freedom and the ease it gives. I suppose that we’re absolutely capable of managing all of our possessions without intrusion into our life.
As I was packing my suitcase for my stay in Barcelona, it struck me that I always bring the same essentials regardless of destination or season. Packing became a lot easier after I gave my life and wardrobe an overhaul. I was not even aware of my accomplishments until my French cousin, whom I see twice or three times a year, stated that I had been wearing the same clothes since 2008. To me, it sounds like I’ve attained one of my goals. My entire capsule wardrobe fits into one suitcase. It makes me very happy that I no longer respond to the endless consumerism that we are bombarded by and that my wardrobe is no longer cluttered.
As for my style, I’m quite fond of maximalist garments but I wear them in a minimalist way.
I love this post. You explain minimalism very well and it's interesting to see how people journey towards this idea. I'm not there yet, but am on my way.
this post reminds me of siddhartha, which details the buddha's path from an existence of excess to nirvana. he shunned the accumulation of 'stuff' altogether, seeking to remain unencumbered by the weights of the world. thus, he was able to focus on his soul, inner perfection, and personal development. this post and that book, to me, are minimalism in a nutshell. oh…and i love the 'bare' black look.
Stephanie: Thank you! I too am not 100% there yet!Pennerad: What a huge compliment, thank you so much. Buddhism is also my inspiration.
Lovely post and beautifully written. That Vingelli quote is something one should abide by for life.
Vakkert skrevet. Jeg har aldri tenkt på minimalisme på den måten, jeg har alltid sett på det som enkle, rene ting, og ikke noe mer. Takk :)
I love this post. I've always been a consumer (not a hoarder) but definitely I possess a lot of stuff (yet, I love the feeling I get when I've gone through a bout of clothes purging) – Very contradictory I know!!Recently, I've started to wish less and I would say that in the way I have decorated my house I have probably somewhat achieved it (i detest visual noise)… so even though my furniture is not necessarily minimal in design – I have only the essentials. I am far far far away from accomplish anything like that when it comes to my wardrobe.However, I love books and have many of them… and I was wondering how you approach the res of your life when it comes to minimal attitude. Just curious… because I'm definitely learning a lot from you in my pursuit of a more minimal wardrobe and I would be interested how you approach the rest of your every day life. Maybe too personal of a question…Carolina
I couldn't agree more with your comments on minimalism. I also limit myself, but I make sure those purchases are completely necessary and essential to my wardrobe. Battling the impulsive consumer inside me can be difficult sometimes, but it's definitely much easier now than how I was 4 years ago. Great post.T.
A: Thank you! Just visited your tumblr – love it! I'm hereby a follower of your blog!Ane Marte: Tusen takk. Alle retninger og strømninger er vel reaksjoner mot noe. Jeg liker det!Anonymous: Thank you very much! Regarding books, I see another value in books. I was raised in a family that appreciated books a lot, so I appreciate books too. Books educate me and I like to keep them.. but only the books that means something to me. The same applies to movies. But books and movies are also easy to pass on. As for the rest of my life, minimalism is still a challenge but I'm on my way. I recently cleared everything from my desk and kept the essentials – made my life less stressful.paperwhales: Thank you!
I don't know if I'll ever stop being a hoarder, but I will try and make a conscious effort to buy less and save for more special items. I doubt I'll ever buy designer stuff full price, but I would like to have some money saved to buy bits on sale instead of millions of h&m items. I think I've built up a collection of some great items and I need to work with them more.
I ADORED your post! It's like SO true! Minimalism is really a way of being and I love the fact that you feel so comfortable in your skin and your wardrobe. Seems like you've found a good balance! And you're so young still! Wish I was like you! For now, I'm just struggling with tons of clothes!!! :) Maybe one day… http://myfashioninsider.blogspot.com/
Your blog is such a copy of Vanilla Scented. She just made a post on minimalism and so did you…COPYCAT!
I loved reading this! Minimalism is a big part of my everyday life, but not just my clothes. I regularly go through all my things and chuck out everything I don't LOVE, because I'm addicted to that streamlined, uncluttered feeling and love knowing that my life is filled up of all great things.
This picture is stunning in it's simplicity. I think it suits the content quite well.I'm not a minimalist or a hoarder either. I still like things to have a purpose. It's a joke even at work how happy I am to shred papers. I agree about it taking a lot of effort to look effortless. It takes time (years even) to build a wardrobe where one can just pull blind and trust that it works. Then once you have a wardrobe filled with amazing even perfect pieces, you become even more reluctant to bring in anything less than. But going on aesthetics, the look of Calvin Klein or Jil Sander is too severe for my tastes.
you are nothing like vanilla scented. who ever is harassing you about that is verging on psychotic …seriously you look so chic and cool
Well said. I don't think I'm a minimalist in aesthetics but I think the approach of decluttering is a good one. I've never liked hoarding, butI have a habit of wanting more of the same thing. I've always stopping myself from buying yet another cardigan.A severe look without sensuality seems so devoid of joy and life to me. I think what Phoebe Philo really contributed to the concept of minimalist deisgn was to soften the clinical aspect and bring in a sense of really leading a life in those simple, well-cut clothes. She created a woman to aspire to. Anyway, I hope you're having fun in Barcelona, I loved it so much when I went. And Catalan food is superb. Make a visit to the Joan Miro museum, I think you might like it.
"A cross between extreme asceticism and extreme hedonism…"What a perfect description. It's hard to explain to people that 'asceticism' doesn't necessarily mean feeling deprived, but instead knowing when you have enough of one thing. It gives you more time to appreciate what you already have!
I love this post.
want those boots.. tell us more about them :)
Excellent, thoughtful post. The quote is very inspiring and I might save it. I used to go shopping almost every weekend and spent money on trendy pieces, which would get worn once or twice before ending up in a corner of the closet, forgotten. I don't remember when I decided to become a more thoughtful consumer, or whether it was just a natural transition, but I've noticed that over the last year or two, I've been putting a lot more thought into my purchases. Whereas I used to buy at least 2 things a month, I've now improved to the point of buying about 2 thing every 3. I'm definitely not completely there in terms of shedding my consumerist tendencies and harboring a minimalistic wardrobe, but I'm getting there, albeit in small steps. I was quite ecstatic when I came across the new version of you blog, because I truly relate to your aesthetics and outlook on fashion/style. Also, I hope you will just ignore negative comments, such as the ones calling you a Vanillascented copycat. I read both her blog and yours, and I don't think your blogs are similar at all. I get mostly visual stimulation from her blog, but I think your blog is one of the rare fashion blogs that I actually READ and find intellectual stimulation. Thanks and keep the great posts (both pictures and words) coming!
This is my goal too. I tire of things much too easily.
I love this post, in fact, I love all your posts: your taste, your outlook on things. Your blog is seriously one of my favourites!I've never been a hoarder — I always try to give my room a good cleanse whenever the need arises: bookshelves, desk, closet. However, I do often make impulse purchases when items from designers I love go on sale — those items might not even be exactly what I'm looking for, but since I'm incredibly biased towards certain brands I'll buy the items anyway, which often results in me having to be stuck with them and never wear them or having to return them if possible. But that gets tiring after a while, and after reading several of your posts, I think I've pretty much eliminated that habit. I am extremely specific when it comes to my style, and I want 2011 to reflect that even more. I'll be more patient when it comes to finding the perfect pair of trousers or perfect pair of boots, and I hope to invest in more desirable, timeless pieces from now on. Enjoy your time in Barcelona!
I totally agree! Love your blog,so muchBst wisheshttp://freeanggle.blogspot.com
Your photo is the perfect complement to your essay.I've always disliked clutter (for me, dirt, noise and stuff=stress), whether it's actual or emotional, so I am completely on board with your musings.
interesting post…bon voyage!
Minimalism is a tricky goal to attain for sure. I'm glad to read you have managed it beautifully. I struggle with it all the time. Great post!amatutare.wordpress.com
I always enjoy reading Your blog. I think You are very close to achieve that "pure minimalism"
Så fin du er, og så fin blogg du er!
well said! its hard to articulate the correlation between minimalism as an approach to life as well as fashion. minimalism is anything but simple in theory.a while back i had posted the quote "only great minds can afford simple style" which touches on your ideas here too:)
Although I've been a fan of minimalism for quite some time, the past year I've been working hard to polish my wardrobe up-and create that ideal capsule of clothes that I'm content with, and able to wear (almost) anywhere. I definitely think you've achieved this goal, and your blog is a huge inspiration for me whilst I try to reach my 'ideal wardrobe' goal :)
Spot on! You write about everyday, simple things in a whole new aspect, like minimalism. I've always combined it to interior somehow; simple, clean, clear. However, I tend to drown in maxithings, thin as I am. Then, all one can do, is to find a balance – to wear maximalist in a minimalist way :)
Perfect picture!Could you please tell us where your clothes are from?Thx!
Stunning picture! I loved your explanation of how you see minimalism. Beautiful :) xxhttp://www.girlalamode.co.uk/
Do you use lights in your photo? It's gorgeous.
I was going to tell you that i saw dresses on sykeslondon.com from the aw 08/09 and ss 09 collections that could be the right LBD for you…but you spotted them already :) maybe her new collections will have some interesting things. her diffusion line is stocked on ASOS and my-wardrobe, and matches used to carry her clothes but i'm not sure about future collections.
I love your post and I admire your philosophy. I was (and still somewhat am?) a hoarder and am hoping to slowly move toward a minimalist lifestyle. I just find it's much harder in the US when the culture is just one of excessive consumption.I find your perfectionism post very insightful as well. If it's not perfect and you're not completely happy with it, why buy it?
you are so right about minimalism being a way of life- it's thrown around so casually these days, but to really achieve a minimalist style requires quite a bit of discipline and self reflection. and some major wardrobe editing.i've been working on my own personal project of wardrobe overhaul for the past year and a half now, and i really think it's clarified my own personal style.is that your pic in the post? such an elegant and gorgeous shot! :)
Thank you for the response. I really appreciate your comments and reading your opinions!jess: Well said. I absolutely agree with you! But I feel like I never get rid of enough stuff because there are still too much things in my life (that makes me insane!).Pret a porter p: I LOVE shredding papers!! "Then once you have a wardrobe filled with amazing even perfect pieces, you become even more reluctant to bring in anything less than." – this is the way I think. it's become my new nature. Plus I agree with you regarding Jil Sander and CK. Too severe for my taste as well!lin: Philo is genius. Have you read her interview in the gentlewoman? "I don't think I'm a minimalist in aesthetics" – that's an other way to put it, I simply agree. Stephanie: Absolutely!Veronicahhh: They're from Zara. I bought them in February 2009 because they reminded me of the ones from Isabel Marant. They're not comfortable, so I will replace them with a pair from isabel marant similar to the ones I have in taupe.Amy: Merci, you're just too kind! I think my transition was natural too. It was a natural reaction against noise (like STUFF). tamishka: Thank you very much. I also enjoyed reading your thoughts. Regarding sales, it's definitely easy to get sidetracked.amatutare: Well, i wouldn't say that I've managed it fully. It's still a process, though I feel like I'm almost mastering the wardrobe and clothing part. I'm trying to be a minimalist in other ways too, for instance when it regards food. Do I really need to eat that bag of chips? magdalyn: Thanks for sharing the quote. I agree with it!maria: Exactly! Anonymous: Wearing a jacket from Zara (that I seriously think I will re-sell because I've only worn it 3-4 times and there are silver details on the jacket..), t-shirt from COS, bag from balenciaga, jeans from ksubi and zara bottines.Wenxin Liu: Lights? I don't know what you're talking about, haha! But the photo is surely edited.. I make the photos colder..miss sophie: Ah, yes yes! It's not correct to say that someone's style is minimalist when the person happens to be a hoarder or excessive consumer. Minimalism = stripped down to the bare essentials, not only outfit-wise, but in a bigger context. "Minimalism is not a style, it is an attitude, a way of being." Oui, it's me in the photo. :) Thank you!
Such an inspirational quote, followed by an equally inspirational, if not moreso, collection of musings on the idea. I too am aiming towards the 'minimalist lifestyle' and I couldn't agree more when you say you combine maximalist pieces in a minimalist way, for that is the only way to truly appreciate their beauty- in their purest form without any further exaggeration. I also like the time you take to respond to each of your followers/commenters – it makes both your posting, and the commenting, such a joy to read and I always find myself coming back to Dead Fluerette. Thank you!
Adellie Blogger: Thank you very much for the kindness, Adellie!
Ah, dette innlegget er så flott. Du skriver så godt, veldig behagelig å lese. Dessuten virker du mye mer reflektert og gjennomtenkt enn motebloggere flest. Superinspirerende. Jeg må si du har endret handlevanene mine, dessuten mine tanker rundt klær og stil. Det er jeg veldig takknemlig for!
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