My awesome #FridayFrivolity co-host, Sarah Eliza of Devastate Boredom, has just released an equally awesome eBook on creating the perfect capsule wardrobe. Sarah didn't ask me to review - in fact she doesn't even know I am! - but even though I consider myself the least likely person in the world to actually part with clothing I decided to give it a go. :D
First up, it's no secret that I love Sarah's writing style, and you can be sure that this eBook does not disappoint. It's fun, it's quirky, and I felt like I was being guided along with a gentle touch, rather than being judged or lectured at, which is always a big win with any self-help book. There is no mention of how much of x you need in your capsule closet, or why more than y is totally unnecessary.
Instead the focus is completely on what works for you. Some people love skirts, some people hate them, the number of skirts each of these people owns is probably going to be different. There's nothing wrong with that. Instead of working to some arbitrary number, the reader is first encouraged to go through their clothes, find what makes them happy, and then put the rest (work uniforms / other necessities exempted) on probation for a few weeks.
What this made me realise is how much of the stuff in my wardrobe actively makes me feel bad about myself. I put on a lot of weight with Marianna which I still haven't shifted, and every time I look in there it reminds me of the fact. I'm not ready to get rid of the clothes, and am still working on losing weight, but reading this gave me a lightbulb moment: I don't need to keep it view. It can all go in a vacuum pack (or three...) and go on extended probation until I'm in a better place to deal with it.
Looking at what's left allowed me to take on board some more of the book's advice. Pick some base colours and some highlight colours. Work with those in tops and bottoms to create a myriad of outfits that make you feel happy and confident.
While I'm not getting rid of much in the sense that it's actually leaving the house, and to compound the issue plan on buying a few new pieces on top of what I already own, I really feel that the book has worked its magic on me. I feel so much more positive about my clothes and how I look.
And that's pretty priceless!
First up, it's no secret that I love Sarah's writing style, and you can be sure that this eBook does not disappoint. It's fun, it's quirky, and I felt like I was being guided along with a gentle touch, rather than being judged or lectured at, which is always a big win with any self-help book. There is no mention of how much of x you need in your capsule closet, or why more than y is totally unnecessary.
Instead the focus is completely on what works for you. Some people love skirts, some people hate them, the number of skirts each of these people owns is probably going to be different. There's nothing wrong with that. Instead of working to some arbitrary number, the reader is first encouraged to go through their clothes, find what makes them happy, and then put the rest (work uniforms / other necessities exempted) on probation for a few weeks.
What this made me realise is how much of the stuff in my wardrobe actively makes me feel bad about myself. I put on a lot of weight with Marianna which I still haven't shifted, and every time I look in there it reminds me of the fact. I'm not ready to get rid of the clothes, and am still working on losing weight, but reading this gave me a lightbulb moment: I don't need to keep it view. It can all go in a vacuum pack (or three...) and go on extended probation until I'm in a better place to deal with it.
Looking at what's left allowed me to take on board some more of the book's advice. Pick some base colours and some highlight colours. Work with those in tops and bottoms to create a myriad of outfits that make you feel happy and confident.
While I'm not getting rid of much in the sense that it's actually leaving the house, and to compound the issue plan on buying a few new pieces on top of what I already own, I really feel that the book has worked its magic on me. I feel so much more positive about my clothes and how I look.
And that's pretty priceless!
Click the pic to go and read more about the book over at Devastate Boredom, or you can head straight over to Amazon where you can pick up your own copy for just £5.28 or read for free via Kindle Unlimited!
Other books I've read this month include...
Most Evil II: Presenting the Follow-Up Investigation and Decryption of the 1970 Zodiac Cipher in which the San Francisco Serial Killer Reveals his True Identity by Steve HodelMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Non-Fiction, 2015. Some really interesting new information, especially around the decoding of the symbols used by the Zodiac.
How to Start a Successful Blog in One Hour by Steve ScottMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Non-Fiction, 2013. Useful guide for those looking to set up a blog on Wordpress. Kind of redundant for those of us not sold on the platform.
Declutter And Simplify - 33 Proven Ways To Declutter And Simplify Your Life by Andy C.E. BrownMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Non-Fiction, 2015. Nice quick read, like dipping your toe into the topic!
The Murder on the Enriqueta: A Golden Age Mystery by Molly ThynneMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fiction, 1929. Formulaic but enjoyable murder mystery from the late 1920s. It's hardly the greatest example of the genre, but it's good fun and, for me, that more than made up for any deficiencies!
Goodbye Clutter, Hello Freedom: How to create space for Danish Hygge and Lifestyle by cleaning up, organizing and decorating with care. by Lena BentsenMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Non-Fiction, 2016. Introduction to the Danish concept of 'Hygge' and how our homes can be better organized to encourage it. A nice enough read, but I didn't come away feeling inspired as I have with other similar books I've read on the subject.
The Trail of Ted Bundy: Digging Up The Untold Stories by Kevin M. SullivanMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Non-Fiction, 2016. There are a few pieces of really interesting information here, but for the most part it's a little content-lite, with lots of quoting from other published works.
The Dream Dollhouse Do-It-Yourself Book: Adorable goodies for the fashion dollhouse by Julie SheltonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Non-Fiction, 2014. Lots of great ideas, and really clear instructions. I came away full of crafting enthusiasm!
101 Ways to Say Thank You: How to Write Customized, Gracious and Sincere Thank-You Notes for Nearly Every Gift, Event, or Occasion by Deanne MarieMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Non-Fiction, 2016. Writing thank you notes does not come naturally to me, but I loved the step by step approach in this book and feel I now have the tools to craft a (non cringeworthy!) thank you note for any situation.
Making Dollhouse Furniture Living Room: With Pipe Cleaners Step by Step by Ava BachanMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Non-Fiction, 2014. Some cute ideas for making inexpensive dollhouse furniture.
Home Cleaning Hand Book: 89 Quick Tips To Deep Clean Your House Easily and Without Breaking A Sweat by Amanda StewartMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Non-Fiction, 2014. Some great tips for keeping your home looking great.
How to Organize Your Life to Maximize Your Day: Effective Time Management Tips and Ideas to Simplify Your Life by Judith TurnbridgeMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Non-Fiction, 2013. A quick read with some useful and easily actionable ideas to help reduce the stress in your life, and give yourself more time.
Ice and Bone: Tracking An Alaskan Serial Killer by Monte FrancisMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Non-Fiction, 2016. Not cases I was previously aware of, but the author did a fantastic job of writing them up and presenting the victims as well as their killer, which is so often something which gets overlooked with true crime. There is also an absolutely fascinating section about tracker dogs, and the incredible part they played in solving one of these murders.
The Mindset of Organization: Take Back Your House One Phase at a Time by Lisa WoodruffMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Non-Fiction, 2016. I've read lots and lots of organization books lately, and this one has been the best by far! The author's tone is warm and non-judgemental, and the tips are both specific and realistic, which leaves you feeling motivated to start implementing them. If you're looking for some organisational and decluttering tips, this is the book to get.
Forensic Analysis and DNA in Criminal Investigations: Including Solved Cold Cases by R.J. ParkerMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Non-Fiction, 2015. This is a great introduction to the history of forensic analysis, and how it works in a modern police investigation.
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