One part of life that isn't really talked about enough, is the realization that comes from making mistakes. As humans, we take steps, believing that that is the right thing to do at the moment, then in the midst of it all, we realize that that particular step isn't something that should have been considered in the first place. But, as the saying goes, experience is the best teacher. We make mistakes, realize it ourselves and find ways to ensure we don't repeat those mistakes.
In my first year in university, I explored a lot. I was exposed to a life without restrictions for the first time, and I was determined to live it to it's fullest. I bought whatever I fancied, bought anything that looked good enough for future, bought anything I wanted, and could afford. Having the laxity I had then, I bought everything that wasn't costly, and was pleasing to the eyes. Soon enough, I accumulated a host of useless items. Safe to say, I had a collection of them.
Back then, I'd buy a dress simply because it was very affordable, but after a wash and a wear, it'd be unwearable for the second time. In the end, I didn't need anyone to open my eyes to see the extent of my folly. When I'd have an important event to attend, then I'd find out that almost all the new outfits I got were either too raggedy or unsuitable, I'll have to fall back to my older clothes, I just had to rethink things.
I'm familiar with thrifting, as an action. My mom took me along with her everytime she shopped for us. One rule I learnt, after my first year experience, and have to come to apply whenever I go thrifting, is prioritizing quality. My fashion principle, as applied to minimalism, is quality over quantity.
Whenever I go thrift shopping, the value of what I'm buying is what matters to me the most. Minimalism as a lifestyle, deals with prioritizing value over everything else. Buying something that ends up being too ill-fitting for a place, because it's worn-out isn't my goal as a minimalist. My goal as a minimalist is in making the most out of things and buying something of so little value just because they were affordable doesn't aim to achieve it.
As minimalists, quantity is never our foremost considerations. Value is, and has always been. Minimalism, is about finding satisfaction in those things that matter. There is no satisfaction in purchasing so many thing that would have me scrutinizing them before I wear. For someone who's very conscious about her appearance, prioritizing quality over quantity, is a must-do for me. The quality of an item or accessory over-shadows my attraction to it, and so, heavily influences my decision to purchase it.
This is my entry to the #stylishSaturday prompt posed by the minimalist community.
Thanks for reading.
Images are mine.
