Hello friends!
This post is long overdue. If you follow me on Instagram, you may have noticed I’ve been somewhat absent over the last couple of weeks.
It’s been something of a rough winter (and school year, if I’m honest) and I found my social media consumption was not helping my mood. I decided a while ago to take a bit of a break and it’s actually been fantastic.
I’ve also decided to focus more of my energy on this blog than on Instagram posts as the Instagram algorithm is a constantly moving target and any content I make there is basically impossible to find again after you’ve viewed it once.
Anyway, one of the big things I’ve struggled with this winter is motivation to actually put on an outfit. Since probably Christmas, I’ve worn skinny jeans and a sweater every day and I don’t love it. I know that my clothes greatly affect my mood. But the reverse is also true.
What I’m trying out now is working through The Artist’s Way. Its a book with a 12-week program to tap into your creativity. So far it involves journaling in the morning and a weekly “artist date” which I have yet to take myself on. My hope is to regain-inspire myself and be able to create more interesting clothes and outfits. I’m only a half a week in, but I’m enjoying it so far!
I also turned 37 recently and it was a bigger transition than I expected for such a non-milestone birthday. I feel like I’m approaching 40 with excitement now. I understand more and more how people say you give less Fs at
40 and I am well on my way.
This also marked a bit of a transition in how I approach dressing. I’ve always strived to look well-dressed, but what that means has changed for me. When I was younger, I viewed trends as a menu for me to choose from. Since having my kids and worrying about looking aged or frumpy, I’ve noticed myself following trends more than I used to. Trying to find a on-trend jean to look good on my body has been an exhausting and fruitless endeavour over the last five years and I’m just tired of it.
What I’m hoping to accomplish with The Artist’s Way is to really tap into what my true style is and make clothes that I’m going to love wearing for a long time. I want to move away from taking my cues from my he fashion industry and lean into inspiration from art and history.
Right now, I’m deciding where to go for my first artist’s date this weekend and can’t decide! Do you have any suggestions?
couturious.org 
I came across your blog while searching for capsule wardrobe sewing. I am considerably older then you are, but still working on finding my (new) style. I think we have to look carefully at our style every time our life circumstances change. I am retired now – big shift in what I need to have in my closet. COVID threw a curve ball at most of us too. I hope you carry on with your blog.
Carmen (Fellow Canadian)
I feel this so much. After having my kids, I had to completely re-evaluate my style and my clothes because they didn’t work for my body anymore. It’s actually something I’ve talked about a lot in my posts and the capsule wardrobe book I’m writing!
I have yet to read the Artist’s Way but recently won a copy of the follow-on book (Living the Artists Way) and am looking to delving into that.
My suggestion for an Artist’s date would be a museum. Maybe one with an exhibition you’re interested in?
Andrea
We’re big museum people in my family so we are regularly at local museums! I think of my artist’s dates is going to be going to the art gallery though! Just not this weekend