One Tee, Nine Ways || Sancho's Dress Capsule Collection

I'm going to sound like a broken record here, but hear me out. 

If you're working on creating a minimal, intentional wardrobe that flows and works with your lifestyle, there's one word that you should always, always keep in mind. 

Versatility. 

If I've said it once, I've said it a billion times, but I truly think that after you consider the ethics behind a piece and need for the piece in your closet, versatility should be the very next thing in your mind. 

With each new item I add to my closet, I ensure that I can wear it with (at least) three different outfits, and so today I thought I'd walk you through how that looks in reality with a staple piece that every closet needs: the plain white tee. 

LNBF || Leave Nothing But Footprints

The further I delve into ethical fashion, the more concerned I become with not only the hands behind my clothes, but the fabrics behind them as well. 

I'm learning more and more about how certain fabrics and the processes used to create them are either helpful or harmful to both our environment and our bodies. For example, did you know that polyester (the single most common synthetic fabric out there,) is also rated one of the most harmful for your skin? It's made with "synthetic polymers that are made from esters of dihydric alcohol and terpthalic acid" (source). Not exactly something I want to have rubbing up on my skin all day long. Although some of the toxins are removed during production, many of them linger in the garment, and your skin — as your body's largest organ — soaks it right in. 

My Spring Capsule Wardrobe + Why I'm Taking A Break from "Capsuling"

I know what you're thinking....spring has already been in full force for well over a month now and I haven't shared my spring wardrobe yet? I'm sure you've all been on the edge of your seats waiting for me to unveil my closet all this time, right? ;)

I'm nothing if not dedicated, and I decided to share my capsule a bit late this season for several reasons.

The first is this: midwest springs are equivalent to winter for the most part, so i wanted to wait until spring at least tried to make an appearance before I broke out the blush tones and shorts.

Secondly, I had a few big goals for this capsule and I wanted to feel like I had actually accomplished them before sharing.

And third, because this is going to be my last capsule for a while.

Spring Cleaning || Detox Your Wardrobe

Whether you're the capsule wardrobe building type or not, chances are you've spent some time this Spring downsizing (or wanting to downsize) your closet. I know the feeling of being overwhelmed by a cluttered closet and sometimes, after a long winter, a good, old fashioned Spring cleaning is just what your closet needs to whip back into shape. 

This spring, more than any other season, I've put a lot of work into curating the most cohesive, small, and practical wardrobe that I can; filled with pieces I truly love and wear often. However, that didn't happen overnight. Like most things, developing your style, even from season to season, takes effort and time. 

This "Spring Cleaning" series is all about uncommon areas to detox, and although your closet might be your go-to area to clean out, these tips may be ones you haven't thought of yet. 

One Happy Leaf || Bamboo Jewelry For Aspiring Minimalists

When it comes to jewelry, my mantra is pretty similar to the other areas of my life: I try to keep it as simple as possible. I prefer delicate stacking rings to statement pieces, and long necklaces with a simple pendent over colorful baubles. I only own one pair of earrings. 

This "keep it simple" motto helps me stick to my own personal style and only choose pieces that will, like everything else in my closet, flow well together. So, naturally, when I find a brand whose motto aligns well with mine, I'm hooked.

One Happy Leaf designs jewelry for "nature lovers, aspiring minimalists, wearers of messy buns and unapologetic smiles". Their pieces are all made by hand in Australia by Anna, the brand's founder and designer. 

Slow Living FAQ No. 3 || Minimalism and Freedom Based Lifestyles

Last year was an unexpected journey for me—one that took me from complete burnout to immense clarity and freedom. I became burned out after raising close to $8,000 in 30 days to help feed over 35 families who were experiencing a severe drought and hunger crisis in Mozambique. I had lived in this village in Mozambique for three years and continue to visit for work with my non-profit, Kurandza. This community is like family to me, and I couldn’t sit back and watch while they went hungry.

When I got back home to San Francisco after being in Mozambique for a month, I had a wake up call. I realized that I was burned out and needed to take some time for self care and to gain clarity. I needed time to explore how I wanted my biggest value, freedom, to play out in my life.

Seeing everything I owned in my studio was blatantly juxtaposed to the simple way of life in Mozambique. I only lived with the necessities in Mozambique—and I was fine. I was so more than fine that I was able to slow down and appreciate the simple things like observing the beauty of nature while walking or biking through the village, visiting with the neighbors for hours, or enjoying a good, home-cooked meal with friends. Even though the people in that village deal with issues like malaria, unemployment, and hunger, they are still happy and able to find joy in the little things. They continue to teach and inspire me all the time.