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I Have Nothing to Wear vs. Minimalism

I have been struggling with the worry about my clothes again. I have lots to choose from, and yet I feel like I just can’t re-wear certain things. I suspect this is just a problematic mind frame in need of shift and not an actual problem with my closet. It’s the battle between the I Have Nothing to Wear Syndrome versus Maintaining My Capsule Wardrobe.

I’ll break it all down for you.

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Birthday Shopping Guide

May is a big month in my household. My partner and I have birthdays within ten days of each other and we’re both turning thirty-five! Holy crap! How did that happen? I used to have a lot more anxiety about age, but this year I’m too preoccupied with life transitions to worry about a number.

I don’t need a whole lot of stuff, so the best gift I could get is time. I miss adult interaction, I crave meaningful conversation with friends, I even look forward to bumping into acquaintances around town! I do understand, however, that time is more of a concept and can’t be wrapped up with a bow. Here are some of my favorite birthday presents that pair well with the gift of time:

Some of the following gift ideas contain Amazon affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, I’ll receive a percentage of that sale at no cost to you. All thoughts and opinions are my own. For a full disclosure statement see my About page.

I just got the Madewell Transport Tote and I love it. It’s roomy enough to throw in my necessities–laptop, several notebooks, my calendar, and a water bottle. It’s my go-to handbag for my once a week afternoon of errands and writing at a coffeeshop. 

madewell transport tote
Roomy tote in English Saddle leather ($168 at Madewell). You can get it monogrammed too!

I use my favorite Rebecca Minkoff mini purse whenever I get a babysitter for the night. (So, like three times in the last year.) It can hold a surprising amount of stuff, but it’s still dainty and fun and decidedly not a diaper bag. Take this Mini Mac crossbody bag out for drinks, dinner, and a concert. Let loose for a night!

rebecca minkoff black leather mini mac bg
Mini Mac crossbody bag ($150 at Amazon) with fringe! Fringe!

David Chang’s empire of cookbooks and magazines combine kitsch, art, and humor with food. I have Momofuku, Momofuku Milk Bar101 Easy Asian Recpies, and the quarterly food journal Lucky Peach in my collection. Give your foodie a few hours to play in the kitchen, and you might end up with a Crack Pie or two.

101 easy asian recipes by lucky peach and peter meehan
An awesome cookbook with American classics like Mall Chicken. I kid you not. (~$23 via Amazon; also available for the Kindle, $18.99)

Why go out for drinks when you can stay in? It’s cozier and the conversation is way better! Get real copper mugs for Moscow Mules and spice them up with my new favorite ginger beer by Cock and Bull ($6.29 at BevMo for club members). 

copper mugs by alchemade
I have these mugs by Alchemade and they taste like real copper pennies! ($14.99 for one via Amazon)

Body wash is my secret weapon to starting the day right. My daily shower may be the only time I get to unwind. Skip the generic bar soap, and go for one of the dozens of delicious Philosophy multi-use washes (shampoo, bubble bath, shower gel).

Vanilla Birthday Cake
I’m dreaming of a Vanilla Birthday Cake bubble bath. ($18 for 16oz at Amazon)

Save time and save money by creating a fun and easy way to pack lunches. How about the Bentgo All In One Stackable Lunchbox? I got this for my friend in her favorite shade of green.

green bentgo lunch box
Make your lunch cute! ($14.99 at Amazon)

Everyone’s schedules are jam packed. If you can’t pick a date to celebrate in person, send a card that’s also art so they can hang it on their wall and enjoy it for longer than just their birthday month.

I Carried a Watermelon mini print
“I carried a watermelon.” My favorite line from Baby in Dirty Dancing. Mini print/post card by Emma M Illustration. ($2.97 via Etsy)

What are some of your go-to gift ideas? Is there anything you’re coveting from afar?

 

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