How I began reducing my closet with a trigger

How I started reducing 

When people talk about reducing their closets, they list wardrobe staples, style classics, the weather, and all these other factors that can helped them decide what goes in the box and what stays in the closet. That's great for a challenge, like if you just want to shop your closet or reduce spending, but a lifestyle change requires an change in mindset as well. 

My change has been gradual and is an ongoing process. I feel like a recovering addict, constantly reminding myself of the mindset I want for myself.

You know what it started with though? Shoes. I had boxes and boxes of shoes: platform heels, clogs, sandals, pumps, gladiators, ballet flats, leather boots, rain boots, etc.  And yet, I'd come out of my closet with a trial and error outfit that took me some time to put together and none of the shoes seemed to match! It was infuriating. 

I had never enjoyed shoe shopping and always wondered about Carrie Bradshaw's obsession with pretty heels and Jimmy Choos. My mothers collection of boots has also puzzled me all my life, and more than a few of my pairs of shoes were purchased by her or with her.  You know how they say men don't shop unless they need something?  That's how I've always shopped for shoes--with purpose.

Come 2013, I started buying simple shoes to solve this problem: one pair of black and gold sandals for the summer season, one pair of black flats to wear every day to work, one pair of white tennis shoes (which I later replaced with black), and one pair of black Uggs for the snowy winter.  I put away the rest of my shoes and, with the exception of a few special occasions, never needed to take them out again. 

Simplifying my shoe selection made going out the door instantly quicker, saving me a lot of frustration while getting me places on time--a life saver!  

Today, I have one pair of black flip flops, one pair of black Keds, one pair of black heels, one pair of black leather ankle boots, and one pair of navy leather loafers. And sneakers. Although, I must admit, I am wanting a pair of tall black leather boots, but I just haven't found the perfect pair yet. 

Boots! Boots are off season and on SALE!

A few of you have asked me about my equestrian boots, so now that they're sort of off-season I would say that it's a good time to buy (cheaper!) and I did a little research to prove this:

New:





BCBG Frank in Taupe on sale for $79.99

Rachel Zoe's pick.  Nine West Fiddle on sale for $79.99

London Fog waterproof booties on sale for $69.99


You know I went on Piperlime to find a few of these and many I did not include because they were not real leather, and sadly I would not have noticed this if I had not read the poor reviews for them. I'm not one for fine details so I completely overlook the details unless I'm serious about buying (at which point I force myself to check).

Preowned:

Etienne Aigner Size 6 $90.00  (a lot of vtg stuff at this store)

Size 6 on Etsy for $69.00 (a lot of similar sizes! I'm tempted to buy lace ups....)

Brazilian boots sz 7 on Ebay for $59+10=69

Maroon Etienne Aigner boots at Etsy sz  6.5

Etienne Aigner Chocolate Brown on Ebay sz 7.5

I think Etsy vintage stores have nicer items than Ebay vintage stores but the difference of course lies in price. I find that if I type "brown riding boots" on Etsy I get boots at $50+ up to hundreds but on Ebay you could find a pair as cheap a $20 (at the moment) so it really depends on your size and luck!

Lastly, if you like the brand that I wear: Miz Mooz check out some other styles by them:

On sale on Piperlime for $99.00

Let me know if you liked any of my picks! Do you prefer new or vintage?

P.S. 
I myself am eyeing this:

Looks like the buttoned oxfords worn by Mr.Chatterley huh?

But I want it! Shoooooeeeesss....

Usually I lust for bags...but now I've been lusting for heels (our social life was revived so now I actually can wear them somewhere hahaha)! First up there are heels I've been trying on and shoes that caught my eye. Then there are a list by a seller I found on Ebay, but the prices are the same I think it's just nice that there's more size selection online than in the stores I go to.

This is a "statement shoe" by Paris Hilton, whose shoes I <3, only they are not exactly comfortable.

These maid me feel like an "S"...XD

These have been haunting me! By MaxStudio and I'm seriously thinking maybe I NEED patent red heels in my collection

I wasn't resolved on the zipper trend...I don't own a lot of zipper items, I refuse to buy the purse because once the fad passes I wouldn't have use for a zipper flower purse anymore. Plus the brand that coined the "zipper flower" here in the US is Nicole Lee and I don't like the purses by that brand (I prefer the fakes that amazingly enough look better LOL). On the other hand, zipper shoes? Maaaa....

I find this cute, but uncomfy, sort of how I feel about panties with lace lining on the outside? It's rare to find a brand where the lace is soft enough not to irritate me. Victoria's Secret recently released a bunch of those and I have a hard time choosing my free panties from them T-T

You know what? I quite liked these Nine West kitten heels. Unfortunately while I was trying this on this really annoying Chinese girl took the other shoe from the rack and loudly exclaimed to her friend how wonderful it is and how she wants to wear it to work and how strange that she can't find the other shoe! I swear she saw it on me first. >P

These were cute, but I dont feel like investing in ballerinas right now (still have a few) and I guess it just wasn't on my list of priorities (I've learned to budget!)

I'm kind of amazed that gladiator style heels/sandals have lasted this long. I really didn't own a pair the first time they were in, but last season I caved in and spent like $10 on a pair just so I wouldn't feel so "out". This is nice, but I don't even want to try it on. 

How do you feel about gladiators?

This is the type of classic style I hope to only wear one day (when I'm older? when I have a good job?). It reminds me of a horse or a seahorse xD

My ideal loafers in the wrong size T-T

I like the idea of these kinds of shoes, but I do not want to reveal my feet like this as I don't like the way they look very much. I mean, imagine if my toe nails were not perfectly painted at the moment? I'd have to pass on sandals AND ballerinas? e.e;

A deviation of the zipper flower = > leather flower sans zipper!

I like these. They look like Chanel. They're not neutral enough for the season though and I can hear my mom in my head telling me how dreadfully old I'll look in them (as she always does).

What I found on Ebay (brand new!) and all from the same seller (click to see more!):

And actually I'm planning on cleaning up a pair of sporty lace up kitten heels (in canvas and orange) to put on Ebay by the end of this week. They're a size...37.5 I think and I'll post pictures of certain new items later on! Meanwhile you can click on my Buy/Trade section for a selection of stuff I'm selling!

[P.s. I have no idea why this post was not scheduled as it should be but participate in my giveaway anyway!]