What's my style?

I’m assuming most of you are just like me – normal.  We don’t shop ‘high-fashion’ and the closest we’ve been to a fashion show is when we watch Project Runway.  And since I’m not buying the latest trends from Paris it’s always been difficult for me to state “this is my style”. 

So what IS my style?
 
Is clearance a style?
 
I was reading a really interesting blog recently about creating a capsule wardrobe and I could relate to much of what the writer was talking about.  I don’t shop out of NEED, I shop so I can get a mood boost.  I shop when I’m bummed or sad and new clothes make me feel better.  But for how long?
 
How many times have we passed over our recent wardrobe additions and decide to wear a long time favorite instead?  I know I do it.  Like today, I’m wearing a sweater that I have owned for 5 years.  I love this sweater.  It’s comfortable, fits great and it’s a classic look.  So why do we keep adding cheap emotional pieces to our closets?
 
I love the way this writer puts it: 

“Hard day at work? Shopping! Not feeling very pretty today? Shopping! Frustrated with my family? Shopping! No wonder my closet didn’t make any sense. It reflected my emotional stress, not my style.”    (http://www.un-fancy.com)
 
Her theory is (and it’s the theory of most people who have capsule wardrobes) is that when you narrow down your closet to just 37 pieces, you will filter out the “filler items” and what you’re left with will be YOUR style.
 
My style?!  You mean it’s been trapped in my closet this whole time?!
 
Now I’m excited!  Now I can’t wait to go through everything I own and find the 30+ items that I LOVE and that make up MY STYLE!  That's what I'm doing this weekend and I'll make sure to post photos - so check back!
 
I don’t know if I’m quite ready to give up on the rest of my closet since I’m not buying any new clothes this year, but I believe filtering out items now will keep me motivated and will help me rediscover some of the lost treasures hiding in my closet.
 
So here’s my challenge to you this week – go to your closet and pick out your 30+ items.  It’s ok if you’re not ready to make the 3 month commitment, but still pull those items out and hang them together in your closet.  Try dressing from those items as much as possible over the next few months and let me know how it went!
 
If nothing else we'll be one step closer to discovering our "style”.