Happy 2019! Hope everyone had a relaxing and fulfilling holiday! I was a bit sick over the break, so took some time off from outfit photos, but still managed to sneak away for a few days with David. I surprised him with a road trip down the coast — we hit up the usual coastal stops like Carmel, Big Sur, Hearst Castle, and Santa Barbara, but it was our first time in Los Alamos and Solvang.

Prompted by my recent post about giving back more, I’ve been thinking about the flip side of that same coin: taking less. After all, I think they complement each other quite nicely, don’t you? Giving more and taking less? In 2019, I’m hoping to change my approach to consumption with an even-less-is-more outlook. Yes, I’ve learned to buy with intention over the years and to make fewer, better, more purposeful purchases overall. Still, I think it’s important to continue to check and challenge myself. So, in the spirit of the new year and making style resolutions, I’m making a commitment to improve my consumption habits even more this year. How? By asking thoughtful questions. Here are the questions I’m planning to ask myself before every purchase in 2019:

1. Can I style this piece at least five different ways? If not, am I okay with wearing it the same way every single time?
2. Will I still love this piece in a year? Two years?
3. If a piece is marked down, do I love it enough to pay full price for it?
4. Is it worth it to introduce this piece to my closet if that means I need to let go of another piece in order to continue the cycle?
5. Will I still love this piece once the trend is over?

I’d love to know, what are your thoughts on purchasing with intent and how do you practice it?