Capsule Wardrobe

Posted on February 12, 2019 by Laurie Buchanan

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My friend Jane B. sent me a Facebook message saying that her yoga group was curious about my minimalist’s wardrobe. I understand that it’s hard for some people to wrap their head around, so I pulled my clothes out of the closet and hung them on a bar so you can easily see that I have 29 pieces—a capsule wardrobe. I grouped the pieces into three sections:

The LEFT side is my yoga/activewear.
You’ll count 7 hangers, but we’ll call it 9 because while taking the photo I was wearing a top and bottom from that group.

The MIDDLE section comprises my casual/everyday clothing.
You’ll count 12 hangers.

The RIGHT side is my dressier pieces.
You’ll count 7 pieces, but I purchased a dress after this photo was taken, so we’ll call it 8.

I call my wardrobe an “abalone capsule” because the pieces that aren’t black, grey, or white (my base colors) are comprised of colors found in an abalone shell: blues, greens, teals, and turquoise.

Somewhat like Garanimals (the children’s mix-and-match clothing line), I can grab clothing from any section of my closet and know that they’ll match. The cool part? I only own and wear items that I love.

In my experience, the thing that’s vital in a successful capsule wardrobe is owning well-made pieces. If you looked at my clothing tags, you’d find Patagonia, Title Nine, Marmot, and Columbia. I own one purse (Baggallini), and my shoes are either Clarks or Keene.

The photo of my capsule wardrobe isn’t a single season of clothing, it’s all of my clothing—except for undergarments (Boody Eco Wear) and swimsuit (Speedo). On a coatrack by the front door, you’ll find my coat, vest, ear-covers, and gloves (Patagonia).

My clothing reflects my personality and lifestyle. I’m an active, outdoorsy type of gal.

What kind of relationship do you have with your closet—enjoyment or dread?

Getting Cheeky

Posted on October 7, 2014 by Laurie Buchanan

In our neck of the woods the squirrels are hurrying and scurrying in fat-cheeked ernest as they gather, stock, and store in preparation for winter. These industrious little fellows click, chatter, and scold as we walk by, warning each other with staccato-like tail flicks of potential danger — “Duck and cover, there’s humans and dogs!”

Considered to be in the “autumn” of my life, I recently enjoyed my 57th birthday. Unlike squirrels, as a dyed-in-the-wool minimalist I have not amassed a collection of things. I have, however, accumulated great memories—with many more to come!

Do you stockpile anything?

Daylight’s Burnin’!

Posted on September 25, 2012 by Laurie Buchanan

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This week I celebrate Double Nickels — my 55th birthday.

In reaching this milestone it seems reasonable to suggest that I’ve got more time behind me than I do in front of me. In fact, daily I can hear John Wayne’s voice, “Slap some bacon on a biscuit and let’s go, we’re burning daylight!”

And while the package I reside in has changed considerably over the years, I still feel the same on the inside—bright and sassy!

How do you feel on the inside?

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
— Laurie Buchanan

Discovering the Seven Selves Life Harmony Facebook

Mind Your Own Business

Posted on September 18, 2012 by Laurie Buchanan

Do you remember Gladys Kravitz—the nosey neighbor who lived next door to Samantha and Darrin Stephens—on the television show Bewitched? She was always curious about what other people were up to:

Samantha Stephens: Oh, hi, Mrs. Kravitz. What a surprise (not!).
Gladys Kravitz: I came over for a snoop of, uh, a scoop of sugar. I hope I’m not disturbing you.

Our dog Willa—aka Mrs. Kravitz—is a snoop in the first degree. When our neighbors are in their back yard, she peeks through the fence!

Willa would do well to heed Hank Williams’ song, Mind Your Own Business!

I have more than a dash and a dollop of curiosity. When I was a young girl, my hero was Harriet the Spy.

Have you ever stuck your nose where it didn’t belong?

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
— Laurie Buchanan

Discovering the Seven Selves Life Harmony Facebook

The Brilliance of Pooh

Posted on September 11, 2012 by Laurie Buchanan

Regardless of what you do (artist, chef, teacher, writer, hair stylist, gardener) there are countless times during the day when just be-ing is imperative.

It’s typically in the be-ing space that I join the esteemed ranks of Winnie the Pooh and think, Think, THINK.

In autumn I’m speaking in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico at the Women with Sacred Souls International Gathering and Retreat. My topic is keys—keys that help us open our emotional baggage, examine it, and offload it.

In my desire to leave each listener with something tangible from the presentation, I had colorful mini-cards made with a skeleton key on one side, and my quote “Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing” on the other.

Next to HolEssence people made a vertical garden in a discarded pallet – brilliant!

What’s your brilliant idea?

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
— Laurie Buchanan

Discovering the Seven Selves Life Harmony Facebook

To Sling or Not to Sling

Posted on September 4, 2012 by Laurie Buchanan

Recently after teaching a class at HolEssence, my attention was caught on the drive home by four pairs of what appeared to be rather new tennis shoes hanging from telephone lines. Looking at the shoes silhouetted against the sunlit blue sky, the first thing that popped into my head was the song, “Waking on Sunshine” by Katrina and The Waves.

Grabbing my camera to capture the free-spirited moment, the second thought that crossed my mind was “Luke Skywalker,” and the third was, “Walking Tall” (really tall)!

When I got home I checked Snopes to see what the story behind this practice might be. As it turns out, it could mean anything from exuberance at passing a sexual milestone, to gangs marking their territorial boundaries, and everything in-between, including just plain old fun!

I also learned that the Southwest has a similar practice of placing boots upside down on fenceposts by the side of a road. And in the military, some soldiers pitch their boots over wires when leaving a post.

Have you ever been a shoe slinger?

If I Only had a Heart

Posted on August 28, 2012 by Laurie Buchanan

Without question, my favorite character in the Wizard of Oz is the Tin Man:

When a man’s an empty kettle
He should be on his mettle
And yet I’m torn apart
Just because I’m presumin’
That I could be a human
If I only had a heart

Where we live in Crystal Lake, Illinois our home is about three blocks—as the crow flies—from a family owned muffler shop, so we tend to pass their congenial “Tin Man” on a regular basis. For me, his presence serves as a thoughtful reminder to pause and reflect…what condition is my heart in?

I’d be tender, I’d be gentle
And awful sentimental
Regarding love and art
I’d be friends with the sparrows
And the boy that shoots the arrows
If I only had a heart

What condition is your heart in?

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
— Laurie Buchanan

Please visit HolEssence and our Facebook page

I’m a Basket Case!

Posted on August 21, 2012 by Laurie Buchanan

A few years ago when the economy took an interesting turn, we made the decision to change the store/product part of HolEssence (our small healing studio) to sacred space for Yoga. In doing so, we hosted a large sale event to eliminate product, and we put the display-type pieces down in the basement for safekeeping.

With summer upon us, we’ve taken advantage of the weather (no rain, snow, or ice) to clean said basement. Much to our surprise, we discovered that I’m a basket case! We knew that I’d used a lot of baskets to showcase various products to their best advantage, but we were amazed at the actual number!

Do you have an accidental or intentional collection of something whose size has unwittingly crept up on you?

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
— Laurie Buchanan

Please visit HolEssence and our Facebook page

I Ran Away!

Posted on August 14, 2012 by Laurie Buchanan

Periodically I run away from home to get some good, solid writing accomplished. Most recently my destination was George Williams College in William’s Bay in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

An unexpected guest, they treated me like royalty! I was escorted to what seemed like the bridge of the Starship Enterprise with a commanding, second-floor view of the campus and William’s Bay.

I broke for lunch at noon. The dining hall at the Beasley Campus Center served up a wonderful meal they packed in a to-go box so I could enjoy it down on the shore.

Mesmerized by the hypnotic comings and goings of sailboats and yachts as they glided past on the shimmering bay, I admired the nautical skill of the day sailors.

This adventure was the exception, rather than the rule. I usually run away to the library, a coffee shop, or a bookstore. But trying to hide in your own town is difficult because inevitably you’re recognized.

The next time you see someone with a mustache, the bill of their cap pulled low over dark glasses, hunkered over a laptop with their fingers smokin’ the keys,
it’s not me...

When was the last time you ran away from home?

Discovering the Seven Selves

Posted on August 7, 2012 by Laurie Buchanan

For those of you who’ve already shared with me in my excitement via the HolEssence newsletter or Facebook, thank you!

For those of you who haven’t seen it yet…

Last week the trailer for my up-and-coming book was completed and it’s available for viewing. Simply click on the “play” button below.

Discovering the Seven Selves:
Your Key to Offloading Baggage and Increasing Joy – Now!

The Buzz…

“An invaluable resource to help individuals transform life’s obstacles into opportunities, develop a healthier level of self-esteem, and cultivate a splendid sense of joy, now!”

— Sheila Glazov, author of What Color Is Your Brain? A Fun and Fascinating Approach to Understanding Yourself and Others

“Laurie walks you through the web of your own life and gives you practical exercises to explore your deepest desires, fears, and motivations, and shows you how to move past yourself to create the life you want now!”

— Julie Murphy Casserly, author of The Emotion Behind Money: Building Wealth from the Inside Out

“This book is unique in that it goes beyond the usual simplistic discussion of the chakra system to a comprehensive but practical understanding of the seven dimensions of identity.”

— Susan Wisehart, author of Soul Visioning: Clear the Past, Create Your Future

Are you ready to offload baggage?

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
— Laurie Buchanan

Please visit HolEssence, Discovering the Seven Selves, and our Facebook page

Tuesdays with Laurie

"Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing." —Laurie Buchanan

Tag Archives: minimalist lifestyle

Capsule Wardrobe

Getting Cheeky

Daylight’s Burnin’!

Mind Your Own Business

The Brilliance of Pooh

To Sling or Not to Sling

If I Only had a Heart

I’m a Basket Case!

I Ran Away!

Discovering the Seven Selves

Discovering the Seven Selves:
Your Key to Offloading Baggage and Increasing Joy – Now!

“An invaluable resource to help individuals transform life’s obstacles into opportunities, develop a healthier level of self-esteem, and cultivate a splendid sense of joy, now!”

“Laurie walks you through the web of your own life and gives you practical exercises to explore your deepest desires, fears, and motivations, and shows you how to move past yourself to create the life you want now!”

“This book is unique in that it goes beyond the usual simplistic discussion of the chakra system to a comprehensive but practical understanding of the seven dimensions of identity.”

Discovering the Seven Selves: Your Key to Offloading Baggage and Increasing Joy – Now!

“An invaluable resource to help individuals transform life’s obstacles into opportunities, develop a healthier level of self-esteem, and cultivate a splendid sense of joy, now!”

“Laurie walks you through the web of your own life and gives you practical exercises to explore your deepest desires, fears, and motivations, and shows you how to move past yourself to create the life you want now!”

“This book is unique in that it goes beyond the usual simplistic discussion of the chakra system to a comprehensive but practical understanding of the seven dimensions of identity.”

Discovering the Seven Selves:
Your Key to Offloading Baggage and Increasing Joy – Now!