I consider myself a travel enthusiast, so 2020 is taking my natural wanderlust to uncharted heights. The excitement of embracing new environments or landing upon familiar landscapes carries an indescribable sense of freedom, reinvention and wonder.
But there are ways to feel transported even when you’re staying put. Personal style remains my transport of choice when life calls for renaissance. In the same way a vacation has the ability to revitalize, fashion opens the door to exuberance and vibrancy. With this outlook inspiring my latest escapades, here are 5 ways I’m updating my wardrobe.
Photography provided by Shayla Owodunni
Living for Local
Among the many lessons the coronavirus outbreak has instilled, an emphasis on shopping local is a souvenir I will enthusiastically bring into 2021 and beyond. Thanks to my favorite small businesses, I’ve been transported to the most picturesque locales as of late. For example, I am instantly whisked away to the most charming cafe in France (or Gavin Kaysen’s Bellecour Bakery) each time I don my handmade satsuma-hued L’artiste Beret by local milliner Celina Kane. C’est magnifique!
Voyaging After Vintage
On my quest for increased sustainability, I’m incorporating more vintage finds into my fashion fold. I’ve recently added pieces from Cloud Vintage and Neon Sky Vintage, with so many other shops on my list to explore. I love knowing these fabrics have literally stood the test of time and have many stories to tell, I’m sure. There’s also something to be said for the thrill of the hunt.
Prowling for Prints
Admittedly, my days as a boisterous child demanding to wear colorful knee-high stockings with loud print dresses are very much alive and well. This upcoming season will be my first Minnesota winter experience in three years, and I’m on a concerted quest to make it a memorable debut. Farm Rio never disappoints when it comes to proper print protocol, and the brand’s vivacious Reversible Jungle Puffer Jacket is at the top of my cold-front wish list.
Fawning Over Familiar
Similar to becoming a tourist in my own city as a means of discovery, I’m loving the energizing challenge of making the old new again in my closet. While the rush of a good add-to-cart moment will never lose its luster, I’m having fun revitalizing my back-of-closet clothing for a fresh take on the familiar. Whether it’s adding a turtleneck to that summer dress, restyling my work-from-home sweats with a leather jacket or (finally) getting that wool coat dry-cleaned, working with what I already own has provided an unexpected wardrobe update.
Clearing the Clutter
In the era of Marie Kondo and the Home Edit, I’m embracing a “pack light” mindset to decrease the clutter in my closet. With a focus on quality and versatility over quantity, my style habits are taking a trip from impulsivity to intentionality. By removing the wear-it-once pieces from my wardrobe and taking a more curated approach to my purchases to make a statement, it’s becoming much easier to get ready for any destination — even if that destination happens to be my sofa.
Wherever your wardrobe explorations take you, I hope you find abundant joy in the adventure. Bon voyage!
Shayla Owodunni is a monthly contributor for ArtfulLiving.com and is the founder of Plant Penthouse, an online destination that focuses on nurturing a vibrantly styled life and offers interior styling insights, plant parenting support and more.
