I am simultaneously decluttering my life and buying things for the start of the school year. As a recovering packrat and overshopper, I am working to make sure that instead of buying and holding onto a bunch of stuff, I practice the art of buying the beautiful. By this, I mean that I will buy less stuff but the stuff I do buy will be absolutely beautiful. I will love it, and I will take care of it because it will be the only one of its kind that I own.

This goes for possessions large and small. Rather than accumulate a bunch of cheap, uncomfortable flats that were pretty but not lovely, I bought a few pairs of flats that were exactly what I wanted. Colorful, leather, and with an obnoxious buckle. See Exhibit A above. I got them in a rich wine color as well.

Instead of a bunch of ill-fitting, random jeans, I bought three pairs of Luckys that fit my body like a glove and are the right length (this is a really big deal for me). See Exhibit B.

I then made the huge leap and bought a leather jacket from Nordstrom. I’ve wanted a leather jacket for months now, and I finally just decided to take the plunge and buy it! I keep the clothes that I really love for years, and I plan to depreciate its cost like a company depreciates expensive machinery. It will pay out over time. The ruffled collar is exactly my style! Admire Exhibit C below.

I’m now on the lookout for a watch I absolutely love. I haven’t worn a watch in over ten years, so I am very out of practice. Suggestions welcome!

Now, Crazy Girls, remember that these splurge purchases are in contrast to my usual Forever 21 and Target shopping habits. There are some days when I realize that I am wearing Forever 21 head to toe and that my entire outfit including accessories was less than a $100. Gotta love that!

So I haven’t turned into some crazy spendthrift. I’m still good ole budget-shopping Kaneisha. I’m just really learning the importance of buying less and getting more out of it. The art of buying the beautiful can be practiced on every level of your life–from what olive oil you buy to the pillows you buy to decorate your new futon. Here are the pillows I bought to liven up our futon (which we bought used on Craigslist)!

When you practice the art of buying the beautiful, you end up buying a lot less stuff, because you remember that you have it, you want to take care of it, and you’re happy with what you bought the first time.

The next time you are shopping, practice the art of buying the beautiful. Don’t buy something just because it’s the cheapest. Buy it because it’s a fair price and you love it! Be careful of thinking that a high price means quality. Polyester is polyester no matter what the price tag says.

Declutter your life and then buy yourself (a few) beautiful things that you will treasure!

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