I found these pictures in my archives and realized I never published them. They date back to April 2019. It feels like a couple of lifetimes ago.

Since then I moved houses 6 times and across the ocean twice. I decluttered, downsized, packed everything I owned, but, for some reason, I still have and wear everything on this picture.

It shouldn't be that surprising, though. Over the past couple years, I've learned to make mindful decisions about what I allow into my life.

The shoes - which you may remember from this amazing photoshoot - were gifted to me by a brand whose values I share (and who's currently hosting its semi-annual sale, the earrings were also gifted to me by my dear friend Regina and fellow Portlander (at the time) of Passage Jewelry and I found the bag at a store which was closing down.

Dress - Thrifted | Mules (8) c/o Nisolo | Bag - Thrifted

But let's talk about the yellow dress.

I found it at one of my favorite thrift stores while Octave was taking a barista class I had signed him up for as a birthday present.

It was there on a rack, stuck between uninteresting (to me) other items of clothing and my eyes were just suddenly drawn to it.

I don't think I remember trying it on but I do remember someone commenting about how lucky I was to have noticed the dress before they did.

It was a sign, it was meant to be.

There was no brand or size tag on it. I know nothing about the story of that dress. But I know it's got the perfect fit, the perfect color and... POCKETS!

Earrings c/o Passage Jewelry

All that to say that when you know your values, shopping is easy. And if you make the right decisions, you'll benefit from them in the long run, especially of you've embarked on a buy-nothing adventure.

I cannot wait for the snow to melt so I can take my spring clothes out of storage and twirl around in my perfect yellow dress.

What's a piece of clothing you're still excited to wear after many years?