I can relate. I started out completely minimalist and got rid of things I now regret getting rid of. It’s okay to like nice things. And actually, when you buy higher quality items you probably won’t buy as many. That’s the philosophy I’ve adopted. I buy less, but in higher quality. That way, what I buy is something I truly want and will last a lot longer. You can’t impulse a $200 sweater as easily as $200 worth of fast fashion. At least this is true for me. I definitely consider my purchases for much longer now.
I got rid of things that I now miss. Instead what I do now, is I keep them for a few weeks in a box. If I definitely dont use it then I donate. Instead of immediately donating.
My husband convinced me not to wear my £99 coat each day- to leave it for special occasions---- but 2 years later he found it rolled up in the wardrobe- Someone had a checklist for me to be allowered to sit in her car- 1) lipstick worn 2) high heels 3) leggings 4) hair brushed etc --- THEN I changed my appearance and went to her home n her cheating husband was there. Next day I got a text message telling me NOT to go to her home with makeup on AGAIN - she was pissed off as her husband kept looking at me. You know WHAT should of left me ALONE in the first place.
Your story has so much more truth for women than most minimalists would realise. Shopaholic is where I started too, then I questioned am I just shopping so I can enjoy decluttering 6 months later? It seems crazy. We are constantly bombarded with social media and influenced into what we buy. I've even bought things based on what minimalists on social media own! Isn't that crazy? Time to take a step back.
This is where a lot of people get it wrong… Minimalism is all about fewer things & items that have purpose… It doesn’t mean fewer things that are cheap that have purpose. In fact investment pieces last longer and in turn save you money in the long run.
You have a very realistic attitude towards minimalism. I also tried the “home minimalism” and after a few months of editing, downsizing, I had to stop. It didn’t feel like home. It was just too restricting. Also, we are in Canada, and it is so difficult to downsize costs, jackets, and all winter gear. By the way, these items take up an enormous amount of room. Your videos are great!❤
I love and highly respect your realization of keeping those things that actually “bring joy” to your personal life!!! You should NEVER stop consuming very good quality items that make a difference to your life and style. You deserve the very best of this life, you work hard and deserve it. It seems as if you have mastered your own version of High Class Minimalism… I respect that. Thank you for sharing your video! 🙏❤️✨
I love this! I mentioned in an old comment how I love both luxury and minimalism. However very rare to find a RU-vidr to combine both so it's nice to see you are promoting luxury minimalism! Since one day I would love a curated collection myself.
Thank you so much, Diana! I was quite uncertain about my place here on RU-vid because I wasn’t sure which category exactly to put myself in. But like someone wise once said, if you don’t find your seat at a table, maybe it’s time to create your own table xx
Who else binge watches Eileen's videos for wardrobe comfort? BTW, I have two Burberry coats; one trench and one quilted; best everyday coats I ever owned.
a Burbery trench coat is one of the very few luxury items I might actually buy in the future. it seems like something I can literally wear for the rest of my life (and wear a lot as it seems so versatile). I consider it a good investment. yours is beautiful (I want it in black), and I've said it before, I love your style. I find it to be very ... calming?
Minimalism can mean different things for different people. I think you've found a good "happy medium" with it. I did a major house purge over the past year and I didn't get rid of everything. I sort of used the Marie Kondo method--I was much more mindful about what I kept and why. And after finishing most of it, I instituted a "something must go every time something comes in rule." It makes you think more about how much you really want something. I'm also not doing as much emotional shopping either. It's all a journey.
Thank you for your videos! I love how you explain your thought process. Minimalism to me is surrounding myself with items I actually use. I recently sold 5 LV bags and SLG’s bc I wasn’t reaching for them. It felt excessive. Now I thoughtfully choose a luxury item based on its function, it’s color, size and shape. Now I’m going through my wardrobe. If you stand in a full closet of clothes and think “I have nothing to wear” it’s time to purge.
Minimalism is just a tool that we can use to focus on the things we really like. Glad you realizing what was important to you. What I find helpful about minimalism is selecting areas that I need to reduce. I find that wardrobe items aren't what I minimized yet. I minimized paper clutter and clutter in things that just don't serve me anymore.
True. I think that everyone should have their own "tailored" or customized minimalism. Because it related heavily into personal taste, style and activities. I love the concept of luxury minimalism. And I think it's truly the "Parisian Chic" implementation. Having just a few of luxury timeless items that we love and makes us happy to wear it for a long time...
Dear Eileen, #thankyou for another lovely content, we appreciate #you very much 🌷🌸 I am embracing the luxury minimalism with joy for quite some time now, downsizing and selling slowly the items that I no longer need or like or no longer serve my lifestyle… having less and of high quality is really more and above all, liberating, however I’m still battling some battles when it comes to purchasing 100% cashmere items as it’s so hard to resist this lovely #comfy material 😎
I love your honesty and you have such a soothing voice. Let us not try to stick to “definitive terms” like ‘minimalism’ . I feel as human beings we are a mix of different life styles and habits- nothing is or will be perfect. My philosophy has always been “ will I be wearing it 10 years down the years ? “ . If the answer is yes then I think it’s worth the investment. Also, I make sure I use what I buy to minimize my impulsive buying habit.
Eileen, thank you for having such a full view of reasons why less spending can give you long term independence. I found your channel several months ago and have watched many of your videos. They have been very inspiring. Thank you for continuing to share your exclusive approach to intentional spending. It really is the best I have seen.
I feel that having 2 of anything is sensible, either as a styling option as well as a backup necessity. Having only one of something is only for the richly resourced. For those who may go without sometimes, having a backup item is security.
This was a great video and very inspiring. I’ve been decluttering for months now and I feel less stressed out. Clutter gives me anxiety and I now love going to my closet and knowing that I love these pieces. I’ve sold jewelry, clothes, handbags, SLG’s, my kids old toys, duplicate items, useless kitchen gadgets, paper clutter, etc. Feels great.
I've recently realized the excess of my luxury handbag collection and appreciate your videos about not buying/having too much and limiting myself to the items I really love and/or reach for more often. Thank you for your wonderful, informative and helpful videos!
I do think minimalism shouldn’t be about any specific brand, that seems silly, but I do think people get carried away with the idea that luxury = better quality, and will therefore last longer. People make the most extreme comparisons. It’s like F21 vs Burberry. I have a beautiful trench I always get a ton of compliments on from JCrew. I bought it on sale in 2013 and I wear it almost everyday in the fall. It hasn’t hasn’t fallen, it actually looks great, it has unique olive tones to it and I didn’t feel a need to buy another trench coat for a long time. I did get a Navy one from Muji in the last couple years because I like navy.
Having clear goals and keeping your own priorities and lifestyle at the forefront is all the matters - trends come and go by nature, so they inherently don’t mesh with long term stability. Would love a video on your wardrobe if you haven’t done one! The way it’s set up is so beautiful and I’d love to learn about where you got it, how you organize it, what changes you have/would like to make, etc
I’m a walking contradiction since I love watching your videos and other minimalist videos but I have to be honest ~I’m not where I would like to be yet. I still have a hard time not shopping 🛍️ 🤦♀️ Every week I watch your videos I always have good intentions about not shopping but then something happens and there I go again. 🥶 Keep making these types of videos for they are inspiring to watch. ❤
I recently have purchased two Burberry bags. I love them. It’s helped me to not shop all the time. I now want to shop only occasionally so I can afford the higher quality item that brings me such joy. I’m just beginning the journey but excited about it. Great video 🙏🏽
Really agree with you ❤ minimalism to me had always been translating to getting rid of and not buying from fast fashion and poor quality clothes, and rather focusing on buying quality wardrobe and accessories that would last for years!
I really like how realistic you are about your experience. Just remember no one is going to come to your house, count how many things you have, and call you a bad minimalist. You work hard for what you have so enjoy it. There's nothing wrong with loving beautiful things. You don't have to justify how you spend your money to anyone and no one is policing you. Make sure you don't get caught up in a lifestyle that causes you to miss out on developing meaningful relationships with people. Things come and go, but people are here for a short time.
at the beginning I was eye rolling at seeing all your expensive items, but when you explain how less is more, I became really intrigued. Good for you for explaining everything in english and thanks for showing a peek into your world:) I like your soft spoken and caring narrative. loved the share! Thank you ☺️ you have a really nice collection of luxury items, and you look super stylish. I will be following and looking out for updates on your journey to financial freedom for sure 👍🏼
Thank you for this video! I have minimized my wardrobe considerable over the years but find that when I am too hard on myself, I end up shopping again. This becomes a vicious cycle of waste: buy.....guilt....sell or give away.....feel a bit better (for a short time).....feel a sense of deprivation and shop some more! I absolutely love my handbag, backpack, cross bag collection and your video has convinced me not to get rid of bags to reach some random number. I currently have 12 good leather bags and 10 good nylon/canvas back packs, cross bags, etc and love all of them. I feel that you have helped me achieve a point where I just enjoy what I have and not feel guilty, only leading me to buy more. Thank you!
I am on the opposited side, a maximalist. However, the last few years I think mindfully of what I buy and whatever I buy I make good use of. I feel like that in some ways minimalism made people like me feel guilty for having more shirts than promoted , more books than promoted.But everyone is different and I have accepted that now ^^
I'm also in a somewhat journey and don't buy as much as I used to, now I'm moving to a new apartment and I only git rid of 2 small bags filled with clothes and I'm so proud of myself. Eventhought I still want a few luxury items, I'm saving and I know there will always be something to want to buy and I try to choose very wisely what I but, if I actually will wear or use it or if I have a similar piece in my wardrobe already. Your videos help to still not give in to this consuming black hole and I thank you for that, you keep me grounded and in perspective that my way is the right one for me
@@ColourfulNoir No, thank YOU, love. 🖤 Truly. I was wrestling with the idea of a minimalist wardrobe, but your video helped me realize what I actually need is to make more intentional purchases that fit my life as a whole, instead of compulsively buying things on a whim.
I can totally relate to overshopping as a reward system and the life I was trying create (from the outside view). Minimalism freed me in so many ways, but yes, it can also be filled with regret looking back at some of the things I purged. I also struggle with leaving the workforce, but I so needed a break as well. Now, at 60, I'm still striving for that perfect balance. I so enjoy your journey, and overall outlook on life that you describe so PERFECTLY and intelligently! I'm on this journey with you and so appreciate your kind honestly.
I always enjoy your videos! I appreciate the Wisdom you offer! You discuss the wise Move to "Downsize" (wiser choice than just Minimalism) not only your Wardrobe, but also many other things in your Life! I've learned to have that same Balance in my Life! I've lost 50lbs in the last 6mos, so I'm having a chance to build a New Wardrobe & only have Exactly what I need, Really Love & what is the most Practical Choices to fit the Life I have NOW! The things I can no longer wear, will be sold at a Boutique that I use to Liquidate the Things I can No Longer use! You'd be surprised how much you can make in a Year! We're mindful of giving Money to our Church & Saving As Well! This time of year is also a VERY Good Time to "Minimize" Expenses, too! We've decided on a Plan to get us completely out of Debt in less than a year as well as Saving Alot, too! Once I've compiled a New Wardrobe, I won't be Purchasing any more for a Few Seasons, simply No Need to Shop & I can Concentrate on other Things in My Life! Thank You for All Of The Wonderful & Insightful Videos You Have Given Us This Year! May Your New Year Be Prosperous & Fulfilling & I Pray That Your Year Be Filled With Love, Joy, Laughter & Peace! God Bless!
I really appreciate this video. I recently relocated and I purged too hard and now I find myself over shopping. That brings guilt and I need to give myself grace. Thank you for helping set me up for success!
I’m currently working on this lifestyle. I have sold everything that isn’t high end designer and I realize that’s where all the clutter was coming from. It was so much more mindless to blow a couple hundred dollars on a purse ( I had like 12 Michael korrs bags) rather than spend the money on one purposeful intention like a Luis Vuitton. The MK bags end up discounted, with no value where as something like an LV lasts for decades and can even appreciate. Buying higher end allows one to be minimal as you were saying because the items are made very well so they last longer than fast fashion. It’s an investment rather than fast fashion. You have a beautiful collection, thank you for sharing.
Hi Eileen, I just found your chanel few days ago. I am so glad to have so. I was shopping excessively this year and now been struggling how to have self control. I thank you for posting such meaningful contents.
I’m a minimalist with luxury items like you. I just don’t obsess over acquiring more. I’m happy and enjoy my collection. Bravo to you for staying true to who you are 💝
Creating a balance is key, I believe and I don't think we ever finish our journey. Thank you for your insight. I enjoy being a minimalist, which is very important.
That is so true; minimalism is inspiring but we should only take what is of value for us and our lifestyle. It should not be one-size-fits-all. Also, it can be wasteful, as you already have the item. A while ago, I do have donated things that I regret donating.😞 Balance, mindfullness and taking the concrete reality of our lives into account really are key.
@@niko4305 My worst regret is for a lamp, that belonged to my grandmother that passed away a year ago; it was 7 years ago, I was very into decluttering and thought that as I had no electric plug for it, in my appartment, I should donate it. I do still regret it to this day...😢
I do feel a lot better about myself on the journey of becoming minimalism. At the very beginning, I was sharing your same passion of becoming a minimalist for whatever reason we have for ourselves. After a while, I was feeling deprived of all the joys from enjoying good quality life and started feeling ashamed or self-doubted for not becoming an absolute minimalist. I was feeling unhappy again. I took a long pause…realizing I definitely lost the balance of a sustainable minimalism lifestyle (which is exactly same mistake I made about FOMO). Gladly, I regained control of a balanced lifestyle by spending intentionally, responsibly, appropriately and enjoyably. I’m between minimalism and FOMO buying.😊
This was a great video. Perfecting time for me. When I discovered minimalism, I went a little extreme and honestly did not feel happy about it. I enjoy versatility in my clothing. Now, I am at a happy place. I agree, no need to place a number on clothing or what ever. I do make sure I wear everything I have and if I don’t then I will donate it. Thanks for taking time out to make this video, James
Eileen I agree that you should do what feels right for you. Many of us like pretty things and there is no reason to deprive ourselves as long as we are doing it responsibly, plan for the future, and as long as we use the things we buy. You don’t have to conform to a strict definition of minimalism just because that’s the definition. We work hard to be able to afford some of these things that we enjoy having and using, whether it’s because we love fashion, have an interest in goods from companies with a lot of history, or just like a product. We shouldn’t let a definition limit our enjoyment of those things or make us feel guilty. Enjoy what you have and love.
I love this video - very inspiring and so important that each person needs to tailor minimalism to their specific needs, if they want to go this route. It’s not a one size fits all! That’s how you wind up miserable and feeling restricted. Minimalism should make you feel more free, not the other way around - there is no right or wrong way to do this 🙌🏾
A white sofa is a terrible idea, period. Children or no children. It only works for pictures or people who are never home. Sailors can have white sofas in their apartments 😁
100% agree. I HAD a white sofa, no pets, no kids. IIT was a nightmare, even dust created problems. I couldn’t even sit on it and watch tv, clothes colors transferred on it, had to be careful with pillows, throws on it, no way could you eat a sandwich on it, much less a snack, it just attracted everything. Finally sold it to a lady with a “mansion” she said she was going to use it in her “formal” room, where no one was allowed to go. Very expensive and exhausting lesson learned, ugh😮
I'm exactly same as you are now. I own designer bags and clothes but my wardrobe is very curated and minimal. I simply choose quality over quantity and carefully choose what I buy.
You have beautiful pieces, enjoy wearing them, and when you finished wearing them and want something different and can afford it, just get it. Life is too short. I do love goods I buy and things I buy do make me feel happy. It doesn’t mean that I shop like crazy. Thank you for sharing!
I've never felt guilty about the few luxury pieces I have but grateful. I'm finding it interesting hearing your thoughts on having multiples and I feel the same way. To only own 25 items is not for me either. I don't think I'll ever be a minimalist (not sure if I completely know what this is even) but just having the thought of it has REALLY Helped me in being Mindful with what I'm doing when I'm Accumulating So Much and not using it. Finding it hard to just get rid of, especially when it's something in perfect condition and is what I still enjoy wearing. I simple don't shop as much as I once did....still not where I want to be but I'm a happier me. I Love your Style and your color choices. 💛✨
@Colourfulnoir I forgot to mention. I found the most perfect, for me, black leather ankle boots and thought of you the moment I spotted them. I've literally have been searching for years and have come across many, but, I refuse to settle...Thank You Eileen.🥰
Loved watching every second of your video as I can relate to everything you mention as I've been a shopaholic for years and years and it completely takes over your life and eventually becomes too overwhelming to even start to try and sort. Hopefully watching your videos will help me learn how to take baby steps until I'm at a happy place 😍
I look forward to your videos every week!! It helps me to be content with what I have, especially with so much temptation all around 🤪. Stay true to yourself 😊, you are definitely helping others 🙋🏽♀️!!
I agree. I like the concept of a capsule wardrobe but not entirely for me. Instead Im slowly purchasing timeless clothing items. Like a trench coat, or turtle necks, etc. I want to have a wardrobe that has variety but is also not overwhelming, like I use to have. 🥰✨
I’m a fairly new subscriber but I stumbled across this older video of yours and had to comment about how much I enjoyed this. i also find myself unhappy with my job and sort of working to shop but feeling like there has to be more. I know I need to get to the root of the issue. I do appreciate and agree with you that buying quality (and often luxury, although it doesn’t have to be) pieces naturally results in my buying less overall. (although, now I sort of want a burberry coat. 😂) thank you for making such thoughtful and beautiful content. ❤
Oh I'm so glad to hear this! I've been struggling to find time to film a long sit-down video and I was worried my viewers wouldn't like the new video style. Thank you so much xx
I so enjoyed this video! It was very helpful to me. And l agree we go to work every day, and work hard, so we should have some things/items for ourselves that give us joy.😊
I loved this video Eileen. It resonated with me deeply and I’m glad you have turned a corner that feels more balanced in your journey of both minimalism and loving beautiful things! I had a similar experience while moving and it was so refreshing to come around the doom spiral of things and have a clear vision of what I love and want to keep vs what feels like outside pressure of what a good “minimalist” looks like. I also came to peace with the fact that not every beautiful shoe or coat or bag is used everyday, but they are comforting when I think about them being there and exciting to play with and express my creativity in my outfit when the time comes. Hope your entry to the winter season is great and your holidays are heartwarming!
If something has a very specific use that nothing else in your wardrobe can fill it can be worth keeping it. Like your boots, I have a sheer black top that gets so much use around Halloween and that's about it. But I love it and it takes up very little room. Saves me on buying Halloween costumes!
selective minimalism based on lifestyle, as you said, makes the most sense. if i go to the office 5 times a week, i would prefer to have more office clothes than weekend clothes. same with jewelry. even though i wear only 1 ring, 1 bracelet and 1 necklace, i have multiple ear piercings so prefer to have more earrings. you're right about how numbers are individually suitable.
I just found your channel today and have been watching so many of your videos! Such beautiful sentiment in your videos! Thank you. I'm finding it very inspirational. ❤️
I think people misunderstood minimalist with clutter less 😂 Living minimal is close to quite living, not everyone can live like that. It’s too “quite” 😂 Clutter less makes me learn to organize and choose more wisely in spending my money, that effecting my work ethic and finance, it’s very usefull 😄
Thank you very much, Eileen, for taking the time to create and post these beautiful videos. I watch many youtube videos on style, luxury, and yours is my favorite. I rarely comment on any, and I just would like to say your information is very helpful and appreciated. Your style is such a wonderful blend of simplifying life, having what we need, but also investing in beautiful, quality items that we actually enjoy wearing like art. I look forward to seeing more videos! I love your style and pieces that you share, and I was wondering if you wouldn't mind sharing the designer of the beautiful chocolate long vest you are shown trying on in the mirror? It's lovely.
Your voice is so soothing 🥰 I have a light colored sofa and a child and dog, but its a slipcover so it’s easy to wash. Im definitely not a minimalist but I do believe in buying with intention and filling my space carefully. 😊
If one owns only 25 items of clothing, they will have to buy 25 new items the year after because frequent wearing, washing and possibly tumble drying, makes the clothes look worn much quicker. I have a very curated wardrobe for my casual lifestyle but I had to build another for work because that needed to be more tailored. Then add in a bit of evening wear too. I usually get around 4 years out of each piece before it starts to get too shabby. It’s definitely a good thing to do but unless you throw everything out and start new, it takes a few years to build. I’m not overwhelmed, nothing is unworn and everything sort of goes with everything so it makes getting dressed much easier. You do also still need to shop on occasion so it’s not like you stop buying… you just buy less. 😊
In my opinion everyone should keep the things around which causes happy feelings or which you love to wear and experience with. Minimalism is individual and should not be restricted by a certain number to achieve. Keep on going on your journey, nice video 👌😊
Idk why but I always enjoy your minimalism content. Honestly, am glad that I bump into your videos just probably 1-2 months ago, just the right amount of minimalism that I needed to hear! :) Also, I love your style! Everything that you curate to keep seems the most used in your daily life :)
Thank you so much for sharing this video - so relatable! 😊💕 I tried to do the minimalism thing but it never worked for me. I love how you have found the right balance. It’s so inspiring!! 🥰🥰🥰
This is so good! Possibly hardest to apply though - it’s so much easier to turn our brains off and just follow a set of rules in an article or video. But this is so much better for each individual in the end ❤
@colourful noir you are so gorgeous and so right! and I’ll be doing the same as from tomorrow, a stylist is coming to help me get my wardrobe sorted as I am very overwhelmed with my wardrobe. Thank you so much for sharing. 🥰🥰
@@ColourfulNoir hello 🥰 just to let you know how I went! Well somehow positive outcome, and I did declutter and it felt so gooooood. But unfortunately I didn’t get much advice from the stylist as I would liked it to be! But I’ll keep on trying to declutter from now on. Thanks again for your helpful video.
Hi there Eileen. I really enjoyed this video. I watch a lot of luxury videos and I’ve been following you for quite a while and I’ve seen the significant shift in your content. I really enjoyed this video in particular because I too have been trying to find this balance of enjoying a few nice purchases each year while still working towards more financial security.
I really appreciate this viewpoint and your sharing your thoughts. I too have had days where I feel excessive not in the amount, but the brand of items I have. Despite my smaller collection in many categories, I parted ways with so much. In the end, each of us have a version of minimalism that works for us.
Oh my goodness!!! I absolutely love this!!! I love minimalism but I also love my bags and jackets and those are my happy downfalls and I've had to learn to say that it's ok to love those things! Thank you so much for this video!
I’m so glad you are loving and enjoying all the lovely things you own............even if you have multiple things in same category. All that we own should represent our decisions and growth of who we are................I love seeing you enjoy everything you own........you have many years to enjoy........... Again, bare minimalism is not for me but I do agree responsible minimalism.........
This is probably one of the best videos you have made! Thank you for sharing so much and I hope I can also follow your journey and find a happy medium one day 😊
