I came across The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margaretta Magnusson as advertised by one of my favorite little bookstores. Of course the name caught my attention and being that I was in a cleaning mode, I gave it a try. The author is charming and straightforward. It was a quick read, some of which I did not find to have practical applications, but it did give me a few nuggets of wisdom that have been helpful. Below are a few of my favorite excerpts, but I encourage you to read the entire book if these strike a chord with you.
“Life will become more pleasant and comfortable if we get rid of some of the abundance.”
I find this to be true. Even though giving away my things can be painful, once I am through, I feel lighter and my home looks better. There is less to take care and less to manage so clearing clutter becomes the ultimate time-saver. Organizing is also much easier when there is less to organize.
“In my opinion, all garments in a closet should look good together, and you should be able to mix and exchange them with one another.”
This has been my goal regarding the clothes in my closet. The ultimate resource for learning how to make the most of fewer pieces is by signing up for a Get Your Pretty On Style Challenge (GYPO).I am into my second year of an annual GYPO membership which includes four seasonal challenges, and my closet has been happily transformed.In addition, I have learned how to effortlessly polish off each outfit I create with tips on trends and accessories. You can also learn how to curate a stylish wardrobe with GYPO’s Closet Staples WardrobeBuilder.You might even surprise yourself with how many of these pieces you already own. With the wonderful support of the GYPO community, I now have a solid base of classic basics that wonderfully mix and match and make choosing my daily style easy.
“When you live in a big city where people seem to replace their kitchen and bathroom fixtures as often as I replace an old sweater, you will see huge dumpsters on the sidewalks filled with bathtubs, sinks and toilets. When the next owner wants to put their personal stamp on the apartment, everything is changed again; it may be one year or two!”
Here the author is making the point about our culture of consumption. This was impactful to me because I have been wanting to renovate our home for quite some time. It made me reconsider how much in my home actually needed to be changed. My home is functional and beautiful even though it may be considered outdated. I plan to eventually update the paint colors, add some new rugs and/or pillows and only change out what I absolutely have to (namely carpet that has seen better days, no amount of accessorizing can make that pretty), and leave the rest. Not only will this save me time and money, but there is less waste.
“A loved one wishes to inherit nice things from you. Not all things.”
For some reason, this hit home. Maybe it is because I remember how hard it was to clean out my parents’ house after my mom passed away, with much of the burden falling on my sister and dad since I lived out of state. Maybe it is the realization that my things mostly have value only to me. My kids are not going to want every journal I have written in, or keep every card I have ever received in my lifetime. It is better, not always easy, but better to go through things as they arrive and let them go before someone we love has to do it for us.
Remember, we are more than our things. We are loving and loved, kindness given and received, but mostly, what we carry in our hearts is all we ever truly need.
About Diana
Diana is a stay at home mom to two remarkable boys, J.R and Keaton. She is immensely grateful to the Cubs baseball organization for finally winning a World Series in her lifetime, and for hosting her very first date with her husband, John (married 14 years). She is also a freelance blogger who writes intentionally that others may find hope in her words. You can learn more about her life and family on her personal blog Writes For All Mommies.
I’ve said it a million times before but here goes again – I’m really just a jeans and tee kind of girl. Almost all of my outfits are some variation of this basic outfit formula, usually with a cardigan thrown on for good measure. Add cute flat shoes and a few accessories and well, you’ve got me all figured out!
Last week in this post, I shared that I picked up a couple of new outfits from Nordstrom’s spring collection. While I usually stick to shopping them for classic basics that will last, they have a lot of trend options under $50 – including most of what I’m wearing here.
I was first drawn in by the beautiful color of this cardigan but then…BOWS! Check out the cute bow details on the sides of it.
How can you resist these bows? Oh and it’s ON SALE! Sizing Tip: This cardigan runs big, I’m wearing an XS.
Dark wash jeans are on almost every Style Challenges® shopping list that I create and there’s a good reason for that – they flatter ALL body types. This super stretchy pair is very comfortable and holds its shape well. The rise is also awesome, not too high or low. Sizing Tip: These run a little big, I ordered down a size.
These gray suede mules have the cutest pearl trim across the front. Pearl embellishments are one of the spring 2018 trends that are on everything from shoes to jeans and tops. These shoes are really comfy but run a little big.
It’s the day of the week at GYPO where we celebrate what makes us feel pretty. Whether it’s a new outfit, hairstyle, or makeup, the I Feel Pretty link up is about anything and everything that makes your life prettier. Even if you’re not a blogger, you can still play along. Just tell me what made you feel pretty this week in the comments.
I’m trying to keep shopping to a minimum until the pieces get finalized on the shopping list for the Style Challenges® Spring 2018 Capsule Wardrobe (which if you missed this announcement, will be released on March 9th). But I really needed a few transition pieces to freshen up my closet until then. I’m so bored with every sweater, pair of jeans and boots in my closet right now. Hurry up spring!
Recently I picked up a couple of new outfits from Nordstrom’s spring collection. While I usually stick to shopping them for classic basics that will last, they also have a lot of trend options under $50 – including most of what I’m wearing here. There’s SO much I want to share with you about each of these pieces so let’s just dive right in.
This bateau neck knit tunic is so cozy and soft. It’s THE perfect spring transition piece and it comes in four different colors – olive, black, coral and gray. I don’t have many olive shirts so I went with this one and loved it so much that I got coral for something brighter. The wide neck shows off your shoulders but if you don’t want to wear a strapless bra, you can layer a black tank top (like I did) or wear a lace bralette with the straps showing. It has other cute details like a frayed hem and seam up the back. Sizing Tip: It runs big, I’m wearing an XS.
Moving on to these gold slip on sneakers. I already had a cheap pair that I bought a few years ago but they’re starting to fall apart. It was past time for an upgrade and since these are something I wear on a regular basis in the spring, I went with this Dr. Scholl’s pair for comfort. They have plenty of cushioning and I love the woven detail on these. They come in 5 colors and are 30% off right now. Sizing Tip: These run true to size. Mine were slightly tight in my regular size but I didn’t size up because they are breaking in (could be because my feet have been swollen lately too!)
Update: My shoes are running low on inventory. Here are some other pairs that would also look cute with this outfit.
Alright let’s talk about these distressed jeans for a minute. I’m usually not a distressed jeans person but these are so perfect that my daughter just had me order her a pair. We’ve both been on the lookout for a pair with slight distressing but no holes and these fit the bill perfectly! BUT the best part is the price – the quality is similar to premium denim for this price point. They hold their shape and don’t stretch out a bit. I’ll definitely be ordering more jeans from this brand. Sizing Tip: These fit true to size.
I’m a simple accessories girl when it comes to every day, anything more feels too fussy. This circle charm necklace is one of my new favorites because I can wear it with everything and it’s only $12! It pairs perfectly with these flat oval hoop earrings. You’re going to want both!
It’s the day of the week at GYPO where we celebrate what makes us feel pretty. Whether it’s a new outfit, hairstyle, or makeup, the I Feel Pretty link up is about anything and everything that makes your life prettier. Even if you’re not a blogger, you can still play along. Just tell me what made you feel pretty this week in the comments.
Don’t be fooled by the title, I’m actually NOT anti Valentines Day. Craig and I find a way to celebrate it every year. We’re just older and wiser about it and usually go out on a night that’s less busy and there are not fixed menus (I HATE fixed menus!).
We’re pretty serious when it comes to food and have been known to plan what we want to eat weeks in advance. (We even plan all of our vacations around eating opportunities). Our local hometown Italian place has the BEST lobster ravioli on the planet. So last year when I had my heart set on it for weeks only to be presented with their prix fixe menu (with no lobster ravioli), I was not a happy camper. Lesson learned, go before or go after.
What I am anti is wearing red. I own exactly ZERO pieces of red clothing. So for this year’s Valentine date night – I’m going with my softer side of muted tones of gray, blue and blush – with a dash of leopard, of course.
The pretty floral statement necklace adds just the right amount of romance. It’s a pricier piece but an outfit maker for sure. The subtle ruffle details on this blouse are perfect for me, not too fussy or over the top.
My blush heels are a few years old and no longer available, but this pair is a good substitute with a lower heel.
…and it makes getting dressed the easiest thing you’ll do all day!
If you’re ready to rebuild your wardrobe with classic closet staples but need guidance on what pieces to buy and how to create outfits from them, this is the book for you! It has over 300 of my favorite mix and match classic outfit formulas plus shopping lists for every season of the year and bonus work wear looks.
You’ll be able to create timeless, classic outfit formulas season by season and always have the perfect outfit ready to wear. If you are in the process of rebuilding your wardrobe after a life change like a new baby, weight loss, or even just a personal style refresh, this will work for you.
The best part? It’s a digital download so you get access immediately.
You’ll never say you have nothing to wear again! Learn more and download it immediately HERE.
It’s the day of the week at GYPO where we celebrate what makes us feel pretty. Whether it’s a new outfit, hairstyle, or makeup, the I Feel Pretty link up is about anything and everything that makes your life prettier. Even if you’re not a blogger, you can still play along. Just tell me what made you feel pretty this week in the comments.
GET IN TOUCH Below is a short list of issues that most people e-mail us about. You might just find your answer here. Yay for instant gratification! Collaborations/Product Reviews/Advertising We are currently accepting a very limited number of opportunities...
Do you struggle to put outfits together? Are you stuck in a yoga pants rut? Not sure if you can make the latest trends work for you? You’re in the right place!
I’m Alison, a mom of three and recovering yoga pants addict on a mission to make getting dressed and feeling pretty the easiest thing you do all day! Learn more about my story HERE.
I am so glad I was part of the Fall 2019 Style Challenge. It gave me confidence and so many great outfitt ideas. The ladies in the group were very supportive and I will defintetly be doing another challenge in the future.
Betty Weyandt December 20, 2019
I’ve been participating in the GYPO Style Challenges for three years now and I’ve loved it. I’ve always loved clothes, but I didn’t know how to put outfits together. My closet is now full of mix-and-match outfits, I have learned how to dress myself, and there is no more stress in figuring out to wear. The private FB group is full of wonderful ladies that build each other up. It’s so fun and is seriously the best group on FB.
Kirstin Rasmussen November 20, 2019
Get Your Pretty On has changed my life, seriously. I have always chased what is trendy but found from season to season, that things go out of style and I was wasting money on items that I would only end up wearing a few times. GYPO has enabled me to simplify my closet, helps me make smarter purchasing decisions, and I feel so put together and confident using the outfit formulas that are provided. This program is a GAME CHANGER. I've been following GYPO for a few years now and my only regret is not jumping on board sooner.
Michelle Kline November 20, 2019
Great community of ladies, helping each other look stylish, without breaking the bank, and using much of what you already own.
Chosen Faith November 19, 2019
GYPO challenges have been one of the best things I have done! It had taught me so much more than just creating a closet of clothes that I love but also to have confidence in myself, how to pick and choose colors that work for me instead of against, and had given a wonderful community of Pretties who are so special.
Maraline Freeman October 16, 2019
I love GYPO!!! I finally feel put together and stylish! The shopping lists and outfit combinations make shopping and getting dressed effortless.
Krista Probst October 16, 2019
SHOP THE ACCESSORY LINE
SHOP THE LOOKS
A NOTE TO READERS
Please know that Get Your Pretty On uses affiliate links in some of our posts. This means that clicking on or purchasing through a link may help me earn a small commission, which helps make this blog possible. Thank you for your support! For more information, please see our Terms & Conditions.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Diana is a stay at home mom to two remarkable boys, J.R and Keaton. She is immensely grateful to the Cubs baseball organization for finally winning a World Series in her lifetime, and for hosting her very first date with her husband, John (married 14 years). She is also a freelance blogger who writes intentionally that others may find hope in her words. You can learn more about her life and family on her personal blog Writes For All Mommies.
