The things we consider precious enough to have a few of…



Carrie says: Almost anything white; white t shirt, creamy white vase, a white flower. The purity of white reflects my desire to keep life simple.
 



Danielle says: Waist-length kimonos. Quotes on the truth and soul. Belly laughs with Candis.
 

This is an invitation… to indulge, darling.

 

Carrie says: I don’t want to own things that need management, like several houses, numerous cars, a boat I want to own more time and money to experience life. Travel, massages, fabulous restaurants, yoga retreats. Wearing cashmere and Tahitian pearls.

 

 

Danielle says: A Rothko. I first saw his work in person at the Corcoran in D.C. I sat in front of this painting and cried. The toil taken to create radiance is mind-blowing. Hundreds of thin layers upon layers of colour to make something that is electrical and breathing - it’s really amazing. And to go with my Rothko lux, I’d like a chef, and some Byzatine arm cuffs. And a ranch.

 

Today’s blog: Look at your stuff.

Clutter comes in all shapes and sizes. Crammed cupboards, packed schedules, messy mental notes. If it weighs you down, tame it with the principles of tidy. Today’s question is inspired by a master of simplicity, Erin Doland, Editor-in-Chief of Unclutterer, who knows just how to put things in their place….’cause there’s a place for everything.



Carrie says: Head clutter, crowded thoughts. Because I’ve got so much of it, I’m always clearing my physical surroundings so I can think. Clear surfaces give me the space to move forward.
 



Danielle says: I’m happy to report that after a summer of ruthless stuff-purging (praise be to Craigslist,) and deeper personal prioritizing, I am cruising in the clutter-free lane right now.
 



Erin says: I’m currently struggling with schedule clutter. I have said “yes” to too many things that aren’t really important to me, and it’s time for me to re-evaluate my commitments. I go through cycles: I clear my schedule of the extraneous, then non-essential items slowly creep back into the mix, and then I need to clear my schedule again. Two or three times a year I find myself in the place I am right now, and it’s more stress than I like to carry. Over the next couple weeks, I will need to delegate, decline, and dismiss the non-essential tasks from my schedule so that I can return to a place where I can focus on what matters most to me. When I’m pulled in too many directions, nothing is done well.
 

Get inspired to simplify - and keep it that way. Read our interview with the master Unclutterer, Erin Doland.

The subplot of our Manifesto of Style is basically this: be conscious about your stuff and thereby set yourself free! We worship at the altar of simplicity. So Erin Doland’s blog, Unclutterer is like, stuff management scripture. The de-cluttering tips are heavenly. Her Gift Giving Guide is eco-brilliant.

Erin is actually a recovered pack rat. She’s proof that space management isn’t a gene gifted to just Virgos and A-types, it’s a muscle. You can learn to let go. There is hope for our over-stuffed planet!

Unclutterer.com has been named a Best Organizing Website by HGTV, ADDitude magazine, and Real Simple magazine.

We caught up with Erin from her well-organized DC-area office:

What’s the advice that you’re always giving people?
“The less stuff you own, the less you have to clean,” and, “Even if you live to be 100, life is short. Don’t wait to pursue a remarkable life.”

How do you get things done? You must get so much done.
I like to break things into pieces, dissect a project into small steps and action items, and focus on just one part of a process at a time. At set intervals, I’ll step back, picture the whole of the project, and evaluate how the little parts are working in relation to the bigger picture. Read the rest of this entry »

The art, the vibe, the hue - your living space is a reflection of your essence. And just like a person, a home is an evolving statement of truth. Today’s Question comes from the brains and beauty behind Design Sponge: Grace Bonney.



Carrie says: Our home says “Welcome to quiet, lightness, breathing space combined with creativity. I would like our home to say “Welcome to wooden toys, a little bit of chaos and family!
 



Danielle says: Our home says “Zen, Intentional, Hard Workin’ Creative Entrepreneur.” I’ll be thrilled when it says, “Globe Trotting, Art Collecting, But-Still-Simplisitic-Zillionaire.” Yeah baby!



Grace says: This is a big issue for me because I feel like I’m struggling to create a home that is both simple and clean, but still reflective of my love of bold patterns and my tendency to collect lots of small, colorful things.

Perhaps it’s a product of my age or place in life but I feel stuck in the middle of two distinct places. One side of me is comfortable with bold decisions and bigger purchases (painting something a bright color, investing in a nice vintage credenza) but the other side of me wants to cling to my old collections and keep collecting inexpensive furniture that I decorate or change to make my own (DIY projects, etc). What I’d like my home to say is “Welcome to the Home of someone who is balanced, stylish and sure of herself”. What it currently says is “Welcome to the Home of someone who has just discovered she has multiple personality disorder and can’t pick a unified style, color or trend to say her life”. I hope that as time goes along I learn how to better integrate my love of pattern and crafty-ness with my need for cleanliness, a bit more minimalism and a better sense of organization.

 

Read our Inspiration Interview with Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge

And Carrie’s latest “You Look Great!” Fashion Tips.