Refined Minimalism

You ever go through your closet and wonder how did you gain so much stuff?! Going through your stuff, you realize that you can't even remember the last time you wore this or used that? As a society, we are constantly being bombarded with images of trends and why we should jump on the bandwagon. Do you ever stop and think to yourself that maybe, just maybe you don't need this or that? Sarah Lazarovic did just that and documented it in her visual essay, A Bunch of Pretty Things I Did Not Buy. 

Drawings/excerpts from A Bunch Of Pretty Things I Did Not Buy

Some people want it all, some don't want any of it and yet we covet all of it, especially. We want more than we can handle, heck, more than we can actually afford but there's always an excuse to justify every purchase. A whim that needed to be gratified, always occasional, never necessary. I can totally relate! In our commercialized society, everything within sight is to be shopped. Shopping is made out to be a leisure which influences us to consume it. Author, Sarah Lazarovic went on a no shopping diet in 2012 to prove an anti- consumerist chord. Rather than spending her money on more items she did not need she drew everything she coveted. 

In drawing the shoes, handbags, dresses and blouses that were on her radar she learned to appreciate trends for what they were, a trend! We live in an era where cheap clothing can enable an over indulgence. Sarah also touches upon living a minimalist lifestyle. It's not exactly easy, it's all about knowing what to collect and what to discard. In A Bunch Of Pretty Things I Did Not Buy, Sarah points out how to buy, when to buy and how not to buy. Each section left me with deep contemplation. I went into my closet after reading this and dissected it. Seriously, after reading this book, I've learned to appreciate minimalist wardrobes and living spaces because we really don't need so much stuff. I'm still in the process of getting rid of things! 

"There's a fear of becoming preoccupied with thoughtful consumption.."  

A Bunch Of Pretty Things I Did Not Buy is a great little read that helps put your gear in perspective by showing you how to curb the urge to shop for everything in sight. This Black Friday, I'm taking a hint from this book and not following the masses because I don't need it. Not to mention her illustrations are so well done and flow seamlessly with the content. I'm a huge fan of hand lettered type and Sarah does a great job at it. All in all, I recommend you add this to your coffee table reads, it will have you reconsidering your closet!