How I Build My Intentional Wardrobe

HOW I BUILD MY

INTENTIONAL WARDROBE

By Shamiso Patience Mbiriri

“Shamiso loves nice things. Every part of her outfit is well thought out and intentional. You can easily tell her mood by the way she is dressed…” These were my father’s opening remarks for my wedding day. I was shocked to hear him say that even though I knew he was right. I have a very intentional wardrobe but I guess I was just shocked that he noticed. I never imagined someone else paying attention to those tiny details about me. Each day I step out of my house I want to communicate through my wardrobe choices. The dream is to be able to reflect my principles in the way I dress. Believe it or not, this is something I do for myself without even wondering what the rest of the world thinks. Building my intentional wardrobe did not happen overnight. I make choices every day, upgrade it every now and then, declutter as often as I can and I hold myself accountable for every choice I make. Each time I walk into a shopping mall I remind myself: • You do not have to buy it just because it fits. • Not every trendy outfit is meant for you. • Its ok to leave it if it does not suit your style. • You do not have to buy it just because it’s on sale. • You do not have to buy it just because everyone else says you should. The last thing I want is to hang on to clothes I do not like just because I feel bad for wasting money on them or feel stuck with some clothes just because I bought them out of impulse. It is satisfying to pass through rails and be able to say no just because it is not what you want. Funny enough, saying no to a few selected clothes does not make everything else perfect for me and so each time I pick out or choose any clothes, I ask myself the following questions:

• Does it reflect my lifestyle? • Does it fit? • Is it comfortable? • Does it reflect my personal style? • Can I wear it with anything I already have? • Is it durable? • Can I afford it? • Does it match my preferred color palette?

It is fun and satisfying when you are honest with yourself. At the end of the day, you can only be confident when you are happy with your choices.

To follow Shamiso, please visit her Christian blog on www.shamisopatience.com