As I get older, and fall more and more in love with Marie Kondo’s method of de-cluttering by only keeping things that truly spark joy in your life, the more I appreciate the concept of owning fewer, better things. Quality-made pieces that will last decades, if not a lifetime. I did one big Kondo-style clean-out earlier this year, and repeated smaller versions of it monthly since then. I never feel as happy and calm as I do after one of my decluttering sessions.
This new way of life has also changed the way I shop. Instead of focusing on quantity… I focus on quality. I’d rather spend $200 on a really well-made sweater than $20 on 10 of them. One that will spark joy for years to come. Today, I’m going to share three brands that make amazing products that I love… all unsponsored!
Cuyana
One of my favorite brands that produces some of the most quality items of clothing I own is Cuyana. I wrote a post on them last year, and have since become a brand loyalist. I carry my leather zip tote as a day bag pretty much every single day. I had the same bag with no zip that I used for a while but this one is a little sturdier, and better for travel.
The turtleneck sweater in this post is the first sweater of theirs that I own, and I wasn’t surprised when it was the perfect fit, softness, and color. It just hangs well, you know? I also have this silk tee, which is probably one of the most worn pieces of clothing in my closet.
I haven’t taken photos of it yet, but I also use their laptop sleeve in blush whenever I bring my computer anywhere. The sleeve is thin and sleek, and fits perfectly into my zip tote!
Ben Amun
I have loved Ben Amun for a long time, but their latest collaboration with my friend Grace has produced some of my favorite jewelry ever. I have a thing for gold coins… I’m wearing this amazing pendant here but also have this choker (worn here). You’ll probably be seeing a lot of these pieces in the coming months!
Unlike a lot of the costume jewelry that I’ve bought in the past, I know these pieces will last forever.
Good American
When Khloe Kardashian launched Good American, a denim line, I thought it would be just another Kardashian spin off to make money. I ordered this pair from Nordstrom just to check them out (with no intention of actually keeping them!) and fell in love. The first time I put them on, my husband said it was his favorite pair of jeans on me. The way they hug my curves without feeling tight or constricting apparently looked as good as it felt! It’s also the first time ever that I’ve bought a pair of non-ankle jeans that I didn’t have to hem.
The jeans come in sizes 0-24, and are meant to fit all body types with extra stretch. I sized down two sizes after reading review online, and am so glad that I did. These are a zero and fit perfectly… For the record, I’ve never worn a size 0 in jeans ever in my entire life. If you’re not into the rips, I love this pair and this black pair.
I’d love to hear what your favorite quality brands are. Comment below!
Sweater, tote, and laptop sleeve c/o Cuyana / Jeans / Necklace c/o / Shoes / Sunnies
I agree, there is definitely a correlation between age and spending. 🙂
xx finja | http://www.effcaa.com
So true. I guess when I’m 60 I’ll be shopping exclusively at Gucci 🙂
I definitely need to de-clutter like that but I think I need some help! Maybe while my boyfriend is away for drill I’ll just go through and start tossing!
x0x0 Caroline http://thecarolove.com/
Read Marie Kondo’s book, trust me! It will change your life.
After loosing 80 pounds I have not only enjoyed the art of shopping but the thrill of donating and decluttering. I am very new to this so I don’t have favorite brands yet but I would love your opinion on light weight sweaters and the perfect tee shirts. I fallow you on Instagram and your posts are the perfect daily inspirations for a girl who’s rediscovering herself.
Thank you!
Sonya @shearnerve
Congratulations on your weight loss, what an amazing accomplishment! For sweaters and tees, check out Everlane. They make classic, well-made pieces for great prices. So happy to hear that you’re following along and getting inspired, you made my day.
I really have found some great quality pieces with Everlane
YES! I love love love Everlane. I should have included in this post. Top notch and great classic pieces.
Those jeans are gorgeous on you!!!
Kristina does the Internets
Thank you! So comfy too.
This makes me so happy!!! The necklace looks amazing on you.
But also, I am a HUGE fan of Good American, too! I bought two pairs and wear them both constantly!!!
I just adore it! Thank you for creating such a beauty 🙂 I think I might have to get another pair of Good Americans too.
I love this simple look on you!
Pink Champagne Problems
I think I need to get more into decluttering and having a minimalist mindset when it comes to clothes and house things. It’s always so frustrating when I purchase an item and after two or three wears it’s worn out.
Right? It is so frustrating and used to happen to me all the time. Sometimes even in months!
Love the quality over quantity mentality! Cuyana is definitely a favorite of mine and now I am going to have to check out Good American and Ben Amun as well!
xo Lauren
http://www.loveandlauren.com
I am (slowly) moving to a ‘less is more’ attitude in my home and first up is my holiday decorating! I have more storage bins of Christmas decorations than I care to admit but they are all staying put this year. I’m sticking to a simple theme of red and blue & white this year and I’m so happy with how it has turned out! Some of my fave quality brands are L.L.Bean, Calvin Klein (especially the dresses, they always fit perfectly!) and Banana Republic for their Sloan dress pants. I own 5 pairs and wear them in the office everyday! xx Rox-Anne, Celebratingthislife.ca
I love that attitude for Christmas decorations too! I just got rid of a bunch of my old, crappy ones and it felt so good. LL Bean is a classic, good call 🙂
Your front porch looks great! Loving the holiday vibe and all the greenery.
Oh Julia, I love the idea of decluttering but I am so lacking time these days with 3 little ones in tow and a husband very busy with his work. I feel I have so much on my plate that I am only making tiny steps into this decluttering project but…I guess I am still making progress;) As for buying better brands I love the idea and I am aiming towards it but when you are dying for a few items to renew your wardrobe and your budget is limited it is still too tempting to go to H&M rather than Cos, Massimo Dutti or Comptoire des Cotonniers (my favourite stores where I’d love to shop more by the way!) . Hope you’re having a good start to your week. Hugs from London, Julie
http://www.jafinthebox.wordpress.com
Even the small steps add up to make a big difference, trust me! I totally hear the pull for H&M, etc. It’s all about balance 🙂
Please, please share any tips you have for wearing those shoes! I bought them after seeing them on you and LOVE them but they are so uncomfortable even after 10+ wears!
Really! Mine were good after 4-5. I suggest bending the toe and heel toward each other to stretch them out before putting them on. I literally wear mine daily and they’re so comfy now!