simple, but not boring

if you asked me to describe myself, i’d say i’m a pretty simple girl. i like simple things. i like to live a simple life. i guess you could say i’m somewhat of a minimalist. i can get overwhelmed quite easily, so i like to keep things simple for myself. i think when some people hear these terms, though, “simple” or “minimal”, they think boring. and i’m definitely not boring. i guess that’s how i’d describe my “aesthetic”, if you will, or my life motto. simple, but not boring. this idea is reflected in all aspects of my life. my outfits, my home, my lifestyle. think simple, minimal, timeless with pops of fun — color, pattern, joy.

let’s start with how i get dressed every morning. what i wear, what i buy. i’ll typically start with a simple base. think jeans and a white tee. boring, right? that’s where you have to play and add your pieces of fun. i’ll add a fun accessory — like a statement piece of jewelry or a cool belt. or i’ll add a pop of color — a red bag or a pink sneaker. i could also play with my hair or makeup — a pop of color on my eyelids or lips, or a fun hairstyle. i start with a simple base and then just add one thing that adds a bit of personality and makes the outfit or look just a little bit more interesting. it’s still a simple and easy outfit, but it’s not plain or boring.

the same thing goes for my home. i like an off-white wall, neutral tones, natural woods. i like the space to feel light and calm. don’t get me wrong here, though. i like a space that has built in character, not a cookie-cutter new build, though those can still be worked with. again, i like a simple base in my home in terms of color & tone. from there i’ll make it more interesting with furniture and decor, maybe a painted accent wall or some wallpaper. i’ll add a fun rug, artwork to the walls, an interesting piece of furniture. not too much, though, just a statement piece or pop of color or pattern here and there. i don’t want my space to feel overwhelming or noisy. the space still feels somewhat simple and minimal, but there’s still interest and personality.

lastly, this same idea applies to my lifestyle. i like to live a relatively simple life, but i still find moments of fun and joy everyday. i do like a routine to some extent. some structure to my day, my week, my life. but i keep these routines simple and allow for change. i read every night before bed but obviously that book changes as i finish one and move onto the next. sometimes i’ll read a cheesy romance novel, other times a psychological thriller, or literary fiction. every morning i’ll make a fun drink, but i’ll play around with different syrups or creamers. i try to move my body everyday — some days i’ll do a soulcycle class, sometimes pilates, some days i’ll go for a long walk. i plan my meals at the start of each week. the menu usually consists of a few of the same meals week to week and then once or twice a week i’ll try something new or different. some nights i’ll use my “me time” to watch a show or movie, other times i might work on a project — sewing, or knitting, or jewelry making, or i might spend my night scrolling pinterest and listening to music. the point is i like to keep a simple routine to my days and weeks but leave room to play within that structure. that goes for months and years, too. day to day i live a pretty simple life, but of course i enjoy traveling, going to concerts, trying new restaurants, going out with my friends — more “special” things that make my otherwise simple life more exciting.

essentially, i like to start with a simple base or bones or structure, and then add things or moments that add interest or joy. things that reflect my personality or interests or style. moments of fun and play and creativity. i keep things simple, but i’m not boring. that’s how i’d describe my aesthetic or my vibe or my life motto.