A genius tip for those who like lots of handbags

(my new plan for a capsule accessories wardrobe)

Welcome to Let’s Do This, a weekly newsletter with ideas and inspiration for taking intentional action.

A pic from my “work outfits” folder

There are another two types of people in the world: those who use one handbag day in and day out until it falls apart, and those who match their handbags to their clothes, mood or the season they’re in.

I am number two.

I don’t even own one black handbag (not even a pouch!). Oh wait, my mother-in-law gifted me a little evening clutch a few years ago which I still have. I have many (!) handbags in all shades because I love colour and I love to wear something bold and bright. I keep thinking that it might be a good idea to have a black handbag, a staple piece, in my wardrobe and I have actually added many such black handbags to my shopping cart, only to change it to a fun colour :)

That beautiful large tote is the Emmy in Merlot and it is the perfect winter colour. I am admittedly a bit too obsessed with the smaller purple orchid bag - it is the perfect (!) pop of colour and holds anything you need, even a 500ml water bottle. No, I don’t get commission.

However, all this bag switching was getting cumbersome, even for me. I do realise that this is why the first group of people never switch their bags. Friends, I think I would die of boredom first. Haha!

I then decided to write a list of all my winter outfits for work (about 12) and then (and here’s where that Monday night genius struck) I wrote down which bag I typically reach for.

There were three which are all shown in the photos sprinkled into this post (with a fourth when I have to travel to our other office using the Gautrain).

Mission accomplished.

I then packed everything else away. Not properly away, but I made them less accessible with these three bags occupying front and centre real estate in my very small wardrobe.

I also decided I have too many brown handbags for a person who doesn’t like neutrals, so I listed three for sale. Don’t worry; I still have another three left in varying sizes.

I’ve been using this system for two weeks now and it’s removed such a lot of mental load yet I still feel excited to get dressed with a bright handbag every day.

Chartreuse is a neutral for me :)

Action

You might not have a handbag thing but maybe you have a shoe thing or a necklace thing or a scarf thing.

If you feel some decision fatigue, perhaps you might want to put some of your things away too?

Let me know how it goes!

Hope your week ahead is full of good movement, comfort food and laughing until you cry.

Have a wonderful week!

With love

Marcia

PS I’m going to start writing a second Substack (I know!) which will be where I process my thoughts and feelings on being diagnosed with cancer. If you’re interested in reading along, here is where you subscribe as I will not be mixing up the content.