Currently there are about 27 items in my ASOS saved bag. Many online retailers offer the save now, buy later feature which allows the user to bookmark the items for a certain period of time in their accounts.
I suppose it provides some visual remembrance in a sea of options available on the net. On occasion I refer to it, making adjustments and snagging anything that has been reduced significantly. Though there is no urgency to wear anything or any genuine need to have anything new, the pressure to consume is always there.
One scroll through Instagram and it automatically manipulates your consumption pattern. As I partially blamed our urge to consume on the Digital Style Era last week, the option of going minimalistic has crossed my mind on more than one occasion.
The first 
thoughts on minimalism for most people is the fact that they would have to wear sombre/ morbid colours like grey and black. Coming from a place like Guyana such a thing for me and most people is unthinkable as such colours are mostly associated with unhappiness and mourning. Minimalism is also affiliated with a more stringent consumption pattern. The concept which has enjoyed prime time in recent years, is said to have found its roots reignited in the global economic recession. The concept acts as retaliation towards logos and pompous branding visuals.
The aesthetic which many would symbolize as being drab and often acts as a deterrent to consume more, has even become more of a consumerist trend extending itself to home and lifestyle trends.
Though I have never found black to be an appreciated or desirable colour or any dark colour for that matter when it comes to clothing in the Caribbean, it may be just because the bright atmospherics in sunny Guyana makes it unsuitable for wear. While less is more and sober colours can be seen as the minimalism mantra and fundamental, the idea is the minimalism aesthetic extends itself beyond this.
The key components of minimalist style are said to incorporate, impersonal austerity, anti-figurative forms and accessible personal appeal.
Minimalist clothing examines the essentials of form and fabric as opposed to the function of the garment as being something solely for the covering of one’s body.
The design aesthetic channels a non-emotive element which is usually characterised by geometric composition or the use of non-conventional materials. Minimalism also removes the idea that clothing must assume a gender because of the idea that form should take precedence over the wearer’s proportions. The idea of minimalism also does not subject itself to receiving flawless magazine appeal or using ridiculously expensive materials. As it relates to accessibility the minimalist aesthetic incorporates cheap materials manipulated in such a way to create high-quality garments. In a nutshell, minimalism forces us to think of form and explores the purpose of the design process by using innovative materials.
Anyone can imagine why minimalism can be seen as an alternative choice of style in this fast-paced industry. The idea is that the clothing doesn’t partake in trend exploration but rather a more artistic viewpoint that only concerns the form and by working with simple materials. Once an item fits well it also then becomes even more difficult for the wearer to distance herself/himself from it. I guess in a way modern minimalism can be seen as pro-utilitarian.
Should you want to consider conversion to a more stable, controllable, fashion-consumption lifestyle, here are a few tips:A well-tailored LBD is compulsory. Please not a cheap alternative. This is a lifestyle investment
Say bye to prints. They are like a drug addiction. The acquisition of one brings the feeling that you need another. Keep them on your wall and not on your body.
Less is more. No need for fussy jewelry, overdone hairstyles or a well done makeup beat
If I am to be honest minimalism seems boring compared to everything else going on in the fashion world but it’s definitely worth a shot if you are consuming without reason. At least you will be able to get more wear out of your minimalist lifestyle.
