Hi everyone! I’ve received a lot of questions about my blazer in this video :) it’s my navy brooks brothers blazer that I’ve had for a few years now and was one of the first things I styled on my blog back when I was living in NYC. It’s still perfect and I love it so much. In case you’re a similar stature to me, it’s a 2P and fits PERFECTLY ❤️

I agree with everything you mention, except for physical books. I LOVE my collection. I couldn't bear not to have the actual book to hold and read.

1 any thing not in my color pallet. 2 cheap clothes, accessories. and shoes. 3 physical books. 4 DVD s or CD s. 5 holiday decorations. 6 shaving creams. 7 body wash. 8 gimmicky skin care. 9 things that I think I should be wearing. 10 uncomfortable clothes. 11 things just bcz they're on sale. 12 things that are single wear. 13 gimmicky tech. 14 disposable water bottles 15 magazines 16 excessive kitchen stuff.

I love how most of the comments agree with the lists except for books ❤️ who knew this channel attracted so many bookworms? Hello to all my people 📖

Books are wonderful to have. There's something special about the feel and the smell of a book that can never be replaced by an electronic reading device. To me, a home without a library is just empty.

I run an independent bookstore, so I can’t fully support BUT there are great trade-in and lending library clubs that share new releases, where you can form community and decrease waste while still enjoying physical copies of books

Hi Audrey, I don't buy from Amazon anymore. Amazon's goal is to eliminate all their competition and when their competition is gone, they will control the prices of all our merchandise. It's more interesting and fun to look for alternatives. Amazon is lazy shopping most of the time.

I would love to see your skin care routine

Love that you differentiate between “extreme minimalism” and “intentional minimalism” 👏

Digital books are hard on the eyes. Traditional books are a great sensory experience‼️📚🌟

Nothing like a good book , the smell and touch. I do understand it can get so excessive

I just borrow books from the library: physical books, ebooks, and audiobooks.

Hi Audrey, I'm elderly yet I'm learning so very much from you. With magazines and books, I'm able to "borrow" these from my library electronically, yes, even many magazines.

My apartment is nothing but white walls, plants, and books. I even got rid of my bed and have a mattress on the floor now, but books stacked to the ceiling. They are heavy as hell if I move house, but home is where my books are.

I would love to see a video about how you built your color palette. I've been trying to build one for myself but I'm kinda stuck and not sure how to include only colors that match.

I agree with no longer buying uncomfortable clothing or clothing that other people are wearing that doesn’t suit you. I’ve been feeling pressured to buy jeans in modern cuts but I love my skinny jeans because I’m only 5’1” and baggy jeans overwhelm my tiny frame. Thank you for your wisdom and sharing your beautiful thoughts with us.

Your blazer looks amazing on you, the hairstyle totally looking fresh and the glowing skin🌼 So much beauty in a video.

I LOVE your classic, elegant style...at 60, I live in a tiny house and appreciate your guidance on building my capsule wardrobe! Great list of unnecessary items to save money and precious space! 😘💕❤️

I don’t buy holiday decorations, but I love making christmas decorations each year- a wreath, popcorn garlands, dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks for the tree. Plastic free and really help me get in the Christmassy mood!

1. I still don't understand some people need to buy every single colour in colour spectrum. just buy what's good on you 2. as an engineering student, I'm not amaze with technology anymore.. especially when you study on how gadgets actually work. in my case, I'm major in telecom, so every time I see new phone, it does nothing to me. they all look the same. only upgrade a bit here and there. and my 2 years old phone still doing great. I'm still using 10 years old laptop that I got when i admitted into college even tho it lags a bit but I will upgrade in future if I have enough money

Agree with all of your suggestions except books! I'm older, and perhaps it's my age but reading a physical book is so much more intimate where as a kindle book reminds me of tech/college days! Love your channel! ❤

Another vote for "everything except the books" - sorry, my dear! I will never be a true minimalist, but I am trying really hard to de-clutter and simplify my life and I would love to see a video about simplified skin care, please.

I’m bad about buying cheaper items, but I have slowly turned that around. I was bad about buying everyday, staple pieces like T-shirts or just a “plain ol’ black/gray/navy sweater”. It was getting to where I was having to replace them more and more often. Stopped that. Putting more $$ into those staple pieces really does pay off. 👍🏼😊. Same for shoes.

Not buying stuff only because it is fashionable is a very good advice that I learned very late! Thank you

Decorating for holidays has always stressed me out! The putting-away stage brings on more stress and some depression. Thank you for liberating me! I also despise the need to keep up with tech. I appreciate your viewpoint immensely.

Your skin care routine would be helpful to many, I'm sure. When I was in my 20's, I visited a friend in Germany. I met her 60 year old mother who had the most beautiful skin. She dabbed Nivea cream around her eye area every day. I was so impressed I bought some while there. At the time it wasn't a widely available in the US. I began using it daily, part of a simple routine. I'm now in my 60's and the area around my eyes is free of lines and wrinkles. I'm now that mother with glowing, youthful skin.

I could never give up my physical books, I love holding them and the smell! The rest were helpful!

Was anyone else surprised by how much of a minimalist Audrey actually is?! Impressed! She clearly has invested time and thought reflecting on the "must haves" vs. "superfluous/out of synch with one's lifestyle". Kudos!

The only woman whom voice sounds like clear crystal water

I am on board with all the ways you have streamed your purchase decisions. I strongly believe one should make use of their local library. It is important to preserve physical books for reasons too many to list here.

I would like to add a few items from my list: - wrapping paper - I use plain white paper or packing paper and add either a few colorful dots or something seasonal like leaves etc. - moisturizer/face cream - I only use pure jojoba oil on damp skin for everything and my skin has actually calmed down a lot - shopping bags/plastic bags - I have a tote bag folded up in my purse all the time so that I never forget it - female hygiene products - I have been using a cup plus a couple of period panties for some years now and I never want to go back to tampons or pads - envelopes and cardboard boxes - I resell many things I no longer use, so I keep the packaging from the things I buy and reuse it - jars - I regurlarly buy food that comes in jars anyway so I wash and keep them for storing - medication 'just in case' - I no longer buy medication in advance because I had to throw it out so often. - make-up palettes - I only buy single colors that I really love

Nope nope nope on the physical books. Our eyes are on screens so much of the time, that it's a relief to read off of paper.

Audrey, I'm trying to be mindful and definitely have more than I need however--this pandemic has completely thrown me. I find myself watching KZfaq and then ordering whatever. I guess it's fulfilling something and I need to figure it out. Thank you for a great video.

Audrey, you are direct without being abrasive, a real talent! It's a joy to watch a sensible young person of gracious integrity. Blessings on you!

Will you ever sing for us? It would be such a treat!!

Regarding Christmas decorations: I decided to focus on just a few areas instead of smothering the house in decorations. You're right, it allows me time to participate in the season right from Advent to Epiphany. For me the areas I decorate are my white fridge which becomes my snowman; a small white Christmas tree in the bed area, with white snowball lights and tree skirt; a tray on my coffee table with a few things; an Advent wreath on my dining table with candles; a Christmas wreath on the front door. Ambient lighting galore!

The technology part is so true. I have friends that need to have the newest iphone even though their phones are fine, and they are always looking for ways to buy something they can't afford. I basically use my phones until they die.

Laughing so hard. Thanks Audrey i am delighted to hear you don’t buy the latest tech too. I upgraded last year from an iPhone 4 to an 8. It was a purposeful choice. The iPhone 4 lasted 9 years. I am hoping for the same from my new one. Excellent video. Thanks.

Yes Audrey I am interested in your général approch of skin care 💕

Once I got the color palette down my life got easier. Wardrobe is beautiful and I redecorated in same colors. My home has flow and sophistication now and I’m soooo comfy!!! It’s a neutral Zen world for me! Highly suggest this!

I started investing in my pension plan and funds! Fashion wise, I don't buy as many clothes as I used to (mainly to save more money), but when I do, I usually go for basic items like a good pair of jeans or a sturdy white t-shirt which will never go out of fashion :D

Yes to the skin care routine. My mom introduced me to a healthy skin care routine when I was a kid and since then I have stuck to it.. although like most kids I hated it in the beginning! It's now when I am older and get complemented on my skin that I thank her everyday. And it's not gimmicky 17 steps. Would love to see yours though!

Since starting a capsule wardrobe a few months ago, I no longer buy outside my color palette either, and no longer buy cheap clothes, shoes or accessories. Quality over quantity. I'm also a reader and use the Kindle app on my phone to read books, so I don't buy books anymore either. I also haven't bought CD's, DVD's, magazine or kitchen gadgets in many years. I keep decorations to a minimum and reuse them. I always have more hair conditioner left over so I use it to shave with too. I also have sensitive skin and keep my routine simple. I keep my phone for as many years as I can. Lots of similarities! :-)

I remember growing up at Christmas time and decorating with my father. We'd put up the outdoor and window lights and then bring the tree in and do those lights; my mother was too busy baking and cooking our traditional cookies, stollen, and bread/croissants with my grandmother and aunt. How our home was decorated growing up always made me happy... it looked so warm and inviting. We had glass tree ornaments, and a nativity creche that I still have to this day. The only time I bought some decorations was when I first got married...30yrs ago. So I guess what tree decorations and others that have survived a few moves are now antiques. When I decorate nowadays, it brings back such special and beautiful memories.... my life wouldn't be the same without them.

I love my kindle too, but I don't consider books as clutter..I love the feel of the paper, picking up the physical book and enjoy the look of them around my home. Also the light from kindle is not healthy for your eyes, and I like to read in the evening.

You calm me down even in busy chaotic days... Thank you ☺️

You have NO IDEA how MUCH you have helped me. I am eternally greatful to you. Now, I need to get to work and follow these rules.

So happy to hear I do all these things now also! I also send my clothes I don't wear to consignment or Goodwill.

Audrey you are so wonderful! So much light from you ☀️ thank you 💗

I love your take on physical books and magazines. Truly, I used to work at a library and frequented them pre-pandemic, but I think owning a block of paper and enjoying its contents can be two separate things. I used to own so many books I never read, and in the comments here (and elsewhere) there seems to be a fetishistic fervor for them. Now that I only purchase physical copies of the ones I genuinely want to own, they are more meaningful to me. Since I’ve embraced e-books I find myself reading even more, as it’s easier to just pull out my phone during work breaks without fear of splashing coffee on something I’ll need to return. Some people find pleasure in amassing great collections of things they like, but I don’t think that means they love or care for them more than those who choose smaller collections. Sometimes we can only even afford a small amount, and those few are special treasures. I just wanted to say this to validate anyone else: your love of books and reading is not less-than the love of someone who collects books. Collecting and reading are two different things. Physical and digital reading are different experiences, you may have preferences or practical needs, but neither is ultimately superior.

Love my Kindle, but there's a certain joy in holding an actual book in my hands. Passing on a good read to a friend is a great way to avoid the clutter of a huge book collection. Shopping online for clothes during this time has really put needs vs. wants into perspective for me. I trust my regular websites and was able to replenish some pieces that were pretty worn, and the new pieces were ON sale. Yay! You have great ideas! Be well!

I am all about quality and natural fabrics. I've seen many expensive designer clothes made out of 100% polyester or rayon. No thank you! I have found outstanding quality items by non designers. Much better value to have high quality items regardless of brand. I find fantastic deals on new with tags quality designer items on EBay! I have several 100% silk blouses by Frame and Vince for literally 90 percent off retail. I also love electronic books! It's a game changer, less clutter around the house, less costly, and love that I can make the font bigger! Great video!!

I think it’s amazing that such a young woman like you has reached such insight in what’s important in life. You managed to shed a lot of things that weren’t useful or just were white noise in your life. I share your views and have almost the same habits, but it took me a loooong time to get there.

I still enjoy a physical copy of my Bible. That way, I can write in the margins.

I agree with everything, I'm 80-20 % with books, I still buy some hard copies and don't trust streaming services with my favorites shows or movies, they change all the time or sometimes they crash, I need my Blu-Ray

I do love my books. My bookshelves are part of my decor. The clothes, tho, that is another story!

You should start a podcast you’re so knowledgeable and your voice is beautiful!!

I love books. I know they can look crazy but I just love it. I dont mind my book shelf being cluttered. Also I love decorating for Christmas. I'm 37 years old and i have decorations on my tree that I've had since i was a child and it's awesome. Obviously I've added to the collection but it all still fits in one box and I've used the same tree for about 10 years now and it still looks good as new. I try to minimize waste in other areas but I guess I'm a sucker for my books and christmas decor. 🤗

Since you mentioned about kitchen gudgets, I would be happy if you could do a tour of your kitchen sometime. I always enjoy watching your video. Very informative and useful.

You mentioned in another video of purchasing an item at a lower price point when trying a new item in your wardrobe. Great suggestion! I now have a better sense of my style and don’t feel guilty releasing something that didn’t work for me. I have “invested” in higher quality items once I know they work in my wardrobe. Excellent video once again.

Re the books: I like everything that Audrey stated, but I find I still have a book collection -I just get the books that I love and really want a physical copy of, or otherwise feel that I need. If I'm not sure about a book, I will read digitally, and if I love it and have a personal connection to it, I will buy it physically. Just makes having the physical collection more personalised, specific and curated, with personal favourites and ones that can be re-read or passed down through generations (or, you know, that must-have cook book ready to go). :)

Sundays are for watching your videos and @Alyssa Beltempo’s

I have a bit different plan regarding books: I use kindle for my frivolous books & have a lovely wee library for books in my areas of study. It takes up most of what was our older son’s bedroom. I love having a dedicated space for my books; I have a former military officers’ desk which I really love. I’ve just engaged a house cleaner as I’m no longer physically able to keep it up. I’m looking forward to less dust & dog hair. 😏. One rabbit hole I’ve fallen into is historic dress. I learned to sew quite late. I don’t care if I’m perceived as a bit eccentric. I don’t work so I’m not under any pressure to appear professional.

I think a good book collection nicely stacked in a solid book shelf enhances a home like no other thing can.

I love that “cheap does not equal inexpensive”

Books offer me a comforting tactile experience. The way a book feels in your hands, the smell of the paper and binding. A home without shelves of books would seem cold and barren to me.

Love this Audrey. Specially now that we are spending so much time at home, de cluttering is important not to feel suffocated by stuff. I’ve always thought a clean and organized home is a reflection of the state of our minds and hearts. Thank you for sharing what works for you and the reasons behind them

As a film and music aficionado, I still want to buy hard copies because nothing beats the feeling of having them on your hands, and looking at all the artwork and whatnots.

I only have Christmas decor and it all fits in 1 box. I put out pumpkins, starting in October. Your list is very similar to mine! Love it! Except books, I work in that particular area, so it's my oh la la!

I Iived on a sailboat for ten years where personal space is very limited,once I retired. MY wardrobe was strictly functional as opposed to my office wear blazer and suit based working wardrobe. Galley space, cosmetics space, hair products, body products were extremely minimal. It was a beautiful, simple, non consumer life and it taught me much about what was most important to me. When we gave up sailing to retire in a lovely Latin American tropical country, as we came to know more locals the business owners, the professional class, the large landowners and were invited to their social events we found we had to dress not like tourists in paradise for social events with them and of course we knew HOW from our prior working lives. Had we refused to adjust to local culture we would not have had social opportunities to really understand the country we live in at all levels of society. What surprised us was the formality. WHen tourists walk around in shorts here they mark themselves as outsiders. FIne for a vacation, not so fine for longterm. THis is a highly polite country even among the poor population, they use the vos form of Spanish for example. We have been at private home concerts of opera with the vice president where everyone is dressed British style esp the women. We certainly have never been to parties with any American vice president. We have been at casual events at fincas, guests at large beach houses, the gamut, all because we have manners, are well educated and fit in. We are not wealthy, but professional class people. We have learned much from all levels of society here because we are open to it with open minds knowing that no, Americans dont know everything about the rest of the world. Nor is the American way best at all times, ie we have respect for all levels of society here. So now I have a wardrobe for errands, another for trips back to the US and elsewhere mostly items I pull from the other categories, and so on. I have worked hard to balance it and have core colors in basic items plus a silk scarf collection really expands the wearability of my basics to a higher level of sophistication. I really have loved every phase of my life. I think you are the wisest fashion blogger on KZfaq and amazingly so for your young age. Your voice is so lovely and you have presence and elegance that is sorely lacking in almost every blogger of your age. You are really unique and a special gem of a person. SYbil Francis PhD

Perfect video for my relaxed Sunday evening. With much love from Sydney, Audrey 👋🏼

I did the same concerning books. I changed that although I buy classics and and my favourites in well made hardback copies. They look good on the shelf and I will perpetually reread them

All good points. I need a big purging session right now in my home. I have accumulated so much STUFF, and it is stressful to have so much. I also often purchase the 'recommended' water bottles and other trends, and have so many misses in my closets. Just learned that 'BPA free' only refers to one type of toxic plastic, and that there are other toxins in plastic bottles. So, now will rely on my one trusty glass bottle and will donate the rest for someone else to at least have an option. I converted to Kindles about 5 years ago, just because of travel and getting bored with books and wanting to switch. Now with COVID and having to wait to enter stores, etc., I just pull out my Kindle and get in some reading time. The Kindle just slips easily in to my bag when needed. Thank you Audrey.

I love my kindle but I also love physical books. I only buy them second hand (or borrow from the library). I also don't see physical books as clutter. I think that well stocked bookcases or shelves add coziness to decor. And when I no longer want to hold onto a book, I always donate to secondhand bookstores or give them to friends or co-workers.

Me, who craves the SMELL of physical books: 😟

I agree! Here are things that I also don’t buy anymore: Paper towels Lipsticks (why are we drawn to have so many?) Eyeshadow palettes Disposable cotton rounds Books (I have a kindle) Home decor, including holiday decor Pod style coffee Nylon leggings Plastic Tupperware Self tanners (they smell horrible, streaky, and stain your sheets) And decorative pillows

Wonderful video! I have come to realize that I will no longer buy “cheap” clothes that don’t have quality to them. I try to buy good quality clothes secondhand to be more affordable. I don’t buy anything made of polyester now. It is very nice to know that you don’t buy holiday decorations! I always feel overwhelmed by the consumer expectation that you have to decorate for the holidays. I like to have a Nativity, aside from a Christmas tree, or a small holiday centerpiece on the counter, but I don’t love filling my whole house with decorations. We just didn’t have money to do that as newlyweds. I don’t have holiday wreaths, or Knick knacks, so our house is not super festive to come to. But I do love a scented candle, or Essential oils diffusing during the holidays to bring the aroma in.

I've used my not so loved hair conditioner as a shaving cream and it's an absolute game changer. Thank you so much 💜

I have a pair of shoes I adore, but they are so high and not meant to be for long walks, so I feel guilt for even having them if I cannot wear them regularly. So I was selling them, I even had a buyer but somehow I couldn't commit to really give them away. Thank you for saying it's more than ok to have one or two pieces of clothing, which are not necessarily comfortable, but beautiful. These shoes make me feel like a goddess. The pressure of feeling guilt is gone forever.

Your channel brings me so much joy and has really helped me to be more thoughtful in things I purchase and how I build my wardrobe. Thank you, Audrey!

What a great list! I'm not the most minimalistic person, by any means, but I have been becoming more intentional about my "stuff" over the years. I'm loving a life with less. I have a hard time with ereaders though, as most of my books are actually for my classroom library. I only keep a few books for myself that I really love and that show my interests off; for everything else, there's the public library. I think one thing I've noticed is that I've been reselling or trading in a lot more items, particularly with video games. Trading in games helps you recoup your losses (something digital versions can't do!) and they also don't contribute to digital clutter, which has been my struggle point recently. Anyway, thanks for sharing your tips. You always encourage your viewers to be more mindful and I appreciate that 😊

I also read on Kindle but physical books are important and must survive.

Good ideas. However, I LOVE actual books and I love how they look on shelves; i dont think they are 'clutter at all.😀

So many good ideas, Audrey! I am a former shopaholic and finding myself falling into my old ways with online shopping. My wish list for the Nordstrom sale is now at 30+ items. I need to avoid buying items because they are a great buy. I also need to slim down my color palette so I don't have orphan items that aren't versatile.

I honestly love everything about your channel - your content, your advices, your inspiration and your voice. I could listen to you for hours x)

The main thing for me is sticking to my color palette: I used to have clothes that were my style and not wear or very little. It was because I chose colors I like not colors that suit me!!!!I could instinctively not feel good in them and wondering why!!!!Big Ah!Ah! moment! I also try to have multitasking skin care products. As for tech, I just went from a flip phone to an Apple 11! who can beat that!!!!

Happy to be watching your new video next to a fresh cup of coffee, sunday afternoon... your lovely voice and presence on this platform is a gift! Oh we are lucky to have this, and our health! Wishing everyone all the best! Xx

Totally agree with your opinion on tech. Much rather spend money on things for the home that are good quality, even second hand which will last

Good morning ! One of my downfalls is purchasing clothes on a big sale that don't fit, in the expectation that I will lose weight or grow into them. And I love your point about color palette! I have purchased yellow clothes in the past, wore once, and regretted every moment.

Loving your style! Would love to hear some tips on how to dress for special occasions where those outfits wouldnt end up being 'single wear' items.

Very useful advice. Like the advice about not looking at sale items which can so easily tempt you.

I so agree with you about getting rid of physical books. I'm an avid reader. I love having my library on the kindle app on my phone so I can read anytime anywhere. I also appreciate the space in my house that has been freed up by decluttering most of my physical books.

You look absolutely gorgeous in this video 😍

I have so much STUFF, the money I have wasted! Love this message.

simplifying is truly the way to go, relieves stress and what is essential and works. But I adore my physical books. Friends can borrow them too. I enjoy your delivery and content so much. And the lighter feeling really is a thing.

I learned about the concept of wardrobe color pallet from you last year when you were planning your spring wardrobe. I am so thankful for that because it is so much easier for me to minimize and shop. Shopping is a breeze now.

Absolutely on point, as usual. I always look forward to watching your videos, thank you for the wonderful job you do.

Re: Sales - I used to buy things on sale just because the price was so good I couldn't resist. I still have things in my closet that I bought on sale and haven't ever worn. I still shop sales but now I ask myself if I would buy it if it was full price. If the answer is no, I don't buy it on sale.

Audrey - I just want to say that I love your videos! I especially love the music choices - the jazz really sets your channel apart from others. Thanks!

Keeping your kitchen stuff to the essentials is such a good tip. I've been thinking that my kitchen is too small, but maybe I see it the wrong way, like you said, and I have too many things!