Me: how many handbags do I pack for a summer in Franklinton Center at Bricks, NC?
George: 3.
Me: Do tote sized count as handbags? I mean…I’m just saying!
George: have you tried living minimally? With only 21 items.
Me (thinking in my head): I AM living minimally. Half my clothes are in CT.
I think I have been challenged by George Oliver. He suggested something about writing a theological reflection on my experience…
Now here are my questions:
1. Do accessories count in that number?
2. Do suits count as 1 item?
3. Should I take up the challenge?
What follows below are additions that have been made with input from friends and colleagues. I will be using my age as of two weeks from today as my “right” number of items!
Pairing Down to 38 Articles of Clothing for the Summer*
2 Jeans
2 Leggings
2 Pants
2 Skirts
5 Dresses
3 Undershirts
3 T-Shirts
7 Shirts/Tunics
2 Jacket
1 Hoodie
4 Cardigans
5 Scarves
38 Total Items
*Items such as Undergarments, Accessories, and Exercise Clothes will not count towards the total count. Those items will be counted as:
-3 Bags: 1 black backpack, 1 black handbag, 1 brown cross-body bag
-5 Shoes: 1 brown peep-toe wedge, 1 brown wedge, 1 black heels, 1 Sneaker/Sandal, 1 black boots
-Accessories: 3 Necklaces, 5 earrings, 2 rings, bangle bracelets
-Undergarments: Miscellaneous (including 2 sets of pjs)
-Exercise Clothes: 1 Sneakers, 2 Pants
Color Palate: Redish-Orange, Black & White
ThruELLY 
Here’s your problem: George (I assume) is a dude. “Minimally” means something totally different for guys. As in 1 pair jeans + 1 pair shorts (or preferably pants that zip off into shorts) + 2 shirts = summer wardrobe. I mean 21 items probably would just about cover makeup and hair care. Find a woman who lives minimally and ask her.
So…
Thanks for asking. First take 3 bags in 3 sizes: average, large and tote. Make sure they are neutral (solid black or tan) or have every color imaginable so that they match everything.
1. Of course not.
2. yes
3. you can try, but count like this: jewelry that fits in one bag (reasonable size, Elly) is one item, same with make up: one bag = one item, same with hair care all products count as one (you only have one hairstyle at a time after all)
And most importantly: coffee preparation paraphernalia are NEVER counted in such a list, but have their own separate list with a limit of 21 items.
Hahahaha!!! I like the way you think… I think I will attempt the minimalist thing, beauty products, jewelry and makeup all fit into a carryon bag. Granted its everything including meds.
Coffee gets its own space separate from everything else!
I have decided that shoes, scarves, purses and undergarments are not part of the count either. But should be reasonably numbered. The goal is to be true to myself and manage. I will pray on the list and post my thoughts as I go.