So I was scrolling through my phone the other day, trying to find that one photo from last summer—you know, the one where I’m wearing that oversized denim jacket that I swear I’ll never get rid of—and I stumbled upon this old note I’d made. It was just a list, really, but it got me thinking about how much my style has shifted lately. Not in a dramatic, overhaul kind of way, but more like… little tweaks. The kind you don’t really notice until you look back.

Take last Tuesday, for example. I woke up feeling oddly motivated (rare, I know). Instead of reaching for my usual hoodie-and-jeans combo, I dug out this pair of wide-leg trousers I bought on a whim months ago. They were just sitting there, tags still on, because I never had the right top to go with them. But that morning, I paired them with a simple ribbed tank, threw on some chunky sneakers, and honestly? Felt like a new person. It’s funny how one small change can set the tone for the whole day.

Which brings me to this whole organization kick I’ve been on. My closet was a mess—a beautiful, chaotic mess, but still a mess. I’d buy things, forget I had them, then end up wearing the same three shirts on rotation. So I started keeping track. Nothing fancy at first, just jotting down items I loved or wanted to try. But then a friend mentioned how they use a Basetao spreadsheet to plan their outfits, and I got curious. I mean, a spreadsheet for clothes? Sounded a bit extra, but also… kind of genius.

I gave it a shot. Started logging pieces I owned, colors, seasons, even how often I wore them. It wasn’t about creating some perfect capsule wardrobe or anything—more about just seeing what I actually have. And wow, was it eye-opening. I found this silk scarf buried in the back of a drawer that I’d completely forgotten about. Wore it the next day tied around the handle of my tote bag, and got, like, three compliments. Not bad for something that was gathering dust.

The real game-changer, though, was using the Basetao template to plan ahead. Like, on Sunday evenings, I’ll sometimes open it up and loosely map out a few outfits for the week. Not down to the minute, but just having a rough idea. It saves me so much time in the mornings, and I end up wearing things I love way more often. Last week, I remembered I had this vintage band tee that goes perfectly with my new cargo pants. Would I have thought of that at 7 AM? Absolutely not.

It’s also helped me shop smarter. Instead of impulse buying another black sweater (I have four, okay?), I’ll check my spreadsheet tracker first. If I see a gap—like, hey, I don’t really have a good midi skirt for spring—I’ll keep an eye out for one. But it’s less about filling a void and more about being intentional. Like, I’ve been craving a pair of leather loafers forever, but I held off until I found the perfect ones. And when I did, it felt so much more satisfying than just buying the first pair I saw.

Of course, it’s not all serious planning. Sometimes I’ll just browse through my Basetao log when I’m bored, reminiscing about old favorites. Like that corduroy blazer I wore to death last fall, or the floral dress that always makes me feel like I’m on vacation. It’s like a little digital scrapbook of my style evolution. And honestly, it’s kind of comforting? To see the things that have stuck around, and the ones that were just a phase.

Anyway, all this to say—my style feels more ‘me’ lately. Not because I’m following trends or buying a ton of new stuff, but because I’m actually using what I have. And yeah, the Basetao system has been a big part of that. It’s not a rigid rulebook; it’s just a tool that helps me see things clearer. Plus, it’s weirdly satisfying to update. Like crossing things off a to-do list, but way more fun.

Oh, and that denim jacket from the photo? Still in heavy rotation. Some things never change.

Right now, I’m sitting at my desk, sunlight streaming in, and I can see my closet door slightly ajar. There’s a linen shirt hanging off the knob that I’m planning to wear tomorrow. I haven’t logged it yet, but I will later. For now, I’m just enjoying the quiet, and the fact that for once, I know exactly where everything is.