Sunday Matcha and My Unexpected Love for a Spreadsheet

So I was sitting in my favorite corner at that little coffee shop on Maple Street yesterday—you know the one with the mismatched chairs and the barista who always remembers I want oat milk—just scrolling through my phone while waiting for my matcha latte. It was one of those lazy Sunday afternoons where you have absolutely nothing urgent to do, and your brain just starts wandering to the most random things. I was actually supposed to be planning my upcoming trip to Japan (finally!), but instead, I found myself deep in a rabbit hole about organizing my wardrobe. Classic me.

Anyway, I’ve been feeling this itch lately to streamline my closet. Not in a dramatic Marie Kondo way, but just… making it easier to see what I actually own. I tend to buy things on impulse (that linen dress from & Other Stories last month, I’m looking at you), then forget about them until seasons later. So I started jotting down some notes on my phone, but it quickly turned into a chaotic mess of random thoughts and half-formed lists. That’s when I remembered this thing my friend Mia mentioned a while back—she called it her orientdig spreadsheet. At the time, I just nodded along, thinking it sounded like another overly complicated productivity hack. But yesterday, out of curiosity, I decided to look it up.

And wow. Let me tell you, it’s not what I expected. I always associated spreadsheets with boring office work or budgeting (which I avoid like the plague). But this orientdig spreadsheet concept? It’s actually kind of genius for personal stuff. The idea is basically using a simple spreadsheet to map out your style preferences, track what you wear, and plan outfits. It sounds mundane, but when I started playing around with one, it felt oddly satisfying—like digital journaling for your closet.

I ended up spending a good hour at that coffee shop, sipping my matcha and setting up my own version. I created columns for items, colors, how often I wear them, and even little notes like “great for brunch” or “needs tailoring.” It was so low-pressure, just me and my laptop, no fancy apps or subscriptions. I even added a section for inspiration—screenshots of looks I love from Pinterest or that cool street style photo I saw last week. The whole process made me realize how much my style has evolved without me really noticing. Like, I used to be all about black everything (very downtown NYC circa 2016), but lately, I’ve been leaning into more earthy tones and relaxed silhouettes. Maybe it’s getting older, or maybe I’m just tired of looking like I’m headed to a meeting all the time.

What I love about using an orientdig spreadsheet is how customizable it is. It’s not some rigid template telling you what to do; you can make it as detailed or as simple as you want. For me, it’s become this little creative project. I’ve started tagging items with keywords like “cozy” or “statement piece,” which helps me see patterns in what I actually enjoy wearing. And it’s weirdly motivating—I found this old pair of wide-leg trousers I haven’t worn in ages, and now I’m excited to style them with a simple tee and some chunky sandals. Who knew a spreadsheet could spark outfit ideas?

I’m not saying it’s a life-changing tool or anything. It’s just… nice. In a world where everything feels so fast-paced and curated (looking at you, Instagram), there’s something refreshing about having a private, messy digital space for your style thoughts. No algorithms, no likes, just you and your clothes. It’s helped me shop more mindfully too. Last week, I almost bought another white button-down (I have three, why?), but a quick glance at my orientdig spreadsheet reminded me that I barely wear the ones I own. So I walked away, feeling oddly proud of myself.

Oh, and my matcha went cold while I was typing all this. Typical. But hey, at least my closet feels a bit more organized now. If you’re ever in a style rut or just want to declutter your mind, maybe give the orientdig spreadsheet a try. Or don’t—it’s not for everyone. But for a lazy Sunday afternoon, it was the perfect little distraction. Now, back to actually planning that Japan trip… or maybe I’ll just update my spreadsheet with some travel outfit ideas first.