Late Fall/Early Winter 10x10

This post is all about two things I've probably spent way too much time on lately... capsule wardrobes and ThredUp. The concept of a capsule wardrobe is a little bit deceiving. You think that by having fewer clothes you have to think less about what you wear. But really, there's a fair amount of time that goes into concocting new outfits from your existing pieces, Pinteresting for style ideas and even ongoing closet clean-outs and wardrobe adjustments that happen as seasons, styles or fit changes. Theoretically, it's less time than previously spent shopping and figuring out what to wear. But time nonetheless. I guess the good thing is that I enjoy that time spent styling, researching and re-styling my wardrobe. It's relaxing. My life is a variegated amalgamation of creative outlets and this is just one of many. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea and practice of a capsule wardrobe. BUT, it's not always a timesaver. ;)

After reading plenty about the 10x10 challenge, I haven't taken on the challenge myself yet... in practice. I just decided to give it a shot in theory, and use my favorite online shopping tool to give it a whirl! I recently got a cash out from ThredUp and bought a few new pieces to add to my Fall/Winter wardrobe. So, I decided to use those as the base of my virtual 10x10 and then found some more items on ThredUp that were similar to pieces I already own. The result is a capsule wardrobe that I love! 10 pieces (plus accessories) that turned into 12 outfits!

This is the kind of thing that makes me feel like a capsule wardrobe is possible... and preferable. I want to print this out and put it in my closet. I need to remember that just a few pieces have many possibilities, especially when paired with different shoes and accessories. I'm also kinda thinking I need to capitalize on my ridiculously bad habit of trolling ThredUp and Photoshopping outfit boards while watching TV at night. There are so many better things I could be doing with my time... :| But hey, if you need something like this, let me know! I charge by the hour. ;)

The Pieces

• *Navy Pullover Sweater (Gap via ThredUp)

• *Striped Tee (LLBean via ThredUp)

• *Teal Patterned Blouse (Gap via ThredUp)

• Ivory Open Cardigan (ThredUp)

• Collared Button-Down Sleeveless Blouse (ThredUp)

• Dark Wash Bootcut Jeans (ThredUp)

• Burgundy Skinny Cords (ThredUp)

• *Fit & Flare Skirt (Forever 21 via Thred Up)

• Pointy Toe Wedges (Payless)

• Ankle Boots (Payless)

•  Knotted O-Ring Black Belt (Charming Charlie's)

• Burgundy Statement Necklace (Charlotte Russe)

• Burgundy Knit Infinity Scarf (Old Navy)

*Items I bought from ThredUp with my cash out balance from a recent closet clean-out. The other items are all from ThredUp, but pretty much the same as what I already own.

The Outfits That I'm Loving!

The combo of navy, burgundy and teal is really up my alley right now. It feels seasonally appropriate, but not too dark, especially when paired with the ivory/cream cardigan. Obviously, all of these outfits are layered with a camisole underneath, and probably a layer of outerwear when heading into the colder temps. But for staying indoors (which I do most days) these are the perfect level of layering. 

I especially love that 3 out of the 4 tops could easily transition into another season. They are lighter weight with neutral patterns that could pair with a skirt or shorts for warmer weather. I really like how the collared sleeveless blouse works with the pullover sweater, adding a pop of pattern to a color-blocked outfit. 

What Are You Planning For Your Winter Wardrobe?

November Desktop Calendar

Finally got a few quiet moments to finish up my November desktop calendars!

In the wake of horrendous tragedies that have recently occurred close to home and around the world, my thoughts lately have been completely disturbed and somewhat disheartened. Many days, we are blissfully ignorant of all the horrible things that are going on in the world around us... but some days, it becomes all too real how fallen we are and what a broken world we live in. Today's sermon was a timely reminder that God's plan for us does not end in sin, brokenness and death. Though undeserving, we have been offered immeasurable grace, redemption and a renewed creation through Christ. And so we can trust that, even in tragedy, God's victory has already been accomplished.

I hope these calendars will be a reminder to you throughout November -- during Thanksgiving and beyond -- that, even when darkness seems to have the upper hand, God is still in control. He gives us reassurance that His promises are true and we need not be anxious for anything, but instead can approach him in a spirit of supplication as well as thanksgiving, no matter the situation.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

Philippians 4:6

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Fall Fashion - Blueberry+Wine

The inspiration for this outfit is definitely the gorgeous multi-colored scarf from World Market. I'm loving the combination of burnt orange, magenta, pink and that rich, royal blue (I'm calling it blueberry). Wine or "oxblood" is a popular color choice for this upcoming season, and I'm already envisioning ways to add it to my wardrobe. I do have a pair of non-maternity fuschia skinny pants that may also work with this outfit, but I'll admit that the stretch-panel maternity pants have definitely been more comfortable lately.... not sure if I want to get too used to those! I love that the model in those pants is wearing 4" heels -- that's pretty much not gonna happen for me, so let's bring on the flats! The belt may or may not be comfortable, but I thought it would be a fun accessory to tie in the colors. It is elastic, so could work down the line as well....

So, here's the breakdown:

Pink, Blue and Brown Striped Chevron Scarf - World Market $7.48
Open-Front Cropped Cardi (alpaca) -  Old Navy $9.97
Leather Ballet Flats (cognac) - Gap $39.95
Pure Body Tank (bright powder blue) - Gap $14.95
Women's Skinny Elastic Belt (razzamataz) - Old Navy $9.97
5-Pocket Skinny Leg Maternity Pants (wine tasting) - Motherhood Maternity $44.98

Old Navy is my standby for inexpensive seasonal pieces that will last 6-12 months, and I don't mind replacing them in a year or so because they're cheap to begin with. World Market has a great selection of cute accessories and jewelry, and they're pretty nicely crafted for a low cost. I've purchased most of my maternity apparel thus far from Motherhood and Gap, and I'm really liking the fit so far. The Gap fit is very true to size (maybe even a little large due to vanity-sizing?) and the styles, though limited, are classic. Motherhood is by the same makers as Pea in the Pod (Destination maternity) and they offer a wide range of trendy options with generous maternity fits, also at a reasonable price.

Next up in the maternity fashion series: wedding/event apparel!

Autumnal Thoughts

Fall seems to have fallen upon us. Very quickly. From the dog days of summer with blistering temperatures in the 90s, the weather has turned decidedly cooler  (mid-high 60s) and that fall feeling is in the air. Fall is one of my favorite seasons and I am savouring all of the wonderful things it brings:

• Pumpkin, apple and all things spice-flavored (looking forward to trying this recipe for homemade Pumpkin Spice syrup)
• Football (although not a die-hard fan, I enjoy the idea of it... and the tailgating)
• Fall wardrobe switch -- there's a reason all the fashion mags release their big issue in September... everyone is ready for a fresh look not dictated by hot weather!
• That "new school year" feeling: I've never been able to rid my self of the sense of excitement and expectation experienced with the beginning of each new school year. An 18-year habit is hard to break.... and I love the feeling anyway! It's like the sense of inspiration that accompanies the New Year -- an emotion spontaneous and fleeting, I enjoy it while I can! 

What are you favorite Fall things? Here's a shot of a Chicago Fall scene. Though we're not seeing this quite yet, I'm looking forward to the leaves changing and some crisp Autumn morning walks in the Park! So, I leave you with this image and a favorite poem befitting the multi-hued resplendence of fall.

Photo credit: TravelSmart Blog 

Pied Beauty

Glory be to God for dappled things--
   For skies of couple-colour as a brinded cow;
       For rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim;
Fresh-firecoal chestnut-falls; finches' wings;
   Landscape plotted and pieced--fold, fallow, and plough;
       And all trades, their gear and tackle and trim.

All things counter, original, spare, strange;
   Whatever is fickle, freckled (who knows how?)
      With swift, slow; sweet, sour; adazzle, dim;
He fathers-forth whose beauty is past change:
                                     Praise Him. 

Gerard Manley Hopkins 

Everything in its place...

I don't consider myself a "type A" person (although I can't vouch for the opinions of anyone else who knows me) and I can certainly be messy in my own right..... but I do occasionally feel the urge to organize and deep clean. This weekend happened to be one of those magical times. I'm sure it had something to do with the changing seasons and the need to start switching out my Summer shorts for Fall cardigans (yes, I switch out my clothes every 6 months; a habit probably acquired from owning two sets of clothing separated by my time in college going between Georgia and Michigan climates...you really don't need too many heavy coats during a GA winter). So, this weekend, I undertook the task of cleaning/organizing the closet I share with DH and making the wardrobe switch-a-roo.

Here's some before shots (it's bad, I know....but necessary for the sake of the post):


I knew this project would require more organizational helpers (boxes, etc.) than I had hanging around the house, so I gave myself a $100 budget to work with. With that and some measurements of my available space and a prepared wishlist from their online store, I headed to our local Container Store. [I pre-shopped online because I wanted to know the exact measurements of the products beforehand.... measuring in the store doesn't always work so well]. I came out armed with plastic and canvas containers to rein in my clothing nightmare:
If you're looking for a cheap solution, I would not recommend Container Store, they can be a tad pricey. I usually prefer to keep my costs low, but in the interest of a quick fix I was OK with the price-tag for these items.... this time. I did manage to stay within my budget, though, topping out at $99.09!

The entire process of shopping, organizing, etc., took me an entire afternoon.... so about 5 hours. But it was a fun time! I put some music on and enjoyed the process of going through my clothes, sorting into three piles: "Keep", "Give Away", "Throw Away". DH even joined in to help! We ended up with three full bags of clothing/shoes, etc. to donate. I know that economizing my wardrobe will make putting together outfits a little easier (not so many options!), and it keeps me aware of what I own so I don't buy something similar to what I already have. Here are some more great tips from one of my favorite blogs if you're interested in culling your clothing: Young House Love.

So, after all that, here's the end result!

It may be a tad difficult to see the difference since framing the shots in such a tiny space was a project in and of itself! But I'm enamored with the end results. Everything feels much more contained and organized. I especially love the canvas bins. They are labeled according to the contents and (currently) everything in them is nice, neat and folded. But, if I end up throwing things in a little messy at least they'll be hidden from view! I even managed to give DH some more space for his shoes (although my collection is clearly larger), after freeing up some shelf space. The upper shelf on the left contains bins of out-of-season clothing and extra bedding. There's even a little room left for future accumulations on the other upper shelf! Imagine that.

So, there it is. One-day closet makeover! Let's hope it stays nice and neat from now on. :)