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?

Fall 2016 Capsule Wardrobe

My last capsule wardrobe was during the 4-6 final weeks of my pregnancy with Moira when it was pretty easy to limit my clothing choices to the smaller number of items that still fit. That was actually, technically my first capsule wardrobe. I've been intrigued by the concept for a long time -- pinning and researching other people's wardrobes, but never quite ready to commit. I was never ready to follow all "the rules" required by a minimalist/capsule wardrobe. Like 25 pieces ONLY, or a set palette of black, white, and gray (example only). I don't wear ALL the colors of the rainbow, but I love a good splash of color or fun pattern that may not match with everything else in my wardrobe. And sometimes you realize that a piece you thought you loved, really doesn't work!

I finally stumbled across the blog of Amy Allen Clark (who happens to actually live in my area and I recently started reading her book The Good Life for Less!). Amy's post on a capsule wardrobe outlines a modified version of the Project333 capsule wardrobe and I'm a big fan of the revisions she made. She gives herself a little leeway with the number of items and exceptions for shopping on special occasions, but the true concept of a capsule wardrobe still applies. Below are her stipulations that I'll be following for the next 3 months (September, October, November)!

+/- 33 Piece Wardrobe - The wardrobe can have 33 pieces in it (or more... or less, but not more than 40). This wardrobe does not include pajamas (I'm going to downsize my PJ collection...promise), workout gear, undergarments, or camisoles (something that is a necessity for me), jewelry or shoes (these can make or break an outfit!).  The capsule is made from items I already own and all of the items I am not wearing and still love are being tucked in storage for the next fashion capsule. Anything I decide to get rid of will be sent to ThredUp (use this link to get $10!) or Goodwill.  I have created a Capsule Wardrobe Outfit Inspiration Pinterest board to help inspire me with the pieces I am using.  

Choose 3 More for Rotating - Select three additional items and put them aside in the closet. Rotate these items in during the next three months, but three other items have to be rotated out. Consider donating those items. 

No Shoe Shopping - I am not including my shoes for this challenge, but I am challenging myself to not buy any more shoes and use what I already have. 

One Steal Per Month - Special occasions and events come up and I am allowing myself one steal per month from items that I already own. I may find I don’t need this, but I think it might help with the shopping bug.

No Shopping For Clothing - I will wear the clothes I have selected and not shop for three months and only shop two weeks prior to the next capsule for items for the next season if needed. This is going to require a lot of discipline for me and I am planning to unsubscribe to shopping newsletters and avoid the shops as much as possible.

I have a couple goals with this capsule wardrobe. I'd like to make getting dressed a little more simple every morning and still feel put together, even if I'm just staying in the house (which, as a work-from-home mom, is more often the case). I also want to curb my spending on clothes, and really just the urge to shop. I don't spend that much (maybe $800 a year?) but I know that these dollars could be put to better use elsewhere. And I don't want to get into the same habit in shopping for my children's clothes. I'll probably be working on capsule wardrobes for the kiddos next, a la Andrea Dekker! I don't think I'll go quite as minimal as this mom but I like the direction of this one, especially with winter coming up!

Even as I was starting to prep for this capsule, all I wanted to do was shop for some new "key pieces"! When, in reality, a better way to start is to sort through what I already own and determine what I really love or, a la KonMari, whatever "sparks joy". So, I've been trying to do that. I won't say I haven't bought anything... because I have. But I'm looking forward wearing to using those pieces in the next few months. And the encouraging part about the Project333 style capsule is that you can still invest in new pieces at the start of each season! A 3-month capsule seems so much more doable, knowing that I will be able to change in/out items as the weather changes. Because my personal preferences change just about as often. But maybe as I'm going through this process again, I'll be able to identify what I really love and what looks best on me.

So, without further ado (drumroll please), here are the pieces for my Fall 2016 Capsule Wardrobe:

So this is 32 pieces total. I haven't completely figured out my 3 pieces to retain in... that may come to me as I really get into creating outfits. What I've discovered already is that I really love pretty/fun/pattern pieces, but they are often harder to style. I had to reduce the number of patterned pieces I included, and try to stick with more solids or simple patterns. I can always add fun patterns or colors with scarfs or jewelry.

I plan on posting more outfit photos as I go, but for now, here's one of my fav new tops styled three different ways.

Blouse + Bootcut Jeans + Ankle Boots

After spying a similar blouse during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, I fell in love with the color but couldn't commit. I kept an eye out for something similar and found this version at Rue21 (which is weird because I pretty much never shop there... it was a random walk-through) for just $16.99 (not it's on sale for 50% off!). And it's been the perfect addition for my fall wardrobe -- this is an easy outfit for staying at home or running errands. I can pop my leather jacket on top if the weather is chilly. I absolutely love these jeans although, sadly, it doesn't look like Gap makes them anymore. These are all I could find online, and I'm considering purchasing this pair as my "back up". I'll have to wear these for all they're worth! These ankle boots are super comfortable, too!

Blouse + Floral Skirt + Brown Wedge Heels 

I've had this skirt for several years and it's been in the back of my closet for a while. I've considered getting rid of it, but every time I tried it on I was reminded of why I like it... even though it's kinda hard to style. But I'm glad I kept it because it goes perfectly with this dusty rose blouse! This outfit would be perfect for church or a client meeting.

Blouse + Olive Pants + Taupe Cardi + Floral Scarf + Snakeskin Flats

Another around-the-house or running errands outfit, with a couple added layers as the weather gets cooler. This scarf was a birthday gift from one of my sisters and I'm loving how well it pairs with my fall wardrobe selections! She knows me well. The snakeskin print flats were a $3.50 from a consignment store. I love a good deal. And a good patterned flat to add some fun to an outfit.

Stay tuned for more styles! :)

Maternity Capsule Wardrobe: Weeks 1 & 2

I'm a little over a week in to my 30-day Capsule Wardrobe Challenge, and wanted to share how it's going! The true challenge here is all about fit -- I've already had to trade in/out a couple pieces that I thought would work for the next few weeks. But the funny thing about pregnancy (especially the latter stages) is that your shape changes almost daily! Shirts that fit two weeks ago are suddenly not quite as flattering (or covering).  For example, the black and white plaid flannel that was so comfy and worked great over leggings during my second trimester is now a tad too snug/short to really work. Same with the gray/maroon striped tee. It's important to note that neither of these are maternity items, so it would make sense that the fit is not quite right at this stage of the game. At least that's what I tell myself.

So, I had no choice but to go shopping, right? ;) Although the point of the capsule wardrobe was to work with what I already had in my closet, I tried to find new pieces that would work both before and after baby arrives. What I ended up purchasing were two tops that work as tunics now and will fit more like dresses later (hopefully). As it turns out, stripes are totally acceptable (even with over a large pregnant belly) and not quite as unflattering as one would think.

I love the contrasting pockets on this top -- it coordinates perfectly with my cognac boots. These black fleece-lined leggings were a steal from Ross ($6!) and have been a staple in my maternity wardrobe this winter. Ideal for cold snowy days, especially when I don't leave the house. ;) The other piece I purchased is this super soft striped sweater dress (Jules Boutique) that also looks great with leggings or skinny jeans.

This black v-neck top by CaBi (not maternity) has been an ideal piece for the capsule wardrobe. Not only is it a longer length with plenty of stretch, but the cross v-neck will work perfectly for my post-baby/nursing wardrobe. The vest was a $20 find at Ross, although I have since discovered (via a local thrift store) that Loft sold the exact same piece a couple seasons ago (for $75!). It is definitely an ideal topper piece, and I'm wearing it again today over the long-sleeve gray maternity tee (from Old Navy). Paired with maternity bootcut jeans from Gap (an eBay purchase from my first pregnancy) and my fav suede booties (a birthday $$ purchase).

The black v-neck made another appearance for church, paired with the marled gray (maternity) skirt and a wine/burgundy open cardigan that was not in the initial line-up but I think is a worthwhile addition for layering over solid tees. So, with the "exchange" of the two new tops and the addition of that cardigan, I'm up to 21 pieces for 30 outfits. Still not a bad equation and I'm having fun figuring out different ways to pair these pieces. It's extremely helpful to have free reign over my shoes and accessories, as these can really make an outfit feel different.

So, are you inspired to try a capsule wardrobe yet?

30-Day Capsule Wardrobe Challenge: Maternity Style

I have been pinning and reading about capsule wardrobes for a couple years, enjoying watching others plan and style looks from a limited number of clothing items. And now, in keeping with my New Year's focus on stewardship -- as well as the necessity of late pregnancy in which fewer and fewer of my standard wardrobe items actually fit -- I am embarking on a 30-day challenge to create daily outfits from no more than 20 items... with no outfit repeats!

There are many different ways to create a capsule wardrobe. Just visit Pinterest! Some of my favorite reference points have been Putting Me Together, Andrea Dekker, Greater Than Rubies, The Small Things and Anne in Residence. Although I didn't follow their formula exactly, this article by the Stylebook app was also helpful in considering how to get started: http://www.stylebookapp.com/stories/work_capsule.html


So here are the guidelines I came up with for my Winter Maternity Capsule Wardrobe:

Choose a Palette

This is a pretty limited palette, but working with neutrals like black and white makes for easier pairing with other colors, so I kept it simple. I've been loving anything in wine/red/burgundy lately, so that was an easy pick. The other colors fell into place as I started sorting through the items already in my closet.

Set a Limit

I don't think the number is going to be the same for everyone, but the concept of a capsule wardrobe means mixing and matching a limited number of clothing items to create a variety of outfits. To be honest, I set out with a limit of 18 items... and found I needed to increase to 20 to accommodate  comfort and variety over the next few weeks. I think I can manage with 20, but we'll see how it goes...


20 Clothing Items

• 9 shirt/blouses
• 2 open cardigans
• 1 sweater
• 1 jacket
• 1 vest
• 1 dress
• 1 skirt
• 4 pairs pants/jeans

Not included in the count (i.e. unlimited...)

• Underwear: Camisoles! I wear my favorite maternity camis from Target all the time, and these can double as "shirts" under cardigans
• Accessories: Jewelry, scarves, hats, etc... these are sometimes what makes the outfit.
• Shoes: I will probably be wearing my favorite boots for most of the next few weeks, with the occasional flat or heel thrown in, but I didn't want to limit myself on options here as shoes can really make the different in an outfit as well. Especially during boot season!
• Outerwear: It is winter, after all... Plus, I only have about 2 heavy coats that still zip/button at this point (both are non-maternity)

It's the middle of winter in Indiana but, in these latter weeks of pregnancy, I find myself warm more often than not, so I didn't feel it necessary to include a lot of bulky sweaters or other items. Rather, I plan on layering pieces to accommodate the variance in temperatures. So, my selections tended toward pieces that can be worn open (cardigans, vests, etc.) which accommodates not only the baby bump, but also layer more easily.

Get Creative! 

This is the fun part! Thinking outside of the box to figure out new and different ways to wear a piece I've had for a while is a refreshing challenge. I was scolded once for pairing items on a hanger in my closet (e.g. this top goes with this cardigan) and have been very careful to avoid that practice ever since. Items that seem boring or standard are really the all-important basis for a unique new look. A white shirt, for example, can be worn so many ways! Adding interest with accessories like scarves, jewelry, or shoes is much more effective and wallet-friendly than purchasing several new tops.

So, here are all my pieces...

*Items with asterisk are maternity

Stay tuned over the next few weeks as I post outfit photos and include more details about how I'm doing with my first attempt at a capsule wardrobe!

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. :)