Summer Capsule Wardrobe Update #3

I made it through my first capsule wardrobe. And I would say it was a great success.

What worked?

• I stuck to the pieces that I pulled for the challenge. I only deviated a bit and mostly that was the few days that I was sick. Overall, I trie to make an effort to get dressed on a daily basis.
• I figured out what I really like: pattern tops, flowy tops (not tight in the stomach area), defined bottoms, comfy dresses, cooler pieces (I'm always hot!).

What didn't work?

• The pieces that I highlighted in last month's update are definitely being sold/donated. Every time I put one of those pieces on, I hated how it looked/felt. They needed to go!
• The number of pieces that I love is very small. I don't mind having a smaller wardrobe, but most of the pieces don't work well together.

Thoughts going forward:

• Never found a good pair of brown sandals, but I will continue looking. Especially since most of the summer clothes are now on clearance.
• I won't be doing a fall capsule wardrobe. I need some time to evaluate what's left in my wardrobe after the purge. And I need to really lay down what I want to buy.
• I'm toying with the idea of creating a wardrobe of neutrals and purple, that's it. Crazy? Maybe, but the simplicity appeals to me. I'll keep this in mind as I shop during the fall.
• I decided not to renew my Stitch Fix subscription. Currently their sizing only goes up to a size 14/XL. I'm right at the 14/16 line. I've heard that they are trying to get bigger sizes, but until they do, I don't want to commit to anything.
• Instead, I signed up for Dia and Co. Same idea as Stitch Fix, but they specialize in sizes 10+. Waiting on my first box to arrive.

Summer Capsule Wardrobe Update #2

I've made it almost two months on my very first summer capsule wardrobe. I think it's time for a bit of reflection. What worked, what doesn't, what are my thoughts going forward.

What's working?

• I am constantly hot, so having a good supply of tanks and shorts has been great.
• I broke the rules and bought a white button down and am very happy that I did. It's great for throwing on over a tank before the temperature gets really high.
• I find myself going back to the same few pieces weekly. These pieces should definitely be the basis of my new wardrobe.

This green dress is my absolute favorite. I bought it from a Stitch Fix box right after Arthur was born. It cost more than I usually am comfortable with, but I haven't regretted this buy at all. Overall it's a great pattern and shape for me. Plus the fabric and structure are very forgiving while I attempt to lose some weight. I will be able to wear this even if actually get 20 pounds lighter. And bonus! It's a short dress that isn't a mini dress on me.

The white tank with dip dye bottom is a super comfortably piece. I'm pretty sure this is the shirt I wear the most. I have to wear a tank underneath which isn't ideal, but I love the fabric and shape. I need more fuller coverage tank tops.

This Modcloth purchase were another fairly expensive piece for me, but I love it. It's thin (must wear something underneath) but keeps a great shape. And I love the fun colorful pattern. This specific shirt comes in multiple other patterns and colors. I may just have to buy another if they go on sale soon.

My second favorite tank: orange pattern one. It's lightweight but thick enough that I don't have to wear a tank under. The pattern and colors are perfect for summer. And it's a very flattered cut on me. Win Win!

Lastly, these jean shorts are perfect for summer! They are long enough that I feel comfortable and they fit great. I can't believe they are Sonoma brand from Kohl's. I never think to shop there but one a whim I went in in April. Perfect cut for me. I will have to revisit for pants this fall.

What isn't working?

• The pieces below are probably going to go into the Goodwill bag at the end of August unless something drastically changes. They don't fit quite right or just aren't my style. These are the types of pieces that I will keep in mind to not buy next time I shop.
  • White tank - collar is funky, very see through.
  • Plaid shirt - super old, little tight, little smelly.
  • Navy pattern blouse -- Too short, see through, tie annoys me
  • Pink blouse -- Shrunk a bit and in weird places
  • Stripe blouse -- Tight around my stomach causing weird bunching and tugging
  • Olive capris -- Waistband constantly rolls down

Thoughts going forward:

• Still looking for a good comfortable pair of brown sandals. The ones I bought are hard on my feet and are already scuffed.
• I need to make a list next month of pieces I would love to have for my wardrobe.
• I also need to think about what I want to do for fall. I may take a season off and come back to it in winter... But this decision requires more thought.
• I'm debating about renewing my Stitch Fix shipments come fall. Maybe having a stylist offer me pieces will help finding stuff I love instead of buying things because they are cheap and convenient.

Summer Capsule Wardrobe Update #1

I've made it almost an entire month on my very first summer capsule wardrobe. I think it's time for a bit of reflection. What worked, what doesn't, what are my thoughts going forward. And of course, what did I wear?

What's working?

• Loving my new shorts! The gray, jean, and khaki ones actually fit! It's amazing how good clothes can feel when they fit regardless of the number on the tag.
• I've really been digging my skirts and dresses. I like ones that are casual and comfortable, but cute. I really should wear the chevron skirt more often.
• I like wearing tank tops as a base piece. It gets warm here, but mornings are often cooler. I like being able to layer, but my bottom layer has to be something light. Tanks are the perfect choice.
• My look is fairly casual, but I do like to wear color and pattern.
• I'm liking the push to actually get dressed in the morning. It doesn't have to be an elaborate outfit, but not throwing on jeans and a tee or yoga pants and a tee has helped my overall mood for the upcoming day.

What isn't working?

• While I have a fair amount of tanks, I would like less clingy styles. The striped tank on June 4th is a perfect example. Way clingy! I feel like it shows off all my tummy flub. I just don't feel comfortable in those types of pieces.
• Actually that whole outfit from June 4th is problematic. The plaid is old and a little too small. The tank is too clingy. The waistband of the capris tends to roll down. I was fixing myself all day. I think the capris are salvageable with a different style top.
• My layering options are limited. It's either long sleeve cardigan (light blue or white) or one short sleeve brown one. Doesn't give me many options, so I fall back on those pieces a lot.

Thoughts going forward:

• It's been an interesting experiment so far. I will definitely be continuing with this capsule for July and August.
• I've already identified a few holes in my wardrobe.
  • While I have loved my plaid button down shirt for almost 17 years, it's gotten faded and frayed (and a little tight).  I will be looking out for a good neutral button down as a layering piece. (I buy these in the men's section)
  • I would also like another short sleeve cover-up option. Maybe a shrug or cropped cardigan?
  • Still looking for a great pair of brown sandals. I bought some at the beginning of June. They are cute but not very comfortable. I would like to find some good ones, but can deal with the ones I have for right now.

Outfit notes:

• Worn 18 tops, 8 bottoms, 1dress
• I had a few yoga pants and tee shirts day when I didn't leave the house (June 6th, 11th, 21st). But I'm okay with that. Three days in yoga pants in a month is a good number.
• My favorite outfit of the month was from June 5th. I don't wear that skirt very often, but it is so comfortable and cute. Plus, it's long enough that I'm not in danger of flashing anyone. I need to find more tops to wear with it.

New Project: Capsule Wardrobe

I see so many bloggers do seasonal capsule wardrobes and I have envied their style and organization. Looking at my closet, I am lost in a sea of random clothing pieces. At this point in my life, I would love to create a personal style instead of grabbing random sale pieces that happen to catch my eye. Living in California and being a SAHM present a few challenges to the wardrobe. Our temperature doesn't vary much over the years, but I still need some warm weather clothing for trips back to Indiana at Christmastime. Following seasonal style trends won't necessarily work for the climate. Secondly, I am currently a stay-at-home mom which doesn't have any restrictions or qualifications. The potential pitfall is turning to tees and yoga pants all week. I don't need many dress up clothes, but I want something comfy yet styled. So this is my attempt at a capsule wardrobe.

First things first... weeding out the crap.  Turns out I still have things hanging in my closet that are worn out or just don't fit at all. It is time to do a hardcore weeding. I started with a giant mess of a closet and ended with a two bags to take to the Goodwill and a more streamlined look.

From there, I could organize my closet and take a hard look at what's left. Much much better, but now I can see exactly what's left. It's not pretty. I'm not happy at all with the lack of cohesiveness to my wardrobe. I need something better.

Next up, start to create a summer capsule wardrobe. I tried the three part method I've seen on many blogs.

1. Make three piles:

• Love it!
• Like it!
• Not right for the season.

2. Take the love it pile and tally up my pieces and outfits. Is there anything big missing? Do I want to purchase one or two pieces to round out the capsule? I think I've decided that my ideal style is a mix between casual bohemian (think flowy tops, florals) and classic pieces (navy, red, jean jacket, structured pants, etc). I don't want to pigeonhole myself into one specific look, but I think these two styles are great guidelines for want I want to buy going forward.

3. Document my capsule wardrobe throughout the season. I will attempt to do some check-ins through the season and keep a running list of pieces that work and don't work. I will also keep a Pinterest board to attempt to create my personal style. Finally I will create a shopping list of the specific pieces I definitely want for next season.

Without further ado, here are the pieces for my summer capsule wardrobe.

Tops:

Not pictured: #26 Blue and coral tee #27 White cardigan

Pants/shorts/skirts:

Dresses:

So I ended up with 27 tops, 8 bottoms, and 2 dresses. That is 37 pieces total. If you notice, I didn't include any shoes in my capsule. Truth is, I'm not sure what I'm going to do with my shoes. My current plan is to just see what shoes I do wear and then go from there. I also didn't include a few camis, swimwear, pajamas, workout clothes, and a few only around the house clothes (yoga pants and tees).

After reviewing my capsule wardrobe, I have a very eclectic current wardrobe that doesn't do very well with mixing. I would love to have a more cohesive look in the future. Hopefully wearing these pieces for three months should help me decide what I really want in my closet. I have also realized that there are two items that I definitely want to buy this summer. I need a black cami to replace my old one that is stretching out. And I would like some brown gladiator style sandals to replace my broken pair.

Starting June 1st, these are the only pieces I will be wearing. Good luck to me!