• Home
  • About
  • Archives - Wading Through
  • Archives - The Craft Sea

Wading Through...

  • Home
  • About
  • Archives - Wading Through
  • Archives - The Craft Sea

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.
tags: Capsule Wardrobe
categories: Fashion
Sunday 06.28.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

FF #23 Tinker Bell Then and Now

Tinker Bell Then and Now

I wanted to keep the same color scheme for Tink. This pants are nicely tailored and stick to the color scheme. From there, I added a nice lace top. Perfect! The accessories are what shine. I love the detail on these sandals and necklace. Plus, that purse is a great print!

Topshop cross front crop top

nordstrom.com

Carven acid wash pants

yoox.com

Jack Rogers slip on sandals

palmettomoononline.com

Gucci white canvas tote bag

fashionphile.com

Kate Spade chain link necklace

saksfifthavenue.com

Kate Spade blossom jewelry

macys.com

Tech accessory

zazzle.com

categories: Fashion
Friday 06.26.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

FF #22 Jasmine Then and Now

Jasmine Then and Now

For Jasmine, I wanted to keep the gold and green tones and flowing silhouette. Really the gold accessories make this outfit. I especially love the sandals. The bracelets and earrings add that extra bit of sparkle.

Hanita sleeveless top

yoox.com

Elie Saab maxi skirt

modaoperandi.com

Mia Limited Edition strap sandals

heels.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors red handbag

$270 - johnlewis.com

Alexis Bittar punk earrings

saksfifthavenue.com

Maurices bracelet bangle

maurices.com

categories: Fashion
Friday 06.19.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

FF #21 Mulan Then and Now

Mulan Then and Now

For Mulan, I went in a very different direction. In the movie, she wears a lot of colors, but I saw her in neutrals with interesting accessories and patterns. This sweater drew my eye immediately. I love the bold graphics. To compliment the sweater, I added some structured accessories with lovely details. I love the black on black look of the earrings.

Tory Burch color block sweater

toryburch.com

Rosemunde black lace cardigan

$105 - streethub.com

Barbara I Gongini black skinny leg jeans

hlorenzo.com

Style & Co. wedge heel shoes

macys.com

Rosetti gray crossbody purse

kohls.com

Eva Fehren black pyramid earrings

modaoperandi.com

Beats Solo 2 Wired On-Ear Headphone Pink

amazon.com

categories: Fashion
Friday 06.12.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

FF #20 Aurora Then and Now

Aurora Then and Now

For Sleeping Beauty, I wanted to incorporate both colors of her dress in the ending sequence: pink and blue. I also wanted a feminine palette incorporating flowers. This floral top meets all my criteria. Paired with crisp white capris and some coordinating accessories, this outfit is perfect for the princess.

Oasis cap sleeve top

$38 - johnlewis.com

Topshop pants

$61 - topshop.com

Disney Sleeping Beauty Princess Aurora Cosplay Dress Halloween Cosplay...

etsy.com

Slingback shoes

$31 - newlook.com

Victoria Beckham pink handbag

$2,145 - harveynichols.com

Vince Camuto gold pendant

shoptheshoebox.com

Lipsy bracelet set

$22 - lipsy.co.uk

categories: Fashion
Friday 06.05.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

FF #19: Tiana Then and Now

Tiana Then and Now

I went with a formal look for Tiana. I love the green of her dress but decided to go with one a bit brighter. The real showpiece is her shoes. Check out those awesome peacock heels! For the accessories, I went with some basic geometric designs, but pieces that had a bit of bling.

Maticevski neon green dress

$4,550 - avenue32.com

Bordello green platform pumps

shoebuy.com

Edie Parker box clutch

$1,190 - avenue32.com

Judith leiber jewelry

tradesy.com

Kasturjewels hexagon jewelry

$150 - boticca.com

categories: Fashion
Friday 05.29.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

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:

IMG_0975 (1920).jpg
IMG_0962 (1920).jpg
IMG_0977 (1920).jpg
IMG_0905 (1920).jpg
IMG_0908 (1920).jpg
IMG_0909 (1920).jpg
IMG_0910 (1920).jpg
IMG_0912 (1920).jpg
IMG_0938 (1920).jpg
IMG_0914 (1920).jpg
IMG_0940 (1920).jpg
IMG_0941 (1920).jpg
IMG_0944 (1920).jpg
IMG_0947 (1920).jpg
IMG_0917 (1920).jpg
IMG_0949 (1920).jpg
IMG_0951 (1920).jpg
IMG_0919 (1920).jpg
IMG_0953 (1920).jpg
IMG_0962 (1920).jpg
IMG_0920 (1920).jpg
IMG_0922 (1920).jpg
IMG_0924 (1920).jpg
IMG_0926 (1920).jpg
IMG_0929 (1920).jpg
IMG_0930 (1920).jpg
IMG_0932 (1920).jpg
IMG_0935 (1920).jpg

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

Pants/shorts/skirts:

IMG_0936 (1920).jpg
IMG_0956 (1920).jpg
IMG_0959 (1920).jpg
IMG_0954 (1920).jpg
IMG_0967 (1920).jpg
IMG_0964 (1920).jpg
IMG_0960 (1920).jpg
IMG_0968 (1920).jpg
IMG_0973 (1920).jpg

Dresses:

IMG_0903 (1920).jpg
IMG_0902 (1920).jpg
IMG_0902 (1920).jpg

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!

tags: Capsule Wardrobe
categories: Fashion
Thursday 05.28.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

FF #18: Merida Then and Now

Merida Then and Now

Merida's outfit is very functional but hip. I kept flashing back to those scenes of her riding horses and engaged in archery. I wanted to give her an outfit that allowed her to do just that. The pants are functional yet stylish. The top is comfy without being a t-shirt and the jacket is perfect for throwing on on top. I'm especially digging her backpack. Very cool!

Anna Field sleeveless top

$38 - zalando.co.uk

VILA denim jacket

$76 - vila.com

Brave Merida Disney Princess Cosplay Costume Dress

etsy.com

Zara green pants

zara.com

Witchery high heel boots

$160 - witchery.com.au

Canvas backpack

$27 - amazon.co.uk

Banana Republic layered necklace

bananarepublic.gap.com

Michael kors bracelet

$350 - selfridges.com

categories: Fashion
Friday 05.22.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

FF #17: Ariel Then and Now

Ariel Then and Now

I kept Ariel's outfit very young and fresh. I kept her purple and green palette, but added in some funky accessories. My favorite is the camera necklace. I feel like she would love little kitschy pieces like that. And the skirt reminded me of the the Part of Your World song. She couldn't see the stars from under the sea, but I think she would love looking at them from on land.

Cowl neck top

$7.61 - amazon.co.uk

Striped skirt

shadowplaynyc.com

Disney purple swimwear

hottopic.com

H&M platform sandals

$30 - hm.com

Michael Kors green purse

tradesy.com

Kiel Mead Studio necklace

ahalife.com

Jewel Exclusive leather bracelet

jewelexclusive.com

BCBGMAXAZRIA cat eye glasses

bcbg.com

categories: Fashion
Friday 05.08.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

FF #16: Cinderella Then and Now

Cinderella: Then and Now

Cinderella has this soft quality to her look. I wanted to translate that into a more modern outfit. I gave her boyfriend capris, but balanced them with a soft floral top in nice pastels. The pink cardigan picks up the pink flowers in the blouse. To compliment the look I went with delicate jewelry and a nice white bag. Finally I gave her some modern glass slippers.

Oasis pink top

$42 - oasis-stores.com

M Co green tank top

$33 - mandco.com

Jennifer Lopez cuffed jeans

kohls.com

Kate Spade tote bag

cusp.com

Aéropostale gold choker

aeropostale.com

Mint green jewelry

$9.03 - newlook.com

categories: Fashion
Friday 05.01.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

FF #15: Belle Then and Now

Belle: Then and Now

For Belle I decided to stick with a feminine fall palette, but bring in some more structured accessories. Those stacked boots give her a sturdy base which the bag is large and sturdy enough to carry all her beloved books. The simple gold jewelry add a bit of sparkle without being over the top. I'm really crushing on that bag right now!

Yellow dress

nancyaugust.com

Burberry coat

net-a-porter.com

Topshop a line skirt

$115 - topshop.com

Madden Girl zipper booties

6pm.com

CELINE Luggage Mini

labelcrush.com

By Malene Birger bracelet jewelry

$120 - nelly.com

Miu miu headband

$450 - mytheresa.com

categories: Fashion
Friday 04.24.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

FF #14: Rapunzel Then and Now

Rapunzel Then and Now

Rapunzel's look is all feminine. I picked a few classic pieces with a flirty color palette. The dress is simple yet elegant. The jewelry has shine and structure. The shoes are simple and cute. My favorite piece is the purse. The subtle floral pattern gives Rapunzel a nod to nature.

Ermanno Scervino sleeveless dress

farfetch.com

Phase Eight outerwear

$74 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Stilettos shoes

nastydress.com

Nica white purse

asos.com

Lipsy pink stretch bracelet

$21 - lipsy.co.uk

With Love From CA pendants necklace

pacsun.com

Elastic belt

modcloth.com

categories: Fashion
Friday 04.17.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

FF #13: Pocahontas Then and Now

Pocahontas Then and Now

This week's muse is Pocahontas. I went with an outfit of earth tones with a pop of color. I love the basic outfit made interesting with little touches. The headband and necklace have nods to nature and the bag is a nice classic color and structure. The cardigan's subtle lace is feminine without overwhelming the outfit. The shirt's color adds a different dimension. Overall this is an outfit that I would wear on the street.

Les Copains white cardigan

yoox.com

L K Bennett sleeveless top

$82 - johnlewis.com

Gucci pants

alducadaosta.com

G by Guess brown sandals

heels.com

Michael Kors satchel handbag

$460 - psyche.co.uk

Tatty Devine gold chain necklace

$45 - selfridges.com

Rosantica leaf headband

$580 - net-a-porter.com

categories: Fashion
Friday 04.10.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

FF #12: Snow White Then and Now

Snow White: Then and Now

Snow White is young and classic. So I didn't want to have her wear anything too out of the box. I kept the primary colors and apple accessories. I especially love that blazer, a classic piece with a modern shape.

Corset dress

etsy.com

MARC BY MARC JACOBS frill top

tradesy.com

Quiz blue jacket

$45 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Frame Denim blue jeans

shopzoeonline.com

Flat shoes

modcloth.com

Evening handbag

poshgirl.us

Pearl earrings

purepearls.com

Thomas Sabo sterling silver jewelry

$275 - iceonline.com.au

Kate Spade hair accessory

shopbop.com

categories: Fashion
Friday 04.03.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

FF #11: Cinderella Then and Now

Cinderella: Then and Now

I really really want to see the new Cinderella movie. Is that weird? Anywho, I have poured over the costume stills and I completely fell in love with the look of the movie. I decided to start a new Fashion Friday series based off of the Disney princesses. Each week, I'll be showcasing a princess's old look and new look. For this week I went with the first Disney princess, Cinderella. I gave her a very modern sleek look while sticking to the blue and silver color palette of the original dress. I love the filigree detail on her cuff and necklace. And the shoes have enough sparkle to stand in for glass slippers.

Planet blue v neck dress

$220 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Sequin cocktail dress

amazon.com

Glitter pumps

payless.com

Vera Bradley genuine leather purse

verabradley.com

Pre owned jewelry

1stdibs.com

Bling Jewelry filigree jewelry

blingjewelry.com

Wedding bib necklace

overstock.com

categories: Fashion
Friday 03.27.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

FF #10: Park Playdate

Park Playdate

A nice fun and colorful outfit that I would actually wear to go to the park. I love that the outfit is basically jeans and a tee shirt. The colors and accessories take this to the next level. I seriously need those shoes!

ONLY slogan t shirt

$15 - thehut.com

J Brand stretch denim skinny jeans

$315 - harrods.com

Vans sneaker

$75 - zalando.co.uk

Victoria s Secret PINK victoria secret pink backpack

victoriassecret.com

Chopard stainless steel watch

therealreal.com

MANGO metal ring

$15 - mango.com

Ále by Alessandra summer hat

solescapes.com

categories: Fashion
Friday 03.20.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

FF #9: Touch of Boho

Touch of Boho

I started creating this outfit from the shirt. I thought I would end up with a very bohemian outfit, but the complete outfit went in a very different direction. I love the contrast of soft and hard. My favorite pieces is definitely the necklace.

Rayon top

maurices.com

IRO pink jacket

shoplesnouvelles.com

Warehouse bodycon pencil skirt

$53 - warehouse.co.uk

SJP black high heel sandals

cusp.com

Shoulder strap bag

surprise.katespade.com

Rivka Friedman 18 karat gold jewelry

gilt.com

Yellow gold jewelry

daisyshoppe.com

categories: Fashion
Friday 03.13.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

FF #8: Dreaming of Spring

Dreaming of Spring

Seeing all of the crap weather reports, I had to make a fun spring outfit. This is the perfect outfit to dream of spring. The dress is just killer! The accessories are there to compliment the dress in nice subtle ways. I love the gold accents everywhere.

Vintage swing dress

ladyvlondon.com

Damsel in a Dress short green jacket

$200 - johnlewis.com

Giuseppe Zanotti t strap shoes

couture.zappos.com

Yves Saint Laurent pink bag

luisaviaroma.com

Lynn Ban gold cuff bracelet

shop.harpersbazaar.com

Boho jewelry

$32 - rockmyvintage.co.uk

categories: Fashion
Friday 03.06.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

FF #7: Boho Chic

Boho Chic

I was feeling very bohemian today, so this is what I can up with. I love all the detailing on the shirt dress. I had to feature an outfit around it. The pants bring this outfit squarely into modern day. But the accessories are all 1970s. I'm especially loving the bracelets.

Calypso St Barth sequin shirt dress calypsostbarth.com

Black pants lucluc.com

Steve Madden strappy sandals lordandtaylor.com

Rebecca Minkoff leather fringe purse bloomingdales.com

Boho style jewelry samanthawills.com

LeiVanKash feather earrings $175 - avenue32.com

categories: Fashion
Friday 02.27.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

FF #6: Retreat Weekend

Retreat Weekend

Today, I'm in Russian River on a retreat with nine of my mom friends. We're planning on relaxing all weekend and definitely drinking a lot of wine. On Saturday night, we are going out for dinner. Other than that, I am planning on living in some comfy sweats and tee or my new retro bikini. There's a hot tub on the property! I'll be back home on Sunday night relaxed and ready to get back into every day life.

Sass bide sequin top

sassandbide.com

Black shirt

sheinside.com

Witchery knit pants

$78 - witchery.com.au

High waisted swimsuit

etsy.com

Faffole Slippers

yoox.com

categories: Fashion
Friday 02.20.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 
Newer / Older

Powered by Squarespace.