My Capsule Wardrobe

For a long time (about three years), I have wanted to put together a capsule wardrobe. There are so many great blog posts out there about capsule wardrobes.....so if you're interested, pour yourself a cup of tea and dig in!

What is a capsule wardrobe, anyway?
How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe
The Daily Connoisseur : 10 Item Wardrobe Videos
Project 333: Dress with 33 items or less for 3 months
Why I Got Rid of My Wardrobe

If you don't already know, the idea of a capsule wardrobe is to create a small-ish wardrobe of mix and match pieces that you love and fit your lifestyle!

I believe, deep down in my soul, that a capsule wardrobe is the potential solution to the problems I have had with clothes over the past several years.

I have had an intense struggle with loving/liking my clothes and finding time to shop. Add to the mix, pregnancy, post-pregnancy, nursing, and getting older, and I have the perfect recipe for a clothing crisis! I know - first world probs.

But even more than these things is the issues with fashion industry itself. Styles change so quickly, and I have found that even items at a higher price point are not guaranteed to be well made. You don't always get what you pay for!

It has taken me years of "study" to recognize well-made clothes and to learn how to dress in a more timeless style that feels like me. I still feel very much in the process of learning.

(Also, I'm having trouble writing this post because I have too much to say on this topic, and my brain is stuck. Thank you, Caroline, for waking me up 3 times last night!)

Anyways, here is my capsule wardrobe. It includes shoes, 2 scarves, and 4 coats. My plan is to wear these 39 pieces for the months of January, February, and March. I will not shop (at all) until middle of March when I put together my spring wardrobe. Spring is my favorite season, so I'm real excited about my next capsule!

My plan is modeled after the well known blog, Unfancy. I binged read this blog in the early weeks of nursing Caroline.

My capsule does not include workout clothes or pajamas. Also, I think this is a rather large number of clothes, but with a nursing baby it's nice to have lots of back ups.

 

 

Yes, I have two pair of leopard heels and I wear them both!

Would you do this, create a capsule wardrobe? I love having an organized format to follow, and I find so much freedom in having limits! Also, the capsule forces creativity. There are combinations and outfits I would never put together without having limitations.

What I'm Loving and Learning About My Capsule Wardrobe

A few posts back I shared my winter capsule wardrobe.

 

The rules:

3 months: January, February, and March
39 pieces of clothing, shoes, and scarves (give or take a couple)
no shopping

One month in, I'm learning and loving so much! And for the first time in my life, I'm not stressed about clothes! This being said, I feel the need to clarify - I'm not an immaculate dresser. I'm average. But I have always loved clothes, and I like to look nice. After babies and babies and babies...I was feeling totally out of whack with my style and thought the capsule wardrobe craze just may be the solution to my decade long clothing crisis.

So, for what it's worth, here's what I'm learning and loving about my capsule wardrobe.

 

1. I love that enough is defined. In the fashion realm of ever changing trends, I have always felt like I did not have enough of the latest and greatest. Defining how much you wear, how much you shop, and having a budget really fosters contentment.

2. It's a break from decisions. Shopping = decisions. And frankly, I'm burned out on decisions! From what we have for dinner every night to what my children wear every day to what is on the family calendar all falls on me to decide. Having a set wardrobe and limitations on shopping is a glorious break from decision. No more scrolling J.Crew at 10PM trying to decide should I buy this, do I need this, should I spend this money!

3. I'm learning my style. Within the capsule, I gravitate towards outfits that are more "me" than others. This gives me the chance to analyze what and why I like or dislike something. Because there is no shopping, I can't distract myself from analyzing these style issues by running out and buying something new.

4. I'm figuring out the "holes" in my closet and how I can do better in the future. For example, next winter I would like a better comfy pant - shoe situation for everyday, casual wear. I have boots and Uggs and Toms, but I could use something warmer than Toms that are not boots.

Also, I think I could use a lighter, casual jacket. Like this, maybe.

mixing everyday wear with my athletic wear

Who am I?

5. I'm learning that I'm short. Well, I already know that. But I'm learning that this plays a huge role in what I wear and how I should put outfits together and what looks good. I can't emulate every look and trend I like without factoring in what flatters my short frame. For example, flowy sleeves and big jewelry or scarves are unflattering. They swallow me up.

However, monochromatic outfits are flattering, making me look taller. I never knew these things about myself until....you guessed it : capsule wardrobe!

6. I love that a capsule helps me plan the big picture. I'm not just getting a random piece of clothing here or there, but I'm coming up with an overall plan. I'm acquiring pieces that go together. What is the point of a great skirt if you have no tops to wear it with?

 

7. I'm excited to pass on this capsule concept on to my girls. They may not appreciate it until they are 32 and admit that mom was right about everything in life! But, at least I can give them this framework to start with and maybe save them a boatload of heartache when it comes to all things clothes and getting dressed. I'm 32 myself, and I feel like I'm finally figuring out the whole clothes thing and learning what it means to be content and enjoy wearing what I have instead of ALWAYS wishing I had more money, more time, and a better sense of style.

8. I'm so excited to put together my spring and summer wardrobes! In fact, I must confess I broke my shopping ban to buy something for my spring capsule. But it was thrifted and under $10. I think it was a good move! The rules are in place to be my servant and not my master.

Please forgive the selfies, the run on sentences, and poor use of commas. I'm in a bit of a rush!
...

Anyways, your thoughts? Would love to hear your thoughts.

My Winter to Spring 10 Item Wardrobe

After a year of having a capsule wardrobe, I have settled on Jennifer L. Scott's 10 item wardrobe philosophy. 

winter 2016 capsule wardrobe
spring 2016 capsule wardrobe

The premise is you have 10 core items that are the workhorses of your wardrobe, items like jeans, dresses, and structured tops. These are the clothes you wear every day in heavy rotation.

And then you have extras - t-shirts, leggings, coats, special occasion wear, church clothes, etc.

I love this idea of having a small, beautiful, workable wardrobe. In my 10 item wardrobe pictured below everything mixes and matches so well. Literally, all the tops go with all the bottoms. Getting dressed is fun - and easy - and I feel put together on the most harried of days.

This little collection of clothes was spontaneously organized because we are having the mildest  winter, and it looks like spring will be, too. My winter clothes were just not working! I can count one hand the number of times I wore a coat.

In attempt to align my clothing with the weather, I purchased a few tops, a new pair of white jeans, and my mom bought me a dress. Combined with some items I already owned and ....

Ta-da! I feel so refreshed!
.....

My 10 items

3 blouses
2 light sweaters
1 long cardigan
3 pairs of jeans
1 dress

A huge goal of mine is to wear more dresses and skirts as we move into the warmer months. I hardly own any dresses because last year I was nursing a baby and the year before I was pregnant. So I will slowly buy them as the budget allows.

I really enjoyed wearing dresses while pregnant.

I will wear this winter to spring wardrobe probably through the end of April. I kept the sweaters in because temperatures will be all over the place, and we will most likely have a handful of very cool mornings. In my extras, I have t-shirts for warm days and coats for cold ones. 

What do you think? Would you have a 10 item wardrobe?

.....

To give you a little more information about the 10 item wardrobe, Jennifer L. Scott has a fantastic TED talk.

She also has a wonderful blog, YouTube channel, and has authored 3 books. I have really enjoyed following her the past couple of years, and I have acquired so much wisdom about making the most of everyday life! Thank you, Jennifer.

Spring Capsule Wardrobe + Still Loving ThredUP

This is my spring capsule wardrobe! I have too much. But the weather is all over the place, and I feel like I need a lot of choices to figure out what I'm going to wear in my "new normal" life with 4 kiddos in the spring and summer time.

In a month or so, all the jackets and long sleeves will be totally obsolete. I plan for this capsule to get me through March, April, and May, and most of this will also be for June, July, and August as well. I will just have to freshen things up a bit.

Hilariously, I have come up with some theme words for my spring capsule. These words came to me...and they all start with C.

Comfortable - because I want to be comfortable, always

Colorful- because after the blacks and grays of winter clothes, it is refreshing to have color

Casual- because this fits my lifestyle

College- because my daily uniform is basically what I wore in college - colored tee, bootcut Citizens of Humanity jeans (from thredUP), and Chacos

Camp Counselor- because this wardrobe somehow feels very campy and 90's (I went to camp all through the 90's)

Also, I have to tell you again...I love thredUP, and much of this wardrobe pictured below is from thredUP. Thank you to all of you that purchased clothes through my link! You can still do that and get $10 off your order and I will get a $10 credit, too. A win, win.

This jacket is my most recent favorite find from thredUP....It's J.Crew, perfect condition. I paid $35. It would have cost $135 in the store.

winter capsule wardrobe 2016 
I love thredUP

I love Thred Up!

I will get back to food, but for a moment, I'd like to talk about something else. Clothes!

I am in the process of switching out my winter capsule wardrobe for a spring one. And I'm a month ahead of schedule because.......

...spring has sprung. It's crazy, unseasonably warm.

I started shopping for my spring capsule a tad early. Technically, "the capsule wardrobe rules" say you are not supposed to shop until a couple of weeks before switching out the season's capsule.

But I am very limited on time and errand running capabilities.

Also, I felt like I was starting from scratch...yet again! I was pregnant last summer and because of this my warm weather clothing was quite sparse. I was lacking the basics, things like t-shirts, a summer friendly pair of jeans, church clothes, EVERYTHING, etc.

I decided that early shopping was justified and that I would be really stressed trying to buy an entire wardrobe in a two week time. So mid February I started browsing online, and that's when I found Thred Up, an online site that sells used, like-new clothes for women and children.




I cannot even begin to tell you what a great experience I had using this site!

Here's what I got...

two pairs of J.Crew chino shorts (that I love)
a J.Crew Factory navy cardigan.
a hot pink pair of skinny jeans from Gap
a bunch of brightly colored tee's from Ann Taylor Loft.  
two pairs of Citizen for Humanity Jeans (that were already hemmed!!! - the perfect length)
3 spring dresses
a Madewell, linen sweater!

 

Boom. Spring capsule done and done. And all for a fraction of the price it would have cost me to buy these items first hand. I basically bought an entire wardrobe for myself and some coats and play clothes for the kids.

Like this sweet in-perfect-condition coat for Caroline for next winter and the graphic tee for Laurie (pictured above).

I'm not completely organized yet, but for all practical purposes, I have a fully functioning spring wardrobe that would have taken years of acquiring and hundreds (hundreds!!!) of dollars had I not found the awesomeness that is Thread Up!
......

Part of Thred Up's genius is they will give you a refund on most items. If you don't love it, no harm done, send it back to get either full store credit or a refund minus a return fee. 

I have only purchased items from Thred Up, but you can also sell them your gently used clothing. It is so easy to order a bag and kit from them and send it back...for free. SO easy -- so I'm told by friends who have sold their stuff.

 

My three tips for using Thred Up...

1. It's good to be familiar with how specific brands fit you. I only ordered from brands I was very comfortable with and I felt confident everything would work size and style wise.

2. Know your measurements. Each clothing item has measurements listed which is so helpful! I definitely got out my measuring tape before placing my final order.

3. Search specifically. Thred Up has incredible searching abilities. Be specific. J.Crew short sleeved cotton floral blouse. Hot pink Gap jeggings size 26. Search it, and you will be amazed with how successful your search can be.

.........

So...have you used Thred Up? Would you?

I normally don't do consignment because I hate digging though all the musty clothing, and I just don't have time! But I loved using this site. After having such a great experience, I cringe a little at the thought of paying full retail price.

If you use this link, you will get $10 off your first order and I will get $10, too. Win win for us all!

Madewell sweater + Citizens of Humanity Jeans

Banana Republic dress I wore for Caroline's baptism

....

I will try to take pictures and share my spring capsule soon!

A List + Links

1- Not long after my last post, I came down with strep throat. I do not recommend getting strep as an adult. I was out of commission for a full 5 days. Since recovering, I see the world in a new light. So thankful for my health and ability to do all the daily things that seem so boring!

2 - Tomato pie! Oh my stars. I made this recipe using this crust for dinner last night. It was out of this world good. Where has it been all my life?

3 - Now is the time to shop rock bottom summer sales. For the past few years, I have bought a few kid's clothing items in July for next summer. Things are definitely picked over in stores and online, but if you can find a few things you like in the right sizes, the prices are really great.

4 - Yoga. I do yoga now, and I love it. I like to mix it in with Pilates, barre workouts, and walks. Mostly, I've been using Yoga with Adrienne videos on YouTube. It is truly therapeutic, and it feels so good stretch and move.

5 - I took Stephen out for a date on Saturday night. It was my idea, and I called our wonderful neighbor-babysitter to come over and keep our kids. We went to dinner, and then I talked him in to getting some decaf cafe au laits on the way home. It was so nice.

6 - I'm swooning over this Madewell dress. And it has nearly all 5 star reviews which is super rare.

7 - I don't have an official capsule wardrobe right now. But I'm basically wearing a smaller, edited version of my spring capsule. I'm paying close attention to what is working, what's lacking, and I recently filled out Unfancy's new wardrobe planner. What a great tool!

8 - I know it's cliche, but I'm taking a Facebook and Instagram break for a little while. A week? I'm not sure how long yet. I have to do this to reset my habits every now and then. Social media is just there and endless and so easy. Tired me + a little bored me + constantly interrupted by kids me can all too easily default all my free time FB and Insta.

9 - This bracelet made by The Jones Market, just got it in the mail yesterday. I love it! I wanted something to give a little pop of color to some very plain outfits. The thing I noticed most of all was how comfortable it is to wear. Caroline loves it too! This company specializes in jewelry that is  mom/baby friendly.

10 - I want to start using my real camera more. The pictures are so much better than phone photos! This book looks inspiring.

What are you up to? What are you in to? How is your summer coming along?

Our Week + Some Links + A Question

It's been a hard week for no reason other than it's just hard being a person sometimes, specifically an adult person. I've had a lot of nagging tasks hanging over my head and the house spiraled out of control and it felt like responsibilities outweighed the fun. And too many carbs and not enough exercise did not help my situation. My own fault.

But here's to Friday!
 

 

George picked some flowers for me (my mums). So sweet.

I'm loving that it's FINALLY feeling a little cooler and we can bust out our fall outfits. I'm still doing the capsule wardrobe thing even though I failed to document summer's capsule.

Caroline is a pure delight, the light of our lives, the apple of the family's eye. Her siblings are always laughing or playing with her or saving her from perceived danger. She's quite agile, and I'm so laid back about it (but of course not too laid back). She is very much the 4th child.

Like most babies she adores being outside.

I had a quick run to Publix today to get us through the weekend. This all felt very fallish to me.

Publix apple pie is divine. Perfection with Breyers vanilla ice cream.

Got some noodles because new traditions! Friday night spaghetti night! I always do angel hair.

Children's Zertec.

Boxed wine.

Nail polish. Revlon, color is Vixen.

And bananas because always.
......

 A few links for your enjoyment...

This is the red beans and rice recipe I use. It's seriously one of our favorites.

Yes and yes to this salad dressing trick. The secret is to use Grey Poupon Dijon mustard. I tried it  right after I found this post, and it immediately upped my salad dressing game.

I love this denim skirt + striped shirt - the whole look of the first outfit.

The necklace pictured in my fall outfit photo is from The Jones Market. I love it. It's so comfortable to wear if that makes sense.

My father-in-law introduced me to The World and Everything In It podcast a few months ago, and ever since it's how I get my news. I usually listen after the kids are off to school while I make a decent breakfast for myself and unload the dishwasher. Funny how we pick up routines and rituals that are unplanned but such an anchor in the day. This is definitely one of those for me.

.......

So lastly, a question...what would you like me to blog about? I'm working on coming up with a list of posts and I would love to know what interest you. Kids? Food? Please tell me.

Happy weekend!

Star Oranaments + What I'm Into These Days

George made this one.

Merry Christmas!

Are you ready? As of yesterday, I think I am.

Today, I had the best time making star ornaments and reading Song of the Stars with my 4 year old's preschool class. These ornaments are so easy to make. It's basically a craft for a non-crafter. Popsicle sticks, Elmer's glue, sequins, twine. Let your imagination run wild.
......

The older our family gets, there seems to be more Christmas-y details that fall under my umbrella of responsibility. To my benefit, I'm not a holiday fanatic, and I don't try to do it all. This time of year can get totally out of hand, but I have held my ground and made sure to have a lot of normal days.

Here lately, I've been enjoying some great walks. Our weather has been unseasonably warm.

I've been listening a few episodes of this podcast, Slow Your Home. I love the hosts' Australian accents.

I'm all about this tea! I'm seriously crazy for tea because I'm trying to stop drinking afternoon coffee, and I'm cutting out alcohol during the week. It all messes up my sleep.

Speaking of sleep, Stephen and I have been staying up way too late watching season 3 of Mr. Selfridge. I'm loving Jeramy Piven almost as much as I'm loving tea right now!

The last thing on my to-do list today is to finishing ordering items to complete my winter capsule wardrobe. I'm pretty sure this Gap scarf is going to make the cut. I'm all into capsule wardrobes these days.
......

What are you into these days?!

I choose tea in 2017

Happy New Year!

I love January. Cheers to a fresh start!

First, let's talked about 2016.

I was on a major learning curve year. 4 kids, 2 in school with homework, 2 at home with me all the time. Feeding all these people, finding time to rest, not losing it - all these things I struggled and wrestled with and had to learn about this last year. There was much trial, error, failing and figuring out what did not work. But I like to think we are all the better for it.

My "word of the year" last year was self-control. One major win I had for this word was kicking my terrible, sleep destroying habit of drinking afternoon coffee.

It was my downfall. Afternoon coffee gave me a major boost to conquer the homework and dinner hour(s), but then left me wired and kept me from falling asleep at night. So the next day I would be tired, especially when I got to the afternoon, and of course the only solution was....afternoon coffee. Rinse and repeat.

I switched to tea, mostly decaf and herbal. It took months to transition. But my sleep - so much better!

Occasionally, I will socially have coffee in the afternoon...but only on holidays and weekends.

On a regular ol Tuesday, I choose tea.

I choose tea in 2017.

What worked in 2016 -

1. Afternoon tea instead of coffee.

2. Keeping a bag of frozen spinach and kale to add to soups and other dishes. We ate so many more greens and my family hardly noticed.

3. Exercising when the baby naps - non negotiable. Baby naps, I get on my yoga mat. It's the only realistic time for me to consistently exercise.

4. My capsule wardrobe. I'm still totally into capsules.

5. Pack n' play time. This kept me sane. Caroline probably spends a cumulative 30 minutes a day in her pack n' play. Just enough time for me to get dressed or make dinner or fix my tea.

6. Audiobooks... for me and for the kids.

7. Hiring help with cleaning. Because I can't do it! I couldn't. I can't. If I had the time...I didn't have the energy. Plus, I like it clean and that's okay. It's okay to like a clean house.

This time last year, we hired a regular cleaning lady and have not looked back. It has energized me so much to have help!

8. Online shopping. If I could avoid an errand, I did. I ordered toiletries and diapers and dog food.

9. The Dollar Tree. It is my one stop shop for children's birthday party gifts, wrapping paper, party supplies, and other odds and ends you would literally spend a fortune on at Target.

10. Measuring my wine. I decided that 6 oz. of wine per night is a good amount for me. More than that and I feel it in the negative.

6 oz. seems beneficial, a treat a the end of a long day.

Of course, there are exceptions like if I'm out for a nice dinner or a party or Friday night ;)

Yesteryear, in photos....

....

Onward to 2017

This year, I have so many plans, resolutions, and words. I like to think of these things as my guides, not hard and fast rules that I'm destined to break.

Let's start with the resolutions-

1. Meal plan and shop on a two week schedule. This means I write down meals for two weeks, make a thorough list, and do my big shopping every two weeks. Of course I will have to make a quick grocery run for milk and produce. But I'm determined to be a better planner and be more efficient with my time an energy in the kitchen.

Also, I want to continue to cook once, eat twice. I did this with grits this morning, made extra so I can reheat and serve tomorrow morning.

2. Read one chapter of the Bible a day, in the morning - on my phone. I've been the absolute worst about Bible reading this past year.

I have this dream of waking up before my kids, in a quiet house with my coffee and highlighter, reading scripture for half an hour. This dream is not realistic. But! I can totally read one chapter a day on my phone. I'm stacking the habit with my morning coffee ritual. Also, if my kids are up...I will just read the chapter out loud to them.

Inspired by this article.

3. Begin the conversation and start teaching my kids about sex. Of course, age appropriately.

I bought this book that has come highly recommended by many people I respect who have read it to their own kids.

My children are going to find out about sex, so it might as well be me telling them about God's good design and purpose for it. If I don't tell them, they will most likely get their information from the world and it will be all wrong.

Prayers appreciated.

My WORDS of the year

Music
I used to love music and got so much out of it. But since I've had kids my love for music has gone by the wayside, which is such a shame! Stephen bought us an awesome speaker for Christmas last year, and I plan to put it to better use.

Friends
I need my friends. I love my friends. I want to be a better friend. I want to go visit my college friends this year. After so many years dominated by having babies and nursing babies, I'm feeling a little more freedom to pursue and invest in my friendships.

Unplugged
This word came to me yesterday, and I feel like it complements the other words, music and friends.

I'm planning to rein in my social media usage.

I randomly delete Instagram off my phone and sign out and make a too-difficult-for-me-to-remember password on my Facebook account. Oh the time-suck that is social media. I love it, but I hate it.

I'm hoping to spend a great deal of time off-line and off social media this year. And the time that I do spend, making it better quality. I want to be where I am with the people in the room with me. I want to improve my attention span and focus. I want to model to my children a healthy relationship with my phone and screens.

Theme verses for the year....

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.

Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. 

Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. 

Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil. 

Proverbs 4:23-27

I feel an intense need to FOCUS this year, on the things I value the very most, my relationships - with God, my husband, my children. I feel the need to stop talking and wishing about what's best and start doing what's best for me...and for my family.

I choose tea in 2017.

What about you? What are your plans and goals?