on me: dress (stripe version only sold in store), bag (mine is three years old and going strong, but this and this are similar), shoes, vest. on e: shoes
Hello friends. May I please update you on the status of my wardrobe?
IN SUM : OMG, best plan ever. I'm totally hooked, the end.
For those of you that prefer details, please read on.
On who this capsule wardrobe plan works for: as with everything I blog about, I am only looking to find what might work for me. I never think anything I do will work for everyone. For example: If you love getting dressed in the morning (and prefer to have a lot of options) this project is not for you. If you don't "waste" money on clothing (like I have been known to do), this project is not for you. If you are happy with your style and don't need improvement (that sounds like the dream!), this project is not for you.
Ideally, when I am done with this project (four seasons total) I will have a minimal rotating closet of items that look good and work together. I will no longer be frivolously spending AND I will love everything that I own. #dreambig
On what to do if you work out of the house and need to dress up more: this is an excellent point and many people can address this better than me but if you would still like to try, I recommend not stressing about "the rules" and instead picking rules that work for you. If it was me, I would probably create a weekday wardrobe of 25-35 pieces and then a weekend wardrobe of about 15-20. And I'd call it a day. The real key is just to eliminate the closet clutter that you never want to wear at work or never want to wear at home, much more than it's to get married to just 36 items of clothing.
On laundry: It's been just three weeks but I feel like I'm doing less laundry because I have be sticking with just one outfit day. I am no longer changing into "comfy clothes" first thing in the morning and then "getting dressed" in the afternoon to go somewhere. I am also seriously considering if items (like jeans, shorts, long sleeves) really need to be washed right away or if they can make it through another wear (they can). I am trying to keep laundry loads as big as before which means I find myself reaching for different pieces more often (because they are clean still).
succulent art (bought on major clearance because the frame had a minor crack!), art print, frames are target, lo & sons OG bag - major splurge that's worth every penny.
On packing for a trip: we went away for a weekend in early October and packing was the best thing ever. Everything I have matches everything I have. And everything I have I love, so...boom.
On not spending: I have not bought any clothes or accessories for me (which is good, considering it's been only three weeks). I have also not transferred my clothes shopping habit and started buying for Ellerie or Paul (which is really good). It's helped that I un-subscribed to every email offer from stores so I no longer know that Gap is offering everything for 80% off or j.crew has another huge sale. #thereisalwaysanothersale
On my favorite piece so far: As I've already said, the denim vest, my wildcard, is a spectacular hit. My mom likes it. Paul likes it. My girlfriends like it. Ellerie would like it if she understood. I want to throw it on with everything which is the only downfall. If you don't love the madewell pricetag, this one looks super cute too.
What about you guys? Anyone else trying this? I'd love to hear your takeaways - especially if you live in colder climates or a work dress code.
You can see more details about my Autumn capsule wardrobe here. And remember, this is not a new concept. Tons of folks do this with great success but I was really inspired by Unfancy.
