A Non-Restrictive Capsule Wardrobe

So…. A capsule wardrobe. What is this crazy thing?

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Quick Explanation

In short – a “capsule wardrobe” refers to choosing a pre-determined number of pieces for your wardrobe for a specific season. You take all the clothes out of your closet, choose the “Love” items, keep some “Like” items, and get rid of the “Um no probably not” items. You use the “Love” items to help determine your sense of style and where you want to focus, and you invest in a few key complimentary pieces to help you prepare for the season. You then put everything that isn’t seasonal in storage so that it’s not cluttering up your closet, and you’re left with complementary pieces and planned outfits that will help you actually use what you have for your daily wardrobe. It’s a cool way to help curb a spending problem, help you be intentional about what you’re buying and making room for in your closet, and get a stance on what your style is and could be.

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My Background

Growing up I was a clothing cheapskate, a deal hunter, and somewhat of a hoarder. I had SO MANY THINGS yet it was never enough, I’d hit thrift stores and leave with bags of clothes for such low prices and be proud of the “deals” I’d gotten. A few years ago my besties suggested I look into a clothing capsule – I’d been starting to down-size my life as we thought about going tiny, and I – the ever loving planner – took that challenge and jumped right in. I absolutely loved it and think it’s a worthwhile experience for anyone. I did it for two seasons, and still utilize the lessons I learned from it.

But like anything – if you don’t use it, you lose it. My super curated and planned closet has grown into a closet full of things I sometimes wear but don’t match well. I’ve definitely made better choices than I used to and I only keep things I really like – but I’ve gotten away from the “Thinking through how it will all work together” aspect. So this spring, I’m making a goal to re-evaluate my closet and wardrobe and stick to capsule-ish type logic – the curating, mixing, matching, utilizing, but not to the strict degree I did before. I sell LuLaRoe, let’s be honest – there’s no way I can go back to owning 8 shirts for a whole season :p. I just really loved how the capsule encouraged me to be creative with my outfits and mix/match things in new ways, plan ahead, etc. – so I’m going to work on that this season.

SO with the focus on being smart about my wardrobe/how things go together to maximize use and not restricting items to a certain number – here goes.

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My Spring 2017 “Capsule”

One thing I’ve noticed when researching/planning capsule wardrobes over the years – there are a LOT of solids. Don’t get me wrong – I love my solids and they look great on pinterest – but when I pair a solid with a solid with a solid I don’t look quite as cute as my pins. Especially since becoming a LuLaRoe consultant, I’ve become much more open to prints and I wanted to be sure to incorporate those and do my best at intentional pattern mixing this spring. So this will probably be a little more “colorful” capsule than you’re used to.

* Note: I really like skirts and dresses, which you’ll notice.

* Also very important to note that I’m 5’2” and don’t care about things being sort of short. I’ve had a bit of an obsession as of late with oversized tees and they’re also long enough to be a dress, so this looks like I have a crazy disproportionate amount of shirts but really some are triple functional as a shirt-dress-skirt.

Dresses

1. Black Fit & Flare Dress

2. Black Pencil Dress with Gold Sleeves

3. Blue Floral Pencil Dress

4. Blue Sleeveless Eyelet Dress

5. Black Jumpsuit (Not really a “dress” – but closest category IMO)

Skirts

1. Black Pencil Skirt

2. Mint Pencil Skirt

3. Gray Wrap Skirt

4. Black/Cream A Line Skirt

5. Black & Maroon Floral A Line Skirt

6. Gray & White Checked A Line Skirt

7. Blue Lace Midi Skirt

8. Gold Pleated Midi Skirt

9. Floral Chiffon Maxi Skirt

10. Black & White Chevron Maxi Skirt

11. Leopard Maxi Skirt

Shirts

1. Black & White High-Low Tunic

2. Black Peplum Tunic

3. Black & White Stripe Fitted Crop Top

4. Blue & White Crop/T shirt

5. Black & Gray Stripes Raglan Tee

6. Red & Blue Floral Tee Shirt

7. Purple Floral A Line Tee

8. Red Floral A Line Tee

9. Gray & White Chevron Tee

10. Triwizard Graphic Tee Top

11. Oversized Geometric High-Low Tunic

12. Oversized Floral High-Low Tunic

13. Black & Cream Oversized Tee/Tunic

14. Oversized Pink Patterned A Line Tee

15. Oversized Blue Aztec High-Low Tunic

16. Chambray Button Up Top

17. Gray & White Striped Button Up Top

18. Black & White Birds Button Up Top

19. Black Chiffon Open Back Top

20. Mustard Chiffon Loose Fitting Top

21. Black Sleeveless Loose Top

22. Reversible Spaghetti Strap Chiffon Top

23. Black & White Stripe Sleeveless Crop Top

24. Black Long Sleeved Fitted Crop Top

25. Black & Nude Lace Loose Crop Top

26. Gray Pullover Sweater

Cardigans/Kimonos

1. White Duster Cardigan

2. Black Duster Cardigan

3. Beige Lace Kimono

4. Long Floral Kimono Wrap

5. Floral Fringe Kimono

6. Black Blazer

7. ¾ Sleeve Black Patterned Blazer

8. Loose Gray Kimono

9. Sweatshirt

Bottoms/Pants

1. Black Leggings (3 Pair)

2. Black Leather Leggings

3. Light Wash Ripped Jeans

4. Black Harem Pants

5. Fitted Gray Dress Pants

6. Bright Floral Patterned Capri Pants

7. Light Blue Capri Pants

8. Red Capri Pants

9. Black & White Patterned Capri Pants

Shoes

1. Short Open Toe Brown Boots

2. Black/Brown Tall Boots

3. Black Keds

4. Black & Cream Pointed Flats

5. Black Jelly Flats

6. Nude Heels

7. Wedge Heels

Accessories

1. Jewelry

2. Scarves

3. Bracelets

And here are some outfits I’ve made out of the pieces! Clearly there are a ton more options, and including an all-encompassing list of every outfit I could make of 70 pieces is impossible (and would drive you all insane). I’ve said it before and will say it again – I am obsessed with the stylebook app and actually wake up in the mornings, pull from my list of created “outfits”, and choose something to wear that day when I’m still lying in bed. Sort of crazy, I know, but it makes me happy :p. Download the stylebook app here – I seriously can’t recommend it highly enough!

Additionally, I’ll be posting on social media to provide a look at some of these outfits in real life! Everything looks good in a collage app - follow on your social media account of choice to see my spring wardrobe IRL and let me know what you think!

Plucky & Poised Instagram - Follow here!

Plucky & Poised Facebook Page - Follow here!

Plucky & Poised Pinterest - Follow here!

Plucky & Poised Twitter - Follow here!

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