Let's talk about Capsule Wardrobes

The origins of the capsule wardrobe do seem to trace back to boutique owner Susie Faux in the 1970s with some credit Donna Karan's “Seven Easy Pieces” collection in the 1980's as well. Both of these theories center around the idea of a streamlined wardrobe of high-quality pieces that could be worn often and interchangeably. Saving decisions, time, and money.

A capsule wardrobe is a concise, curated selection of clothing. It can vary from person to person based on our differing lifestyles, but the best pieces are the kind that can be mixed and matched and worn for any occasion. Streamline your wardrobe to streamline your life. A capsule wardrobe is alluring because you know you only own pieces that can be paired easily and always look good.

However for far too long, in my opinion, a capsule wardrobe was an excuse for every blogger and fashion editorial writer to find another way to dictate what we SHOULD be wearing. Somehow the focus on 'key pieces" or "classic" always included the next thing that need to be purchased. The tightly curated graphics and stylings only surmised to focus on how what we already own didn't live up to the perfect standard.

The truth is you can start a capsule right now with what you currently own. There is room and flexibility, based on your goals, lifestyle and values. I also feel there is a lot to learn from the process of creating, or attempting to create a personal capsule - if even for a short amount of time.

You can use the opportunity of building a capsule to gain better understanding of you current - and hopefully shift the drive to consume MORE into one of curiosity for what you already own.

Something I recommend for everyone who wants to get smarter about your wardrobe, and make future purchases with more knowledge, and make buying (and not buying) easier is doing a Wardrobe Inventory. A wardrobe inventory may seem like a daunting task, but knowing what you own is necessary in getting curious about your style and wardrobe. The exercise of actually accounting for what you own is about more than knowing what's in your closet and drawers. It's about objectively seeing the cycles of what you purchase.

This is more than a step to creating a personalized capsule. I've even created worksheets on Buy Me a Coffee to walk you through and document your inventory.

There can be a lot of emotion involved in this, and right now just think about this as data collection. Pure, raw data - what is in your closet, drawers, on the floor, just inventory it. Remember its time to be really honest, this is the "data collection" that's going to help you understand and progress.

This is a time to objectively look at your purchases and what you own. This is the best time to reconnect with what you own.

An inventory will give you the foundation for building a capsule. As your go through your wardrobe recognize what pieces your drawn to. What do already find ease wearing and styling? What are the things you put on and then immediately take off? What do you feel confident in? What do you reach for over and over? Think about what you want your wardrobe to do for you? Do you need to feel polished and professional? Is comfort of the utmost importance to you? How do the pieces you own fit into those priorities?

Think of those pieces that fit your goals, lifestyle and values as the foundation of your capsule. These are the pieces you build around to create a well thought out system of creating outfits.

I recently shared how I do this in 10 piece increments on Instagram.

I also shared how simply starting with an outfit you love is a great place to start.

A capsule doesn't have to feel limiting and restrictive, and little preparation can make the process not just a learning experience but also bring an enjoyable sense of freedom to getting dressed. Starting by shopping your closet before anything else, will you the chance to learn how the things you already can have serve you and work together.

Of course there are so many other benefits to a Capsule wardrobe too!

Fewer decisions on a daily basis allow you to focus time and energy on that parts of life that are most important to you. Gaining a better understanding of what works for you in your wardrobe will also make you less tempted by passing fashion fancies, you'll be setting a standard for pieces coming into your wardrobe and know better how to utilize new pieces you add.

I hope this gives you a little more insight into why I enjoy capsuling for myself. As a matter of fact for the Summer season I'll be working with a 30 piece capsule for 90 days (30x90) - I can't wait to share more about that with you!

The Value of Nostalgia

I talk a lot around here about values and knowing what YOU value from your wardrobe and purchases. Today I want to touch on sentiment and memory and the emotional connections we make to purchases. Particularly nostalgia. That small connection to the past that can come front and center in the present moment.

To say I have a fondness for handbags might be and understatement. I love a quality bag in many an iteration. But there will always be a first love. For me that will always be Coach.

I remember the very first pieces of Coach in my life, they were my Mom’s. The first a small leather good gifted to her by her boss, she opened on Christmas morning with our family. Shortly after that followed the classic Coach Willis bag gifted to her by my Father.

I remember the feel of the leather when her bag sat between us on car rides to the mall, when I’d reach into if for a stick of gum. I remember how the reverse side of the glove tanned leather felt so soft and buttery and I’d run my fingers over the suede leaving lines in the reverse. Everything about that bag was classic, well made, perfection, and my Mom carried it for years.

Once I got my first real job I purchased a bag of my own, a classic Coach duffle. As I browsed the bags picking the one I'd take home I glanced at the glass case full of wallets. A sense of pride welled up in me as I selected one of those beautiful wallets to gift my Mom. I remember wrapping that gift and embellishing it with curls of ribbons, eager to give it to her.

When Outlets at the Dells reached out to me about Mother’s Day look book there was no question what I’d choose - Coach.

Here are just a few Highlights from the Look book, there a Specials throughout the Mall

The Coach Outlet has a Special Event and they are going BIG for Mom. You can save up to 70% off in store, with treats and a Gift with purchase. The Outlet is also giving you a $25 gift card when you spend $500 at Coach. Here are a few of my favorite current Picks. I'm linking them here too, for easy shopping.

I think fun accessories are a great way to add pops of color this season. Coach is making that easy and beautiful with these touches of pastels in this Spring line.

The Rowan Color block Satchel is such a classic top handle shape, and the long strap is perfect for hands free carry.

I love the chain on the Klare crossbody! It's the prefect size for a night out.

I'd add the matching trifold wallet in color block because I love a matched set!

I love how Coach keeps it's long time classics and continues to feel fresh and modern with collections like this current color block. It allows me to have new experiences and still feel the loving nostalgia I have for the brand.

Oh and just to keep the love flowing I'm doing a Coach giveaway over on Instagram through May 10th so be sure to check that out.

What I Bought in February - Closet Edition

Wow February felt like a long month! Wisconsin winters seem to drag on forever once the Holiday's are over. I mentioned on Instagram that I had purchased quite a few items in February, more than would be normal for me.

I know that some of this is the cycle of browsing, purchasing, and expectation that right now feels like something to look forward too. I've talked in the past about these triggers for shopping within myself. I'm not feeling bad about anything I purchased though. A few things you may recognize from my "visual wishlist". A few others were items I've been wanting for a LONG time - the Madewell Washed Leather Jacket in a brown. Here's a look at what got added to my closet last month:

Shop these items here:

A little break down of the what's and why's of my purchases -

The floral dress was a wishlist item for Spring Summer. This Madewell version was on my "to consider" list, and met almost all the qualifications. Since there were only a few left in my size I decided to purchase. I haven't received it yet, so it has yet to be tested for fit, that means it's not guaranteed I'll keep it.

The Linen Blazer was also a Spring/Summer purchase. I'm really liking blazers with a relaxed fit as a third piece to an outfit. This one is super light weight, and I think will be great even with shorts. I also think I'll like it as outerwear in the up coming season. Already have lots of ideas and outfits in the works for this one.

The Madewell Washed Leather Jacket I already own in black. I love it! I will say sometimes the black feels too "edgy" then I put it on with my mostly warm toned wardrobe. I've been wanting it in brown since almost immediately after I purchased the black. The insiders sale was a great time to purchase this, as it almost never goes on sale.

The Acne Studios bag was also on my wishlist. This was a gift from my husband for Valentine's Day. What can I say the man knows the way to my heart - handbags. The other bag purchased I have saved in Pinterest Pins and blogger IG posts for a few year now. I finally figured out who makes it and found a deal on one on eBay, so I jumped on it.

The sneakers I talked about a little on Instagram. I had been considering some chunky "Dad" style sneakers for a few months. I originally wanted New Balance, but after looking into the companies values, I did not feel the purchase align with my values. I knew there were other options for the look I wanted and decided to go with the Veja. Veja uses sustainable materials and even has a repair and recycling program. Plus these colors are so perfect for my wardrobe.

You may have seen on Instagram we did a home update. Moving offices for my husband and I. This also lead to a few home purchases. I'll share those in another blog post soon, along with a talk about some of our home goals this year.

-Dawn