I've been putting together the finishing touches on what I've jokingly started to call my "pre-fall line" this week. If you're just tuning in: I'm attempting a seasonal capsule wardrobe, inspired by this cute girl and her blog that I'm sort of addicted to. I'm allowing myself unlimited undies + socks + bras (not that I need any bras), but I'll be limiting my wardrobe to 40 items or fewer for the duration of a season. I'm thinking of limiting my accessories as well, to "things I never have to take off," as a further, stupider experiment.)
When I was planning and pulling things together at first, I thought I'd give myself a generous 45 item allowance, thinking that straddling the two seasons might require a bit more leeway with things. But then my inner Hermione Granger kicked in and I decided I was going to make it to 40 or fewer straight legit style, hell be damned and all those things. Incredibly high achiever right here. Actually, planning and refining this was a lot of fun. While Huck ran around the playground I'd sit bent over my iPhone, tapping in potential capsule items and pondering combinations and searching my soul for its deepest feelings on junk. It was great.
I'm considering this terribly fantastic and transitional time of year to be a practice run of sorts. I know what I want to be wearing but I'm curious to see what all I'll actually be wearing. Once fall really kicks in--what are we thinking, September 21? I guess?--I'll switch over to the full Fall Capsule, which I'll post about then. (Fall Capsules should be in effect until... December 21 I suppose? What are the rules here? Do we get global warming allowances?)
So here is the line up! I'll link where I can (watch out for rogue affiliate links!) and I'm sorry but I might just fill you in on all of my deepest theories + feelings behind my choices. Scroll fingers at the ready? Now!
THE STRIPES COLLECTION
Because no capsule collection of mine can be complete without a stripe of every variance.
THE WHITE TEE COLLECTION
Surprisingly I've limited myself to four. (One is in the laundry right now.)
OTHER TEES
SHIRTS
SWEATSHIRTS (AND YES, JUST TWO!)
ONE PIECES
ASSORTED BOTTOMS
Oh, I LOVE this idea. Very seriously contemplating joining you. Jewelry doesn't count?
ReplyDeletelove this so much! I would love to join but my wardrobe is limited to my growing bump. maybe ill do one anyway! love this idea.
ReplyDeleteAmazing! I am obsessed with the capsule collection idea and possible even more obsessed with seeing everyone's capsule collection. I should really just pull the trigger and make my own. Also, your clog game is on point!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.alovelyintention.com
i'm doing this too and was struggling with a september 1 start date as it is still 80+ in wisconsin, but you know, could snow next month… wisconsin. starting on the equinox/solstices appeals to my perfectionist self THANK YOU
ReplyDeletethumbs up
ReplyDeletefunny, I just thought about pairin' down the other day. TOO MUCH CRAP in my closet. Just might have to go through the mental torment of indecision and do it. Good choices!
ReplyDeletetake the plunge!
DeleteI'm feeling you on the stripes... Striped everything!
ReplyDeleteBLESS THIS POST! Amen.
ReplyDeleteLove your choices but more than that - LOVEEEEEEE your floors :) What about handbags? Do they count too?
ReplyDeleteI'm doing this for fall too and really confused when to start since these Indian summers can last a long time! Love your capsule :).
ReplyDeleteThis post has really inspired to change up my wardrobe. Thank you! I'm 27, but dressing like I'm 17, so enough really is enough. I found your blog quite recently and read it all the way through from the start in rapid time so I feel like I 'know' you well enough now to start commenting. I'm digging the Alexa Chung/cool French girl look big time. One thing though - handbags?! xx
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this idea, and am seriously tempted to join you. Would be a challenge as I work in quite a corporate environment but am quite casual outside of work. But I do enjoy a challenge...
ReplyDeleteI'm officially inspired!
Kat | http://thelondonplaybook.wordpress.com
Yeeeeah! This is my current favorite topic. I started my 40-for-Fall HERE (http://www.thewhatsinbetween.com/2014/09/forty-for-fall.html) (plus a little shout-out to you for the inspiration). I'm so excited, but now wishing I had practiced the tiniest bit of restraint and maybe attempted a pre-fall wardrobe instead of just diving straight into fall...
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see what you come up with!
zoe @ The What's In Between
To clarify... Are these 40 items just for one month? Or are you planning on using these through the Fall and just swapping out, say, 10 on September 21? Because I've always really liked the IDEA of capsuling, but this doesn't seem like a tremendously large change from the number of clothes I regularly wear over the course of the month.
ReplyDeleteoh yes, haha. this isn't per month. when it gets cold I'll be swapping out shorts and sandals for a few sweaters and boots, but otherwise the capsule will remain the same (unless there are any items i'm just not wearing that I could sub in for something else). otherwise, this is it till Christmas! i'm sure I'll add in a few coats? the girl who started this lives in Texas, so she doesn't seem to need to plan for bulky outerwear like we do out east, so i'm not sure yet how that'll factor into the 40. I'll be sure to keep everyone updated when I figure it out!!
DeleteJust to clarify one more time. Your "capsule" will always be at 40 items, switching out only for seasonal changes?
DeleteSo the shorts will be switched out, but for a period of time, you'll still only have 40 items?
hi emily! yes, the idea is 40 total always, ideally keeping the bulk of it the same between seasons. I don't really own too much more than what I'm using here, and most of these items I've had three years or longer (minus recent IM splurges lol), and I'm not sure how many seasons I'll be doing this for, but 40 or fewer, swapping seasonally for seasonally appropriate changes and to compensate for any changes in personal style, etc. what im not using is stored in a few small boxes (including off season) so it's really about further refining for me, as opposed to just something fun to do. Does that make sense or did I just confuse things further? haha. I'm happy to answer more questions either way!
DeleteMakes sense with the climate changes to do a pre-season. Hell, they do it constantly in the fashion world. My question is, would this pre be in every season capsule, or just for this current season- as it is 90 degrees today but won't be in another week?
Deletejust this time around. I was just too impatient to wait lol.
DeleteThanks for Clarifying. Makes perfect sense with September weather here being uncertain. I'm a bit impatient too.
DeleteSo good, love the collection! I need to get on this. What are you doing with your other clothes in the meantime? Possibly donating some after the collections are set? I think that's what I would do.
ReplyDeleteWonderful! Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeletelooks great! i too have just finished putting together my capsule wardrobe. but i live in southern california so, like, i guess i'm stuck with these pieces forever because it's always the same season? whatever. it's so much easier to get dressed now!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool idea! You might have inspired me to give it a go, too. My hoarding ways and over-stuffed closet could use a solid purge. Also... stay strong with your stripes, girl! There's no such thing as too many stripe-y tops.
ReplyDeleteWOW! I have absolutely no style and no good clothes. I was just telling my husband I needed a new wardrobe (seriously! yoga pants and holy t-shirts do nothing for anybody). This is such a great idea! Cuts down on the laundry too! I'm going to pick out my wardrobe. It's like shopping for a mission. Every shirt had to go with every skirt vice versa. It all just had to work together. I'm so doing this.
ReplyDeleteI love this idea and I'm totally giving it a go! I just had a baby 3 months ago, so as you can imagine I'm a bit limited on wardrobe ANYWAYS and I think this will keep my on track from buying a whole new wardrobe at a size I'm not going to be at very long. Also, it'll force me to keep it 100% nursing friendly! I do think outerwear WILL be the hardest part. I live in St. Louis, and I have an addiction to jackets. It's literally going to be tank + jacket, tank + jacket, etc etc. Also, I think I have more shoes than anything else! Fun!
ReplyDeletegreat post, love it!
ReplyDeletehttp://pomegranateandcoffee.blogspot.co.uk
I love this idea! I'm all about paring down my wardrobe these days but I've never actually counted items. I have SO freaking many pairs of jeans and I basically wear the same pair over and over. I can't wait to follow along as you do this, definitely inspiring!
ReplyDeleteOne MAJOR question....how in the heck do you keep your whites so dang white for six entire years?? I can't go six weeks without my whites getting dingy and bleach just breaks them down. Help???
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, I had the same question -- my whites would be decidedly off-white after 6-8 years of wear!! Tips are appreciated!
DeleteI use all natural deodorant and my whites almost never fade or yellow. it's been a game changer! antiperspirant is bad for your body and bad for your clothes too, it turns out! :)
DeleteWhat brand?
DeleteYes, which all natural deodorant and does it really work??
DeleteTotally decided I'm doing this.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to ponder this, but I really want to jump in come Sept 21. So long as I don't have to take daily pictures. That is always the worst part of fashion challenges for me.
ReplyDeleteNice collection but it's all very casual. If it was me I would add one item that you can dress up a little , like a basic dress.
ReplyDeleteI am having a terrible time reading your posts because the hyperlinks are all garbled. Am I the only one still having this issue?
ReplyDeleteI've been following you for a LONG time (like, Dooce long) and Caroline for a while now too (first through her photography and a mutual friend). It's so fun to see my internet worlds colliding. And bonus (!) you've both got killer style. Loving this capsule stuff from you.
ReplyDeleteWow! Great collection of versatile clothing! I'm definitely gonna follow your example :) Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAnnie
The Mama Gazette
I love this on all sorts of levels. Can't wait to see your daily outfits from these pieces. Loved seeing some of your high end purchases too.
ReplyDeleteI'm jumping on board and going to do this challenge along with while documenting it on my blog. Should be interesting as a new mom. www.littledwell.com
ReplyDeletei really don't know how the rules work in CA either... like... just the same wardrobe all year?? i'm scared to get rid of summer stuff since last year, it never got cold!! anyway yours is coming along great! love it.
ReplyDeletewww.thismomsgonnasnap.com
Awesome experiment. Following from afar for now and living vicariously. Maybe for fall I'll get on board.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an AWESOME idea! My wardrobe is slowly being scaled down but I'm not sure I could go straight to just 40 pieces... Mainly cos I like my dresses and shoes too much! Very excited to see how you get on :) xx
ReplyDeleteLittle Miss Katy | UK Lifestyle & Fashion
Geez, I probably wear the same 10 tops, 2 pairs of shorts and 2 pairs of jeans all year long! With some flip flops, Converse and tennis shoes mixed in. In my defense, it's tricky to find clothes in my price range that actually fit me (I'm an 18/20). And I am just a 'jeans and tee shirt' gal. I think having a capsule wardrobe is a great idea; cost-effective, easy to pack for trips, and less clothes to store!
ReplyDeleteYou can totally do it! It's funny, when you first posted about this, I was just leaving to study abroad in France. I'm now here and living on probably around 40 pieces of clothing, and it's actually working out fine! Then again, I've only been here a week, so we'll see how it goes. I return to Oregon around December 21, so I'm curious how it will work out for the both of us! P.S. I've been doing the limited everyday jewelry thing (not really by choice, lol) and it works out great. Just choose wisely!
ReplyDeleteGood luck Nat!
I love this and will be starting with you. I love that you do a small transition capsule. I think that was a part I need but could not figure out on my own. So far in my planning all I have is a Bowie t-shirt, Berks, and cutoff camo Madewell shorts. I might need more...or not. I am guessing my boss and my hubby would hope I have more.
ReplyDeleteThe absolute best part of this (outside the clothes, because, really, they deserve their own awesome comment) was you're going all Hermione Granger. What would Hermione Do? Can this be a thing?
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing and giving me some inspiration pre-fall :) Now, I just need the weather to match my need for these clothes and I will be all set. It's hot and muggy in Ohio today.
Have a good one!
xo
Alexandria
I LOVE THIS!!!
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious- would you factor in work out gear? like I use capris and shorts, depending on temp and what i am doing, and same with the tops- tanks or T's. I don't wear them like outfits- just work outs/ long walks. Like if I include them that knocks off about 6 things there, includings shoes.
Nicole @ I am a Honey Bee
You will be so proud of me. I found a pair of Rag & Bone jeans for under $60 on Ebay.
ReplyDeleteI do 33 and am CONVERTED.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.yourfonderheart.com/2014/03/project-333-spring-edition.html
Thank-you Natalie for thoroughly inspiring me, and also introducing me to Caroline's blog. After devouring both blogs I felt so inspired, and had a moment of epiphany. Yesterday I cleared out my wardrobe of all the clothes I was emotionally holding onto which served no purpose in my current, or future plans. This stuff was BAGGAGE and literally holding me back from who I am, and who I am working towards becoming. My bedroom feels totally cleansed, and opening my drawers is a joy rather than a stressful part of my day.
ReplyDeleteI filled 6 black bags with stuff, and gave to local charity shops. Hopefully someone else could get some cheer out of my old stuff.
thankyou again!
emmy x
manchester, uk.
My husband and I are starting this on October 1st. I am doing 45 items instead though because of the need for multiple jackets in PNW and having to dress a bit more urbane for work (I work in a creative field) + roomy tops for home for breastfeeding (I am 6 months post partum). One thing I'm realizing is just how many clothes I have! 45 items is basically half (a third?) of the clothes that fit and I have twice that in storage I still don't fit into yet! Eek! And both my husband and I love how intentional it makes us. No matter just frittering away money on clothes. :-)
ReplyDeleteSo far I have loved loved loved this challenge! Like yourself we have interesting weather in the uk so I didn't include coats in fact I'm still not even sure about blazers! But then again that could just be my internal hoarder talking! The best bit has been realising that I really didn't wear most of my clothes anyway! Such an eye opener! But anyway I'm rambling . . . Can't wait to hear more on how you do!!! Jess
ReplyDeleteYou make this capsule wardrobe thing look so stinkin easy!
ReplyDeleteVery cool idea! -Hanna Lei
ReplyDeleteGreat pieces!!
ReplyDeletei'm attempting to do this as well! i'm excited + nervous + a little existentially cisis-y...about sums it up! i'm still in the "choosing" phase & potentially will need to fill in a few gaps for some staple. but i just have to say i've loved your blog for YEARS & i swear you're my fashion spirit animal. i have many similar (or exact matches) to your items + you wear things i'm afraid to! anyways, i'm rambling, but i'm excited to see your stylings.
ReplyDeleteps. i live in michigan & am also conflicted about how to navigate the 3 month capsule thing with all of the bi-polar weather. urgh.
so I was super pumped to do this but three days in and my tiny house is a disaster. haha. was it super hard for you to choose? but on a more positive (I think) note - I am letting go of tons of clothing. tons. even though I haven't started my wardrobe yet (hopefully tomorrow - my poor dog might get lost in the piles) it's made me realize how much more mindful I can/should be in acquiring stuff.
ReplyDeleteI'm totally in love with her blog too! definitely wanna jump on board this!
ReplyDeleteGuess I'm ahead of the game!! My wardrobe has much less than 40 items! Haha my biggest problem is I can't make myself buy anything that isn't a tee shirt! Wish I had that many shoes/pants/shirts to choose from though, love your picks. I'm a total creature of comfort and this wardrobe looks completely relaxed and down to earth.
ReplyDeleteLove the Miley Cyrus shirt... So funny. I have some leopard print skinnies from that collection!
ReplyDeleteI need more information about that fabulous brown tote on the end. In fact, how about an entire post about work appropriate totes? I'm dying for inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI need more information about that fabulous brown tote on the end. In fact, how about an entire post about work appropriate totes? I'm dying for inspiration!
ReplyDelete