Capsule #3 / Outfit 48
Summer heat is still going strong in Texas, and honestly? It’s okay with me. I still have 3 unhurried weeks to wear my beloved summer capsule wardrobe. So far, it’s been the capsule that’s felt most like “me.” I’m curious if my fall wardrobe will steal the title from summer, but I’m a summer girl through and through so … we’ll see.
This outfit is perfect for running errands or going out on a wine + patio date with my hubs. While the days are blazing, the evenings are GORGEOUS — perfect for patio drinks + conversation.
Warm nights, oh I just love ’em.
Top: Piperlime (similar)
Bottoms: Madewell (similar)
Shoes: Madewell
Bag: Marc Jacobs
Necklace: Anthro (on sale for $15!)
It’s such a great feeling when you find pieces that really fit your style. Love the versatility of this look.
You always always always look so lovely!
I love that skirt! You should definitely wear it more in the next three weeks. Enjoy the last of your summer!
xo Julie
julieupstairs.wordpress.com
Hi Caroline! I have a question about capsule wardrobe building that I hoped you might address in an upcoming post or Q&A. How do you reconcile building a capsule with shopping the sales/getting a discount? For example, many items within your capsule will eventually go on sale, and there will inevitably be good end-of-season sales on sites like Madewell, JCrew, etc. to secure trusty basics. Is is prudent to set aside a portion of the capsule budget for these “wear next year” purchases? Or do you recommend skipping the mid-season/end-of-season sales entirely? Apologies for my long-winded question, but the minimal-yet-thrifty part of me is having a hard time figuring this conundrum out!
Yes! I’ve been in the same dilemma. I usually shop sales, and save them for the flowing year. Especially those items that I gravitate towards and know that I will still love when it’s the right season to wear it.
Would love to know what you think, Caroline.
Hi Maria!
AWESOME question! Allow me to hop on a soap box real quick:
In a nutshell, I don’t pay a lot of attention to them. While I’m always happy to stumble on a good sale, I think it’s important to remember that it’s a marketing tactic at it’s core. Sales can create a feeling of urgency (or the fear of missing out) + tempt me to shop for the sake of the sale.
My goal is to find a balance between my enthusiasm for fashion + my desire to live a life centered on contentment. So I enjoy shopping when it’s time, and when it’s not time, I unsubscribe from emails + stay away from clothing stores — it’s like I stick my fingers in my ears and say “LALALALA.” :)
Why?
Because if I don’t pay attention to the stores + emails, I don’t know what I’m missing out on. Which frees up my mind + helps me stay content. Besides, even if I miss a big sale or a cool item, I know that there will always be another one coming. That’s the beauty of the fashion industry.
Okay, getting off my soap box. :) Onto more practical thoughts.
So far, my capsules have conveniently coincided with end of season sales. For example, when I started shopping for my summer capsule in June, the semi annual sales were happening. It looks like the same thing is going to happen when I shop for my winter capsule in December.
On top of that, I always search out extra coupons + discounts. It’s not too hard to find a little extra 10% off here and there.
And finally, there are always great things on the sale rack, no matter what time of year it is.
BUT. If shopping big sales is your style, I’d say own it! Research your favorite stores + their sale schedule, and then planning your buying dates accordingly. And do a happy dance for all the $$$ you saved. :)
xo
Caroline
Caroline! Thank you for your thoughtful and detailed reply.
A couple learnings/takeaways for me —
– “There will always be another one coming.” This is SO true, but it’s so easy to forget how cyclical fashion is.
– The opportunity to benefit from mid-season sales for summer and winter planning, especially in a place like Toronto where I live, that has very defined seasons.
– For my own shopping preferences, it’s probably prudent to set aside a healthy chunk of my clothing budget each quarter for that “special pricier thing” I will stalk on Moda Operandi, The Outnet, etc. but never would be able to afford at full price (currently stalking: http://bit.ly/1qEKA2g). I’ve purchased a few special pieces that way and I treasure having them in my rotation.
Thanks again for your advice!
Thanks Caroline!
I just realized that I need to find a balance between shopping a super sale and hunting down something I really really love at a decent price. I’m finding old habits die hard. I’m so used to shopping the end of season sales, but obviously I’ve made some shopping mistakes. Purging my closet has showed me that.
Thanks to you I now think ten times before buying something. Is it classic? Will I love it more than one season? Is it good quality? Is it versatile? Does it say “me”? I love how mature this whole project is making me feel!
One of my blog readers recommended your blog to me because I’d brought up this concept of “capsule wardrobe”, you know the web is all abuzz about capsules right now I’ve noticed. Something I’d been trying to achieve for my own closet and I didn’t even know there was a name for it until about 2 weeks ago! Now I see it everywhere. And taking a look around your blog, I am in love. Everything about this space, your aesthetic, it’s perfect! You are beautiful, keep it up.
I am happy I stumbled upon your website. I have been slowly trying to minimize the things in my life, my closet and cosmetics being one of the first. I love the idea of a capsule wardrobe, but almost feel like I need 2 because I work outside the home and need a professional wardrobe as well as a more casual one. I also run and do yoga so have clothes for those areas as well. A work in progress for sure! I completely identify with your aesthetic and think you do a beautiful job chronicling your wardrobe and capsule process.
Cute outfit! Love your skirt and necklace!
Sophia | sophiebysophia.blogspot.com
Okay, I’m going to go shopping in 2 weeks for my fall wardrobe…I already bought one pair of shoes, couldn’t resist the sale! So I am tall and like ordering close in tall when possible, but I also like to shop in the store. Any suggestions on marrying these two things. I get so overwhelmed!!!
Those sandals are awesome! I don’t have a “capsule wardrobe”, per say, but a much more limited one than I used to and I haven’t shopped for anything not entirely necessary in 2014–it’s amazing what you can still do with a limited amount of clothing!