Just one week until I post my spring capsule wardrobe! In the meantime, here’s another sneak peek:
1. Converse (similar): I have an old, beat up pair of Converse that have served as my “farm shoes” for a few years. I thought about getting a new pair of white ones — you know, the ones that keep popping up on Pinterest — but I just couldn’t do it. I knew I would pass on them when getting dressed out of a desire to keep them clean — and I want useful shoes that I can kick around in, no matter what kind of rain or dirt I get into. So I cleaned up my farm shoes a bit and now they are happily in my spring capsule.
2. Track Shorts (similar): These are making an appearance from my 2014 summer capsule. I had some mildly embarrassing issues with them then, but the weather in spring should be mild enough to nix that issue. Fingers crossed.
3. Jean Jacket: It finally happened — I found my unicorn jean jacket! I’ve been on the hunt for this mythological creature for years. But I finally found it. The fit is right on — not too shrunken, not too boxy. Just right.
4. Birkenstocks: These are also from my summer 2014 capsule, and as far as I’m concerned, these guys are still “in” for 2015. Olsen confirmation pending.
5. Indigo Tile Scarf: See? Color. It’s happening, I promise. :)
What are your faves? Are you planning to include any similar pieces in your spring capsule?
xo
It’s a perfect day in Oklahoma for some “spring-wear”. I really like seeing glimpses of the spring wardrobe! I’ve loved my Birks for years and continue to wear them! This spring I’ve got two pairs of Lotta clogs in my wardrobe. Don’t forget you can order Birkenstocks in “narrow” if you think the regular ones are too wide for your feet.
Love this, especially since I have similar pieces in my collection! I have a jean jacket but don’t wear it too much since I don’t know exactly how to pair it (I wear a lot of jeans, so I don’t want to wear a jean suit!) looking forward to seeing how you’ll style that!
Those track shorts seem ridiculously comfortable. Can’t wait for the big reveal next week! I’m hoping to make my own spring capsule in the next week or two … we’ll see how this goes. :-|
Good morning,
I have light gray converse that solve the “dirty shoe” issue for me; nice to hear I’m not the only one who worries about spots on white shoes! I wear them through Fall, just change white laces to black or burgundy to winter them up.
Any recommendations for shorts for older ladies?! I love the track shorts, but at my age they aren’t flattering or appropriate; I would love to have an alternate suggestion.
I still hope you will post more winter outfits; I lived your guest bloggers, but the end result was less information about your capsule. I love seeing how you accessorize and pull items together, so please don’t short this loyal follower on your capsule style!
I am older myself and found a nice track inspired skirt at Madewell that I love. It gives the same vibe for me (as I really like this look as well) but was a little more appropriate for my life. Have fun looking.
Hey Petunia (that was my father’s nickname for me as a child.. hmm)
I like the easy breezy aspect of the linen track shorts too, but the athletic look is just not my jam either. Perhaps supplement with something else linen and loose but with more coverage, like linen pants!
http://butwhyisthejunkgone.tumblr.com
I’m loving this conversation re. us older ladies and shorts. This is the only thing I’m really not loving about being older–that my thighs don’t look so good in shorts anymore. For me, I think the answer will be breezy summery dresses and perhaps just the right skirt. Still puzzling this out.
Mary Beth, I am feeling you about the thighs. When did I get my mother’s thighs? Lol. Not loving that. I try to remember that they are strong and I am strong, but I need to wear a skirt. Bring it 44! Glad I am not alone.
White Converse are on my spring list, too! I think I will actually risk it with the white, but natural is a good option. I also found the Madewell jean jacket to be the best fit. I bought it in another rinse a few years ago. Accessories are a great way to add color to a neutral wardrobe. I can’t wait to see the full capsule!
Suzanne
http://www.kloz.it/
I throw my Converse in the washing machine on a regular basis and they’ve held up quite well. Bleach will make white shoes look brand new again! Put them in with a bunch of towels or something, to avoid having them get beat up by the spinning. And set the water temperature to cold, to avoid any harmful effects of heat. I’ve done this for years, with virtually all my shoes…footwear grosses me out!
Hurrah for converses and jean jackets! I invested in a new denim jacket with a different wash for Spring since my last one is easily seven or eight years old.
Hey, I totally get where you’re coming from with white converses. I love the look of white sneakers, but who am I kidding… I know some swear by bleach, but when I have time to bleach a pair of sneaks… I’m certainly going to spend that leisure somewhere else besides the laundry room.
Oh! So excited for your full Spring Wardrobe! I have been getting deliveries of some of mine and my husband things I am mad for waiting another 2 weeks to wear them.
A few similar pieces: I have got white Birkenstocks from about 5 years ago that never seem to wear and are always useful! I have been eyeing up a Herringbone weave scarf from weavers on the Isle of Skye.
However I am all about that colour! I bought a shirt that has a lavender base but colourful florals. I have 2 pairs of chino shorts in my current wardrobe, brown and purple, and have added a teal pair in my purchases. I have bought a few things from the same shop, Boden, to ensure that the colours match and go together. I also was sensible and invested in a good white shirt and simple navy and white striped dress. My main task is to ensure all my beautiful colours in my petit wardrobe can be worn together :)
Has anyone tried the Adidas Original Gazelle? I was so excited for these and ordered a pair from Zappos. They came last night, and I feel like they are very manly. I love the idea of a casual tennis shoe. I was ridiculously excited about these, but I’m not sure these are the best option. Thoughts?
I debated getting the Gazelle for a while, but decided on the Saucony Jazz Original because it was cheaper, more stylish and also has that old school trainer vibe. They make a Jazz Lo Pro too, which is even more feminine and still has the classic sneaker look.
I have the gazelle in pale pink from 2 years ago and i love them for spring! They fit me perfectly and are super comfy and stylish! Including them in my spring capsule for sure :)
I love that scarf. It adds a great print into the mix.
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
I had a pair of white leather converse years ago. The leather solved the problem of every speck of dust staying on them. http://www.zappos.com/converse-chuck-taylor-all-star-leather-ox
I have white converse that, despite my best intentions (+ cleaning efforts!) still look a bit grungy. I’ve heard good things about superga sneakers, so I might give them a try this spring. Also love the jean jacket — that’s a classic! :)
Always, Anita
Supergas are incredibly comfortable and very classic. I say try them!
Love this — it looks like many of the items I’m going to use! I’m pulling out my denim jacket, washing my Supergas and am on the hunt for a blanket scarf in linen (sort of like the one you posted!). I also swiped a pair of Jack Purcell’s from the local Goodwill for about $5, so I’m thinking this Spring/Summer will be a sandals and sneakers sort of season — even though I long to be like one of those girls who can pull off booties and dresses or shorts :) Switching over next week, and I can’t wait!
I am loving the drapey shorts for spring and summer. Can’t wait for your spring wardrobe post! :D
http://www.thepeculiartrouth.com
I can’t wait to see your full Spring capsule! I’ll be including the jean jacket- mine is grey but still awesome and the canvas shoes-again grey with printed skulls on them. From your last preview, I will also be including two white and black striped shirts. I’m excited to see the various ways you style these elements :)
These are perfect for Austin! I live in track shorts and birks in the spring/basically summer. Texas is just too hot. Sometimes when you live in sweltering heat, it’s hard to remember that you can be cute. Haha.
I listed Birks on my capsule too! As far as I’m concerned, they’re the best little hippie shoe ever. (Does this make me a granola crunch-y grandma?!)
Did you have any “least-worn” pieces from your winter wardrobe? Hopefully not, but if so, please post about them!
Yes!! This definitely crossed my mind as well. I enjoyed your last one.
I just got some new white skinny jeans and I cannot wait to start wearing them! I am on the hunt for a comfortable flat sandal that I can wear this summer when I go to Spain and Portugal. So I need them to be able to walk for miles in. I love the look of the Correa Sandals from TOMS, but I think they are new and I can’t find too many reviews. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thank you. :)
When we went to Italy two years ago, I took Clarks sandals. Very comfy and easy to walk in. I got the kind that has straps to adjust new the toes and at the ankle. If my feet swelled, I could loosen them. If they felt like they were getting stretched out I could make them tighter. Have fun on your trip!
Here is a link to the pair I took: http://www.zappos.com/clarks-lucena-pewter-metallic
They looked good with shorts or skirts and the metallic color went with everything. The leather is soft, too, so no real need to “break in.”
Thank you Pamela!
I bought the Break-My-Heart gladiator sandals from Gentle Souls for a trip to Spain a few years ago. I chose them because the reviews mentioned people being able to walk for miles & miles. I did walk miles & miles in them – and they were really comfortable. I still have them, and they still look good, and I still wear them often.
Thank you Elizabeth!
Look at the Bass original sandals on Zappos. Very comfortable and lots of reviews on Zappos from people who walked over Europe in them.
Thank you Mary Beth!
I really like the sandy colour of the Converse trainers, and as you pointed out they’re a brilliant, more practical alternative to white trainers!
Miss Imogen Smith
Love all of these and excited to see how you make that scarf work in spring. That’s something I’m always intimidated about. I actually love white sneakers when they’re dirtier–seems much more playful somehow.
I cannot wait! I’m trying my first capsule wardrobe this spring! My goal is to clean the closet and dresser out this weekend. Perfect timing to begin purchasing my items that I need for the spring. Thank you so much for your advice!
I absolutely cannot wait to see your items!!
Audrey
Looking good!
The denim jacket is always a must in all seasons for me :) xx
I do love color and happen to have orange converse all stars in my spring capsule. Found a really neat spring scarf with orange in it. So it will easily pull in my bright orange shoes. My husband also bought me a pair of white Keds so I have a neutral pair of sneakers too. I may save the white ones for summer though….
Love the Blue jean jacket. Will you count that as one of your 37 pieces? I haven’t been including outer wear in my numbers.
Love what I see so far- keep it coming!
I am such a sucker for indigo. Love that scarf. I’ve been eyeing the white/natural canvas sneakers for spring, too. I have a pair of purple ones that I have worn A LOT through the fall/winter, but I feel like I want something in a lighter color for warmer weather. I’m looking forward to seeing your entire spring capsule. I’m not sure how cohesive mine will be. Since this will be my first time with a warm-weather capsule I’ll be using some pieces I held over from last year and a few new things. It’s a fun challenge, though!
I love the indigo scarf! What a fun piece to enliven a neutral outfit. I have a lot of big scarves with similar patterns but they’re all thick and warm for cooler temperatures. I want to find a lighter weight one to carry into summer but still has the volume.
Thanks for sharing! I can’t wait to see the whole capsule!
Kate
Myteacherstyle.blogspot.com
Love this blog. Just ordered the jacket.
Hey Caroline – great write up! Because you threw it in, I went back and read your last year summer fails…and regarding the track pants, one person suggested Tencel fabric – and I TOTALLLLLY agree AND if you go over to the sundancecatalog.com website, they have a very cute pair of black tencil pants with a waste tie that would look adorable on you and make you feel like you are wearing thick, luxuriously drapey pants – aaah, heaven!! I love black tencil loose pants – they look great, drape great and feel great! Easy to dress up or down. Go for it! [no, i don’t work for sundance! I just love black tencel pants! you could say I’m obsessed]
eek – meant to say “…make you feel like you are wearing thick, luxuriously SILK drapey pants – aaah, heaven!!” :)
I’ve been searching for the perfect denim jacket for years and after reading your post this afternoon went to our local Madewell and tried this one on for size. Bought it. Went up a size to allow room for layering. Thank you so much for sharing, Caroline!
I bought a pair of fake white converse for parades (I was in a marching band whose summer uniform was a Hawaiian shirt with khakis and white sneaks) several years ago and I decided they will be in my capsule. I wanted to get a pair of similar shorts but they are sold out in my size everywhere. My Birks will wait for summer. I have way too many cute pairs of flats that will get their chance to shine this spring!
Love it and I’m highly anticipating the release! Agree with Gabby! I actually ended up caving and buying the white converse BUT I bought them in all leather and they clean up really easily. I would recommend getting those to anyone that wants that crisp white look!
Love the scarf. And now I am missing my favorite JCrew denim jacket. It was soft and lightweight – it felt more like a shirt, really – and it lasted for years and I still haven’t found one like it. I miss it every spring and summer. Though now I’m wondering if it was stiff when I bought it and then it softened with age.
I agree with Petunia, having the guest bloggers was lovely but I’d love to see more of your winter wardrobe capsule combinations too. I’d especially like to see combinations with the dresses and both ponte and leather leggings if you have them….
Whoops with the automatic typing of surname!! Doh!!
A unicorn denim jacket is on my hit list too!
I have some print vans but thinking I need some more sneakers/ trainers as its still too cold for sandals in Yorkshire UK…I and supergas in leather and liked them a lot but torn between classic cons and some retro Nikes.
Omg, Caroline! I’ve just discovered your blog and I LOVE it! I had heard about capsules wardrobes before, but the examples seemed to fancy and\or corporate for my life. In a moment of clarity, I typed in “un-fancy” as a Pinterest search and found you :)
I have spent the last 10 years having babies so I have been holding on to various maternity and nursing items, as well as various sizes to accommodate my various sizes. Now that I am done (I have three kids and my baby is two) I am ready to spend some time and energy on planning out a cohesive wardrobe that works for my body and my life. I have already cleaned our my closet (Wow, what a mishmash!) and I will print up your template today.
Thank you so much for you ideas! Also, thanks for sharing the into-mind website, lots of great ideas there too. I have always wanted beautiful, effortless, “un-fancy” style but never knew where to start. You provide step-by-step instruction and lots of inspiration. I have been obesssed with your blog since discovering it a few days ago. I am just scrolling back and reading it all! I live in Canada where there is currently a foot of snow on the ground so I will need to make some adjustments based on cold weather, but I can’t wait to seen your spring capsule.
I have a really old denim jacket by Sisley that I love. I couldn’t decide on a color for a spring scarf so I bought a rainbow stripe one. Problem solved!
Such a good point about the white Chucks – I too have seen them a ton and like the idea but I would be so annoyed at keeping them clean! Natural white is a great idea.
Hey! I love this and your new spring wardrobe. I’m working on mine now and I can’t wait to wear it when it gets warmer. Fyi, I found this scarf at Forever 21 that has some beautiful indigo patterns for 1/4 of the price of the Madewell one (I spent a bit of time shopping at Madewell yesterday and I can definitely use a cheaper scarf :P ). http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=acc_scarf-gloves&ProductID=1049258845&VariantID=
I was thinking of asking Caroline if she knew of a cheaper version of that scarf! Thanks so much for posting this!
I’m happy it was helpful for you! :)