My neutrals were supposed to be navy and grey. I cannot find any navy in the stores, not yet, anyway. I may have to shift to navy and black. (sigh)

Awww, Alana Can you search for navy on your favorite store websites first, and see if you can track anything down to try on in stores?

Wow, love all the progress everyone of you is making!! Sorry to be absent this past week. Was terribly sick and am just now back on my feet.

Warning: Long post

I have most of my items now for my capsule. I'm only waiting on a teal blouse, I am still looking for one that is long sleeved, but I found a sleeveless one by Equipment, which I ordered and can always pair with a cardigan.

My closet cleanup, which was part of my fall capsule planning has been a huge success.

I managed to get rid of slightly more than 1/3 of the items in my closet and I did not add back more than I eliminated! I was left with much more space and everything is so much easier to see. Hooray!

One of the main goals for my current wardrobe is to upgrade from wearing jeans all the time and add pencil skirts with loose blouses. I think I have accomplished that goal by purchasing 5 pencil skirts, in different fabrics and weights, that I truly love, and that mix and match well with everything that I have in my wardrobe already.

One of my goals was to find substitutes for blazers which I find constricting of movement, and often appear more formal than I want to be in my work setting. I also have a hard time finding something that fits well. In fact, for some reason, it's a fit nightmare for me when it comes to blazers and jackets. In any case, I purchased 3 new sweaters. 2 cardigans and 1 long sleeve cashmere crew. I must confess that I am knitting a cardigan sweater as well, but who knows if it will be done in time for fall? I definitely need to work on limiting my sweater purchases. I am still debating whether I should eliminate a few of the sweaters in my collection but that will have to wait for cold weather to see if I end up wearing them.

Finally, I truly love everything I purchased. I think everything looks great, I feel awesome when I wear it, and I am happy! Amazing!

What I've learned:

The biggest thing I have learned this time around is about my closet clean up and organization. I am so glad that I can find things, and I believe this will allow me to figure out what items I wear and what I don't. I will toss out those items I don't wear since I am not a fan of clutter. My bigger goal will be to try to wean down my closet to only those items which I truly love, fit me well, and make me feel happy. Right now, there are still too many items in the closet for me to believe that all of the items meet these criteria. I am not a minimalist, but some moderation would be a good thing.

The second thing has been about planning my purchases. This is the first time, ever, that I have assessed what I need and want before I buy. It has always been, see it, like it, buy it. This is clearly why I have so many solid color long sleeve cashmere crews and Ivory blouses! I didn't do so well in this area, because I still had some impulse purchases. With my next capsule, I hope improve. I think I will because this was my first attempt.

The third and final aspect of what I learned is how much fun it has been to do this with a group of people who are also going through a similar process. Each with their own individual creative way of putting things together. I have enjoyed reading everyone's posts! I will keep coming back to see how everyone is doing

Alana, I know, it's tough when we can't find some basic colors in the stores, isn't it? I'm a hard-to-find size too, and I've been looking high and low for a navy v-neck sweater that doesn't have the V cut down to my waist (I'm very short waisted). Argh! I am going to have to settle for just getting what few pieces I can find; I in all likelihood I will not complete my capsule this year. I already have enough clothes to technically get myself through fall and winter, though, so it's easier for me not to compromise. However, I know that you are in a different situation, with a very minimal wardrobe. Maybe buying the odd piece in black would be OK, just so you can make some outfits?

Keturah, sorry to hear that you've been sick. I'm glad you're doing better! As far as bohemian-inspired clothes, the only places I can think of are kind of pricey: Ralph Lauren's Denim and Supply line, and the Buckle. American Eagle Outfitters has some bohemian stuff for cheap, but it can look pretty young, since it is geared more toward college students.

Here is what I found after making my mood board. My mood board is for late fall, when things start cooling off:

Key textures/materials
. cotton knit
. wool
. leather
. silky materials (for tops)

Overall colors
. Main: black, white/cream, dark gray
. Secondary: navy, rust, cognac/camel/taupe (some version of a lighter brown)

Patterns
. Hardly any; possibly some stripes (black and cream) and some leopard print. Overall, I am the opposite of Keturah: give me solids!

Silhouettes
. drapey skirt, but still with structure (either above-knee or midi length) + sweater + tights + heeled booties (or knee-high boots with midi skirts)

Staysfit, long posts are great!!! I love reading all the
detail and thought put into the process. Fab job on all of the closet cleaning! I did that this summer and felt so immensely good about it. I’m not a minimalist when it comes to clothes. But I’m seeing how planning is saving me money, time, and I’m enjoying wearing my clothes so much more!

Sounds like you’re nailing your goals. As for limiting sweater purchases…how is that possible? I knit (I know you knit too) and while I don’t knit dozens of sweaters, I’m very much in love with sweaters, purchased or handknit. I think you’re wise to wait until cold weather before editing your sweater collection.

But the best part is this: “Finally, I truly love everything I purchased. I think everything looks great, I feel awesome when I wear it, and I am happy! Amazing!” I know that’s what I’m looking to have happen with my fall
capsule. From what I’m reading, it’s beginning to happen for a lot of us in the
challenge. And that’s why I’m loving our challenge sooooo much!

Gigi, wishing you
well in higher V-neck shopping! I’m finding it’s best to wait for something you
truly love, even if your capsule isn’t complete as long as you have enough
items to make outfits and don’t feel too limited.

I didn’t think of the Buckle or RL, so thank you! AEO is really hit and miss
for me. I have a pair of their jeans from three years ago that I still ADORE!
But then other items have bit the dust within weeks. I’ve reconciled that
capsule shopping means a budget, but also spending a bit more on item I’ll love wearing and being okay with it. I found some reasonably priced blouses at Urban Outfitters, so I may purchase one or two of those. Do you have a link for your pinterest board? I’d love to see it!

Your fall choices sound yummy!!! (even the solids, ha!) My own surprise from my board is that I’m still in love with skinny jeans and leggings and only a little with skirts. But I do adore skirts to pieces!! And after I read your list of silhouettes, I want to get a form-fitting skirt, and it's not even on my pinterest board, haha!

Alana, I second what Gig said about maybe supplementing with black. There is more ink blue this season. But I know navy/ink can be difficult to find this time of year.

My little update is this: I still haven't inventoried my f/w clothes. I did pull them out of storage and lay them in a pile. Hoping to get to them this weekend.

Today I "cheated" a bit (which probably isn't accurate, since I don't really have a definite summer capsule anyway) and pulled out my oversized fall sweater in ocher-mustard yellow.

Okay, I am waaaaay overdue for a check-in on this process! Long post coming, y'all. Consider yourselves warned

In a previous post, I said I was going to lemming Melaine's goals:
1) Learn to love dressing the way I love shopping.
2) Focus my style into a mixable wardrobe
3) Shop productively.

Here is what I did with those goals:

1. Learn to love dressing the way I love shopping: As part of my daily to-do list, I have set myself a goal of creating three new outfits every day, centered around one or more capsule pieces. I created a folder on my desktop, called "Fashion Reference" (with a subfolder of WIW's). I photograph myself in clothing and shoes I am not sure about in the purging process, and try on new outfits, and take pictures of that. If I am pressed for time, I lay clothes + shoes + accessories out on the bed and photograph those.

2) Focus my style into a mixable wardrobe: I put together most of a capsule, that I am going to outline below. It isn't finished yet. Previously I had posted some photos. Most of those items made the cut, but a few are off the list. This capsule covers my summer-into-fall transition, and includes pants and a dress now.

This capsule lists some shoes, but I am planning to wear any pair of shoes I want in my closet - and I own a lot of shoes.

3) Shop productively: I've decided to allow myself to 'shop' other things in my closet. As for actual shopping.... in truth, I don't have any 'real' wardrobe holes. Going down the "Start from Scratch" on the Vivienne Files, I realize I could piece out my secondary neutrals - but - I have so many primary neutrals in black, that I love, that a secondary neutral is a 'would like to have down the road', not a 'need'.

Right now, my thoughts/goals are to save money for a vacation in late October that includes a visit to the Wolford Outlet Store in Orlando. I also want to save up and get some gorgeous Marlies Dekkers lace bras that I have seen on the site - but that I think are shipped from Europe. Cha-ching! Expensive thoughts.

I have four more goals to add to my list, that I have been working through:

4) Wear the good stuff and quit saving/hoarding it. I finally wore my new Schutz Gilberta pumps last week - twice - and I felt like a million bucks. My old Guess ones are fixing to be donated.

5) Wear something(s) from the capsule every day. And document it.

6) Integrate hair and makeup as part of my overall style inspiration. i.e., make an effort. I get kind of very lazy about this

7) Work on bringing my outfits in line with my color palette board and inspiration boards

My Mostly Completed Capsule Challenge Wardrobe:

Bottoms: (12)
Black slim-fitting trousers with flared hem

Black skinny track pants
Black riding pants

Black Linen Shorts

Black Linen Fold-Waist Shorts
Draped raped black pencil skirt
Beaded-yet-rugged black pencil skirt
Denim and mixed media casual pencil skirt
Black knit a-line skirt

Black cotton pencil skirt
Dark blue denim capris
Charcoal 'scuba'-like ponte skinny pants

Toppers (all of which double as tops) (3):
Gaynor Minden black wrap ballet sweater

Ann Taylor black wool casual jacket

Missoni White/Turquoise/Green/Gold striped cropped cardigan

Dresses (2)
Sleeveless gray military-style dress
Forest green sleeveless sweater dress

Tops: (13):
Black shortsleeve top
White shortsleeve top
Black longsleeve Moulin Rouge souveneir top
White longsleeve top
Black bandage top

Ivory + Silver Mesh Sweater

White cropped casual Sweater

Black Wolford Bodysuit

Black capsleeve knit top
White AQ/AQ bodysuit

Creamy white fine wool pullover
Ivory silk shell

white button-down blouse

Shoes: (7) - but I intend to wear all of my shoes throughout this process. (These are currently in rotation for hot weather)

Light tan wedge sandals

Blush ballet flats
Black ballet flats
Greyish-beige strappy high heel sandals
Black patent leather strappy high heel sandals
Bronze metallic strappy high heel sandals
Black Pumps

This makes for a mostly black-and-white palette, with pops of silver, turquoise, green, gold, and bronze, via scarves, jewelry, and bags.

(okay, why is there weird spacing in this post?? Trying to edit to make it look nicer. Dadgum those pesty HTML gremlins in my post)

Another check-in, here. Long.

Progress

• Summer and fall clothing inventoried -- have way too many things I do not wear
• Made a second trip to the consignment shop, a trip to donate clothes, and still the purge pile grows daily
• Basement boutique continues to grow, just slowly
• Identified interesting silhouettes and corresponding existing wardrobe pieces
• Created wishlists on pinterest and my laptop -- no more impulse buys!

• I am really a jeans-and-boots sort of girl
• I am an accessory hound: that is why I like plain and simple clothing so much
• I care a great deal about texture, hand, drape and quality: no more settling -- from now on, I do without until I can afford something that keeps its shape, holds its color, hangs straight, and fits right (Good thing I can be happy in jeans and a tee shirt, eh?

• Create a mini-capsule to get me through next month's 11 straight days of lectures, discussions, performances, dinners, and parties
• Start photographing outfits regularly

La Belle, you had me at Gaynor Minden! I never had the opportunity to dance professionally or take pointe. But I just love ballet and always wanted to try their shoes.

Jeepers, girl! You've done a SMASHING good job! I love that you're shopping your own closet. I don't see why not! Your wardrobe sounds really sophisticated and beautiful!! I can't wait to see photos As for weird spacing, I don't see it. But sometimes I start my post in Word and it does funky things when I copy+paste to the forum. HTML is a pain.

Update.

I am still planning to actually inventory my fall wardrobe this week. I am getting caught up after being sick and finally think I'll have some space and time to lay out my clothes and decide what will work.

Keturah, thanks so much for this fall capsule post! I have really enjoyed the process! I can't believe that I started out with three pictures - a hummingbird, an iris, and an ivory bracelet, and ended up with all the items that now make up my fall capsule wardrobe.

I finally found a teal blouse, by Halogen. It works well with everything else in my wardrobe. So now my capsule is complete. I just have to stop shopping and purchasing items!! If only that would happen! I am trying to get busy on knitting my sweater because that is supposed to be part of the capsule!!

La Belle, I love the idea of photographing outfits for fashion reference. I am so groggy most mornings that I am likely to pick items that clash! With photos, voila! They are already put together! No more spending too much time choosing what to mix and match! (I will get more sleep - hooray!!)

Staysfit I'm just having a blast!! So thank you for participating!

I just returned from a shopping trip. DH and I were in Toronto for 4 days and I spent 2 days shopping with a list. This was the first time I have done this.

I prepared my list from the Vivienne Files Starting from Scratch Worksheets. I went through my fall/winter wardrobe and realized I had lots of chocolate brown and denim. I love golden yellow and olive green. Therefore, I have switched by colours My neutrals are chocolate brown and blue denim. My accents are golden yellow and olive green. Accessories are cognac and amber.

Shopping Successes

1/ I bought a pair of Fidelity relaxed skinnies with holes in them. I have a pair already without holes. My BFs have holes but are very faded and baggy. DH is puzzled as to why I would need yet another pair of jeans but agreed that they were very nice. I am content with my jean collection. I have a pair of dark denim straight leg Citizens as well.

2/ I bought 3 long sleeved T shirts from J Crew. One is olive green and two are golden yellow. I bought two golden yellow ones because I always get a spot on my favourite T shirts and that is the end of the favourite T shirt. I love golden yellow and I now have a back up T shirt. Yeah!!!!

3/ I bought a scarf in brown, olive green, golden yellow and cognac. It is paisley. How perfect for moi.

4/ I bought a short sleeved T shirt from J Crew in olive green.

Still on my list

I am pretty happy with my wardrobe overall. I am retired and spend my time doing Yoga, walking dog, reading, visiting friends and going to music events. Jeans seem to work for these activities. I have more options when it is warmer (dresses, skirt, wide legged pants) but right now I have not seen anything that I like for fall or winter.

I will be buying very warm winter boots. Probably Sorels. I have an old pair and they are warm.

We are going to Montreal for a month soon so I will be doing some shopping there. I am excited about that.

I inventoried my f/w clothes.

This is a long post.

Here's my doozy of a list:

{Shoes}
Taupe suede Birkenstocks
Black chunky heel booties
Dark brown, chunky heel tall boots
Taupe high heel brogues (uncomfortable--need to replace)
Short grey Ugg boots (too short, but warm)

{Tops}
Gold oversized cabled sweater
Floral-print black chiffon blouse
Ivory Swiss dot and lace boho blouse
Chambray button-up shirt
Gold henley tee (size too large but comfy)
Black oversized lace mohair sweater
Ruffle collar/placket red tartan button-up shirt (slim fit)
Flannel red tartan shirt (oversized)
Green dolman oversized tee (fine lightweight knit)
Handknit plum cable sweater (forthcoming! )

{Toppers/Jackets}
Mauve chiffon circle topper
Pine green lightweight knit wool cardi
Black ruffled jacket (needs taken in, not warm.)
Grey vintage Austrian handknit cashmere cardi
Plum boiled wool jacket (vintage, made in Hong Kong)
Brown leather bomber fur vest
Mauve furry wool vest
RLauren Black-grey-purple geometric ethnic print wool shawl collar vest
Sable brown cabled sweater cardi
Red down puffer vest (w/ hood)

{Tunics/short dresses}
*Black shirt dress (needs taken in)
Black tunic tee
Grey tunic tee
White folk embroidered tunic
Mohair plum dolman sweater dress
Wine dolman dress (needs taken in)
Floral-print black dress (needs taken in)

{Long dresses/skirts}
Anthropologie forest green drape neck dress (it's fancy, with black leather wrist patches--not for casual wear.)

{Bottoms}
Leggings, 2 black pairs
Jeans-
skinny indigo
skinny black (not comfy; replace)
"boyfriend" indigo (old pair, sized up skinny)
bootcut indigo
loden green French cuffed cargoes (too thin for winter?)

{Coats}
Black Russian fit and flare long wool coat
Short heavy wool lodge jacket sweater
Butterscotch fox ruff leather (mid length and belted)
Fox stole

{Belts}
Skinny forest green
Skinny cheetah
Skinny cognac/saddle brown
Skinny gold glitter
Wide oxblood red
Brown leather (pants only)

Need...
Black/white close-fitting tees for layering
Leggings (another color, maybe dark green or burgandy)
Tights
Cream/nude blush blouse
Flat tall boots (cognac?)
Pair of ballet flats
Maxi skirt (cream or black)
Close-fitting narrow pencil skirt? (It's not in my mood board. It would be a wildcard silhouette.)
1 pair comfortable, flattering black skinny jeans
Warm socks
Jewelry (bangle bracelets for stacking; some rings)

I have a lot more f/w clothes than I realized. And not only that, it seems the pieces will work beautifully together. And I realize dark green and dark red/burgundy together can look Christmasy. But I may wear them together anyway.

The Birkenstocks really only work with jeans. I feel they look too "wandering in a VW van hippie" if paired with dresses and skirts. Ballet flats are a better choice. The Uggs are warm but I don't care for them with anything but jeans and leggings. I just need a pair of flat boots. The chunky heel isn't bad. But some days it's nice to just and far more comfy to slip on a pair of flat boots.

I didn't list accessories. I have several scarves, cowls, and hats.

The big item to get next, besides flat shoes, is a maxi skirt. That would give me three or more silhouettes to work with.

I'm still not sure how to style the bootcut jeans. They feel so summery to me because I prefer them with sandals or heels. I might store those away for next spring.

I don't think I'll be buying too much. Even if I don't purchase everything on my list I'll be in good shape for the coming months. I might even take a break from shopping after I purchase a maxi skirt and flat boots.

This challenge is proving to be extremely helpful!!

All of the posts on this thread are so fun to read - as well as very inspiring! I have been slow in posting because if I think too much about my wardrobe I get stuck. I'm not an analytical person at all but I want to participate in the challenge because I really do need to bring some discipline to my wardrobe!

We actually have what most people would call "fall" from the 2nd or 3rd week in November, until around the first part of March - and then we have "spring" through the rest of the year until November again. We may have a week or two of warmer weather in September and a week or two of cooler weather in January - but when I say "warmer weather" I mean 85 F, rather than 75 - and when I say "cooler weather" I mean 60 F, rather than 70. So - not really much change in the seasons - in fact, I wear most of my clothes year round. I also have the advantage of not really having to worry about dressing for survival (warmth!) in the winter time. I spent 3 months back in the mid-west last winter and style soon went out the window when I found myself stuck in the polar vortex for days on end! It was literally ALL about warmth! I came away from that with a deep sense of admiration for those of you who manage to dress stylishly in that kind of weather!

So - I have been "feeling" into my fall wardrobe these past couple of weeks and have identified some actions that I would like to take:

1. Inventory my basics (tees, tanks, camis, underwear, bras, watches, etc.) and make sure they are good to go for the season.

2. Nail down my color palette. Identify holes with regards to color - such as, I know that I need a navy top - not too casual, not too dressy.

3. Complete my 'Closet Cleaning/Purging' project. I started this several months ago - I didn't count items that I purged, but I counted hangars that were empty once I had done my initial purge. Seventy-two (72) empty hangars - twenty-one (21) empty shoe boxes - thirteen (13) empty hat boxes. Yeah! But - I'm not done yet!

4. Decide on an organizational system for my closet that meets my needs for wanting to be able to open the closet doors and identify immediately where my white shirts are hanging, my pencil skirts, etc.

5. Clean off my top closet shelf. I haven't looked up there in three (3) years and I'm kind of afraid to stick my head up there and survey the carnage!

6. Decide on a couple of different silhouettes for fall. Last year when I was in the mid-west during the coldest part of winter, I got SICK AND TIRED of the skinnies, knit top, and boots silhouette. Now granted, in So CAL I won't have that problem - but I just want to make sure that I can mix and match clothing items depending on the silhouette I am going for that day.

7. This is a hard one - photograph my daily outfits and post WIWs on the forum a minimum of 3 outfits a week - in order to get feedback with regards to silhouette, age appropriatness, event appropriatness, color, etc. etc. - or, just to share my outfit with my Girl Fabbers - or is it Frill Gabbers???

8. Bring a touch (just a touch!) of polish to my outfits, regardless of their casualness. Things that come to mind that would add just that touch of polish might be a freshly pressed shirt, polished shoes, a tuck rather than a semi-tuck (once in awhile!)

9. TRY NEW THINGS! Don't know yet what they will be - but am ready and excited to discover all the possibilities!

10. I don't think that I will be shopping - but if I do it will be minimal and mindful. No more grabbing something because its on sale. No more dancing in the store dressing room because I've just found the CUTEST-CAT-SHIRT-IN-THE-WORLD and I have to have it!!!!! (I already have 2 cat shirts!)

Well, that's all that I can think of for now. There's probably more - but this feels like a good start. I'll check back in a week or so and let you know how I'm doing! Such a FUN exercise!

I have a bit of editing and adding to do for my Fall capsule.

Great realizations, Keturah! (And I like your name.)

Alasse, thank you so very much The capsule challenge has been a huge learning moment for me. So far, I'm loving it!

Yes, I knew its provenance. I bet that was a challenge!

Alasse, you are one of few to know it's provenance.

I have really really enjoyed reading your posts, Keturah, Marley, Style Fan! You all inspire me to get back to this!

Things got busy in my life, and I haven't stayed with this challenge as I originally intended! Like Marley, my brain kind of locks up when I sit and think about my wardrobe.

I have not yet settled on my full Fall capsule wardrobe for a couple of reasons - one, it has been hot hot hot in Hotlanta and that makes it hard to think about "Fall". The other reason...

These past two weeks, as we've gotten into a regular rehearsal schedule for an upcoming holiday musical show, I realized there is a serious hole in my wardrobe: a work-from-home wardrobe of clothing that I feel great in, but that I can get up and stretch in, or work on choreography for periods of time, or on breaks. I want to assemble a capsule that I can wear out in public to run errands, or attend class, and that I can wear at home and feel happy and a little fancy in. I want multi-purpose stuff, because I know my own self, and that self grabs at any excuse to procrastinate.

As an example, I wore a pencil skirt and a little jacket last Thursday to run errands, attend a meeting, and work from home. I felt like a million bucks, but I also knew there were things I needed to do that I was not dressed to do. Throughout the day, I kept thinking, "oh, I'll change and workout/review choreography for rehearsal and class and an uncoming performance/stretch out later". Well, 'later' never came. I kept postponing until it was time to go to class - and I changed at the studio. So realistically... I want to close that wardrobe hole with stuff that won't get in the way of being physically proactive and productive.

All in all, I feel like I'm making progress, and I have been wearing outfits from my capsule wardrobe. Even better, I have been able to purge things that were originally going into this capsule wardrobe. My eye has grown sharper, and I have a better idea of what I want my wardrobe to be.

Which for me, has been the whole point of this challenge

Okay, so another capsule wardrobe update.

Keturah, THAT is an interesting idea! So.. Maybe a handful of basics to be the blank canvas for a bunch of mini-capsules? Or are you thinking of something different?

(Sorry about that duplicate post... my cranky modem doesn't give me good coverage at the back of my house, so I thought this first one had aborted and reposted!)

Hi! I would love to jump in... My current capsule is pretty minimalist. I've been wearing it since mid august when the new semester started at school. I have all the pieces on a Pinterest board, but I need to figure out the link.

I did use the vivienne files as a starting place. My first core of four is a black ponte cropped blazer, black ponte pencil skirt, black ponte midi skirt, and black Hudson Collin skinny jeans.

I'm working on a second core of four with an olive drab cargo jacket, grey pin cord jean jacket, and gray NYDJs skinnies. My fourth item is a pair of Paige boyfriend jeans, but I'm not really wearing them to the classroom at all so I should probably sub something else in their place.

For 'mileage' pieces I have things like a cream chiffon blouse, olive & gray camo tee, olive drab python print blouse and a black cashmere cardigan sweater.

I have 4 Uniqlo slouchy tees in assorted capsule colors.

I bought a few shoes for this capsule, but for variety I've been mixing in any shoes from my wardrobe. I also use any scarves or jewelry I have handy.

I think my personal style is quite minimalist overall. I like to pay attention to small, relatively quiet details. Every now & again I'll bust a move with a memorable print or a vintage item for surprise.

Love hearing what you are all putting into your capsules. Now I'll work on that link!

Here's a link to my pinterest board:
http://www.pinterest.com/thimb.....robe-q314/

And no, I don't own that chicwish london cityscape skirt... yet! I was really inspired by it but am not entirely sure it would be a flattering style on me. Also, its practicality for special ed subbing is dubious at best, heh...

How are the fall capsules developing? I have gone to a month of substitute class assignments with my current very bare bones 16 piece capsule, but starting next week I will be in one classroom for the rest of the semester. That means I will probably want a little more variety. What I'm currently wearing is a black/gray capsule that mixes and matches really effortlessly. I've got a brown/dark denim capsule in the works but I really need to fit in some shopping for it to expand to a workable size. It also skews toward clothing more suited to cooler temps.

I'm frustrated because there were several items in the new Ines de la Fressange collection for Uniqlo that I loved on the website and were supposed to be available in September but have been pushed back to November fulfillment. So I need to generate some new ideas. There is an Aritzia in SF that I want to visit, and I always love visiting Madewell. Maybe I just need to shift gears and start over. I am looking for a tweedy menswear inspired jacket and a versatile plaid shirt. I have an a-line denim skirt on order for Boden; it too should have come already but was pushed back to October... grrr... A few slouchy tees with long sleeves would be very much appreciated. And I think I'm going to ditch straight cashmere and switch to Woolover's cashmere/merino blend. It gets great reviews, sounds much less prone to pills, and I really like the assortment of styles and colors they offer. And who can argue with their prices? In that range I could add two cardigans per capsule until I reached utter cardigan saturation!

Anyone else finding they HATE something in their capsule?? I am loathing my slate gray NYDJ skinny twill jeans. I had my seamstress attach cannibalized belt loops thinking that was the problem, but no... i just hate 'em, period. The rise (tweedle dee territory), the fabric (prone to fiber nap shadows that look like stains), the butt (old lady), the hems (weirdly dowdy, but not so long as to merit professional hemming), their inability to be cuffed or rolled, kablah, kablah, kablah. I have virtually nothing nice to say about these pants! Sadly, theres an identical dark brown pair folded and waiting for the next capsule. In my defense, I bought both about a year and a half ago when I really desperately needed some pants and never really had to wear them as intensively as I am now. And the moral of that story is that the chronically underclothed like myself should force themselves to shop more regularly to avoid making precisely these sorts of mistakes of desperation. If I had been on YLF watching trends and seeing what other people were enjoying I would have never settled for these suckers. -sighs-

anyhoo... let me know how its going! xo

Thimblelina, you are really getting your share of disappointment! That's crummy that the Uniqlo and Boden items are being pushed out. That does make it hard to plan!

It sounds like you have done more than enough to try to make those twill jeans work. They seem to have quite the list of drawbacks, ha ha. I agree that when you have to buy something in desperation, the results are rarely good. I think Banana Republic just got some twill pants in, if you're interested in something similar but in a different cut. I have found their twill to be quite comfy.

I haven't met with much success in my capsule either. I had some very particular things that I wanted to buy—a navy v-neck sweater, a black-and-cream striped sweater, some cognac footwear, a pair of dark nondistressed jeans, and a wool circle skirt—but I couldn't find any of it, except for the cognac footwear and the jeans. It's hard to find my size (have to shop petites'), and I'm just not seeing what I want. I'm also overly particular with regard to fabric content—I dislike synthetics and want something that is predominantly natural fabrics—which makes an already-job harder. I think that the stores will be coming out with new collections near the end of this month, so I'm hoping I can find a few more pieces then! The good news is that by being picky and sticking to my capsule goals, I've avoided spending a lot of money. So I will look on the bright side.

Thimblelina, oh yes! I found items I disliked in my capsule. I have put those in a holding zone for a couple months. If I still haven't thought of them by then, they're going to the thrift store. It's liberating! I don't feel one bit sorry or sad about it, that's for sure.

I adore cashmere. But I think you're smart to switch to a cashmere/wool blend. I knit a lot. One thing I've learned is this: the rougher the wool, the longer it lasts and the less it pills. It's just the truth of the matter.

Bummer that everything you want to purchase is being pushed back I hope you can find some pieces to suit you! I love to buy quality items. BUT in the meantime, maybe give H&M a look to fill-in until you can purchase some higher quality items. Also use it as a time to try new lines and designers.