I'll add this here as well, and cross-link when I get a chance to try on and photograph the capsule I came up with yesterday, as a mental exercise only at this point.
The 10 pieces I came up with from my own closet:
1. BR Purple, cobalt, gold paisley flowy blouse.
2. AG dark wash skinnies
3. Halogen red cashmere cowl neck sweater
4. Nine west giraffe pumps
5. Charcoal gray wool pencil skirt
6. Theory charcoal gray boyfriend jacket OR BR light gray tweed 3/4 length coat.. either one would work here.
7. RL cobalt long sleeve V neck sweater dress
8. AT white pleather jacket
9. INC black ponte knit skinnies
10. Striped top
Not included in the 10, but shown with the outfits:
Me Too black suede wedge pumps
Moschino red bag
Red pashmina
BR denim shirt
Notes/realizations:
1) I don't have a fall/winter weight suit! (The reason is all my business trips tend to be towards warmer climates, or in the spring or summer, so there's never been a need for a matching suit). So after a bit of thought, I realized I do have a charcoal gray pencil skirt, and I could easily substitute the white pleather jacket for the suit jacket in all the outfits. White is one of my personal neutrals; I had to get white in there *somewhere*...
2) I don't have any colored denim. So I substituted black ponte knits here. But I don't think it's as exciting and interesting. So I went and ordered the mustard Sloan ankle skinnies, which would totally work, as the paisley top has touches of gold in it. Gold or yellow or mustard is not a color I ever wear near my face - but I could do it in pants. We'll see if they fit!
3) I do have the "regulation striped top" but I don't like it nor do I wear it often. Stripes are difficult to do, they always seem to draw attention to my chest. Also I always feel too "costumey" in stripes. But this exercise made me realize there is a place for just the right striped top -- I just haven't found the one that is "me" yet. I am now on the hunt! I ordered one from Piperlime; dubious it will fit. We'll see... stay tuned...
4) Neutrals in my capsule example: charcoal gray, light gray, white, black. Non-neutrals: Red (a blue-red), cobalt, purple and (potentially) mustard. Pattern: instead of leopard, giraffe. Though leopard would work too; I just like the idea of giraffe a bit better, as it brings in more white.
All in all, I loved this exercise because it showed me where my gaps are right now. I have been on the fence about adding colored pants, worried they'd become orphans. Now I'm intrigued to give it a whirl. And I have known I need more tops; now I am focused on finding just the right striped top. I had debated adding leopard print pumps, but I think I'm set here. As for winter suit, I don't really need one. And I *may* want to upgrade my charcoal pencil skirt.