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Textural interest and what's in your holiday capsule?

Day Vies

Veteran

Yesterday when I wore this I was more concerned about being warm than looking fashionable. I don't feel this outfit was all that inspired. DH seemed to like it. I did like the play on textures (velvet pants, lace blouse and printed lace sweater) which makes it seem a little festive. Festive with a capital "F" would have included a lot more shine. All of these pieces are in what I would consider my holiday capsule. I have been meaning to put one together. Maybe I can get a few ideas from you ladies who already have a mental rolodex of your holiday mix and match pieces? So what is in your holiday capsule?

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39 replies

Latest reply was from Day Vies

Joyce B

Veteran

I think your outfit is pretty and I like the colors and texture of it. Also, the main thing is to stay warm but I think you got both things right, staying warm and looking great.

Neel

Veteran

Love your outfit!! The jacket does look festive and its a gorgeous color!

My holiday capsule has a few holes. But here's a list of what I have off my head (both separates and dresses)

1) a sequined tank
2) a sequined skirt
3) A silk bodycon midi dress with ruched sides
4) a brocade flared skirt
5) a lace overlay black dress
6) a camel silk blouse with golden thread work
7) two high heeled sandals in gold and silver
8) a silver sequined clutch and an animal print envelope clutch

I want to add:

1) a festive jacket
2) silk blouses or cashmere sweaters in black and white or other neutrals.
3) a trouser in black in a superior material not sure what!
4) a lace skirt not sure what color.
5) a shiny slouchy pant

Oh and a few fun hoses! That's a long list!

Aubergine

Veteran

I have no useful holiday capsule advice, but just wanted to say that I totally love that outfit. The sweater is gorgeous, and I really like how the combination of textures adds elegance to the whole look.

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

I really like this outfit, it has a lot of subtle visual interest

Oddly, I never thought in terms of a holiday capsule worn as daily
wear! Right now I am having a huge duuuuuuuhhhhhhhh moment! Yeesh
and ye gods. Duh! I can work in my festive pieces in and among the everyday stuff.

I realize Angie keeps saying this in her articles, but I guess somewhere
in my mind, it was 'to wear to the parties, the potlucks, the random
get-togethers, the holiday performances'. I wasn't thinking in terms of 'everyday'.

Let me see, my holiday capsule... I don't think it's a capsule, so much as individual pieces and a couple of dresses... off the top of my head...

Most of my capsule is vintage or retro-inspired. Hmm. And sleeveless. But I can work at least some of this into 'everyday'.

1) A sequinned aqua sleeveless stretch top I bought at a vintage shop in Paris

2) A 1930's sheer black lace dress, also bought in Paris (Aha! wardrobe hole! I need a black slip)

3) A sleeveless black lace bandage dress by Ann Taylor

4) A nude sequinned Michael Kors pencil skirt

5) A beaded 1950's style full skirt from Anthropologie

6) A black silk/cashmere beaded/pearl-trimmed twinset that I bought in Japan. Very dolly. I need to dig it out of my closet and wear it this week!

7) And the tour de force, a vintage 60's Lillie Rubin dress that was reconstructed to look like a Vegas showgirl dress. I am wearing it to see Brian Setzer perform in a few weeks.

Day Vies

Veteran

Neel - It's funny when I bought the sweater I had no intention of wearing it specifically for "holiday" gatherings. I just happened to notice when I was putting up this post that the print combined with the textures looked rather festive. It's pairings like this that make me realize my holiday capsule could be larger than the things I automatically think of (sparkly, velvety, shiny, lacy).

I have been wanting a lace overlay dress, skirt and a sequin skirt. The skirt is a recent addition I have been pondering. I am not sure if I want a mini, pencil, A-line/skater or a tube skirt. Right now I have:

deep red velveteen boot cut jeans
matching jacket that ties with a bow
black stretch lace blouse
black satin print skirt
cream sequin sweater
black velvet pant
navy velvet pant
bronze scoop neck sweater
gray sequin tank

I think I want to do a capsule simply because I may find happy accidents like the sweater above that don't look obviously holiday but could be gussied up to look holiday.

La Belle - we must have cross posted. Yeah -- I'm having that kind of moment too where I am realizing that "holiday" can be everyday. Your holiday capsule sounds lush. I can't wait to see pictures. (you will be taking pictures right???)

Neel

Veteran

That is the exact reason why I want versatile pieces like the silk blouses and cashmere sweaters! They can be jazzed up for a festive occasion or they could be dressed down for daily wear! I have a huge wardrobe hole for this kind of items! I have either typical festive stuff or typical daily wear which aren't of the make or quality to be worn as festive wear!

LACeleste

Veteran

Hi,

You look great!! I enjoy reading about your capsules.

My holiday capsule is in good shape thanks to YLF. I have:

-Soft gold leather jacket
-Black patent leather jacket
-Silk velvet wide leg pants
-Gold shimmer button down
-Black lace skirt
-Bronze sequin pullover
-Jewel studded silk velvet tunic
-Faux persian lamb coat
-Silk grey/black animal print pencil skirt
-Black subtle sparkle drape-y top
-Red tartan jacket
-Black satin a line skirt
-Tuxedo jacket
-Black suede long sleeve top
-Pointy ankle strap pumps

Joy

Veteran

Day, I'm so glad that you started this thread! I love your lux outfit. The lace print on the sweater almost looks like an animal print on my iPad screen.
I'll come back with what I have collected for holiday season wear. The weather this time of year can be bitterly cold or balmy, sometimes in the same day. I have to be careful to have lightweight items included. Plus I spend 2 weeks working a charitable Christmas shop and can get filthy in the warehouse conditions. Washable festive wear is high on the list.

Lisa

Veteran

I have a really small holiday capsule and I generally pull pieces from my business capsule to round out holiday outfits. The workhorse item for me is a sparkle tank. I pair this with a cardigan or blazer, jeans and boots for family gatherings and casual parties. I use the same sparkle tank for dressier affairs, I just swap out the jeans for one of my suits and a pair of pumps. I also add in statement necklaces/earrings to mix things up.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

This is a gorgeous outfit on you DV - the rich purple colour is stunning you.

Holiday capsule? Yep...don't have one

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Really pretty outfit - love that rich color on you and I can see why DH likes it since you look fantastic.

My holiday capsule is small but typically there are only a few mostly casual events for us.

- White slim jeans with silver brocade pattern
- Silver/grey light cotton v-neck sweater
- Silver dressy tee (in case it's really warm and the sweater won't work)
- A very sparkly, bold statement necklace that looks like snowflakes
- LBD and festive sash (just in case we go to something more formal)
- In case it's really cold - black slim pants and black booties

rachylou

Veteran

Beautiful and cozy! You've really been on a roll, btw... I love the neat, trim look you have.

catgirl

Veteran

Lovely.

I saw this at Nordstrom and caved. It's the only holiday item I'm buying - it's dressy and a little off my style radar, but it looks amazing on and the stud-like neckline gives it some edge.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ro.....-personali

Beth Ann

Veteran

You look terrific, DV! Love the velvet pants and the rich colors! I used to wear holiday inspired pieces daily, from T-day to Epiphany (I believe in the whole 12 days -- no cutting Christmas off at New Years!). I haven't done this in a long time.

As for a holiday capsule, I've gotta get in the closet and play! I've been trying to decide whether to keep the AT skirt I got when shopping with you. I did order the tall, for a little more length, which was a good idea, I think.

I think I might play with some festive colors and textures, too. The items I think would work:
1. tiered black georgette skirt (great for singing, with movement and a knee covering length)
2. black velvet jacket (need to change the buttons)
3. black boyfriend jacket
4. oxblood Munro booties
5. velvet skirt
6. Black beaded, sheer shirt (very old, need to do a K/T)
7. Red floral shell
8. Green with black polka dot blouse
9. Jag bootcuts (for Angie's bootcuts and sparkle sweater formula)
10. Red dress (very day appropriate
11. Red jeans -- about ready to toss, but maybe I should wait until after the holidays.

hmm....... think my kids can fix their own lunch? I'm not working 'til 5 today, perhaps I should hide out in my closet?

LAR101

A second on Aubergine's comments.
Lovely outfit.
Gorgeous sweater.
Combination of textures elegant.

qfbrenda

Veteran

Beautiful outfit! I love that sweater on you.

Hmm... I don't really have a holiday capsule since we don't do much Christmas partying. And I'm not much of a magpie so I don't do major sparkle

What I have that works:
red sheath dress
black lace dress
black dressy cardigan
silver clutch
gray cashmere v-neck (on the way)

maroon lace sweater

What I'd like to add:
black silk blouse---button-down shape, nothing too girly
black tank with mild sparkle

Day Vies

Veteran

Una - that blouse is gorgeous. I LOVE that shade of emerald green especially with black. Festive edgy and just plain killer!

Beth Ann - I think deciding to keep in a longer version the AT skirt was an excellent choice. I really like the versatility of a lace skirt. It can go from everyday to an event with a capital E. I think you should play in the closet this afternoon. Give yourself 90 min and see what you can pull together. I'll be doing that this weekend. We have a few events planned.

LACeleste

Veteran

Seconding Day Vies. Una, That top is incredible!

Isabel

Veteran

I love this. I love the different textures and the color is wonderful on you.

I have a small holiday/fancy clothes capsule. Jacquard black pants, black skirt, a black jacquard long blazer. A couple of fancier tops and 3 pairs of pumps ( Black, silver, taupish snakeprint ). But THEN there is my holiday jewelry capsule. I have a lot of that . Every year I buy a couple of beutiful big earrings from J. Crew after the holidays and on sale. I have quite a collection. I also have some large, crystal brass bracelets and all kinds of silver. That is my forté and true love. : )

Suz

(website)

Veteran

This is a beautiful outfit, on you Day Vies, and you are right -- it feels subtly festive.

And what a great thread. I am so glad you started this. Because I don't really have a holiday capsule and I need one! So I'm off to consider what it would include. I am sure it could feature:

Dark grey tank with sequins
Fuchsia silk suit (but only for indoor at home wear at this time of year -- cropped pants!)
Bronze leaf print asymmetrical pleated full skirt
white jeans (with the right accompaniments...if I had them...)
Nicole Miller sheath dress (if I had the right topper)
Cranberry red button down
Cranberry booties

hmmm. Not a lot here. No wonder I struggle to come up with festive outfits.

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

Most of my holiday outings will be somewhat casual, so I'm not including any dresses in my capsule, although I could come up with something dressier if I needed to:
navy jacquard slim pants
black coated jeans
cobalt silk a-line skirt
black velvet blazer
white tuxedo jacket
black long vest
metallic silver sweater
taupe sweater with beaded sleeves
silk leopard print blouse
burgundy suede booties
black/navy/grey colorblocked patent brogues
I'd like to get a sparkly top or 2 and some metallic smoking slippers, but no big emergency.

MuseumGal

Veteran

I actually you look quite festive - the jacket is very rich looking.
But holy smokes I never even thought about a holiday capsule ...

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

A column of colour is very effective. Flattering and just lovely, DV. Plus you look cuddly - so of course DH liked this outfit. xo

carambola

Veteran

Lovely! Your outfit would be perfect for a holiday party with my family - but minus the belt because, while beautiful, it would be far too restrictive for all the eating and drinking.

Day Vies

Veteran

Isabel - I LOVE the sound of your jewelry collection. I have become obsessed with styling statement necklaces with casual outfits the spiff them up. I am working on a few ideas for my holiday capsule.

Suz - I am coming to the same conclusion. It's difficult to come up with outfits when you don't focus on what you need until you need it. I just don't want to have to stand infront of my closet going "uhhhh....." at the 11th hour

Thistle

Veteran

You look terrific! I can see why DH liked it so well. Fashionable and cuddly.

As for a holiday capsule, well, still working on that

Suz

(website)

Veteran

DV, that is precisely what I usually do -- so that's why I'm glad you started the thread!

My "parties" and occasions tend to be sadly casual. Yet I want something a bit festive. So...I don't know. I need to do some serious thinking here.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

DV - I don't have that many holiday parties, but I have a few sparkily party dresses and a brocade skirt that would be party appropriate. I sneak these pieces in during the year anyway into my normal wardrobe.

*sneaky sneak sneak*

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Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Your outfit looks lovely and texture rich, Day.

My outfit capsule is virtually non-existing: I usually use all items for everyday as well: I have so few really dressy occasions in my life that it does not make sense for me to have a separate wardrobe
I have:
- Tahari LBD;
- black sequin tunic top;
- silk Ellen Tracy dress with sequins (the only special occasion item I don't wear for regular days);
- flared midi with silver threads;
- bone / silver pointy toe slingbacks;
- white BB button down shirt
Pretty dismal, huh? but sufficient for my even more dismal un-glamour social life!

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