Last week’s work wear capsule for Spring was well received because of the advantages of effective mixing and matching. You’ll maximize the wearability of the items, reduce the cost per wear, and have “go to” outfit combinations at your fingertips. Furthermore, as one commenter pointed out, you can pack a wardrobe capsule into a carry-on for a business trip and be good to go. 

The only downside of a wardrobe capsule is the time and expense involved in putting it together. So I’ve put together an alternative, a more compact capsule, made of fewer items with maximum versatility. In my example, I’m imagining someone who works in a business casual work environment. 

As with all capsule building, sometimes you’ll fill in the gaps of an existing capsule, and sometimes you will start from scratch. Below is a fairly flexible structure that provides a solid starting point to mix-and-match separates.

Establish two things upfront:

• Colour Palette: Choosing a colour spectrum ensures the easy mixing and matching of items. I’ve chosen a mid-tone pink, black, charcoal, denim and light neutrals. 
• Fashionability: Decide which trends you’d like to incorporate into the mix. For Spring, I’ve chosen, pattern mixing, florals, volume, patterned blazers and loafers. 

Onto the components of the capsule. The items are quite specific in order to create the desired layered effect. Without the specific components, you can’t create the layers. Without the layers you will battle to maximize outfit options.

Three Tops

These three tops are the starting point for the capsule:

1. Fitted Knitted Top: I’ve chosen a pink V-neck mock wrap with elbow sleeves. Wear it on it’s own, or layer a button down shirt underneath for a different look. 
2. Knitted Sleeveless Top: Choose a top that double duties as a vest. That way, you can wear it on it’s own, or under a jacket or cardigan, AND you can wear it over a basic button down shirt and knitted top for more outfit options. I’ve chosen a sleeveless top in an animal print so that I can mix patterns. 
3. Basic White Button Down Shirt: Not everyone is a fan of this item, but it does make an excellent layering piece. So choose one that fits reasonably well and use it as an accessory instead of a statement piece. As I suggested above, wear it under knitted tops, as well as under the jacket and cardigan. Wear it on it’s own if it fits like a dream. I’ve chosen a crisp white shirt, but a soft cream, silky blouse is a good substitute.

Two Bottoms

Choose two bottoms that work with all the combinations that were created with the tops. I’ve chosen a classic pair of charcoal bootcut trousers with belt loops so that you can tuck in tops and add an interesting belt to further embellish your outfit options. I’ve also added a stretchy indigo “denim-rich” pencil skirt. It’s dressier than normal denim, but not quite as formal as a wool blend. It’s perfect for casual fridays if you can’t wear denim-rich items during the week. I’ve deliberately NOT chosen black bottoms because this is a Spring capsule.

Two Toppers

Choose at least one structured jacket to create a more polished and tailored look. I’ve chosen a floral blazer that can be worn over all three tops, if you are prepared to mix patterns. Wear the blazer over the layered top options if you’re comfortable doing so. 

Choose a cardigan if a relaxed vibe is desired. If not, add a blazer in a solid colour. I’ve chosen a black boyfriend cardigan because the length and volume looks super over classic trousers and a pencil skirt, and V-necks make excellent layering items. Wearing it open like a jacket creates a flattering vertical line down the front of the body. As with the blazer, wear it over all the tops, and over the vest and white shirt layered combination. 

Remember that toppers can be removed when you’re at your desk, so choosing tops that you are prepared to wear on their own is vitally important.

Two Pairs of Shoes

Choose two pairs of shoes that work with the bottoms. I’ve chosen a pair of light coloured trendy heeled loafers because it’s Spring! I’ve supplemented with pair of classic all-season black pumps because they work especially well with the trousers. I’ve chosen patent for a dressier touch and textural interest. 

One Handbag

Choose a structured handbag that works across the colour spectrum and is the best that you can afford. I’ve chosen an all-season snakeskin bag that can be carried both by a handle and a shoulder strap. The pattern and texture adds interest to your outfits and lightens up dark neutrals.

The Extras

I’ve laid the foundation of a compact mix-and-match capsule. Feel free to add in a solid sheath dress to wear under the toppers and over the pink knit top and white button down shirt for further outfit combinations. Incorporate jewelry, scarves, watches, eyewear and belts as desired to change up the looks even further. Throw in a new shade of lipstick to bring out the colours in the patterns.

Do It Yourself

The capsule serves as a template that you can manipulate to reflect your style and colour preferences. For example, choose two skirts instead of trousers and a skirt. Choose two jackets instead of a cardigan and a jacket. Choose a soft blouse instead of a stiff white shirt. Choose sandals instead of pumps. Choose flats instead of heels. Choose ink blue instead of black. Choose a solid handbag instead of a patterned style. The variations are endless. 

Carefully add onto to the capsule, or keep it compact. Choose another colour spectrum and start the capsule building process all over again. In some cases you’ll find that some of the items of one capsule work just as well in another capsule. That’s even more cost effective. Those items become wardrobe workhorses. If certain items are creating dressing bottlenecks because they are in the laundry basket too often, duplicate those items. 

Compact work wear capsules are ideal for part time jobs and tight budgets. In this case, you’ll wear your items more often so start out by purchasing items that will go the distance. If possible, purchase better end quality fabrications AND take extra care in the laundry process. Doing this will end up saving you money in the long run.

The Raina wedge sneaker by DKNY is divinely in line with this season’s Sporty trend. They are more flat than the uber trendy heeled sneaker variety, but not as flat as iconic Converse sneakers. The style comes in a few neutral colours, as well as blue and yellow. I also saw them in white at Macys. They have gauzy insets that are soft and fun, and the wedge heel is modern and stable. I love the way you can just pull them on and run because the laces are faux.

They are very comfy and run true to size. Not being particularly roomy in the toe box, I doubt that they would suit a wider foot. Size up half a size if you need to add an orthotic.

After I shared my own skincare journey last year, I interviewed Kendall, Karen and Fernanda about their own journeys and skincare routines. Despite our varying skin types, there were many similarities. There were also many insightful comments from readers. I learned about new products and skin care methods, some of which I followed up on right away. So last month I went to my annual dermatologist appointment with a list of questions in hand. I have been seeing the same dermatologist since he sorted my dry skin issues a few years ago. I was very curious to hear his responses. 

First things first. I had my millions of moles checked out like I do every year. They are in good shape, but I do need to be extra conscious of the sun and it’s harmful effects. Apparently, I have negligible sun damage, so thank you Mum for being persistently disciplined about making me apply sunblock from a very young age. You did my skin a greater service than you could possibly imagine.

Next, the countless spider veins on my legs were expertly examined. They are not hazardous to my health, although a little unsightly when compared to the unblemished skin tone that is so highly sought after in the beauty world. I could have them removed by cosmetic surgery, but I’m at peace with baring my spider veins when wearing skirts, dresses and long shorts. It is what it is and I’m grateful that a medical procedure is not at all compulsory.

My facial skin care routine was next on the list. Impruv cleansers and moisturizers were previously recommended by the same dermatologist and I have been satisfied with their products. Unfortunately, they have been discontinued. So upon further recommendation I switched to using “Cera Ve” products for dry skin, which I can purchase at a drug store. So far, so good.

I then asked about incorporating a vitamin C serum and retinol cream into my skincare routine because both products came up so favourably in the skincare discussion series. My dermatologist was all for adding the vitamin C serum and suggested a few alternatives. I ended up purchasing a serum from the skincare clinic across the hall from his office because it is prescription strength and highly recommended. It was expensive, but does last up to 4 months. I use it each morning and have definitely noticed an improved dewy texture on my skin. 

My dermatologist was less thrilled about adding the retinol cream. He was positive about its anti-aging effects, but he thought it would dry out my skin type. He suggested that I experiment by applying the cream every three days, so I also came home with a tester tube of retinol cream. I applied as recommended, but things did not go well. My skin itched, burned and peeled after three uses. It also looked and felt extremely dry, taking a week to recover to it’s normal texture. Retinol cream and my skin are not a match made in heaven so I will not be using it again. 

For now, I’m cleansing and moisturizing, applying vitamin C serum and sunblock daily. I exfoliate once a week with a facial scrub and apply a prescriptive cream to my extra dry skin areas as needed. Although I ordered an electronic cleansing brush, I decided against it because it felt too rough against my skin. I’m also back in the habit of drinking hot green tea a few times a day along with teapots full of caffeinated earl grey. 

That’s my updated skincare routine until I visit my dermatologist for another annual in February next year. Have you updated your skincare routine since our skincare series last year? If so, what changes have you made, or are you thinking of making? Are you happy with your current skin care routine?

These days you can wear any colour on your toenails. From soft nudes and white, to black, and every bright, pastel, neon and mid tone in-between, in both solid or patterned designs. But I’m sure you have a colour preference for your toenail polish. 

You are on Team Light Toenail Polish if you prefer to wear soft colours like pearly whites, silver, neutral nude tones and pastels on your toenails. You are on Team Dark Toenail Polish if you prefer to wear brights like neon, red, orange, blue, green, purple, and dark shades like plum, burgundy and black.

I’ve never worn shades of red, pink, purple or orange on my toenails. I used to frequently wear blue and green toenail polish up until a couple of years ago, when I switched over to soft colours like silver, pearly white and a matte light grey. I now prefer the look of toenail polish that creates a low colour contrast against my pale skin tone. I guess I needed a change. 

Over to you. Are you Team Light Toenail Polish or Team Dark Toenail Polish. Tell us why and no batting for both sides.