https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-creation-inspired-by-janet-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 20:26:16 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-creation-inspired-by-janet-long#post-1767787 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 15:51:50 +0000 Chris987 1767787@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, right back at you! I do have a lot of scarves and do wear them, but i get a little tired of them and sometimes yearn for a simpler look. </p> <p>La P - I too have substantial calves, I have to look for wide-calf sizes in tall boots, and I think you are right that this can make the skinny jean look not feel right. Of course I personally think it can be off looking on very thin calves too, not that this is a problem I have. You make a great point about all the motif sweaters. i can really close to buying one or two in December but am glad I didn't pull the trigger. I don't like to wear a lot of stripes, period, so I need to look for other patterns and textures. </p> <p>Suz, wise words, and you definitely have a great wardrobe that you can now carefully add to. I'm still in "building" mode </p> <p>Hah Angie! You might think you'd like to clone me but you don't know ALL of me Thanks for the kind words. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-creation-inspired-by-janet-long#post-1767771 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 15:13:47 +0000 Angie 1767771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I AM VERY IMPRESSED. Can I clone you?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-creation-inspired-by-janet-long#post-1767735 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 13:42:11 +0000 Suz 1767735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like plaids in winter, too...but even those can be tough to find.&nbsp;</p> <p>I've made it a modest goal -- I typically have to replace/ upgrade about 3 winter knits per winter season now that I have a decent number in rotation in my closet. So I'm aiming to but at least one pattern (or interesting and current cut), one in a happy making colour, and any neutral needs to have features that others in the closet do not share, or needs to be a true HEWI wardrobe essential luxury item on special deal. A navy cashmere crew neck in very high quality falls into the latter category for me.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-creation-inspired-by-janet-long#post-1767730 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 13:27:27 +0000 LaPed 1767730@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chris, I'm in awe of your organizational skills!&nbsp;</p> <p>Also -- your comments about skinnies/leggings really struck a chord with me. A straight leg is so much easier for me to work with (and I have proportionally large calves, so many straight legs read as skinny on me), and as much as I love skinny-based looks on others, they aren't my home base. I have a small capsule of skinnies and leggings, and longer tops to wear with them, but like you I don't plan on expanding it.</p> <p>And yes -- prints/patterns in winter is hard as heck. First off, early winter is saturated with holiday-themed prints (penguins in earmuffs, fair isle reindeer, etc) which is so not worth the investment. I also get tired of stripes in deep winter, and switch over to plaids. I think I rely more heavily on textures, too: houndstooth, tweed, corduroy, velvet. If I add some textural variation, a tonal/neutral outfit feels less "boring" and less like it "needs" a graphic element. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-creation-inspired-by-janet-long#post-1767727 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 13:10:48 +0000 Janet 1767727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, Chris, I am flattered that my post inspired you. And now you in turn have given me an idea to try -- I'm going to try your trick of stacking sweaters by color rather than neckline! Maybe that -- along with my thinning the collection -- will help prevent me from forgetting I have certain items. </p> <p>Patterned sweaters and winter knits are harder to find, it's true. I have a few, and they do help spice things up a little bit. Lacking that, I think patterned scarves can be a way to break up the monotony of solid knitwear. </p> <p>Great work, and great analysis! I like your grid idea too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-creation-inspired-by-janet-long#post-1767708 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 11:01:19 +0000 Chris987 1767708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>..some finds I grabbed as inspiration - color, pattern, texture but all still in a reasonably classic shape. It CAN be found but Suz is right that the choices seem to be a bit limited. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-creation-inspired-by-janet-long#post-1767707 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 10:58:29 +0000 Chris987 1767707@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks cheryl, AM, deb</p> <p>Joy, I am liking the sorting by color idea a lot, although it's only been one day. I do it with hanging items, but for some reason I had sorted sweaters by style (crewneck, turtleneck, etc) and I think color will work better. The throwing things on the bed idea is GREAT - you are absolutely right that "accidental" pairings are often the best :-)</p> <p>Thanks Cynthiawalkersmith. I am good at the analysis part but not always so good at taking action. I really admire you for living small. I can't even begin to imagine it although on some level I find it appealing. Grass is always greener . Maybe your new house needs to have one exception to the "smallness" to give you a decent sized closet </p> <p>Thanks for the kind words Suz. Where I find it difficult is to now decide what new items to buy to add some pattern, texture, etc. Interesting&nbsp;point&nbsp;about how pattern is not all that common on winter sweaters, maybe it's a bit of a holy grail. I'm also&nbsp;tying to think in terms of&nbsp;layering&nbsp;with patterned/textured &nbsp;blouses, toppers, etc and not just&nbsp;sweaters.&nbsp;&nbsp;Your finds are great ideas. </p> <p>Good luck Style Fan! </p> <p>Thanks Sterling! I actually love doing this sort of stuff from time to time. It uses a part of my brain that I don't use as much since I retired. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-creation-inspired-by-janet-long#post-1767702 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 10:42:57 +0000 Summer 1767702@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No time for a long reply, Chris, but I'm impressed by your efforts and insights. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-creation-inspired-by-janet-long#post-1767698 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 10:37:42 +0000 Anonymous 1767698@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am impressed as He!l. &nbsp;In fact I am speechless. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-creation-inspired-by-janet-long#post-1767683 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 09:37:08 +0000 Style Fan 1767683@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This was a great post to read Chris.&nbsp; I have been working through the link that Janet provided on her post.&nbsp; I organize my closet by type and then colour. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-creation-inspired-by-janet-long#post-1767639 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 03:40:54 +0000 Suz 1767639@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You always manage to draw such meaningful conclusions from your deliberations and sorting -- it's really great to witness.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;I noticed a similar pattern (ha ha) with a lack of pattern in the winter clothing (esp. tops). It can be difficult to fine knits in patterns. I recognized that I consistently wore my spring knits that have stripes and loved pattern mixing with those, but had trouble finding winter weight items in similar patterns. I'm still searching but I do have a couple of nicer sweaters in a pattern for winter now (first 3 finds; the third one is new and fills a specific need for a heavier weight casual sweater for skating etc.). My spring knits follow...I continue to search out great patterned knits in winter weights. I would love a houndstooth print sweater. Hmmm. I will be building this capsule over time.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-creation-inspired-by-janet-long#post-1767633 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 03:01:07 +0000 deb 1767633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>the spreadsheet sounds interesting. Look forward to hear the future results. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-creation-inspired-by-janet-long#post-1767608 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 02:08:48 +0000 cindysmith 1767608@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This sounds like it was a lot of work--physically, emotionally, and intellectually. A lot of deep thought went into this.</p> <p>I wish I had room to move things to hokding zones, and have seasonal changeovers. We don't have that kind of room, and even after we build our small house we won't have that kind of room. I envy you ladies all that luxurious space to play around with these capsules and seasonal wardrobes. When we do get ready to move into our house, I will be remembering all of these discussions so that I can find an efficient and pleasing way to organize my clothes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-creation-inspired-by-janet-long#post-1767592 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 01:04:17 +0000 AM 1767592@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoyed your post and your thinking. It is so thorough. Capsules, number of pieces, solids vs. patterns, thoughts on silhouettes, holding zone, etc. You seem to have a good handle on how you will refine all of this and your next goals. Really nice job.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-creation-inspired-by-janet-long#post-1767587 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 00:56:08 +0000 Anonymous 1767587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wonderful thoughts, Chris.&nbsp; I find it very helpful to have my closet organized by color, then item type.&nbsp; I have even started putting scarves with their main color with each color section.&nbsp; Winter is mostly dark plain neutrals but I'm working on adding more pattern, even from other seasons now that it is all together.&nbsp; My best combinations often come from throwing a bunch of stuff on the bed and taking a good look at what may work together. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-creation-inspired-by-janet-long#post-1767582 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 00:37:50 +0000 cheryl 1767582@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are my favorite types of posts. I found your process fascinating and love how you used a spreadsheet to match up your colors and silhouettes. Can't wait to read how this works out for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-creation-inspired-by-janet-long#post-1767580 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 00:24:22 +0000 Chris987 1767580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One of my first goals for this year is to get my closet to a&nbsp;point where I can go into it and choose outfits&nbsp;fairly quickly. For quite some time, when I open the door, I just see a sea of clothes and have a&nbsp;really hard time choosing.&nbsp;I don't have a huge wardrobe. <i><b>Yesterday and today I was inspired by Janet’s&nbsp;recent posting on her 2017 goals, especially the part about putting some stuff into the holding zone so can “see between the hangers”. I mean REALLY&nbsp;inspired! Thanks Janet!!&nbsp; </b></i></p> <ol> <li>First I put a bunch of&nbsp;stuff that was not thrilling me into a holding zone, didn’t think too much&nbsp;about it. &nbsp;My holding zone is in a separate&nbsp;closet that holds out of season stuff. It was already a mess and it’s no&nbsp;worse now&nbsp;:-) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </li> <li>I did a first pass at the&nbsp;pie chart thing, that I need to work on some more.&nbsp; </li> <li>I decided to rearrange my winter pullover sweaters by color instead of by style. Not sure what&nbsp;inspired this but it got the creative juices flowing! I did the same with&nbsp;jeans (skinny vs straight leg). These items plus toppers are the mainstay of&nbsp;my mostly casual winter wardrobe so a good place to start. &nbsp; </li> <li>I got geeky and created a grid/chart spreadsheet with sweaters listed&nbsp;on the left side and jeans across the top, then pulled out all the pants and put them next to the sweaters to see what colors work.&nbsp;These pants and tops all fit&nbsp;so I didn't have to do&nbsp;try ons. &nbsp;I put an x in every box where the&nbsp;items looked good together by color. The grey jeans looked best with&nbsp;black, burgundy, blush, and blues, and the blue jeans looked good with&nbsp;most of the colors. No big aha moment here, just a confirmation.</li> <li>While reviewing the small&nbsp;set of legging/skinny jeans and colors that worked with them, I realized&nbsp;that I have been trying to wear this look more, but I&nbsp;don’t really love this look on me. My body shape is petite pear and&nbsp;it’s really tricky to get just the proportions right, and even when done well&nbsp;it’s not my favorite look. I do have a few combinations that work well so&nbsp;I will call this a capsule, keep wearing it, and will drop any efforts to&nbsp;&nbsp;expand this capsule for now.</li> <li>&nbsp;I also discovered that I have two sweaters that are pseudo-orphans (go with very little) and one that I thought was a pseudo-orphan this is really not. &nbsp;</li> <li>Next I found 6 very light pullovers in cashmere or merino that are too lightweight to wear alone in mid-winter, even with an underlayer, but will work with a topper. I put them into a separate capsule. &nbsp;</li> <li>Found a few more tops tha are “just ok”. Into the holding zone…I don’t want to wear “just ok” any more.</li> </ol> <ol> </ol> <p>&nbsp;<b>The Results</b></p> <ol> <li>I now have 3 capsules I’m&nbsp;going to keep in &nbsp;the front of my closet, everything else is getting pushed aside for&nbsp;now. I created YLF&nbsp;collection capsules for&nbsp;them so I can remember them, although I’m missing finds for a few things. </li> </ol> <ol> <li>Capsule 1: Skinny jeans&nbsp;and sweaters -&nbsp;3 jeans and 5 tops, mostly neutrals</li> <li>Capsule 2: Light sweaters&nbsp;plus&nbsp;Toppers -&nbsp;6 sweaters and 7 toppers, the sweaters are all solids and<br /> mostly neutrals, the toppers have a little more variety &nbsp; &nbsp;</li> <li>Capsule 3: Casual&nbsp;Everyday</li> <ul> <li>9 jeans: 3 grey, 3 light/mid wash denim, 2 dark<br /> wash, and 1 red</li> <li>13 sweaters: 2 tan/camel, 1 cream, 1 black, 1<br /> B/W stripe, 1 B/W print, 1 each black, blue, navy, blush, burgundy, and the two almost orphans (grey print and purple). Almost all solids</li> </ul> </ol> <p><b>Things I Observed/Learned</b></p> <ol> <li> <p>I’ll keep the skinny jean/tunic silhouette&nbsp;in my closet and will wear it, but I do not want to expand it</p> </li> <li> <p>My sweater collection represents my “old&nbsp;style” pretty well. Lots of basic&nbsp;styles in solid neutrals like black,&nbsp;grey, brown/camels with much smaller amounts of other colors, and very few&nbsp;prints, textures, or interesting shapes.&nbsp;I want to add more color, texture, pattern, either in&nbsp;sweater, blouses to wear under them, or toppers. This gives me goals for future&nbsp;shopping. I do have a lot of patterned scarves but I’m tired of using that as&nbsp;the only pattern in outfits. </p> </li> <li> <p>No wonder I don’t do much pattern mixing….I&nbsp;don’t have much pattern to mix!&nbsp; I think I have a little more in my warm weather<br /> wardrobe, but the cold weather wardrobe is solids all the way. BORING. </p> </li> <li> <p>The total number of items in these capsules&nbsp;feels too small, especially the jeans. Good excuse&nbsp;to shop, but I want to make sure I get things that add some really style to my wardrobe (another goal for this year) so I need to go slowly. <br /> &nbsp; </p> </li> </ol> <p><b>Next Steps</b>&nbsp;</p> <ol> <li>Wear these three capsules for the next few weeks at a minimum and see how it goes.&nbsp;&nbsp;I need to pay attention to silhouette but I have a pretty good idea how it will work. </li> <li>&nbsp;If I do any shopping it ought to be more focused, and I need to do it slowly. </li> <li>&nbsp;Need to think about footwear next, and other capsules. </li> </ol> <p>&nbsp;</p>