YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Capsule Test Update, Day 29 (once again

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Capsule Test Update, Day 29 (once again - LONG) https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-test-update-day-29 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 04:25:58 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Lyn D. on "Capsule Test Update, Day 29 (once again - LONG)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-test-update-day-29#post-1339265 Sun, 24 Aug 2014 22:30:59 +0000 Lyn D. 1339265@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great outfits! I have been reading your series with interest. Around 18 per category- long-sleeved/ short sleeved/ pants/ jackets (except dresses) seems to be working well for me- everything is getting worn around 3 times per season :)  Angie on "Capsule Test Update, Day 29 (once again - LONG)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-test-update-day-29#post-1339258 Sun, 24 Aug 2014 22:14:46 +0000 Angie 1339258@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wooohoooo. White jeans on the farm. That's my gal. Love #1. xo Have you tried BR's white non-iron shirts for work? Size up.  Are you after a washable knit blazer? If woven polyester is okay - head over to H&M and Express. Or look at Zara.  How about a pair of REAL apron jeans?  bj1111 on "Capsule Test Update, Day 29 (once again - LONG)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-test-update-day-29#post-1339214 Sun, 24 Aug 2014 20:24:44 +0000 bj1111 1339214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Denise...great analogy of shelf life buying for clothing. I must ask myself that. I've been to the same Zara 3 times in the past three days to buy then return then return...partly because I couldn't articulate whether the items had enough shelf life for the money! unfrumped on "Capsule Test Update, Day 29 (once again - LONG)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-test-update-day-29#post-1339194 Sun, 24 Aug 2014 19:24:41 +0000 unfrumped 1339194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oy. You can so wear pastels. Very fresh and summery. And you wear the chuncky strap sandal to perfection without looking clunky, I am in awe.The boots look fantastic. Thankfully, I probabaly can't do as tapered a toe. But it actually looks like the ankle is fairly fitted--they should be fab.     Suz on "Capsule Test Update, Day 29 (once again - LONG)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-test-update-day-29#post-1339188 Sun, 24 Aug 2014 19:11:19 +0000 Suz 1339188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Denise -- useful info. I remember your packpack thread but had forgotten about this fanny pack style for some reason. I will file it away. :)  CocoLion on "Capsule Test Update, Day 29 (once again - LONG)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-test-update-day-29#post-1339157 Sun, 24 Aug 2014 18:09:21 +0000 CocoLion 1339157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Kellygirl -- Thanks for the "chic" rating of my work outfit!  I take my work outfit pics before work.    8 hours later  -- I look considerably less chic and more tired!  For the blazer, it could be knit or woven.  I like jackets with a sharp shoulder line. Mo -- good point about how I could do a more minimal wardrobe.  It would make me feel virtuous about being more minimal, plus I'd have fewer choices and would get dressed faster.  I think I want a little of this, that's the whole point of this exercise.  But not to the extent of 34 items for 3 months, or 10 items per season.  What I'm learning about myself so far.  I'm actually looking forward to ending this exercise and starting my next capsule so I can introduce some new pieces into the "closet." Suz -- that's good advice, to continue to observe and track rather than commit to a number just yet.   This is a new way of thinking about my closet, I call it mindful dressing.  It is definitely making me appreciate the things I have.  And by wearing a lower number of items, more frequently, I can either fall deeper in love with a piece, or break up with it.  I think I mentioned this before.  When I develop my next capsule I will see how many items spill over, and how many items I want to have as new to the capsule.  This would also help me come up with a final wardrobe equation.  September = August(.5) + N.  (50% of August would spill over into September, with N being the number of new pieces… that's what I mean.  Now if story problems in 6th grade math involved more fashion, I might have performed better in Algebra!) The fanny pack is a trend I saw emerge earlier this year.  I already purchased and returned one in May, the forum seemed to think it made me look too sr. citizen, like it wasn't intentional enough.  It was from Clare V.  This Alexander Wang one might be spiffier.  It's definitely a fringe trend but so were backpacks before and they are gaining momentum. Caro -- I hope the boots work out too!  Main problem is always width, so fingers crossed. Shevia -- I love Opening Ceremony!  I think their styles are quite trend-setting.  It's like they design independent of trends, but their ideas BECOME trends.  All this, from a pair of Southern Californians who got their start in retail.  Raquel Allegra is another designer who designs impervious to trends, but her items influence other designers and then become trends. Jackiec -- Love some of the Aritzia cardigans.  I'm going to have a look, then I'll PM you.   bj1111 -- Very interesting point about anticipation increasing happiness with an item.  Sometimes items like this don't pan out, case in point the Rick Owens bomber jacket that I stalked for months.  But it felt good to at least know.  Otherwise I'd still be wishing for that jacket next season, and buying it on eBay without a return option!  Re: drapey yet structured tops.  My destination is Shopbop.  Their buyers tend to favor tops like these, so there is a wide selection.  I typically wait until the top is 30% off.  If you wait longer, you may not get it in your size.   Confidence intervals = good term!  It makes me think of how I always order extra bacon just in case.  (I do the purchasing for our family restaurant.)  I might order 25-50% more even if bacon is expensive, because bacon keeps for months even longer in the freezer.  But for lettuce, I have a much smaller amount I tack on.  Because it is so perishable, and I hate waste.  In the same line of thinking -- purchase fewer trendy pieces for the perishable aspect; can purchase more "shelf stable" items like leather booties or denim or quality sweaters. jackiec -- Wearing things out of "guilt" LOL, never thought of that but SO TRUE!  You've inspired me to organize part of my closet as a "guilt" section.  Those things I can't get rid of and try, every so often, to wear.  Maybe if I see them all together I will have an easier time assessing them. jackiec on "Capsule Test Update, Day 29 (once again - LONG)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-test-update-day-29#post-1339072 Sun, 24 Aug 2014 14:38:04 +0000 jackiec 1339072@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree with the comments above, and you are already on the track of observation. It's good to observe that you do indeed crave a little variety. I'm no help numbers-wise. I am noticing this summer that I am actually reaching for repetitive outfits that make me happy. I will branch out just for the purpose of wearing some of my other things out of guilt. That's not a good thing. It's a sign that I can downsize (and my summer wardrobe isn't huge). At the same time, forcing myself to try other things is helping me to branch out and. Realize I might like things in different combinations. But I digress. I love those HL boots - wow! And still loving those awesome slides on you! Yes, you are an early adopter of the apron pant look! But heck I look to you as a true early style adopter and inspiration. Thanks as always for sharing. And if you see anything you like at aritzia online I'm happy to help out. bj1111 on "Capsule Test Update, Day 29 (once again - LONG)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-test-update-day-29#post-1339069 Sun, 24 Aug 2014 14:33:33 +0000 bj1111 1339069@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've enjoyed this series of yours. You've inspired me to do a version of this for September. Of course you are an early adapter apron wearing fashionista! Plus, I don't consider it cheating to pull that orange tee out of the holding area. You're having insight about what makes you happy AND you didn't have to spend more money to get it. Otoh, spending sept dish on those boots is the right thing...super addition plus so much anticipation which is supposed to increase happiness with the experience. You have the best drapey yet structured visually interesting tops. I think I comment on this every time because I am struck by it every time because it is a real hole in my closet. As a numbers person, I always have confidence intervals around any point estimate. So a final number for the capsule should have an error estimate. 35+/-3 per season. The +/- is for the season transition or for pieces that really have only one purpose. Also, per season planning will help with your craving for variety and color. jackiec on "Capsule Test Update, Day 29 (once again - LONG)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-test-update-day-29#post-1339068 Sun, 24 Aug 2014 14:31:20 +0000 jackiec 1339068@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm going to come back to comment, but regarding cardigans, a pretty iconic store here in Vancouver is Aritzia. They have some decent ones. I'd be happy to try on & photo for you if you see anything you like. Trying to cut and paste on my iPad....: <a href="http://aritzia.com/en/clothing/sweaters#prefn1=refinementColor&prefv1=GREEN&start=1" rel="nofollow">http://aritzia.com/en/clothing.....38;start=1</a> Jaime on "Capsule Test Update, Day 29 (once again - LONG)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-test-update-day-29#post-1338877 Sun, 24 Aug 2014 01:50:53 +0000 Jaime 1338877@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Both the outfit you wore and the one you considered are terrific - good insight about craving variety though. Love the boots and can't wait to see them on you. I was most drawn to the Sumi bag but they all are interesting. No insight as to numbers but will be following. Caro in Oz on "Capsule Test Update, Day 29 (once again - LONG)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-test-update-day-29#post-1338840 Sun, 24 Aug 2014 00:30:51 +0000 Caro in Oz 1338840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree with Suz - recording & observing are really important steps in the process of working out what you need. We don't really know until we see what we actually wear (or want to wear). Love all your bag choices too & the boots are fantastic :) Suz on "Capsule Test Update, Day 29 (once again - LONG)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-test-update-day-29#post-1338796 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 22:38:01 +0000 Suz 1338796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Okay, first of all, you look terrific in all these outfits. And I say white jeans are celebratory wear! Such a fresh palette on you -- very pretty. Also, what a great insight about needing more variety. I am about to post some similar observations about myself. I have not yet started my warm fall capsule, but I've been keeping pretty good notes about how the summer has gone, and have come to some (surprising, to me) revelations.  Now, onto you again. Those booties are AMAZING!! I hope the comfort lives up to the absolutely stunning looks. I am in love.  I also like the bags. The little fanny pack one -- that is interesting. Is this a new trend, do you think? I can see myself maybe getting on board with something like that if it had legs (so to speak) -- could be super useful for travel. But not if it is a trend that will die in the water.  As to numbers, I think the smartest thing now is not to worry about it -- yet. Just keep track of how often you "cheat" by grabbing something else and what it is. And then, when you make your next capsule, factor in your desire for variety. I think you will have a much clearer idea of what quantity of items is reasonable to you when you've gone through an entire year's cycle. You'll also have a better idea of how many items you'll need to replace/ upgrade in order to maintain your focus on trends and feel as current as you like to feel. This is the path I'm currently on -- just observing myself, not judging, for the year. Allowing myself to make purchases as needed (within budget) and contemplating how I feel about it all.  Mo on "Capsule Test Update, Day 29 (once again - LONG)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-test-update-day-29#post-1338769 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 21:36:18 +0000 Mo 1338769@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, not sure I could say what amount anyone could or should need beyond my own closet.  I will say that becoming more comfortable with repeating my stay-in, at home capsule is making all my other things last longer.  If I'm just in with the cat, I now have no issue wearing one of my $7 Kmart tees and some shorts.  This means my other tops are getting more rest between wears (and washes) and so I'm more comfortable paring down to 10 or 12 in a category vs hoarding up to 20 before.   Since your lifestyle needs are very similar to mine, I could guess that you could do fine with a similar closet size, but that does not mean that amount would make you happy.   kellygirl on "Capsule Test Update, Day 29 (once again - LONG)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-test-update-day-29#post-1338765 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 21:31:49 +0000 kellygirl 1338765@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great smart casual outfits. White bottoms are so fresh. Love the sandals too. I'm terrible at the wardrobe evaluations so I'll leave that to others. Must say that you look incredibly chic in your work attire. The rolled jeans, fitted shirt and black clogs look very professional! What kind of washable blazer are you looking for? Woven or knit? CocoLion on "Capsule Test Update, Day 29 (once again - LONG)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/capsule-test-update-day-29#post-1338760 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 21:16:10 +0000 CocoLion 1338760@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Fabbers! Picture 1 -- Here is my "smart casual" outfit of the week.  Nope, it's not super special but the white jeans means I don't wear it for my everyday looks.  I went out to dinner in a brew pub in it. Observations for the week: <ul> <li>Picture 2 -- I almost wore this.  It's very similar to last week's smart casual outfit.  I wanted to see how it felt to dress more repetitively.  And guess what, I changed out of it and wore #1.  Meaning = I do need variety.</li> <li>Overall, it's been so easy to get dressed in the morning with a more limited number of choices to pick from. </li> </ul> <ul> <li>But -- I did cheat once!  Again, I craved color and was feeling like orange.  So I pulled out my J Crew orange tee from 2.5 years ago (getting quite worn).  It goes really well with my Nine West Vilta sandals from last year.  Suz pointed out I must crave color due to my black - navy and white color scheme for work.  She is so wise!</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Shopping.  No shopping this week, and it wasn't a struggle.  I've been thinking about my fall list.  In July I pre-ordered these Helmut Lang booties, so glad I did, they're already sold out in many sizes and won't ship until September!  So this purchase was safely away from Austerity August.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Future needs.  As is the case with many of us, if I didn't shop for a year, my wardrobe would still be fine and current.  I have, however, noticed a few holes:</li> </ul> <ul> <li>A dark green chunky cardigan for fall, to replace my Free People dark green cardigan.  I have realized, I like a variety of colors for my casual wear and instead of fighting this and limiting myself to just a few colors, I am going to embrace it.  So I have 3-4 green layering tees that are crying for a new knit topper (the FP one is just so unattractive on me, although it was well-worn last year).</li> </ul> <ul> <li>A washable blazer for work when the weather cools down.  The one I have, from Daniel Rainn, is worn out.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Wants:  If those are my only two fall needs, I have plenty of wants collected! Bags, because I tend to use them everyday for months (rather than frequent changes), will get used and loved.  So all around a good shopping choice for me.  Below you can see the bags I'm considering.</li> </ul> Picture 3 -- Uniform look, if I wear black pants does this mean I am an early adaptor, apron-pants wearing fashionista? Where I could use YLF help: The area where I am most challenged is coming up with a final wardrobe count.  Any suggestions?  I do have four seasons.  Longest seasons are Spring and Summer, then Fall.  Winter is short and mild, but we do get winter, including snow. Shopping help.  If anyone finds a chunky dark green cardigan, preferably no dry-clean only, please let me know!  Also a washable blazer, any color, for work.  Thanks! <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/"></a><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/"></a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/"></a><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/"></a>