https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/encapsulating Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 14 May 2026 13:54:29 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/encapsulating/page/2#post-802734 Tue, 25 Dec 2012 01:56:08 +0000 bj1111 802734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>claire, i am totally serious. (is there a serious face emoticon?). can't wait until jan whe i can shop with you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/encapsulating/page/2#post-802664 Mon, 24 Dec 2012 20:22:34 +0000 jenanded 802664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes Claire that was me, I was all happy happy about my work capsule... then I travelled to Copenhagen (cold capsule and really needed to look sharp to make a presentation there) and also I think just over awed by the gorgeous European look (I am sweating about a formal suit and the other woman presenting wore a knitted shawl, fishnets, shiny shoes and was DIVINE!), then I was straight back on the plane to tropical heat for another do in Melbourne... Alas my little capsule, while it did some work into both, revealed a few more holes... sigh... Yes and now it is hot hot hot, at least we don't have office work at the moment so have a few ts, shorts/capris and some maxi dresses to last me these few hot holidya weeks... (there is another capsule I guess). And since I have been travelling every week since October I went out of an evening etc, sometimes several times in a week and voila,another hole revealed. Claire, when I was in Phoenix which was hot, I had these less than savoury guys on the light rail come up to me and commented (negatively!) on my clothes!!! Now that is low of the low and not worthy of YLF status... Yes my babies are in their twenties now (my twins turned 20 this year!) and have done lots of stocking stuffing last night but the little kids are toooooo cute aren;t they! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/encapsulating/page/2#post-802636 Mon, 24 Dec 2012 19:06:30 +0000 Mo 802636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your capsules look great! Do you fear you may tire of the color palette? Or do you think you will replace most of it pretty much yearly?<br /> Somehow I just can't make myself want to capsulize beyond specific, job interview, or semi formal evening, type capsules. Or maybe when going on a trip.<br /> Otherwise, I'm totally happy having my silk dress hang next to my knit maxi casual one lol. I think I mix casual with dressy casual so much that it wouldn't make sense to capsulize for my lifestyle perhaps? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/encapsulating/page/2#post-802622 Mon, 24 Dec 2012 18:20:33 +0000 Raisin 802622@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claire this is so awesome! You know I was thinking of this as well and trying to just weed out those last few pieces that need to go. And I realized the other day I should take out all the things I want to wear right now, make some outfits and then just ignore the rest for a while. I think I would end up with a capsule sort of like you did here. I haven't gotten around to it yet though, maybe after the holidays! You've inspired me though! It was sort of the path I was on the other night but then my camera battery died before I got much done. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/encapsulating/page/2#post-802592 Mon, 24 Dec 2012 15:29:00 +0000 Anonymous 802592@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jen, thank you so much for doing that even though you are super busy! I'm glad you have some children to be around this time of year. It IS fun! BTW, didn't you have your winter wardrobe really sorted this year by buying some items at a specialty boutique? Is it just the summer now that's giving you fits? Or am i confusing you with someone else entirely?</p> <p>Mona, thanks for that link, I'll go check it out. It's so hard to find out what's not right when I am unhappy with my clothes. Were you ever able to put your finger on the problem? Do you think more exciting accessories would have helped. Ok, off to read it now!</p> <p>Freckles and Angie, *grinning* Thank you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/encapsulating/page/2#post-802579 Mon, 24 Dec 2012 15:13:09 +0000 Angie 802579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your pennies drop just fine, Claire! And they make a joyous jangle all year </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/encapsulating/page/2#post-802557 Mon, 24 Dec 2012 13:48:00 +0000 Freckles 802557@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a fabulous discovery Claire, awesome end result! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/encapsulating/page/2#post-802541 Mon, 24 Dec 2012 11:42:14 +0000 Mona 802541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love reading this post and all the responses. A while ago i had started encapsulating my wardrobe but failed big time as I found it too boring and dull. you can look at my capsule here. <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review---first-capsule-created" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....le-created</a><br /> What I realized after creating this capsule was that I need a lot of variety in my capsules. I get bored easily but I did wear this capsule a lot as I was on a budget and wanted to find out what the holes are. So although I felt completely unfab in this capsule, it did bring into focus some unexpected wardrobe holes. Your post has given me a lot of courage to keep doing this. Like you said "Jenanded, I am HARDLY an expert at this, but it reminds me a lot of starting a family budget/spending plan. There is no convenient, neat place to start. You just have to jump in and work out the rumples as you go. And there will be plenty of rumples! " </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/encapsulating/page/2#post-802500 Mon, 24 Dec 2012 03:30:24 +0000 jenanded 802500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claire, had to dash off and see my little nephews - 4 and 2 years old - day before Christmas... don't you love that little kid excitement on Christmas Eve!!!</p> <p>Anyhow, the book is Looking Good by Nancy Nix-Rice 1996. She says shop your closet and find a small capsule that work together - she starts with about 6 or 7 pieces - a pair of black pants, red and cobalt. Then she says to look for another little group that goes together - she has navy and pink I think and again another little pod of 6 or so tops and bottoms. She lays out the combos for each one. She then says look for how these two capsules could work together and what would you need. I think she added in a white shirt here, a scarf, patterned top so then you can make more outfits - navy and cobalt with silver or pink accents; red, white and blue; black adn white with accent from either of the capsules etc etc... Even though the book is falling apart, it is so wonderful in terms of being in the place between the old home economic classes and the styling/stylist phenomena of the 2000s. I think it came about with Sandra Bettzina; Palmer and Pletsch etc who were sewing whizzes and they published a series of books you used to get at the haberdashery...<br /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Looking-Good-Wardrobe-Planning-Development/dp/0935278427" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Looking-.....0935278427</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/encapsulating#post-802477 Mon, 24 Dec 2012 02:03:56 +0000 Anonymous 802477@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Moira, you crack me up! No math indeed. I think it's a bit like juggling. You start with two or three balls in the air and then slowly add one at at time, not adding the next until you're comfortable It helped me to shop my own closet for the capsule because if I were to go out and shop for it new I would be paralyzed by not wanting to make a *wrong* choice. In the same way, I'm loathe to spend money to build on something I already have that is *just okay*. When you told Suz to hold you I thought I might wet myself I laughed so hard. Save your stuff in the garage for a while. I don't want to get a bill if you decide this purge was a horrible mistake!</p> <p>Suz, I'll have another striped sweater too, please! And thank you for pasting Jen's comment here. If anyone ever mistakes me for you I'm nothing but flattered!</p> <p>Jenanded, I am HARDLY an expert at this, but it reminds me a lot of starting a family budget/spending plan. There is no convenient, neat place to start. You just have to jump in and work out the rumples as you go. And there will be plenty of rumples! For my work capsule, I actually took the things I *wasn't* wearing everyday and tried to puzzle them together to redeem them. I didn't have that many pieces so it wasn't that difficult. Now watch, I'll try this stuff on and it won't work at all!</p> <p>Morethanbeige, You can't possibly be in a rut! You are super stylish!</p> <p>Unfrumped, good thoughts. It helps that my volunteer capsule just has to be presentable, not super fashionable. In my regular life, I might prefer a longer blazer with slacks than I have here, but based on the donated clothing I have to outfit the women at DFS with, this is just fine. Like I said, I need to turn on the space heater and have a trying on-session!</p> <p>bj1111, okay, I'll share. </p> <p>Shevia, thanks. Obviously I have no life! I now understand all of the elaborate flow charts come into existence when people are on SYC for long periods of time.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/encapsulating#post-802469 Mon, 24 Dec 2012 01:46:33 +0000 Jaime 802469@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow Claire, your thought process is so inspiring but even more so your ability to get up and take action. I love the work outfits you have created using your new capsule! I think that you have really hit upon a way of explaining capsules that will help me and lots of us here rethink our clothes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/encapsulating#post-802465 Mon, 24 Dec 2012 01:36:45 +0000 Anonymous 802465@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey, it's all good! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/encapsulating#post-802451 Mon, 24 Dec 2012 01:07:04 +0000 Suz 802451@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jen - no problem! I knew it was early there! You should see me before my coffee. Yikes! </p> <p>Anyway, both our threads are really on the same subject so I might go back and give you my own answer on my own thread! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/encapsulating#post-802450 Mon, 24 Dec 2012 01:04:26 +0000 jenanded 802450@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry Suz and Claire - I did write into the wrong thread - such a dufus and wardrobe too daunting before 7am! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/encapsulating#post-802447 Mon, 24 Dec 2012 01:00:47 +0000 bj1111 802447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i want your capsules. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/encapsulating#post-802419 Sun, 23 Dec 2012 23:16:29 +0000 unfrumped 802419@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like this train of thought. </p> <p>I'm thinking of the capsule item numbers not just as a min or max, but as a practical matter that everything really does not go with everything. I may say I have 20 items in a capsule, but if I were defining it strictly, it's 3 overlapping capsules. I'm not trying to over- capsulize, but it comes out more clearly when you're packing for a trip and find , that jacket goes with the pants but not the skirt. </p> <p>So I'm planning some year 2 of YLF streamlining too , getting more practical about the usefulness of various items, outfits and capsules. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/encapsulating#post-802411 Sun, 23 Dec 2012 22:57:35 +0000 morethanbeige 802411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is so inspiring, Clarie. I love your business casual ideas. Such a cool revelation! I find that I often feel like I'm in a rut fashion-wise and then I have a breakthrough. I think it's part of my process! And I'm learning to accept it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/encapsulating#post-802388 Sun, 23 Dec 2012 21:52:23 +0000 moira 802388@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hold me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/encapsulating#post-802387 Sun, 23 Dec 2012 21:51:40 +0000 Suz 802387@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, Moira - you GO girl!!! That's fantastic! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/encapsulating#post-802382 Sun, 23 Dec 2012 21:43:23 +0000 moira 802382@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well. That was either a cathartic purge or a psychotic break.<br /> All clothes not worn in a year are in a bag on their way to Goodwill.<br /> ALL!!!<br /> Now, I can see what I really have to wear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/encapsulating#post-802381 Sun, 23 Dec 2012 21:41:16 +0000 Suz 802381@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenaded wrote this over on my thread but I think she might have meant to write it here so I am posting for her: </p> <p>"Claire ... I have just stepped to my closet thinking I can do one little capsule before breakfast and have run screaming back to the forum... Did you pick your capsules based on where/which part of your life you would wear them? Perhaps this is revealing but my first reaction was that is a 'good' jacket so it must be for work.... Ok one more coffee before I start... and ok I did pyjamas yesterday (I do have to say I capsule PJs so I feel like I have variety!!) so the easy one is done..." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/encapsulating#post-802378 Sun, 23 Dec 2012 21:38:02 +0000 Suz 802378@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laughing with Moira - "I was told there would be no math!" I feel just the same way. Sometimes I see the numbers and glaze over....it's too abstract, and right over there is a super cute top I've been hankering after and wait! It's on sale.....whaddya mean I already have four striped sweaters?????? SO????? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/encapsulating#post-802373 Sun, 23 Dec 2012 21:31:41 +0000 Caro in Oz 802373@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love these musing &amp; can't wait to see how this capsule works for you. Thanks for sharing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/encapsulating#post-802369 Sun, 23 Dec 2012 21:16:36 +0000 moira 802369@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This post is a bit of an epiphany for me as well.<br /> I looked with interest at other people's capsules, but it looked like math and I was told there would be no math.<br /> This makes it all seem more manageable, somehow.<br /> I do work full time, but it is in the "fun" business, so there is a huge overlap between my work clothes and my casual clothes. My dress clothes are still usually just a change in shoes and accessories.<br /> I also have a space issue. I think some serious purging is in order.<br /> I will ponder this. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/encapsulating#post-802351 Sun, 23 Dec 2012 20:40:10 +0000 Anonymous 802351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elly, it was so interesting to hear about your SO's wardrobe. My husband wears a uniform and his is much the same. He actually has plenty of uniform items, but his casual capsule is very, very (too) small. Your life necessitates more clothing than his and I can completely see why. It is no problem for me to put a load of wash in since I am home most of the day, everyday. In fact, I'm hardly going out at all since I'm not shopping right now, lol! But I do try to get dressed. Working full time would make it very hard not to need duplicates. And if someone were to have to go to a laundromat, or wait on their clothes to line-dry in very damp weather, they would need a lot more clothing as well. You've made some very good points!</p> <p>Gaylene, you hit on what I do exactly. When faced with too many choices, I shut down and reach for the same items over and over. It takes me a while to break in new things and figure out what they work with. This only happens when I wear them repeatedly. Then when I reach for the oddball orphan item, it seems like it will take too much time and effort to make it work. I often order the same thing when going out to eat, too. ;)</p> <p>Asingh, thank you. I'm sure it's still okay to let work and casual clothes intermix but anytime I reorganize my closet to a different format, it seems to jog a bit of creativity.</p> <p>Suz, yes great idea! And feel free to start it yourself if I don't do it soon enough. I'd love to find out what other people think about capsule size. I love what you said about *forgiving yourself* the extra items for your Travel to the City capsule. In a way, I felt like I was forgiving myself for my crisp oyster blazer (that I don't reach for day-to-day) once I placed it in my work capsule. That's a perfect place for it and now I don't beat myself up for not wearing it out and about more often. </p> <p>Jen, that's brilliant. I could see how it could work too, especially if you have some prints but are not super-keen on pattern mixing. That's where my overlap would be. I'd love to hear more. What is the book? </p> <p>Beth Ann, you need some more space! Your life and interests are so varied and then you have a performance capsule to worry about. Do you do the "hidden storage" thing that Angie talks about. You could use plastic bins and slide them under your bed--but I'm sure you've already thought of that!</p> <p>Yes Denise! You have fabulous clothes. Make sure they are all getting worn and loved. You're right about the striped sweater, although it's getting worn plenty for casual wear. I was trying to use up some orphans in the business casual capsule. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/encapsulating#post-802321 Sun, 23 Dec 2012 19:55:29 +0000 CocoLion 802321@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay! I love what you said: "I just had to stop shopping for a moment to realize that a capsule was right under my nose." (paraphrased)</p> <p>I need to take this to heart.</p> <p>The ideas you've put together in pictures 3 plus look smart and easy to pull together. Looking forward to seeing them in action. And I keep thinking there's a place for that navy and white striped sweater or top from your casual capsule (your bd present?) -- I think it could span several capsules. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/encapsulating#post-802312 Sun, 23 Dec 2012 19:46:42 +0000 Beth Ann 802312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such good discussions on the forum recently! And so helpful!</p> <p>Brava Claire, for your beautiful selections and thoughtful approach to dressing.</p> <p>Money and space keep me from a Kardashian-closet (a good thing), but I resist purging too quickly. I think I've realized that I "cycle" through capsule, and sometimes double back and remix items that I had drown cool on.</p> <p>This fall, for example, I've been into my ponte pencil skirts, my menswear vest and jackets. That said, I just pulled out a couple of tops and a jacket that I had in the thrift pile, and I find that I am wearing, and loving, these items again.</p> <p>I realize that I tend to live in "cycles," with projects and interests coming to the foreground for a while, and then receding to background for a cycle. I think I would do really well with the "2 closet solution," using a spare closet for off-season and out of capsule rotation clothes. Of course, my 1,000 sq ft home lacks a garage and doesn't even have a coat closet, and I don't think my kids are going to give up their toy storage space so I'll have to find another answer!</p> <p>I think Suz's idea to start a thread in the new year is a great one! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/encapsulating#post-802308 Sun, 23 Dec 2012 19:36:27 +0000 jenanded 802308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will chime in here with the advice from my 1980's styling book. They suggest a small capsule, less than 10 pieces. Then they say look for making ANOTHER capsule of less than 10 pieces. Step 3 is a connecting group that allows you to JOIN some pieces of the first two capsules. I think they presumed they were all for one part of your lifestyle that we have been talking about here... not sure if that sheds light but if I got up to 27 pieces my little brain would be boggling I think... Oh Claire, Suz I am ready to start capsuling! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/encapsulating#post-802276 Sun, 23 Dec 2012 18:22:15 +0000 Suz 802276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Gaylene said. Too many options means reverting to wearing the same thing over and over, simply because it is *there* and to hand. </p> <p>Claire, would you mind starting a thread (or would you mind if I started it) in the new year with your question: At what point (i.e. how many items) should we be thinking about breaking a capsule into two parts? I think Angie's basic work capsule this spring was 10 items: <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2012/03/21/work-wear-for-spring-the-compact-capsule/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2012/03/.....t-capsule/</a><br /> That one includes footwear and a bag but not other accessories. </p> <p>Her other capsule was closer to 25 or 27 items but that included accessories: <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2011/03/24/building-a-professional-wardrobe-capsule-for-less/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2011/03/.....-for-less/</a></p> <p>I am suddenly all excited about this way of thinking for moving forward. I am pretty sure it will help me with my every day planning. Maybe for my work-at-home capsule I need something like her larger example (since I work at home almost every day and smart casual is my mainstay.) But maybe for my travel-to-the-city capsule I need something like the smaller 10 item capsule. There could be overlap (e.g. a pair of pants, even jeans). But I could also forgive myself (allow myself) the extra items if needed for the dressier city occasions. </p> <p>Maybe using these two templates would be a way for many of us to start -- to me the 30 items (approximate) allows for so much more variety and yet there is still clarity because many of those items would be accessories. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/encapsulating#post-802269 Sun, 23 Dec 2012 18:05:40 +0000 Asingh 802269@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claire, what an insightful post. I often find myself trying to separate my work wear from my casual clothes. Having a clear idea of what constitutes work wear and what is more casual helps making the process of dressing up more organised. </p>