YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Florida Fall Collection Creation

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Florida Fall Collection Creation—Heellllllp https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/florida-fall-collection-creation%e2%80%94heellllllp Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 06:56:23 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Paula on "Florida Fall Collection Creation—Heellllllp" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/florida-fall-collection-creation%e2%80%94heellllllp#post-1858965 Wed, 08 Nov 2017 02:21:16 +0000 Paula 1858965@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes, Fashiontern, I think that plan is worth a try! binkle on "Florida Fall Collection Creation—Heellllllp" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/florida-fall-collection-creation%e2%80%94heellllllp#post-1858943 Wed, 08 Nov 2017 00:24:51 +0000 binkle 1858943@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oops!  Sorry, I didn't mean to suggest you eliminate the dresses (just because I'm not a dress wearer).  In fact, I think it was that collection that initially sparked my thoughts about a potential color palette. Definitely work with blues, also.  I think all rich tones are great in fall/winter months, not just the traditional warmer colors. Blush is not my personal jam, at least in larger pieces, but I like it in accessories or tops. Stagiaire Fash on "Florida Fall Collection Creation—Heellllllp" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/florida-fall-collection-creation%e2%80%94heellllllp#post-1858896 Tue, 07 Nov 2017 20:40:56 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1858896@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Sal That was three years ago—my son is now taller than me! The dress is in good shape, because it only gets worn a few times each year, then is hand washed, folded, and stored til next year. Paula, start the 30 days with those 15 or so favorites, then add as I go until I hit 30, stop and live with that for 30 days? I think that’s the best idea yet. I might keep the problem pieces too. That still leaves ten spots to fill as the month progresses. I think I have the crux of the color conundrum figured out. 1. Orange and brown are the colors most people think of for a fall palette. I’m a summer and can only wear very specific shades of each of those (and of olive and gold). It’s often best to keep them as foil or complement to my stronger colors. 2. I won’t die if I go a day without blue, but periwinkle/ blueberry/ indigo/ any shade so close to the cusp of blue & purple that it’s hard to name is absolutely my color. Cobalt is a very close second. They are not fall colors, but they are very me. Together, those make a traditional fall palette awkward for me, so I lean heavily towards the plum, burgundy, cranberry, sage green, and other colors that are at the edge of a fall palette for most people. Don’t even have the capsule put together and I’m learning already, woot, woot. I had a doctor’s appointment near the outlet mall today, so I strolled around it, looking for blush being used as a cold weather color. I found plenty of it, particularly in puffer vests with odd details and very tempting sweaters at Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein (I think).But I’ve already got enough sweaters, so I just took in the info. The blush jacket still has tags on, even though it’s past the return date. I might try to get them to take it anyway (they still have them in stock) and replace it with a blush puffer vest from Old Navy. I passed on my Marty McFly red puffer vest a few years ago. A new vest would work here and in shoulder seasons in a 4-season climate. I tried combos that I thought could make the pants look like cozy warm blush, appropriate for fall/ winter. Nope! The green shirt (bottom right of shirts pic) comes closest, but that shirt might be too dated anyway. I didn’t take a pic of that or the really purpley tops, because it was already apparent that it wasn’t going to work. Here are two pieces of evidence that this is not a winning idea. I post them here only because I have no shame. Excuse the luggage in the living room—culled from my closet, it’s waiting for my son’s to be cleaned. The pants still have their tags too. I’m undecided on them, because they might be nice for spring, assuming my weight goes down, or at least less than one ounce up. The last blush piece I want to work in is the booties. I still think they’re perfect. Onward! Sal on "Florida Fall Collection Creation—Heellllllp" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/florida-fall-collection-creation%e2%80%94heellllllp#post-1858893 Tue, 07 Nov 2017 19:44:30 +0000 Sal 1858893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love these last photos of you!!  You look great - so happy, fun outfits and I really like your hair-do. Paula on "Florida Fall Collection Creation—Heellllllp" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/florida-fall-collection-creation%e2%80%94heellllllp#post-1858835 Tue, 07 Nov 2017 15:26:22 +0000 Paula 1858835@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fashiontern, it doesn't seem to me like you "failed" the 'favoriting" thing at all!  In fact, if I read your response correctly, it looks like your style preferences are for dresses and skirts (with a pair of pants thrown in, of course) and like black, white, and blue with a few color accents for your color palette.  You could conceivably start with this set of favorites and begin to make warm-weather outfits with them.  You wouldn't need to throw everything else out, but this set of favorites and the outfits that you create from them could be your starting point: feminine/funky (?) (dresses & skirts) style in black, white, blue and accents.....Just my take on what you've got to work with based on what you love! Stagiaire Fash on "Florida Fall Collection Creation—Heellllllp" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/florida-fall-collection-creation%e2%80%94heellllllp#post-1858820 Tue, 07 Nov 2017 14:29:08 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1858820@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you all for your comments! Paula, thanks. I hope I'm not wearing people out with my assorted sorting posts. My favorites from these are the the grey/black striped dress (LP, I've never seen that pocket as owl-shaped, but will from now on I miss the magic imagination of a preschooler  <3 ) and the black/blue bubble dress and the b/w dress on the right half of pic 1, so most of the dresses, sigh. The blue pants, the 3 figured things on the "skirts" pic, the challenge in figuring out how to "do" blush, the cardi you mention, the blue tank, cream lacy top, maybe the plum shirt (it's new), and the starry tanks. Also the black pullover, blue sweatshirt, and burgundy sweatshirt in the back right of the "stuff" shot.  That's half my allotment. I just failed at favoriting, didn't I? binkie, our impulses don't exactly align; I think I just "favorited" everything you said to set aside. You are not bloviating at all. What you say about the forced choices of 30 makes sense, so I will cut. I appreciate the example of what you usually wear. Your summer wardrobe is exactly my son's school wardrobe, year-round. He will not wear pants. When I add in his dressy stuff, his (actually) cold weather things, his sports gear (because he sometimes wears it elsewhere) and everything else I can think of, it's 32 pieces. So now I realize I have an in-house model, lol. La Ped, you get me. A couple nomenclature issues though--I think we're mean the same items when I say "black" and you say "grey", because the black & white patterns look grey in the photos, and you're using "red" for the things I see as cranberry, raspberry, etc. Does that sound right? With the subtractions I did last night, the remaining problem children are the plaid top, the orange spice T-neck, and that black/cream/tan sweater. It is silk and cotton, the right weight and colors, and never gets worn. I need to figure that out. That's probably enough. I'm not sure blush is trouble; there are so many things I'm looking forward to pairing the jacket with, and I love the booties. Going from my reaction when I reached for them this morning, the pants I'm calling blush might be too much, and I'll just have the booties and jacket for blush. I'm going to think about the pants later today. I'm also thinking about putting the owl dress back in, and taking something else out. I'm sitting in a coffee shop right now, wearing the cranberry lightweight sweater and the floral shorts. I should've brought another layer! Attached photos: the happiness factor of the "owl" dress, wearing the boots I've been planning to include in this collection. LaPed on "Florida Fall Collection Creation—Heellllllp" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/florida-fall-collection-creation%e2%80%94heellllllp#post-1858786 Tue, 07 Nov 2017 11:54:05 +0000 LaPed 1858786@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Okay, I LOVE your dress collection. I would wear pretty much any of them right now, especially the fuzzy-looking grey striped one (is that a pocket shaped like an owl??). That aside, unless you want to wear these items all the way to Christmas, I'd pare down further.  I've done two 30-ish capsules this year, and both times I built around a set of items that I wanted to get more wear out of, but which would slip to the back of the closet if I didn't make a special effort. In each case, these items made up less that 20% of the total capsule (6 items in the summer, 4 in the fall). If you add too many "problem-children" to a capsule, I think you run the risk of setting yourself up for failure. So the rest of my capsules consisted of the items I deemed most versatile, or real slam-dunks in some sense (colour, fit, whatever). A lot of this has been said above, but here's my take: It sounds like one of your main concerns is colour, and putting together a winter palette for a warm climate. In your selections, it looks to me like navy, grey and white are making strong showings and that sounds like a good set of base neutrals if you're on the fence about black and brown. For accent colours, I see a lot of orange, red and coral. You might build your thirty around those key colours, and then save ~6 spaces for one or two of the colours you're struggling with (blush, aqua, black, brown). If it turns out that those colours really don't integrate into your base palette, it'll be a clear reminder not to add anymore of them in the future. On the other hand, pairing them with colours you're confident about, and keeping the doses small, you may find ways to make those pieces workable. It'll probably take another month-long round of capsuling to work through the rest of the items your struggling with. binkle on "Florida Fall Collection Creation—Heellllllp" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/florida-fall-collection-creation%e2%80%94heellllllp#post-1858755 Tue, 07 Nov 2017 04:54:52 +0000 binkle 1858755@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'll preface my thoughts by disclosing and forewarning that I'm a very big repeater. Though I don't have a limited closet - still working on impulse buying issues. I just end up wearing a limited selection of much-loved items, and don't mind repeating. Going by first impressions of your photos, and some of your comments, I'll offer my opinion that you have created a good basis for a color scheme: black, white, red, dark/navy blue (specifically since you're so delighted with the new sweater in those colors, and the preponderance of these colors in your selections.) Store or donate the blush items that you say you've been struggling with, store the pastel blue pants for spring/summer. I'm not sure the patterned skirts fit in, plus they seem a bit too "tropical" if you're looking for an autumnal feel. I don't favor brown myself, and don't see it fitting in that well. And to preach what I don't always practice, I think 50 items for 50 (30?) days is too much. Remember I am speaking as a repeat "offender" - so ignore as necessary! I thought 30/30 challenges are about challenging (forcing?) oneself to work with less? But I wouldn't know how that translates into specific #'s of each item. Up to personal taste and needs. I do think I seek familiarity, fewer choices, and emotional favorites (old faithfuls and new "crushes"). Just from my own experience and tracking experiments, I've found, despite having alot of stuff, that I typically revert to 5-6 bottoms, a dozen tops, 1-2 jackets. I'm in SoCal, so that is typical for summer, for me. I am also not into shorts, skirts, or dresses (unless required for a very rare super dress-up event). We get cooler weather than Florida during November-early spring, so I end up, during cooler months, with 5-6 favorite sweaters in heavy rotation, and 2-3 jackets (usually new or newer items). I retire some of the lighter weight pants and short sleeves in winter, add a pair or two of heavier denim, cords, a flannel shirt, heavier thermal tops. And some holiday season velvets (i never say no to velvet). And this is in spite of having plenty more in the closets. A lesson I am still learning. AND, I've never done a 30/30 challenge, so what do I know. Pardon my bloviating. Paula on "Florida Fall Collection Creation—Heellllllp" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/florida-fall-collection-creation%e2%80%94heellllllp#post-1858746 Tue, 07 Nov 2017 03:57:53 +0000 Paula 1858746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fashiontern, I admire your continued dedication to sorting through your wardrobe!  I'm chiming in with a quick thought---I really like LBD's suggestion of going through this group of clothes and picking out the things that you really love. What are your favorites in this grouping?  And then checking how many you've got and what categories are represented in the "favorites" set. That exercise (if you haven't done it already) might help you with your "style identification" goal and give you a start to your "core 30" collection.  You could then fill in any holes (if there were any after the exercise) with what's left. I'll be interested to see how things go! Stagiaire Fash on "Florida Fall Collection Creation—Heellllllp" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/florida-fall-collection-creation%e2%80%94heellllllp#post-1858729 Tue, 07 Nov 2017 03:12:18 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1858729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Joy, "Do you have a warm/ hot winter capsule? " That's what I'm trying to do.Thank you for listing your items. That helps. I hear what you mean about some of the orange tops. I think the tank top looks like more of a fall color, but probably not the others. I was skeptical when Angie said blush could work for winter, but I want to give it a try. About the shoes. This is one pair (in finds); I will try to post pix of the others tomorrow, or at least when I first wear each pair. Another is here <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.callitspring.com/us/en_US/women/shoes/c/110/AGRECIEN/p/11016384">http://www.callitspring.com/us.....p/11016384</a> and in the photo. My bags will remain exactly the same off-white Sak, fake suede bag (in my post on seeking focus), and small black Coach. Jenni, I hope this will help me develop the critical eye that you mention! Sal, realizing that some people do 30 or 37 for 3 months, I want to get as close as possible. Maybe I'll remove more in the first week or so, but right now it sounds like the ones to take out are <ul> <li>the orange shirts, </li> <li>the khaki shorts,</li> <li> the paisley shirt, </li> <li>maybe the black pants (because I have the black capris)</li> <li>Pulling the black dress out is easy--I had some cool combo in mind when I put it in, now can't remember what.I probably wouldn't find it comfortable without cotton tights and bodysuit anyway, and it's too hot for that.</li> <li>The white l/s shirt--I don't know what I'd wear it with any way. There are two sweatshirts that need something underneath, but it could be any of the tanks or Ts. Wearing it with the jeans or capris would be unexciting.</li> <li>Either the brown figured skirt or the skort next to it. I can't think of anything one can do that the other can't. </li> <li>One of the long skirts can go, but which? </li> <li>One of the celestial tanks. </li> </ul> That's 10 (because 2 orange shirts). I'm back and forth about the primary color cardi Seems a shame to put something away after only wearing it 3 times. I haven't worn the coral dress in ages. There was something about it that was bothering me. Idk if that's a reason to take it out, or a reason to include it. Taking out the coral would leave six dresses. Which should come out? LBD, are you still reading? When you group your things by color, is that everything together, tops and bottoms, long and short, lightweight and heavy? I've heard people say they do that, can never figure out practically how it would work. Jenni NZ on "Florida Fall Collection Creation—Heellllllp" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/florida-fall-collection-creation%e2%80%94heellllllp#post-1858720 Tue, 07 Nov 2017 01:51:39 +0000 Jenni NZ 1858720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Back to the discussion of wardrobe size, and hesitantly as I hope not to offend, I enjoy your posts... I can't tell your age but am guessing from the age of your son that you may be in your 40s. I wonder if you've been adding to your closet pretty randomly for about a decade? I'm not one to disagree with your sales shopping strategy as I believe you that you buy good stuff on sale, I shop similarly myself as I know where to get really good brands at a discounted price. But I do wonder if our way of shopping can lead to being too indiscriminate. Also being eclectic can lead to liking so many items that it's overwhelming in terms of numbers. Then you end up with your current situation. I know that you liked items when you bought them, so do I, I don't fall out of love with them easily. But I do think you need to cull quite a lot more. YLF has helped me to develop a lot more of a critical eye when shopping, and I'm trying to use that critical eye on my current wardrobe as well. I think working with a small batch at a time, as you suggest, may make it do-able. Sal on "Florida Fall Collection Creation—Heellllllp" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/florida-fall-collection-creation%e2%80%94heellllllp#post-1858698 Tue, 07 Nov 2017 01:03:10 +0000 Sal 1858698@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree with Joy that the 30x30 does help clarify what you really do not want to wear and what really are workhorses.  I see no reason why a 50x50 cannot do the same thing - it may be slightly too large but you don't know unless you try. I would encourage you to also photograph the looks, or record what is worn.  This does not mean sharing with the forum (although this is fun).  But looking back at two weeks of looks allows you to see what works and what does not work.  I was able to tweak a couple of outfits from average to great - by changing the stockings, or by changing the jacket.  From the capsule I developed about four outfits that I knew were good and these have served me really well on rushed mornings.  Today I ended up with an early work meeting unexpectedly - I had to get dressed in a real rush....and I knew exactly what to wear.  I also had a clear shopping list of pieces I was missing - and I acted promptly to fill those gaps.  It helped me only add in useful pieces.  I don't think you have to decide between black and brown. Anonymous on "Florida Fall Collection Creation—Heellllllp" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/florida-fall-collection-creation%e2%80%94heellllllp#post-1858692 Tue, 07 Nov 2017 00:45:17 +0000 Anonymous 1858692@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Several of these items look like they would work best in a different season...maybe summer or hot spring. Do you have a warm/ hot winter capsule? Some can span seasons. We lived in Southern California for several years. No humidity, but I did have mostly a year-round wardrobe. You could move all the pink/blush items, blue, and even red out fit other times. Black and brown can look fab worn together. Some of the oranges look rather light ( more like peach) on my monitor and could be part of summer or spring. My warm fall capsule includes cropped pants/ culottes in black and medium tan, olive and dark brown slim utility pants, grey, olive, burgundy and dark blue jeans, a light weight skirt in shades of orange, grey, black, white. Also a wide legged dark brown silk pair of pants. Those are basically the bottoms. I might also include an ash grey dress with sleeves. Toppers are jean jackets in dark or medium blue denim, 2 cotton olive jackets in very different shades of olive and different styles, and a rust red/ bittersweet linen knit cardi and matching shell, dark brown linen cardi Tops are a variety of sleeveless to long sleeved in oranges, browns, plaids with fall colors, some black and cream. I am still looking for a top or two with a print that includes olive. You don't mention footwear or bags. That is important to consider. I like orangey brown and burgundy as well as gold metallic. Scarves can add warmth and color and pattern. If it is pretty hot, go with jewellery instead. I like to use bracelets in hot weather before coats are needed. You could add reds and jewel tones more toward the holidays; pastels after the holidays into spring. January/February are good time to go with lots of navy or black and white...heavy on neutrals unless you need bright colors for gloomy days. Please keep us posted on how you are doing and show us what you end up with. You will find that packing away the browns and pumpkin to be very refreshing. rachylou on "Florida Fall Collection Creation—Heellllllp" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/florida-fall-collection-creation%e2%80%94heellllllp#post-1858688 Tue, 07 Nov 2017 00:06:17 +0000 rachylou 1858688@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Maybe even the brown tank could work... I can’t tell, tho, about neckline and length... brown and blue are a nice combo... Stagiaire Fash on "Florida Fall Collection Creation—Heellllllp" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/florida-fall-collection-creation%e2%80%94heellllllp#post-1858671 Mon, 06 Nov 2017 23:26:04 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1858671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenni, I haven’t counted my entire wardrobe—don’t want to blow my mind, lol. But after cleaning out my closet and dresser last night, I estimated that in units of 30, I have 1 pants, just under 1 dresses; 1+ shirts on hangers, 1 sweaters, 1 tank tops, 1 short + long sleeved T shirts, .5 jackets/ toppers (cardigans are with sweaters) and .5 shorts. iOW, a whole heck of a lot. LP often chimes in on my posts, as does Jenn, who I think is also good at a small, tight wardrobe. I hope they’ll come along here. I don’t really care to clean out the whole overwhelming thing right now, for reasons given in point 2 above, but I think you’re right about this “capsule” being too big for that kind of experiment. I might arbitrarily cut a few things out, or I might keep this as my primary wardrobe, and evaluate it at the start of each month, switching pieces in and out according to fit and season. What do you think of that idea? Honestly, I probably have more pants that don’t fit than do, but you know I’m loathe to cull. Maybe by working with a small batch at a time, I can get a real feel for what works and what doesn’t, and become more willing to discard things when necessary. (I did remove some things yesterday, seen here waiting to be properly bagged up and removed). I’m hoping to move over the summer, so that gives me time to lose the weight (which will eliminate the larger items) and figure this out gradually. I will not be taking things with me that are too small. Jenni NZ on "Florida Fall Collection Creation—Heellllllp" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/florida-fall-collection-creation%e2%80%94heellllllp#post-1858666 Mon, 06 Nov 2017 23:11:55 +0000 Jenni NZ 1858666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What strikes me here is the variation in wardrobe size we have on YLF. I am unsure as to how much of your wardrobe this is, but you had 62 items here which you've culled to 51. La Ped has 119 items for her whole wardrobe. I could be way off here, but it just feels to me like you have too much which makes it hard to clarify your style. Even when you are probably an eclectic like me. Stagiaire Fash on "Florida Fall Collection Creation—Heellllllp" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/florida-fall-collection-creation%e2%80%94heellllllp#post-1858644 Mon, 06 Nov 2017 21:50:49 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1858644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Rachy, I was thinking I could wear that with the tank tops (but not the brown one), the plum t-shirt on the left of the tops pic, or any of the orange tops (except the spice one). But I have yet to try it with them. Skirts + pants/shorts + dresses = 24, so instead of the thing of the capsule creating pressure to create new wardrobes with limited pieces, this is more like wearing each once or twice, and trying to decide which option is the very best choice for that one shot. Maybe I’ll just add in a handful of holiday things at the beginning of next month and not let myself repeat combos, so I have to come up with new ideas. From now until we leave is about 50 days. Is 50x50 as good as 30x30? Maybe I should also have a rule that the dresses have to be worn with something else. Hmm. rachylou on "Florida Fall Collection Creation—Heellllllp" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/florida-fall-collection-creation%e2%80%94heellllllp#post-1858637 Mon, 06 Nov 2017 21:07:18 +0000 rachylou 1858637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Is that really ~50 pieces? Lol, you can tell I’m a hoarder because that doesn’t look like too much to me. The little skirt with the purple/blue flowers is the one thing that strikes me as the odd man out, colour wise. Maybe stylewise too. Stagiaire Fash on "Florida Fall Collection Creation—Heellllllp" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/florida-fall-collection-creation%e2%80%94heellllllp#post-1858618 Mon, 06 Nov 2017 19:43:16 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1858618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ LBD, no worries. I’ve been in Tampa for a while, but never acclimated/settled in. It took me until this summer to realize that the seasonless way I was dressing was a part of that. I still hope to move away from here, but until I do, I need to make the adjustments to really live here and be healthy doing it. So I can use the advice from someone who’s been here and looks forward to returning. Polyester makes me feel much the way you describe—hot and sticky and chilled all at the same time. I knew that feeling before I knew the fabric content that caused it. Unfortunately, I don’t have any great ideas on where to get natural fiber content. When I mention having been to the mall on here, I probably mean International Plaza or maybe Citrus Park. Both are in probably a 2-hr drive for you. I do most of my shopping online. Lyst and Nordstrom’s sites let you sort by fabric content (but not Nordstrom Rack—I guess they don’t want to make their site so good it competes with their full-price one). If I’m in stores, I just read labels, and I can tell by running my hand over a garment. Nic & Zoe seem to be a pretty good source, but other labels can surprise you with it. I got a couple of all-cotton sweaters that I’ll wear next month from N Rack that are Laundry by Shelli Segal last summer; nearly everything else I’ve seen by that label is polyester. The bubble dress in the first pic is from Ann Taylor Loft in IP for $12.50 after I found it online. These days, I’d really like to find fair trade clothing. I have no clue where to get that around here, other than Patagonia. Mary Beth (formerly LBD) on "Florida Fall Collection Creation—Heellllllp" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/florida-fall-collection-creation%e2%80%94heellllllp#post-1858611 Mon, 06 Nov 2017 19:13:18 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1858611@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You're welcome!  I also looked at your other posts, and I thought, wait, she already lives in Florida(?) so my apologies if I was telling you what you already knew :) Where do you shop for your natural fiber clothes?   When I visit, we usually go to the Paddock Mall in Ocala or the Oaks Mall in Gainesville.  Macy's or Dillards is pretty much the height of the shopping experience, and most of the stuff I encountered was polyester-based.   Even Ann Taylor seemed to have a disproportionately high level of polyester. I find that polyester, in winter, leaves me cold everywhere except my underarms, which get sweaty.   :D I'm gathering data because we may end up relocating to Florida sooner than retirment-time. Stagiaire Fash on "Florida Fall Collection Creation—Heellllllp" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/florida-fall-collection-creation%e2%80%94heellllllp#post-1858606 Mon, 06 Nov 2017 18:29:54 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1858606@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ LBD, thank you for the valuable experience-based tips! One part I’ve got a head start on is fiber content, because I’ve always insisted on natural fibers (even as a kid). Your point about layering makes perfect sense, in light of the AC. It bothers me to step out into a muggy, warm fall morning, but you are right that at least I don’t have to pass on layering entirely. And thank you for pointing out the dry cleaning bags! When I read that, I thought you had mistaken a shiny fabric or something for plastic, but I checked and you were absolutely right. Mary Beth (formerly LBD) on "Florida Fall Collection Creation—Heellllllp" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/florida-fall-collection-creation%e2%80%94heellllllp#post-1858603 Mon, 06 Nov 2017 18:05:49 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1858603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ One more important thing!   Get rid of those plastic dry-cleaning bags.   If any humidity gets under them, you're going to have a musty, mildew-scented surprise when you take the item out to wear.   (I know whereof I speak).  If you have delicate items, go get hanging storage bags that have at least one fabric side, to allow for airflow.   Mary Beth (formerly LBD) on "Florida Fall Collection Creation—Heellllllp" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/florida-fall-collection-creation%e2%80%94heellllllp#post-1858597 Mon, 06 Nov 2017 18:00:25 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1858597@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I grew up in Florida, and I get what you're saying:  it's hard to dress with a "fall" or "wintry" feel, when the sun is shining brightly, and the temperature variance in any given day is upper 40s to low 80s.   Or when you're indoors all day, with the AC running full-tilt, and you've got your cute fall outfit on... then you walk out the door and you're sweating hard by the time you reach your car. Right now, I make 3-5 Florida trips a year, to visit family and friends (eventually the BF and I are going to retire there).   On the basis of my visits, which are largely casual, and frequently involve a theme park, here is what I normally wear:   As much natural fiber as I can.   When it's warm:  cotton, linen, viscose, and maybe some lightweight silk or seasonless lightweight wool, if I'm going to be in arctic AC for long periods of time.    Leather or canvas shoes.   For winter, all of this, plus a little bit of leather, denim, and cashmere.  Strange as it sounds, I like to layer in Florida year-round, so that when it does get hot, I can peel off the outer layer(s).   I also try to break up my beloved, mostly-dark neutrals, with a handful of longsleeve, bright color tops.   Otherwise, I end up feeling "Accidental Goth" amid the semi-tropical "winter" splendor. Going off the things I've found practical in Florida,  here is what I'd suggest for your wardrobe: 1)  Take everything out of your closet, and put back the things you absolutely love to wear.   The stuff you absolutely can't wait to put on, and walk out the door in.   The stuff you feel like a million bucks in. 2)   If you're on the fence about something, look at the fabric content.   If it's mostly polyester or nylon, ask yourself, "do I get sweaty in this when it's hot out?"   "do I feel warm enough in this when it's cool outside?"   If it isn't meeting your needs, pass it on.   I don't know why they sell so many polyester-based clothes in Florida.   That was all I saw in the malls, on my last three visits. Going picture-by-picture: Toppers:   I think your toppers are great for Florida.   If the spice turtleneck works with the olive shorts, why not?   Push up the sleeves, maybe add some sheer colorful hose, and own it.   You're really not going to know if it works, until you try it out.   Maybe put it on and do your close-to-home errands, so that if you really feel like, "NO, this is not working", you can go home quickly and change.    Also, if you google "blush jacket outfit" and look at the images, there seem to be a million great ideas. Bottoms:   I think this is really going to depend on the fabric content, and personal preference.   Florida is the land of eternal sunshine and year-round tropical colors, so your blush pants are appropriate year-round.   Seriously.   Go anywhere south of Gainesville, or west of Panama City, and you'll see pastels and bright colors year-round. Dresses, skirts, tops and "other stuff":  None of this stood out as something that you couldn't wear in Florida.   Don't marry yourself to a set numbers just yet, not when you're trying to assemble a workable wardrobe for a semi-tropical climate.   What I would recommend, is go get some pretty flocked hangers from Target or Marshalls or TJ Maxx, and hang all your items by color.   Having matching hangers imparts a feeling of neutrality and visual peace, so you can really look at what you have.   Start wearing your pieces, one item at a time, and try to wear them all over the coming weeks.   If you find you take something off within 30 minutes of putting it on, ask yourself why, and decide if the item can be passed along, or if it needs to be put away for spring (which starts when the azaleas come out - usually late February-late March).    When spring rolls around, you can re-assess items against the backdrop of bright flowers and greenery. I really hope we get to see some of your Florida fall & winter outfits!    Stagiaire Fash on "Florida Fall Collection Creation—Heellllllp" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/florida-fall-collection-creation%e2%80%94heellllllp#post-1858583 Mon, 06 Nov 2017 16:59:58 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1858583@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sara, yes, 30x30 is the idea. I’m not fixated on exactly 30 pieces, but think this is too much. I’m not sure I’ll do exactly 30 days either—might end it at the end of the month or extend until we go north for Christmas, but roughly that long. The reasons are the ones listed in those 4 paragraphs: define my style, see if I can wear certain items, a warm fall wardrobe, and saving time in the mornings. See the original post for explanations of each of those. Are you saying that the blush pants read more pastel to you than cozy, so that’s what you think should be taken out? My activities will be Mom-ing (ie: groceries, kid sports, PTA, etc) and research in basically an archive, so grown-up but not formal professional attire is required. Thanks for your questions to help me clarify. Sara L. on "Florida Fall Collection Creation—Heellllllp" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/florida-fall-collection-creation%e2%80%94heellllllp#post-1858579 Mon, 06 Nov 2017 16:38:20 +0000 Sara L. 1858579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm a little confused on what your goal is.  Are you trying to do something like the 30-day, 30-item challenge?  Are you trying to put together a fall capsule for Florida weather?  I'm also not sure what activities you have.  Do you need casual outfits or some dressier? Since your weather is so warm, I would focus on fall colors to get in the fall mood since you won't be wearing sweaters and boots.  Take out the pastel pieces and keep the oranges, burgundies, etc.  Pick a color palette and trim pieces that way (this assumes I'm understanding correctly what you're trying to accomplish here). Stagiaire Fash on "Florida Fall Collection Creation—Heellllllp" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/florida-fall-collection-creation%e2%80%94heellllllp#post-1858574 Mon, 06 Nov 2017 16:27:20 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1858574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m trying to define a warm fall collection of roughly 30-37 items that I can wear over the next month or so. I cleaned my closet yesterday, pulling out candidates for this collection as I went. Setting up the pictures this morning, I culled 11 of them. Right now it’s down to 51 items, which I think is still too many. “Collection” rather than “capsule” because I’m not primarily concerned about a high mix and match index. On the contrary, I think I’d like some variation in the palette. Even without that factor, choosing what to include is harder than it looks and I’d appreciate comments on how to make decisions about what to include. Reasons for doing this are: 1. Better defining my style, so that if I need to decide what to take and what to toss for a big move and after losing some more weight, I’ll be more prepared to do so. 2. Possibly passing on a few items now. Everything here fits and there is nothing I expressly don’t like, but there are a few pieces that somehow don’t get worn. (This is not a priority; I’m not moving anywhere yet, it all fits me and in my closet, and I’ve already consumed the resources to make them; ditching them wouldn’t put that back into the earth). 3. Helping me cope with Florida. Six months out of the year, we hibernate in AC. Temps are now comfortable, but hardly autumnal. I want to *feel* like it’s fall, mood-wise, even if the weather doesn’t necessarily feel like it. (If I was a more creative swear-er, this is the place where I’d threaten anyone who says “gee, that sounds great to me”. Instead I’ll point out through clenched teeth that we all have different tastes). Here’s what I’m looking at for the life of this collection: highs around 80, mornings just chilly enough that I might want a topper. (And I may encounter over-AC) <a href="https://m.accuweather.com/en/us/westchase-fl/33626/extended-weather-forecast/2257983?page=2" rel="nofollow">https://m.accuweather.com/en/u.....983?page=2</a> 4. Pre-deciding what to wear for the next ~30 days, so I don’t have to think about it any more and can focus on other things. Much of that time will be doing research in library-type settings. I don’t need to dress up in formal corporate attire, but do need to be well put-together. So, without further ado, here are the candidates: Pic 1: Toppers, and one shirt + a dress. I used to think of the shirt as a topper, but never wore it that way, recently tried buttoning it up and liked it, hey Mikey! I’ve already tossed the blue sweatshirt on a couple of mornings. The blush jacket is because I really like the blush trend, but haven’t figured out how to wear it yet. The orange spice mock T is a favorite layering piece in places where I can wear layers; can I fit it in down here? On its own, it isn’t too warm. Color-wise, it works with the olive shorts, but I’m not sure about shorts +T-neck, even if I push up the sleeves. Red/white/blue/black cardi was a recent gift. I love it because it goes with nearly everything, and can be dressed up or down. In the middle of this pic is a dress that is not a topper. I just got it ten days ago and have worn it twice already. I love it. Pic 2: Pants/shorts: some of these have to be voted off the island, err, collection. The blush pants are another attempt to incorporate that color in my wardrobe. They might look like “spring” too much to include—I’m not sure. Shorts make a strong showing here because Florida. Pic 3 Skirts: yeah, these plus the earlier bottoms equals too many pieces. Which should go? The khaki and brown pattern items are what I think of as real skorts, combining shorts (seen from behind) with a skirt (flap in front). I’m always on the lookout for new skorts, because they are comfortable and practical. The black and white skirt had gotten too big for me, but now I’m bigger again, so it’s back. I’ve only worn it with a black top, but now am thinking about pairing it with plum or cranberry. The long skirts include an old familiar and a new test piece. The plain one might be high-waisted enough to work with that orange spice mock T. Pic 4 Dresses. I seem to have a thing for black and white. Who knew? The striped one is actually navy, which is hard to tell in this pic. I’m inclined to keep them all, but there are enough for every day of the week, which kind of ruins the whole point of a capsule. Pic 5 Tops: still including tank tops, but in what I think of as more grown-up styles than the ones with teeny straps that I wore in the summer. The plaid top is a perfectly good top that I haven’t worn in ages. If I can’t find a way to wear it this month, it’s bye-bye for that top. I usually wear blue with the figured short skirt, but as I was doing this, I held up cream next to it & it was lovely. I think the striped top will play well with the blush, blue, and khaki items. The ls shirt in the top right looks like a layering T, but has a twist at the bottom, so isn’t too boring to wear alone. The lacey blouse is to try out Angie’s peasant shirt ideas from the summer. A black T-shirt, an orange 3/4 sleeve shirt, a cream ss shirt with detail repeated at the hem. Does anybody wear anything like the green beaded shirt on the right anymore? It was always so easy, because it includes its own accessories. Pic 6 Other stuff: a pile I overlooked as I assembled things for the pix, mostly lightweight sweaters that I can wear here now. A starry tank top so nice I bought it twice. Another dress, not because I need one in here, but because it’s easy and fall-like (wonder if I can wear that blush jacket with it). An orangey top because, although it is a nice shirt in principle, in practice I never wear it, so it’s in the same boat as the plaid top—now or never. Jeans fished out of the laundry— I’ve actually worn them a few times & not died of heat. Cranberry sweater in top right is light enough for the temps, goes well with the floral shorts. Also, there is a blouse on its way here, so it might get added in. The biggest “struggle” I see here is black vs brown. Neither is a good color for me to wear on its own, but I can wear either in a supporting role, as in these pieces. I don’t want to swear off either for a month, but then don’t know how to whittle this down to something close to 30 pieces. The last photo is my closet in its current condition. Lots of things, to be sure (30-35 each dresses, skirts, pants and shirts on hangers), but all hanging quite nicely, not in anybody’s way, with a spot for this collection, once I figure it out. If this experiment goes as well as I hope, I might keep doing them as a way to work through everything. I’m already thinking of what to put in a warm Christmas capsule.