https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nutcracker-suite-debrief-and-2018-style-goals-super-long-and-deliciously-analytical Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 06:59:43 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nutcracker-suite-debrief-and-2018-style-goals-super-long-and-deliciously-analytical#post-1874522 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 20:24:49 +0000 SarahD8 1874522@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>FashIntern</b>, thanks so much for your thoughtful comments. Your observations about my outfits from that last capsule are so kind and really made my day.</p> <p>To your question about why I didn't reach for unworn items, I would say it's a mix of reasons: <ul> <li>black merino knit skirt: I'm not wearing skirts and dresses much for everyday lately. That's ok. This is an extremely versatile skirt that works year-round so it basically gets to be an option in any of my capsules and I'll hang on to it no matter what.</li> <li>black and fuchsia layering sweaters: I suspect they don't fit very well and don't want to put them on and find out! Lalala, I can't hear you. But also, I'm remembering that I tend to be drawn more to these in deep winter (which is weird, it's not really colder in January than it is in November here, but I guess it's been cold for longer so I want more warmth???). We'll see what happens in this next capsule.</li> <li>black ballet flats: not really weather appropriate and when I could possibly get away with ballet flats I wanted to wear my new pink ones. These get plenty of wear in spring/summer so no worries about their place in my wardrobe.</li> <li>black maryjane heels: dressier than I really had need for. These are my only pair of dressy heeled shoes so again they'll stay in my closet even if I don't reach for them for months on end.</li> <li>raspberry tunic: asked &amp; answered. Good riddance!</li> </ul> I guess if I had to pick common themes they would be: (1) fit the palette but not really weather appropriate; (2) dressier than required for most situations I encounter.</p> <p>Yes, you're right that filling in the "wardrobe holes" would basically amount to varying colors (esp. of tops) in the same basic silhouette. I'm open to other potential additions too but those are the priorities that I think would do the most in helping me happily get dressed on a daily basis. To be honest these silhouettes/outfit formulas aren't really new discoveries. I feel like I've had those worked out for a while, and what has flummoxed me is figuring out how many of each component, in what mix of neutrals/colors/patterns, I need in a capsule in order to feel like I can get dressed easily and achieve a comfortable level of variety. Still not sure I know that in a general sense, but maybe that will come with repetition.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nutcracker-suite-debrief-and-2018-style-goals-super-long-and-deliciously-analytical#post-1874192 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 01:19:43 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1874192@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a juicy piece of analysis! Thanks for this. I’ve learned a lot following you through this process, even if I didn’t comment as often as i intended to. Your outfits frequently blew me away. I love the rich colors that you wore, and the way that not even your beautiful statement pieces, vintage jewelry or those fab cognac boots were allowed to take over the show. </p> <p>I also had several pieces I thought I would reach for during my last capsule experiment that just never called to me. Isn’t that odd? You’ve identified the reason for a couple of them; any thought on the others? Is there a common thread to them all? I’m especially wondering about the layering sweaters, because they sound ideal for straight-legged jeans—structure (using Angie’s definition of revealing /emphasizing the body’s form) on top, looser fit on bottom. </p> <p>I’m laughing with you at #4. Now that I can wear my hair down without overheating, I need to figure out what to do with it. </p> <p>You’ve identified a good formula. It sounds from your desiderate as if you want to keep the basic sillouhette, and sub in some colors on top. Is that right? </p> <p>I know the indigo/purple you refer to as Saphire. It is my absolute favorite. I like any color that walks the line between blue and purple, like periwinkle and blueberry, but this deep, rich color is the absolute best. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nutcracker-suite-debrief-and-2018-style-goals-super-long-and-deliciously-analytical#post-1874174 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 00:43:29 +0000 SarahD8 1874174@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, Angie, LBD, and Cardiff girl! Yes, I do feel like the work paid off and I am excited to enter 2018 with a new challenge and learn more! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nutcracker-suite-debrief-and-2018-style-goals-super-long-and-deliciously-analytical#post-1873988 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 16:16:33 +0000 Cardiff girl 1873988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How lovely that you have found interest and pleasure from your wardrobe by being more thoughtful and creative in your outfit choices and by documenting the process so that we can all benefit.I feel some wardrobe mindfulness breaking out in my house as a result . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nutcracker-suite-debrief-and-2018-style-goals-super-long-and-deliciously-analytical#post-1873981 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 16:01:04 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1873981@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ahahaha, Sterling beat me to my response!</p> <p>I love what you've done here - you have this functional, all-occasion wardrobe that communicates a sense of character and whimsy.&nbsp; &nbsp;Love your pattern mixing, but number 5 is my absolute favorite! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nutcracker-suite-debrief-and-2018-style-goals-super-long-and-deliciously-analytical#post-1873967 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 15:33:51 +0000 Angie 1873967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WELL DONE.&nbsp;</p> <p>These are great insights, and I love that you're listening to your feelings. You have a brilliant base to work from for 2018. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nutcracker-suite-debrief-and-2018-style-goals-super-long-and-deliciously-analytical#post-1873958 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 15:15:33 +0000 SarahD8 1873958@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suz</b>, yes, I feel like lots of good first steps have happened here. So interesting that you are a "basics" buyer. I will look to your posts to see what I can learn about focusing on that category of items.</p> <p><b>rachylou</b>, I also find the role of the theme/framework very interesting. I don't think people who hadn't seen my posts here would have necessarily gotten "Nutcracker" from my outfits. But that's ok! I am thinking about your foray into "Edwardian" fashion and how well that worked, I look forward to hearing more about some of the themes you choose.</p> <p><b>Emily K</b>, I did learn a LOT. To tell the truth, I am not sure how long or how consistently I can sustain this level of analysis/engagement. I do think my wardrobe could benefit from it so I will do the best I can!</p> <p><b>Mainelady</b>, yes to "wearing warm memories." One thing that was interesting to me is that I have costume jewelry from both of my grandmothers, and in many cases they each had similar "types" of pieces. It made me wonder if there was some sort of "items every woman should own" list back then that they were both working from!</p> <p><b>Sterling</b>, you gave me a chuckle, I thought you would appreciate that! :-)</p> <p>&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nutcracker-suite-debrief-and-2018-style-goals-super-long-and-deliciously-analytical#post-1873913 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 10:41:35 +0000 Anonymous 1873913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You had me at "deliciously analytical!!!!" </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nutcracker-suite-debrief-and-2018-style-goals-super-long-and-deliciously-analytical#post-1873911 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 10:38:12 +0000 Mainelady 1873911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Delicious indeed. Your review and assessment is so thorough and well described. You have many wins to celebrate. I am so happy you found joy in wearing your grandmother’s jewelry and pieces with a narrative. I often think that items with a personal, or emotional connection make us feel even more beautiful. It is like wearing warm memories. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nutcracker-suite-debrief-and-2018-style-goals-super-long-and-deliciously-analytical#post-1873877 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 05:28:28 +0000 Emily K 1873877@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It sure seems like you learned <i><u>a lot</u></i>&nbsp;from your capsule experience. &nbsp;And it seems as if you had a lot of fun, too. &nbsp;I am inspired by what you wrote about tweaking the outfits to make them more successful or to multiply their success to other items. It all makes me think that I just need to <i><u>think</u></i> about my wardrobe more. &nbsp;You do get out what you put in, after all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nutcracker-suite-debrief-and-2018-style-goals-super-long-and-deliciously-analytical#post-1873867 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 04:15:11 +0000 rachylou 1873867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your fave outfits are my fave outfits of yours. They really had a lot of interest and pulled together well. I think it’s illuminating what you didn’t wear and what you pulled in. And finally, I love having a theme, a framework, an inspiration for putting things together. Personally, I think when I do it, the theme often doesn’t ‘show’ in an obvious way... but it does have a way of bringing things together successfully. Which is interesting to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nutcracker-suite-debrief-and-2018-style-goals-super-long-and-deliciously-analytical#post-1873843 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 02:46:41 +0000 Suz 1873843@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love that you have found joy in your grandmother's jewellery! What a delight. And it seems as if you are narrowing down some silhouettes that appeal to you and make you feel good. Also colours. Even if they are hard to find, just identifying them is a good first step.&nbsp;</p> <p>It seems to me that we all fall somewhere on this continuum when we begin: buying statements feels easy and natural and we end up with too many in our closet and can't put an outfit together OR buying essentials feels easy and natural and we can put outfits together but they bore us to tears!&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm an "essentials" buyer who struggles to add statements. You seem to be the reverse. There is no right or wrong in this but each type stands to learn something from the other.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nutcracker-suite-debrief-and-2018-style-goals-super-long-and-deliciously-analytical#post-1873839 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 02:20:03 +0000 SarahD8 1873839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Today I am wrapping up wearing my “loose 30 x 30” capsule of holiday clothing. I am switching over to a winter capsule tomorrow (January 2) — I am SO excited to be playing along with <b>Sterling</b> and others in another capsule experiment (although I will be wearing mine for longer than 30 days).</p> <p>Here are previous posts about this current capsule:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-nutcracker-suite-of-clothing-for-the-holiday-season">I</a><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-nutcracker-suite-of-clothing-for-the-holiday-season">ntroduction and what’s included&nbsp;</a></p> <p>Outfit posts: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-nutcracker-suite-outfits-part-1">one</a>, <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-nutcracker-suite-outfits-act-2">two</a>, <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-nutcracker-suite-outfits-act-3">three</a>, <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-nutcracker-suite-outfits-act-4-the-festive-climax">four</a></p> <p>I have continued to wear this capsule for this past post-Christmas week but didn’t manage to take photos of my outfits. To be honest they are not all that interesting so I am just wrapping things up here without another outfit post.</p> <p>I am also including my 2018 style goals because many of them flow directly from my experience with this capsule.</p> <p>Thank you to all who have commented on my posts, cheered me on, and helped me to discover these insights! I wish you all a beautiful 2018.</p> <p><b><br /></b></p> <p><b>By the numbers:</b></p> <p><u>Total # items worn:</u> 37</p> <p>(7 bottoms + 10 tops + 12 toppers + 8 shoes)</p> <p><u>Most worn items:</u></p> <p>(in each category, otherwise this would be all bottoms and shoes!)</p> <p>dark skinny jeans (8); black knit top, black watch plaid button-up, white tuxedo popover (4 each); gray floral sweatshirt (5); cognac riding boots (11)</p> <p><u>Items (clothing/shoes only) from initial capsule that I never wore:</u> 6</p> <p>black merino knit skirt,&nbsp;black and fuchsia layering sweaters,&nbsp;black ballet flats, black maryjane heels,&nbsp;raspberry tunic</p> <p><u>Items added:</u> 5</p> <p>From my closet — 2 (medium-wash skinny jeans; navy skirt leggings)</p> <p>New to me — 3 (pink velvet ballet flats; black patent tassel loafers; dusty plum bolero cardi — the latter of which which won’t be included in this capsule next year after all, as it is too lightweight)</p> <p>Items subtracted:</p> <p>-Raspberry tunic shirt that feels sloppy and low-quality to me (once i realized that I really didn’t like it, I decided to see if I could get by until the end of the capsule without wearing it. I could, so there is no reason to keep it in my closet.)</p> <p>-I also want to replace/upgrade my black knit. And I would still prefer if the plaid tunic had long (vs. 3/4) sleeves but replacing it feels less urgent now.</p> <p></p> <p><b>Insights from the 30 x 30 process:</b></p> <p>I have used capsule wardrobes before but have never done anything as limited (in both time and # of items) as 30 x 30.</p> <p>I like how dressing from a subset of my wardrobe and using a smaller number of items simplifies decision making and reduces overwhelm. I want to keep working on seasonal capsules going forward.</p> <p>I did not struggle with the limited number of items or get bored with my capsule. I suspect that I would if my experiment lasted much longer though. If I were to use a capsule for 2-3 months I would want a somewhat larger capsule. I am not sure exactly how much larger. TBD.</p> <p>I liked how the capsule setup stimulated me to wear slightly different versions of an outfit, or use one garment in different ways, in relatively quick succession. There’s no reason I couldn’t do that under normal circumstances but I find that if I build an outfit around a particular item and it doesn’t “work,” that item tends to fall to the back of my closet and in my mind it gets labeled as “tough to style.” Similarly if I try a new proportion or outfit formula and don’t quite nail it, I’m liable to write it off as not for me and go back to something more reliable. But here, I was motivated to ask: “what would happen if I tweaked X?” and would try that a couple days later, while the original version was still fresh in my mind. (Come to think of it, I did that with outfits that felt successful to me too — “could I do the same thing with Y?”) More close-together data points = easier for me to abstract more general principles about how to make an item or an outfit formula work.</p> <p></p> <p><b>Thoughts about the “Nutcracker Suite” capsule:</b></p> <p><u>What worked well:</u></p> </p> <ul> <li>Wearing my grandmothers’ vintage costume jewelry in everyday casual outfits. HUGE win!</li> <li>My new “fancy sweatshirt”</li> <li>Outfit formula: Crisp white shirt, skinny pants, long colored cardi, contrasting color accessories, tall boots</li> </ul> </p> <p><u>What I’m still learning about:</u></p> <p>How to style straight-leg jeans (previously I had worn pretty much exclusively skinnies and legging-style pants for years), and also those awesome new black patent tassel loafers.</p> <p><u>What I struggled with:</u></p> <p>Lack of variety in tops. Both in terms of color (3 white blouses, two of them with tuxedo pleats!) and silhouette (the cropped-cardi-over-tunic look that I’ve been kvelling about really works best with the navy/black plaid tunic). </p> <p><u>5 key pieces </u>(Not necessarily the most often worn, but the ones that most define the mood/feel/look of this capsule to me):</p> </p> <ul> <li>Black watch plaid button-up</li> <li>Lace-print cardi</li> <li>Gray floral sweatshirt</li> <li>Pink ballet flats</li> <li>Green rhinestone necklace</li> </ul> </p> <p><u>Fave outfits:</u> (see photos)</p> </p> <ul> <li>Black ponte leggings, cognac riding boots, white blouse, long plum cardi, green rhinestones</li> <li>Black dress, black tall boots, navy/black plaid tunic, gray/black floral cardi</li> <li>Dark skinny jeans, pink ballet flats, white popover, ivory cable cardi, clear rhinestones, pink/gray ballet dancer scarf</li> <li>Dark skinny jeans, black tall boots, black watch plaid button-up, lace-print scarf</li> <li>Black skirt leggings, pink ballet flats, lace tank, lace-print cardi, green rhinestones (Christmas Eve)</li> <li>Navy skirt leggings, pink ballet flats, fancy sweatshirt, vintage pink bead necklace</li> </ul> </p> <p><u>Surprise discoveries:</u></p> </p> <ul> <li>Necklace peeking out from under scarf</li> <li>Cropped cardi over tunic (over skinnies or dress)</li> <li>I like using gold jewelry or cognac footwear to “warm up” an outfit of cool colors</li> </ul> </p> <p>More generally, the power of NARRATIVE to bring pleasure to getting dressed. A piece with a story behind it (like my grandmothers’ jewelry). An outfit that alludes (gently, maybe even only something I would be aware of privately) to a literary character or historical time period. The “Nutcracker” framing and breaking the capsule up into sub-groupings that reflect this in various ways. The feeling of the week before Christmas vs. the week after Christmas, and trying to translate that into what I wear.</p> <p><u>Wardrobe holes:</u></p> </p> <ul> <li>Basic tops in a lightweight knit fabrication — black (upgrade/replacement), soft ivory, and ballet pink would be especially welcome.</li> <li>Colorful patterned woven tops — basically 2-3 tops that would duplicate the function (not the exact look) of my black watch plaid button-up. Burgundy and green would be great.</li> <li>“Sapphire” — there’s this shade of blue-violet (it’s darker and redder than cobalt, but you wouldn’t call it purple) that is one of my best colors, but I don’t currently have any in my wardrobe. It’s a rare and subtle shade, but I know it when I see it. I should always be on the lookout.</li> <li>Lighter-colored weather-appropriate shoes to wear with straight-leg jeans. Tan/cognac brogues?</li> <li>Gold “everyday fancy” earrings. Not big or glitzy but not dead basic either.</li> </ul> </p> <p>All of the items above would see wear across multiple seasons/capsules in my wardrobe.</p> <p></p> <p><b>2018 style goals:</b></p> </p> <ol> <li>Keep working on seasonal capsule wardrobes as I have just finished doing with my Holiday capsule. Define timing, color palettes, overall narrative/feel. Develop an understanding of what I am starting out with and what additions (or subtractions!) might make each capsule more balanced and functional. Be thorough and specific in my analysis. This will be my major wardrobe project for 2018.</li> <li>Enjoy the PROCESS. Remember that a capsule doesn’t have to be “perfect” to be fun to play with.</li> <li>Pay more attention to basics, especially tops. I have realized that I am a VERY emotional shopper. I feel confident about identifying “statement” pieces that project a certain image or aesthetic that appeals to me, but have not spent the time/effort/money to develop a collection of basics that can serve as the support act for such pieces. This is especially true in the case of tops. A sentence occurred to me: “Find the narrative in basics.” I am not sure what that means but it seems like good guidance.</li> <li>Master 3 different updo hairstyles to fill out my current repertoire of “ponytail” and “messy half-bun.”</li> <li>Take good care of myself. Develop a simple skin care regimen that I can do consistently and that feels effective and luxurious to me. Move my body (more). Tone my muscles!</li> <li>Take good care of my things. Mend holes promptly. Sew on buttons. Waterproof my boots. Polish my shoes. Now I <a rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/haymarketbooks/status/947331484851081217">sound like Woody Guthrie</a> and I am not sorry.</li> </ol> </p> <p>Thanks for reading! As always any comments and suggestions are most welcome.</p>