https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-my-winter-capsule Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 03 May 2026 00:30:42 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-my-winter-capsule/page/2#post-2175815 Wed, 03 Mar 2021 05:35:07 +0000 Bijou 2175815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn, sorry to hear that your EF shirt, tunic and favourite jeans have worn out. My favourite summer skirt has developed a hole and so whilst I am still wearing it around the house, its days are numbered. It just fits so well and then there is that indefinable feeling that I feel like 'me' in it. Patching, even patching well done will alter it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-my-winter-capsule/page/2#post-2175797 Wed, 03 Mar 2021 03:06:56 +0000 Jenn 2175797@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joy, here’s the info:<br /> <a href="https://www.eileenfisherrenew.com/our-story" rel="nofollow">https://www.eileenfisherrenew.com/our-story</a></p> <p>I’ve both mailed things back and dropped at a store, but I don’t know that I’ve tried since the pandemic started. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-my-winter-capsule#post-2175789 Wed, 03 Mar 2021 02:28:52 +0000 Anonymous 2175789@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn ,that is a good idea to send some old pieces back to EF. I need to get the address as I have a box going, mostly tops that are too short or too big. I think I read that they were not taking stuff due to the pandemic.. some of the things that I ordered online I wonder if I would have bought in a store.<br /> Jenn, you always look beautiful . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-my-winter-capsule#post-2175772 Wed, 03 Mar 2021 00:28:47 +0000 Jenn 2175772@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>cat2,&nbsp;</b>absolutely. A black silk blouse has been an essential for me, but I'll probably set this aside and revisit the question come next fall. Essentials change with time! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-my-winter-capsule#post-2175771 Wed, 03 Mar 2021 00:24:38 +0000 cat2 2175771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What about looking for a different long sleeve silk blouse? You don’t want to freeze your wardrobe at a particular moment in time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-my-winter-capsule#post-2175769 Wed, 03 Mar 2021 00:20:51 +0000 Jenn 2175769@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Janet,&nbsp;</b>I've done some holding zone cleanout too, but am with you on not really wanting to plan -too- much for beyond this. I don't think life in 2022 is going to look like life in 2019 did, you know?</p> <p><b>Helena,&nbsp;</b>you got it exactly. I should be used to multiple things going at once by now, but the pandemic also complicates things because it's harder to just "go out shopping" to try on a bunch of things and pick up those few items all once!</p> <p><b>JAileen,&nbsp;</b>are you enjoying being a uniform dresser?</p> <p><b>Angie,&nbsp;</b>your insight that the real reflection will come at the end of 2022 is wise. We really don't know where "normal" is going to settle out at this point. My work has been changing as well, so practicality concerns are and will be different than they were in the past, It's going to take a while for everything to shake out.</p> <p><b>Lynn,&nbsp;</b>that's intriguing, but I don't really wear short sleeves (it's pretty much below the elbow or sleeveless for me). EF does sell a sleeveless version of the same top, but I have plenty of sleeveless tops I like way better than that concept.</p> <p><b>Minaminu,&nbsp;</b>you wouldn't believe how many concerts we had tickets lined up for that were cancelled last spring. Sigh.</p> <p>As for the capsule, yes, and finding direct replacements isn't always the best. One of the advantages of wearing things completely out is that it gives you the opportunity to update and evolve when the time finally comes to let go.</p> <p><b></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-my-winter-capsule#post-2175764 Wed, 03 Mar 2021 00:08:28 +0000 Jenn 2175764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay, back!</p> <p><b>Windchime,&nbsp;</b>I honestly wouldn't buy silk from the brand of that floral dress (Tolani) again. I bought two pieces from them, and though the prints were amazing, both were way too delicate for what they cost. Alas. I would have loved for them to have been winners.</p> <p><b>Brooklyn,&nbsp;</b>replacing capsule pieces is just the worst. I think the trick is to not really try to replace them, directly, but to evolve with time. I'm just disappointed when I try to replicate with something similar. Your patch idea is along the lines of what I was thinking with visible mending, but it will change the character of the blouse. It won't be a simple, elegant piece anymore, it'll be a quirky, boho statement.</p> <p><b>shevia,&nbsp;</b>I've had no luck finding a dupe secondhand, alas. I wish I could, as that would probably have a more stomach-able price than the current equivalent from EF. I'll look again come fall, or maybe set an alert. And yes...your thoughts are exactly the same as mine on the patching. &nbsp;Could be fun, but won't be the same!</p> <p><b>Runcarla,&nbsp;</b>I really like the idea of patching with lace! I think I'll try that, along with some interfacing to shore up the silk in that area. It'll make the blouse different, stylistically, but maybe I'll still be able to enjoy wearing it a while longer that way. &nbsp;</p> <p>I do miss building travel capsules! Spring planning seems like a decent substitute, especially with the hope we'll all be out and about more in a few months. I promised myself a white dress for when restrictions are lifted, but the one I was looking at isn't offered in that color anymore. &nbsp;I'm sure I'll find an alternative.</p> <p><b>slim cat,&nbsp;</b>that's so frustrating about the deliveries! I've been lucky so far, although we pretty regularly get mail for our neighbors and they often get ours. When the mistakes are within our little small-lot development, everyone is good about dropping parcels on the correct doorstep.</p> <p><b>Joy,&nbsp;</b>it's too bad that EF doesn't have a program to patch/mend pieces for you, isn't it? I have turned several worn-out items back in to them for their refurb program, and they issue a small ($5) credit, so I do have a few of those saved up on gift cards for a new purchase!</p> <p>And yes, I'm kind of tired of virtual events at this point. I'd rather just wait.</p> <p><b>Sal,&nbsp;</b>I think you're exactly right about the "crisp, high contrast" thing. I was actually just admiring the color of the denim you have on in your most recent post. &nbsp;I think that's my favorite sort of wash.</p> <p><b>rachylou,&nbsp;</b>I know I talked about linen above, but I honestly wonder if spring might end up being colder than winter here. LA officially got NO rain in February, but June-uary is still to come!</p> <p><b>Fashintern,&nbsp;</b>see above for the tailoring issues. I miss having a real winter, but honestly the weather here right now is just the BEST. I can not complain about it being 72 every afternoon, but chilly enough to cuddle up in the evenings. &nbsp;I just wish there were more occasion for going out at night.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>nemosmom,&nbsp;</b>you nailed it. &nbsp;It's like the weather and the pandemic are conspiring to make every day the same!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-my-winter-capsule#post-2175698 Tue, 02 Mar 2021 19:02:25 +0000 Minaminu 2175698@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn, this is another inspirational post! A functional small wardrobe is a great joy but as soon as a great piece nneds to be retired, there is a great hole in the capsule and personally I find very difficult to quickly find a replacement.</p> <p>I think it's safe to say that 2020 (and part of 2021) has been so unprecedented that it is difficult is use it as a benchmark for planning the next chapter of the wardrobe, let alone to dress as if we are all going to a concert or something else! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-my-winter-capsule#post-2175677 Tue, 02 Mar 2021 18:24:59 +0000 Jenn 2175677@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So many insightful comments! Thank you!</p> <p><b>Cardiff Girl, &nbsp;</b>"redundant clothing" is such a good descriptor. We are finally starting to do outdoor things again now that our "holiday surge" has been tamped down, and even that has made a difference in my interest in getting dressed. Hoping things only get better from here!</p> <p><b>Laura,&nbsp;</b>good point! I could further subdivide the seasons, but I don't think I have enough clothing to really make that worthwhile. This capsule is about a quarter of my wardrobe, and actually maybe even a bit more, given that I pull in other shoes, accessories, and tees from time to time.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Suz,&nbsp;</b>I did check on eBay for a replacement blouse, but I didn't go so far as to set an alert or anything. The current collection has a similar piece that I'm considering (see Find). I have to think hard on it, because it's $$$. I'll probably wait until next fall to make a replacement decision. &nbsp;Sometimes, it's better to just let beloved pieces go than to put that much pressure on a replacement...and it's not like black silk blouses are going to disappear from the earth anytime soon! And, as you said, next year's needs are going to be way different than this year's!</p> <p><b>LaPed,&nbsp;</b>you're right that I'm still looking for olive utility pants. &nbsp;I've tried on several, but no luck yet. That thermal would probably look great with the olive, though. &nbsp;Maybe next fall! </p> <p>I have a complex relationship with black jeans. &nbsp;The last pair I owned was several years ago, and I ended up letting them go with &lt; 30 wears. &nbsp;For whatever reason (maybe the color was too crisp?) they just didn't work for me. I've thought about trying again with a more worn-in wash, but I also really <i>really</i> don't like gray on myself. I love it on others, but it makes me feel washed out and bleh when I wear it. Feels like a balancing act to get it right.</p> <p>(out of time for commenting right now, but I'll be back later this afternoon!)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-my-winter-capsule#post-2175653 Tue, 02 Mar 2021 17:43:01 +0000 Lynn 2175653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn, if the rest of the blouse is in good shape what about just shortening the sleeves. You could also crop the length if the longer length looks off with the shorter sleeve.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-my-winter-capsule#post-2175362 Mon, 01 Mar 2021 17:47:43 +0000 Jenn 2175362@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachylou- I’ve set almost all my linen aside. That will be fun to pull back out for summer! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-my-winter-capsule#post-2175360 Mon, 01 Mar 2021 17:46:14 +0000 Jenn 2175360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Posting from my phone in the car (not the driver!), so I’ll have to come back for full responses, but I wanted to answer a few questions.</p> <p>Fashintern- the dry cleaner/tailor in my neighborhood closed permanently early in the pandemic, and I haven’t been motivated to explore further afield in the city.<br /> Jaileen - it’s definitely fabrics weakened from wear. The EF blouse wore through at the elbow. The floral tunic tore across the rear where I was sitting on it, but you. An see the fabric thinning through the whole area. The jeans wore through at the inner thigh. This is a price I’m willing to pay in exchange for the look/feel of more delicate fabrics. I know a silk blouse won’t last as long as a flannel one, but it’s still sad to see the end. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-my-winter-capsule#post-2175355 Mon, 01 Mar 2021 17:23:50 +0000 Angie 2175355@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*SOBBING about the blouse*</p> <p>:(</p> <p>Almost everything has been some type of moving target the last year. You can't make the stuff up!&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Jenn</b>, planning and reflecting on our wardrobes and styles is good for the mind, body and soul, and keeps our spirits up - (at least, it does mine). You've learned some useful things that pave the way forward -&nbsp; for a bit anyway! We are still in a type of survival mode this year, and doing whatever it takes to stay safe, healthy, sane, and put food on the table. We can't plan too far in advance, but simply do the best we can so that things feel more "normal". You are doing just that. GOOD JOB :)</p> <p>The REAL reflections - at least for me - will come at the end of <i>2022, </i>(not 2021) <i></i>when things have normalized and we've made permanent changes after a year of actually living them. It will be very interesting!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-my-winter-capsule#post-2175342 Mon, 01 Mar 2021 16:32:03 +0000 JAileen 2175342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I wear the same thing every day - hiking pants and a sweatshirt. &nbsp;I have added new things, but haven’t been wearing them, except for the occasional outing. &nbsp;But how&nbsp;are you tearing your clothes? &nbsp;Are the fabrics weakened from wear? &nbsp;Is it while you’re working? &nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-my-winter-capsule#post-2175315 Mon, 01 Mar 2021 14:58:43 +0000 Helena 2175315@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Sal said - it's not you, its the pandemic! The fatigue is real, and it's infiltrating everything - even clothing. Even the enjoyment of guilt-free sweatpants is gone!</p> <p>You are SO good at wardrob-ing (verb?!?) - but it's tough when a few things decide to go at once and you almost new 'glue' to pull it back together. It will come - be patient with yourself x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-my-winter-capsule#post-2175314 Mon, 01 Mar 2021 14:47:53 +0000 Janet 2175314@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can relate to the feelings of being largely uninspired, and how items that got worn a ton last year went totally unworn this year. My recent editing efforts have concentrated on items from the holding zone that I'm finally giving up, and more dressy pieces that are unlikely to be useful even if life returns to something like "normal" post-pandemic.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have thought about doing a little experiment in which I pull out my wardrobe and separate pieces according to activity, to see exactly how much I have that suits a dressier lifestyle. I know I have come a long way in ending the shopping for an imaginary lifestyle, but I need to continue to be real about what I need and use.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-my-winter-capsule#post-2175312 Mon, 01 Mar 2021 14:44:12 +0000 nemosmom 2175312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your reflection posts so much, Jenn!&nbsp; Everything you said was bang-on.&nbsp; Dressing for seasons becomes a major challenge when those seasons are less obvious (ok, more like non-existent).&nbsp; And, the pandemic just amplifies all the challenges that come with dressing, lifestyle, socializing, etc.&nbsp; I hope this year is different from last year...&nbsp; for so many reasons...&nbsp; I am with you on feeling uninspired, too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-my-winter-capsule#post-2175291 Mon, 01 Mar 2021 11:46:09 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2175291@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can relate to the endless summer far more than I’d like. In Florida, early morning was the only time there was any hope of cooler weather (but down to 50s was rare), so the specifics seem to be different, but still, I think I know the general feeling. Glad to hear the capsules are helping. I can also relate to small reasons being enough to put me off a thing. I don’t think “well, I can’t wear that anymore”, but as you describe, I just skip over things with minor difficulties again and again until I realize there’s a little collection of such items in my closet. </p> <p>About the blouse, I had a similar thought as Brooklyn about the patching, but with embroidery. You could do/have done a lovely pattern that “happens” to cover up the hole. </p> <p>Is there no place to drop off the tunic to have it made into a blouse, or is that your preference? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-my-winter-capsule#post-2175275 Mon, 01 Mar 2021 06:39:06 +0000 Anonymous 2175275@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is hard even to invent events. Any get together is most likely to be done on Zoom. Social with neighbors? Forget it. No one would attend. I look forward to being able to go to church! Sorry about the rant. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-my-winter-capsule#post-2175271 Mon, 01 Mar 2021 06:13:21 +0000 rachylou 2175271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How do you think you’ll change things up for summer?</p> <p>This has just been a weird year. I didn’t wear any of my sweaters at all it feels like, and they’ve always been a big chunk of my closet. All looks have become one look: bakery wear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-my-winter-capsule#post-2175267 Mon, 01 Mar 2021 05:29:48 +0000 Sal 2175267@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ugh - it’s not you, it’s the pandemic. </p> <p>It does hurt to retire favourites and when you are wearing them a lot it happens of course. I have had to retire several workhorses this year.</p> <p>I think washed black denim could be really great for you. I like dark denim but find mid wash much easier to incorporate and mix and match. I think it’s because you and I don’t have that crisp high contrast look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-my-winter-capsule#post-2175266 Mon, 01 Mar 2021 05:26:31 +0000 Anonymous 2175266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ack! I lost my post! Basically, I found that Californians stay stylish by replacing the worn out items with a version in the latest style. Most things get lots of wear because they can be worn year round.<br /> I also have some EF that needs mending or patching, much loved taupe silk/ linen pants that have a ripped out knee due to toddler chasing. I will be watching to see how your blouse turns out. Any patch on mine will show so it needs to be beautiful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-my-winter-capsule#post-2175264 Mon, 01 Mar 2021 04:34:06 +0000 slim cat 2175264@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nodding along reading about retiring good capsule pieces - for me it's often related to fav shoes ( don't have enough - wear the ones I have to the ground ). Can't replace certain jeans right now - waiting for the new things to come to the stores in late spring ( on-line shopping getting more frustrating &nbsp;- 2 packages were "delivered" but not to me ) . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-my-winter-capsule#post-2175261 Mon, 01 Mar 2021 04:11:03 +0000 Carla 2175261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Along the lines of &nbsp;Brooklyn’s suggestion, would a lace insert or overlay work for the EF top? &nbsp;I’m thinking it would maintain the elegant vibe.</p> <p>I experienced some unexpected turnover of favourite items in January, but whilst doing some reconnaissance for S/S I stumbled upon the end of season sales and did a late winter refresh.* &nbsp;In keeping with a recent style review, I opted for changing things up with some new-to-me silhouettes. &nbsp;Also, not feeling&nbsp;<i>blue&nbsp;</i>jeans atm, so (like LaPed) the blacks are in heavy rotation. &nbsp;However, I see from your capsule (23 items (!) per the link) that you have mostly black, and the light wash of the jeans acts as an accent colour. &nbsp;The dark wash jeans (nice as they are) don’t really fill that role.</p> <p>I like your idea of curating a special capsule for spring. &nbsp;Will you change up the ratio of black-to-coloured items? &nbsp;</p> </p> <p> <div>*I don’t normally shop in Jan/Feb, and am more focused on assembling travel capsules for late winter vacations. &nbsp;Instead, it was an 8 week lockdown from Dec. 26 to Feb. 21, so wardrobe ‘management’ was a pleasurable escape.</div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-my-winter-capsule#post-2175254 Mon, 01 Mar 2021 03:31:12 +0000 Jaime 2175254@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As always, I follow along with my wardrobe alter ego with great interest. I definitely second the idea of finding a duplicate for your favorite top on ebay (home to all things EF) or otherwise. The beauty of a top like that is its quality, elegance and non-showiness so a repair or patch, which are both ideas with potential, will transform it functionally imho.<br />Agree completely that this year is no year to judge going out pieces. Let's hope that next year is another story. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-my-winter-capsule#post-2175251 Mon, 01 Mar 2021 02:15:37 +0000 Brooklyn 2175251@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve taken a capsule approach to my wardrobe over summer and it’s been a raging success. (I can’t believe I’m actually saying that.) But my capsule is based on a particular outfit formula rather than seasonally based because so many of my items are trans seasonal. (Plus I have a bigger wardrobe.) </p> <p>I hear you on the sadness of retiring good capsule pieces. I have a checked asymmetrical skirt I’ve been wearing around 3 times a week over summer. Maybe more. I’m actually petrified of getting a hole in it now, it’s so hard to replace. Already the shirring around the waist is going, but I think that’s fixable.</p> <p>I had 2 thoughts about your EF top:<br /> * take it to a tailor and have a copycat made (obviously when the pandemic permits). I’m considering this with my skirt.<br /> * patchwork. Hear me out! I did this once with a favourite pair of jeans that developed holes. You can get iron on patches in dark florals and other interesting designs (Etsy). The key to it, I think, is to more than just cover the hole. That is, you have to create an intentional design around the hole using more patches than you need. But I think the silk fabric may be too delicate for this treatment? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-my-winter-capsule#post-2175241 Mon, 01 Mar 2021 00:35:40 +0000 Windchime 2175241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve been back to work a few days a week for several months, but I still completely relate to your feeling of “not feeling well-dressed right now.” For me, I think it’s partly to do with lack of accessories. &nbsp;Earrings, necklaces, and/or scarves feel like too much with a mask, so none of my outfits feel completed to me.&nbsp;<br /><div><br /></div><div>Capsules do help focus on the usefulness—or not—of each piece in them, and they can help pinpoint wardrobe holes. I love your black floral print dress; it’s a shame the fabric isn’t more resilient!&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-my-winter-capsule#post-2175240 Mon, 01 Mar 2021 00:27:45 +0000 LaPed 2175240@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Seasonless dressing is harder than it looks, especially with a pandemic thrown in. I can imagine how all the days would start to blur together, and totally understand the appeal of small capsules for a few weeks or months at a time in your situation. I can't wait to see what you put together for nominal spring.</p> <p>Your observations about dark wash vs light wash denim are really interesting; I've struggled with blue jeans feeling off in a lot of my outfits this year and find myself reaching for faded black instead (that's what I'd put on with that cool floral thermal). I wonder if black or grey jeans are something that would have a place in your closet. Or new olive pants -- I think I remember you were trying to replace a pair of utility joggers?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-my-winter-capsule#post-2175235 Sun, 28 Feb 2021 23:48:45 +0000 Suz 2175235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting reflections, <b>Jenn</b>. I can see what you mean about the jeans. Sometimes the wash makes a real difference to how an outfit looks and feels.&nbsp;</p> <p>What a shame about the blouse. I wonder if it would be worth seeking out a replacement on ebay. Or just checking to see EF's new season and whether she will be making something similar.&nbsp;</p> <p>"&nbsp;<b>I'm not feeling "well-dressed" right now."<br /></b><br />Wow, can I relate. My winter was almost entirely gear all the time, because of my injury, I had to do physio at different times of day and then spend time on my bike at odd hours whenever I could find a moment when it wasn't raining. I hardly put on real clothes at all. It felt impractical and I just wasn't in the headspace to do it. No energy for outfit creation and no real use.&nbsp;</p> <p>Well, the spring should be a bit better. But I definitely cannot judge my needs for the future from this year's experience. Not at all.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflecting-on-my-winter-capsule#post-2175233 Sun, 28 Feb 2021 23:47:09 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 2175233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been trying to liven up pandemic dressing fatigue with a similar approach, so I appreciate your thoughts. One option could be to split the seasons further - cross-quarters instead of quarters, or six seasons in a year. </p>