https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-br-capsule-take-two-linked-to-photos Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 07:16:21 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-br-capsule-take-two-linked-to-photos#post-754318 Mon, 22 Oct 2012 16:48:34 +0000 Carole 754318@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, you did it again! This is another amazing capsule that you've created with things already in your closet. Impressive. I especially love the plaid shirtdress and can't for the life of me see why it was an orphan. I quite like the skirt, too, but see how the sash makes it a little trickier to work with. I'm thinking with a little sewing magic you could replace the sash with a button closure or maybe just a little smaller sash.</p> <p>At any rate, you seem to have a real flare for this and it is so very inspiring. It seems, also, that you have been a smart shopper and have things that work and play so well together. It doesn't hurt that you are Absolutley beautiful and everything looks fabulous on you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-br-capsule-take-two-linked-to-photos#post-754061 Mon, 22 Oct 2012 06:28:44 +0000 Ingunn 754061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mirp, using someone else's pictures is often very helpful for me, too. I'm glad you can use mine! </p> <p>Gaylene, thank you for pointing that out! I guess it's the teacher in me;) My husband often tease me with my "teacher-y" ways of explaining things! And you are spot on in regard to the teacher's style or lack thereof. I find that no matter what you do, the students will comment on it: Too much, too little, too vain, too sloppy etc. It's best to try to shut most of it out, and behave and dress in a way that's preserves your integrity.</p> <p>MNsara, thank you, I'm glad you liked it! Well, pear is what my measurements tell me, but I guess I'm rather an hourglass with pear tendencies. </p> <p>Caro, the fit &amp; style issues had crossed my mind, but both of these garments have qualities that I like, too. I find that the skirt looks really nice with the tops I've paired it with here, and the tunic is comfy and wearable. My daughters pointed out yesterday that I should wear it more often, because they liked me in it. That's nice to hear, of course. </p> <p>Ariadne, thank you for saying that. I think that's exactly why I struggle with casual, too - it just doesn't feel as fab. The necklace in question is enclosed here, if you want to see it more closely. I's a metal chain with small black pearls. </p> <p>Shevia, thanks! I deliberately left out the jacket in several of my examples to avoid that it would all read the same. In real life, we would swap out the jackets more anyway, wouldn't we? </p> <p>Amiable,thanks a lot - and get started rather sooner than later:)</p> <p>Sinead, being methodical is very helpful sometimes. I've learned a lot form this. I hope to keep it up with a few capsules every season. I'm glad you found it helpful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-br-capsule-take-two-linked-to-photos#post-754006 Mon, 22 Oct 2012 04:21:40 +0000 sinead 754006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is so helpful, Ingunn. After dedicating so much of my shopping to business casual, I'm finding it hard to readjust to casual-smart casual. And I'm so impressed with the methodical way you went about this! You can have a very effortlessly chic look, so it's helpful to see just how much effort can go into it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-br-capsule-take-two-linked-to-photos#post-753952 Mon, 22 Oct 2012 01:57:30 +0000 amiable 753952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! I love these and love the work you put into these. Now I have to do it myself. I hope I get to soon! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-br-capsule-take-two-linked-to-photos#post-753929 Mon, 22 Oct 2012 01:32:56 +0000 Jaime 753929@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your outfits are all so interesting and successful! The fact they are from a limited set of clothes is just amazing. It really takes some double takes to realize you are working with only 2 jackets for example. I guess my main reaction is great outfits, regardless of the number of pieces involved, and then admiration for your doing this with so few items. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-br-capsule-take-two-linked-to-photos#post-753913 Mon, 22 Oct 2012 01:10:06 +0000 Ariadne 753913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ingunn, wow, I am just so impressed again! You look amazing in all these outfits. I am kind of in love with the sash on the skirt but I can see why it makes it more difficult to style so I wouldn't hesitate to have it removed if that woud mean you wore it more often.</p> <p>It's interesting to me that while I love ALL these outfits, I'm most drawn to the more smart casual ones. That helps me understand why I struggle with feeling fab in casual outfits that fit my super-casual lifestyle. I just *really* like smart casual looks! I'm envious of your killer blazer that looks so great with jeans.</p> <p>What is the necklace in #1? I don't see a close-up pic of it alone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-br-capsule-take-two-linked-to-photos#post-753878 Mon, 22 Oct 2012 00:25:29 +0000 Caro in Oz 753878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love all your outfits &amp; if you can tweek the skirt &amp; tunic so you love them that would be great. It is interesting that you hadn't been wearing those pieces - did you know it was because of the fit &amp; style issues before you completed this process? Or was it only after you tried to use them here that you understood the problems with them?<br /> I think some of us find casual more difficult because we need structure somewhere on our bodies. I know I always look better in a jacket than I do in a less structured top &amp; this always makes me more dressed up than most people in a casual setting.<br /> Thanks so much for sharing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-br-capsule-take-two-linked-to-photos#post-753769 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 19:06:44 +0000 MNsara 753769@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WOW! I'm catching up and went back to check out your first BR-capsule thread along with this one. Again, WOW!</p> <p>I am so impressed with your taking BRs pics and translating them into your closet and your own outfits!! </p> <p>I don't know that I prefer one capsule over the other. I think the idea of the two capsules just means you'll have more outfit needs and outfit moods covered! It seems like you're ready for just about any situation here -- and that has to feel pretty awesome :-)</p> <p>I actually love the texture and seasonal feel of the suede skirt and don't *mind* the sash, but I bet a tailor could stitch part of the sash in place, etc. and it would be even easier to wear.</p> <p>The way you've written out your interpretation is SO helpful too. (How come on my own I can't see the 50% neutral type thing . . . !!??) Thank you !!!!!</p> <p>P.S. Pear? really? All I see is hourglass. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-br-capsule-take-two-linked-to-photos#post-753762 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 18:49:33 +0000 Gaylene 753762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ingunn, your approach makes so much sense and the way you've broken down your thinking makes the process so much more accessible. I love all of your outfits, and I can see how this method would make easier to figure out why some items become orphans, while others become workhorses.</p> <p>And, with regard to teaching, I agree that it presents some unique wardrobe challenges. I started my teaching career working with 12-15 year-olds and very quickly learned how my students' perceptions and judgements of my appearance could influence our interaction in the classroom. Adding to the complexity, most of us also realize quite early in our careers that parents, administrators, and colleagues also make judgements about us based on how we dress and that these judgements can make or break careers. Too formal can be judged as harshly as too casual--and that sweet spot of professional yet approachable, casual yet polished, and functional yet fashionable--is not an easy target. Maybe that's why so many teachers just give up, or resort to an unchanging "uniform"? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-br-capsule-take-two-linked-to-photos#post-753740 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 18:06:58 +0000 Mirp 753740@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you so much for posting this. It is inspirational. Ihave been playing with my capsule and you are right it would take a few hours for me to document it. I'm glad I have your pictures to look at. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-br-capsule-take-two-linked-to-photos#post-753736 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 17:25:09 +0000 Ingunn 753736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, thank you for your generosity:) I AM proud now. Your comments and selection of outfits are very useful to me, thank you for taking your time. </p> <p>CC, thank you for pointing that out. I hadn't thought of it this way. It would feel very awkward to stop shopping for an entire year, so I'm not aiming for that, though, but what I do like is that it's now easier to decide what I need to acquire first. </p> <p>Cheryl, I'm very happy that you liked this! </p> <p>Shiny, thank you for commenting and for posting your own capsule in the other thread - I hope to see some photos eventually! Casual vs smart casual is tricky, and from my point of view it's really not a very important distinction to anyone but me. At work, people will wear almost anything from very smart casual outfits to sloppy and ûber casual ones. Fortunately, more and more of my colleagues now dress really well, and that is an important contribution to gaining respect from the students, in my opinion. If you look professional, people are more likely to treat you like one. But casual and polished, that can be difficult. Sometimes I just feel like surrendering the waist, feeling comfy without any fuss, but still look good. That's more challenging than wearing a blazer and skirt indeed.</p> <p>I agree that a geometric pattern like stripes or plaid can make a big difference. A tartan/plaid shirt is now much higher up on my shopping list, after today. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-br-capsule-take-two-linked-to-photos#post-753722 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 16:53:45 +0000 shiny 753722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like this version even better than the first, and the reason is that it seems more personalized and unique, because you've chosen such interesting pieces! Like the two skirts and the tunic. Oh wait.. .ONE skirt and tunic! How clever! </p> <p>I also struggle with casual vs smart casual. I have been filling in that gap-- "casual"-- recently and for that I do find the VF examples helpful. When I want to go casual, it is normally on days when I am just not in the mood to over-think too much, so the VF "just add accessories" approach appeals. </p> <p>The other lesson from this whole exercise, for me, is what a difference having a striped (or plaid, in your example here) or otherwise geometric-print top works. I tend to overdo it on the solid tops, OR way-too-memorable prints. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-br-capsule-take-two-linked-to-photos#post-753719 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 16:46:01 +0000 cheryl 753719@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is great. They are all winners and I like this combo better than the first you did. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-br-capsule-take-two-linked-to-photos#post-753685 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 15:22:57 +0000 Classically Casual 753685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ingunn, thanks so much for these postings. It's so inspiring to see all your lovely outfits created from a real life wardrobe. And it helps me understand why on the VF, Janice says she won't need to shop again for a year. And like many others, I prefer the addition of prints &amp; colors. Thank you also for tackling casual, I agree it's more difficult than dressy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-br-capsule-take-two-linked-to-photos#post-753677 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 15:07:05 +0000 Angie 753677@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ALL outfits are 100% successful, Ingunn. WOW successful, so that should make you feel very proud. I like the tartan with the patterned tights too. The tunic is roomy so I don't mind the length with hose. I hear you on not wanting to look too casual though. </p> <p>My personal faves are:</p> <p>#3, 4, 6, 8,11 and 12.</p> <p>KILLER looks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-br-capsule-take-two-linked-to-photos#post-753674 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 14:57:20 +0000 Queen Mum 753674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>thanks Ingunn, I think I will download and pin... just didn't want to do it without your permission. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-br-capsule-take-two-linked-to-photos#post-753673 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 14:55:36 +0000 Ingunn 753673@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Queen Mum, we double posted! Thank you very much for assessing the outfits. If you don't manage to pin, feel free to download, or make a screen capture if you like. I'm very happy if this is useful to others, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-br-capsule-take-two-linked-to-photos#post-753672 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 14:53:27 +0000 Ingunn 753672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sarah, thanks! I hear you about the sash, and my conviction about altering this skirt is growing. I normally prefer clothes with few details and simple shapes on myself. </p> <p>Angie, I'm very happy that you approve! I agree that this is very clarifying for me, and as I said to Mo, the exercise separates the needs from the wants, which is very helpful. I do think I could wear #7 and #10 again, but not for work. #7 is not really working because of the patterned tights, so that's the first I would swap. I find the tunic too short for workwear when it is not paired with jeggings or pants. #10 is better, but I think it is more casual than I'm comfortable with - as workwear, that is. I'm curious, too: Which outfits do you find most successful? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-br-capsule-take-two-linked-to-photos#post-753671 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 14:47:00 +0000 Queen Mum 753671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! This is amazing! I love every single one of these outifts! I tried to pin it, but it wouldn't work ;-(</p> <p>As for the casual factor, I'd say you have a great mix of casual/smart casual here. 1,4,6 and 11 strike me as falling closer to the smart casual end of the spectrum. But these are all so fab, and I love the variety of silhouettes you created here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-br-capsule-take-two-linked-to-photos#post-753670 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 14:44:25 +0000 Angie 753670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Brilliant and good job! You played in your wardrobe, got out your capsules, and created outfits! THAT'S HOW TO DO IT!! Now you have a much clearer sense of what to wear, what's missing and what to add into your capsules. </p> <p>I'm curious. Why won't you wear #7 and #10 again? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-br-capsule-take-two-linked-to-photos#post-753666 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 14:40:21 +0000 sarah 753666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I didn't get to comment on your previous post, but I think that this is so much fun. My faves are: 2, 4, 5, 8, 12. You've got a great sense of style. I'm not super fond of the suede skirt, because of the sash - it's kind of overwhelming. I see what you think about the tunic, but I still think it's cute over the jeans in the first row.</p> <p>Well done! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-br-capsule-take-two-linked-to-photos#post-753645 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 14:14:04 +0000 Ingunn 753645@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Krista, I totally agree! For me too, it is a lot easier to dress up than to dress down, and I envy those who manage to look very casual but still polished. How do they do that? Thanks for the assessment of my tunic. It has great color and pattern, but there is something odd with the shape, so I'm considering having it altered. It is wide and adds volume to my hips, and as a pear-shaped person, that's not the most flattering silhouette for me.</p> <p>Ceit, thank you! I do actually find this very exciting (is it obvious?) I also liked very much doing patchwork some years back, so combining pattern, color and texture is not new to me. </p> <p>Jjsloane, thank you so much for your feedback! I have been thinking along the same lines as you regarding the sash on the suede skirt. I think the sash is the main reason I don't love it as much. To alter it could be tricky, though, so I must ask for professional advice, I guess. It is wrapped, and I need the sash to keep it together now. But if it's doable, I think the skirt will look more timeless and streamlined. </p> <p>Mo, you are so right about the importance of textures. In this capsule, I have included a woven printed top in polyester and a striped knit in viscose. The knit drapes better than my cotton one does, and that makes it better suited for tucking/semi-tucking. The print is very thin, which makes layering easier. For this capsule, I'm good, but if I were to make #3, I'd quickly run into trouble. Do I need more than two? I don't know yet. I'm quickly discovering the actual holes in my wardrobe now, instead of the wants! Regarding remixing - if the selection in the capsule were larger, I could easily do a 30X30 or something. Let's say I combined the two BR capsules, that would do the trick. But to make an infinite number of outfits based on a core of very similar basics would feel like uniform dressing. As much as I admire the VF files' capsules, I think that they lack the variety that keeps everything interesting. At least to me, it makes much more sense to handle smaller capsules at a time. If I've understood Angie right, this is more in her line of thinking, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-br-capsule-take-two-linked-to-photos#post-753640 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 13:50:01 +0000 Mo 753640@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not sure if this happened for you, but I found similar textures a problem when I was doing my casual version of this. My cotton striped top in particular would have been so much better as a fine gauge sweater or a viscose knit. My casual wear version ended up being mostly cotton, and the lack of varied textures was noticeable for me. I am actually now thinking I need a printed long sleeved woven top in my closet after doing this exercise!<br /> Kudos to you for having the patience to do this twice! And I do agree, after a certain number of remixes, it does start to look the same, even if it is technically different. That's a question I asked about on my repetition vs variety thread. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-br-capsule-take-two-linked-to-photos#post-753635 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 13:31:31 +0000 Jjsloane 753635@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are amazing - I've been watching all of these posts with interest and when time allows I will be copying! I think all these outfits are great and only think the very first is kind of casual. The rest are all very smart casual (but could also be considered dressy for others - it can be very relative) I like the tunic, but would consider shortening it unless you can wear it as a dress with tights and boots and then recommend that. The brown skirt is nice - does the sash need to be on it or can it be removed? That's the only part I'm not loving.<br /> Keep up the great work - this is very inspiring. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-br-capsule-take-two-linked-to-photos#post-753631 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 13:22:01 +0000 Anonymous 753631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like these combos even more! You have a real knack for this, Ingunn. I like the tunic and the skirt a lot! You look great and you are so inspiring. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-br-capsule-take-two-linked-to-photos#post-753630 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 13:19:00 +0000 Krista 753630@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! I loved every single one of those outfits - especially the plaid tunic. That's a keeper, in my mind.<br /> I understand your conflict between casual and smart casual. I would call these outfits smart casual, but I would still wear them in casual situations. I personally can't do completely casual outfits and wear them in public - I never feel dressed properly. I always revert to smart casual, unless I'm at home or I'm walking the dog.<br /> I love how you organized all of the outfits and tried them on in multiple ways. What a great exercise, Ingunn! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-br-capsule-take-two-linked-to-photos#post-753620 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 13:00:57 +0000 Ingunn 753620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm surfing on a wave of inspiration and have created a new version of the Banana Republic capsule, this time with more focus on casual wear and more climate appropriate selections. I've also included two closet orphans this time, and I hope you can help me decide wether they are keepers. The items in question are the brown suede skirt and the plaid tunic. </p> <p>I would really appreciate your verdict on how casual these outfits really are. I find that I struggle a bit with coming to terms with the difference between casual and smart casual, and to me, some of these outfits are more formal than others, but are they still casual? </p> <p>To simplify a little, I'm linking to my note instead of uploading all the photos to this site.<br /> <a href="https://www.evernote.com/shard/s37/sh/02b9b1ef-1e73-42a1-a9fb-0cd600d786f5/4fce807621924cd1c9ec59c90ee2e8af" rel="nofollow">https://www.evernote.com/shard.....c90ee2e8af</a></p> <p>All comments are appreciated. Thanks for looking! </p>