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30 pce capsuling/challenge

Anonymous

I swore I was not going to get sucked into making a list of pieces....but I understand the value of making yourself accountable. As I've mentioned a few times recently - so ignore this part if you've heard me before - I've been doing the capsule "system" for about 3 months now. It started out by accident : I was attempting to do a full-closet edit and bought myself a nifty IKEA rolling rack (a la Lee Vosburg) , and set to work. I could not keep up with a full-on edit so decided to start wearing just my black, white and grey things for the months of April and May. I put all of my good stuff on the rack and went to work - every day I'd pick a piece to base an outfit around, and if it or anything else chosen was no longer a 10/10 for fit /flattery, I ditched it. My donation bag grew almost daily. By June 1 I was tired of black and grey, especially with the weather changing, and wanted to move to another grouping : navy, pale blue and olive green. I'm into that capsule right now and it's still working marvellously. I wear pieces I used to ignore or had forgotten about, and am quickly weeding out clothes I don't want anymore. I'm being ruthless as nothing looks better than a clean, minimal rolling rack that's not stuffed with "stuff". Of course when there is something special I want to dress for, I'll pick a piece (usually black as that's what my most of my "going out" pieces are) that's not necessarily on the rolling rack and I'm not setting big rules for myself here. But again - this is fabulous for someone like me who doesn't need a ton of variety , is happy repeating outfits over and over again, and who is ready to switch up after 8 weeks and move on to something new. This also works if your closet is not all one colour - or one colour palette. I am not looking for wardrobe holes to fill; instead , I'm taking the opposite approach and looking for solutions to those perceived "needs" from within my own closet.

Right now this is what I'm wearing until the end of July:

2 denim dresses
1 olive green dress
I navy/ivory print dress
I or 2 pair of jeans
I pair white jeans
3 jackets (1 blazer and 2 bombers)
I pair olive green loose fit pants (dressier)
4-5 different t's/tanks - mix of dressier and more casual/minimal
I pale blue slouchy drapey fine knit open front sweater
1 navy s/s blouse
2 pr nude sandals (one dressier one more casual)
1 pair pale blue suede sandals
1 baby blue leather purse
1 olive green leather purse
1 pair slouchy navy trousers
white Birks
white Stan Smiths
cognac mules

I'm not considering weekend /uber casual clothes here as mine follow no discernible colour scheme - ha. Neither does my workout wear . Shoes and bags are accounted for above, jewellery is not.

Not sure yet what I'll be doing for August/September, but probably will stay on course with the colours and pieces I am wearing now.

Dressing

32 replies

Latest reply was from

JAileen

Veteran

Are you going to post pictures? I love your color scheme. I'm wearing pale blue and navy right now. I wore grey a lot last year and now I don't want to wear it. It's unfortunate because nearly everything I have is grey. But maybe I will when it cools off.

Sal

Veteran

I love this plan, pleased it is working! These colours will be great on you.

I seem to subconsciously have moved into a bit a a neutral stage - lots of black, some camel accents, denim and the odd other accent. It works for me because all my pants are black or denim in winter....

Suz

(website)

Veteran

This sounds great, Lisa! I hope you snap some photos. I like the idea of the 6 week or 2 month rotation.

I couldn't do precisely this because my whole wardrobe is the same colour. Well, not completely, but just about. Yet I still feel I have some "holes" -- mainly due to playing with silhouette, i.e. wider bottoms (wide leg crops and a pleated midi) and higher waisted pants generally mean I need different tops (even if they are all the same colour).

But it sounds super appealing, which suggests that maybe I need to inject more colour into my mainly neutral closet. I have so much white and blue and almost nothing else!!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, also...if you have seen any great cognac sandals...or red ones, please let me know. I am still looking. Without any success whatever locally.

Anonymous

Suz - I have been looking for red too, and to no avail. I'm done looking for this summer now though. The faux croc cognac mules/slides are new (went against every one of my promises to myself, which is why I haven't worn them yet....guilt ) from Kors. I know you don't care for mules though. The only other cognac ones I saw that were even worth trying on are suede crossover front block heeled mules from Sam Edelman ( I think). I tried them on at the Bay- but ultimately decided they looked old-ladyish on me.

I have far fewer silhouettes to wear than you do - and that keeps my wardrobe holes to a minimum. I'm not interested in the new cropped and wide legged, and high waisted stuff- so thankfully am not looking for new tops to work with them. Those bottoms look like crap on me. Experimenting is and was too detrimental to my budget and I am perfectly happy with my look as it is for the time being . I had one pair of cropped wide leg linen pants (same ones that Elizabeth P has) in my first capsule and didn't really have a ton to wear with them, admittedly.

Sally - your sounds like the perfect winter palette, and easy too. My kind of collection.

JAileen - pics of my pieces? No , I cannot imagine laying them all out to photograph and I haven't been keeping up with creating finds for everything I have. And posting pics of me in outfits? Doubt that will happen either - lol. I am SO with you regarding grey. I cannot tell you how many grey tanks and t's I have from the past couple of years , and I don't want to wear any of them. I wore the nicer ones during my black/grey/white capsule months, but they sure didn't turn my crank the way they used to. I think I liked them better when I was a different shape and size . Now? They make ME feel blah. I think grey needs to be a winter/early spring colour for me. I can't get enough of navy and pale blue right now!

Style Fan

Veteran

This sounds like a great idea. I love the sound of the navy (denim), pale blue and olive colour palette. I have never worn much blue except denim. And why keep something if it is not a 10? Good idea.

Anonymous

Suz- you again lol, it's my interpretation only , but I think a 30 pce capsule is for someone looking to achieve something like simplicity, a better edited wardrobe , or an idea as to what colours they want to base their wardrobe on. Your wardrobe is already edited and figured out and I don't get a minimalist vibe from you .....not sure the 30 pces would prove anything or solve anything for you ! You're already there !

lozz_oz

Veteran

I like this idea of 'rotating' capsules - great way to assess whats in the wardrobe, long forgotten or under utilised + to weed out items that for whatever reason no longer 'do it' for you.
Don't think I could do a restrictive 30 piece capsule (except when travelling - I've mastered the 3 week carry on luggage thing!), but this ever changing capsule is doable

Runcarla

Veteran

Your colour palette of navy, olive, and pale blue sounds lovely and fresh.

Joy

Veteran

I really like your method of doing what will ultimately be a full closet edit. Your current pallet of the navy (denim), pale blue and olive. I am currently ( or was) trying of figure out what, if any blues I want to keep, accept navy.

Anonymous

lozz-oz - the capsule systems I have read about don't advocate using the same 30 pieces for long periods of time. They all (well, what I've seen, anyways) seem to refresh those 30 pieces at least seasonally (as in at least 4 times a year, or more often ). I find (at least so far) that rotating this capsule allows pieces a breather for awhile, and then I'm looking forward to wearing them again. You know what pieces really surprised me from my first 2-month capsule? A bunch of fine gauge wool and cotton blend cardigans (all long, boyfriend styles) that I had bought on some weird whim a couple of years ago and then NEVER wore. They were all grey /black /grey melange in colour - you know , from Gap, BR etc . I ended up LOVING them for everyday wear around the house, working in my home office, and running out to the store on an errand etc. I popped one over my plain t and jeans and it made an instant ok-in-public outfit. I only wish I had figured this out a lot sooner. I wore one almost every day - so weird.

Kate

Veteran

Your colors are my colors, Lisa, and I really like the rotation system you set up. That would totally work for me. Funnily enough, just last week I bought a rolling rack, admittedly for another purpose, but it can be pressed into service. We're leaving on vacation tomorrow--and I swear I am never, EVER again going to pack on the fly--and I plan to put your system into action when I get back.

Ledonna N.

Veteran

I like you writing everything Lisap as i am a fan of reading and imagination. I can see everything in my minds eye.

Love that you are doing the monthly rotation.

Do you give yourself exception days? Meaning do you stick to the clothes on the rack only?

madeline

Veteran

I have been following along with everyone's posts on the 30x30.
I can't do that challenge now but it has inspired me to do a variation. I am going to pull out a capsule for the week every Sunday for the next month. I won't repeat any article of clothing worn the week before. That will hopefully force me to really look at what is in my closet!

Anonymous

I am so glad you decided to join. Your new system interests me tremendously. It is somewhat similar to Anchie's. (If I am wrong here, Anchie, feel free to correct me).

It is such a workable and brilliant system, definitely worth considering as the next step in my style path.

In fact, I am so impressed I am going to adopt it. My first attempt will be this 30 x 30 challenge. Rather than using a rolling rack. I am going to dedicate a single closet in my bedroom to the "working wardrobe." I still don't want a rolling rack in my bedroom.

Although there is no editing as part of my 30 x 30 challenge (the remaining wardrobe probably won't be looked at for the next 29 days), I can see going forward the power of using this method to ruthlessly edit.

So my first question is: when you decide on a color palette, do you pull (or plonk) ALL of the items in your wardrobe that match that color palette onto the rolling rack, and then start editing as your try them on and wear them? (Long sentence).

Lastly, I think this is a great method for defining holes. I think as the next few days progress, I will identify several holes in my wardrobe. I hope to be as ruthless as you!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, Lisa -- so funny -- we tried exactly the same shoes and I felt the same as you did about them...something a bit frumpy on me...oh well. I'll probably give up the summer search also. I have enough to wear, even if the outfits are not "perfect."

I love the idea of pale blue and navy (with olive) on you -- so fresh and light.

I am still extremely intrigued by this idea of yours despite my current wardrobe, because I share the pleasure in repeating outfits within a period of time, and then a desire for a change after a few months. I also identify very much with your discovery of an unknown wardrobe workhorse. That has happened to me, also, sometimes. It actually happened with a long sweater last fall. I'd bought it two years earlier and worn it a bit, but wasn't enamoured of it. Found a different way to wear it and suddenly it was the best thing ever!! But I suspect that just as suddenly, it won't be, LOL.

Anyway, I'm going to muse on this some more....I do feel my closet requires a heavier duty edit than I've already given it. There are items I am not wearing (but still love and still fit) and items I seem to need to create outfits with other items...argh....

Sara L.

Veteran

Interesting idea. It seems like 8 weeks is a good time frame for the weather too. By the time you're tired of the current color palette and items, the weather is changing anyway and it's time for a change. I would just enjoy a picture of your rolling rack with the items on it. I think it would be a great visual of the colors you are working with.

Teresa

I second the thought of seeing a picture of your rolling rack! I always like to see what you're wearing and how you put it together, but I understand not wanting the work of doing outfit photos all the time:)

Anonymous

Sterling - the short answer to your question is "yes". Everything that is in this colour palette goes on the rack. If I had a bigger and more open closet, I'd do it your way. Today , for example, I grabbed a olive green loose peplum-y silk tank and light wash jeans to put on for my morning emails and coffee in my office because the tank was right there on the rack. There is no way I would have worn it if I was in my old mode of grabbing the closet grey or white t and shorts .

I'll see if I can get a decent picture of the rack later today. It's not as interesting as you all think it might is But maybe by showing my closet in comparison it will be obvious why this works for me .

Anonymous

Ledonna - no, of course I give myself leeway and exception days. I'm not trying to restrict myself at all. I'm doing it this way because I'm not into rummaging and creating outfits out of my closet. I function much better when it's right in front of me with less to choose from . The other day I was meeting a friend for drinks and was in black because it was the best canvas for the jewellery I wanted to wear .

Suz - you know who inspired all of those long boyfriend cardigans I'm talking about? I cannot remember her name but she was in Vancouver, and had a stunning modern kitchen , and wore jeans, scarves and cardigans with such élan . Gorgeous woman , shoulder length brown hair . What the heck is her name????

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Jackie!

Elizabeth P

Veteran

I was amassing some questions for you regarding this "system" and I think you've answered them all as the thread progressed. In particular about restrictions... I was thinking that with this colour palette,when were you going to wear "our" layered top. Maybe you've passed it on already, but I now see you can wear it if you want, it's just not in your face.

I love the idea of this colour palette (for you). And would love to see a photo of your rack as well. It's also great to "hear" that you seem to be in a happy place with your wardrobe.

Good to see you post again!

Kensie Printed Twofer Tank Top

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Anonymous

Elizabeth - I didn't know you had this top too! You know, I've only worn it once- last summer. It's not my favourite thing as I am quite sure it isn't flattering on my body type . It looked so good on Suz who has a completely different body and once I saw that I wanted to toss mine out Also may not fit this summer anyways .When I had my black and white capsule going , it was too summery to wear so I've kind of ignored it. Are you wearing yours with the cropped linen BR's ?

And Yes, JACKIE!

Elizabeth P

Veteran

I only wore it a few times last summer as well, with this skirt. But I have such a ridiculous number of summer tops, that's not surprising :). It hasn't been warm enough yet here to bring it out, so I haven't tried it with the linen crops. Probably will pair those two though, the proportions are similar to this skirt, which I like.

I think I bought it for the same reason But I liked it on you, too!

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Summer

Veteran

This sounds like an excellent way to edit your closet, Lisa. Working with a relatively small capsule really helps to focus on what is - and isn't - working for you. Love the colour palette, too.

Anonymous

E: Not to parse details on the top , but I had bought mine , posted it, Suz liked it then bought it herself, and of course knocked it out of the park. A super inexpensive top though, so won't kill me not to wear it. Unlike the one I am wearing today which I paid way too much $$ for and HATE. I keep trying, but it never makes me feel fab. I think it's gone after today .

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Anonymous

LisaP --- I salute you for getting rid of items that don't make you feel fab.

Lisa

Veteran

A great list of items. I regularly sport a capsule every season myself and find it very helpful.

Deborah

Veteran

Lisa, loved reading this post. Go you. I am thinking of doing the same using my rolling rack to ensure that I really am wearing my clothes. I am happy with what I have and have brutally edited so that what I do have is very much loved and enjoyed BUT I know that my rotation of items is not even. And I have also done the same as you in that recently there have been one or two items that I have worn for a day and realised they just are not doing it for me, so off to Ebay they go You are inspiring me. PS. I have also been inspired by Lee Vosburg (mostly via Insta) it's a way of doing the capsule thing that seems to work

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