Capsule rubrics and other rules

In creating my first non-travel capsule this week, I focused on casual clothes, using the casual-capsule rubric Angie provided. Since my work wardrobe is pretty casual, some of my casual capsule outfits would be okay for my work. Our dress code stipulates NO jeans, sandals, bare shoulders, and probably some other things that I wouldn't wear to work anyway.

I also follow a self-imposed rule when dressing for work: I like to wear something that I've made to work each day (since I sell sewing machines). I say "I like to," but I've become rather rigid about this little practice, and I feel almost compulsive about it.

I'm wondering if I should try coming up with a work capsule for fall. I think it would be really helpful, since my first capsule attempt has given me a few outfits I know I can count on. If I do create a work capsule, should I try to make it conform to my self-imposed rule? Or try to be more flexible about it? And maybe (gulp) be more flexible about what I wear to work--as in, maybe go to work a day or two this year without wearing something I made?

Getting dressed on work days can be a challenge for me, as I'm trying to consider what the day will bring temperature-wise, what I feel like wearing, and, oh yeah, how to work in something that I made. Sometimes I wonder if I make things too hard for myself. . . .

Thanks for listening. I know some of you will have some great thoughts and insights to share.

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I admire your dedication and your desire to wear something you have made to sell sewing machines. I hope your employers appreciate your commitment! Because as a customer, I would. I would feel more comfortable talking with you, and more connected with you, and more inspired, and more hopeful that this purchase wasn't going to be a complete waste of my money.

Having said that, I think it's a great idea to come up with a work capsule. TRY to include items you've made in each outfit...but if you absolutely need to make some outfits that don't include self-made items, that perhaps identifies a "sewing wardrobe hole."

OR an interesting opening for conversation with your clients. For example, are there some TYPES of things you find it not worth your while to sew? Perhaps you could discuss that with them. Maybe being frank about the benefits of sewing along with the ...I want to say the heterogenous nature of your wardrobe, will give them similar permission to combine self-sewn and store-bought. And that could be very valuable.

Lisa

I think it is a great idea to work on mini capsules for life activities and work is a huge part of that. I would try out a small capsule first of maybe two bottoms and two tops inorporating items you self sewed. Then build on it from there. When you feel it has maxed out, just start a new capsule, again with items self sewn. One problem I was making with creating a cpasule, was trying to have maximum combinations, instead of accepting that maybe it's just a small capsule with only one or two variations. I can have multiple small capsules and still get the variety I need.

Carla

Besides my racing bicycle, my sewing machine and fabric shears are my most prized possessions. (I can understand why guys get so excited about tools!).

Usually self made garments are the outfit makers, since the design and fabrication is usually something special--unlike jeans, and T-s. I love that you incorporate bought and bespoke items. That said, you shouldn't stress out about wearing an outfit that doesn't have a crafted garment.

On the other hand, using a crafted outfit as a jumping off point for your fall capsule might be a fun project. Maybe a jacket, and pants or skirt, and top with some extreme pattern clashing--then mix and match items from your closet, and new purchases?

pil

I love that you wear your creations to work! Do you think you'll be able to give yourself permission to wear an entirely store bought outfit? How about creating a look book of pieces and fabrics for those days that you could show customers?

kellygirl

OMG, I couldn't get past the "sell sewing machines" statement. I have a question for you and am going to PM you if you don't mind.

Jaime

Also am in love with the idea of your wearing your own clothes to your work. How perfectly inspiring to your customers! I think you should start with lining up your work worthy creations and make mini-capsules around each one.

unfrumped

You are totally fab!
My first response is you ought to stay Flexible and have Fun. Eatdrobe experimentation may spark even more confidence and creativity, which would lead you to sew more fab items. But maybe that does not give enough respect to the discipline you have created.
I need more information. Would NOT wearing self- sewn items on some days have a major impact on that day's success with your clientele? Or do your demonstrations and expertise pretty much come through anyway, and in fact are most important? Sales are so interesting-- and I expect maybe you are selling different" things" depending on beginner, upgrader or whom. Or do you have some self- sewn items that especially showcase some features of the machines you want to emphasize ?
I digress. ..
Do you have enough outfits to get through a week comfortably?
And the obvious-- try it and see how it feels. If it doesn't feel like " you" then go back to the Plan.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Suz, my employers do appreciate my sewing abilities and the fact that I wear my creations. You are right, though, that I can point out to people that I wear things I buy, too--that there are some things I prefer to sew and others I prefer to buy.

Runcarla, that's awesome, that you place your sewing machine and shears right up their with your racing bicycle!

Runcarla and Shevia, the idea of capsules centered on self-made items is a good one. Thank you!

Pil, a lookbook sounds great, but daunting to me. . . However, we do have a catalog of sewing classes, where I've got some of my garments pictured. And there are some that I post on a board at work to advertise my classes. So I have samples to show even if I'm not wearing them.

Kelly, too funny. Of course I'll be happy to answer anything I can.

unfrumped, yes I think I need to let myself be flexible and not stress about what to wear! You and Suz bring up good points about how what I wear can play a role in my sales. Often I could simply point to a technique on a RTW garment and say, "This machine can do this type of seam." I actually don't have to wear my self-sewn examples to do that. I think inspiring people, as you point out, can play a larger role--letting them see they can create things they will want to wear. And you are so right--not everyone in the market for a sewing machine wants to make their own clothes! There are lots and lots of reasons people consider machines.

Adelfa

I can't tell from your post if you *want* to keep your rule about wearing a self-made garment--but worry you're too rigid--

OR if you are wanting to break away from the rule, but feel some anxiety over it.

It's okay to have a rule you don't break! Angie has lots of them. It's also okay to change your rule, which Angie does too. For example, "I don't like lip gloss and never wear it" turns into "I just found a lovely lip gloss by Laura Mercier and I quite like it."

Adelfa, you are so insightful with this comment. I'm not sure either, whether I want to keep my rule or break it. I guess I've felt a bit guilty about having such a rule, so #1 maybe. But also wondering if it serves me or if I'm serving it, or your #2. I love your answer, using Angie's examples!

Day Vies

I think your rule is perfectly natural because "I'm wearing a piece I sold myself on the X model is a perfect opener" especially if its a part of your presentation.

I agree with Suz creating a capsule around items you've made yourself is an excellent idea. Of course you'd mix in store-bought items Even if the weather changes you've already thought about more than a few outfits and substitutions that follow the rule.

I just have to say I am so impressed that you sew AND sell sewing machines. WOW!

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