@Keturah: Do you know... I reached the same/similar conclusions, independently? Two things happened that made me realize this capsule wardrobe challenge isn't for me:
1) Our theatre company started rehearsals, plus putting together marketing and indiegogo campaigns for our upcoming holiday show, and I don't have time to pick over and agonize which of my 35-ish items I can make work for everything that I have to get done on any given day.
2) Aaaaaaaand.... I got the respiratory virus that's been going around. I am on Day 11 of it - the slooooow recovery from the constant coughing. It has taken all of my energy and then some to stay on my feet and get things done, without letting this turn into pneumonia. On a wry note, all the coughing has given me really nice, toned upper abs. Lemonade from lemons, right?
But those two things aside... I've realized I am not a minimalist, and the 35 items doesn't really cover my highly varied wardrobe needs - or my highly varied personal creative needs. I feel like I am good with my current wardrobe, which is much larger than 35 items.
That being said, I am so very glad I started out on this challenge! I've learned a lot about specificity - what I want my style descriptors to be, what I want to say with my clothing. I've learned some ways that I can make my wardrobe function better for me. I've defined a seasonal color palette that thrills me, even though I mostly use it in small touches against a neutral backdrop. And I've been able to narrow down, and become a lot more discerning in the silhouettes I want, and the quality of them items. AND I've come to grips with what I feel is a workable ratio of dry-cleaning-to-laundry-at-home.
At the end of this, I have one hole - and it's more of a 'want' than a need - and that's for a really knockout dress to wear to weddings. So I am keeping my eye out for when the right dress comes along. Something colorful in my palette, and I am thinking strawberry or coral-seashell-pink. I have other dresses to carry me along until I find that holy grail dress.
In all other ways I can think of, I'm sorted through next spring, when I will try and find another pair of ladylike, refined wedge/ankle strap sandals to replace my worn out Nine Wests. If I come across something now on clearance... all the better!
Thank you girls, for exploring this seasonal wardrobe challenge, putting it out there, and sharing your interesting and inspirational discoveries! I really enjoy and look forward to all of your updates on where you are with your wardrobes!
