Musings on a work capsule and I bought slouchy trousers!

I just can't hold it in - I bought some slouchy trousers today! No pics yet as I am exhausted and fighting with a camera is last thing I can do tonight,
Anne Klein - clearance at $32 - black slouchy trousers. I think they have a nice hem length. Pretty fun even if some of the effect will be lost as I am on Team Untuck or Floaty Blouse with these all the way. The tiny pleats at top are pretty small compared to what we wore "back in the day" but still, emphasis on apple belly all the way. Pics soon!

I have been debating the Work Capsule since i start new job one week from Monday. The dress code seems to be business casual leaning to casual (meaning all types of denim are allowed). I am happy to have options but just wearing denim as a leader in the store is fighting with my managerial sensibilities.
I am thinking of some formulas:
Straight leg or trouser jeans + tank/layering top + third layer (blazer or cardi)
Jeans + floaty blouse (I don't really have any yet)

I shopped my closet (finally got smart) and have at least 5 pairs of work appropriate trouser jeans and dark wash denim ready to go. Bought light black trouser jeans today.

I also have a few pencil skirts (raspberry, cobalt, black, grey, "denim") ready to go, a pair of cobalt blue slim leg slacks, black slim leg trousers (multiple), tweed wide legs, black wide legs, red ponte slim pants on order.

I would love to find a few floaty blouses and lightweight knit blazers. Nothing thrilled me at the Rack today. Maybe I should wait and take advantage of employee discount when I start - it's always good to wear some things you sell.

I found some Cole Haan Air Tali peep toe wedge in black and a gray python Calvin Klein loafer today. Would love to add a metallic wedge and a new red shoe at some point.

I think I can get by for at least a month on what I have. The weather is MUCH warmer in the little valley where I will be working as opposed to where I live in the fog belt (SF Bay microclimates - yuck) so maybe smarter to wait and see what I need for store temperature?

I am rambling and thinking on paper here - sorry for that but this is getting real! I may take some work capsule pics this week.

13 years ago

Kiwichik

Veteran

Goodness me it sounds like you are your own best wardrobe advisor. Looking forward to seeing the slouchy pants and good luck with the new job.

christieanne

That post was much longer than I intended but all of this was apparently bubbling up inside

goldenpig

(website)

Great that you are planning everything out! I am so bad at capsules. I just buy and wear whatever strikes my fancy...not very good at big picture closet planning. Good work and keep it up!

Trying hard to keep it all organized for now - once I start working in a mall again it will be very hard to stick to SYC or even SYB and avoid impulse buys. Been there and twenty years of habits die hard.

Kirti

I think you sound like you are all set! Blouses and blazers are always a little tough to shop for but I am sure you will find both

fashionista

Oh god you are one organised and determined lady. I would have gone shopping first and then SYC later.
Gud luck may that employee discount come sooner than you expected.
Would love to see that slouchy trouser styled and you will rock them surely.

Jjsloane

Sounds like you have a good plan, great ideas and a foundation started. I love my trouser jeans with light tops and jacket. You can feel managerial, but still in touch with the rest of the people who are in denim (and they look great).

I know what you mean about the retail temptations. Be prepared at first it will seem like it's everywhere and you must buy, but then (for me at least) I was a bit immune and able to wait out for the very best deals (although employee discount is very tempting)

Good luck - can't wait to see the capsule pics and the new slouchy pants.

Nadya

I know what you mean about thinking out loud on YLF :-)! And also about bay area micro climates - I used to commute from the city to Walnut Creek. Especially if you're taking BART or other public transpo, be ready with layers and a good bag to stash them in!

I agree with all your thinking on your wardrobe - with jeans the polished top and shoes is what makes them professional. Don't forget the power of statement jewelry, if that's part of your style. E.g. I wear large X silver earrings and a large silver cuff to add more oomph to some of my outfits.

Classically Casual

Congrats on the new job! For fun, you might take a peek @ the Vivienne Files.
http://theviviennefiles.blogspot.com/

She's starting a new job tomorrow in a business casual environment. She's been SYC for at least a year, but is still embracing minimalism it seems

Anonymous

You have a great start here, Christie, and like the others, I can't wait to see your slouchy trousers styled! I think you should wait until you've worked a few weeks, and then see what holes are appearing in your wardrobe. Who knows what kind of micro climates you'll discover in the store itself, lol! It's so exciting, this new job of yours. I can't wait to hear how it goes!

Makrame

Your capsule plans sound great! I love trouser jeans, and it's great that you already have some in your closet that would work. I would definitely wait to see what the climate control is like in store before buying anything else.

As far as metallic wedge, may I interest you in these? You could put them on the wish list and wait for a sale... http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/co.....n=wishlist

@Makrame - I actually have those in my shopping bag and wish listed! Nike just put Cole Haan for sale and i am worried about being able to get their shoes in the future. Since they work for me anyway I may just go for it. Probably will wait for first paycheck.

Thank you for indulging me in my thoughts - I appreciate the wise advice. I know the denim dress code is new to the company and having been through that before, it sometimes get way too casual too fast for top management and they pull the plug. I plan to mix in other bottoms (especially skirts - so excited about that) for my evening shifts in particular.

catgirl

Ooh, can't wait to see!!!!

Transcona Shannon

It sounds like you have many fab pieces for our work capsule already (isn't it fun and worthwhile going through your closet?) and that a few blouses will round it out. I think your ideas of what to wear sound like they fit the company and position well.

Dying to see your slouchy trousers - mine are Anne Klein as well and I love them! I like your idea of the floaty top over the slouchy trousers. I wonder if the J Jill silk blouse will work with mine? Hmmmm.....off to play in my closet....thanks for the idea Christieanne!

DonnaF

Macy's in Walnut Creek had a very nice metallic wedge in their own brand a year or two ago. Because it was their own brand, the price was great, and DD found them comfy. I think I've seen the shoe recently. I wouldn't try Macy's in Bayfair/Southland (get those two places mixed up). I will look on their web site for details.

The Macy's brand is Alfani; the one she has is only available in 11M online. Alfani also has other similar styles, but not sure if peep toes would work in your environment.

Thanks DonnaF - Alfani may come out for a new version of that shoe for Fall and since i will be at SunValley Mall, it's very convenient to check there. I am not a big user of the Macy's website but i do like their shoe department in person.

I am not sure on peep toe either and bought a pair yesterday that I will keep in box until I verify they are approved for wear.

lyn67

Can't wait to see it styled IRL. It seems you1ll have a fab work capsule. Congrats for your new job, I cannot imagine working in clothing retail, as I would really be so so tempted to buy everything which would shake my heart.

Can't wait to see the slouchies!

Jonesy

How exciting! Python loafers sound delicious, and I can't wait to see the slouchy pants! Enjoy your new job!

Suz

Sounds as if you have a lot of great basics already and fun plans for additions! Can't wait to see those slouchy trousers. And LOVE the idea of python loafers. I'm also on the lookout for a nice metallic wedge. Let me know if you discover any!

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