On the Cusp of a Capsule? - YouLookFab Forum

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On the Cusp of a Capsule?

Marley

Veteran

OK - I got soooo tired sitting in front of my computer this afternoon - I had to move or I was going to nod off and drool all over my keyboard. So, I climbed the steps up to my closet and opened the doors and stared (not the first time I've done this.) Capsules, Capsules, Capsules - the thought has been haunting me ever since Angie first posted about them. I really know that the 'capsule concept' would be good for me - it would bring some discipline and structure to my wardrobe that is currently sadly lacking. It would bring clarity to my style - and focus to my shopping. I have tried - and have spent - a good 8 hours already trying to develop a capsule, to no avail. I get stuck - then I get overwhelmed - then I quit (feeling kind of defeated.

So, today I decided to just start mixing and matching pieces and photographing them - hoping that I would see the backbones of a capsule once I looked at the different pics. Hmmmm . . . . not sure that happened - but here's what I came up with.

I stuck with one skirt - a Target jersey knit pencil skirt - and I mixed different tops with it. I have at least double the number of tops that go with this skirt than what is pictured in the below photos, as well as probably triple the number of shoes that go with this skirt - but I don't think that (from what I understand) a capsule is created around just a single wardrobe item, right?

Anyway, I'd appreciate you all taking a look and telling me what you think. Which styles work - which don't - and why? What would you do from here? (with regards to building a capsule.) I'm pretty sure I have the pieces - I mean I've got jeans and several different types of trousers - I just feel stuck!

Thank you! (Also, I apologize for the quality of these pics - I need to figure out how to set the remote function on the camera so that it will automatically focus) - don't bother looking for your reading glasses when you look at these pics - they're blurry and your glasses aren't going to help!

Pic 1 - Equipment silk sleeveless blouse tied at waist. JC boots.
Pic 2 and 3 - GAP bright pink sweater (its brighter than what you see in the pictures.) JC boots. Does this look seasonal enough for fall?
Pic 4 - Target black "fuzzy" on the front panel top. JC boots.
Pic 5 - Express silky tee. Franko Sarto heels.
Pic 6 and 7 - Addition of Speigel jacket.
Pic 8 and 9- GAP denim vest and Anthro Pewter booties.
Pic 10 - GAP denim jacket and white hi-ness Cons.

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Dressing

20 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

Sarah A

Veteran

I totally see the start of a capsule here! (And a ton of great looks too )

I'd maybe take the peices of 7 and of 10 than add in two pants and another shirt and then try swapping the individual pieces around as many ways as you can think of and you have got it!

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I think they all work the important thing is which ones do YOU feel great in - if you love them all then try the tops & jackets with jeans or pants that you love. If some don't feel so great then substitute another top or jacket. Looks like you have many great choices & your shoes are drool-worthy

Deborah

Veteran

I cannot really comment on capsules as it is a skill i am yet to develop for myself:) But what you have put together here looks fab Marley.

Love the skirt and the variations you have developed. You have the most awesome edgy vibe to your look and I just love it.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Love this as a starting point. Was thinking of a similar post with my purple shorts. I figure once you get the tops that go with this skirt to then go with another bottom, you are pretty much there!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Fantastic! You look great in all of these. I'd say you're finding the knack for it. I should take lessons.

kellygirl

Veteran

Sheesh, are you kidding me? I love ALL of these. You have awesome shoes! I especially love the pewter booties. Gorgeous. I can't pick a fave and I only skimmed the text (but I will go back and read it) but these are all amazing. My fave is the Express tee--such a gorgeous color on you. It looks so different with the different toppers. Love how you mixed in the Hi-ness too. You are a capsule genius!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

OMG. You look AMAZE-balls!!!

And you are also wearing some of my fave colours and combinations!

First off, your footwear is stunning and truly elevates each outfit. Note to self. Never be afraid to splurge on fantastic footwear.

Secondly, that skirt is a total winner. Looks wonderful on you!

Third, I am SO wishing I had ordered that bag when it came available again. I love it. At the time I was nervous about the cross border thing but now I have found a way to finesse that. Alas, too late for this bag. However, you are the winner here because it looks fab with every outfit!

2/3 looks seasonal for fall to me but if you feel the sweater reads too spring/ summer then you could substitute a plum coloured or purple one. (I don't wear most "fall" colours well, but those colours do work.)

LOVE 5/6/7 -- my fave, along with 10.

This is a brilliant start on a capsule. Add a pair of pants, jeans, another topper, and a couple more tops -- and you are set!

Then see how that would interweave with other parts of your wardrobe.

FlorenceFearne

You are so amazingly fabulous. I consider myself so, SO lucky to have gorgeous fashionable ladies such as yourself as role models.

*Disclaimer - I have not myself made a capsule, nor am I likely to. That said, I think you're at a good jumping-off point. I'd pick one of the shirts that you've paired with the skirt, and pair it with some pants. Then I'd keep pairing each of the shirts you tried on with the pants, weeding out any that don't go with both bottoms, and adding new tops as necessary. Once you have a full set of shirts that match both skirt and pants, then do same with jeans, and with toppers/jackets. Eventually, you should have a whole capsule that goes together.

Marley

Veteran

Oh sorry to post and run! I'm back now and just read all of your comments. Thank you for the encouragement - you certainly see a stronger capsule core than what I did - but, I think I'm beginning to "get" the concept.

Yes, Suz - I have learned that shoes are really key in taking a so-so outfit and making it look fab! Also - I got the handbag after going on Nordies waiting list for when it came back in stock. You might try to do that if you really want it. I was able to get on the waiting list through their website.

Mo - do it! Lets see your purple shorts in all of their renditions! I think taking one item is an easy way to ease into the capsule process.

Again, thank you everyone. I feel as though I'm getting closer to Capsule Heaven!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Forget capsule Marley - you have the pieces to remix this one skirt into an entire wardrobe. I love what you have done here - the bright pink sweater stands out but I also love all your shoe options, the white with the cons, the way you have styled the Spiegel. In short everything. Truly fab!

Marley

Veteran

Thank you Shevia and FFern.

Shevia - the pink sweater is much brighter IRL - and I think its one of my favorite looks with the skirt.
FFern - to be a role-model for you just makes me feel all warm inside - you young 'uns are a role-model for me too - so, it works both ways!

Beth Ann

Veteran

Hello there, stunning Marley! I have this skirt and adore it -- it's like wearing a sweatshirt (well, with a big zipper down the back).

This is exactly how I play in my closet -- with one item at a time! I can do it in 20-30 minutes, and then have many options for that particular garment. I love every one of these. I think you could take the tops an toppers and just pair them with two or three pairs of pants, and maybe one more skirt, and you'd have a great capsule.

Marley

Veteran

Beth! You have that skirt too??? Isn't it fun! I forgot to mention in my post about that big black exposed zipper in the back - a nice, edgy touch. And at Target, of all places! I'd love to see some ways that you've incorporated this skirt into your wardrobe if you're so inclined! Thank you!

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

You are so inspiring, Marley! I love your coherent style and fab-ness. This is a great start, and adding more pieces will probably not be difficult. You've got great advice already

Eliza

Veteran

Marley- If this is someone who doesn't understand capsules, well then, I would just say it's only a question of semantics and keep doing what you are doing. Love these looks and find them all inspiring. The skirt is a great foundation piece and you have some stellar pieces that hit your outfits out of the park. The bag and shoes are stunning, adding real zip to your style.

Maybe if you have some clear favorites out of this batch, you could try substituting another favorite bottom piece for the skirt and see if any of these looks work well again.

These looks are eye-catching in the best way possible.

merwoman

Veteran

Love all the iterations! Can you teach me that blurry thing with the photos? Whatever you are doing with the camera it sure is working - but I suspect it's all in the "subject" matter. You look absolutely gorgeous Marley!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You are very intuitive about your style, Marley. You have been blessed with that skill. I bet I could create many, many capsules in your wardrobe - and just look at you here. All capsule-sorted and looking as stunning as ever. xo

Anonymous

Marley, I love your outfits -- the pink sweater is gorgeous.

Marley

Veteran

Thank you everyone!
Angie - my family says that my middle name should be "Intuitive" - so I think you're right about that. The thing is, its both an advantage and a disadvantage when it comes to wardrobe building - I do end up with a lot of messines - in that items just kind of show up in my wardrobe unannounced (LOL!) - and then I go "well, what am I going to do with you?" I feel like I'm in a constant state of disorder - you know? I need to figure out how to maintain my intuitive skills, while still bringing some organization and order to my wardrobe. (That's my goal!)

rachylou

Veteran

Fantastic. I looooove the pink top. The fabrics of the different pieces really work together well.