(Advance apology for a long post).

I do love me some safari chic, and this has been a banner secondhand shopping year! Earlier in the spring, I put together a Mood Board that I use for spring/summer shopping and a Closet Edit Worklist. The closet edit board is basically an expanded verison of the mood board, looking ahead to fall and winter.

I refer to these boards on my phone when I go shopping, to help keep me focused on the desired color palette - aquas, mermaid greens, creamy whites, tans, champagnes, pale corals and blushes, deep blue, pops of red. I'm not planning to purchase anymore black pieces, unless it's to replace a wardrobe workhorse.

I also want clean minimalist lines, with a retro 90s feel.

This first outfit is what I'm actually wearing today - I collected the BF from the airport, and we're going out for dinner tonight.

The rest of the outfits are an impromptu style lab with the bodysuit and mostly the same shorts.

Wardrobe Pieces (by category, in order of appearance):

Toppers:
Vintage 1960s Killer Safari Jacket (Goodwill)
Secondhand Knit Sweater. Label unknown. (Goodwill)
Vintage Neiman Marcus Linen + Silk Blazer (Goodwill)

Tops & Bottoms:

Wolford Bodysuit (NWT, Linda's Stuff on eBay)

Mermaid-green button-down (secondhand from local consignment)
Zara tan pants (NWT from Goodwill)

Banana Republic Shorts (NWT, Thredup)

Belts:
Madewell Cognac Leather Belt (NWOT, Goodwill)
Target Cognac Leather Belt (Goodwill)
Vintage Salvatore Ferragamo Belt (Goodwill)
Vintage Gold + Green Printed Leather Belt (Goodwill)

Shoes:
Nine West Tan Leather Pumps (NWOT, Goodwill) - Pointed toe.
Ann-Michelle Cognac Sandals (Goodwill)
Vintage Charles Jourdan Rope-Tie Sandals (eBay)
Cole Haan Leather Pumps (NWOT, Goodwill) - Almond toe.

Jewelry:
Pearl Earrings and Gold Necklace purchased new.
Turquoise necklace gifted by Mom.
Blue unknown gemstone ring was my Grandma Peggy's.
Egyptian Silver + Turquoise bracelet was my Grandma Edith's.
Reptile + Gold Bangle (Italian, from Goodwill)
Gold and Silver Bangle (Goodwill)

Outfit #1 (photos 1-3): What I Actually Wore:
Shorts + Bodysuit, Madewell belt. Safari Jacket (y'all, this jacket must be 50 years old, and the condition and craftsmanship are impeccable). Nine West pumps. Egyptian bracelet, Blue ring, Gold necklace. Pearl earrings.

Outfit #2 (photo 4): Same base, belt, jewelry. Silk/Linen blazer, Ann-Michele sandals.

Outfit #3 (photos 5-7): Unbuttoned the blazer. Ferragamo belt

The belt is missing (I believe) one half of the buckle. I'm hoping to find a replacement, but it still fastens and stays in place. I paid $3 for it, so I'm cool with it either outcome.

Outfit #4 (photo 8): Removed topper. Turquoise necklace, Jourdan sandals.

Outfit #5 (photo 9): Target leather belt.

Outfit #6 (photo 10): Knit sweater topper. Ralph Lauren belt

Outfit #7 (photos 11-12): Removed belt.

Outfit #8 (photo 13): Removed topper. Added gold and green patterned belt. Cole Haan pumps.

Outfit #9 (photos 14-15): Mermaid-green button-down top, tied at the waist.

Outfit #10 (photos 16-18): Zara pants - in need of an iron! These pants are still a bit snug, but I think will be good in about 3 more pounds.

Photo #19 is most of the belts - I forgot the gold/green one, plus the jewelry.

The takeaway: Not all of these outfits were mega-hits, in my book. I really loved #1, 2, 3, 7, 9, and 10, and will wear those looks. The rest, I feel were close, but not quite. I'll either switch belts, top, or shoes for something else in my closet.

Overall, I was astonished at how many outfits I could quickly put together with just a few pieces of actual clothing and jewelry. Especially since I own very little animal print (one pair of haircalf pumps). I've no plans to shop for more, but if the right secondhand piece comes along, I'll pounce.

I'm going to ponder what I've done here, and put together a second safari capsule, with other wardrobe pieces, accessories, and shoes.

But first things first: I want (no... NEED) to assemble a nautical/ocean-themed capsule from my closet. I've been listening to Yacht Rock all freakin' summer, and I'm caught up in the nostalgia of the era that gave us "The Love Boat" and "Fantasy Island".

If you've made it this far, I hope you're having a marvelous summer! (or winter, depending on your hemisphere!)