wardrobe | kate+48

summer 2016 capsule: wrap-up and looking forward to Fall

Posted on August 23, 2016 by K.L.

I can’t believe the school year has already started for us, as of yesterday! Our summer was full of traveling for work and play. While we had many great adventures, I’m actually looking forward to getting into more of a routine this Fall. I’ve recently had a lot of changes in both my personal and professional life (mostly good – thank goodness!), but one constant has been my use of a capsule wardrobe. I’m thankful that at least one element of my life has been simplified this year. Take a look at the 48 pieces that have gotten me through the summer and made getting dressed every day an easy process. I’ve linked identical items if available, although a lot of my clothing is old or purchased second-hand from thredUP! If you have no idea what I mean by capsule wardrobe, read more about it here.

Summer 2016 Capsule Wardrobe: Dresses & Jackets

Summer 2016 Capsule Wardrobe: Shoes & Accessories

latest thoughts on the capsule experiment

One of the benefits of eliminating so many un-used pieces in my wardrobe was that I really got in tune with which type of clothing makes me feel good when I wear it. Well, I’m getting an even better sense of my personal style as this experiment progresses. To use the most simple style terms I can think of, I’d say my wardrobe is about 50 % basic staples, 25% classic style, and 25% trendy items. I’m overall happy with this balance, although in the future I might try to limit the number of trendy pieces I add. Sometimes it’d hard to tell if a trend is going to stick around and be a good investment. However, if you believe the piece fits YOU and you’re not just drawn to it BECAUSE it’s trendy, I think it’s still a good investment. For me, the fringe purse I bought for this summer was definitely a trend buy, but I really liked it the second I saw it. It’s a great size and one of my favorite colors. I can honestly say I’ll be rocking it next spring/summer whether “fringe” is on-trend or not.

“big” purchases

I recently heard a great idea for deciding on big purchases. It’s called the 72-hour rule. Choose a dollar figure that is big enough to make you pause – it might be $25 or $500 or anything in-between, depending on your budget. For me, the number is around $75 right now. If an item is over $75, I try to wait 72 hours after seeing the item before I purchase it, if possible. It gives me a chance to consider if the purchase is really worth it, and even gives me time to see if there is a better or more affordable alternative. I’m also creating a monthly budget with an allotment for clothing (and every other spending category). I’ve even experimented with the envelope method, where I physically take set money aside (in an envelope, a jar, or wherever – just keep it separate from other money) for clothing purchases. It helps me plan for shopping trips because the money is actually there and I won’t accidentally over-spend or have spent the money on something else. These two processes, along with the capsule wardrobe, keep me from over-spending on clothing while still allowing for some bigger purchases.

transitioning to fall — and getting REAL with y’all

I’m looking forward to Fall and everything that comes with it! Football games, cooler weather, the beginning of the holiday season – it makes me feel like a kid again. I haven’t done a whole lot of wardrobe planning for Fall, though. I plan on carrying over a large part of my summer wardrobe and I also have some great pieces I bought for my very first capsule wardrobe that I will get to pull out of storage. I’m approaching this next capsule in a very laid-back manner. If the point of a smaller wardrobe is to simplify things, I don’t want to jeopardize that benefit by over-planning and going out and buying a bunch of “must haves”. Instead, I just plan to incorporate cool weather pieces as the weather begins to change, and then fill in the small gaps with some sensible purchases. I have to say, I feel a little bit better about this whole process every time I say “no” to buying something. In fact, Friday I went to TJ Maxx and tried on some GREAT pieces at fantastic prices but didn’t buy a piece of clothing You know what? I felt pretty happy about it. Truthfully, nothing I tried on was something I really needed, because I already had other suitable alternatives. I won’t pretend I’m always that self-controlled, but this one little shopping trip reminded me what’s at the heart of this experiment for me. I have a previous history of being tempted by materialism. Ready for things to get real? I’ve struggled before with credit card debt and a major stress-shopping habit. Like, thousands of dollars in purchases I made impulsively when I couldn’t afford them. This might seem “normal” to others, but I know as a Christian that this kind of behavior is destructive for me. It leads to regret and shame, and it also means I’m not being a good steward of the gifts God has entrusted me with. I’m not going to get ALL preachy on you, but just hear me out. I have come to realize than when I am disciplined in one area of my life, like my finances, it expands to other areas. Putting my wardrobe on a diet has forced me to be more intentional with my money and be more disciplined overall. It also reminds me to be thankful for what I do have instead of always looking to add more. And how perfect is that reminder as we head into Fall? I’m calling this next season the Season of Gratitude – so stay tuned for more on that 😉

Bye for now,

Katie

spring capsule

Posted on April 12, 2016 by K.L.

There are many things I can say about this capsule, but I’ll let the clothes speak for themselves first. A ton of my clothing is thrifted, so I’ve linked and shown similar styles when needed. My spring wardrobe includes: 19 tops, 10 bottoms, 3 dresses, 4 jackets, 6 pairs of shoes, 3 purses, 2 scarves, and a hat. All of the outfits I share are made up of these 48 items! Remember – I own other items I do not count in my 48 (#notinmy48: pajamas, workout clothes, out-of-season clothing in storage).

dressy (row 1): cream silk top | white band collar blouse | sleeveless lace blouse (similar shown) | navy sleeveless blouse | gray drape blouse | black peplum top | floral blouse

semi-casual (row 2): open front cardigan (mine is the dark gray version) | sleeveless button up | sleeveless chambray | oxford | pink tunic tank | coral pullover sweater

casual (row 3): muscle tee | split-neck tee | graphic tee | boyfriend tee | striped tee | black tunic (similar)

pencil skirt | kahki trouser | bootcut jean | black skinnies | white skinnies | army pant | dark skinnies (similar)| “boyfriend jeans” (similar) | distressed shorts | linen skirt

Spring 2016 Capsule Wardrobe: Dresses & Jackets

dresses: pencil dress (mine) | sleeveless shift dress (similar) | striped midi dress (mine)

jackets: blazer (mine is Theory via thredUP, but I love this one, too!) | moto jacket (similar) | utility jacket | denim jacket

shoes: converse | peep booties | d’orsay flats | flip flops | yoga sandal | trainers

accessories: pink scarf | magenta tote | panama hat (one of my favorite purchases!) | blue scarf (similar) | gray tote | reversible tote (love this!!)

thoughts so far

I decided to add some dressier items after I experienced my winter capsule being way too casual. I’m wearing some of the dressy pieces (like these booties or the shift dress) even more than I thought I would, so I’m glad I followed my gut!

Also, I know from experience that neutral colors make it easier to mix-and-match to create many looks with just a few items, but a monochromatic wardrobe gets boring for me, personally. To keep things FUNctional, I added some “near neutral” color (like navy), and decided on splashes of coral pink, since that color tends to compliment my skin tone. I found this great Pin for building color into your wardrobe white still keeping things cohesive and versatile (hint: three or four neutrals + two “near” neutrals + two statement colors). If you aren’t sure how to begin, check it out!

I haven’t been able to spend time on the blog lately (without sacrificing time from my job or family), but I still plan on sharing outfits here from time to time. If you want to see more frequent updates, PLEASE come follow along on Instagram. I’ll be showing how I build outfits and mix up some unexpected combinations with these 48 pieces!

Until next time,

Katie

in the middle

Posted on March 2, 2016 by K.L.

photos by Carlyn Corbin

jacket: Gap | backpack: Matt & Nat | faux leather pants: H&M | shirt: Madewell | shoes: Nike | sunglasses: Ray Ban

I’m currently in-between my Winter and Spring/Summer capsule wardrobes. As I put something that is no longer in season away in storage, I pull something else out. I’ve also started shopping some of the items from my wish list. By the time I finish rolling out my Spring wardrobe, it will still contain only 48 items.

One item I was soooo excited to grab out of storage was my jean jacket. I know. I am such a 90s kid… but Y’ALL, it goes with everything. I’m not even sorry for the fact that I will be caught wearing it 2-3 days a week for next few months.

Also, can we call this outfit “The Cure For Yoga Pants: Part 2″? These H&M faux leather pants are a slightly more acceptable to wear in public than actual yoga pants because they’re thicker, they have a button and zipper, and they have visible seams. They are surprisingly warm and not all that breathable, though, so they will be going in storage while these black denims (only $25!) replace them for Spring.

How do you transition from Winter to Spring? A big shopping trip? Or a slow transition?

xo,

Katie

spring wish list

Posted on February 29, 2016 by K.L.

When I think of spring, I dream of sunny days and birds singing and flowers blooming. Of course, in reality, it’s more like noses running, wind blowing (and ruining an otherwise perfectly nice day), and tax season.

Still, I’m so excited to kiss winter goodbye and embrace warmer weather. My closet is getting a major overhaul as I pack up my sweaters, take my spring/summer wardrobe out of storage, and make my shopping list.

I asked myself a couple of questions to figure out what I wanted in my wardrobe this coming season. See if these four questions help you come up with your list:

If I had no budget and no limit to number of items, what would I want to own in a spring/summer wardrobe?
- Notice question 1 is NOT “what I want to buy”, it IS “what I want to own”. This means list everything, whether you would like to buy it or you already own it. Seeing your shopping list in the context of what you already own gives you a better vision of how your complete wardrobe will function. Even if you’re trying to keep your wardrobe minimal and know your budget does not allow you to buy all of the items you want to add, still list everything. Why? Because I think it will help you get a clear direction of your style. In winter I was so focused on purging that I didn’t take time (or set aside very much money) to purchase items I would like to have in my wardrobe. I think my style suffered as a result. Keep in mind that just because you would like to own something does not mean you will buy it right away. It is a wish list. The next steps help you decide what to buy.
Of the items on my wardrobe list, which items do I already own or have something similar enough to?
- Asking “what do I already have?” seems obvious enough, but taking it a step further and asking “do I have something similar enough?” is an even smarter way to approach your wardrobe planning. If you’re going to have a lean closet, you don’t want a lot of multiples. If you aren’t willing to part with an item you own, see if it matches up or overrides an item on your wish list. Thankfully, I already own a lot of items on my wardrobe list. Less to buy!
Of the items I don’t already own, which are most needed?
- This separates the needs from the wants. Or more accurately, priority items from the true wish list items. I have a new pair of skinny jeans on my shopping list because I wear denim almost every day. I also have a cocktail blouse on my list because I’m trying to add some dressier items to my wardrobe. Hopefully I get to buy both, but I will prioritize the jeans since I know they will get more use. If you’re an office professional, you might prioritize a new trouser pant in front of everything else. If you plan carefully and look for deals at consignment stores like this one, you might still have money left in your budget to get items in the wish list section after buying your priority items.
Of the items most needed, which items am I willing to settle for a cheaper alternative, and which do I wish to focus on quality?
- When I made my wish list, I kept brand in mind. Paige Denim are my absolute favorite jeans, but they are not cheap. Since the last pair I bought lasted over 5 years and I wore them at least twice a week, do I want to splurge on them again? Or would I rather buy a similar but much less expensive version like this one to leave room for other purchases? It’s totally up to you! If you’re looking at cheaper alternatives though, my personal philosophy is to use good judgement and don’t buy anything that I don’t think will last at least one year. Also, I think it’s smarter to be budget conscious on seasonal items that you’re only going to wear one or two seasons out of the year (like a sweater or a sundress) and not something that you’re going to wear all year long. A cheaper version of anything is almost always going to wear out faster with constant, continuous wear. Again, I can’t stress how much it is worth browsing a resale shop. You can get great brands for much cheaper than retail, so you don’t have to sacrifice the money or the brand you love.

TIP: If you are a visual person, start a Pinterest board like I did! Pin items you already own and items you want to add to your wardrobe. This is a way to check yourself and be sure you are staying true to your style and that the items you are choosing are versatile enough to work together with what you already own to make many outfits. I think it’s important to see the items you already own next to the items you want to buy to get a clear sense of your style and visualize how new items will add to your wardrobe.

Something else I’m doing different this time around? For the most part, I plan on wearing this entire wardrobe for not just one, but two seasons (Spring and Summer). I also plan on doing a challenge in spring and another this summer where I make 10 different outfits using just 10 items, and wear them over 10 days, like this one from Banana Republic.

I’m going to do the bulk of my shopping mid-March, but I’ve already “bought” a few items using store credits from some clothes I sold during my most recent purge. I’m in a transitional phase in my wardrobe where as I bring one Spring item in, I pack up or get rid of an item from my winter wardrobe.

What items are on your spring shopping list?

Follow my Pinterest board here to see my wish list and find ideas for yourself!

baby, it’s not so cold outside

Posted on February 26, 2016 by K.L.

pea coat: Kenneth Cole Reaction (old); similar/darker | sweater: SheInside | leggings: Victoria’s Secret | boots: Hunter Boots

Kamron and I got married (almost) two years ago on March 8th and it snowed ever so lightly the day of wedding. This year, we’re forecasting 70s on our anniversary. Go figure.

Earlier this week though, we did get one last wintery hoo-rah with cold drizzle and some light snow. It gave me an excuse to wear a sweater one last time before I packed them up until it’s time to plan to 2016 fall/winter wardrobe.

Is anyone sad to see winter go? Or is everyone ready to bring on the sunshine?

xo,

Katie

is it spring yet?

Posted on February 19, 2016 by K.L.

When I started this project, I promised myself something: I am NOT going to be one of those people who does a “I’ve learned SOOOO much” reflection post like, two days after they started some life changing habit. “I’ll wait a year… at least!” (I told myself). But having already realized some missteps I’ve made, I can’t help but feel I need to come clean and talk about some things I would do differently if creating my current capsule over again.

So, let me be real here.

I’ve been living with my current capsule wardrobe (started as 48 pieces, more on that as I go) for about eight weeks. I’m a little more than halfway through the original “winter season” I had planned (January 1 – March 31), so change is only six weeks away – or sooner because this warm weather does not seem to be going away. Thank. Goodness.

Lesson #1 – Out with the old is worth the time and effort.

The best thing I’ve learned so far: I’ve learned that I do not miss ONE thing I sold or donated. I loosely used the KonMari method when getting rid of clothes I wasn’t wearing. Marie Kondo says you must hold every item in your hands when going through your possessions. You can’t just open a closet, look inside, and say “I think we’re good here! Looks like I like everything I see.”

So, you pick up something you own. Does it bring you joy? If so, you keep it. If not, you toss it (to sell or donate, or throw away if it’s in bad condition). It’s pretty simple. And you’re not going to accidentally get rid of something you really really like if you’re going through every item individually and asking yourself that key question each time. In fact, I have a difficult time even remembering the items I got rid of – If you don’t ever wear it or you do not love it, you will not miss it. The process might seem time consuming, and at first it is, but your judgement gets stronger as you go and you’re able to make decisions very quickly.

Also, I’ve added up what I made selling off the clothes I wasn’t wearing, and it’s well over $200. Definitely way less than what I paid for them, but more than they were really worth to me since I was not using them. And I also got to donate other great clothes I could not sell, and I know other people are enjoying them. Win!

Next week I’ll share my experience selling to an online thrift store and how it can make cleaning out WELL worth your time.

Lesson #2 – Make sure you have somethin’ fancy (enough).

I would say my winter capsule is 90% casual and 10% dressy. I thought this fit my life because I work from home. Also, I used to just wear gym clothes all day, so how many dressy tops could I really need? Well, more than zero — I’ve learned that. If I was going to re-do this capsule, I would have purchased at least two dressier tops. You can catch a glimpse of my very casual wardrobe (tops) in this post.

The silver lining here is that I’ve had to learn how to creatively make outfits dressier by layering or adding fun jewelry. I’ve never really made an effort before to style an outfit to make it look more interesting, so that part of “missing” certain items has been fun; but I’d like to add more items in the date night or formal/professional category throughout the next couple of seasons. Most of the clothes in my current wardrobe are items I already owned, so this was probably bound to happen by virtue of how I’ve dressed for the past year. Going forward, I plan to be very intentional about how I shop, so I am currently making a list of the items I think would fill out some of these gaps in my wardrobe and then I will prioritize those items when it’s time to shop again.

My advice here is that if you feel like you have a very one-dimensional wardrobe and want to either add more casual or dressier items, take it slow and use some inexpensive accessories to change the look of your outfits in the meantime. Going out on a spree and buying tons of clothing in one category will likely lead to buyers remorse (I’ve done this enough times to know), so it’s better to make an intentional list and look for specific items. For example, a blazer can make a whole closet of casual tops (even a white t-shirt) look more dressy, so start there instead of buying 10 dressy tops.

Lesson #3: Don’t do repeats. At least not in a capsule wardrobe.

You ever hear some people say “I loved it so much, I bought one in every color!”. I wouldn’t say I’m that kind of shopper, but I do understand why people shop that way. I definitely find a style of shirt I like and buy a lot in that category. I currently have a white v-neck tee, a white sleeveless tee, and a white satin v-neck blouse. They are all very versatile and great for layering, and the satin blouse can at least be easily dressed up. But, they are all so similar that I don’t really need them all. I do like them all, so I’m keeping them for now – but if you do this too many times over in your wardrobe, you might start getting that “All my outfits looks alike, I’ve worn this a million times, I have nothing to wear” attitude.

I had an old baseball tee and this Madewell top that looked pretty similar. The problem was, I kept picking up the same one that I liked best and the other was going unworn. Eventually, I just got tired of walking in to my closet and going: “Why did I keep this”? So, I decided not to. For this reason, I’ve already eliminated three items out of my 48 item wardrobe. So technically, I’m dressing with 45 items now. I have not bought anything to replace the items I let go, because it isn’t really keeping with the spirit of why I started the capsule wardrobe project: to find contentment. To learn to be happy with “enough”.

Lesson #4: It’s best to wait it out.

When you feel it’s time to buy something, it is a good idea to wait it out for a little while for a couple of reasons.

First, you want to be sure it’s an item that will really add to what you’ve got going. Shop from a place of “enough”. Don’t believe yourself when you start to say “I NEED this black jacket”, because you probably don’t. Maybe you really like it and it would get a lot of use, though. If you wait a while I find yourself thinking “A black jacket would really complete this outfit” again and again, then you can be confident that it’s time to look for a black jacket and you aren’t just buying to buy.

Second, it’s worth it to find the “perfect” one that is going to be well worth your money, however much you spend. If you’re an impatient shopper like me, you might grab the first cute black jacket you saw that fit well and consider it a successful shopping trip. But have you considered the quality? And are you sure you couldn’t have found a much better deal if you have looked around or bought a better brand second-hand? Due to the difficult lesson learned in #2 (not having enough dressier pieces), I’ve started a list of a few items I would like to change out/add next season. Normally, I would start buying as soon as I identified a “need”. But this time is different.

Here is where it gets a little tricky. This whole experiment is supposed to be fun. Not miserable. Do I really want to “make myself” keep wearing clothes that aren’t doing all that much for me? Well, no. Not really. Not at all, actually. It seems kind of silly to have hard-fast rules about what to buy, when to buy, what to wear.

But I also know myself. In the past, I really struggled with impulse buying. I would end up spending a lot of money on things I didn’t really love because I just “needed” something, it seemed like a really good deal, or I was just exhausted from a long shopping trip and felt like I couldn’t leave empty-handed without calling the whole day a waste of time. I’m still fighting off these impulses, but I know the pay-out will be worth it.

So instead of actually spending money, I’m currently making a shopping list and budget for Spring capsule wardrobe shopping – and I will share the list next week! And instead of waiting and transitioning to my Spring wardrobe April 1st as planned, I will probably slowly roll it out as I acquire items from my shopping list. Because at this rate it’s going to be 90 degrees outside and a third of my closet will be heavy sweaters!

wrap up:

If you’re thinking of trying out a capsule wardrobe, don’t let the fear of making mistakes stop you! I don’t regret starting this project one bit. Even though I don’t love everything about my wardrobe right now, I can confidently say that I am enjoying it more than my previously crammed wardrobe of items I didn’t ever wear. I also feel like I have real direction for the next time I go shopping, something I would have never learned without a capsule wardrobe. So go for it!

top: H&M; similar sleeveless | gray denim: Old Navy (on sale right now!) | flats: Tory Burch | sunglasses: Ray Ban | backpack (using as diaper bag/purse): Matt & Nat

calm, cool, collected

Posted on February 13, 2016 by K.L.

Hellllooo Saturday! It feels so good to catch a breath of fresh air after two weeks of non-stop work at my “real job”. I’ve missed blogging the past ten days or so, but sometimes real life comes first. Still, you know what they say,”Don’t quit your daydream”. I’m back this lovely Saturday sharing how to keep things mixed with a limited wardrobe.

I have less than fifteen tops in my wardrobe right now (I’ll be sharing my entire collection of tops in the next few days), which makes choosing what to wear a pretty simple process in the mornings. I won’t kid you, though – things can get pretty boring if you go with a straightforward top + pants combo every day. I simply don’t have the quantity of clothes to do this without looking like I’m wearing the same thing all the time. However, with a little creativity and some layering (especially in these cooler months) you can find an almost endless amount of combinations in a basic wardrobe, which keeps you from getting bored. Take a look at how I styled this chambray shirt three different ways for three totally different looks and occasions.

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calm

By layering a chambray shirt with a casual jacket and scarf, the chambray shirt sort of fades out of sight. It’s a more casual version of the classic white button-up. This relaxed look is great for running errands. I wore the chambray shirt with a pair of very dark denim to avoid looking like I was wearing the same color head-to-toe.

shirt: similar from Urban Outfitters | jacket: Nordstrom | jeans: old from 7 For All Mankind; similar here | shoes: Converse

cool

To keep things casual but cool for a date night out, pair a chambray shirt with a flare skirt and some knee high boots. For a more flirty look, you could opt for a pair of black leather heels. I kept things minimal with almost no jewelry, but if the look is too simple for you, add a statement necklace.

skirt: Old Navy (and less than $5!!) | boots: old from Nordstrom; similar here | purse: Kate Spade; similar here | sunglasses: Ray Ban

collected

A black wrap dress is a great article of clothing to own for work, church, or any more formal occasion. To mix things up, try adding a button up layer underneath, especially on a day with cooler weather. It still looks polished enough for work, but adds some visual interest and makes the outfit more modest if the wrap dress is somewhat low cut (as they often are). If the chambray shirt is too casual for work, try the same look with a classic white button-up instead.

dress: old from Gap; similar here | flats: Tory Burch

See how easy it is to wear the same top without looking like you’re sporting the same outfit day after day?

What is your must-have, most versatile piece of clothing?

the three dresses you want to own

Posted on February 2, 2016 by K.L.

Last week I posted about bottoms that are sure to get tons of use, and represent key, versatile pieces in a pared-down wardrobe.

We’re keeping with the spirit and talking again about basics for three main categories: office/formal (aka the “serious” category), date night (aka the “party” category) and casual (aka the “I-like-to-sit-on-patios-and-drink-Sangria-with-my-friends-or-take-my-family-on-picnics” category). This time, with dresses. Oh girl… you fancy.

office: pencil dress | date night: LBD | casual: maxi dress

Truth be told, I’m not a big dress gal. I’m one of those who owns a few multi-purpose dresses I can pull out for any occasion, not the type that gets all excited about “getting to buy a new dress” to go to a wedding or party. Not surprisingly, I kept things pretty simple when it came to choosing dresses: one for every category. Dudn’t git any easier than that. Not to say that you should throw out everything else or that you won’t need other pieces, but you will find that the right selection of a few main ingredients will fill a lot of “holes” in your wardrobe.

office attire: pencil dress

As long as it’s not too snugly fit or low cut, this dress can’t offend anyone. Not even the guards at the Vatican or your Southern Baptist grandma. Which makes it the perfect dress for the office. It’s long enough to be modest but the fitted cut still makes it feminine. I say 3/4 length sleeve is the way to go, and I would lean towards simple with minimal or no embelishment, so you can frequently wear it and easily pair it with different accessories and not be noticed for the being the proud outfit repeater that you are. If you feel like the pencil dress is too formal for your work setting, a wrap dress like this one would be a good alternative.

date night attire: party/cocktail dress

This is your LBD (“little black dress”). Every gal should own one. I imagine this being a dress worn on a special date like an anniversary, a cocktail party, a New Years Eve bash, or a wedding. I think simplicity is still key so you can mix and match accessories, but it can be more fun than the office dress. Lace, a beaded neckline, or a simple cutout in the back are all subtle details that can add interest to the dress without giving it away as that dress you wear to everything (but you will wear it to everything). Sadly, the YSL dress pictured is about $4,000 out of my price range, but I found a nice, simpler alternative.

casual: maxi dress

Maybe the maxi dress has seen its day, but I still hold a special place in my heart (and my closet) for this trusty solider. If possible, try to find one in a breathable material so it doesn’t get too hot in the summertime. This is a great vacation piece because it’s the ideal travel dress (layer with a jean jacket or cardigan for the plane ride) and can double as a swim-suit cover. I imagine this being the perfect dress to wear to the beach, a wine tasting, a casual patio lunch, or any spring/summer outing with your family. If you’re over the floor length, another option would be a shirt dress.

What do you think about these three dresses being staples? Do you a different go-to for any of these categories?

the six bottoms you want to own

Posted on January 26, 2016 by K.L.

Imagine that you had a job interview, a date to a cool new art gallery, and a trip to the zoo with your nieces and nephews all planned for next week. What are you going to wear? Do you have 20 options to choose from for each? Do you have even one?

One of the most nerve-racking things about doing a closet purge is thinking, “What if I have to go somewhere and have nothing to wear because I threw it out?” or “Will I have any clothes left after this?!”

Cleaning out your closet can be overwhelming. If you’re like me, it may have left you going, “Ok. So basically all I own that I like to wear are dark skinny jeans and cotton shirts”. Knowing what articles of clothing you “should” own is like trying to determine what to pack for a surprise trip, there are tons of factors and many unknowns. Still, I think most women have a need for certain basic items (and probably multiples of some of those items, depending on their daily activities).

I found a great resource in Brass Clothing about choosing essentials for your wardrobe, and it inspired me to make my own list, starting from the bottom.

I have three categories, with only two items in each category: office/formal; date night/semi-casual; and casual.

office attire: pencil skirt and trouser pant

Although I no longer work in an office, I still think it’s a good idea to own a good pencil skirt and trouser pant to wear to church, a formal meeting, or to make a presentation. A mid-length pencil skirt is an ideal piece of clothing to own, because it is appropriate in so many circumstances, and not too short.

“date night” attire: black denim and dark skinny jeans

Black denim (or a dressy pair of leggings like my favorite H&M ones) and dark skinny jeans are easy to dress up and down. If tailored properly, they can be worn with heels or flats and their possibilities are pretty endless. Short of a funeral, I would pretty much wear them anywhere.

casual attire: modern cargo and light-wash denim

Cargo pants?! What is this, the 90s? This style of pants may not be for everyone, so a slim fitting chino style pant in khaki would also be a good choice. They look great with sandals, tennis shoes, booties and tall boots and pair well with a casual button up or cotton tee.

The light-wash denim could be boyfriend style jeans or something more fitting with some distress. The idea is that they can be thrown on to go see a ball game with your husband or go junk shopping with your mom. They go well with t-shirts and even heels for an edgier look.

What items would you add to this list? What items could you live without? I’d love to hear what you think!

southwest cardigan: winter 2016 capsule

Posted on January 25, 2016 by K.L.

All dressed up with no place to go? Ain’t nobody got time for that.

I’m one of those people that doesn’t like to waste a good outfit on a day where no one is going to see me. But those days are few and far between, if I’m honest with myself. Even though I might work from home, on any given day I’m still out in public at least 3 or 4 times (school pick up, post office, grocery store – see, three already), not to mention the occasional run in with a neighbor or someone dropping off a package. Realistically, not having plans is not the same as being legitimately locked up out of sight for the day. Still, I’m not going to put on my best duds for a weekday of working at home. There is a happy medium between pajamas bottoms and business attire, and I think I’ve found it in comfy cardigans.

old Paige denim; similar here | Ugg Cambridge

I notice a very positive change in my behavior when I dress in clothes that wouldn’t make me embarrassed to be seen in the grocery store. I am a more productive person when I feel presentable. Of course, if I was in a ball gown, I wouldn’t feel like reconciling accounts or loading the dishwasher, so you have to be practical. I’m not going to be running around in heels at home any time soon (if you want to, rock it!), but I am making so much more of an effort to stay out of loungewear and in regular clothes on a somewhat daily basis.

Right now, my winter go-to combo for being at home most of the day includes:

Comfortable jeans
Soft 3/4 or short sleeve cotton tee
Cardigan
Comfortable shoes

I like still having layers, even when I’m at home. My house may be nice and toasty, but having a cardigan set out to throw on if I need to run outside is really handy. And by planning one in to my outfit, I’m less likely to reach for the comfortable but questionable hoodie in the hall closet (maybe it belongs to me, maybe it’s my husbands… maybe it’s my Dad’s… why are you judging me?)

Makeup and hair, now, is a completely different story. But I’m working on that, too 😉

p.s. helpful tip

When choosing items for my capsule wardrobe, I was focused on items with versatility, which often meant a lot of neutrals. Still, I didn’t want to become bored with my wardrobe, so I looked for ways to incorporate some color. So far, I have found that by making my base layers mostly neutral and allowing some of my “second layer” pieces to be more colorful, I can make many, many outfit combinations without them all looking the same. I think key pieces (a trench, a dress, a cable-knit sweater) are best left neutral, and more “accessory” type pieces (a scarf, a hat, a cardigan, jewelry) are great for adding color.

southwest Cardigan by Selfie Couture; similar for under $10 here | Tee Madewell