August 11, 2014

MY THOUGHTS ON THE CAPSULE WARDROBE.

capsulewardrobe
As a blog reader, I feel like it's my duty to follow along with trends. You know, keep up with what's cool and trendy. And something that I've noticed more and more throughout the fashion and lifestyle blogs is the desire to minimize and simplify your closet.

To be honest, I was a little skeptical of this idea at first. Since college, I've been trying to really bulk up my closet after having lost weight (and thus many of my clothes). I've been trying to update my closet and really add some pretty and timeless pieces to my closet. 

So you could see why I was a little skeptical of the whole minimizing and simplifying part of the capsule wardrobe. I wasn't sure if it was a trend worth looking into or not. One that was worth my time, money, or effort. By the time I heard of the wardrobe capsule (read more on that here!), I was just starting to feel content with my closet and wasn't really interested in jumping on the bandwagon on yet another blogger trend. 

But once I started thinking about it, I realized that I really agreed with and had already implemented some of basic concepts. For one, if I'm going to buy something, it needs to be timeless, comfortable, versatile (mix/match is a must!), and washable (a preschool teacher must!). While shopping, I need to be able to envision my pieces worn in multiple outfits before I purchase them. 

I also have a monthly budget for clothes. Something, that since I've started my job--is a must for this girl over here. 

But the one thing I have a hard time switching over to is the quality vs. quantity piece. I've grown up in a culture that values finding good deals and as a teacher, I feel like it's turned me into an even more money-conscious person. I love reading reviews before purchasing items, shopping clearance sections, and getting the most bang for my buck. Which makes it a wee bit difficult to buy jeans for $100 or something like that (please tell me I'm not the only one out there?)--especially if the pieces are trendy and will likely be worn one season. 
closet additions
Anyway, I've decided that like everything in life, you've got to make everything your own. And since I love the concept of a simplified closet, I've decided to make my own closet capsule of sorts. I've decided that before buying anything, it needs to first fit my closet wishlist (above). A list that I've written in my head and now have written down and slipped into my wallet as a reminder. If you have any recommendations for shops or pieces to add to my list, let me know! 

I'm still going to allow myself to shop the clearance section, but I'm also going to really think about why I'm buying an item. Is it because it's simply a good deal and will thus only be worn a few times? Or is it because it's a piece I can see myself wear multiple times (without it breaking/wearing out!)?

What are your thoughts on capsule wardrobes? Or just buying clothes in general? Do you have a budget? Do you have any favorite stores/brands? And what about my beloved clearance section--do you shop there?

p.s. Interested in seeing more of my closet? On August 20th, The Circle link-up is dedicated to sharing what's in our closets and there may or may not be a little vlog from yours truly, too. 

22 comments

  1. I'm hanging out in the clearance section with you! I can't see the point in spending full price on something especially on my teacher salary. Lately though I've been rethinking my wardrobe and purchases. If I don't love it/wear it then it needs to go. I've been trying to cutback on my clothes purchases unless it's something I love and will wear. I love your list of pieces to lookout for. I might have to create one when fall shopping begins to tempt me.

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    1. Hey, the clearance section is where it's at! I love a good bargain but like you said, I also want to be more conscientious and just aware of what I have in my closet, too.

      p.s. My goodness, fall shopping always tempts me! I have a crazy obsession with sweaters and cardigans, haha. :)

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  2. Hmm... I think I like it and don't like it (the idea of the capsule wardrobe). I love thrifting and finding old/new to me clothes, usually of the vintage type! But in order to do this, I rotate out clothes and sell them at consignment stores. I like rotating things because I get bored with the same old stuff. However, I do see the value in purchasing higher quality, more expensive staple items like jeans, jackets, etc. My deal is that as long as I'm always rotating and not hoarding, I'm good. But that's one of my hobbies too ya know? (thrift store shopping)

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    1. Same, same! I go back and forth between liking the capsule wardrobe and not liking all that much. I do think it's good to really just be aware with what's in your closet but I also love good deals and thrifting, too (although thrifting for clothes isn't so great where I live). :)

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  3. i am borderline obsessed with un-fancy blog! i have seriously considered taking the same approach to my wardrobe. i am finally finding my own style, and i feel as though a capsule wardrobe would not only keep things fresh, but save money over time. i am starting a budget this month, so i know this will be beneficial!

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    1. Now that you've said it, I really feel like I'm finally finding my style, too. I think there are a lot of benefits of capsule wardrobes (finances being one of them!) and I think it would be a lot of fun to try out, too. If you start one, I'd love to hear how it goes! :)

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  4. It's a great idea! A lot of work but a great idea. (Huffs and puffs, yea I don't have time for that.)

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    1. I agree, it's definitely a lot of work and it definitely involves planning, too. I think it would be a fun challenge, though! :)

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  5. you are not the only one out there! i cringe if pants/jeans are more than $30 and that's even high for me! i love thrifting & saving money and actually find some great quality & timeless pieces doing that! i used to buy tons of clothes because they were a good deal - but now i only shop if it's something that i actually need! like work pants - i hadn't bought any in over a year so this past weekend i went to kohls while they were having a sale & kohls cash and got 2 pair! so i kinda like the capsule wardrobe but also i like a lot of diversity also! so i'm 1/2 and 1/2 :)

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    1. Thank goodness I'm not the only one! $30 for jeans can definitely be high for me, too! :) I also used to spend money on clearance finds simply because they were good deals but then they would sit in my closet because I didn't like them or they didn't fit right. I feel like we're in the same boat! :)

      Now that I've finally figured out what I like (AND what fits my body type!), I've also decided on not only saving money but also buying pieces I actually want in my closet.

      p.s. Hooray for new work pants--and for a good deal, too! :)

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  6. I love hearing about others' thoughts on minimizing wardrobes. For me, I think it's important to live a life of less, but it can be so hard applying this to our closets, especially with the culture we're living in. I am a huge clearance shopper too. But I always think before I buy, which is a huge thing! I love your future closet additions list. I think making a list like that helps us focus on what we want/need and helps us go at a slower pace with our purchasing. So awesome!!

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    1. I completely agree with you! Living a life of less is something I'm constantly trying to do and it is definitely a hard thing to do when it comes to my closet. :) But like you said, really being conscientious about my purchases has been of great help and it's definitely helped me minimize my purchases.

      I wasn't really sure if I could stick to the list, but so far, so good! It's definitely helped my spending, too! :)

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  7. Clothes....I am a HOARDER. I have things in my closet from elementary school (tshirts) and jr high (real clothes - capris, shirts, etc.). If it still looks good and I like it, I pretty much keep it forever. Eventually there will be some serious downsizing!

    When it comes to buying clothes. I am to the point where I just buy in spurts during end of season sales. Occasionally I'll be out and spot something I like that is a good deal and grab it just because.

    My Mom taught me to always buy versatile pieces....Which basically means: I have a lot of teals, blacks, purples, browns, and navies.

    Oddly enough, I pretty much wear the same 20 or 30 items over and over again. That's why I know downsizing would be perfectly fine!

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    1. It's funny because I have a few pieces from when I was younger, too! I don't wear them much, but I do use them (i.e. t-shirts) for yardwork or painting projects.

      And I love versatile pieces! Most of my clothes are in the same color family (lots of blues and other neutral colors), too. I organize my tops by color in my closet and it's funny to see how many of my shirts are in the grey, white, and black color families. :)

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  8. I haven't quite jumped on this wagon yet, but I think I might in the near future. I've recently decided to only purchase quality items, which means I spend more on items, but I shop less...if that makes any sense. It's a little difficult to resist the urge to hit the clearance rack, but really I end up throwing most of those in the back of my closet only to be worn once or twice. But other times, I wear them tons! So who knows. :)

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    1. I'm the same! I've mostly changed to becoming a more conscientious shopper in that I want to make sure what I buy really fits and looks good on me and is needed to fill a gap in my closet--clearance or not. I've been trying to shop less, too, in hopes to save up for some pieces I've always wanted, too! :)

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  9. I agree!
    The part that is the hardest for me in the capsule wardrobe trend is the idea of spending a LOT of money on one item. I have never spent tons of money on clothes and I am such a bargain girl that it's hard to dish out that much for something that I HOPE I will like.
    Plus, i love shopping- so where does that fit into the equation?
    Good thoughts friend!

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    1. Exactly! I have a REALLY hard time spending a lot of money one piece of clothing (especially if it's too trendy and will only be worn a few times). I've never been a girl who spends a lot of money on clothes (learned from my mom, I think!) and it makes it really hard for me to want to spend so much money, even if others think it's a good investment.

      And I'm also with you on shopping, I enjoy it, too! I guess I've just turned to being more aware of what I'm buying, especially since I know what I want and what my body type looks best in, too! :)

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  10. I'm struggling with this as well.
    I want quality over quantity - but when I find a good deal on something I like....I mostly go for it.
    ive put myself on a clothing buying freeze for august, and it is really interesting to me how much I "miss" clothes shopping, but how I am able to use the clothes I have to make it through the week I do NOT "need" more clothes, just better quality to be honest.
    ive made a little list of things I've found online that I'm interested in buying once September rolls around but I'm not going to make myself do it.
    I love your "to buy" list. I think those are solid pieces that will really help build a good wardrobe.
    (I'm with amy hodge...I can't justify spending over a certain amount on a piece of clothing because honestly all it takes is one stain, one rip, one weightloss/gain to have "wasted" that money...)

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    1. So many good thoughts (and all thoughts I agree with!). You and Amy H. are not alone when it comes to spending a lot of money on clothes, I'm the same way! I honestly cannot justify spending a ton of money on clothes because they get stained from work, go out of style, etc. And I totally get what you mean about clothes not fitting because of weight changes! I'm just now starting to build my closet again after having to donate and/or get rid of a lot of my clothes.

      Since making my clothes list, I've found myself buying fewer clothes, too. This whole wardrobe capsule thing has really made me re-think what I'm buying and why I'm buying it. I'll still always go with a good deal, but only if it really is something I'll wear and if it looks good on me, too. Even though I despise changing rooms, I've been trying to make myself try more clothes on. It's a love/hate relationship still, haha.

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  11. I love your thoughts on this. Overall I've always been a capsule wardrobe person, without actually using that term. Shopping for cloths was always something special so I have always tried to pick out items that are timeless, will work with my current wardrobe, and are comfortable. I totally understand the concept of by quality items, but I think that is totally possible without spending an ton. That is one reason I love ThredUp. You can find great quality items for a more reasonable price. I do love that you made a list for your wardrobe, I'm going to have to give that a try.

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    1. I loved hearing your thoughts on this, Samantha! I've always loved the outfits you put together and I love that you not only wear quality pieces, but that you aren't paying a ton of money for them, either. I've actually signed up for ThredUp but haven't had a chance to really shop and browse their site. I'm going to have to try that! :)

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