Last #RTHCapsuleWardrobe Catchup (& #Passion4Fashion Linkup)

 Well, we are nearing the end of my first Capsule Wardrobe.  I chose to run my Spring capsule from 1st April to May 31st, so it was just 2 months which felt perfect for my first capsule venture and has been a wonderful experience.
I have learned so much and enjoyed the freedom of thought having the capsule has brought to me.
I hope you've enjoyed coming along for the capsule wardrobe ride, next week will be the grand unveiling of my Summer Capsule (ahem, which i'm yet to decide on) which will then see me through from June 1st to 1st Sept, so 3 whole months. I'm going to make a couple of changes in the next capsule, but shall chat about all things capsule next week.
As for now, here are the last couple of weeks of #OOTD from my Insta feed, which we all know i love to document and keeps me accountable and out of my pj's.

Highlights the past couple of weeks from my capsule has to be my new Etienne Marcel culottes and my yellow sweater.

I'm super pleased with how many different outfits I created with just 37 items of clothing (shoes not included), I don't think i've ever, ever worn a set of clothing as much as I have these past couple of months. But I have to say as much as I have loved this capsule,and i really have, I'm ready for some different pieces, and some sunshine.. C'mon summer!

An InLinkz Link-up

Fluid Capsule Wardrobe Idea and Changes for Me

I mentioned back on my first Capsule catch-up that i may allow myself a few changes half way through if it was required, because the UK is a difficult place to dress for. One day its single digit temperatures, sleeting even, the next week it looks like summer's on it's way.
Bi-polar British weather is a bitch. There's just no predicting it.
I erred on the side of caution (ie cold weather) when it came to my first Spring capsule, which has worked well for me so far as its been baltic, but this week and next, well there does appear to be some sort of freakish temperature increase.
I mentioned yesterday that whilst studying the form of all things #CapsuleWardrobe i came across the ever useful and lovely blog Tartan Brunette.
What is great is that Jen is British ( she lives in Scotland) capsule wardrobe blogger and she has encountered the same issues as me:
Spring weather and dressing for it from a small(er) selection of clothes is difficult.
I could totally relate.
So with that in mind she presents The Fluid Capsule idea, where you have 5 items that can be brought in or taken out as required, warm weather or cold weather, you're basically covered.
Perfect solution for the UK and anywhere else that has an unpredictable climate a la Britain.
Now I'm not going all out crazy with my switches here and actually shall be swapping some out as opposed to just bring them in, meaning my number (45) is still the figure I'm working with, and that also means I'm not just adding in pieces which could cause me to blatantly end up where i was last time: with a whole shed load of clothes that i hardly wear.
That's not the aim here.
So by removing the pieces that aren't working for me (and with valid reasons below) I am making my capsule more efficient.

Also this is still a huge learning curve for me, so a few alterations were bound to happen (lol!)


The 4 pieces I am removing are:

1x Khaki Jumpsuit
1x Black Pleated skirt
1x Cricket Jumper
1x Adidas Gazelles

Being replaced with

1x Denim Culottes  (Options: Love these from madewell and the Etienne Marcel too, the cuff is gorgeous!)
1x Black sandal (Option: The tassels on the Loeffler Randall ones are divine!)
1x Black Skirt
1x Yellow Light weight jumper (This Clue sweater in yellow is perfect)

I am happy to be adding a couple more bottom half options as that is the one thing I'm slightly struggling with.
I previously mentioned that the skirt I had included is just too small and uncomfy and therefore uber unflattering, which I have to say was one of the worst pieces in my capsule.
After giving a skirt option some more thought, instead of the knee-jerk reaction like with the pleated skirt I originally included, i knew a denim skirt would be more my bag as it's just what I am comfortable in.
I've gone for this asos black denim skirt and i couldn't be happier with it.

Secondly, I'm going to take out my Navy Adidas gazelles and replace with my old but comfy black lace-up sandals... just in-case i fancy getting the toes out that is. These are super similar to mine which I bought last year

Next I'm going to take out my Khaki Jumpsuit as STUPIDLY i didn't try it on before including it in my capsule. Which for most people I'm sure would be fine. But me? No. I've  gained half a stone since I last wore it(sob) and when I tried it on for the first time the other day it almost cut me in half. I couldn't lunge or even move for that matter, everywhere was just tight. I would like to say maybe I shrank it on a hot wash, but alas I fear it may be the winter weight... its a sad state of affairs when last summers jumpsuit no longer fits and a rather rude wake up call (been walking miles each day and started My Fitness Pal App, but still... the shame!) So bye bye for now jumpsuit, hello, new culottes. Culottes just seem to be the perfect cut for this time of year.

And lastly, something I also threw in as a knee jerk reaction, my cricket jumper. I don't even like it (Ebay here it comes) So a nice pop of yellow is replacing it with an old Hush fine knit sweater, which will really add a fresh pop of colour for the following weeks.

I'm super happy with the update and glad to say that I can already see many of the pieces that are in my Spring capsule being carried forward in to the Summer capsule... and yes I'm already pondering the Summer Capsule, nothing too drastic, but some definite improvements.
So far spring has been an excellent learning curve, and with these additions I'm sure I will continue to love dressing each day.

So what do you think of The Fluid Capsule idea?
I think its a great way to adapt to your climate and not feel restricted, but yet still sticking to the main principle of less is more.
I know all my clothes in my capsule are being worn and loved, so far this has really made a very happy impact on me.

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Capsule Wardrobe Update: Feelings and Thoughts on Reprogramming

So, (why do i always have to start my sentences with 'So..' such a bad habit) its been just over a month since i started my Spring capsule, and as promised I thought i'd give you another little update.
My first thoughts on it can be found here and if you're new around here (hi and welcome, welcome!) or if you've been out of the loop (where oh where have you been?)  then you can read all about the reasoning behind my capsule and what my capsule consists of  here.

A month in and i am actually learning quite a lot.
I've learned i am most happy in simple outfits. I've established that i have found my own personal style rather than flitting from trend to trend.
I can see where my capsule is slightly lacking also, and therefore how i would improve it next time (and i think there will be another for summer!), for example, I could do with a couple more things for the bottom half, my jeans are well worn, which is great, but a bit more variety would have been better.

By removing constant online browsing and dreaming up outfits and filling my mind with clothes (which isn't a bad thing necessarily; imagination is always good, but i was a tad obsessive) I have opened up brain capacity it would appear. I am thinking of decorating and adding things to my home, I've started writing and actually have characters, a plot and back-stories so far (which excites me greatly) and I'm reading again, actually I'm consuming books constantly, gobbling them up and enjoying every morsel.

It's refreshing.

I am the happiest and most content I've been in years.

But of course there is a few down pointers.
For the first time this week, a month in to my capsule, I actually felt a fleeting moment of boredom. I stood there one morning and thought, " I don't fancy wearing any of this" and so that day i sat in my scruffy joggers and tee and decided not to dress for the world, which is fine, sometimes we have off days, or times when quite frankly we can't be arsed. But it did make me think that maybe i could tire of the capsule. The next day i awoke with renewed vigour towards my capsule and dressed happily. But I think a few more patterned pieces would have sufficed in making my capsule a little more fun and stopped me potentially getting bored.

So far I am yet to reproduce the same outfit twice, which really got me thinking.
I touched on this thought recently on Instagram(here).
Social Media portrays the image that we must wear a completely different outfit everyday.
We've all seen them, we all lustfully follow along and watch those fabulous ladies with their huge wardrobes that wear something different Every.Single.Day.
I mean, I get it, to post the same thing on Instagram time and time again is not fresh, its not ground-breaking, its not gonna get you loads of people clicking that heart button. But honestly?
Wearing an outfit on repeat that you love is surely more gratifying?
Its more than that.
Its normal.
Its' real life (I can only speak for myself on that one.. Its My real life at least).

The urge to look different everyday is something I struggle with and the reason why i was suddenly bored with my capsule.
It got me thinking.
I wear this dress at least once a week. Each time I try and present it in a different way, be that with a different scarf or jacket and shoes.
But ultimately its the same dress.
A dress I freakin' love to wear.
And I love to wear it in the same way, with the same shoes and jacket, as that's how i essentially like it best.

And that's ok.

I am reprogramming my mindset to allow the use of repeat outfits, no I won't be winning any 'likes' for it, but it's honest, and it's me.
Its my style.
And I'm ok with that.

Don't get me wrong, its fun to experiment and create new looks, i still have plenty i can make with my capsule, and like to plan outfits that are different. But I'm finally allowing myself to wear complete outfits on repeat.
Maybe its a blogger thing, maybe others don't suffer from this, maybe its just me? But going forward repeats and new outfits are all welcome in my eyes.


So,
Shall we take a gander at some of the outfits from the last 2 weeks?

Items I've loved this month

My Madewell Pointed flats in orangey-red (or try the Jeffrey Campell Belanger Loafer in red which are gorgeous)
The Khaki Utility jacket has proven to be super useful, when i'm not wearing it my step daughter is. I like the idea of a sleeveless vest-type version (like this gorgeous one from The Kooples) for a summer layering piece.
The denim dress of course (only big sizes left, but love these ones which have more sizes)
And a boyfriend fit white shirt ( also this one by brand Skin is divine!!!)



Tomorrow I shall be back with another quick post. Something I touched on briefly last time, but with a heatwave (ish) about to hit the UK, I am going to allow myself a couple of changes.
I found a great post by capsule wardrobe fan Tartan Brunette which really struck a chord (have a read and you'll see exactly what i mean).
Fluid Capsule.
Perfect for British weather.
All shall be revealed tomorrow.

In the mean time, let me know how you feel about repeating outfits, is it something you do? Or do you like a fresh completely different outfit every day? No judgement here, i have been both sides of the answer to this question. I find it really interesting how our minds work in regards to outfits.
Us ladies are a complex bunch aren't we ;)

#RtHCapsuleWardrobe Daily Outfits so far...

I wanted to do a first impressions of the whole capsule wardrobe thing now that we're already 20 days in(20.. man that has gone fast!!) 

It's going to be a honest post of what I've liked and disliked and if there's anything I'd change going forward.

So, Capsule Wardrobe

The Good

I am LOVING it.

I never, ever, ever thought i'd be the person saying that, honestly, I am the person who struggles to pack for a holiday as I hate restricting my possibilities and also like having a grand choice to choose from.

But, having a carefully curated selection makes this process so much easier.

Everyday I wake up, check the weather forecast, go to my vastly downsized wardrobe and decide within a few minutes what I would like to wear.

This is unheard of for the compulsive over-thinker that I am.

It has changed my morning, and I know that sounds dramatic, but for a person who would stare longing into her wardrobe each morning then bemoan "I have nothing to wear" each day, this is a vast improvement on my quality of life (ok, extreme much?!)

So yes, to say i am enjoying it would be an understatement.

No my outfits aren't ground-breaking, but then I am happy, so I think that needs to be what i go with right now. Happy, uncomplicated outfits.

Another plus point is less laundry, like loads less. When I had my hundreds to choose from, i would often shove something in the laundry basket and choose something else, this would end up with lots and lots of washing for muggins here to do. not to mention the ironing and then putting away of said clothes.

There is no longer piles of clothes everywhere in my house, It's much easier to keep control of my clothes and that is truly satisfying. if something is clean at the end of the day i hang it back up and don't chuck it on a pile, as a renowned messy person this is major steps forward on the whole tidy-grown-up front. 

My capsule is 45 pieces (see it in full here) and as it was my first I was definitely cautious of giving things up and scared of limiting myself, but having started i can now see the pieces i don't wear that much and the ones i do, I think I could get the number down closer to 38 next time.

Last noteworthy good point: I have spent so much less. We are finishing up the month having saved money, which i would normally have spent. This is definitely a good drive for me, and the husband is happy too!

The Bad

Not much bad to report really, I'm that happy with it. But if I were to be picky I think I would mention that Spring in the Uk is a hard time to do this, we're barely hitting double figures temperature wise and that can be frustrating as I don't have a lot of jumpers in my capsule, but it is making me get a little creative, and having put an extensive amount of jackets in to my capsule, i can at least have variation there.

I didn't include a hooded coat, and so far I haven't used one, but if needs must I will grab my parker which I keep in the car as a just in-case and dog walks.

The other noteworthy bad point is wear and tear.

Obviously I am wearing my clothes a lot more than previously. With 3 main pairs of jeans (skinny ripped jeans, boyfriend jeans and black jeans) being on constant rotation they are getting a battering on the wear and tear front. 

Its worth noting here none of the jeans were bought new for the capsule and had been worn many times prior, so wear and tear hasn't totally been in the past 20 days, but i guess its just more noticeable now as I'm wearing them much more often.

My ripped skinny jeans are looking a little worse for wear on the rippage front, a bit scraggly and the rips are getting a bit out of control.

The black jeans have a hole where there isn't supposed to be a hole, which we'll just call "distressing".

Lastly, I wish i had included a couple more pops of colour. Particularly a little bit of yellow and some more pattern possibly.

 The Changes

If I were to make any changes going forward, there are definitely pieces I would exchange.
Its also worth noting that i did change my trench coat within the first week as i actually had a split in the lining of my other, and i knew from the beginning it was something i would need. I bought a new one with a credit note I had and am super happy with my purchase.

Also it's a good idea to buy good quality denim that you know will last you well. if denim is intergral to your being, like it is for me, then perhaps shelling out a little more on better quality could benefit the capsule.

I included a pleated skirt that I bought for less than a tenner in the sales, but really, I don't like it. I put it in as it seemed like a good idea and I had seen similar in other peoples capsules, but if i'm being honest with myself, it doesn't look right on me and doesn't fit well either. I will donate it to a friend or charity shop, but I would definitely like to replace it with a different skirt that is more me, and would open up more remixing options with the rest of the capsule.
I'm thinking about doing a limited exchange half way through (1st may) if the weather requires as Spring is so tricky.The exchange will be maybe 3 item switches and I'm thinking that could be a pair of sandals that i already own, and maybe a skirt option.
Who knows I may go until June 1st without a single switch as I am definitely happy overall with the capsule. But I'm going to leave the option on the table as feeling constrained isn't a happy experience and i want this to be something i continue with.

I think its safe to say that so far this is something I am super happy I am doing, I shall keep you posted in May on any other outfits and findings.

Just to note I am doing 1st April-1st June as a Meteorological season makes more sense in regards to clothes for me season wise. My summer season will change over on June 1st.

Thanks so much for following along, if you have any questions do drop me a comment below or ask me on twitter or IG!

The Classics

When I started thinking about putting my own capsule together I knew it would be filled with the classics. Classics are something I shunned in my twenties, opting for loud and and patterned every time, which was fun.

But over the past couple of years I have definitely found a new appreciation for the classics. Bizarrely, when I was 17 I remember my favourite outfit being a leather jacket, a plain white tee, my best jeans and a pair of Adidas trainers that I had fiercely saved my weekend job wages for.

So it appears I've reverted back to my 17 year old self's style. 

I like to think I've added in a few nice pieces, but it really does show a case in point, that even 14 years later, some styles just don't age. 

They are classics.

Now in my thirties I am the most happy I have ever been with my wardrobe as I have filled it with some pretty decent classics which make up the backbone of my daily wears.

The new addition to my capsule was this trench coat. 

I mentioned that I had to replace the Trench I started my capsule with due to it being a tad tight and me splitting the lining. It was given to me by a friend and never cost a penny so it did me well thus far. 

But with it being in my capsule I knew it was going to get a lot of wear over the following months.

And thankfully I had a credit note for H&M; anyone else forget to send stuff back in the month allowance? Yeh.. my bad, but this time it worked in my favour at least, I found this beautiful neutral trench for exactly the amount I had on my credit note.

Talk about meant to be.

The length is perfect for me as it actually falls to the knee rather than an unflattering mid-thigh (my chunkiest area that should be disguised at all costs ;), the colour is the perfect neutral and the tie belt is my personal preference rather than an annoying buckle.

Happy trench wearing days.

I paired it with some more classics from my #RtHCapsuleWardrobe: A classic white button down, my ankle grazer tailored trousers and my Stan Smiths. 

I think its safe to say Stan Smiths are now classics don't you? 

All finished off with a pop of red and the cutest puppy.

So far I am loving my capsule wardrobe, but shall give you a full run down later this week.

Wearing from the Capsule:

Gap Trousers or try these from Vince

H&M Trench, This one is SUPER similar and there's a gorgeous selection here

White shirt: F&F Similar here and the Current/Elliot one is perfect!!

Adidas Stan Smiths

DKNY Bag, Similar but cheaper option

Do you favour the classics?
Or are you more of a fun fashion gal?