
Capsule Wardrobes
The capsule concept:
Capsule dressing is a skill I learned as a wardrobe consultant for a private women’s clothing line during my years in Denver. Think Garanimals: everything within a capsule mixes and matches with everything else, so you can put together cohesive outfits effortlessly.
I can create specific outfits from your closet or from new pieces, that will be perfect for packing for a work trip, a weekend away, or even a longer adventure. If you look closely, every top in the three example blocks below — the t-shirts, long sleeve fitted jersey, graphic sweatshirt, and blouse — will go with the shorts, skirt, or jeans. The vintage denim jacket (purchased from an Isaac Mizrahi collection for Target in 1999) can also be worn across the three ensembles. The same concept works with the three shoe examples as well. Once the capsule is complete, choosing outfits is easy!
walking/shopping.
The belted paper-bag waist shorts are the staple here, and can be worn in three seasons with almost anything. The poly-blend fabric is breathable and does not wrinkle, and the elastic waist is beyond comfortable. They cost about $12 from TJ Maxx (2019).
Graphic tees, sweatshirts and hoodies are exploding in popularity and can be worn to the gym, shopping, and even out to dinner. The graphic sweatshirt is from H&M (2019). The pop of citron abstract lettering is very current and raises the game of the simple heather grey sweatshirt look and is as comfortable as anything.
Sneakers are must in the 2020 wardrobe. These Nike running shoes are from RoadRunnerSports.com. I look for styles that work as a true running shoe but also have some color and splash so that I can use them beyond just working out. Comfort and fit is key.
The crossbody bag in camoflage nylon from A.P.C. at Nordstrom.com was an experimental purchase because of the sale price that turned into a favorite. I purchased it early in 2020 and find that I hardly ever want to carry a full-size hand bag anymore. It is simple, easy, and has a fun and youthful graphic look.
My go-to shoe outlet is RoadRunnerSports.com. As a VIP, the low annual fee allows for free shipping and returns along with a satisfaction guarantee if you wear the shoes and are not happy. The also have fit consultants that will talk you through your shoe selection.
Nordstrom is also a staple as all shipping and returns are free regardless of how many items you purchase.
vintage color-blocking.
I had not realized until writing this that all of the pieces in this outfit are vintage except for the shoes. The exact definition of vintage means clothing that is between 20 and 100 years old. I tend to use this term loosely, as some pieces in my wardrobe were vintage when I purchased them, like my suede cropped bomber jacket. I think it was the first vintage piece I ever acquired in 1986. I was working as a freelance photojournalist in Boston and was a regular at this wonderfully quirky vintage store in the Back Bay.
The fringed denim jacket is Isaac Mizrahi for Target from 1999, the satin stripe midi skirt is from 2000, and the tan georgette cap sleeve blouse is from a Cabi collection that I purchased in 2008. Not everything is truly a vintage piece, but this example shows how buying high quality, timeless staple pieces can literally stretch your wardrobe for decades. Everything old is new again.
The green faille block-heeled sandals from Stuart Weitzman were a find at TJ Maxx. If you live in the metro Detroit area, the TJ’s at Telegraph just north of Square Lake Road is the best in the area and is too good, if you know what I mean.
A word about color blocking: If you look at this outfit, nothing in any piece matches any color in any of the other garments. Putting together an outfit using color blocking, which means using colors that are opposites on the color wheel, can make interesting and fun outfits that you may not think of. In this outfit I don’t take it too far, as denim blue, tan, and black are really all neutral colors and are complementary. The green sandal is a surprising pop of color. True color blocking is much less subtle.
weekend mini-capsule.
In this collection you can see that if you threw in easy basics like some sneakers and a pair of leggings or shorts, these garments could take you through an entire weekend at home or away.
The amazing rain jacket/cape was a find on eBay from Nike Lab. It also comes with an attachable black and white polka dot puffer vest (not shown). I found this piece on Nike Lab’s website on sale but it sold out before I ordered it. A few days later I found it on eBay for $220. The original retail price was $650. Nike Lab is Nike’s higher end, designer collection. The fabrication, styling and workmanship are exquisite. You don’t even need a handbag with this coat as the front exterior pocket is roomy and waterproof.
Rounding out this capsule are a few Carhartt t-shirts, a long sleeve fitted tech tee from Lululemon (2013), your favorite jeans in any style, and any shoe, boot or sandal will work here. I found these Tory Burch peep-toe booties on sale at TJ Maxx in 2018. The reversible mask with filter pocket is from a friend’s Etsy shop, FaLABco. The online shop has a great fabric selection and will make affordable custom designs. The owner and her daughters at FaLAB have donated hundreds of masks to front line workers in the Las Vegas community and use all proceeds from sales for their college fund.
san fran sunday.
If you have ever been to the Bay Area, you know that it is hardly ever truly warm. Layering is a must. Our daughter has lived there since summer 2017 so we are fortunate to be able to visit often.
This outfit would be perfect for a summer Sunday. The Club Monaco embroidered skirt is from Summer 2019 and can be worn anywhere. I paired it with a casual cotton t-shirt from Carhartt, and the short sleeves make it flexible for warm weather.
The suede bomber is perfect for when the fog rolls in and the temperature drops. I purchased the jacket at a Back Bay vintage store when I was a photojournalist in Boston in 1986. I paid $50 for it and I am so glad it is still a part of my wardrobe.
The blue suede platforms by Marc Fisher were a steal at TJ Maxx from Spring 2019.
cropped shopping.
Although this outift could be worn almost anywhere, I call it “cropped shopping” because it takes advantage of the 'cropped' trend in both the cotton sweater and the cropped wide-legged jeans. When I shop I like to be comfortable and fashion forward at the same time.
The cotton sweater was $29 and the cropped wide-leg jeans were $4.99, both from Zara 2020. I found the pants in a sale pile and almost passed over them as they had this crazy red plaid fabric that hung down below the torn hem. But I tried them on anyway, and they fit perfectly. I chopped off the red lining as soon as I got home. Alterations can often make new and old pieces work.
The Gucci sandals were a gift (that I chose as a Mother's Day gift) fifteen years ago. They are slightly worn, but you do get what you pay for in high-quality garments. With proper care, they can last for many years.
I purchased the green leather waist bag on sale at Nordstrom.com in the fall of 2019, much to the chagrin of my sister Ann who has worn her black leather fanny pack since it went out of style. I of course gave her grief incessantly, until I noticed the accessory creeping back into style. I tried it and now hardly ever carry a traditional handbag day in and day out. Fanny packs are comfortable, convenient and are a stylish and fun accessory.
winter comfy casual.
This fun little outfit is perfect for late fall/early winter and can be worn anywhere from shopping, to church, or to a museum, or casual dinner. Pair with a fun cross body bag or shopper and you are good to go.
The foundation is this comfy, on trend, dark-wash high-waisted jean with a button fly (AG). I found these on sale in early March 2020 at Saks Off Fifth. I paired it with a soft, lightweight crew-neck cropped sweatshirt that I found at Target in the loungewear/pajama section for $9.99.
The shoes are a comfy spectator-style sneaker from Isabel Marant that I found on sale at an amazing online site called SSense. They have every top designer that you can imagine and their sale section is enormous. The down puffer is Acne , also on sale from SSense. I can't say enough about this site. They offer free expedited shipping and returns and the selection is as large as I have seen online anywhere. The scarf is Burberry, gifted by my husband 10 years ago. I love having a few of these timeless staples that never go out of style. They are worth every penny!