| MangeTout |
| (member) |
| 02/05/2008 10:18 |
Do you have a 'capsule wardrobe'?
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I've just spent ages going through my wardrobe looking for something to wear today. I have a wardrobe full of stuff that I never wear, wrong season, wrong size, wrong colour etc. Some things have been in the wardrobe forever!
I have decided that less is more and I'd like a 'capsule' wardrobe. Could you help me put one together? Once I know what I need I'm going to be brave and sort out the rest of the 'stuff' and stop shuffling the coathangers backwards and forwards every morning. What do you consider essential?
| hollyUK |
| (member) |
| 02/05/2008 10:57 |
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Re: Do you have a 'capsule wardrobe'?
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I watched a program on this on Oprah the other day. It was interesting. From memory they recommended you couldn't do without:
1 coloured mac
1 roll neck jumper in a dark colour and 1 in white
1 pair of dark trousers in the cut that suits you
1 tunic
1 pair dark jeans (washed inside out to prevent fading)
1 pair of white jeans
1 casual jacket - problaby white
1 oversized handbag
1 pair of flats (shoes - preferabley leopard skin for some reason!)
1 white blouse
1 black dress
Can't remember the rest! I'm sure we need more than this - but it could be a good start!
I think the capsule wardrobe may change depending on your circumstanceds - for example if you work outside the home you may need different things than if you don't.
I'm interested in what other think.
| Jud |
| (member) |
| 02/05/2008 11:20 |
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Re: Do you have a 'capsule wardrobe'?
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Oprahs capsual wardrobe sounds really boring all black and white where is the colour??
I have tons of clothes more than I need I suppose but it's just so tempting when I go shopping everywhere is full of gorgeous clothes in fab colours. I tend to buy a colour that I really like and it might not go with much else. Just bought some really nice flip flops from M&S with jewels on in bright pink now I have realised my beach dress is lime green and my bikinis are lime green and another is turqoise still I like a bit of colour!! Might even treat myself to a pink bikini really cheap in tesco!!
Jud
| hollyUK |
| (member) |
| 02/05/2008 11:40 |
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Re: Do you have a 'capsule wardrobe'?
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I guess you could have similar items but in your own choice of colour.
One thing I do remember reading is to have a darkish 'base' colour and another light one as your basic colour scheme then add colour to bighten it up.
So for example you could choose from black, navy, brown, or purple for example as a base colour. Then add white, cream, beige, taupe etc as your lighter colour. Depends on your skin and hair colour.
The main problem I get with a capsule wardrobe is that I feel I would get bored, but in reality I tend to wear the same things anyhow!
| Chatelaine |
| (member) |
| 02/05/2008 11:44 |
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Re: Do you have a 'capsule wardrobe'?
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Reading about it, I have to agree with Jud - a capsule wardrobe sounds bloomin' boring!!!
I have more clothes than I actually know what to do with, but the up side is that they are all "me" and I really like them. Now that I am shrinking these dear "old" friends will be fitting me again! What's more, these "old" friends are loads more fun, more interesting, zappy and colourful, then the boring things being shoved at us in the numerous stores selling more of the same/similar boring and bland stuff.....
It has been bad enough that I weighed too much, and consequently had little choice at my disposition. Almost 10kilos less, and I feel better, and I fit more and more into my things again. As I will be loosing much more weight, the possibilities will continue growing, as I keep on shrinking..... So, NO capsule wardrobe for me! It really sounds like the epitome of boring!
| Kits |
| (member) |
| 02/05/2008 11:59 |
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Re: Do you have a 'capsule wardrobe'?
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Yes I do! I have quite a few! And mine are not boring!
Investing in a capsule wardrobe works because buying bits and pieces in the hope that they are going to work together very rarely does, it ends up costing you more money and wasting your time.
As a fashion co-ordinator I help ladies put together their own capsule wardrobe, you wanted to know what the essentials are - then to start you need:-
2 tops
2 bottoms (trousers or skirt),
1 cardigan or jacket
Choose three colours that would work well together - light, dark and an accent colour.
That is your base, then you can mix and match with other pieces of clothing that compliment your base colours for more versatility.
Look at what you already have and see if you can start from there.
Try and choose clothes that can be dressed up or dressed down with a few nice accessories.
Without knowing your personal style it's hard to say what is best for you, send me a PM if you like.
| jennifer36 |
| (member) |
| 02/05/2008 12:12 |
Re: Do you have a 'capsule wardrobe'?
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I've spent the last 3 hours sorting out my cupboards and finding so much stuff I'd forgotten about! A capsule wardrobe sounds such a good idea but don't think I could ever achieve it! I too love colour and being very dark haired and very tanned in the summer look better in bright pinks, greens,purples etc. Browns and taupes are definitely not for me!
I do wear quite a bit of black in the winter with grey, and in the summer with white. I personally don't like black with bright colours - think they look best with other colours.
I used to buy a lot on impulse but am better now at not doing that but still have far too many clothes!
| ChrissiFi |
| (member) |
| 02/05/2008 15:28 |
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Re: Do you have a 'capsule wardrobe'?
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I'm not sure about Ophrah's suggestion - white jeans and white jacket wouldn't stay white very long with me (two dogs and I live in the countryside) and I always feel you've got to be very slim with long legs to wear white jeans successfully.
My wardrobe's more like a tardis than a capsule. I'm amazed at how much stuff is in there and how little of it actually fits.
| skippy |
| (member) |
| 02/05/2008 16:48 |
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Re: Do you have a 'capsule wardrobe'?
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Mine is anything that has successfully gone into the washing machine and out of the tumble dryer without being dyed blue by a rogue sock or shrunk to child size proportions! (must remember to check that no crayons get in the TD this time too!)
| PLASMO |
| (member) |
| 02/05/2008 17:00 |
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Re: Do you have a 'capsule wardrobe'?
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I tried the capsule wardrobe ages ago, and it worked for a while, but like everything else fashion wise, times change, fashion trends change and somehow you get fed up with it. When I worked as a PA I always wore suits, and just changed my blouse/tshirt daily, I then had a pair of suit trousers, my boss wouldnt allow them at work initially, but pairing them with smart jackets seemed to look okay. I have always been very much into accessories, love my bags, ear rings, necklaces, and scarves, they can do wonders for any outfit.
I think everyone's situation is different, like someone said if you have dogs, cats, or go out to work, each individual's wardrobe would be totally different. Plasmo x
I was really depressed the other day, I had a great cotton jacket, I bought from a company called Akoni, it was expensive but hadnt worn it for ages, tried it on, and it wouldnt even fasten, fashion is so depressing at times, isnt it? Plasmo xx
| Iblinc |
| (member) |
| 02/05/2008 17:00 |
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Re: Do you have a 'capsule wardrobe'?
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Excuse my ignorance, but what is a capsule wardrobe?
Is it the basic essentials?
I've just aired my summer wardrobe, and packed the winter clothes. I could cry looking at the pathetic collection of clothes for summer! I am loads of assorted tops (which don't all go with bottom pieces!); about 3-4 skirts, and two pairs of jeans carried over from winter.
I find it really difficult to get trousers to fit me (here in France), and also shorts.
The French summer clothes tend to be really casual, feminine dresses and tops, and assorted pants: long, 3/4 and short.
Living in the mountains where everything is really casual and outdoorsy, I need to invest in some sports clothes that are suitable for walking and hiking; and also for going out to a BBQ or evening meal! Very difficult!
I was happy with my winter wardrobe as I had some good black pants and jeans, and all the tops went with both.
I think I actually prefer dressing for winter over summer!
| Chatelaine |
| (member) |
| 02/05/2008 18:32 |
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Re: Do you have a 'capsule wardrobe'?
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I am getting the distinct impression that the "capsule wardrobe" is only really suitable for the working/professional woman. Our lifestyles are all so varied, and I think that this type of wardrobe is very big city, professional woman oriented.
Living on the edge of a village, with farmland around, and a small dog, I prefer oftener than not, to wear something old and casual, that can take some mucky paws..... and ditto for the garden.... and ditto around the house. Whether winter or summer, skirts are out of the question around the house - the cats would be dangling in 'm..... Ditto with necklaces, way too tempting for the cats.....
Another thing is my moods change - one day I really feel like being dressed very elegantly and stylishly, and the next I'll look like I walked off the stage of "Hair", and the following day I will be doing something totally different again. The colours I select are also dependent on my mood that day.... Much like makeup all the works one day, and nothing the next.... And perfume A one day and B the next, etc. I love wearing black, but cannot stand navy blue.... Autumn colours look great on me, especially with my red hair, but I also like to swim up stream and shock, and will dress in purple and black..... or pink..... I despise greys, and mint greens and corals...
Having said that, I think that a capsule wardrobe is ideal for a professional city woman..... but not for me....
| Loo |
| (member) |
| 02/05/2008 18:49 |
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Re: Do you have a 'capsule wardrobe'?
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NO, sorry have too much to have a capsule wardrobe. A hanger would be better.
Found I had a lot of stuff that didn't go together, now I try and match stuff so I have outfits. If I have a skirt I like, I buy at least 2 tops to go with it and a jacket and cardy, that way I have an outfit to wear, whatever the occasion. Then I get trousers to go with the jacket etc. I have been known to make lists and stick them on the inside of my wardrobe door to remind me of what goes with what, and all my shoe boxes have photos on the outside. Sounds quite sad now I have read this through, but it works for me.
Loo
| blossom97 |
| (member) |
| 02/05/2008 20:42 |
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Re: Do you have a 'capsule wardrobe'?
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No I don't have a capsule wardrobe,I mix high street styles with more expensive bit and pieces.At the moment I have jeans in various styles, wrap tops (hide multitude of sins), floaty tops,high boots, crocs shoes (not the slip on sandley things),converse trainers, lots of jackets ( I hate turning up at the school gate with the same jacket every day).I do not buy things that are the height of fashion, just antthing that suits my shape but doesn't loook too frumpy!!
| BeauSoleil |
| (member) |
| 02/05/2008 21:22 |
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Re: Do you have a 'capsule wardrobe'?
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I've got a capsule wardrobe-it's just that it's a b****y great big capsule!!
| feathers |
| (member) |
| 07/05/2008 14:11 |
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Re: Do you have a 'capsule wardrobe'?
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Don't do 'capsule' anything. I love the change of season when you rediscover things which you haven't worn for months. I howl when I read magazine features on taking just a few items on holiday. I get everything filthy on the first wearing and refuse to wash things out away from home.