Wow, this is super late for many reasons (details later), but I wanted to get started on my Winter 10-item Wardrobe by reviewing last years’ picks. Which will survive? What do I currently have in my closet awaiting their closeups? Stay tuned, true believers!
I’ve long been a fan of capsule wardrobes, thanks to Jennifer L. Scott‘s Madame Chic books: you pick about 10 “core items” like pants, dresses, sweaters, and round them out with extras like t-shirts, jackets, shoes, etc. I’ve also been enjoying Leanne Blackmon’s Classy Yet Trendy blog: she generally has way more than 10 items (although she includes things like shoes, bags, etc.), but her style (pants) more closely matches mine.
So let’s get started by checking out last year’s picks!
Plaid blouse by Rail.
I bought this last year and I still love it, although it’s starting to pill a little. This will likely be its last hurrah.
J. Crew Factory chambray shirt.
Ugh, after at least six years, I had to let this go—the underarms were, well, the pits. Unfortunately J Crew Factory no longer carries this shirt. I am bummed!
Citizens of Humanity “Sculpt – Rocket” high rise skinny jeans in Waverly.
These pants were a disappointment. I bought them last year, and they’re already out due to holes in the knees and crotch. I know it’s partly my fault because I wore them almost every day, but come on! I never put these things in the dryer, I barely washed them! I will try to remedy this situation this time around by buying more pants. Yes, I am revolutionary.
Citizens of Humanity “Rocket – Sculpt” high rise skinny jeans in black.
These are a maybe. The knees faded, and these are already past their prime. Luckily I wore them less than the pants above!
Kenneth Cole black leggings.
Ha ha ha ha! I don’t wear leggings. I never wore these. They were at least eight years old, so I don’t regret throwing them into the rotation. I will keep them as backup workout (HA) pants.
Spider-Man sweatshirt, Forever 21.
I love this sweatshirt! But because of other factors, this will be relegated to the weekend rotation.
Fisherman’s sweater, vintage.
Oh, I so wanted to love this 50-pound sweater. I got it off Etsy for a really good price, and it’s the real deal: a gorgeous wool sweater. It also was too warm and heavy and bulky for me, and it quickly developed a lot of moth holes. Bygones.
H&M black cardigan with lace detail.
Ehh, I’m glad I got this off ThredUp for $11, because I didn’t love it. Too thin, too tight, too cheap. Have fun at Goodwill.
Blue “chambray” dress, Twill.
I really like this, but it wrinkles while I wear it. Not in my regular rotation anymore.
Topshop Star Plissé wrap dress.
Um, why did I think a disco dress was going to be an everyday wardrobe staple?!? I barely wear dresses in the winter, certainly not one I have to keep an eye on to make sure I’m covered. I’m keeping this for special occasions and will wear it approximately three times a year until I die. You’re welcome.
On to the extras!
Madewell t-shirts, white and gray.
These developed the tiny lower abdomen holes of mystery. Later!
Splendid ringer t-shirt.
Too wrinkly, didn’t wear well. Next!
J. Crew Factory long-sleeved striped boatneck t-shirts.
Oh my goodness. It finally happened. J. Crew stopped freakin’ making these! Fortunately I replaced the navy-striped one last year, but . . . I’m going to need to track down another source. Why did you betray me J. Crew Factory?
Star Wars and Murder, She Wrote t-shirts.
These were awesome, but thanks to me wearing the heck out of them, they’re now relegated to weekend/workout gear.
So . . . I had one survivor from my core items and two from my extras?!? That is a crappy record. Hopefully this year’s 10-item wardrobe will fare better! Hopefully that post will be up by the end of the week!
So what do you think? Who has a capsule wardrobe to share? Do you have a striped shirt hookup you can tell me about? Post below!
Jeepers 