whet your whistle wednesday: capsule wardrobe

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I am by no means a fashion blogger. That said I like to get dressed up and feel good. I don’t shop a lot because I tend to buy things I like and wear them over and over. I am my mother’s daughter.

I haven’t purchased clothes in a while and since I have lost inches, not weight, from my new eating habits very few of my clothes fit properly. Add in that we are moving to the midwest in the fall I am going to need to add to my closet.

Enter the capsule wardrobe

This was a new term for me just a few weeks ago. After a little research it sounds like a good option. It is often referred to as a minimalist approach to a wardrobe. I prefer the term essentials wardrobe.

Pictures in this issue link directly to the online store so you can purchase them for you collection

Project 333 has a great jumping off point to start your capsule wardrobe. It walks you through the steps. I was very happy to hear her say she does hers in 3 month capsules.

I have been lusting after these shoes for months. The are an investment but they would be an essential for all 4 seasons.

I have been lusting after these shoes for months. The are an investment but they would be an essential for all 4 seasons.

One of the things I learned in this research is the amount of pieces is really up to you. But keep in mind we are trying to just go with essentials. Over at Unfancy it was 37. My favorite tip for this was that you shouldn’t shop until 2 weeks before the next season. Combine these posts and you have a great foundation to start your own capsule wardrobe.

Want to see the concept in action check out Kendi Everyday. Years ago she start taking only 30 items and challenged herself to make them last 30 days.

Playful button-down shirts are my favorite! I don't need another but a great example of a staple that can be dressed up or down with a variety of bottoms.

Playful button-down shirts are my favorite! I don’t need another but a great example of a staple that can be dressed up or down with a variety of bottoms.

Tim Gunn is one of my favorites. His book Tim Gunn’s guide to style is a book I devoured. It is also why I want to call this my essentials wardrobe. Here is a little video where Tim describes his essentials.

Don't get all neutrals! Add some of your favorite seasonal colors. I already have this in green and purple so pink will be good addition.

Don’t get all neutrals! Add some of your favorite seasonal colors. I already have this in green and purple so pink will be good addition for the spring season.

Just because it is about essentials doesn’t mean it has to be boring. It just has to mix and match. Plus you must love the items because you will be with them for 3 months. Don’t forget accessories count!

pearls real or fake go with every outfit!

pearls real or fake go with every outfit!

Do you think you will start pairing down your closet and trying an essentials wardrobe?

For those of you that are new whet your whistle wednesday is a themed link post I do on Wednesdays. That Wednesday part was shocking I know. These are all topics I am excited about and I hope these posts will whet your palette and inspire you to find out more.

beauty tips that won’t cost you a dime

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beauty tips|wit wisdom & food

You don’t need to run to the beauty counter, you don’t have to go to the gym. This won’t cost you a thing. It will only hurt for little while.

Stand up straight

Alright sharpen up. Pull your shoulders back, tighten your stomach and stand up tall just like your mother always told you. The most attractive people are standing upright. Why do you think they used to walk with books on their heads at charm school? The slouched shoulder is body language that says I don’t like me & I wouldn’t blame you if you don’t like me either. Stand up tall and present yourself to the world like you have a lot to offer. After a bit of practice you will begin to walk through the world with grace and beauty.

Look ahead

This will be a lot easier now that you are standing up straight. Holding your head high will make you look like you are ready to face the world & all that it has to offer. There isn’t much happening at your feet. They are still taking one step after another you don’t need to keep an eye on them. So snap out of it and look ahead to where you are going. Now you will be able to see & accept that strangers smile. Maybe you will catch something beautiful or funny happening in front of you. As you experience these things you will become/feel happier. You might even stand up even taller than before.

Smile

I struggle the most with this one. Don’t give that bitchy resting face excuse. I have that problem too. I get it when I am focusing on my list or working on something in my head. When I decide to be present in the moment it goes away. Smiling isn’t hard but it takes practice. It is all about positive thoughts, eye contact & being present in the moment. Keep it simple as you practice by making eye contact & think something positive about the person in front of you. You may not start grinning ear to ear but it will be noticeable to the person with whom you just connected.

That is it. Three easy steps and you will quickly look more beautiful.

Are you up to the challenge? What free beauty tips do you have to offer?

priority check

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38861_414646328950_4613303_nMy dad has taught me many lessons. In my opinion the most important was one about priorities.

When I was little we drove by the trailer park in our brown station wagon with the wood on the sides & I saw somebody had a new Trans Am in their driveway, (told you I was young).

“Dad, why don’t we have a nice car like that.”

“You have to pick which things you want. Do you want our nice hose with a pool or that car?”

I shut up, finished the conversation in my head and quietly chose the pool. No shocker there. I was under the driving age and was 1/2 fish growing up. I loved the water more than anything.

When I moved to California many years later we covered this lesson again on a phone call home.

“Rent is so expensive here in the bay area.” At which point I regaled him with shocking stories of just how expensive, expensive was.

“Well, you can have cheap rent you just have to live in some place more like Indiana.”

I laughed and chose California. I never forgot the lesson after that.

Priorities are a funny thing though. They have a sneaky way of changing on you. With a driver’s license that pool/car question might not have been as easy to answer. Well actually it would. I would still take the house and the pool. Which is exactly why we are moving to Indiana.

We have decided it is time for us to leave California and head to the land of affordable living.

When I left I swore up and down, left and right and every which way in between that I would never go back. So when I called and told my parents and they seemed rather surprised I was only slightly shocked.

We are really excited about the move and all the fun things that will come with it. This move is going to allow us so much more freedom. I will hopefully be able to work fewer hours. Which means more time with the amazing man in my life and time to figure out starting my own business. I don’t know what that looks like yet so stay tuned.

We are most looking forward to finally owning our own home and hopefully starting a family.

This could be my first Christmas with my parents in a decade. This will also be my first winter in over a decade. Please let it be nicer than last year. 16 years on the west coast has made me a bit of a weather wimp!

Have you left your childhood home? Will you ever go back?