The {Capsule} Wardrobe

I have always had a passion for clothing. I have always had a (rather odd) fascination with systems and organizing. Minimalism was a more recent interest that I have latched on to - and more recently allowed my intrigue in the lifestyle to flourish after we moved and I saw how much stuff we had. So. Much. Stuff. I realized that I was surrounded by items that I didn't use, didn't love, or kept for the sole purpose that "I might need it again someday". Before Greta was born, I decided I wanted to do an entire house purge and de-clutter every corner of our home before May 17th.

Project one: the wardrobe.

I had read Marie Kondo's The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and adopted her method of holding each item and deciding whether or not it brought me joy. As strange as that may sound, I got rid of a lot of clothes by doing this, and with it that annoying sense of "blagh" I felt every time I gazed at my wardrobe.

But, being me, that wasn't enough. I now needed a routine oriented system established to maintain a fashionable wardrobe that I loved without stuffing my closet with unnecessary pieces.

Because for the average person, clearly that is the next step. (Sarcasm intended).

Enter the "Capsule Wardrobe".

A Capsule Wardrobe can be defined as a minimalist version of the clothing one owns. There are a set number of pieces that are used to create all sorts of outfits all year-long, or season-long. (Instead of getting into the details of a Capsule Wardrobe, I encourage you to read this article).

So, without further ado, a step-by-step guide to how I create my capsule wardrobe for each new season.

STEP 1: PINTEREST

(First of all, let me just say that anytime a tutorial starts out with Pinterest as "Step 1", you know it is going to be amazing).

The first thing I do is gather inspiration by pinning any look I am drawn to and would like to incorporate into next season's wardrobe to a new Pinterest board labeled appropriately.

STEP 2: LIST THE PIECES 

Next, I go through each pinned look in this Pinterest board and make a list of each item that I would love to add to my capsule.

STEP 3: CONDENSE THE LIST

With my lifestyle in mind, I consolidate the list created in step two into a total of about 50 items total (many capsule wardrobe tutorials recommend a lower number, but I haven't gotten to that point yet). I create this list in Evernote so I am able to have access to it from any computer and the app on my phone. I am sure to note next to each desired capsule item whether I'd like it in neutral, color or print. (Note: I do not include workout clothing, jewelry or bags in my capsule total).

STEP 4: SELECT A COLOR PALETTE 

So that I don't have a rainbow of clothing in my wardrobe, I like to pick a color palette appropriate for the season that will inspire my capsule. I like to create a combination of my own favorite colors to wear and the upcoming Pantone colors trending. I use an app called Coolors  to create a visual of my color choices. Once I'm done, I pin my capsule pallet to my Pinterest board so I can reference it on the go.

One quick thing.

Here is where I truly introduce my crazy organized self (if that quality hasn't made itself very well-known already). I have a wardrobe organizing app. This means I take a photo of every capsule item in my closet and upload it to this app, create outfits, and schedule what I am going to wear ahead of time. I am totally serious. I really do this. The app is called Stylebook and it's amazing.

Back to the process...

STEP 5: EVALUATE WHAT I ALREADY HAVE

This is where I go through the clothing I currently own.

I keep clothing from other seasons in a couple of storage bins, so when its time to look ahead to the next season I go through the contents and set aside items that are on the list I made in step 3, complement the color palette I made in step 4, and most importantly, that I still love to wear. Any item that I select to go in my capsule I check off my list. After I have gone through all my clothing (also taking this opportunity to further purge any items I am over), my list of needs is accurate to what I truly need (okay... or really, really want) for the following season. I also update my app accordingly so that all the capsule items for the new season are categorized appropriately.

STEP 6: SHOP

Now I shop for the items that remain unchecked on my list. In my opinion, even though I love organizing, this is the best part. I like to start this early so that I am not rushed and scrambling to put something together before the season changes. I find that when I am in a hurry, I tend to buy pieces just to check things off and don't really love them therefore further cluttering my space. I love to shop Poshmark, Uptown Cheapskate and Style Encore as thrifting is  my version of treasure hunting.

When new items are purchased, I add them to my Stylebook app and set them aside - I like to save new items for when the season starts.

STEP 7: THE SWITCH

Right before the new season arrives, I make the switch. The previous season's pieces that I am not using in the next capsule get stored. The new items or stored items that are part of the next capsule are placed in my closet.

Voila. A new wardrobe. Kind of.

And so ends the confession of a ridiculously organized person who is sometimes too system oriented for her own good.