8 responses

1. Maggie

   08.21.15

   This is another reason I’m shifting to a season-less approach, Karin. Why not take advantage of sales?!? What is helping me to do so thoughtfully is my master list. Knowing what I need to replace or want to add means I can wade through the volume pretty easily. Sure, my list may evolve a bit by next summer, but I’m certain that the seasonal basics that are on it now (black band tee, black silk tank, etc) will absolutely be relevant next summer and beyond. Great Q!

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   1. Karin

      08.21.15

      Thanks for the feedback! I for sure want to keep going with this four season capsule for awhile, but honestly I’m intrigued about the way you do it. Do you have any posts where you talk specifically about your method? I may consider doing a two season capsule as well since there is so much weather variation here in Minnesota.

      Reply
      1. Maggie

         08.24.15

         Karin, I took a stab at a master list here – http://encapsulated.me/2015/07/10/drive-to-55-ish-my-season-less-capsule-wardrobe-list/. But I think that the single biggest thing for me was really having a grip on my personal style. Sure, there’s still some trial and error in the details, but I know what works and what I want. (For example, I knew I wanted one more cbutton down shirt in my list and figured chambray was a no-brainer. But after trying on scads, they just don’t suit. So I’m subbing in a black button down – meaning more flexible – and forgiving – fabric choices than chambray. But the spirit is the same, I think – an easy, dress up or down basic.) Anyway, the list is evolving, but the process was an unorganized combination of Pinning, list making, closet and soul searching…and I’m happy with the working result. The biggest challenge is the patience to just GET THERE ALREADY! 🙂

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         1. Karin

            08.24.15

            Thanks for the link! That was REALLY helpful! I think you are right about having a grip on your personal style because it’s nerve wracking to have a season-less capsule for me for that very reason. I haven’t quite figured things out, even though I’m getting closer. And I love how you say in that post that you have the end game in mind. That is something I hadn’t really thought about, but now you are giving me a lot to mull over. Oh and I know ALL about a lack of patience. Why can’t I have all the money so I can just buy everything now! 🙂

            Reply
2. Rebecca N

   08.21.15

   If I find something I have been wanting the entire season on sale at the end of season I usually buy it. At the end of the spring capsule I found a green military jacket on sale for under $20 so I snapped it up! I had wanted one the last 3 capsules before hadn’t been able to find it in my price range. I am SO glad I did because I’m excited to wear it this fall. I like the season-less approach Maggie speaks of. If there is a classic piece I have been wanting to add/replace and find on sale I buy it….as long as I have the money in my “clothing fund”. It usually ends up only being 2-3 pieces a year. 🙂

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   1. Karin

      08.21.15

      That’s a great way to approach it. I’ll need to be really careful about figuring out what my classic pieces are vs. things that I just want. I was specifically thinking about winter coats when I wrote this post. I am in need of a new one and it’s going to be twice as expensive if I buy it in December when my new capsule starts vs. waiting until the spring when they all go on sale. This helps a lot… thanks!

      Reply
3. Maggy

   08.21.15

   This is one of the main things I’ve been wondering about as I am just discovering the capsule wardrobe world. I read your intro to how you were going to do all your shopping for the next season the last month before it started, and I immediately thought how upset I would be if I had been planning the whole time on getting some item, and then not being able to find it for an affordable price because I missed the sale. Trying to find a way to modify the capsule wardrobe “rules” to fit my budget and lifestyle. Thanks for the post, great discussion topic!

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   1. Karin

      08.22.15

      It is a tricky thing isn’t it? Obviously, this is my first go around so I’m trying to stick to the “rules” as much as possible until I get used to things and then we’ll see about changing things in the future. I do have to say that with some serious thrifting and eBaying, I have been able to find almost everything on my list. It’s just taken a lot more grunt work than accumulating things as I find them. Thanks for the feedback! It’s so very helpful.

      Reply