When I made my first capsule, my winter capsule, I stuck to it for 3 whole months like I intended. I was really happy with the pieces I pulled together and was so confident I had more than enough clothes to last me for the season, I didn't even think about shopping. This season, I knew from the beginning that there was a good chance I'd need to do some shopping, if not for spring then definitely for summer. I viewed my spring capsule as really transitional, as there's really no defining line between spring and summer for me. I knew I'd casually transition into summer as the temperatures started to rise, and I'd bring some pieces from my spring capsule with me. So I already knew I had some gaps to fill, and J. Crew Factory recently had a pretty good sale on some of the pieces I felt like I was missing, so that was the impetus for most of these purchases. Honestly, I love these items so much I could make a mini capsule out of them + just a few other pieces thrown in.
Denim shorts - I hate shorts. All shorts. I only reluctantly included a pair of black and lime green shorts in my spring capsule because I knew I would get tired of wearing jeans and long pants all the time once it started to get hot. It turns out I don't actually hate shorts as much as I thought, I've just never found any denim shorts that I really liked until these.
Blue shirt - This may look surprisingly similar to the chambray shirt I already have...and it is. Except that it's also not. It has a slightly grayish hue to it, and it's not actually denim (even though it kind of looks like it is) which means I'm more comfortable wearing it with denim. In fact, I just wore it with my new denim shorts yesterday. So that's a win. Plus the fabric is super light and airy - much more weather-appropriate for spring/summer.
Black shorts - Didn't I already include a pair of black shorts in my spring capsule? Why, yes, yes I did. These are a different fabric (the other pair are cotton), and I didn't realize it when I ordered them (I actually thought I was ordering a different pair and got these on accident) but they have a little bit of a higher waist, which I love.
White jeans - This was a pretty obvious void in my closet right from the get-go. I used to have a pair of white jeans that didn't fit me very well so I tossed them a while back, but I definitely missed the idea of them. After about 5 weeks of wearing jeans or black pants in my spring capsule, I broke down and sprung for a pair of white jeans. I was lucky to find a pair of my now-beloved Sevens in white and on sale, so I promptly scooped them up!
Striped tunic - I never wear red, but there is something about summer that just makes me feel like I should be wearing it. I can't explain it. I'm still a little on the fence about this top, mainly because the split sides end up making me look awkwardly possibly pregnant, which was not really the look I was going for. Past experiences and my new capsule philosophy tell me that if I'm not sure about it, it probably needs to go back, but I'm not quite ready to bail on it yet.
Striped tunic - I never wear red, but there is something about summer that just makes me feel like I should be wearing it. I can't explain it. I'm still a little on the fence about this top, mainly because the split sides end up making me look awkwardly possibly pregnant, which was not really the look I was going for. Past experiences and my new capsule philosophy tell me that if I'm not sure about it, it probably needs to go back, but I'm not quite ready to bail on it yet.
Jacquard shorts - Because they seemed fun and I just couldn't resist? I already have a pair of "fun" shorts in my capsule - the aforementioned lime green pair - but I think I'll be swapping those out for these instead. The print is interesting but the colors are a little more subdued. Plus these have an elastic waist so how could I go wrong?
And, with that, I can safely say I'm done shopping until my fall capsule begins in September! It feels like I just shared my spring capsule (because I did just share it like a month ago) and now I'm already talking about summer, but once the temperatures start to get into the 70s and 80s like they have this week, it's basically summer as far as I'm concerned. I'm undecided as to whether I'll make an official summer capsule, mainly because I won't need as many summer clothes as I'll be in work clothes 5 out of the 7 days of the week. The flip side is that I'm temporarily moving for the summer so I want to pack light, which would make putting together a simple summer capsule a great idea. I'll probably slowly start to phase out some of the items that just won't work for summer (jeans and cardigans, mainly) over the next month, then report back in June with what I've decided to bring with me to the beach for the summer months. Stay tuned!
It's funny that you say you never wear red because when I see that striped red t shirt, I automatically think "Tracy"!
ReplyDeleteNice buys! I love a good denim short. In Texas, we'd have two capsules: Summer and winter. Spring, summer and fall would have to wrap up into the summer capsule, and winter would still be winter, but only lasts 2 months so one might want about 20 items and "transfer" the rest to her summer capsule :)
ReplyDeleteI love that blue camp shirt!!! I really wish button downs fit me better. I have never found a single one that works for me, so sad. I am with you on disliking shorts. Mainly because I dislike my thighs. I stick to dresses and skirts in the summer but I am hoping to get my legs in amazing shape by next summer so I might can sport some shorts again!! I love your capsule posts, they always inspire me and force me to analyze my choices.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of white jeans. I love the look of white jeans. But white jeans scare the crap out of me. Between working at an iron mine (lots of red dirt), having a 3-going-on-4 year old, and just general life...I'm sure my white jeans would be a nice shade of dingy white in no time!
ReplyDeleteI am so badly on the hunt for great white jeans!
ReplyDeleteI love all these picks. I had a great pair of white subtle-patterned jeans but they saw their last wear last year when I realized my new butt and thighs didn't fit into any structured clothing I already owned before becoming a runner. Sigh. I was interested to see how you'd do your summer capsule considering spring weather lasts about a week and a half these days before it's too hot to wear anything without built-in ventilation systems. Are you doing a separate capsule for work wear? I always wonder about work wear in capsule wardrobes... do most people have a work capsule and a casual capsule? or use pieces to pull double duty? Side note, I have no idea how I would dress for a real office anymore, since my entire career I've either worked from home or worked in this super casual office.
ReplyDeleteAnyway. I keep going back and forth about all these fun patterned cotton shorts I see. It's a no-brainer on the one hand—of course I'd wear them, duh—but I'm trying to spend less so do I really *need* them? I'll just wait til they're on clearance, I guess :)
I think it's so awesome that you're sticking with this. I fear wearing the same things for 3 months straight, however, I'm leaning towards doing a baby capsule (I think). I'm going to see what outfits I'll more than likely wear the most this summer and stick to them. If I reach for other things, great, but anything I DON'T wear even once is getting donated/tossed.
ReplyDeleteLove the versatility of these pieces and how you can easily mix and match. White pants are a fave for summer!
ReplyDeletei want all of these things.
ReplyDeletefirst off, red and me - no go. nope, nope, nope. however, i have a 3/4 sleeve red & white striped from j crew that i LOVE and wear alllll the time so if you don't like that tunic, i'll buy it from you (as long as it's my size).
i really like all the shorts you got - i struggle with shorts cause i love them, but because of my long-ish legs, they always look too short. i can't wear the long ones that come to your knees because they make my thighs look more like tree trunks or they make me look like a boy. sigh. i just want some in between that, why is life so hard?!
i'm jealous of your ability to wear clothes like this though, because my summer capsule is basically the same as my winter... work clothes, work clothes, work clothes. i don't do enough fun things to warrant a capsule for the whole year, let alone summer alone.
anywho. not complaining. just saying. what a bargain on the jeans! white jeans are so fun!
All your capsule posts make me want to start one!! Plus with wearing work clothes all the time I feel like it would be a bit easier - just change a few items with the seasons!
ReplyDeleteI got a pair of shorts during one of the J Crew Factory sales too and they fit me soo good, I wish I would have picked up another pair-- possibly those pull-on ones, they're so cute! And wait, so that shirt is longerish?? I love it! My biggest issue lately has been shoes- every sandal I try has been too narrow or weirdly too short or just not comfortable at all.
ReplyDeleteI love J Crew! Hate how expensive they are, but their stuff is awesome. Love those colorful shorts! Thinking maybe I might be able to wear these bc of the waistband? But then again, I really don't want to spend $40 on shorts so maybe not. The struggle.
ReplyDeleteI'm a huge fan of skirts for the spring/summer, I find them so much more comfortable than shorts. Maybe I just need new shorts :) I like the red and white top, but you are probably right, if you feel meh about the fit than you might not wear it. If I feel it is in the least questionable I've been sending it back. It all looks very cute!
ReplyDeleteI love shorts so Im glad you found ones you like!! I am however afraid of white pants (I have a big bum) - still those are indeed cute and maybe if I find the right pair Id give it a shot!
ReplyDeleteHi Tracy! I know what you mean about red and the summer. I don't wear it very often and then summer comes around and I'm pulling out my red midi skirt from a box under the bed. And just last week I got a red striped top - just like the one you have in the picture up there. Well, mine has no slits at the sides, but it's basically the same thing. And I've worn it about 5 times since then. It brightens up every outfit and makes me feel so chic! Did you end up keeping yours?
ReplyDeleteKat