Start dancing a little early with these hot party hits. Trust us, your makeup looks flawless.
Categories
Author: Robin Gillespie
Categories
Glow Up
Hold your head up, pick your feet up, and turn the music WAY up. Show ’em what you’re worth with these anthems of lady-dom.
Categories
CORE + RIND
15% Off Entire Order
Categories
Summer Vibes
Hot new hits for chilling out on a warm evening. Throw a party, go driving, or just sit and watch the fireflies. 2018’s a summer to remember.
Categories
Refreshed + Ready
Get ready to crush your goals! This 30-day guide will help you focus on what you want to achieve, so you can take the next step in your wellness journey.
It’s 7:58 a.m. You’re running late for work, and you still haven’t settled on an outfit. You stare into your closet, wondering how you have all these clothes, but nothing to wear. You frantically grab something, throw it on, and spend the rest of the day feeling insecure about your appearance.
I used to do this all the time—until I discovered the capsule wardrobe.
Ever since I started doing capsule wardrobes two years ago, dressing stylishly in the morning is a breeze. Now I can save brain power for the really important decisions, like choosing a bumping playlist for my commute or organizing my schedule for the day.
It’s also resulted in me limiting my shopping trips to once a season, so I save money and end up with more staple pieces. Gone are the days when I bought something and never wore it.
[pullquote align=”center”]You frantically grab something, throw it on, and spend the rest of the day feeling insecure about your appearance.[/pullquote]
But what is a capsule wardrobe, and how am I using it to minimize disruption to my morning routine? In short, it’s a collection of a limited number of pieces that you switch out every season, which means I can do more with less.
By scaling down and choosing items that work interchangeably with each other, I’ve given myself more than enough outfit combinations to dress for the season while reducing decision fatigue.
So where did I start?
Step #1: Taking Inventory
Curating a capsule wardrobe begins with doing an inventory of what you already have. I removed everything—and I mean everything—from my closet. I even took out all the clothes I had in storage.
This first part is easy—grab your favorite pieces (you know what those are) and put them back in the closet. For instance, I practically lived in this sweater during winter, and I loved the versatility of this sleeveless dress so much that I got it in two colors. All three pieces layer well and are more lightweight, so they were obvious choices for my spring capsule.
Then it was time to purge. First and foremost, I knew I needed to replace what was worn out or no longer fit. I wasn’t doing my style any favors by wearing those pieces.
I had a very threadbare Gap sweatshirt from high school that I kept even after the zipper gave out, but I finally surrendered it during this closet cleanout because I’d accepted that it was a relic of my fashion past.
[pullquote align=”center”]Now I can save brain power for the really important decisions, like choosing a bumping playlist for my commute or organizing my schedule for the day.[/pullquote]
Embrace a little change and make way for the new! I was truly honest with myself about what I’d actually wear. A good rule of thumb is if you haven’t worn it in a year, it’s time to say goodbye (unless it’s a very specialized item of clothing like a formal jacket).
Set sentimentality aside. I held onto a black leather jacket for longer than I should have because it was a gift from a family member, but I was never in love with it. If you can’t quite bring yourself to give something away, put it in storage. If you don’t end up opening that box at all by the end of the season, consider giving those clothes away for good. You really won’t miss them.
The clothes in your closet should be like job interview candidates and dates: They are either hell yeses or definite nos.
Step #2: Planning Out the Pieces I Needed
Once I’d decided what to keep, it was time to come up with a list of what to buy. Creating this list in advance ensured I’d make intentional purchases that really contribute something to my wardrobe and personal style. I’ve found that the most important factors when curating a capsule wardrobe are lifestyle, weather, trends, and total number of pieces.
Lifestyle
Like most people, I dress mainly for work. Fortunately, my office is casual and allows for a tremendous amount of freedom. Sometimes that means yoga pants; other days it’s a pencil skirt. My office outfit almost always involves a sweater, even if it’s over 100 degrees, because I have yet to find an office building that isn’t freezing cold.
[pullquote align=”center”]The clothes in your closet should be like job interview candidates and dates: They are either hell yeses or definite nos.[/pullquote]
I typically wear clothes that transition well into post-work social activities, like dinner out or drinks on a patio. I’ve gone out in this dress right after clocking out, and it isn’t too flashy for work, especially when styled with tights and ankle boots.
Weather
St. Louis is unpredictable when it comes to weather—it’s not unusual for it to be 35 degrees one day and 60 the next, meaning pieces that layer well are essential for me. When it comes to capsule wardrobes in general, layers are typically good options even if you live in a warmer climate, since you’re still probably in and out of air-conditioned buildings most days. Last season, I frequently wore this cardigan, which layers well over most tops and isn’t too heavy for spring.
Trends
You can take or leave this one, but I like browsing Pinterest for inspiration. There are the staples that seem to stick around no matter the year, but going for something new can be exciting and make your style a little more signature and modern. For spring 2018, flowy dresses, lavender, and checkered print all made the list, and I found two out of the three in this piece from Nordstrom.
Total Number of Pieces
Here’s the part that most people get stuck on: committing to a total number of pieces. The most successful capsule pieces are versatile enough to work with multiple outfits, but you have to limit it somewhere. The thing is, 35 pieces you absolutely love versus 60 pieces you have stuck in the back of the closet will make you happier and more confident.
[pullquote align=”center”]When it comes to capsule wardrobes in general, layers are typically good options even if you live in a warmer climate.[/pullquote]
Don’t forget to take note of what you wore a lot the previous season; that might mean that you could use an extra or updated version of that piece. I’ve purchased the same top in multiple colors because I fell in love with the fit because I firmly believe that clothes that flatter your body type are worth snapping up when you can find them.
[related article_ids=26045]
Step #3: Shopping (and Sticking to My List)
After figuring out what I wanted for this season’s capsule, it was time to go shopping. I decided to look for the following items (and succeeded in finding them!).
- Knee-length pleated skirt: I found this peach pleated midi skirt that will go great with my neutral tops.
- New chambray top: I picked up this button-front chambray shirt from Caslon to replace the old one I ruined in an unfortunate bleaching accident.
- Neutral-ish structured top: Rather than getting a solid color for the neutral top, I went with this grey-and-white-striped BP. shirt.
- New pair of jeans: I found that I kept wearing the same pair of jeans over and over, so I got these high-waist ankle-length skinnies by Free People.
- Lightweight jacket: I’ll throw this faux leather BLANKNYC moto jacket on over the striped blouse and skirt (or swap out the skirt for my new jeans when I’m feeling more casual).
- Pair of flats: To complete any outfit, I love these pointed ballet flats; they’re the perfect final touch.
Step #4: Enjoying and Evaluating
As I rotate the new pieces in with my old standbys, I do my best to take note of what integrated well with my existing wardrobe. I’ve also learned to pay attention to what didn’t mesh well and have applied that knowledge to my next capsule. For example, I didn’t end up wearing my pullover sweaters as much as the cardigans in winter, so I avoided purchasing anything that didn’t layer well.
[pullquote align=”center”]Clothes that flatter your body type are worth snapping up when you can find them.[/pullquote]
Now that I’ve gone through all the seasons a couple times, I’ve started to get the system down, and I feel confident crafting a collection that effortlessly represents everything great about me—from laser focused manager to cat mama! Not every capsule will go entirely according to plan, but this approach has helped me shop more intentionally and purchase pieces that truly add something to my style.
Imagine yourself tomorrow morning, easily picking out your outfit for the day ahead as you leisurely sip your protein shake. I know that’s what I’ll be doing.
Basics for Building Your Capsule Wardrobe
Tops (Choose 6 to 9):
Bottoms (Choose 6 to 9):
Dresses (Choose 4 to 6):
Jackets (Choose 2 to 3):
Shoes (Choose 6 to 9):
Most people have pictured this at one time or another — settling down in a comfortable house, with a playroom for the kids and a big yard for the family dog. You start out wanting comfort, but then you want more — the latest technology, the prettiest yard on the block. The American Dream, Keeping up with the Joneses — hardly anyone is immune to the pressure of having it all.
The late George Carlin once said, “It’s called the American Dream because you have to be asleep to believe it.”
All joking aside — Americans are sleeping in houses bigger than ever before. In the past 40 years, the average house size has grown by 1,000 square feet, yet the average size of a household is declining. Everyone has more space, so what’s the bad here?
No matter how modernly efficient these homes are, they are still energy gobblers. One major side effect of all the electricity used to heat, cool, and power a house this big is 28,000 pounds of CO2 every year, which only exacerbates the very real threat of global warming. On average, a typical homeowner uses over 15,000 gallons of water and produces 1,600 pounds of trash every year. If you’re beginning to feel like recycling isn’t enough, you’re not alone.
Some people have decided in favor of downsizing in order to reduce their impact on the environment. The tiny house movement has gained attention over the years, but another equally green lifestyle has been happening for quite some time now…out on the water.
Live-aboards — the term for anyone who has given up the literal roof over their heads in favor of living on a boat. Tucked away inside every marina, live-aboards enjoy a full, adventurous life, just in a smaller space. In some ways, they are no different from the typical homeowner: they work 9 to 5s, keep pets, and even use wireless internet. Except that they’re surrounded by water as they do it.
Stop picturing a dirty, uneducated pirate – sailors come from all walks of life, but one thing they have in common? A sense of adventure, an aversion for anything that’s strictly normal.
They have completely lost sight of land for days on end, weathered the worst storms, and fish their dinner straight out of the water. They deal with far less living space than most and spend a great deal of time optimizing their resource and energy use.
Boats can have modern conveniences, just not an inexhaustible supply of them. Water comes from a tank that periodically needs refilled, so boat users are much more aware of their water usage, and the end result is truly impressive: 15,000 gallons a year plummets to less than 2,000. Renewable energy sources are viable options as well — two 50 watt solar panels (about $100 each) can provide 100% of a boater’s power needs for an entire summer. A solar-powered house, by comparison, costs thousands of dollars to achieve, and you won’t see a return on your investment for at least 20 years.
This green way of living comes with a price — not monetary, but a sacrifice of convenience. Depending on the boat, typical amenities are not always accessible. Refrigeration is more of a luxury than a necessity, so eating anything that didn’t come from a can, even sprouts of all things, tastes like a gourmet meal.
And just how does someone fit all of their possessions into a 30 foot sailboat? A change of mindset regarding “stuff” is vital: in order to occupy a place in your home, something has to be absolutely crucial. That, or be very special. There is always room for a family photo or your 2 year old niece’s latest illustration. Boat life is all about economizing, and while sacrifices must be made, you gain a lifestyle that is not only kinder to the environment, but is free from the rat race of constantly remodeling and upgrading your life.
You spend less time worrying about replacing a perfectly functional TV or getting new window treatments. You learn to savor that cold beer as the sun shines down on the deck. And you’ll know that your life respects the world around you, giving it a chance to still be beautiful for future generations.
Categories
The Real Problem with 'Natural' Foods
10 for $10. Double Coupon week. Manager’s special – $2.99. Last chance to get fresh summer squash. I feel immediately overwhelmed as I walk through the sliding doors of my local grocer. For me, a trip to the grocery store has never been a simple chore. When I was thirteen, I dragged my feet every time my parents needed to go food shopping for the week. My aversion was so strong that my dad once sighed exasperatedly and said, “We all know, dear, it’s a dreadful place.”
He said it to mock me, but the truth is, I just hate grocery shopping. The realization you made the wrong decision between a basket and a cart. That scramble to put all of your items on the conveyor belt as a disapproving line forms behind you. Doubling back to get that one item you forgot on your list after planning your route just perfectly. If I can get out of there in under thirty minutes, I consider the trip a triumph. But the worst part, the most challenging aspect?
The produce aisle.
“Organic,” “Natural,” “Preservative-free,” “No pesticides.” What does it all mean? Is organic worth the extra price? Will the regular bananas give me cancer? Is natural really better for you?
“Natural” gives the impression that something is pure and free of manipulation, so that must mean natural food is better, right? But in reality, nature tries to kill people everyday. Take raw milk for instance. Some bloggers firmly advocate consumption of raw milk, straight from the cow with all of its natural bacteria, even suggesting that it helps maintain normal levels of gut flora (the microorganisms that digest your food). Painting pasteurization, the very necessary process of heating milk to kill harmful bacteria, as the villain is incredibly misleading, because it makes milk safe to drink.
So natural doesn’t always mean good for you, but what about organic? You may have noticed by now that the concept of GMOs – genetically modified organisms – is a hot-button issue, and the organic movement gains momentum every day based on the assumption that GMOs are unsafe to eat, and yet GM produce is, in fact, perfectly safe – hundreds of studies exist to support this claim, and according to this 2014 analysis, GM crops effectively minimize the need for those harmful pesticides everyone is so worried about — because these plants have been engineered to be resistant to insects.
Yet anti-GMO campaigns are strong. The pressure to eliminating the chemicals and go “GMO-free” is so strong that major companies, like Chipotle and Panera, are changing their menu to remove them and hundreds of other benign additives, even in the absence of scientific evidence. The USDA recently announced that they would verify non-GMO foods and label them as such. So what to believe?
Definitely don’t trust anything labeled as “natural.” It doesn’t really mean anything. For a food to be organic, the USDA certifies that it hasn’t been treated with pesticides, herbicides, or NPK fertilizers, and, in the case of meat products, the animal has not consumed antibiotics or growth hormones. Natural makes no such promises, and any company can use the label to cash in on the health craze.
So what can you trust, when there seems to be convincing studies on both sides of the fence? A good practice is to check out the studies that articles are referencing — a lot of the time, they can turn out to be total bunk. So before you switch to exclusively buying organic, “all-natural” foods — do thorough research by reading multiple sources. According to a recent Pew survey, 88% of scientists report that GMOs are safe, compared to only 37% of Americans. This gap is a direct result of the rampant spread of misinformation regarding GM foods.
This means that, for now, on my next trip to that “dreadful” place, I won’t be buying organic. Unless I accidentally grab it in an attempt to set a new record time for grocery shopping.