Fall capsule round-up + life.

 [1.6 outfit :: Denim on denim, but I actually didn't love this scarf paired with it.  It didn't leave me feeling very "fall" inspired]

 [1.7 outfit :: The warm weather is so hard to dress for (with only one pair of shorts and a long skirt).]

 [1.8 outfit :: This white pull-over is one of my favorites.  Plus I'm getting a million compliments on all my jewelry.]

 [1.9 outfit :: I actually hated this outfit.  This shirt was too short with these ponte pants, but I had nothing else clean and had worn all my other pants that week.]

 [1.10 outfit :: This shirt.  Love.  The material is thick and the style is perfection.]

[1.11 outfit :: These shoes.  Perfection.  Also, I switched to gray skinnies as the night progressed because it got cold at the beach.]

[1.12 outfit :: This is literally the first time I've ever worn closed-toe shoes with a maxi.  And it was ok!]

[1.13 outfit :: I wish I could find these joggers again because I would get so many more pairs.  They fit so well!  I randomly snagged the only pair on clearance at Gap.  I'm scared to style more than a tee and sneakers with them though.]

[1.14 outfit :: This maroon is my favorite.]

[1.15 outfit]

[1.16 outfit :: First time breaking out the tall boots.  As nice as Frye boots are, they have zero support in the soles. Note to self: add inserts!]

All pieces can be found on my original fall capsule post.  I'm definitely enjoying having a minimal closet.  I'm learning that there is certainly no need to have an obscene amount of clothes in my closet.  It makes life so much easier to have less.  That said, I do miss buying new pieces.  There are a few things I want now, but I know they won't be practical for my winter capsule.  I am getting a bit bored and concerned with the pieces I have.  The weather is getting really chilly in the evenings at school, so I'm considered switching out a bottom or two (ie. the maxi skirt doesn't feel practical going all the way through December).

On another note, I've signed up for my next half marathon in February and will be running with my bestie (her first half!).  I'm also in the process of following a 30 day elimination using the Autoimmune Protocol Paleo diet.  The first week has been extremely challenging, but better than the Whole 30 in some ways.  So no alcohol or coffee.  I'm scared to see how this month goes...

Fall capsule round-up 1.1

In an effort to document my capsule experience while not trying to be a fashion blogger (because I'm certainly not), I'm doing a weekly round-up of my outfits using my up picture snippets.

My lifestyle is very casual and easy. I literally have no dress code for my job and typically pair jeans with semi-nice tees. This works for me, and I love having a capsule full of casual pieces which can easily be worn from day to night and on weekends.  So far the most difficult part has been preparing for the 80 degree days we've been having in Raleigh.  I prepared my fall wardrobe with the idea of having plenty layers in mind, but I didn't consider a lot of warmer days.  Many of my pieces are thicker materials and long sleeves which don't fare well for hot days outside with students.  Raleigh is looking at another upcoming warm front (low 80s as the week progresses), so I'm interested to see how I'm feeling after another week of this.

After cleaning out most stuff from my closet (I just didn't feel the need to remove every single non-capsule item from my big bedroom closet), I will admit I was scared.  Those are the only shirts (plus two vests) I would be "allowed" to use for three months!  It's not pictured but I have my sweaters folded on the rack above, but this looked sparse.

[1.1 outfit :: Jean shorts//Gap | Navy tee//Gap | Green Workshirt//Madewell | Gray Sneakers//Converse | Tote//Madewell]

This was the perfect warm weather outfit for work and play.  It may even be one of my favorite pairing so far.  It's comfortable and easy.  My classroom stays freezing, and the workshirt was a perfect layer to keep me cozy inside.

[1.2 outfit :: Dress//Madewell | Leopard loafers//Target]

This was my first time wearing this dress, and I was a little unsure of the fit (the waist tie hits at an awkward spot for my body shape).  Before even walking out of the gym, I got compliments!  I continued to get compliments all day and my co-workers kept noting how cute I looked.  The compliments boosted my confidence in this dress and I styled it up with a simple gold bangle (like this one).  The con?  These loafers are probably a half size too small for my feet and after an entire day they really hurt me.  When you only have five pairs of shoes, size and comfort is key.  I may need to replace this pair (with these JCrew beauties?).  I am excited about styling this dress in different ways throughout the season.

[1.3 outfit :: Stripped dress//Gap | Studded booties//Target | Tote//Madewell | Necklace//Madewell]

This dress has always been a favorite of mine.  The sleeves roll and can be secured with a button, and the fit is loose.  The fabric is a bit thick for a warm, sunny day.  I dressed it up a bit with a pretty necklace and again got tons of compliments.  It seems when I'm true to my own style, people notice.

[1.4 outfit :: Plaid shirt//Madewell | Destructed skinnies//Gap | Studded booties//Target]

I headed out for some day drinking with D at the Wide Open Bluegrass Festival in town.  This outfit was so comfortable and easy.  I curled my hair and didn't need any additional accessories.  I adore this shirt because it's lightweight.  I rolled the sleeves for the day, put them down in the evening and layered with my favorite new jacket.  

[1.5 outfit :: Tee//gifted | Dark skinnies//Gap | Plum sweater//Gap | Gray sneakers//Converse]

This is the perfect outfit for a chilly Sunday of running errands (and picking up Chinese food to-go).  I love the long length and open-front of this sweater.  It's thin, so it makes it a perfect layering piece.  

I'm finding that my signature style is easy and comfortable.  I love adding a simple piece of jewelry to make an outfit look a tad-bit nicer especially since I don't spend time curling my hair on week days.  I am learning that my shoe choices may be an issue.  It's not quite time for tall boots+socks, but my Converses & loafers hurt my feet when wearing them multiple days in a row (it's possible my sneakers are a half size too small as well), and I'm still waiting on the arrival of my Vans sneakers.  I'm still looking forward to the variety of outfits I can mix and match though.

What is your style?

Do you wear some shoes for the sake of "style" even if the fit isn't perfect?

The capsule wardrobe.

As I continue to get older, and hopefully more mature, I keep learning about myself.  I have recently discovered that one of my greatest faults is my management of money when it comes to shopping.  When I first learned about this capsule wardrobe trend, I thought, "no f-ing way."  There was not one part of me that wanted to go three months with no shopping and only use a select number of clothing pieces.

Then I started researching the idea more.  And I started kind of falling in love with the idea.  My closet was jam-packed with so many clothes that I did not know what I had.  Half the time my clothes stayed packed from trips or in piles because I simply did not need them.  This was a problem.  I'm mostly a thrifty shopper, and I buy primarily from clearance and sales racks.  While this can be a good thing, it left me with tons of clothes that I just didn't love (and also did not fit my style).  Who needs closets full of mediocre clothing?  

I finally decided to do something about it.  I followed Caroline's recommendations and took every single thing out of my closet.  With little abandon, I narrowed everything down.  I ended up with about six trash bags full of clothes.  I had remorse on only one piece of clothing (and actually ended up adding that one to my fall capsule).  I did keep a container with "maybe" and/or "keepsake" pieces (I just can't let go of that shirt I wore on my first date with D).  With the minimal amount of pieces I kept, I was able to hang up all of my clothing (aside from sweaters) and it was liberating!  I've had such an easy time picking out clothing.  Now I feel confident that a minimal clothing lifestyle is going to make my life easier and hopefully curb my spending habits.

I've been prepping my fall capsule for about a month.  There's a feeling of excitement knowing that I have "special" clothing items waiting for me.  I know my capsule will be an experiment, and I'm not sure what my end feelings will be.  Will I hate all the clothes after a month?  Will I have to constantly do laundry? Will I be good at mixing and matching?  I'm trying not to focus on the what-ifs and instead maintain the goals for my fall capsule:

Spend less money on clothing.

Buy a few quality, well-made pieces.

Establish my own personal style.

And with that, here is my fall capsule that will run from October through December.

Gap Legging Jeans (similar) | Gap Dark-Wash Legging Jean | GapFit Stripe-Panel Pants (similar) | JCrew Factory Gigi Pant

Gap Boyfriend Shorts | Old Navy Maxi Skirt (similar) | "Leather" Leggings (similar) | Gap Jeans

JCrew Chambray | Gap Popover Shirt (similar) | Gap White Tee (similar) | Gap Light Chambray Popover Shirt (similar)

Graphic Tee (similar) | Gap Tee (similar) | JCrew Striped Tee (similar) | Gap Sweatshirt

Madewell Workshirt (similar) | Gap Cardigan (similar) | Gap Cardigan (similar) | Old Navy Chunky Sweater (similar)

Madewell Anorak Dress (similar) | Gap Striped Dress (similar) | Target Blazer | Gap Vest

Gap Open-Front Cardigan | Madewell Texturework Sweater | Target Cardigan | Madewell Cargo Vest (similar)

Target Anorak Jacket | Old Navy Jean Jacket (similar) | Madewell Stripeset Tee | Madewell Ex-Boyfriend Shirt

Target Leopard Flat (similar) | Converse Sneaker | Target Studded Midi Boot (similar) | Frye Shirley Boot | Vans Leather Sneaker

Not all items pictured are the exact pieces I have, but this gives you an idea of my color scheme and style.  Since I work with children and have to be outside on a regular basis, my wardrobe needs to be pretty casual.  October through December can be tough months in the south in regards to predicting the weather.  I made sure to choose lots of pieces I can layer for the changing weather.  If you're interested in doing your own capsule, I would definitely recommend downloading Un-Fancy's free wardrobe planner!  It has been extremely helpful along the way.

Do you have a capsule wardrobe?

Do you dress minimally?

What am I missing?

Style files :: Foxy Lady.

[Chambray button-down :: Similar | Sweater :: Similar | Skinnies ::  Similar | Flats :: Reva flats] 

I'm pretty much digging the animal printed trend right now.  I want it all.  This outfit is the epitome of trendy.  Animal printed sweater, polka dot skinnies, layers.  I'm trendy.  I don't buy too many items that can't weather the time.  I couldn't stop thinking about these skinnies though.  I put them back, then went back when there was 40% off sale.  I knew that my size likely wouldn't be there, but if it was...it was meant to be.  Four pairs left, two in the sizes I needed to try (the smallest one fit!).  I'm so happy I took the plunge.  And the fox?  Well anything fox-related reminds me of my dear BFW.

I wore this to meet up with some besties who drove all the way to Charlotte (practically halfway between Raleigh & Athens) to meet up with me.  So fun!

Style files :: Those awkward 70 degree days in January.

Remember that other time I tried showing you a little fashion?  Well this time I pulled the trigger and got D to take a picture of me!  I felt super silly, and we need a little practice.  I may just try again though!

 [Sweater :: Similar | Skirt/Dress :: H&M | Boots :: Similar]

I love this sweater so much I've been tempted to buy it in more colors, but I keep telling myself I have enough sweaters and clothes.  Not to mention the weather was literally in the 70s on Saturday.  It's the best but also the worst.  I just want to wear my sweaters!  This dress is a go-to for me always!  It was maybe $10 at H&M.  It's super comfy (read: stretchy) and surprisingly flattering with the horizontal stripes.

Regardless of the temps, I broke this out for a little going away party & dinner downtown.  It was perfect for walking outside after the sun went down.  I was comfortable even without a jacket.

How are you coping with the bi-polar weather?


PS.  I'll be sending out an email reminder tomorrow for 12 Months of Giving.  If you haven't signed up to "officially" join and be a part of the mailing list, go here!

I'm not really a big deal.

I'm obviously no fashion blogger, and hey, I'm not even trying to be.  This post is long overdue though.  Firmoo contacted me about trying out some glasses.  Obviously I love glasses, so I couldn't pass up the offer.

[Shirt | Target | Shorts | Old Navy | Shoes | Target | Glasses | Firmoo]

These shorts I scored from Old Navy for $10!  Boo ya!  You know those are the leopard loafers I scored from Target with my teacher appreciation gift cards.

I rocked this outfit to the Hopscotch festival in Raleigh last weekend.  The glasses were perfect!  I've worn them a couple of times now.  They don't seem as sturdy as my Warby Parker glasses, but they are much more affordable.  I feel a lot more comfortable rocking them when working with my toddler kiddies all day.  The best part?  First time buyers can get them for free!  Amazing!

Oh and these are prescription!  Firmoo shipped these to me super quick too!  I would definitely recommend Firmoo.  I'm so happy they contacted me, and I'll definitely order from them again in the future.  I've been wanting some Rx sunglasses, so I'll be looking to Firmoo for those.  Maybe I'll work on some better "fashion" pictures in the future!

Just in case you're interested!

I was offered and provided with glasses by Firmoo, but all opinions and reviews are my own.  I was not paid for any opinions I wrote about here.

Life Lately :: I swear I do more than just eat.

I've definitely felt like these last two weeks have been a complete whirlwind.  We've barely had time to do much with travel, friends in town, and events/activities to attend.  It's been lots of fun, but it makes it really hard to keep up with relaxing, personal time.  I'm behind on blogs & blogging; I have yet to make more of my Whole 30 mayo.  I need time to visit the Farmers' Market again.  I haven't accomplished my summer goals of finding a signature drink or decorating.  I need more time.  Nonetheless, I've had plenty of happy, fun things going on!

 [I have a serious cashew obsession...thankyouverymuch Whole 30]

 [Out for delicious drinks at our favorite cocktail bar, Foundation]

 [First time with zucchini noodles!  They didn't disappoint!]

 [I left this out of my original weekend in Austin recap.  I ordered an amazing blueberry cake donut from Howdy Donut]

 [Drinking a Samurai Krunkles for national IPA day at Tasty Beverage]

 [FINALLY got to see it!  Amazing.]

[So much cheese.  Probably my heaven on earth at the Cheese Rally in Raleigh]

 [After all summer, I FINALLY pulled out the white skinnies]

[Chicago + gelato in Durham!]