Angie's Fall Capsule from my Wardrobe

The lovely Ingunn and Kellygirl (along with Angie) inspired me to get cooking in my own closet. 

First mistake: I didn't re-read the blog entry before I got going, so I didn't choose a specific colour scheme.

First discovery: My summer wardrobe had a pretty clear colour theme: blue, blue, and more blue with splashes of white -- and the odd splash of black or another colour. (Nothing wrong with keeping it simple, right?)

Well, my early autumn clothes don't seem to be in colours at all! I have a closet full of neutrals. And I'm a colour loving girl. Hmmm. Do you sense the phrase "wardrobe hole" in the offing? 

My goal was to create an "early autumn" capsule of outfits I might genuinely wear from the end of August through the first week or two of October in my climate. Of course actual weather conditions would affect my choices. 

Another goal was to use the Leith track pants as one of my bottoms. These have been sadly orphaned in my summer closet. I wore them a few times in May and from that point on, the weather has not felt right. (If I worked in an air conditioned environment, they'd be fine, but as it is...poly pants in summer? No, thank you.) I'm hoping they'll come into their own in September conditions. 

I did remember the number of garments to choose -- 6 tops, 3 bottoms, 2 footwear, one belt, one scarf, 2 toppers, and a bag. I stuck with this number. In quite a few cases, I felt limited and suspected the outfits I would have created using different items already in the closet would have been better. But I wanted to try this in a "purist" way just to see what I could see. 

Tops: 
Equipment silk shirt in winter white/ light taupe/ blue/ black print
J. Crew Cotton tuxedo front shirt
Cassis hi-low silk tab sleeved Tee style top in taupe
Loft knit peplum top (black) 
Amber Sun colourblock sweater in berry and plum tones
DVF Tinkit sweater in blush/ white/ black animal print

Bottoms: 
Leith track pants
VC tube skirt in navy
Banana Republic slouchy skinnies distressed denim

Toppers & Accessories: 
AT military style jacket, navy (details are difficult to see, but it has epaulettes, wrist tabs, etc.
Thrifted denim military style jacket (this one has an asymmetrical closure with high neckline)
VC leopard wedges
Report Marks bootie, light taupe
Leopard belt
Vintage Coach cross body used as clutch 
Target "miracle" scarf

I'm not showing every possible permutation, but I'm sure you get the idea. 

Some discoveries: 

Early autumn transitional is a tough season for me to dress for. In particular, the toppers didn't feel right. At all.

Both are older items, so although they partake of the military theme of this season, there was still something off about them. Also, they felt too dark, too bulky for the time of year, and oftentimes, the proportions didn't feel right to me. But, looking into my closet, I did not have a lot of choice. I could have tried my fuchsia knit jacket, but it's looking worse for (a lot) of wear. Question: what sort of a topper would work? (It will be too warm for my leather toppers so I ruled those out entirely. But it seems I really do have a wardrobe hole for fall toppers. And my short denim jacket didn't work with anything but the skirt, either.) 

I need a new autumn bag. Maybe a berry tone, cranberry red...something. 

Those Leiths are still really tough for me to style and feel okay in. They didn't really work with either topper. I wasn't crazy about them with any of the tops. Question: What do I need to do to make these work better for me? 

If you've read this far, thank you so much! I hope my new collage making works. And I'm grateful for your suggestions or observations. 

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This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

45 Comments

  • Raisin replied 10 years ago

    Well so far it looks really good to me Suz.  I find the Leiths look great in the ways you've styled them here.  The jean jacket and black blazer are good toppers.  What about a leather jacket for the cooler weather?  I'm sure one of your Danier ones would fit right into this capsule very nicely.  I think the Leiths with a leather jacket would work really well too. 

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Rae, thank you. I think the Leiths look better front on vs. from the side. I should snap some pics of the side view. I have to tuck a lot of tops with them, I find, and then blouse -- otherwise the proportions look off on me. 

    I ruled my leather jackets out of this mini-capsule because they feel too warm to wear when the weather is right for the Leiths (and bare legs in a skirt). 

  • cinnamon fern replied 10 years ago

    The navy jacket looks black in these pictures - maybe that's why I can't see why you don't think it works?    But I had two topper thoughts.  One is an army jacket - but although olive would work with the colors of the clothes, I'm not sure whether you think it works with YOU.  The other is a lighter weight leather jacket.  Mine is no warmer than a standard blazer.

    THe Leiths look good to me, but I share your difficulty in actually wearing them.  I'm starting to come to the conclusion that it's nothing about how they look on me, I just don't like them.

  • Vildy replied 10 years ago

    I guess for a casual capsule, the Leiths but the tops seem to dress them up more and I'm not loving the ankle pooling rippling effect. I see your usual style as very dynamic, especially with summer's palette. The athletic pants effect... not so much. When you have shirts that are tucked and draped, say, they still contribute to a sleek effect.

  • Ingunn replied 10 years ago

    First of all - I love your selection. This is super inspiring, and I'm thrilled to see the results! The tops are all gorgeous, and I think most of them go really well with the Leiths (and of course the skirt and BFs). I think this works very well, and I particularly like the more fluid tops with the Leiths. The AT jacket is also fab. My only reservation is against the denim/military jacket, which doesn't seem to do the rest justice. I would love to see an olive or taupe utilitarian jacket, or maybe a short trench with this. 

    http://www.zara.com/no/en/woma.....26325.html

    http://www.zara.com/no/en/woma.....49019.html

    Well done, Suz, you have a lot of possibilities with this capsule, and the beautiful shoes and accessories are a great bonus, too. 

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    You might be right, Vildy. The ankle draping might be robbing me of my ideal "line." Of course I could hike them up a bit higher on my waist and they would pool less. Maybe they're just not the right silhouette for me. I love my wool slouchy trousers, but they don't nip in so tightly at the ankle. 

    Another option would be to unzip those zips a bit so the pants fall more smoothly instead of tight at the ankle. 

    CF -- I like the idea of a light utility jacket, maybe. Olive isn't great for me, but sage green could work, potentially. Sorry that the jacket looks black -- it is a dark navy and tough to photograph. The skirt is navy, too. Interesting that you've also had trouble wearing your Leiths. 

    ETA: Ingunn, we cross posted. Thank you! You inspired with all your options. I think you are right that some sort of utility jacket could potentially work. Sadly, the colours would be awful on me. I do have short black trench, however. 

  • Kristin L replied 10 years ago

    I love how you've styled the Leith pants! Overall, I think you've got a  great early fall capsule. 

  • Gaylene replied 10 years ago

    I've been playing around with creating an early fall capsule as well, using Angie's post as a guide. I found using a color palette that appealed to my visual sense was vital for ending up with a grouping with a high happiness factor. I used this website for inspiration and chose the palette below because I could think of several items in my closet that would fit into that color scheme:
    http://www.brandigirlblog.com/

    What I see in your capsule is also something that I struggled with--too many neutrals and not enough contrast to lighten up the look for early fall. Your capsule overall seems quite a bit darker and more muted much like my first attempts--too much of a shock after a summer full of contrast, perhaps?

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Gorgeous colours, Gaylene - thank you! 

    Yes, I think you're right about the colour problem.  The difficulty is that I don't have a whole lot for early autumn that isn't fairly neutral. Clearly I will need to step up my game. I do think the photo quality may be contributing some-- my first attempt at a collage and it seems to be a bit darker than IRL. After all, the wine sweater is quite bright, the blues are dark but distinct from black, etc. 

  • kellygirl replied 10 years ago

    Great job, Suz! You really have the most beautiful tops. I love them all. I'm not very good at this capsule thing but here's my 2 cents. My hope was to have my capsule read as containing more different outfits than what I ended up with--like Ingunn's. I think your capsule is similar to mine in that the bottoms (while different) kind of read the same because they are all dark. Same goes for some of the tops--they read as light or dark. I think a muted color in there somewhere or a light topper would add more variety. Maybe swap out the denim jacket for a lighter colored blazer or bomber.

    I really love how you put this together. Each one of these is fab. I think it's hard when we put them side by side--I don't think anyone would notice the similarities IRL. I know that I wouldn't at least. I also love the pooling and silhouette of the track pants. Does the fabric look puffy from the side when the tops are tucked? If so, perhaps you can wear a banded or cropped sweater with them instead of having to tuck? 

  • Angie replied 10 years ago

    You are Princess Capsule - wave to Ingunn and Kelly.

    I'm much impressed, creative and motivated Suz. How fun to shop your closet. You created a splendid capsule - that I do not think is void of colour at all. AND, it's pattern rich - which helps with oomphing-up neutrals I find - when I just need a little extra than a solid neutral.

    And that's the way to do it. Go back to your closet, create caspsule(s) around a colour palette, note what's missing - if anything - and go from there.

    I'm sure you'd be able to create a few more capsules, Suz. You look gorgeously k-word wordthy is all outfits. Well done.

  • Angie replied 10 years ago

    Gaylene nailed your colour palette. Clever Gaylene.

  • rae replied 10 years ago

    Well, I love the way the Leiths look here. What is it you dislike about the side view? Would a half tuck be the best of both worlds?

    For the toppers - do you feel like you need a topper in your transitional weather? You have chosen a lot of long sleeves and sweaters. If you would be warm/cool enough, you could substitute another type of third piece instead of a jacket. The pullover sweaters could even be your "toppers" (that happen to also work as tops, expanding your capsule). Or you could do vests or scarves instead of jackets. 

  • Missey replied 10 years ago

    Suz- you look gorgeous and thoughtfully put together in all of the outfits in your capsule.  I would be hard pressed to tell that you are struggling with any of the looks!  However, I think sometimes we fall into the style trap of wanting to love a style because it is "in".  No matter how dressy track pants are, ultimately you may not feel they fit your style profile.  I think you nailed it when comparing the Leith's to your wool trousers; the wool trousers might be slouchy, but they are more tailored and fit your style better.

  • Angie replied 10 years ago

    Sorry, I forgot to answer your questions.

    The topper proportions work to my eye. Have you tried adding in your taupe leather jacket? There is also room for the iconic and original denim jacket style.

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Thanks, everyone -- you are very kind. 

    Angie, the taupe leather jacket would work, but not for the temperatures. Rae is closer to the mark when she suggests I might not *need*  a topper at all -- at least until the 3rd week of September. It's usually quite warm, yet the light begins to feel autumnal in late August. So a person craves autumn colours, for sure. (Or at least this person does!)

    I also feel seasonally confused in the leather jacket with the Leith pants and even with the VC skirt (although that might be okay with hose and the jacket). I am very "matchy matchy"  about my fabric weights, I guess. Sveta asked me why I wouldn't wear my striped linen shirt in the winter. Well...the truth is, I might wear it, as a layering piece. But I couldn't wear it on its own in winter at all -- and it wouldn't feel good layered over a cami. 

    I first tried this capsule with my regular denim jacket. But it really only worked with the skirt, and only with some of the tops even then. The proportions were just off. I do have one top that I can wear with it and the Leiths, but it wasn't in my capsule. 

    Missy, I suspect you are right. I actually love the look of the track pants -- on others. But either these are not "my" ideal track pant, or they just don't work for me, period, because no matter how they look, they don't feel fab on me somehow. 

    Rae, for some reason the semi-tuck doesn't work for me and the Leiths. It might be the elastic waist or it might be the cut of the tops I chose -- it won't stay in and out, if you know what I mean. So I compromised by tucking and blousing to hide the elastic waist. 

    Kelly, you hit on something with the fabric puffing when tucked. That isn't actually the problem -- but from the side, the silhouette is that dreaded "ice cream cone" look. Bleah! I don't mind baggy backside in the least but I feel schlumpy in these pants from the side. (Front view is okay for me)

    Kelly, I think you are also spot on about the colours. I should have used my white jeans or even my white denim jacket for a bit more variety. 

    Gaylene, that is a gorgeous colour palette. And it makes me think I could have swapped out the white button down for my orchid coloured one, for more colour and "zip." It's a more fitted style, too, so would have offered some variety in that way as well. 

    Reflecting on this, I remember how often I wore that knit fuchsia jacket last year -- and I think I understand why it was so useful to me. I am also thinking that maybe I really do need a new, upgraded fuchsia (or orchid, or plum coloured) jacket. Hmmmmm. I sense a shopping spree coming on....

  • Kyle replied 10 years ago

    I am inspired and beyond impressed. Ever single outfit is simply fab. Suz, you are a stunning example of what many of us aspire to achieve.

  • Angie replied 10 years ago

    Suz, perhaps you need a LIGHTWEIGHT leather jacket (like my blush moto). That's the wardrobe hole. Your Danier jackets are heavy - stunningly killer - but not lightweight. Just a thought. My leather jacket capsule provides an assortment of weights, which I've found very practical.

  • Beth Ann replied 10 years ago

    Wondeful capsule, Suz!  You really flourish when you give yourself limitations to deal with!  I think all of these are working well, except for perhaps the denim jacket with the midi --- it's seems a little heavy in weight and proportion, perhaps, although it might be a welcome thing in winter.

    aaargh!  I've been interrupted 6 times in making this reply.........try again!

    I love the berry sweater.  Such a fab addition, and the tux shirt with the jeans is minimal, crisp and modern.  Yeah!

    As for the Leiths:  I'm getting ready to attempt another try at making these.  I've seen some with a flat front and elastic back that might suit you better.  Also, what about a pair of upsized silk trousers with a regular waistband?  They would be "track" pants, but they would be silky, slouchy and tapered.  Hmmmm....making me think.........  For now, please remember that, when we see you in profile, we see all of you, not just your lower torso!  It's easy to focus on vision on one place.

  • Gaylene replied 10 years ago

    First of all, Suz, I think your capsule looks pretty fabulous as is, but you need to feel excited and happy with it if it is going to be a workhorse for you.

    If you are thinking of playing around with it a bit more before committing to a shopping excursion, why not pull out the tops you'd especially like to wear in the next few months, then work on the bottoms, and lastly, figure out a possible topper or two that would carry you through the early fall? Personally, my two favorite toppers for this time period are my light-weight, bronzey-tone trench and a summer-weight, brown/black EF cardigan, with the bonus being I can layer these two items if the temperature drops suddenly.  As you've said, our fall weather can be quite warm, so our fabrics might be the same as the ones we like to wear in the summer, but it's nice if the color palette changes to reflect the season.

    I think those Leith pants are an interesting alternative, but I wonder, for you, if they have enough versatility to be part of a capsule? Might you have more fun with them if you just found a couple of tops that worked well with them and left it at that? As Angie has pointed out before, there is nothing wrong with having items that are solo players in our wardrobe.

  • rachylou replied 10 years ago

    Ok. I love all these outfits. Particularly the pencil and denim jacket - that's the best denim jacket I've ever seen (and I'm denim shy). But here's my deal, they all make me a little uncomfortable seeing them on you. I have a yen for more architecture, if you will, and you know what I'm thinking... pointy shoes. Can you do pointy shoes?

    Maybe angularity is a better word than architecture. Something pointy and sharp. Maybe it could be brought in with jewelry, if the idea catches your fancy.

  • unfrumped replied 10 years ago

    I like your outfits and capsule work.
    Have you thought about finding what would be a 3rd or 4th color for the (maybe cliche) "pop" ? For belts, bags, watch type thing.
    I'm not a successful example, but I've been realizing that I was gravitating toward handbags and belts that are the same as my neutrals or in the same color family as my "face flattering" colors--so gray, black, raspberry, fuchsia would catch my eye--when I probably needed to go across the color wheel to cognac, pumpkin, mustard or similar. Colors I would not wear in a blouse so much, but that provide rich and warm contrast with the neutrals and cool colors. I can even use those colors in necklaces when the top is in a "good" color, and get a similar more interesting effect. I'm finding that the outfit photos I like --in magazines and such--have a lot more of that kind of thing going on than I do in my own outfits.

  • cobaltblue replied 10 years ago

    It so instructive watching you work through this. I felt a bit intimidated by Ingunn's amazing capsule as she made it all look so easy. Yours looks great too, but I see that you're struggling through the details that just aren't spot-on for you to find good answers and identify wardrobe holes. Very helpful to see you go through the process!

    I'm rooting for orchid, by the way!

  • Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago

    Suz - between you, Ingunn and Kelly, I am getting so much inspiration regarding fall capsules. I will admit I have not yet attempted to put one together as I find the exercise positively overwhelming and somewhat intimidating. However, on to you...

    I think you've done a brilliant job and how wonderful that all these items are already in your closet. I do echo Gaylene's comment about the colour scheme - definitely much darker and more neutral than your usual IMHO. that having been said, the lighter coloured cat print silk blouse, white tuxedo shirt and DVF sweater add some overall brightness.

    I'm afraid I'm not feeling a lot of love for your denim jacket - there's a crispness or fit issue that's not working to my eye. I am also struggling a bit with that element as I would like a denim jacket to wear as an outdoor jacket in fall (as opposed to wearing it in place of blazer during the summer, which I frequently do). The proportions of a cropped denim jacket doesn't work for that purpose does it? I love Angie's suggestion of a light weight leather topper but I'm not sure where we Canadians would find one of those.

    I think the Leith's look brilliant on you. What is it about the fit that bothers you? 

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Thanks everybody! Very helpful to get your thoughts. 

    Shannon, let me count the ways the Leiths bother me...even though I love them in theory. They are very snug on the ankle, yet the fabric pools so much there unless I hike them up to my actual waist. But when I hike them up to my natural waist, they are too short in the rise (so no longer slouchy, though still baggy, of course).  Plus, hiking them up doesn't last because they tend to fall down on their own and can't be tightened. And I don't like the tie at the waist (which doesn't work to tighten them and is merely decorative, by the way). 

    Goodness, now that I have said it all, no wonder I do not love these pants! 

    Plus, more than anything, I think that the kind of slouch is wrong for me. It has to do with the tight ankles. I adore my other slouchy pants (jeans included). At first I thought, "Oh, maybe I can only handle one super slouchy piece in an outfit -- I'll try this with a tailored top." But the tailored tops feel too crisp and all wrong (and keep coming untucked) so that isn't right for me, either. Best are the knits with a banded hem. But even they are not so great. I just don't feel fab in them. 

    And I think the denim jacket is going to go, too. I thrifted it for $2 and wore it quite a bit (as an outdoor jacket) last fall -- so no loss!

    It may even be time for the AT blazer to get an upgrade, although that is a nice jacket that will probably never wear out. 

    Becky, thank you, and I'm glad if my mistakes can benefit someone! 

    Unfrumped, I agree and I think you're right-- I loved my yellow bag last summer. Maybe I should look for something in orange or mustard. 

    Rachy, you and Vildy are spot on about this. I need more architecture. Especially where the Leiths are concerned. I do pointy toes and would wear them -- but they wouldn't have worked with all the items in this capsule so I ruled them out for purposes of the experiment. 

    Gaylene -- great idea. I think I'll look at the tops first, and then the bottoms second. And I agree. If I keep the Leiths at all, they should be an occasional piece, not a capsule building piece. It's okay to have a couple of items like that in the closet, after all. 

    Beth Ann, you are right -- that jacket needs to go, and I need to remember that not everyone is staring at me the way I stare at me! Still, the design of these pants is not the best (see above). 

    Angie, you're right about the leather. Had I known that those NAS jackets would feel so different from my leather jackets, I would have nabbed one!  My taupe one  is absolutely fine to wear indoors in the late fall/ winter/ early spring but it would feel too heavy for me at our current temperatures. And the white one is heavier than that. 

    Kyle, thank you - you are way too generous! 

  • CocoLion replied 10 years ago

    Suz, if you will forgive me, my mind is so stressed and distracted right now. I don't have it in me to provide my usual feedback.  So I am just going to go with what jumped out at me in a quick fashion.

    - Great work, fabulous capsule!   So may great looks here. 
    - In terms of replacement, I concur with the denim military jacket being what would merit a new item.  Love Angie's suggestion of a lighter leather jacket.  I have a light taupe unlined pigskin jacket I got from BB Dakota 1.5 years ago and it is perfect for early Fall as well as Spring.
    - I love the Leiths on you.  I think they need more refined footwear such as the pumps, to counter balance the lack of structure in them.  I like the way they work with your black pumps rather than the booties.  The booties look amazing with the jeans, which are more structured.
    - Your tops are all current, flattering and beautiful.
    - Another hole might be for pointy toe pumps.  (see above)  I read somewhere that pumps are having another moment this fall.  Or, flat D'Orsays might also work if you don't want a heel.

    Your efforts here are so inspiring!  

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Denise, thank you - -and if you come back here - I hope you are okay!! 

  • Vildy replied 10 years ago

    Yes - if you get some sharp, structured pumps, then try the Leiths again, with the punctuation of the architectural element. That way the blousiness will showcase the shoe's structure and vice versa.

  • Lisa replied 10 years ago

    I am really enjoying this exercise.  I started digging in my closet but lost the sunlight to snap photos today, so I will have to save that for another day.  Looking at this capsule, I do see a lot of neutrals, which isn't bad, but after a summer of bright white as a core color, maybe what you need here is one strong color to lighten up the capsule?

    The track pants are a fun piece, but it sounds like you are ready to move on with them.  I say only keep things that make you happy in your closet and they sound like they are troublesome to wear.  And I adore a denim jacket in this capsule, but I think a shorter one that is slightly more streamlined would be a fab addition here.

    As I have started trying to put together my own capsule, I noticed two
    things right away. 1. I have very few layering tops and the one's I do
    have are mostly dark colors. 2. I don't have a leather jacket I would
    feel comfortable wearing indoors.  My denim jacket I don't mind, but I'm
    not sure I'd like wearing leather all day inside.  And I am finding this exercise a GREAT way to identify wardrobe holes instead of my old strategy of being in a store, seeing something that catches my eye and then bringing it home to try and make it work with my wardrobe.   

  • Caro in Oz replied 10 years ago

    Just wanted to say I think this is a fabulous capsule,Angie is right :) about the colour & texture too - it all looks so rich & interesting to me.

    Maybe the Leith's are not capsule material (sorry). I think that they would need to work with every top/topper & shoe otherwise they are extras not workhorses imo.

  • Jaime replied 10 years ago

    I think your capsule outfits are fantastic and do really like the Leiths on you. I understand why you don't love wearing them but the look is splendid. I am also intrigued by the comments about pointy toes and pumps because I am very into pointy toes right now and I am wondering if adding structure to my slouchy looks is the reason why. Honestly there were too many 10+ outfits here for me to choose favorites, great capsule!

  • Mona replied 10 years ago

    This is a great capsule, Suz. The first thing I want to mention is the BF's look spectacular on you, both rolled and unrolled. The fit is spot on.
    The capsule has a nice variety and many interesting items. I really like Leiths on you but I also see what your concerns are.
    Adding a fuschia or plum jacket would be wonderful.

  • Elly replied 10 years ago

    Suz-- I agree that neither of the jackets really works. I don't love the denim one on you at all.

    I would be tempted to try to wear the leiths with an untucked draped top, did you try it with the cat blouse untucked? I also think a drapey black column or a slim black top with the leiths would look great on you, especially under the kimono jacket or leather as it cools off. You may be able to wear them into winter if they work with tights or long underwear (maybe even a pair of running tights) under them. I particularly like them with the open vamp shoes, but I think they would look great with some tougher boots as well.

    A great deal of the outfits look Fab-- so I think the exercise was both productive and a success!

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Thanks, Elly - that is sweet of you to say. And I agree absolutely about those jackets. The silk tops can't be worn (on me) untucked because they're then too long, making the leg line too short. As for wearing those Leiths with tights underneath, I have my doubts. In my climate this would lead to serious static cling issues --- I'd be snap, crackle, and popping my way around! But I won't rule it out absolutely until I have tried it. That would be a real way to extend their wearing season for sure! 

    Mona, thanks -- these jeans are not actually BFs. Which may be why people tend to like them. They're called "slouchy skinnies" (and they are from about five years ago). Plus, I sized up a size. So they are skinnies, but a bit looser -- and that makes them perfectly on trend now! So funny. 

  • nancylee replied 10 years ago

    Amazing as always, Suz.  And very inspiring.  You're such a quick study!

  • Mary Beth (formerly LBD) replied 10 years ago

    WOW!  I really really love what you've done here, Suz!   The stuff just laid out, I was like, 'yeah, okay'.    Then you put it on, and WOW!  Just fantastic!

    The other gals have some great suggestions, but you know what?    You could wear any of these outfits to most venues in Atlanta, and you would be, hands-down, the most stylish woman in the room/restaurant/bar/theatre/dancefloor.

  • Karie replied 10 years ago

    I really like your outfits here. My only suggestions have to do with the Leith pants. I agree that the styling is tricky, so take my suggestions with a grain of salt. Also, mine don't pool at the bottom because I'm tall - mine hang straight. I wear them with fluid tops that have banded bottoms or asymeterical hemlines. The tops I have been wearing hit at hip length or higher. They also look great with a moto jacket, denim jacket, denim vest or a cardi with the sleeves scrunched. I don't care for them with button-downs or with anything tucked. I prefer them with heels, but I have also worn them with my studded flat sandals.

    You've done a great job with your capsule!  

  • AnnieMouse replied 10 years ago

    Love the slouchy jeans with the booties - super inspirational for me for the season, as I'm new to the whole booties idea, and I've been floundering as to how they will best move into fall.

  • cheryl replied 10 years ago

    I think you have done a fantastic job on the entire capsule. Those jeans look amazing on you and you look great in the Leith's and skirt as well. This has been such a fun and educational thread to read. Everyone has such good advice to offer. I must agree that the denim jacket doesn't do justice to your gorgeous, stylish self.

  • catgirl replied 10 years ago

    Suz, I am impressed and intimidated by your skills.  I just posted about it in another thread.

    I have not worn the Leiths either - in fact, I weirdly forgot about them, and you reminded me to pull them out. 

  • Alexandra replied 10 years ago

    I am late to this, but OMG, what an awesome capsule! It looks great just laid out, and then even better when you put it on. Impressive.
    Your capsule made me wish I was a mix-and-match person, it's that inspiring.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 10 years ago

    Finally got around to reviewing this post in some detail. My reaction was similar to Rae's--I wondered if you need the toppers, per se, and I like her idea of a vest or scarf instead. I love the outfits without the jackets. The ones with them are great, too, but I'm more drawn to the others.
    I really, really like the style of the Leiths on you and love them with your sweaters, the linen top, and the Equipment blouse. To die for! I hear you on your comfort issues with them, though. I would just urge you not to give up on the style. I tried on the Leiths in the store, and they did not fit me at all, anywhere--seriously. Big fat bummer! But during NAS I tried on the Joie track pants and wore them for quite a while as I tried on tops. I loved them! I liked the look and the feel. I didn't end up getting them because the stripe wasn't "me" and I still think I should be able to make a pair of these simple pants! (But will? That's another question.)

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Firecracker, you could make them in a jiffy and it would be a fab way to try them at lower cost. I loved the look of the Eileen Fisher silk ones the Parsley and a few others bought. But I thought about the expense and my weather conditions and it just didn't make sense. I can't wear silk pants for more than a few weeks a year. $45 for polyester seemed worth it to try -- but even then I see how tough they are for me to wear. 

    I do think one reason I am really drawn to the wrap top that some people felt overwhelmed me is because it works with these pants. It's volume on volume, but I think it works. 

    Anyway, you are completely right -- I would only need toppers for later in the period (from mid-September until October). But then I will REALLY need them. And these don't cut it! 

    Thank you, Alexandra, Una, Cheryl, Annie, Karie, LBD, Nancy! 

  • Vicki replied 10 years ago

    IMPRESSED and simply the BEST, Suz!  I hope Angie gave you a huge gold star for this successful Fall Wardrobe Capsule.

    What I like is the way you've kept it simple and, yet, your pieces display interest, variety and style.

    Seeing what you've worked on and accomplished here is exactly what I want to achieve.  I do have a lot of clothes, and enjoy them, but your simplicity with using and rotating these pieces is now a goal for me.  Outstanding and I'm giving you Five Gold Stars!!!!!

  • Vicki replied 10 years ago

    P.S.  Oh, my!  Now, we're shirt siblings, as I bought the Pleione in red and black striped.  Yay, and why didn't I think of my Leith pants?!  Although, I just received the DvF Imogene pants in the mail yesterday and got one of the last in my size.

    Suz, you're getting me excited about the Fall Capsule.  :)

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