CAPSULE CLOSET

Here are some rambling thoughts about my summer capsule.  

Most worn:  Jeans, both white and blue!  My breezy button-ups were also in heavy rotation.

Least worn:  Shorts (duh), linen dress, baseball tee.

Stray observations:

-I love jeans again.  After a bit of a hiatus from denim altogether, and after trying to reignite some love for my skinnies, I was a little surprised by hoe much I’m reaching for jeans these days.  I think I’ve truly discovered my unicorn jeans in the Levi’s wedgie jean--and I love that you can find some washes made in USA if you do a little digging.  The vintage cut is really flattering, and the 1% elastane ratio seems to keep them comfy in that mold-to-your-body kind of way.  And giving them a tiny chop also helped make them feel perfect for me.  I’m mad I didn’t do it sooner!  I’ll be on the lookout for something similar in black for winter!

-Like my skinny jean experiment, I tried some things again that didn’t work out.  I didn’t try that hard this time, but I know organically that I don’t need to hang onto my baseball tee much longer.  I might also let go of my linen dress--I’m on the fence about it because it is so classic and beautifully made.  But I just don’t wear it.

-I really embraced streamlined beauty, especially at the end of summer, when it was unbearably hot.  I got really comfortable with going make-up free!  I’ve been using this face oil (under sunscreen) daily, which is lighter than my usual serum and occasionally I’ll pick up this mask from Whole Foods.  If I felt like I needed to dress it up, I might do a lipstick, but it was so nice to forget about eye makeup for a little bit.  

-While I didn’t wear my denim shorts much, I actually felt a shorts gap in my loungey wardrobe, and may want to invest in some soft comfies to wear around the house next year.

-I definitely like the sharing of daily outfits, but I’m toying with posting fewer at a time, going into more detail about the brands and all that jazz.  

Summer outfits 46-50

Because last week had a lot of repeats, I’m making it up for it with some sneak peak fall capsule additions here.  Oh yeah, I’m cheating in the last stretches of summer.

46.  Snagged these Marais USA heels on sale via Need Supply Co., and I couldn’t resist wearing them in summer proper.  The color is so perfect for spring, and I’m hoping I can make it work for fall to get a bit more mileage (and to give my black heeled sandals a rest).  I’ll do a full review sometime soon!

tee - Everlane // jeans - J.Crew, old (similar) // sweater - Zady, old (similar) // necklace - vintage (similar) // shoes - Marais USA (in lavender)

47.  I can’t believe I’m posting this photo with my epically messy room in the background--it was a hectic day!  I wore this dress to a screening of my movie with friends and family.  It’s super flattering and body-con, so it feels very feminine and sexy, but it’s also got a very casual sporty vibe that keeps it in my wheelhouse.  It’s also not very revealing, with the high neck and midi length.

dress - Everlane // mules - Rachel Comey // lipstick in Ruby Woo - Mac

48.  This is a true “peak” because this photo doesn’t give much away, but I wanted to wear these new pants with this top, which might not make it into my fall capsule, so I snuck them in a bit early.  Again, full review coming soon!

top - Steven Alan, old (in dark blue) // pants - Esby Apparel // mini purse - Baggu // sandals - Birkenstock

49.  I gave this dress another shot styled in the most “me” way I could think of--I loved the idea of pairing something so old-world-feminine with black leather like Andrea, and sneakers always make a dress more accessible.  My hair was too much of a mess to wear down, but I think I’d like the look a lot better if I didn’t have it pulled back.  Ultimately, I decided to sell this dress, just because I think it could have a better home with someone else--I don’t wear it enough to justify having it, and when I do, it feels like I’m forcing it.  

dress - Not Perfect Linen // jacket - Deadwood // mini purse - Baggu // sneakers - Veja

50.  A very casual Friday, but these pants always make me feel confident.

This made me laugh.  I have stressed so much about including a “going out” top in my capsules over the years, and I’m much happier without one.

A useful trick for shopping Zappos.

Taking a summer dress to work.

I love the sleeve shape on this new square tee.

On the power of red shoes.

On how recycled water bottles end up in Girlfriend leggings.

I’ve been looking for this practically since I started this blog:  a responsibly made faux leather jacket!  

Karin made a video on planning her fall capsule, and it’s awesome.

Loved this vintage shop interview.

We finished our movie The Longest Night!  For years, my side hustle and passion project has been the independent feature I wrote and produced with my husband (and that he directed).  It’s about 6 post-college kids dealing with mid-recession frustrations who throw a breakup party.  Single location, 2 nights, and a beautiful, talented ensemble cast.  We’re finally at the finish line, and are in the process of submitting it to film festivals.  Would appreciate your thoughts, prayers, and posi-vibes!  If you’d like to follow along with our story, you can like our Facebook page here, where we’ll try to add some great photos, updates, and other fun content. 

In a Heartbeat short film - This animated short is so sweet and heart-wrenching.  Worth your 4 minutes!

“Strangers Kiss” by Alex Cameron ft. Angel Olsen - I’m a big Angel Olsen fan, and loved this weird video directed by and starring Jemima Kirke

Summer outfits 41-45

And I’ve finally reached a point in the season where I’m repeating pieces and even full outfits regularly.  I’m more than okay with it, but I am getting the itch for fall, and what subtle wardrobe shifts cooler temps might bring.  I’m getting way more comfortable wearing this blazer, which feels like a pretty fall-appropriate piece.

41.  I love how I feel in this outfit.  It feels like all the pieces are simpatico.

tee - Alternative Apparel, old (similar) // jeans - J.Crew, old (similar) // sneakers - Veja // lipstick in Zip - Glossier

42.  I’ve worn this combo so many times this summer, and I’m not sorry about it.

top - H&M Conscious, old (similar) // jeans - Levi’s WaterLess // sunnies - Ray-Ban // sandals - Birkenstock // lipstick in Ruby Woo - Mac

43.  Another combo that’s a direct repeat, because I love the pattern-mixing going on here.  I think it work because the patterns are different scales.

tee - Alternative Apparel, old (similar) // jeans - Levi’s WaterLess // jacket - Steven Alan, old (similar) // sneakers - Veja 

44.  I haven’t worn this baseball tee as much as I intended to this season, and I think that’s a pretty good sign it’s time to retire.  I may sell it, or I may just put it into my sleepwear pile.

tee -  Alternative Apparel, old (similar) // pants - Elizabeth Suzann, old (other colors) // sneakers - Vans

45.  It’s almost the end of the season and this is the first time my backpack has snuck into a pic!  I am still using this guy daily to cart my laptop around.  I’m considering getting a proper “tote” that can do double duty as an everyday and travel bag.  I like the looks of this one....

Styling tricks for boring button-ups.

FashionABLE has some cute new denim, and Caroline has some really cute ways to wear it.

Allure bans “anti-aging.”

A cute colorful fall capsule.

A cool week of outfits.  (I love that she knows her ideal jeans measurements.)

Packing for Nashville.

Reifhaus’s Fall collection is here!

Summer outfits 36-40

Man, I have really fallen in love with jeans again.  I’ve been feeling so low-key great in them that I haven’t really fussed about styling.  As you can see, I’ve even let makeup go by the wayside lately!

36.  Hey, dorky socks!  I need to wear this sneakers with full socks or true footies.  I liked the proportions of this cropped sweater with this jumpsuit, but it ended up being really impractical for going to the bathroom.  No more pullovers with this.  Live and learn!

sweater - Everlane, old (other colors) // jumpsuit - Reifhaus // sneakers - Veja

37.  This outfit was another learning experience.  I don’t normally wear this crop top with jeans, and probably shouldn’t.  The gap is just too big, this top is just too tight, and I end up getting sort of a bloaty tummy bulge by end of day.  It’s not comfortable.  

top - Outdoor Voices // jean jacket - Levi’s WaterLess, old (similar) // jeans - Levi’s, old (similar) // sandals - Birkenstock

38.  I had planned to wear this combo with my check blazer and then just completely forgot, so I went Canadian tuxedo on this one.  Still want to try the blazer, but this felt good.

tee - Everlane // jeans - Levi’s Waterless // loafers - Emerson Fry, old (similar) // jacket - Levi’s WaterLess, old (similar)

39.  This sky blue with white jeans feel beautifully summer-y to me, and so polished in a strange way.  Forgive my wrinkles!

top - H&M Conscious // jeans - Levi’s, old (similar) // sneakers - Veja

40.  This jacket challenge my minimalist inclinations, but it’s so cool.  I’m starting to get more comfortable rocking it at the office, especially when the AC is cranking.

Chilling, but worth watching.

Only Child is selling a gorgeous rust bandana to raise money for the NAACP.

How to support Charlottesville victims right now.

And some other ideas to help.

Recommendations for children’s books on race and social justice.

Brenė Brown on Charlottesville violence.

This cover art and caption.

Liberal Redneck on Virginia - Because sometimes a good rant seems healthy.

Summer outfits 31-35

Doing some more blues with green this week.

31.  I love this Tencel top so much--it was a risk that really paid off.  I’m also really digging blue-on-blue with brown sandals.  It’s so relaxed, and reminds me of movie palettes like this.

shirt - H&M Conscious, old (similar) // jeans - Levi’s WaterLess // sandals - Birkenstock // lipstick in Jam - Glossier // necklace - vintage (similar)

32.  A simple jeans-and-tee combo is mixed up a tiny bit by the fact that I had almost forgotten about these sneakers.  This summer capsule has felt luxuriously big, so it’s nice to “re-discover” pieces even within it.

tee - Everlane // jeans - Levi’s WaterLess // slip-ons - Vans // lipstick in Like - Glossier

33.  And despite feeling like this capsule is big, I still managed to add a new piece mid-season.  I bought this LBD with a particular event in mind, and I really took my time with it, considering all options and comparison shopping.  I picked this one because it can easily be dressed up or down, and even here on date night, I styled it pretty causally.  I feel so comfortable in it.  I’m toying with selling my Not Perfect Linen dress and use this as a more efficient replacement.  I do want to try it out more ways, but I’m just not sure it’s right for me.

dress - Everlane // jacket - Deadwood // sneakers - Veja // lipstick in Like - Glossier

34.  Baggy on top, and baggy on bottom.  The belt definitely makes me feel like it’s all still pulled together, literally.

top - Steven Alan, old (similar) // pants - Urban Renewal, old (similar) // loafers - Emerson Fry, old (similar) // necklace - vintage (similar) // belt - vintage (similar) // lipstick in Jam - Glossier

35.  A drawback of this top is that it feels too bare to wear on its own at work.  I’m fine with midriff, but cleavage seems like another level.  Luckily is was cloudy day, so the jacket layer didn’t feel too odd.  This is a near-repeat outfit, but still not exactly the same!

Light packing for big temperature swings.

Love these unisex pants, made in California.

Dream wardrobe black denim.

Just discovered this great consignment resource!

Laura is sharing daily outfits now, too!

A super paired-down Eileen Fisher capsule.

I like this color guide for tonal outfits.

Summer outfits 26-30

I’ve been going jacket-free most days lately, keeping it light and easy.

26.  Oh hello again, movie theater bathroom!  I’ve been using movies as a way to escape the heat most weekends.  White pants also feel really nice when it’s super hot, even if it’s just a mental thing.

shirt - Steven Alan, old (other color) // pants - Levi’s, old (similar) // jacket - Levi’s WaterLess, old (similar) // loafers - Emerson Fry, old (similar) // mini purse - Baggu // lipstick in Like - Glossier

27.  All white and feeling pretty casual.  I don’t normally wear this tee anymore for everyday, because it’s so worn, but I reached for it today because I like the proportions of the crop with these high-waisted jeans.  

box cut tee - Everlane // jeans - Levi’s, old (similar) // loafers - Emerson Fry, old (similar) // sunnies - Ray-Ban // mini purse - Baggu

28.  I’m struck by how gray this forest green tee is starting to look.  Am I going color blind or is is fading?  Either way, I still like it, but it feels a bit dark for summer.  I think I’ll try to keep it out of summer/spring wardrobes in the future.  Feeling quite skinny in these pants!

tee - Everlane, old (other colors) // jeans - J.Crew, old (similar) // sandals - Birkenstock

29.  This is the part of summer where minimal is starting to feel necessary.  A light white tank is a no-brainer for how hot it’s getting, and I sort of feel like tanks have more style than tees lately.  A dark lip also jazzes it up.

tank - Everlane // jeans - Levi’s WaterLess // sneakers - Converse // lipstick in Jam - Glossier

30.  In theory, this outfit is great, but I’m actually not sure I like how it looks on.  I think I need a pop of lipstick to prevent looking a little washed out.  I also have recently discovered that one of my friends has this same shirt and as silly as it is, it makes me love it less.  I think because it’s not a neutral staple, it just bothers me.  I like my “statements” to be a little unique, and thus, they shouldn’t come from Madewell lol.

Styling a striped linen dress

My striped linen dress is one of the most challenging pieces I own to wear, and honestly I’m not sure what I was thinking when I bought this dress.  Probably just that it was pretty on the model and would feel great on (it does), but aesthetically, it’s just not me.  Between the gathered waist, full skirt, and hem falling at the knee, it just seems too feminine, too cutesy for me.  I wish that I had held out for a similar version in a shirtdress style, midi length, or with an on-trend neckline.  I wish I had held out for striped jumpsuit. To be fair, it’s a beautifully made dress, great quality, flattering, and practical.  It travels well and handles heat wonderfully.  So I’m on a mission to find ways to wear it that will soften my buyer’s remorse a little bit.  

Given that this style of dress is not really “me,” finding inspiration pics that felt like “me” was also a bit of a challenge--lots of ideas featuring heeled booties/sandals and big floppy hats, which is adorable, but that’s not what I’m going for.  So you’ll notice not all of these photos here have linen dresses, and not all of them are striped.  (They also seem to reinforce that knee length was the wrong way to go.)  But I’m still hoping to apply some of these tricks to make my dress feel more wearable.

Love this cute tee for a good cause.

What a cool plus size line from Gabi Gregg and Nicolette Mason.

I LOVE these polyvore sets from silentmoonchild.

Cute (preppy) royal kids.

A 15-piece summer capsule.

Fall at Everlane looks like a Wes Anderson palette.

Minimalist wardrobe sleepwear.

I love these enamel pins by this artist I work with.

Summer outfits 21-25

This season it feels like I have so many choices in my closet that it’s actually taken me a long time to get around to some of these pieces.  I’m really feeling the abundance of options.  I went with natural (air-dried) hair pretty much all week, and I like it.  Plus, it’s always nice to avoid heat styling in the summer.

21.  I can’t think of a more minimal way to wear this dress.  It’s not my favorite look, but I don’t hate it.  It’s wonderfully practical for a hot day, and here I was visiting my parents’ house in the Bay Area.  I took to dog for a walk, got a foot massage, went to lunch with my sister, and spent the afternoon in the pool.  Pretty fuss-free for all those activities!

linen dress (in “stripes”) - Not Perfect Linen // sandals - Birkenstock

22.  I’m finally getting around to wearing this pale yellow tee!  (Although I shared my #summer10x10 before this, this was actually my first wear of the season).  To be honest, I have no idea if this is a good color on me, and I don’t know how I feel about v-necks, but it feels like it works.  I love pale blonde hair with it.  I used to have a tee like this in college, and I wore it to death--literally, until there were too many zipper holes to hide anymore.  So it’s nice to feel like there’s an old favorite back in my closet.  The sleeves didn’t stay rolled throughout the day, but I still liked it.

tee - Everlane // jeans -  Levi’s WaterLess // jacket - Gap, old (similar) // sandals - Birkenstock // mini purse - Baggu

23.  Doing camel and white--a favorite look from winter--in a sort of casual way with the Birks.  We’ve started getting waves of super high temps, so I took advantage of a day in 70s and wore this soft sweater.

sweater - Everlane, old (other colors) // jeans - Levi’s // sandals - Birkenstock // lipstick in Zip - Glossier

24.  I was originally going to wear this with my high tops and go all-blue, but slipping into Birks on the way out the door is just too easy.  I always reach for slip-on shoes over lace-up.  I tried knotting this top, but it didn’t work with the slits in the side, so I went for a messy half-tuck.  It’s a little bit smock-y, but I don’t hate it.

top - H&M Conscious // jeans - Levi’s WaterLess // sandals - Birkenstock // lipstick in Like - Glossier // mini purse - Baggu

25.  Mixing some prints today!  Don’t worry, I eventually tucked my socks down a bit.  I feel most comfortable in this outfit with the blazer off, just because I’m getting used to the business-y vibes of such a structured jacket.  But I really like all these things together on paper.

The Big Sick - I’m sure you’ve heard the rave reviews by now, so let me just add to the chorus.  I went into this movie largely as a way to stay out of my 90-degree apartment on a Sunday afternoon, and was so blown away by this movie.  It’s a sweet, funny love story full of heart, stacked with great performances.  Won’t spoil too much, but it called to mind “Parenthood” (the show) and While You Were Sleeping.

Sarah Silverman’s A Speck of Dust Netflix special - I know I’m a full month late on this, but I finally got around to watching this comedy special, and I loved it.  I had the great fortune of getting to see her at Largo last year, working on some of this material, and it’s truly been polished so beautifully.  The set comes from a vulnerable place about family and emergency illness, with such a warm, wise, delightful tone.

Strangers web series - I had the pleasure of catching this web series at Outfest, soon to be released via Refinery 29--and I think, on Facebook.  Starring the wonderful Zoe Chao and Meredith Hagner, and stacked with an amazing guest cast, the show is full of laughs and heart.  It follows a 20-something queer woman trying to figure out work and love in LA, while renting out her spare room to strangers.  I wish is could have been longer, because I would love to see more from these characters.

Insecure Season 2 - I’m just so excited to see this show back.  I love GoT in the summer, but this is a nice antidote to that, funny and sweet and so vulnerable.   

Kesha’s “Praying” - I’m usually way out of the loop on Top 40 and new music in general, but one of my best friends is Kesha's Biggest Fan, so I didn’t miss this one.  What a gorgeous anthem of rebirth.  Something to scream-sing to when you’re feeling discouraged.

James Corden’s tribute to trans servicepeople - Another bummer of a news week in Trumpsville, but things like this seem so powerful in the midst of it all.  A simple message of love.

Styling a baseball tee

Oh the baseball tee...I’ve had this minty green one in my closet for years, and I’m not even sure it was cool when I bought it, or what possessed me to pick such a bright shade.  The tee itself is super soft, and I will keep it forever as pajamas if it doesn’t work out in my capsule, but I decided to give it one last hurrah in my everyday closet, and try to find ways to wear it that don’t feel totally Abercrombie-in-high-school.  The inspiration I was able to find isn’t the most current, but I am digging some of these looks in a modern-meets-70s way.  I think half the battle with this shirt is just owning it.  So far, I’ve only worn mine this season in a sort of classic way, but I’m willing to give it some other takes.