​I've been flirting with the idea of a capsule wardrobe for a while, but in all honesty it sounded impossible. That is, until I found Dominique of "All That is She". She's gotten me head over heels with the idea of a minimalistic capsule-esque wardrobe (research has shown me that the original concept has only twelve items...and I can assure you that's not happening). So instead of chucking my carefully curated closet, I decided to put it aside for a month while I focus on a (very) whittled down version containing my most versatile and loved pieces. And so began the experiment!

I will be working off these 16 items for all of August! Capsules exclude workout wear, loungewear, and special occasion, so this won't be the only sixteen items I put on this month, just for the everyday wardrobe!

​Despite all the research I did and the helpful handouts I printed out, I ended up going straight off how I felt when picking the items. I put the items I figured I'd need in the most basic of categories (tops, dresses, bottoms, cardis, shoes) and I brainstormed my favorite pieces in my wardrobe for each one. It was when I physically started putting outfits together that I realized some pieces weren't quite as versatile as I'd thought. 
What really saved the day in the end was the Stylebook app! I purchased this app forever ago but never really used it (cringe). The app has some great updates since I originally purchased it which make it much more user friendly...and I'm so so glad! It even lets you put looks you've made into a calendar, which really hit the nail on the head for my purposes.
​

The screenshots above contain the 31 outfits I've preplanned for August, and I didn't repeat an entire outfit once! They're obviously rather similar for the most part, but not the same!
​

​^^^ As this is my most FAQ when I tell people about this crazy idea of mine, I figured I'd address it here! Basically I've got an entire closet full (okay more like 2 and a half) and I walk in and either 
1. feel as though I have nothing to wear

or 

2. choose the same pieces over and over

The idea of a capsule wardrobe is so attractive to me because of the space and time it's rumored to save, along with decreasing my footprint on consumerism and goods made under inhumane conditions. I really want to invest in a small quantity of classic, well-made pieces rather than run into Target and pay $5 for a top that will quite literally fall apart after one wash. 

I'm two days in so far and going strong! Will report back soon :)

Love,
Ashley

Life went and snatched me up again.

I started managing both Northside locations beginning in July, and l haven't had a second to catch my breath since! I also started pilates...I can't catch my breath there either.

But I've missed you (all three of you who read this) and I want to make a real effort to come back to my little corner of the web...this week that's with an outfit recap! It's hard to believe this is the last week of July!
​

It took me a full day to realize I did not take an outfit pic on Monday...so this begins on a Tuesday. After a double shift on a huge sale day, I can assure you it felt very much like a Monday. I opted for my hunter green tee shirt dress with this charcoal grey button up tee over top (left unbuttoned). When I say I'm obsessed with my Birkenstock's, I mean it. I wear them with everything...EVERYTHING. I'm not sure how I've managed 23 years on this Earth without these shoes. I'm certain they'll be a staple from here on out!
​

Wednesday's hair was super easy, considering it's actually Tuesday's hair except one day dirtier and a whole night of sleeping on it. I love getting away with that crap whenever possible. My mauve ruffle top is from Dottie, and I am obsessed with the girly flair on the classic tee silhouette! My jeggings are from Aeropostale, they're the super stretchy ones they've been advertising lately! I cut holes in the knees because that's how I prefer my jeans. Birkenstocks with the outfit because **obsessed**.
What {thankfully} happened post-picture, was the chocolate chip catastrophe that almost ruined this sweet mauve shirt. Luckily for me, I had a water bottle on me when I noticed the stain while waiting at the optometrist. Unluckily for me, I dumped almost all of its contents onto my lap, making it look as though I'd peed myself after I dropped chocolate on myself. It was a lose-lose kind of day.
​

Thursday's are shoot days, yay! Because I spent too much time on my makeup that morning, I completely ran out of time for outfit picking. I don't really know what made me gravitate toward this entirely random outfit, but it worked well enough!
​

Every Friday is a relief (despite the fact I work weekends), but this one was extra fab. The longer the week, the more welcome Friday is. I chose this simple black tie waist shirt dress (on sale for $30 at DCB!) and styled it wayyyy down with...you guessed it! My Birkenstocks. I was comfortable, no regrets.
​

Saturday's are always mayhem at Dottie, so a comfortable and low maintenance outfit is key. These skinnies are new from Dottie (and only $29!) and THE most comfortable black skinnies I've ever tried on. 

Since I've been plotting my capsule wardrobe experiment all week, I had classic colors and pieces in mind while I was getting dressed. I'm so excited for the experiment to begin, and take you right along! Capsule selection and the most helpful of apps will be on the blog tomorrow, see you then! :)

Love,
Ashley