CREATING A CAPSULE WARDROBE FOR FALL

By now, you know I love a good capsule wardrobe. I always create one for when I travel. It involves planning out the least amount of pieces that will create the greatest amount of options, while minimizing the amount of space used in my suitcase.

It works pretty brilliantly for travel, but I never thought to create one for my own closet, and what I wear day to day. I had a lightbulb moment when I revisited a line that, to be honest, never appealed to me before. Often stereotyped as something for ladies my mother's age, I ended up finding tons of versatile pieces from Eileen Fisher that can be mixed and matched all season long. Cheap, no. But well built, and tailored to perfection, yes. They just feel good on your skin.

Fall is a time of big wardrobe buying for me. With the climate I live in, I can get wear out of the pieces I buy this time of year almost year round. I tend to spend a lot now, save a bundle when you might be buying cutoffs and sandals.

This season, I decided to limit myself to a certain number of pieces that can be mixed to create an outfit for every need. That magic number for me? 30. You probably have some of these pieces in your closet already, and you can use those to build your own capsule for fall.

THE 30 PIECES

Tailored Jacket  |  Oversize Jacket  |  Waxed Jacket  |  Denim Jacket  |  Chambray Shirt  |  Silk Asymmetric Tank  |  Grey Cropped Tee  |  Grey V-Neck Sweater  |  Leather Trim Bone Sweater  |  Silk Drape Pants  |  Olive Moto Pants  |  Jeans  |  Black Jeans  |  Black Racerback Tank Dress  |  Grey Silk Dress  |  Plaid Pencil Skirt  |  Black Tights  |  Rebel Gold Bar Pendant  |  Black Ankle Booties  |  Brown Fedora  |  Mixed Metals Cuff Bracelets  |  Black Stripe Flats  |  Black Fedora  |  Mixed Metal Stacking Rings  |  Taupe Ankle Booties  |  Oatmeal Beanie  |  Topaz Drop Earrings  |  Pyramid Stud Earrings  |  Shibori Scarf  |  Burgundy Scarf

I could create enough outfits to last me months with these 30 pieces, but here are a few to get you inspired.

Not Boring Neutrals - Wardrobe Inspiration

I've been scouring the web for the last couple of weeks for wardrobe inspiration since stating my intention to stick with "not boring neutral" as my closet theme this year. Lots of pinning involved.

Then I happened upon the Vince spring lookbook. Talk about wanting one of each.

But besides being a beautiful lookbook, what this really comes down to is the idea of a capsule wardrobe. The perfect black strappy heels, slim cut black pants that can go day to night, a great jacket, tailored blouses. Mix, mix, mix to your heart's content.

I decided to combine all the looks into an easy to print image to hang in my closet. These looks are perfect for weather here year round in San Francisco (except sub in ankle boots, brrr!) but could easily be transitioned warmer or cooler depending on weather in your neck of the woods.

I'm curious, do you create a wardrobe "intention" each season, or a moodboard that guides your purchases? Or do you just stick with what you've got and mix in new trends?

NOT BORING

Funny things happen when you write a blog, and read at least a hundred of them.

You start noticing patterns, and trends, and how everyone seems to have the same taste.

I blame Pinterest. (Not too much though, I love you, Pinterest.)

Bright neon satchels are suddenly everywhere.

Mint green is always paired with something sparkly or gold.

Everybody is suddenly wearing polka dots and sequins.

But what if you don't like that? As an artist, people's personal style has always intrigued me. But if it's not really your taste, and you still wear it because you see it everywhere, is that really style? Or are you just wearing what the stores or the top ten fashion bloggers tell you to wear?

In my home, I've always preferred a sort of neutral palette. Call it the curse of working a creative career, but as a designer, I used to be surrounded by so much color and pattern. When I came home from work, I wanted nothing but a peaceful retreat. I decorated my home in blues, greys, lavender, with touches of gold and warm wood. I didn't feel bad when I skipped over bright pink accent pillows or chevron.

After years of purchase mistakes, and clearing those mistakes out of my closet, when I stand back and look at the things I really love, they all follow this same pattern. Yesterday I mentioned that when it comes to 2013, one of my goals is to simplify all areas of life.

I fear you'll think I'm boring, but pardon me if I wear nothing but black, brown, olive, burgundy, navy, ivory and every shade in that palette this year.

I'm using these ladies, proving a limited palette is anything but boring, as my inspiration.

And in case you were wondering - I think yellow looks radiant on you. I admire how you can pair plaid with polka dots and completely work it. I'm celebrating what makes you "you" and me "me." That's really what style is, am I wrong?

IMAGES VIA | 1. Refinery 29, 2. Elle Sweden, 3. Harper's Bazaar, 4. Elle Sweden, 5. Harper's Bazaar