The Perfect Wardrobe is Closer Than You Think - Part 2

Does your closet look something like this?

Did you get a chance to play around with Polyvore?  Check out some ideas on Pinterest?  Get your outfit option wheels spinning?  I hope so, because your perfect wardrobe is closer than you think.  A few more steps and preparing for your day will be that much sweeter.  Putting together a capsule will simplify your morning routine, saving those tough decision making skills for the day ahead.  You’re going to look good - and more importantly - feel good.  The only problem you might face is what to do with your extra time… but who wouldn’t love to have that problem?  This is a great exercise, even if you aren’t interested in continuing to the level of capsule wardrobe.

What you will need:

A bed or wide place to spread out clothes.

An ordinary cardboard box ( with an extraordinary purpose!)

A storage box  (Something durable like a large rubbermaid tub)

Trash can

Step 1:

Place every article of clothing you own on your bed.  Your job today is to clean out your closet and sort your clothing into one of four categories.

Pile 1	Pile 2 (Storage Box)
Items that: -You love -fit your body well -make you look good -make you feel good wearing them.	Items that: -are out of season -you don’t wear, but are hesitant to let go of.*

Pile 3 (Box-Items to be donated)	Pile 4 (Trash)
Items that: -don’t fit -you haven’t worn in a year -don’t fit your color analysis (make you look tired or washed out)	Items that: -are stained -have holes -are ripped

*If your goal is a capsule wardrobe, with fewer items and more versatility, I recommend keeping seasonal storage limited to one storage tub.  Look at it this way: you are freeing up closet space by storing the stuff you won’t be wearing that season (ex: heavy sweater in the middle of summer), and you are setting a limit as to how much you are actually storing at home.  Setting that limit will encourage you to make some tough decisions too; especially when you begin to run out of space. You will begin to see which items you favor more, and which are easier to let go of.  

Example: You have room for one more item in your storage box, but five storage items left on your bed.  Which one item do you choose to store?

Step 2:

Put away the items unrelated to your capsule or wardrobe: your undergarments, your workout/hobby/activity clothes, your pajamas, and your swimwear.

Step 3:

Store away the rubbermaid tub.

Put the donation box in your car.

Take out your trash bin (if it’s full of clothes).

Step 4:

This is where the fun begins!  Spread out everything left that you love, that feels good, and fits well, on your bed.  What do they have in common?  Make notes of common materials, clothing types, and colors.  As you look at each item, ask yourself what you like about it.  Is it the length of the sleeves?  The shape of the neckline?  This step can help clue you in to your personal style, if you didn’t get a chance to check out this quiz from the last post.  These observations will serve as your guidelines for future shopping trips.  

Step 5:

Find your basic pieces.  The versatile ones that go with just about everything. They should be a dark or neutral/white color.  Are you missing any basic pieces?  Would you like a new pair of dark pants for work, a cardigan for cooler days, or dress that can easily transition from a day at work to a night out on the town?  Make a note of the basic additions you would like to make to your closet.  

It never hurts to have a list when shopping, to keep you on track and focused with what you need, rather than impulse buying or mindlessly shopping.  I like using Polyvore as it allows me to easily add items to a visual list.  If you’ve found a specific clothing item online that you love, you can link it through Polyvore, to purchase at a later date.  If you find yourself needing something general, like a white t-shirt, you can simply do a “white t-shirt” search and add it to your visual to represent whatever white t-shirt you actually end up purchasing the next time you go shopping.  

Step 6:

Shopping and filling in your wardrobe gaps.  This is not something to be done all at once.  I am constantly looking for a new piece to add to or replace something in my closet.  I am by no means successful in finding a new piece every time I go shopping either.  Having a wardrobe capsule and trying to keep items to a happy minimum has probably earned me the “world’s pickiest shopper” title.  If the color is wrong, the material feels off, the sleeves aren’t quite long enough… it’s staying in the store.  

We all have an idea of which pieces aren’t right for us, and which stores are more likely to sell what it is that we are looking for.  Look to the brands that you’ve been pleased with in the past and that have a comfortable fit.  Stick to what goes along with your style, as well as with the other items already in your wardrobe.  Hold out for the pieces that you love.

If you have questions, comments, or are giving your wardrobe a good clean out- I would love to hear about your adventures below.

Mandy

The Perfect Wardrobe is Closer Than You Think - Part 1

Capsule Wardrobes

Everyone’s clothing demands are different, needing to reflect and meet the standards for their specific lifestyle.  Whether working in an office, outside, a daycare, or at home, your clothing selection has got to be up for whatever your day is ready to dish out.  

I titled this post “The Perfect Wardrobe” because I couldn’t think of a better way to describe my current clothing situation.  It is perfect for me and my current lifestyle needs.   Naturally, my needs will evolve as time goes by, but having this simple setup makes transitions so much easier.  Thinking about having to replace or add just a few pieces, rather than completing an entire wardrobe overhaul!  

Dressing has never been easier for me, and I have never felt more put together or comfortable in my life.  Applying this new strategy to my closet has taken some time and a lot of consideration, mostly because I wanted to do it right the first time, and I didn’t want to spend crazy amounts of money.  The effort was well worth it.  I love every piece in my closet- can you say that about your clothing collection?

My current clothing situation, if you are curious, is based on a capsule wardrobe.  A capsule wardrobe is a set of basic clothing pieces that do not go out of style.  These basic neutral-colored pieces can cover a variety of occasions, compliment each other, wear comfortably, and make you look good!  For those of you who are all about keeping up with new styles and trends, think of the capsule wardrobe as the foundation of your closet.  The trends come and go, but your foundation remains the same.

The term has also evolved with the times, to describe a set number of clothing items that compliment each other and can be mixed to create several coordinating outfits.  Pinterest has a lot of capsule wardrobe ideas to get you brainstorming.

A clothing capsule may be for you if:

• You have trouble deciding what to wear in the morning.
• Nothing ever “goes together” in your closet.
• Your closet and dresser are bursting at the seams.
• You frequently feel like you have “nothing to wear”.
• Many items in your closet do not complement your figure.
• You do not know what your “style” is.
• Some of your clothing is worn.
• Some of your clothes make you look tired or “washed out”.
• Some of your clothing is uncomfortable.
• You don’t enjoy shopping.  
• You are taking a trip and want to have clothing variety without multiple suitcases.  
• You spend too much on clothing, especially when the sales pop up.

If any of these characteristics apply to you, a further look into clothing or wardrobe capsules may be well worth your time.  Keep in mind, you want to apply the clothing items to your lifestyle.  If you don’t have the need for a skirt, or would never be caught dead in one, then don’t include one in your capsule.

A traditional capsule wardrobe generally includes the following items:

White/Neutral shirt/shell

Dark shirt/shell

White/Neutral Collared Shirt

Dark Collared Shirt

Dark Collared Blazer

Dark Pencil Skirt

Dark Sheath Dress

Light Day Dress

Dark Wash Jeans

Dark Dress Pants

Neutral/metallic Ballet Flats

Dark Pumps/Heels

Accessories (Jewelry, scarves, handbags, etc)

Capsule wardrobes generally do not include: (meaning these items are separate from your capsule; not that you would have to give them up :)  

Undergarments

Bathing Suits

Pajamas

Workout Clothing

Hobby/Activity related clothing

Considerations when putting together your capsule wardrobe:

• What is your personal style? Classic? Bohemian? Goth? Chic?  If you need help, try this quiz.  
• What colors make you look good?  Free color analysis tool here.
• What styles of clothing compliment your figure?  See Here: The Right Clothes for Your Body Shape.
• What quality, durable materials are you most comfortable in?

Are you intrigued with the idea of a capsule wardrobe?  Here’s a fun tool that I used to set up my “ideal clothing capsule: Polyvore.  Having a visual is definitely helpful.  It’s like window shopping; you don’t spending anything.  

What are your thoughts on a capsule wardrobe? Are you ready for a change?  Capsule wardrobes have brought an ease to dressing that I never realized I could have.  I hope this post inspires you to consider the benefits of a capsule wardrobe.

Mandy

It's Box Day!

It’s Box Day!   

 

At least once a month, a cardboard box appears in our hallway.

This oh-so-ordinary box serves an extraordinary purpose. This box is dedicated to my happiness.  It preserves my sanity.  It makes unwanted items disappear from my home, while simultaneously helping someone else at the same time.  It’s practically magic!

Okay, so it’s my donation box, but seriously.  There are times in every persons life when the occasion calls for a good old session of “out with the old”.  I know most people would continue “and in with the new”, but as a family, we are doing our best to keep unneeded items from entering our home.  We have dedicated so much time and energy to "staging” our home for living, that bringing in new things we don't need will just slow us down and keep us from our end goal.

That’s a new focus for us, the idea that we don’t need stuff to be happy.  In fact, our journey to “less” is to give us a new found appreciation for the few special things we do have.   In the past we have found that too much stuff fuels a desire for more and more stuff.  It clutters, it distracts.  It prevents us from enjoying hobbies and pastimes that bring joy into our lives.  It pulls us away from what we consider the important thing in life: relationships.  

The box will sit in the hallway for a few days, maybe a week.  During that time, outgrown clothing, toys, some books, and who knows what else, will find its way into the box.  Over the weekend the box will make it’s way to the Morgantown ReUzit Shoppe.  I’m hoping that either it or the money it brings will make its way into the life of someone who truly needs it.  

Giving your home a good clean-out, and helping someone else at the same time?  Everybody wins! When is the last time you were able to go through your closets and storage, fill a box, and donate it to a good cause?

Lunchboxes, Making Food Fun

Lunchboxes

I have a few… (cue my husband laughing at me in the background).  I just cannot bring myself to do away with one of them!  They are among my top prized possessions.

Contrary to what some may believe after viewing my collection, I am actually not a foodie.  When it comes down to it, I do not enjoy the cooking process.  I would rather continue cleaning the house, pursuing a hobby, or working outdoors, than stop to put together lunch.  This could also explain my eating habits.  I generally keep it simple, and lean towards whole foods that will fill me up and feed my body.  Quick, easy, and back to work.  Keeping it simple.

With the start of my first teaching job, I found myself faced with the challenge of preparing food for a day away from home.  Looking in the fridge each morning, it was difficult for me to find items that would pack well and keep my tummy satisfied for the length of the work day.  As you can imagine, this did not work out so well for me once lunchtime rolled around.  Peanut butter crackers got old quickly.  I kept a stash of microwave macaroni ‘n cheese in my coat closet.  Not the healthiest stuff to eat, I know, but keep in mind I was fresh out of college.  I knew I wanted to make a change to eating better food, and while you do not need a lunch box to do that, it sure has helped me.

So I began researching my options.  As I was packing everyday, I wanted something reusable and sturdy, to cut back on the amount of trash I was producing.  This lead me towards lunchboxes with partitioning. This turned out to be even more beneficial than I realized, as I would brainstorm during dinner how to fill each compartment for my lunch the next day.  I could also pack my box as I was cleaning up dinner, saving myself time before work the next morning.  These lunch boxes work great as “doggy” bags after eating out too- who knew!  Doing away with the paper bags and plastic baggies has simplified our lunch packing routine, and eased the decision-making process at the same time.

If you are looking to pack lunch every day, searching for a way to cut back on trash, trying to save some money on eating out, or just trying to eat more clean, I highly recommend checking out some of the links below.  In addition to products, many of these sites offer ideas for what sorts of food to pack in their product and recipes to try.

1. Bentology (Formerly known as  Laptop LunchBox)

http://bentology.net/

After doing some research, the Laptop LunchBox was my first choice, so I did want to mention it here. They have since changed their name and I see some additional products on their site.  If you cannot tell from the photo’s, their product is plastic (claiming BPA free).  Being my first box, I was quite pleased with it, but my happiness with this product faded over time, as the negatives began to outweigh the positives.  I have since recycled this product.  

Things I liked:

• Versatile.  Different sized containers allow for more options when packing food.  
• Plastic, so you may easily reheat foods in the microwave.
• Containers were airtight, so I could easily pack soups, stews, and other wet foods like applesauce and yogurt.  
• Can purchase additional add-ons or replacement pieces via their website.  

Things I did not like:

• It is plastic, so I did note some food stains early on, especially from red sauce.
• So many pieces to clean and to lose!  (This was the killer for me.)
• Some of the containers began to develop a white residue, even though washed regularly.

2. Tiffin

Check them out on Amazon.

I had never seen anything like this before, so when I came across the “Eat Drink Live” tiffin at Ten Thousand Villages, I had to have it. The shape of the containers makes it difficult to pack some things, say, a whole sandwich (even Arnolds Sandwich Rounds do not fit this model), but luckily I am not one for sandwiches.  Super-durable, I fill this one with snacks and let my kids carry it around.  It is perfect for my favorite snack-like lunches: Babybell cheese, crackers, raw vegetables, and fruit.  As it is metal, it makes it difficult to pack hot foods, unless you bring along a microwaveable plate to transfer your food to for reheating.  I did find a model that comes with what looks like a hot/cold carrier (see below), but not sure how long with would keep foods at the right temperature for.  Make sure you keep it upright, if you chose to pack any “wet” foods.  I would not recommend packing soup or liquids in this lunch box, as my model isn’t sealed.  There are a few pieces to clean, depending on the model you would select, but nothing like the Bentology.         

      

3. LunchBots

http://www.lunchbots.com/

 

(estimated $20-$30 price range, depending on model)

The great things about LunchBots is that they come in various sizes with various partition designs.  One box is enough for a snack or a small lunch, perfect for a morning at the park or a break between running errands.  If you like to eat a lot or need more food, I would suggest purchasing more than one, perhaps an UNO for a salad/sandwich and a DUO for veggies and fruit.  Durable, only two pieces (a lid and a base), and easy to clean!  

4. ECOLunchBox

http://ecolunchboxes.com/

ECOLunchBox 3-in-1 (starting price $26.00)

This lunch box follows a tiffin design, but the shape allows for much more versatility.  A typical size sandwich will fit in the bottom.  The top container can hold fruits, veggies, nuts… If you prefer to keep your foods separate, the smallest container can “nest” in the top container.  The smallest container comes with its own lid, so you can pack a snack separately as well.  Very durable.  When I first purchased the 3-in-1, I noticed the fit of the containers was not perfect.  If I was having trouble fitting them together, I would rotate a container around to help solve that. I also noticed the side clamps that hold the containers together would slip off the lid when all the pieces were together.  I used a needle-nose pliers to create a little more bend on the clamp and -voila!- no more slipping.  No sealing; not the best container for wet foods.

This company sells bags and other accessories to accompany your lunchbox.  I purchased an artisan bag to carry my 3-in-1.  I selected the versatile adjustable backpack, which can actually be worn as a backpack, over the shoulder, or across the body.  It comes with three napkins/placemats.  I use this bag to carry my ECOlunchbox, my tiffin, or my LunchBot.

5. PlanetBox

http://planetbox.com

Shuttle Starting Price ($34.95)

Rover Starting Price ($49.95)

Launch Starting Price ($55.95)

The most expensive, but by far, my favorite choice for the kids.  The tray design is easy to clean, there are few pieces to keep track of, it can be put in the dishwasher, and did I mention customizable magnets that attach to the outside?  There are so many more magnet options available since I purchased mine.  For kids, this totally ups the coolness factor. The company also sells lunch bags to hold the box and keep food cool.  

The PlanetBox comes in three sizes: Shuttle, Rover, and Launch.  I do not have a Shuttle, but understand that it is the right size for a snack or lunch for a little tummy.  I would probably go with a LunchBot DUO before a Shuttle and save the money.  

I want to order a Rover (middle size) for my oldest child who will be starting pre-school this year and will need to pack a lunch. The five compartments allow for lots of variety. If you visit their site, they follow the choosemyplate.gov recommendations for food groups and servings.  I know this will help me when I am brainstorming what to pack her for the next day.  

I own a Launch (largest) for myself, and I love it.  The Launch came with a dipper (small round container) for sauces, condiments, or dressing.  If I felt the need for something sweet I would fill mine with chocolate chips :)  When I purchased my Launch, I also purchased a “satellite”.  This container is glass with a (silicone?) lid, which allows me to pack and easily reheat food in a microwave. The lid seals when the lunch box is closed, so it holds wet food well.  

* * * * *

I had to keep stopping myself from writing “I LOVE this box!” for lunchboxes #2-5.  They are seriously useful and I use them on a daily basis.  They help me eat cleaner, rather than going out and purchasing food wherever I am at.  They save me money, as it much cheaper for me to bring food from home than eating out. They have eased my effort to put together meals for my family on the go.  

If you have any questions about any of the above products, comment below.  I would love to hear from you!

Mandy