I made myself a capsule wardrobe! This is the first time ever I’ve put that much thought into coordinating a wardrobe…and I’m so glad I have. Except…that meant that this pose took for-evah to write. And that wasn’t even counting all the driving around town taking pictures in front of various colored walls while pedestrians looked at me and giggled time.
So, fair warning, this is a picture heavy post. I mean, if I spent all that time taking photos, you sure as heck know that I’m going to share them.
A little back story – when we first started talking about this Pattern Anthology collection, we talked about making something that women could use to create an entire wardrobe. As I got to see how the patterns were developing, I did these sketches to plan out what fabrics I wanted to get and how I wanted to wear pieces together. I challenge myself to make the max number of looks with the least number of pieces, and this is what I came up with.
So, from my inspiration my actual sewn pieces ended up being:
Fabrics:
- Neptune T-shirt: Riley Blake Knit Stripes, courtesy of Riley Blake fabrics, also available here.
- Marigold Peplum: Art Gallery Triangle Tokens from Arizona by April Rhodes voile, available here.
- Marigold Dress:Â chambray purchased at Angel Fabrics in Los Angeles
- McCartney Jacket – Floral peachskin from Joann (this jumped into my cart while shopping for something else). It appears unavailable online but could be in your store.
- Go To Knit Pants (View A): Active wear spandex purchased here.
- Marigold Skirt: Aves Chatter from Winged Voile by Bonnie Christine, purchased here.
(Side note: I am obsessed with the Art Gallery voiles. Seriously, I want them in every print. They are rather sheer, but the drape is so nice it’s worth wearing camisoles and/or slips under them.)
So, without more ado, here are the looks.
I made this version of the Marigold peplum with the high low hem and cap sleeves. It has great coverage to wear with the leggings – just long enough in the back.
The Neptune T-shirt is longer than I thought it would be before sewing it up, so it goes really well with leggings too. I used about half width of my Triangle Tokens voile to make a scarf – and I think this could turn me into a scarf person.
The Marigold also does well on it’s own as a dress – with strappy heels, it’s great for Central Texas fall.
I tucked my Neptune T-shirt into my Marigold Skirt and added a belt for this look – and I think this was my favorite way to wear it. You can also see the leather accents I used for the triangle insets.
When the weather gets cooler, I get cold. So it’s nice to have the Go To Knit Pants to put under my Marigold Dress, and the McCartney Jacket to top it off. I wore ballet flats with this look. Also – I am totally in love with the print on the jacket.
Lose the jacket and add some boots, and the dress has a totally different vibe.
Add the jacket and leggings to the skirt for a modern take on print mixing. Also – I cheated with this look by adding a white t-shirt. I wanted to wear my Neptune T-shirt again, but it was dirty the day I was taking these photos.
Same day, different wall, Neptune t-shirt still in the hamper. Honestly I’d prefer it for this look because my rear felt a little bare with the shorter t-shirt. A little Sandy from the end of Grease if you will.
And there you go – 6 pieces and 8 looks. I could have belted the Neptune over my dress for a 9th look like I had in my sketches, but again, laundry. If I added a pair of jeans to this capsule, there would be at least 2 more looks with the Neptune and the Marigold Peplum with jeans (wouldn’t a pair of boyfriend jeans be cute? I’m still searching for the perfect pair…). And this isn’t even everything you can make with these patterns – there are 3 more pieces I made later for my pattern hack that could easily get mixed in.
Kristal
I love the peplum in the Arizona voile!!!! Holy batman! I came across that pattern and fabric in the same evening and pinned them together lol! It’s so much prettier than I even dreamed. Lovely 🙂
Kristie
I love what you did. Thanks for spending all the time to take pictures to show us!
I think my favorite is the neptune shirt and the skirt. What a great combination!
I bought my patterns and can’t wait to get started sewing.
Audrey
Oh wow! You are totally amazing! My favorite is Day 7.
Sara
Excellent planning! I would have wanted to share each piece individually, instead of saving them all for one post. The whole whole post has a much stronger effect as a group though.
Jodi
I’ve always wanted to plan and execute a capsul wardrobe. I love that you actually did it!
suzanne winter
These are awesome!!! I love how everything works together for the perfect mix&match wardrobe ;o)
Laura
I really like that print jacket, it really stands out. Now I’m going to have to squeeze some time in to sew for myself. I managed to squeeze and men’s shirt refashion (replacing the back with a swingy skirt piece) making it so comfy, but I’ve got some green & black printed lace that would be perfect for that peasant blouse. So much to sew, so little sewing time!!
Michelle
you did great! I love the coloured walls. I’ve just got hold of myself that exact pale green voile and think I might make myself a Marigold Peplum too!