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Capsule Wardrobes

How To Save Money on Your Clothing (Without Cramping your Style)

Finding the balance between saving money and spending money is very hard, and this is especially the case if you need to go out and buy new clothes because your wardrobe is looking a little worse for wear.

Taking Stock

Sometimes it can be hard to go out and buy new clothes because you don’t know what you have already. This can lead to you buying things that you don’t actually need. Before you make a list of everything you need, it is a good idea for you to make a list of what you have already and when you do this, you’ll soon find that you can get the whole shopping trip done and all while saving a ton of money.

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Budget

Another thing that you can do is make sure that you don’t go into a shop unless you have a list. When you go shopping without a list, you’ll probably end up buying everything that you don’t need and this can cause serious problems for you.

To avoid this, take a notepad with you and make sure that you stick to the list. You also need to make sure that you write down the size you need and the color as well. By writing your budget for each item down, you can find the right items as well so do keep that in mind.

Check Online

Before you go shopping, it may help you to buy online. If you are worried about not being able to try on clothes before you buy them then why not go to the store to try them on before you do this? When you buy online, you can access a ton of discount codes and deals, not to mention that you can also access a much wider range of stock. A lot of people don’t know this, so it helps to check this out as an option before you drive out to the store.

Always Repair

If you have the chance to repair your clothing, you need to do this as opposed to going out and buying brand new ones. For example, hemming dress pants are very easy to do and this can save you a small fortune when you take them to a professional. The same concept applies to a huge range of other clothing items as well.

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Sales

Those huge “SALE” signs can be really attractive and this is especially the case if it is a designer brand. You need to make sure that you avoid being drawn to these if possible, and the main reason for this is because there is a high chance that there isn’t a sale on at all. You may be paying way more than you need to and the money that is discounted is probably a fake price tag that is used to try and drive sales. If you want to save money then you need to be a smart shopper, and this all starts with you being aware of what’s around you.

Frugal Fashion: Simple Ways To Save On A Stylish Wardrobe

If you’re interested in fashion, you’ve probably noticed that trends come and go in the blink of an eye. Most of us feel more confident when we know we look great, and putting outfits together is a way of boosting self-esteem and expressing yourself.

If you love fashion and you’re keen to get your new season wardrobe sorted, you don’t have to pay designer prices. It’s perfectly possible to look incredible on a budget. Here are some simple ways you can save on a stylish new wardrobe.

Recycling and upcycling

You may have heard of upcycling furniture, but it’s not just old chairs and tatty tables that can benefit from a glamorous makeover. If you’ve got clothes you live in, but they’ve seen better days or you’re getting bored of the same old looks, it’s time to put your creativity to work and put a fashionable spin on this trend.

If you’ve got tees, jackets or jeans you’ve worn for years and you’re looking to inject a touch of inspiration into your wardrobe for Spring and Summer, why not use your talents and ideas you’ve seen online to turn old treasures into sparkly new gems?

There are so many ways you can do this from cutting off jeans and creating vintage skirts and shorts and adding jewels, tassels or fringing to crew neck jumpers to sewing badges onto jackets and blazers and dying t-shirts. The clothes you wear should reflect your style and personality, so use your creative skills to design items that show off your uniqueness.

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Creating a capsule

A capsule wardrobe is a must for anyone who wants to look fantastic for every occasion without spending a fortune at the mall. The idea of a capsule wardrobe is to use a small number of pieces to create an array of different outfits and looks. The key to success is investing in basic staples and then adding items that incorporate seasonal trends.

This spring, for example, duster coats are everywhere. If you buy a duster in camel, pastel pink or lilac, which are hot shades for the season, you can pair it with a chic pencil skirt and a blouse for work, slim-fit jeans and a tee for casual wear and a tailored jumpsuit and heels for a night out.

Look out for statement pieces that grab your attention and try and focus on versatility. You can also use accessories to switch up your look and make classic outfits edgier. If you need ideas and tips for your spring capsule wardrobe, you may find this page useful https://www.glamour.com/gallery/spring-wardrobe-essentials.

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Saving on shopping

Hands up if you’d love to run riot in the mall and indulge in a major shopping spree this spring? Many of us enjoy spending our hard-earned cash on new clothing, but it can be expensive trying to keep up with catwalk trends. If you can’t afford to splash out on everything you want, be selective and look for ways to save on shopping. Start by signing up to the mailing lists of your favorite stores. Once you’re on this list, you’ll receive emails and text messages with details of promotions and special offers. If you’ve got your eye on a top, for example, you may find that biding your time enables you to buy it with 10 or 20 percent off.

Another avenue worth exploring is auction sites. If you’re savvy about bidding, you could save a fortune on the RRP. There are various sites available, and you can find out more about how auctions work and the benefits they offer by reading this article https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/heres-how-dealdash-is-revolutionizing-the-online-auction_us_5a5e8566e4b03ed177016ec0.

If you are shopping on an auction site, make sure you read the listing carefully, and only bid if you actually want to win. When you’re shopping online, it’s also a good idea to use search engines to compare prices. If you’re buying branded products, for example, sneakers, enter the product code or the brand name and you’ll get a list of retailers and prices. You can then choose the cheapest option and place your order.

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Swap, don’t shop

Are you bored of your wardrobe? Are you struggling to afford the bills, let alone a shopping trip? If so, forget about shopping, and try swapping instead. You can do this with your friends or look for details about local events. The idea is that you swap items you don’t want anymore with pieces provided by others.

This option suits all parties, and it’s a great way of adding new items to your wardrobe without forking out any money. Message your friends, work colleagues and relatives, get together with the moms at school or share a post on social media and see if anyone in your town or city is up for getting involved.

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Out with the old

If you’ve got a closet full of clothes you don’t wear anymore, it’s time to do away with the old and make room for the new. You could sell items that still have tags on and those in good condition, and you can donate items that are worn to charity. Any money you make from selling online or hosting a yard sale can then go towards new purchases.

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Are you keen to update your wardrobe and try out some new trends this spring/summer? Keeping up with the catwalk can be notoriously pricey, but you don’t have to spend a fortune on new clothes and bags to die for to be stylish. Recycle and upcycle items you already own, learn to accessorize and work on creating a functional, fashionable capsule wardrobe.

Look out for savings when you’re shopping, compare prices and take advantage of promotions. Consider shopping on auction sites, take a look at vintage and thrift stores and set up a swap shop with your buddies. If you’re a hoarder, clear out your closet and create a fund for your new wardrobe.

If you’re savvy about shopping, you invest in versatile pieces, and you have creative talents, you can ensure you’ll look incredible whatever the occasion.

5 Reasons To Buy Second-Hand in 2018

Please note: I was given a gift card to facilitate this post from Swap.com. All opinions are my own. Thank you!

 

5 Reasons To Buy Second-Hand in 2018

It was around this time last year that I decided to start exclusively buying second-hand clothing. This was done for two reasons. To begin setting aside funds for several long-term family savings and to start a cash envelope for purchasing future frocks that were made in ethical and environmentally friendly ways.

While I have never been a stranger to thrifting, ending my fashion romance and officially breaking up with Urban Outfitters, American Apparel, and starting the process of buying exclusively send-hand was a harder process than I imaged it would be.

And that is because I love labels. Being the girl who exclusively wore clothes made in America or was recommended by Vogue and Redbook as the accessory of the season was an ingrained aspect of my adult identity.

5 Reasons To Buy Second-Hand in 2018

Unfortunately, I am no longer in the season of life where I can justify spending $250.00 on a cashmere sweater. While my husband would never say no to lavishing me with any clothing purchase I wanted to make, my debt-free, zero-waste, minimalist sensibilities would disagree. 

Don’t get me wrong, I still believe that the cheap can run expensive. And I still invest in key pieces such as sunglasses, handbags, totes, and foundation garments. But for most other pieces, thrifting is the way to go! 

Besides, deep down I have always loved thrifting. Scouring second-hand stores looking for vintage rock concert tees that no one else in my small hometown owns!

5 Reasons To Buy Second-Hand in 2018

To me, the beauty of thrifting is that you’re buying generosity. Whether purchasing charitable donations or online finds and saving, you’re saving something from going to landfill. Instead of fueling the 10.5 million tons of fast-fashion that end up in landfills each year here in the United States. 

Thrifting also makes me feel successful. By saving money on the perfect LBD, I am buying items that help me feel like a million bucks while simultaneously ending excessive consumption in my little corner of the world. And that makes me feel awesome. 

So, if you’re on the fence about sustainably-sourced clothing or just looking for new ways to save around your home in 2018, here are 5 reasons for you to buy second-hand in 2018:

5 Reasons To Buy Second-Hand in 2018

1. You’ll be an eco-warrior: Essentially, buying secondhand clothing means you are wearing a pre-owned piece of clothing. Clothing that you helped keep out of landfills. Besides, many pieces of clothing can survive decades if they treated well and laundered correctly. Unfortunately, many of us tend to throw away clothes after a year or two of wearing them because they have become unfashionable or don’t fit us anymore. Thrifting clothing helps you end conspicuous consumerism while lessening the negative effects on the environment caused by fashion industry dyes, solvents, and fabric sourcing. Products that pose a threat to the water, air, and the earth. Not to mention the long-term health effects for those working with and in proximity to those chemicals. Buying used clothing is all-around good for the planet!

2. Promote worker’s rights: When we buy second-hand we can take a peaceful and intentional stand against worker exploitation in the developing world. Many brands of commercially manufactured clothes come from second-world nations, created by worker’s under paradoxical conditions, without government oversight, for piece-mill wages. That is nothing short of inhumanity. While buying second-hand clothing will not immediately better their stop their working conditions it will, however, gear fashion houses to rethink their business design. Regardless of what marketing agencies tell us, consumers dictate market trends. When consumers change their spending habits, industry and Wall Street follow. Buying secondhand starts that change today. 

3. Save Money: Buying second-hand can help you have substantial amounts of money each season. You can find tons of designer label looks at bargain basement prices, simply because they were worn a couple of times. And for those still trying to find your fashion style, buying thrift allows you to experiment with design without burning a hole in your wallet! 

4. Be Unique: Shopping secondhand can help you find clothing that’s uniquely you. Fashion repeats itself. According to experts, every two decades that cycle repeats itself. Look for items that aren’t currently on-trend but feel and look great on you! It’s only a matter of time before your uniqueness will have you looking runway ready! So before buying the same pair of ballet pumps as all your girlfriends covet, check out a secondhand shop and find a one-of-a-kind pair of kicks that are decades in the making.

5. Avoid Crowds: If you’re anything like me, you have crowds of people at big box stores and malls. Instead, heading out to your local second-hand shop allows you to browse and shop to your heart’s content without dealing with angry shoppers, long lines, or darkening the return desk counter at a store near you!

For those who would rather get their thrift on in the comfort of their own homes, there are a lot of online second shops that shouldn’t be missed! One of my favorite ways to shop second-hand online is Swap.com.

Swap.com is the fastest growing online consignment store in the United States. With over 600,000 unique items available in their ever-changing digital inventory, they offer the largest selection of pre-owned baby, kid’s, maternity, and women’s apparel and accessories online with prices often 60-90% off retail. 

5 Reasons To Buy Second-Hand in 2018

On Swap.com, you can sell your unneeded items for fair-market value or swap items with other site users. But if you’re like me and just into digital thrifting, they have you covered too. 

Currently, they sell women’s, maternity, and children’s clothes, along with toys and household items. With so many great deals, Swap.com is just one of the many tools I’ll use to help me find unique, ethically-sourced, eco-friendly second-hand finds in the coming year. 

5 Reasons To Buy Second-Hand in 2018

I was recently given the opportunity to try out the site and was impressed. for under $20.00 I was able to purchase three pairs of athletic pants. Perfect for walks this winter season! On these three items, I saved over $76.00! A bargain if I do say s myself! You’ve got to love a zero-waste shopping experience! 

Ready to shop yourself? Currently, swap.com is having a huge clearance sale! Use CPC40 for up to 40% off most merchandise on Swap.com on your first order! Let me know what great deals you snag. I can’t wait to find out what second-hand finds that come your way!

5 Reasons To Buy Second-Hand in 2018

Why I’m Loving SmartBuyGlasses.com!

This post has been compensated by SmartBuyGlasses.com. All opinions are mine alone.

SmartBuyGlasses.com

There are few accessories I love more than shades. They are stylish, each to store, and help protect my light colored eyes from the damaging rays of the sun. So when I was recently I was contacted by SmartBuy Glasses to pick a pair of shades from their collection. Without a second thought, I knew I wanted to give their site a try!

SmartBuyGlasses.com

In the south, our malls are often jam-packed with frocks of all shapes and sized. But when it comes to shades and sunnies, especially from top brands, out choices are far more limited. Which is why I love the SmartBuyGlasses website. With over 180 brands and over 80,000 products to choose from, they have something for everyone!

SmartBuyGlasses.com

After going through their site, I was uber impressed. They sport tons of awesome options. From Prada to Tom Ford. Though I picked my favorite Marc Jacob’s, there were tons of other equally amazing shades to pick from as well. I based my decision on the style of the frames, the vintage green side panels, and after checking out the site’s 360-degree video and the virtual try on I was sold on my selection, the Marc Jacobs MJ 464/S

SmartBuyGlasses.com

SmartBuyGlasses.com

The frames are vintage, yet modern, and come in just the prettiest of green shades. Which will be the perfect addition to my capsule wardrobes for seasons to come. 

SmartBuyGlasses.com

I also liked that the site was clear to navigate around, the interface was minimal and clean. The sizes are clearly mentioned on each page, making it simple to choose the right one that enhances your look and personality.

In my opinion, however, the site’s best feature is their option to turn your shades into prescription frames. With choices ranging from You can choose from the distance, reading, and even progressive lenses, your just a short faxing-in of your prescription away from designer shades all from the comfort of your own home. Perfect for those, like me, who wear prescriptive lenses daily. 

SmartBuyGlasses.com

I received my order within a week. My shades arrived carefully packages, with minimal wasteful shipping materials, and came with the warranty card, product manual, and cleaning cloth. All neatly packed in the carrying case. Overall, it was a satisfying experience.

Now if you’re in the market for shades this holiday season, here are few tips to help get you started on SmartBuyGlasses.com:

  1. Figure out the shape of your face: Knowing the shape of your face will save you time and money in picking out just the right frame for you. Whether it is oval, round, square or heart-shaped, will help you quickly search for frames to flatter your face.
  2. Know your favorite shape: Shades these days come in various shapes and sizes. From Aviators to Wayfarers, frames can make or break your look. So knowing what shape you’ll need to be sporting will help make your new shades your favorite accessory du jour! 
  3. Check the product descriptions: Make a checklist before you start shopping. Denote whether or not you need options such as polarized or anti-reflective sunglasses.
  4. Know your budget: Know how much you have to allocate to your purchase or gift. As the site has tons of styles in every budget, this won’t be a hard thing to do!

Speaking of budgets, SmartBuyGlasses, in addition, to being an affordable site for top designer shades, also features an awesome price-matching tool. If you find a lower price online within 14 days of purchase, Smartbuyglasses will match the price and refund you the difference in price.

Plus, with free worldwide shipping, a 10% Student Discount, a 100-day return policy, and a site-wide a 24-month warranty, this is the site to buy from for all your holiday gift-giving needs. So splurge on yourself!

I also loved the sites, order tracking system and dedicated multi-language Live Online Chat, Email and Phone Support. Steps that ensure your order arrives on time and just as hoped it to be!

SmartBuyGlasses.com

SmartBuyGlasses is also a proud partner of Unite for Sight. With each purchase online, SmartBuyGlasses will, in turn, give the gift of sight to someone internationally in need. A great way to feel good about treating yourself and others this time of year! 

Friends, I encourage you to check out SmartBuyGlasses for yourself. They are my new go-to for shades and sunnies. And I’m confident they will become your favorite site too!

Currently, you can also snag 10% off your first purchase with promo code SMARTBUY10. Now I want to ask, what’s your favorite pair of frames from the site? I’d love to hear about them below!

Connect with SmartbuyGlasses:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Youtube | Google+ | Blog

SmartBuyGlasses.com

Fall 2017 Plus-Size Capsule Wardrobe

 

And all at once, summer collapsed into fall. – Oscar Wilde

 

There are so many great things that come along with this time of year. From pumpkin spice lattes to warm throws and blankets. Fall has and will always be my favorite time of year. Especially when it comes to pulling together my seasonal capsule wardrobe! I mean, who doesn’t love throwing on sweaters, tunics, and boot cuffs? 

Despite many parts of the country still being in the grips of unseasonably warm, summer-like conditions (hello, global warming!), we are now officially in the throes of a new autumnal season. With this in mind, I wanted to share with you all a project I finished this past weekend, my Fall 2017 Plus-Size Capsule Wardrobe!

Just a few things to know about the creation of this capsule:

  • This capsule contains 37-pieces.
  • This is a plus size capsule, but each piece could easily translate to year-long capsules.
  • I no longer work in a corporate setting. My capsule no longer includes office attire.
  • I live in the deep south, which makes for mild, breezy falls.
  • Each item in my post will work with at least 5 other outfits.
  • Jewelry, eyewear, workout gear, and lounge items are not counted in my capsule.
  • I will not be carrying a bag or tote this season. 

My current capsule wardrobe is built upon basic, year-round minimalist staples. Staples which remain in my closet year round. Each season I add new or additional pieces as needed while making room for seasonally-appropriate outfits. This particular season’s capsule relies heavily on three quality pairs of denim pants, scarves, and boots. 

While I don’t follow an arbitrary numbers rule for my capsule wardrobe, while instead focusing on building staple outfits, you will notice an increase in the number of garments from my previous fall capsule. This is because I lost a great deal of weight this year and by buying and styling options opened up significantly as a result! 

As my healthy living journey with PCOS continues, I am looking to wear loose, simple layers that allow me to feel comfortable but yet still allow me to accentuate my style with seasonal, stunning color. 

This capsule reflects my current minimalist lifestyle, my plus size frame, my personal stance on minimalism, body positivity, and my continued efforts to aspire to live a life with slower fashion in my current walk of life. I am a work in progress. I love the beautiful woman who proudly wears a size 16. 

Without further ado here are my current 37 Capsule Wardrobe pieces:

 

Fall 2017 Plus-Size Capsule Wardrobe
 

Tops:

  • Basic cream tank top
  • Basic white tee
  • Basic long sleeve white tee
  • Pardon my French graphic tee
  • Ivy Park graphic tank
  • Basic white poplin dress shirt
  • Short sleeve orange tunic
  • Burnt orange v-neck sweater
  • Chocolate brown crew neck sweater
  • Gray tunic sweater dress
  • Buffalo plaid tunic
  • Chocolate brown waffle knit hoodie
  • Navy hankie duster jacket
  • Gray scarf duster jacket

Dresses:

  • Short sleeve knit jersey LBD

Outerwear:

  • Army green military surplus jacket
  • Black vegan leather moto jacket

Bottoms:

  • Medium rinse cuffed boyfriend jeans
  • Light rinse distressed jeans
  • Dark rinse skinny jeans
  • Dark rinse jeggings
  • Black leggings
  • Black hose 

Accessories:

  •  Red & Green plaid blanket scarf
  •  Orange plaid blanket scarf 

Shoes:

  • Vegan leather black rider boots
  • Vegan leather brown rider boots
  • Vegan brown booties
  • Charcoal heeled mary janes
  • Cranberry athletic mary janes
  • Gold glittered flats
  • Leopard print flats
  • Minnetonka burnt orange moccasin flats
  • Black Bob’s flats

And what do I think will be my 3 go-to outfits this season?

 

Fall 2017 Plus-Size Capsule Wardrobe Outfit 1
Outfit 1:
  • White poplin shirt
  • Skinny dark rinse jeggings
  • Blanket scarf
  • Brown vegan leather booties
  • Perfect for school meetings, church groups, lunch dates, and running errands.
 
 
 
Fall 2017 Plus-Size Capsule Wardrobe Outfit 2
 
Outfit 2:
  • Black shirt sleeve knit jersey LBD
  • Gray duster
  • Black hose
  • Heeled mary janes
  • Gold tiered necklace 
  • Perfect for school meetings, church groups, dinner dates, and casual meetings.
 
 
 
Fall 2017 Plus-Size Capsule Wardrobe Outfit 3
 
Outfit 3:
  • Ivy Park gray short sleeve babydoll tunic tank 
  • Navy duster
  • Light rinse distressed jeans
  • Leopard flats
  • Gold hoop earrings
  • Perfect for school meetings, concerts, farmer’s market, running errands, and date nights.

So that’s my capsule wardrobe for the several months. I am also looking forward to a more simplified, relaxed capsule this season. These pieces reflect lifestyle. Bring ease to my mornings. In terms of a capsule wardrobe, that’s all I could ever ask for. And that makes me happy! 

If you would like to pull together your own capsule wardrobe this coming Fall, check out my previous capsules here. Consider this post a reference in establishing your own easy, stylish, affordable wardrobe this Fall. I wish you nothing but fabulous and frump-free fashionable days ahead! 

And for those who have already started your own capsule wardrobe this fall or have ideas for next season’s capsule wardrobes, I’d love to hear about them below as well! 

 

fall plus-szie capsule wardrobe

Look Your Best This Back-to-School Season with GlassesShop.com

Disclosure: This review has been sponsored by GlassesShop.com. All opinions are mine alone.

Look Your Best This Fall with GlassesShop.com

There are so many positive traits I have been able to pass along to my children. A love of reading. A flair for French cooking. An ability to think calmly under pressure. Unfortunately, a keen sense of eyesight is not amongst them. From the moment a second-grade parent-teacher conference culminated with the suggestion that I was squinting to see the blackboard in class, I was destined to be a glasses-clad gal for life. 

My earliest experience with smart looking frames was dismal. For decades, glasses for children were classified under two camps: librarian or reporter in training. So under the direction of my grandmother, I was given a stunning pair of red, thick, plastic frames, set off by a dazzling pair of coke bottle lenses. I was the envy of every Sally Jessie Raphael wannabe of the tween set. 

Nowadays prescription glasses come in a myriad of hip, trendy, options for those of all ages. The only issue? The price hefty tag. Add to this the fact that going to an optometrist’s office, especially with a family or children in tow, can be well, inconvenient.

I mean, you have to schedule an appointment, take time off of work, drive across town, fill out forms, wait endlessly, only to culminate your experience by having a brief rendezvous with the tonometer, or as I like to call it, my scientifically proven inability to keep my eyes open while small gusts of high-powered winds are blown over my eyeballs. And it is at this point, with your hard earned eye prescription in-hand, are you are finally able to purchase your next pair of overpriced glasses. 

Look Your Best This Fall with GlassesShop.com

Thankfully there are other options for purchasing your next pair of prescription glasses. Providing you have a valid eye prescription, you can opt to simply order glasses online, delivered right to your door and, best of all, for under half the cost of retail from the GlassesShop online.

Launched in 2004, GlassesShop is an online optical store that provides fashionable eyewear at affordable pricing. Not only does this site offer prescription eyeglassesglasses, and prescription sunglasses for the entire family, but GlassesShop offers their commitment to offering customers 100% prescription accuracy, a free scratch proof multi-hard coating, and unbeatable savings to the public.

As I began to browse their selection, I immediately noticed that GlassesShop site makes it easy for customers to navigate and narrow down their collections within minutes. Whether shopping for plastic or metal, men’s, women’s or kid’s frames, what you need is only a click away.

Look Your Best This Fall with GlassesShop.com

In full disclosure, I knew I would be keeping my eye out for a full rim, plastic, black frames that would add a little style and pop of color to my current fall capsule wardrobe and would also be summer-clad when paired with clip-on sunglass lenses. I was jazzed to quickly find the Goddard, a frame that is stylish, simple, and will be perfect for the back-to-school season! 

Look Your Best This Fall with GlassesShop.com

1) Ordering glasses on the site is super simple. First, determine your frame dimensions by comparing your frame of choice to your current frames digitally. The main frame of the site allows you to select your new frames, and then select the compare button, which will give you the option to view your new frames and fit on your face through a virtual try-on of your glasses. You can select glasses based on frames as well as lens color too. 

Look Your Best This Fall with GlassesShop.com

2) Next, add your selection to your cart. 

Look Your Best This Fall with GlassesShop.com

3) Once you’ve decided on your frame, you’ll be asked to confirm your glasses usage; whether your lenses will be used for reading, work, driving, etc. 

Look Your Best This Fall with GlassesShop.com

4) Then you’ll need to supply your prescription information.

Look Your Best This Fall with GlassesShop.com

5) Next, you’ll need to provide your pulmonary distance to finish your lens makeup. 

Look Your Best This Fall with GlassesShop.com

6) You’ll then be asked to chose your desired lens coating. Following this just place your order and just sit back until your new frames arrive!

Look Your Best This Fall with GlassesShop.com

Not having seen my new frames in person, I had reservations as to the quality of the glasses I would receive. However, my frames arrived within one business week, and I found my frames to be identical to those that I have purchased previously in retail.

Look Your Best This Fall with GlassesShop.com

I also appreciated the thicker frames, longer lenses, and sturdy arms and hinges of my frames. Not only were my glasses trendy the frame sizing also helped to cover up the thickness of my lenses beautifully. This was a huge bonus in my book. 

Look Your Best This Fall with GlassesShop.com

With the sun shinning high here under southern skies well into the fall, these glasses have definitely become my favorite new fall capsule wardrobe accessory!

Look Your Best This Fall with GlassesShop.com

What can be better than this? The Goddard, is currently priced at only $29.99, including the single vision lenses, anti-scratch coating, protective case, microfiber cleaning cloth, coupon offer for 30% off my next order, and shipping, is an excellent value considering that even with vision insurance, my last set of glasses cost well over $120.00!

If you are still on the fence about the GlassesShop, consider this: this site offers their customers a chance to get their first pair of glasses completely free. And what savvy saver doesn’t love free? 

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Also, should you need additional sets of frames, glasses, or prescription sunglasses, GlassShop also currently has a special coupon code GSHOT50, which can save you 50% off on eyeglasses and sunglasses with free lenses (sale frames excluded). 

If you’re looking for a complete pair of accurately prepared and crafted lenses and frames at low prices, with the convenience of shopping in your slippers, with stellar customer service that will go the extra mile to ensure you are completely satisfied with each and every order, then you owe it to yourself, and your wallet, to mosey on to the GlassesShop today.

So tell me, everyone, what style of glasses are you most interested in checking out from GlassesShop today for your own back-to-school styles and upcoming fall capsule wardrobes? I’d love to hear about them below! 

My Summer 2017 Plus Size Capsule Wardrobe

My Summer 2017 Plus Size Capsule Wardrobe

If you’re anything like me then the start of each new season signals the need for a wardrobe change. Especially for someone like me, because when it comes to fashion and style, I’m all about practicality. Which is why as part of my zero-waste, minimalist home I maintain seasonal capsule wardrobes. Specifically a plus-size capsule wardrobe.

For those who may be wondering, the concept of a capsule wardrobe was first coined by London stylist Susie Faux in 1972. Faux’s original minimalist capsule wardrobe sought to turn a modest number of four-season wardrobe staples into a budget-friendly, utilitarian, classically-styled wardrobe. The original capsule wardrobes consisted of under 33 wardrobe pieces for the entire year. 

Decades later sites such as Un-fancy and Project 333, extrapolating upon Faux’s original capsule wardrobe model created capsules which now contained 33 and 37 pieces per season. Newer models contend that users can change out, replace, maintain, or add new pieces seasonally, allowing the individual style of users to emerge within four capsule wardrobe changes. For this reason, I went with Project 333‘s model for capsule wardrobes. 

Still, the most compelling reason for capsule wardrobes? Each piece of the capsule wardrobes stands to make the wearer look their everyday best. Capsule wardrobes completely de-stress you. Image getting dressed each morning without having to second guess yourself one single time. Oh and you save a lot of money- think not having to go shopping for three straight months! With that said, in my experience the modern Capsule Wardrobes have not only helped me re-think my wardrobe, they have completely changed my outlook on getting dressed each morning. No longer do I dread outings, fearing I will have nothing to wear. Now I look forward to getting dressed for my day. I now have a WAHM wardrobe for success. Amazing. Epic. Change.   

So, let’s delve a little more into the capsule structure:

What’s in a 37-piece wardrobe: tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, and shoes.

What’s not included: workout wear (items that are strictly worn to the gym, walking, running, etc.), pajamas, loungewear (again items only are worn around the house), hosiery, bathing suits, socks, foundation garments, unmentionables, accessories, jewelry, and handbags. 

What does a capsule wardrobe represent: We’ve all done it. We buy fun new clothes, but end up wearing old favorites? Me too. Ever go to your closet and feel like you have nothing to wear, even when your closet is filled with clothes? Me too! 

Capsule Wardrobe End Game: To me, a capsule wardrobe represents more time and energy in your morning for what really matters, and less time spent deciding what to wear, more money spent helping others, and most importantly, more personal contentment happiness, and positive body-image.

How to start a capsule: 

  1.  I start with my shoes. I feel like shoes are the foundation pieces each outfit should be built upon. Typically each season I like having about 7-9 pairs of shoes per season. Typically I’ll have three pairs of flats, three pairs of heels, and three pairs of boots, if seasonally appropriate.
  2. I plan my bottoms. I like having nine bottoms in each capsule: three pairs of jeans, three pairs of capris or skirts, and three pairs of slacks. I use the “rules of 3,” because I like having one casual pair, one statement pair, and one in-between pair, per category, per season.
  3.  I then add in my tops. I allocate room for 15 tops. Again, I utilize the Rule of 3’s for Fall and Winter each year. I will have three sweaters, three t-shirts, three button-up shirts, three tank tops, and three-hankie vests. This changes in Spring and Summer as I live in the deep south and utilize lighter layers and tees on a more consistent basis through October each year.
  4. Sprinkle in outerwear. I leave room for four jackets, coats, or dresses, which of course seasonally changes- in winter I might have four jackets, and in summer I encapsulate one jacket and three dresses. For summer capsules, I use those spaces for extra accessories such as hats and clutch purses. 
  5. I end with accessories. Whatever room I left I add in those many numbers of accessories to my capsule. 

Prep and clean your space: 

  • I start by cleaning out my closet. Every last piece comes out. I then dust my shoe sleeves, closet rod, and sweep out my closet doors and floor. 
  • Then it’s time to purge. I go through my clothes, donating or selling back to Thredup all items that were not used nor longer fit correctly. 
  • All remaining clothing is sorted into two other piles, love it and will wear it again next season.
  • Each item in the keep pile is laundered, folded, and stores according to fabric requirements. 
  • At this point, anything left in your closet should be your LOVE IT clothes. Clothes that fit just right for a church, vacation, work, and social outings. 
  • You should then reaccess what you have and what you need to purchase. Buy only what you need with lasting, classic wardrobe staples.
  • Finally, hang up your 33 new seasonal items in your closet.
  • After this point, a shopping hiatus is in place for the next three months. 

Two quick tips:

  • Use all matching hangers to make your wardrobe look more cohesive.
  • Arrange all items by order of length. With longer items toward the left side of the closet, descending in length to the farthest right side of your closet. This creates clean visible lines for your wardrobe.

When to start a capsule each season: Typically for me, I start planning my capsule two weeks prior to the start of the next season. I write down the pieces that will be in my new capsule and to make sure I have everything on my list. Should I need to acquire a piece, I give myself two weeks to purchase the items, as most of my clothing is purchased online. Give yourself time, and grace, to form each new capsule wardrobe. Especially starting out. 

With the official start to Summer just around the corner, I recently switched over my Spring Wardrobe to my Summer Capsule and I wanted to share my current 33 pieces. So, here’s what currently in my Summer 2017 Plus-Size Capsule Wardrobe:

My Summer 2017 Plus Size Capsule Wardrobe

Tops:

  • 8 graphic tees (some not shown; stored in dresser)
  • 2 babydoll tees (coral and mint)
  • 1 white poplin shirt
  • 2 white short sleeve tees (not shown; stored in dresser)
  • 1 pink tank
  • 1 white short sleeve light-weight sweater.

Pants:

  • 1 pair white cotton capris
  • 1 pair white boot cut jeans
  • 1 pair light wash ripped jeans
  • 1 pair light wash ripped denim capris
  • 1 pair khaki capris
  • 1 pair wide leg linen slacks
  • 1 pair dark wash jeans
  • 1 pair dark wash wide leg jeans
  • 1 pair black slacks

My Summer 2017 Plus Size Capsule Wardrobe

Shoes:

  • White and jute espadrille sandals
  • Coral wedge sandals
  • Snake print thong sandals
  • Tennis shoes
  • Brown flip flops

Accessories:

  • Coral 3-in-1 scarf/coverup
  • Summer Straw Hat
  • Canvas tote
  • Vera Bradley wristlet 

That’s my wardrobe, and so far I love it. I can honestly say that the once minimalist experience is now a lifestyle—and I’m all the better for having done so. While I’m still in the process of losing 80 pounds, I know that each season’s capsule will vary greatly, as my weight loss journey continues. I love that each capsule gives me the ability to look great while my body size changes over time. 

Now, friends, I have to ask, have you tried capsule wardrobes? I’d love to hear about what you will be wearing this season below!