Capsule Wardrobes

Thank you to Cents of Style for providing a tee for styling and inspiring. This post contains affiliate links, in which I may receive compensation for your purchase. My opinions are 100% my own and in no way influenced by the brand.  Please see this blog’s full policies and disclosure here.

There is a beauty in stillness. But for much of my life, I did not know how to be still. I lived a life in perpetual motion. Fighting for all I achieved. Learning first hand the weight of my opinions by trial and tribulation. Nothing came easy for me. Including learning how to find the beauty in stillness.

Despite my accomplishments, I was restless. I just didn’t know this wanderlust was a masquerade of self-doubt in my life. Now several hard earned years later, I crave this stillness. It’s a vital part of my personal self-care. Whether that means sitting on my patio drinking a latte or tending to the roses in my garden, I always take time each day to lavish in calming moments of certainty. 

Now I’ll be the first to admit that stillness didn’t come naturally to me. For most of my 20’s, I was addicted to busyness. I prided myself in being busy to a fault. Stillness came to my life by way of financial strife, massive weight gain, two miscarriages, strife in my marriage, and debilitating anxiety and depression. My body forced me into a life-changing stillness. 

Stillness also became a spiritual quest. I learned that stillness wasn’t the absence of progression but my refuge from strife. The feeling of omnipresence through the faithful practice of peace. For the stillness I longed for wasn’t to be found in my fearful crying in the night or the aggressive busyness of my days, but in the beautiful periods of silence where I could better equip my heart to mind my own sense of self.

It’s been said that people average upwards of 50,000 thoughts a day. Thoughts that for me weren’t always pretty. You know the ones: I can’t do it. It’s too hard. I’m a failure. Moments that plagued my life for years. Thoughtless moments that needed to be made still.

While the world demands an arduous hustle, stillness requires me to receive only love, peace, and guidance. With this in mind, I’d love to share with you ways I’ve been able to bring more stillness into my life. 

Tips on ways to bring stillness to your own life:

1) Meditation. Quieting the mind requires practice. One powerful way to shut up thoughts that don’t serve us is by practicing meditation. Just taking five minutes each day away from others to meditate to focus our attentions away from the hectic world can help bring lasting joy and progress to your day.

2) Learn to enjoy the silence. Many people are intimidated by silence. Silence causes you to address issues your running from.  It’s easy to fill each day with busyness like mind-numbing television viewing or scrolling media feeds online. Nothing wrong there. However, if this used to fill a void, over time, the toll will manifest itself in the form of lost relationships, opportunities, and dreams. Instead, consider silence as part of your personal self-care routine. 

3) Adopt a new mantra. The next time you have fearful and anxious thoughts that are raging within you, silence those thoughts by saying, “Peace, be still.” Rely on the strength of your own words being manifested into the universe. When you need strength, use your words. 

4) Create new thought ratios. If you find yourself indulging in busyness, create new rations for stillness. For each negative thought, replace it with two instances of positivity. Over time, you’ll start to organically replace negativity in your mood, home, business, and interpersonal relationships. When it comes to thought, it’s just about the numbers! 

5) Practice stillness. Leave yourself a sticky note of praise. Schedule alone time. Practice being a more grateful person. Do this and stillness will become like second nature.

Moreover, stillness makes me more an accountable person. It drives me to be peaceable, poised and purposed. I fervently believe that stillness is the physical embodiment of joy. Stillness helps me not just look put together but to be put together. Which is why I also love the new line of tees from Cents of Style, the Be Series Graphic T-Shirts.

Being able to literally wear my mantra of stillness makes this the perfect t-shirt for me. It’s all about replacing fast fashion for inspirational, practical pieces. I mean what’s easier than throwing on a comfy pair of distressed jeans, sandals, and an oh-so-inspirational tee? 

These Be Series Graphic T-Shirts could also easily be styled with slacks and a cardigan, paired with a floral spring skirt, or layered over capris and tanks. The options are endless! Making this shirt capsule wardrobe ready. Cents of Style definitely delivered with these t-shirts!

This tee is stylishly fashionable, but still practical for my everyday needs and luckily for me (and you), they’re on sale for $15.95 (with FREE SHIPPING), using promo code BESTORY. Remember, this deal is valid this weekend, 4/28 through 4/30 only. And for all my fellow curvy girls, Cents of Style offers the Be Series Graphic T-Shirts in sizes S-2X, so those of us who have sexy and voluptuous curves can enjoy them too. Be still my heart!

So, friends, I encourage you all to approach life, and our trials, in stillness. To life free from the noise of anxiety. To live a life marked by the comfort of stillness. And if you want to start your journey of stillness by snagging a Cents of Style Be Series Graphic T-Shirts, that’s cool too! 

Be still, friends,

Good morning, savvy savers. I know, I know, this post is a little late. But hey, life happens! Though we are in the full swing of the Spring season, it’s still a great time to discuss Spring plus size capsule wardrobes. So today I wanted to share with you all my finished Spring 2017 Capsule Wardrobe. 

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

• This capsule contains 34-pieces.
• This is a plus size capsule, but each piece could easily translate to a smaller, more petite capsule.
• I no longer work in a corporate setting. So my capsule no longer includes casual office attire.
• I live in the deep south, which makes for mild, breezy mornings and warmer afternoons. 
• My capsule goal is to have each item in my closet work with at least three other items.
• I don’t follow arbitrary numbers rule for my capsule wardrobe. 
• Jewelry, including my necklaces, earrings, and wedding bands, are not counted in my capsule.
• I will only be taking my money envelope/clutch with me this coming season.
• Also not included: two pairs of prescription glasses, a travel umbrella, and my various canvas totes for the library, groceries, and the weekend farmer’s market.

My current capsule wardrobe is built upon basic, year-round minimalist staples. All staples which will remain in my closet year round. This current capsule reuses several pieces from my Fall and Winter 2016 capsules. So this season I only needed to add a few more pieces to make for room for seasonally-appropriate outfits. Making this particular season’s capsule heavily reliant on three quality pairs of denim pants and numerous warm weather tops.

While I am continuing my healthy living journey with PCOS, which necessitates the need for continued weight loss, 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. I will be wearing all casual attire this season, including meetings, church functions, community activities, and date nights with my husband.

This capsule reflects my current minimalist lifestyle and my plus size frame. The beautiful woman who proudly wears a size 16 (this is my year of truth so I’m going to be proud of the skin and body I am in). This capsule reflects my personal taste alone and is meant to only give others an idea of what may work for their own minimalist capsule wardrobe. 

So, without further ado here are my capsule wardrobe pieces:

Tops:

• Basic white tank top
• Basic white tee
• Basic Black tee
• Cents of Style Life is Beautiful tee
• Basic White Poplin Dress Shirt
• Tan Cashmere Sweater
• Grey Tunic Sweater Dress
• Green Crochet Cacoon Sweater

New additions:

• Gray Polka Dot Sweatshirt
• Cream Merino Wool Short Sleeve Sweater
• Cents of Style Baby Doll Coral Tunic

Bottoms:

• Cuffed Ripped Jeans
• Tuxedo Dress Jeans
• Dark Rinse Jeans
• White Capri Tights
• Gray Palazzo Pants
• Dark Rinse Capri Jeans
• Dark Rinse Jeans
• Khaki Capris
• Linen Wide Leg Pants

Outerwear:

• Pink Fleece Pea Coat
• Khaki Trench Coat 

Shoes:

• Black Biker Boots.
• Smokey Mary Janes
• White Espadrilles
• Coral Slides
• Snake Print T-Strap Sandals
• Robins Egg Converse (Not Shown in Closet Shot; ordered not arrived)
• Sloggers Midsummer Gardening Clogs (Not Shown in Closet Shot; being cleaned)
• New Balance Cross Trainers (Not Shown in Closet Shot; ordered not arrived)
• Adidas Sandals (Not Shown in Closet Shot; ordered not arrived)

Accessories: 

• Lucky Charley Rainbow Clutch
• Queen Bee Wax-Lined Zero-Waste Tote
• Pure Periwinkle 6-Pocket Money Envelope System Clutch

So, that’s it, folks! There is my capsule wardrobe for the several months. I am super excited by its simplicity and comfort. I am also looking forward to a more simplified, relaxed capsule this coming season. These pieces reflect lifestyle. minimalism is quality. The fewer pieces you own, the more often they will be worn. Not only that, you want a piece to last more than one or two seasons, you want to build a life wardrobe.

Overall, the one thing I tried to focus on in terms of this capsule, and minimalist clothing capsules, is quality. Each piece in this capsule will last more than one or two seasons. This is more than a seasonal capsule, this is part of my life wardrobe. These pieces are easy to launder at home. These pieces bring joy to my life and ease to my mornings, especially since my baby Sassy helped me pull everything together! She has always been one to be able to spot pieces that are frump-free and fabulous. Which is truly all I could ask for!

So, everyone, I hope this post will be a good reference in helping you to establish an affordable, easy stylish wardrobe this Fall and Winter. I encourage you all to look into creating your own version of the capsule wardrobe as well. 

Here’s to being comfortable in all your own clothes,

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for which I will be compensated when purchases are made. Thank you! 

It wasn’t until my 29th birthday that I realized I hated the way my body looked. That winter morning, I spent an hour struggling to get dressed. It took me less than a minute to choose the khakis, and then 45 minutes trying to find a cardigan and top that would hide my arms, stomach, neck, and anything else I felt was unsavory to the eyes of the world.

After an exhaustive search, I realized I didn’t own that the perfect top nor magical camouflage sweater. Turns out, there is no such thing.

Then while sitting at my kitchen island, waiting for my husband to return home and take me out to my obligatory birthday dinner, I caught a reflection of myself in the window. While others in my neighborhood looked adorable in their plaid, knee boots, and tights, there I was, looking like I was waiting for others to not notice how much of the abdominal snow beast I believed myself to be.

So there’s something you should know about my husband- he’s always late. So the longer I sat waiting for my husband the hotter I became. I pushing the sleeves of my cardigan up to my elbows for some relief, and as I moved my arms, I noticed something. Even though I was wearing a stifling hot cardigan to cover up my arm fat, I could still see my bat wings jiggle inside the fabric. My neck was still visible. As way my stomach. No matter what I did, it was all still there.

Since becoming a big girl in my teens, I’ve tried to cover my body with everything from baggy clothes to shapewear, even the beforementioned plus-size cardigan trick. But it was in that moment that I realized my cardigan hijinks weren’t fooling anyone. My jiggly bits might be covered in fabric, but every time I moved my arms and stomach were waving a cleverly acted Austin Powers “hello!” homage right along side them. I was trying to hide something that is impossible to conceal. And, my cardigan-come-comfort-blanket was making me hot and uncomfortable. So right there in my kitchen, I cried. I cried for comfort. I cried because I was drowning in fabric. I cried because I hated the way I looked. 

I would like to say that in that very moment I stripped off my cardigan and liberated myself from the chains of self-hatred and suburban soccer mom mediocrity, but it wasn’t that easy. Even though I considered going back to my closet and slipping on an LBD and letting my arms flap in the wind like a flesh-toned flag, I still had my stomach to consider. After all, I had been hiding my body away since the 7th grade! My tangled web of body image issues needed to be unraveled slowly. I mean, would the world truly be ready for all my arm jelly? Worse still, was I prepared to show my stretch marks, fat rolls, and neck fat in all their glory? 

Over time, I’ve realized that no matter how many cardigans and shapewear I bought, the truth remains: You can’t hide the fat. I’m a big girl with big arms and stretch marks. I can waste an hour each day trying to shield the world from the horror of my arms, or I can just learn to love my body instead. 

It took me about a year to get comfy with sleeveless clothes, and a year longer to start my path to better health. But now, two years later and 61 pounds lighter, I feel pretty liberated. I no longer ruin beautiful dresses with intrusive shawls. I throw on cardigans only when cold. I wear tank tops to workout. I love wearing flowy tops. I even enjoy seeing my reflection in the mirror — a huge accomplishment for me.

So you may ask, what are my best tips for living your plus size body, just as you are? Well, I’ve got two tips for you: 

Step 1: Get Aware. Stop believing the old lies you have been subconsciously telling yourself about how your body is not special enough, amazing enough, or precious enough to warrant your utmost attention and care right now. If you are telling yourself, “Perhaps someday when it looks better or thinner, and then I will take better care of my body,” you’re telling yourself an alternative fact. The time to love and care for your body is today.

Step 2: Learn to dress for your frame. Learning to find your personal sense of style as a plus size woman is essential. Consider wearing single colors from top to toes. Invest in statement jewelry. Get the right fit of your clothes, you want items that are neither too loose or too tight on your body frame. Scale your clothing to your body size; wear wider belts, bigger prints, and carry equal size handbags totes. Opt for v-neck shirts. Wear chunkier heels. Avoid shoes with ankle straps as they will cut across and visually shorten you. And most importantly, don’t avoid flowy, brightly colored fabrics. You can pull off beautiful, funky, seasonal pieces too! 

Speaking of beautiful, funky, seasonal pieces, I want to mention one of my favorite new capsule wardrobe finds for this Spring season, the Babydoll Tunic from Cents of Style. Check out how I styled it below, as well as my style tips and inspiration for this plus size look!

How I styled it:

While being styled means you want to appear as if you’ve barely tried, but this doesn’t give us the liberty to live our lives in clandestine sweat ensembles! You know, the warmer the weather the more effortless and chic the look should be. 

The easiest way to pull off effortless style is this:

When you wear a dressier top, such as the Babydoll Tunic from Cents of Style, pair it with something super casual and dressed down. A little uptown. A little boho. It’s as simple as that! The juxtaposition of pairing the casual with the formal always looks effortlessly chic. And that ladies, is what will make you look fabulous every single time!

So with that in mind, I paired a the Babydoll Tunic from Cents of Style with distressed Capri jeans and sandals. It’s super easy to dress this way. Just remember opposites always attract!

Why I selected this gorgeous babydoll tunic shirt:

Flowy tunics speak femininity to me. It just so soft and flirty. But while many of us tend to look at femininity in a way of being soft itself, I associate it with strength, bravery, and power. At least now, I do. Beautiful pieces such as this help me to think of myself as a powerful, passionate woman. In this stage in my life, I want to not only embraced my femininity but to acknowledge that I’m thriving in the skin I’m in. I’ve arrived!

Shopping this look: 

Shop the Cents of Style Babydoll Tunic (also available in a keyhole variety) this Spring! These awesome tunics are available in fitting sizes 0 – 18, are available in fun, warm, seasonal shades that look amazing on a variety of body types, capsules, and styles!  

Use the code:

Use the code is TOPSTORY and it will make each tunic only $19.95 + FREE SHIPPING. Please note, the code is valid 3/24 – 3/26 only. 

So, everyone, I have to ask, with Summer right around the corner will you begin the journey of learning to accept, respect, and love your current body 100%, right now, extra weight and all? Will you embrace your inner diva and let those perfect just-as-you-are frames come out to sparkle this season? And will you indulge yourself this weekend with a little something from Cents of Style? I hope so.

Happy shopping,

Good morning, savvy savers. I know, I know, this post is a little late. But hey, life happens! Though we are in the full swing of the Winter season, it’s still a great time to discuss Winter plus size capsule wardrobes. So today I wanted to share with you all my finished Winter 2017 Capsule Wardrobe. 

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

• This capsule contains only 33-pieces.
• This is a plus size capsule, but each piece could easily translate to a smaller, more petite capsule.
• I no longer work in a corporate setting. As I’ve transitioned to fully working from my home office earlier this year. My capsule no longer includes clothes and accessories for a casual office setting.
• I live in the deep south, which makes for mild, breezy falls, and minimal winter seasons.
• Each item in my post will work with at least three other items.
• I don’t follow an arbitrary numbers rule for my capsule wardrobe but instead, focuses staples.
• Jewelry, including my necklaces, earrings, and wedding bands, are not counted in my capsule.
• I will not be carrying a bag or tote this season, and will instead be taking my money envelope/clutch with me this coming season.
• Also not included: two pairs of prescription glasses, a travel umbrella, and my various canvas totes for the library, groceries, and the weekend farmers market.

My current capsule wardrobe is built upon basic, year-round minimalist staples, all staples which remain in my closet year round. This current capsule also reuses several pieces from my Fall 2016 capsule as this current season is, shall we say, unseasonably warm, So this season I only needed to add a few more pieces to make for room for seasonally-appropriate outfits. Making this particular season’s capsule heavily reliant on three quality pairs of denim pants and numerous warm and cool weather scarves, many of which are handmade.

Also, while I am continuing my healthy living journey with PCOS, and in the process of losing more weight, 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. I will be wearing all casual attire this season, including meetings, church functions, community activities, date nights with my husband, and the like.

This capsule reflects my current minimalist lifestyle and my plus size frame. For me, minimalism is a concept that can work with any size and with any personal style. This capsule and my personal stance on minimalism reflect’s just that, that in my current season of life, I am a work in progress. I love who I am. The beautiful woman who proudly wears a size 16 (this is my year of truth so I’m going to be proud of the skin and body I am in). This capsule reflects my personal taste alone and is meant to only give others an idea of what may work for their own minimalist capsule wardrobe. 

So, without further ado here are my capsule wardrobe pieces:

Tops:

1. Basic white tank top.
2. Basic white tee.
3. Basic Black tee.
4. Cents of Style Life is Beautiful tee.
5. Basic White Poplin Dress Shirt.
6. Tan Cashmere Sweater.
7. Grey Tunic Sweater Dress.
8. Green Crochet Cacoon Sweater.

Accessories:

1. Blue Plaid Blanket Scarf.
2. Wool Orange Plaid Fringe Scarf.
3. Yellow Crochet Scarf.
4. Green Crochet Button Scarf.
5. Red crochet Scarf.
6. Grey and Beige Net and Fringe Scarf.
7. Tan Crochet Beret.
8. Cream Crochet Boot Cuffs.

Bottoms:

1. Cuffed Ripped Jeans.
2. Tuxedo Dress Jeans.
3. Dark Rinse Jeans.
4. Brown Fleece-Lined Tights.
5. Black Fleece-Lined Tights. 

Outerwear:

1. Grey Fleece Jacket.
2. Dark Rinse Denim Jacket.
3. Red Wool Pea Coat.

Shoes:

1. Black Rider Boots.
2. Brown Rider Boots.
3. Grey Cowboy Boots.
4. Black Low-Rise Cowboy Boots.
5. Cognac Combat Boots.
6. Grey Slouch Boots.
7. Brown Clogs.
8. Black Mary Jane’s.
9. Red Suede Mocassins. 

So, that’s it, folks! There is my capsule wardrobe for the several months. I am super excited by its simplicity and comfort. I am also looking forward to a more simplified, relaxed capsule this coming season. These pieces reflect lifestyle. minimalism is quality. The fewer pieces you own, the more often they will be worn. Not only that, you want a piece to last more than one or two seasons, you want to build a life wardrobe.

Overall, the one thing I tried to focus on in terms of this capsule, and minimalist clothing capsules, is quality. Each piece in this capsule will last more than one or two seasons. This is more than a seasonal capsule, this is part of my life wardrobe. These pieces are easy to launder at home. These pieces bring joy to my life and ease to my mornings. These pieces are frump-free and fabulous. And in terms of a capsule wardrobe, are all I could ask for. 

So, everyone, I hope this post will be a good reference in helping you to establish an affordable, easy stylish wardrobe this Fall and Winter. I encourage you all to look into creating your own version of the capsule wardrobe as well. 

Here’s to being comfortable in all your own clothes,

There’s nothing that epitomizes Fall fashion more to me than a cozy crochet cowl neck scarf. Cowl neck scarves are amazing in that they look great on all body types and can be styled in endless ways making them an essential go-to cold weather accessory for everyone, especially those with capsule wardrobes!

The only drawback to these rocking scarves? They often come with very uncozy price tags. So today I’ll be sharing with you a super simple pattern to help be your most stylish self this fall and winter, with your very own chunky crochet cowl! 

You can crank out a few up in any of your favorite colors to help cheer up an otherwise cold, rainy or snowy day. Also, cowls make fun and frugal holiday gifts! Consider making several to stock your gift closet with this holiday season!

The best part? Each cowl is a true one-skein project and can be made in just under two hours. Don’t you just adore quick crafting projects? 

This cowl pattern is perfect in its simplicity, as the piece is worked back and forth in rows and whip stitched together at the end, turning it into an crochet infinity scarf.  Also worth noting, this scarf is very long and is meant to be wrapped 2-3 times around the neck to create a bulky look.

For the pattern, I used Caron One Pound Yarn in Sunflower. I purchased my yarn for $2.94 using a half-off JoAnn Fabrics mobile coupon. This skein gave me enough yarn to make three cowls, making this a truly affordable project at only $1.00 a cowl!

You might want to also consider going through your yarn stash and seeing what leftover project skeins you may already have on hand to create this cowl as well. Keeping in mind that any bulky acrylic yarn will work for this project, keeping in mind that for this project you’ll need about 350 yards in total.

Here’s what you will need to get this project started:

-1 Skein Carson 1-Pound Chunky Yarn in Sunflower
-Size 9.0mm crochet hook
-Scissors
-Yarn or upholstery needle

7″ wide x 76″ inches long.

HDC: Half Double Crochet
Ch: Chain

So I hope you will enjoy trying your hand at making your own cowl neck scarf. Be sure to pin the pattern instructions above for easy reference while making your own scarf, and if you do try your hand at making your own, be sure to tag me on Instagram or Twitter to let me see how awesome it looks!

Also for those looking to purchase their own pre-made cowl they are also currently available in my ETSY shop. Enjoy your crocheting! 

Here’s to the holidays,