My CoCapsule
R E F I N E
Buy less. Choose well. Make it last. Quality, not quantity. Everybody's buying far too many clothes.
Vivienne Westwood
“What do you think about this top - is it dated? Do you think I can re-work it into my wardrobe? Is this flattering? Should I add a belt?” These are just some of the questions clients ask me on a weekly basis. As we go through the process of reducing the volume of clothing and discovering which articles of clothing “spark joy”, inevitably the subject of fashion arises. Sometimes, I can confidently tell a client “Yeah, it’s pretty dated, let’s pass it on”. But other times, I start to think that maybe that particular top could be worn in a new, updated way. I just can’t figure out how. This situation occurs when I’m looking at my own wardrobe and choosing an outfit for a night out.
KonMari Method
Several years ago, I edited my wardrobe using Marie Kondo’s KonMari method of truly identifying and bringing joy into my wardrobe. It was revolutionary and freeing to consider a closet and drawers filled with only clothing I loved.
The problem I continued to run into was, the articles of clothing that sparked joy did not spark joy when implemented into an outfit. I really struggled to come up with outfits - a black leather jacket with gold zippers...total joy! Yet, my mind was racing “But what bag do I carry with it? What shoes? Black leather? Should it all match? Can I mix gold zippers with the silver zipper on my purse? Arghhhhh!” My solution was that I simply didn’t wear the jacket! What to do…
I started to read about the concepts of a capsule wardrobe. I loved the idea that my clothes would go together and be easier to mix and match. I liked the minimization of it. That sounded freeing. I had already reduced the amount of time I spent standing in front of my overstuffed closet. The next logical step was to work with what I had to get more use out of each clothing item. At the same time, I was working hard to make more environmentally sustainable choices in my life and having a smaller, higher quality wardrobe appealed to me.
Over Memorial Day weekend at Suncadia in Cle Elum, I met Sydney and Jenn, the owners of CoCapsules. They were running their outdoor pop-up boutique at the resort and the racks of clothing caught my eye. I noticed how the clothes all seemed to go together in an easy, breezy fashion. I started chatting with Sydney about her business and signed up for their membership program called My CoCapsule which included a wardrobe consultation. After the initial FaceTime consultation I decided to add in a fit session and a styling session.
Fit Session
At the fit session, Sydney took my measurements (eek!), talked about different body types and styles that are proven to work with those types. She also made a point of emphasizing that women feel confident when clothes fit and feel good! It’s important to tune in to what styles you gravitate towards and that you’re not tugging and pulling on a skirt that’s making you uncomfortable for whatever reason. We also explored various color palettes and looked at a style wheel she created to encourage clients to hone in on their personal style. I discovered that my style is “Contemporary - Boho” with a neutral palette and pops of olive and rust thrown in. Oh and my body type is considered a “bottom hourglass” - I guess it’s nicer than calling me a “pear”!
Styling Session
Using the information gathered from the fit session, Sydney delved into how to put together outfits from my existing wardrobe. She brought a rack of clothes to my home so I could try on and purchase some basic items to blend into my wardrobe. We talked about how my style can be more flexible. I wore the Navy uniform in college (easy!), then latched on to the corporate uniform of the early 2000s (think J.Crew suit, silk top and black pumps). Once my first child was born, I transformed to a “mommy go to work” uniform of black ankle pants, pattered top and cardigan and ballet flats. As a professional organizer, I developed yet another uniform of black jeans, grey v-neck and white Allbirds. Sydney helped me to see the benefits of style patterns without being so rigid. She reminded me that the style is much more casual these days. I swapped sneakers for heels with dresses and was surprised by the transformation. Comfortable and fresh! I learned various easy ways to accentuate my waist such as a French tuck (see right photo) a belt or tucking in my shirt all the way.
Shopping Guide
So far, I’ve had two in-person sessions with Sydney. Over the past few weeks, I was inspired to continue editing once I noticed that clothing I liked but didn’t wear, coincidentally didn’t fit into my color palette. I also edited my jewelry drawer and I am so pleased with the results. Sydney developed a customized shopping guide and we discussed what to purchase. To add to my wardrobe, she ordered a new pair of sunglasses, two new pairs of shoes, a summer hat, and a new crossbody handbag.
Overall, I was thrilled to work with this talented young woman. She made me feel valued and comfortable. And, as part of their membership program I got a sneak peek at the new fall collection at their new Bothell boutique. I can’t wait to see what they come up with for fall! More about the store experience later...
*I did not receive any compensation for this post. I just really liked my experience with CoCapsules!
