Time Capsule?

Donna Karen’s “7 Easy Pieces” first debuted in 1985.

It is daylight savings. It is March. On the 21st it is spring. This means spring cleaning. I am always clearing and cleaning out my house. Mymother can vouch for this as she is the one who goes with me to the nearest Salvation Army store to drop of my stuff, usually twice a year. There is one area I often neglect and that is my clothes. We all have that item in our closet or drawer that we will one day wear again, fit into again or was once a favorite item that we can’t possibly part with it now.

Many years ago,  the New York Times ran an article on people who were asked to live on 6 items of clothing for a month. That’s right you only have 6 items of clothing you can wear in a month. Not for me. And no this isn’t a “capsule collection” “A capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothing that is composed of interchangeable items only, to maximise the number of outfits that can be created. The aim is to have an outfit suitable for any occasion without owning excessive items of clothing. This is usually achieved by buying what are considered to be "key" or "staple" items in coordinating colours” — Wikipedia It was first popularized in the 1980s by Donna Karen who took “timeless” items from her current collection to create a capsule collection. Since then, designers and even the everyday person have created their own version. It usually consists of basic items like tees, skirt, pants etc. in neutral colors such as white, gray, black etc. These can be turned into a multitude of outfits and accented with other pieces, and in my case colorful pieces.

Creating a capsule wardrobe is easy if you are willing to part with some beloved clothes or too small/too large items. First you will need to do a “clothes cleansing.” You may want to turn to Marie Kondo and only keeps what sparks joy or simply remove any item that no longer fits.

Then you can begin to pare it down to 37 pieces according to “What Not to Wear” 37 items is way more than 6.  “According to Un-Fancy, a capsule wardrobe represents more time, more money, and more energy for the things in life that really matter (i.e., not your clothes). By shopping only once a season, you save money on frivolous items that add up. Rector also says that by narrowing her wardrobe, she was actually able to define and understand her style more. Plus, she always feels like she has something great to put on, as every single item hanging in her closet is something she would love to wear right at that moment.” — Kat Collins, “What Not to Wear”

So rather than begin spring cleaning with the drudgery of your pantry, kids’ toys or books, go shopping instead. That is shop your own closet. I guess it’s time for that red dress that I still think I will fit into again to get donated. So long Red!

One pro tip: One you make outfits, take a photo including shoes, jewelry, and other accessories. Then print out the photos and have them on hand to help you look your best for your BFFs wedding, an important job interview or even meeting you partner’s parents for the first time.