Holiday Capsule Wardrobe

I wrote this post for Sugar & Spice back in 2011 and focused on using a few key items from my own existing wardrobe to create a plethora of holiday outfits. What is fascinating to me is that here we are, five years later, and this is still extremely relevant. I'm sure you have similar staple items in your wardrobe that you could mix together so create your own holiday capsule wardrobe for "go-to: outfits so you don't have to worry about what to wear at the last minute. Check it out for some inspiration!

Hi Everyone, I’m Iris from 260 Days, No Repeats! I have challenged myself to wear remixed outfits from my closet… It started out as a one-year thing but, has since evolved and kept on going. During this experience, I have learned that you don’t need all new items of clothes to have a fresh new look. I am constantly finding ways to take the things I wear every day and pair them with completely different items! There are no limits... With the holidays on the horizon, I’m sure everyone’s social calendars are filling up. While you might feel like there is nothing in your closet that is going to work you can take a few key pieces and put together a plethora of fabulous outfits! I chose a great dress, sparkly sweater, sparkly t-shirt, classic pencil skirt, and pinstripe blazer and mixed them into 12 different holiday ready ensembles. What pieces would you pick? How would you put them together?

Lace Yoke Sleeveless Dress – LOFT

Red Embellished Sweater – RED via Loehmanns

Green Sequins Embellished T-shirt – Ellen Tracey via TJ Maxx

Black Pencil Skirt – Old Navy

Black Pinstripe Blazer – Calvin Klein via SYMS

1

1+5

1+2

1+2+5

1+3

1+3+5

1+4

1+4+5

2+4

2+4+5

3+4

3+4+5

Mixed Metal Earrings – ModCloth
Belle Fleur Ring – Stella & Dot
Rhinestone Earrings – New York & Company
Gold/Silver Teardrop Earrings – V’ta Jewelry

Black Pumps – Candies via Kohl’s

Black Belt – Adrienne Vitadinni

Can you see yourself utilizing similar pieces from your own wardrobe in similar fashions? What would you do differently? It doesn’t have to be exact; You could throw a pair of pants or jeans in the mix for more casual gatherings and you are covered for every situation!

Tweed Day

If you didn't already know, I have a thing for tweed. I will wear it whatever the season and don't necessarily limit it to clothing items (see shoes.) I'm not sure where the attraction comes from but, that's ok. Maybe it's the way that tweed can squeeze lots of colors into one item of clothing or how classic it is (two words: Chanel Suit.) Whatever the reason I have come to terms with my strong affinity for looking like a librarian or a professor. I'll draw the line at shoulder patches but, I digress...

When I saw this tweed blazer on the sale rack at ReDress in Brooklyn many moons ago, before they closed, I was instantly drawn to it (shocker.) To my surprise the blazer had a matching skirt (AKA a suit) but, in all years since I purchased it I haven't ever worn it. It's a shame since both pieces were a little tight when I bought them and are a little lot loose now... I'm not sure how much longer I'm going to be able to pull both pieces off because wearing things that are too big on you is similarly awkward to wearing things that are too small., life lessons.

• Top: ivory tank top, LOFT; greed tweed blazer, H&M via ReDress
• Bottom: black pencil skirt, Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, bflexible by Bandolino; mother of pearl earrings, Elizabeth Showers Vintage

I'm linking up with What I Wore, Watcha Wearing Wednesdays, What I Wore, Style Me Wednesday, Mid-Week Muse.

Unposted Outfits: Summer 2011

Now that I have some free time on my hands, for obvious reasons, I decided to do some housekeeping. I have honestly worn a different outfit to work everyday for the last three(ish) years but, with my last position taking up an immense amount of my time it became a struggle to post everything as I had been from the beginning. But, as I said there were pictures pretty much everyday so now I am going to go through them and sort out the fab outfits that you haven't seen yet. Get ready for some throwbacks... 

You've already caught a glimpse of this outfit when I talked about my purchases and acquisitions for July 2011 but, I never put up a post. I don't remember exactly what I was doing that day but, it was definitely work related and obviously fun-tastic... can't you see that smile on my face? That dress was a great addition to my wardrobe thanks to a dear friend's closet clean out. What girl doesn't need another little black dress, especially when it's free?

• Top: second hand black dress, Mossimo for Target via Caroline with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cutout flats, Corso Como via DSW

I really have no idea what was going on this day but, given the level of comfort happening with this outfit I'm going to guess it was a Friday. Now I appreciate the craziness effectiveness of my original method of tracking my outfits. When I get back into wearing work outfits there is going to be a revival! These polka dot shirts are some of the comfiest that I own and I have had them forever! Do you have pieces in your closet like that? Shirts? Pants? Do tell... 

• Top: blue and white polka dot shirt, Old Navy (same shirt different color here, here, here)
• Bottom: gray pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: red Bridget Thong Sandal, LOFT/gift from mom; pearl earrings, Macys/gift from Mom; silver watch, Fossil

There are few things that struck me about this photo: Firstly, look at how short my hair is!!! I know it's not considerable shorter than in all of these other pictures but, curls definitely take some length. I think it will probably be a while before I get my hair cut that short again... While I love the idea of this outfit it doesn't work... the skirt is too tight (I probably haven't worn it since) and the shirt is just a t-shirt. Perhaps a blazer would have helped make it a little more professional... next time but, no repeats! 

• Top: green and white scroll print t-shirt, LOFT
• Bottom: beige pinstripe skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Stella wedge pumps, Seychelles via DSW; gray head band, scuunci; mixed metal earrings, Modcloth/gift from Natalia; silver watch, Fossil

There must have been a noise in the hallway or something... or I was bored with picture taking; Either is a strong possibility. This outfit just screams 'warm weather' to me with the combination of one of my favorite summer colors, the picnic table cloth plaid skirt, and the fab sandals. While it was definitely a work outfit I would wear it to hang out with friends or run errands. What work outfits do double duty for you?

• Top: orange crochet neck blouse, LOFT (same shirt different color here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: orange, beige, and brown plaid skirt, LOFT 
• Shoes & Accessories: gladiator sandals, Christian Siriano for Payless

I'm glad that I had at least made it outside during the day for one picture!  I'm obvi exaggerating but, hopefully in whatever my next job role is I will have time to keep doing the things that I enjoy like blogging and laundry groceries cleaning spending time with friends etc. In terms of the outfit, this is another one my favorite color combos. You can't go wrong with red, black, and white it's so classic! Also, seeing this outfit is a nice reminder of a great shirt which no longer has real estate in my closet AKA I donated it. After lots and lots of outfits (and washes) it shrunk quite a bit and wasn't flattering anymore. I hope it's found a nice new home in someone else's wardrobe.

• Top: red embellished t-shirt, Van Heusen outlet (same shirt different color here)
• Bottom:  black, gray, and white skirt (with pockets), Target
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Genero Sandal, SE Boutique via DSW; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered; silver watch, Fossil

Stay tuned for more unposted outfits as I go through the innumerable amount of photos on my computer. Up next... Fall 2011? Wow, we are really going WAY back. 

April 12, 2012: Great Hair Day

I’ll be honest I had a rough time sleeping the night before last so yesterday morning as I rolled out of bed and grasped at piles of clothes to put together an outfit for work I was less motivated by style and more so by function. In the end I am thoroughly unimpressed with my selection for today but, it’s clothes and it served the purpose.

On the other hand I will tell you something I do love about my look today, you guessed right: my hair. It is straight, relatively not frizzy, and shiny like whoa with very few split ends popping up. How did I achieve this follicular fluke? An extreme amount of deep conditioning! I spent the past two days conditioning my hair with my fav product, Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment then I did a leave in deep conditioner in the shower; I was not messing around! I am so thrilled with the results but, I don’t think this can be a regular thing. Tell me about your last great hair day.

• Top: ivory tank top, LOFT (same shirt different color here) with another tank top underneath for the modesty; green khaki blazer, GAP
• Bottom: brown knit pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver hardware embellished flats, Preview via Nordstrom Rack; shell hoop earrings, Charming Charlie/gift from Cousin V; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF   

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here, here, here, here, here,  here, here, here, here, here, and here.

February 10, 2012: Splitting My Time

I did go to work today and this is what I wore but, halfway through the day I had to leave for a personal appointment. I needed to be comfy because I was sitting for hours and also because I was still online and answering emails... How is that different from every other day? Well, I didn't really have alot of options in terms of moving around so, I have to be committed and comfortable! Ideally, I would have preferred some yoga pants but, that's definitely unacceptable for work...

What kind of comfy clothes can you get away with at work, if at all?

• Top: white, blue, and green argyle sweater, Merona for Target (same sweater different color here, here, and here); black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Bottom: beige pinstripe trousers, LOFT/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; pearl earrings, Macy's/birthday gift from Mom; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here and here

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a Shopbop giftcard!!

December 23, 2011: Not With a Fizzle But, With a Bang

Sequins can be a difficult thing to pull off in the office but, it's not impossible; Especially when it's the day before Christmas weekend and a few people are showing up to the office in jeans even though it is clearly not jeans day, awkward... I thought the last day before the holiday weekend (and a few extra days off for rest and relaxation family gatherings) would  be relatively relaxing but, it was pretty hectic! At least the comfort thing carried through.

• Top: green t-shirt with sequins embellishment, Ellen Tracy via TJ Maxx/gift from Dad with a tank top underneath
• Bottom: black true straight pants, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; green bugle bead earrings, Mandees/gift; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. 

August 10, 2011: The Joker Strikes Back

I just can't get away from this color combination; purple and green always sucks me in. Maybe they were meant to be together from the start... Also, lime green is a favorite of my old college roomie and I had her over for dinner so it seemed kind of meant to be! Do you have any "strange" color combinations that you are always drawn too?

• Top: purple ribbed tank top, Old Navy with a tank top underneath for the modesty; lime green spotted cardigan, Merona for Target/gift from BF
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep toe wedges, Payless/gift from BF; my abuela's vintage silver hoop earring; gray and black purse, Pietro Alessandro

Items from this outfit are previously seen here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here:

June 2, 2011: Because I Have To

I don't really like this outfit, this is one of those mornings where I woke up and put on clothes... The weather has been getting increasingly warmer and more beautiful (YAY) which has found me headed towards the skirts and dresses in my closet. Except for today, I felt like pants.

There was a hidden benefit to wearing nothing but skirts this week so far as I discovered while putting this ensemble NONE of my pants fit me anymore. Well that's an exaggeration... MOST of my pants don't fit me right now and that is so frustrating. Desk jobs are bad for your health. For me it's not that I weight that much more since starting this new job it's just that everything is being redistributed to my hips that don't lie and my derrière... I will not buy fat pants! I am going to work on this problem. If you work a desk job how do you keep yourself active?

I also decided to be really bold and wear sandals today. Part of my pants not fitting can be attributed to the fact that I barely leave my desk so... I figured I can hide my feet and feel out people's receptiveness when I get up to grab my lunch from the fridge or another cup of hot water for tea. I actually am not sure it's going to work out. Either way I still do need to go shoe shopping, I'm thinking at least two or three pairs if I can find things I like.

• Top: green ribbed tank top, Old Navy with a tank top underneath for the modesty; beige short sleeved jacket, GAP
• Bottom: brown knit pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: bronze sandals with genuine stone embellishments,bo'em via DSW; mother of pearl teardrop earrings, V'ta jewelry; purple tote bag, Coach

Items from this outfit have been previously seen and remixed here, here, here, here, here, here, and here:

May 2, 2011: Back To Business

Yesterday was my first day back in the office after a mini sabbatical. It was a bit difficult getting dressed because the weather was so gross outside in the morning. I hope we are not having a repeat of last year! April showers bring May flowers, right? That's what I was told as a child. Don't destroy what I know to be an unequivocal fact with your reality. O, you won't? That's great, thanks. Weather.com will, that jerk...

How am I supposed to motivate and get myself out of bed knowing that is what is going to greet me when I exit my house for the rest of the week!? At least there is documented proof that I made it out yesterday, I make no promises about the remainder. How do you beat a lame forecast?

• Top: green sweater, LOFT (same sweater different color here)
• Bottom: beige pinstripe pencil skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: green tweed kitten heel pumps, Coach; coin pearl necklace, V'ta Jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered, purple tote bag, Coach (not pictured)

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a pair of Tiffany style silver earrings like mine!

March 29, 2011: Reaching Beyond The Ordinary

When I started with this outfit it was terribly unimpressive. Solid colored sweater? Check. Solid colored skirt? Check. Black pumps? Check Scratch that, I almost put myself to sleep with that boring nonsense! Thank goodness I have an excellent ok memory and remembered these fantastic tweed shoes that I haven't worn in quite a while. They are from a time before I had my shopping under control and whatever struck my fancy  and was priced "within reason" would come home with me. I guess on some level I'm happy I was so unencumbered by fiscal responsibility because now I have a pretty fabulous selection of accessories. On another level I'm sad because it will not continue to grow as it had been... Do I have a matching bag to go with these shoes? I may or may not... If so, is it tiny and completely impractical for the more grown up Iris? Yes. What an inexperienced fashionista I was, paying close attention to such silly fashion rules! But, I digress... I'm shocked that year one is almost finished and there are still things in my closet/accessory collection that I haven't worn on this blog yet. Do I sense a year two coming? Perhaps.

• Top: lime green scoopneck sweater (same sweater different color here, here, and here)
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: green tweed kitten heel pumps, Coach; fused glass earrings, craft space in Laguna Beach; purple tote bag, Coach (not pictured)

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here, here, here, here, here, and here.

March 22, 2011: Everything Comes Naturally

I almost can't believe that it has taken me so long to wear this skirt. I was so excited to get it in the mail after customer service from Lafayette 148 got in touch with me regarding the unfortunate demise of the one I picked up while I was on vacation. Don't you remember? No? Well you need to visit me here more often and keep up...

I went in the opposite direction in terms of colors to pair with it this time. Last time it was vibrant yellow, this time a color palette that is al natural. I feel a bit like I'm channeling mossy tree but, I kind of like it despite the fact that it is such an unlikely color combination for me. What  is the most out of the box color combo you've ever put together?

• Top: green short sleeve sweater, New York and Company with a tank top underneath for the modesty (same shirt different color here); brown jacket, LOFT
• Bottom: rainbow tweed skirt, Lafayette 148 via Saks
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Candies via Kohl's; 

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here:

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