Capsule Wardrobes- I finally get it...

So all of my shopping life I've been told to buy pieces to go with multiple pieces and of course that has always seemed obvious, but since I saw this
 http://outfitposts.blogspot.com/2012/12/summary-one-suitcase-beach-vacation.html#.UZUM67WTj94

blog while looking for things to pack for our upcoming beach vacation that I started to get "it."  I thought how easy this would be to do for the vacation (cause you know I'm the queen of packing light anyway.)  I like how while not matchy matchy everything goes together to create a variety of outfits.

I am notorious for wearing the same 7-8 outfits in the same 7-8 ways and it wasn't until I saw this

http://www.insideoutstyleblog.com/2013/02/how-to-create-a-capsule-wardrobe-on-a-budget-emerson-big-w.html

blog that it was explained to me in a way that even I can get.  This lady took

2 Jackets
6 Shirts
4 bottoms

and created 21 outfits.  (See her blog for a break down and a great picture of all 21 outfits she created.)

After reading her blog, I thought "I could do this" (without buying a single piece of clothing) and change up my wardrobe.  So I picked things directly from my closet.  And I took her advice about not worrying about how many shoes or accessories.  I just wear whatever floats my boat each morning.  The point of this exercise for me was to wear things differently than I always do.  Here's what I chose.

2 Jackets 

a pink Jacket (I know. What???  Me in pink...I already owned it and it's a trendy color this season, so I'm stepping out of the comfort zone)  and a jean jacket

6 shirts 
solid green, solid blue, black button up, sea foam button up, a white tank, a navy and white tank (I have a pattered shirt in the picture, but decided that I didn't really like the way it looks in this particular capsule after taking the picture, but before actually starting to wear the outfits.)

4 bottoms
Black pants, gray pants, red shorts, and blue and white striped pants

And I threw in my stripy dress for good measure.

Here are a few pictures of the outfits that I've created.  (Please note that most of these were taken after a long day of working with very small children, so I'm a crumpled mess.)

I have to sew the front of my button- up shirts together or they pooch and show my bra.  If that isn't something you do, you could use the button ups for layering.  (The very idea makes me sweat.) 

( Miles took this one)

And here are some pictures of me changing it up by just pairing different jackets.  

And here is one that I think is kinda a fail... I just don't like the overall look... 

Anyway the point of this experiment has been successful.  I am wearing things in different ways than I have previously.  Today I'm wearing the green shirt with gray pants and my green and silver polar bear necklace.  I have never worn this particular combination together before.  But now that I have, I like it.  

And as they say on those fashion shows... Dollars spent = $0.  

I would encourage each of you to shop in your closet and pick out 2 jackets (or sweaters), 6 shirts, and 4 bottoms that coordinate and start mixing things up.      

It's fun.  And even those of us that are not particularly "girly girls" enjoy "dress-up" play from time to time.