Time for Leggings

I’m thrilled that it’s finally leggings weather because:
- I can debut these oh-so-awesome leggings with mesh panels
- I can wear this dress without fear of flashing someone


Vest, thrifted. Dress, Jovovich Hawk for Target. Leggings, Allen B. Shoes, American Eagle for Payless. Earrings, Julie’s Inspiration. Sunglasses, Xhilaration.





Photos by Beefy Muchacho

Safety Pink

It would have been dangerous for me to wear this outfit as I walked through the forest during hunting season. To prevent an accidental shooting, I added neon pink earrings.


Dress and bag, Mossimo. Shirt, Jones New York (thrifted). Obi belt, Sugadaminka. Shoes, Fioni. Tights, Hue. Earrings, Target (spraypainted by me). Bracelets, Forever 21, Garden of the Gods gift shop, and Hot Topic.



Photos by Beefy Muchacho

Truthfully, there’s no hunting allowed in Burnett Woods. And I didn’t go any further than the gazebo. But I loved the pop of pink offered by my newly spraypainted earrings.


Before and after

Utility

I don’t often use the word “practical” on this blog, but today’s outfit is 100% utilitarian. I had another packed schedule: work, swim practice, and a film festival. The boots kept me dry and comfortable as I hiked to and from the bus stops and across the UC campus. The hat hid my post-swimming hair. And the unrestrictive clothing allowed me to move quickly and sling a backpack over my shoulders.


Hat, Target. Cardigan, Rodarte for Target. Dress, swap. Belt, thrifted. Boots, Dan Post. Earrings, Night Owl Crafts. Necklace, Phai’s House of Jade.

Mail Bag: Packing for a Week-Long Business Trip

Greetings Kasmira!

Would you have any recommendations on what and how to pack for a business travel? I don't travel often for business and I'm lost. I'm so inspired by your fashion blog but I can't seem to mix and match like you do.

I will be travelling for business for 6 days. I am from Asia travelling to MSP for 3 days and then on the 3rd day will travel MSP to ATL. I'll be in ATL for another 3 days. I wanted to pack as light as possible but I can't seem to fit my shoes and clothings in one cabin bag. I do not want to appear clumsy with a large luggage because I will be flying from city to city and find large luggage cumbersome.

My work clothes consist mainly black, grey and dark blue colors. How many tops and bottoms would you recommend? I have 2 pairs of shoes and 1 flipflops. Would you be able to show us how you pack your (checked) luggage? How it looks inside your luggage? And do you pack extra clothing in your handbag? I'm travelling internationally for 18hours flight.

Thank you for taking time to read my mail :)

Nani

The best “practice” I’ve gotten at a week’s worth of outfits from a small selection have been Jane’s capsule wardrobe challenges. The rules have been slightly different each time, but essentially the following items were allowed:

- 10 items of clothing (including shoes)
- 5 accessories
- A coat
- (Hosiery and underthings were “free”)

I’d recommend the same strategy for a week-long trip, breaking the capsule down as follows:

Clothing
- 1 dress
- 2 tops
- 2 bottoms (skirts or pants)
- 1 blazer
- 1 cardigan
- 2 pairs of business shoes (consider flipflops or sneakers as “free”)
- 1 more item of your choosing

Accessories
- Purse
- Scarf
- Necklace
- Earrings
- Brooch

Whenever I started a capsule, I first decided on a color palette. It sounds like you’ve already got that part covered! You should be able to interchange the items without odd color combinations.

Next, pull all of your items and start mixing and matching. Some tips:

1. Layering adds many possibilities. A skirt can be worn over a dress. A blouse can be worn over or under a dress. Blazers and cardigans can change the look of an outfit.

2. A scarf is one of the most versatile accessories. It can be tied a variety of ways and places. Try it in a bow around your neck or as a sash around your waist.

3. Plan the outfits in sequential order to minimize repeats on successive days. Even if you do repeat an item two days in a row, you’d be surprised at how few people will notice!

Here are a few of my capsule wardrobes:


Clothing: 1 dress, 1 skirt, 1 blouse, 1 sweater, 1 cardigan, 1 pair shoes, 1 pair boots
Accessories: 1 purse, 1 tote, 1 scarf, 1 pair earrings, 1 brooch

I wore that dress three times in one week and no one noticed.


Clothing: 2 dresses, 1 blouse, 1 tank, 1 pair jeans, 1 light jacket, 2 cardigans, 2 pair shoes
Accessories: 1 purse, 1 tote, 1 necklace, 1 pair earrings
If you can wear dark denim for work, it makes a nice piece to dress down for casual evening activities.


Clothing: 2 dresses, 1 blouse, 1 knit shell, 1 skirt, 1 blazer, 2 cardigans, 2 pair shoes
Accessories: 1 tote, 1 scarf, 1 bracelet, 1 brooch, and fuzzy slippers!
I stayed home sick from work one day of this challenge, but I still wore my capsule outfit. I just added some comfy slippers.


Clothing: 1 dress, 1 blouse, 1 long-sleeved tee, 1 sweater, 1 skirt, 2 cardigans, 2 pair shoes, 1 pair boots
Accessories: 1 purse, 1 scarf, 1 necklace, 2 belts
This capsule was Valentine-themed in honor of the holiday.

I feel pretty adept at creating many outfits out of few garments, but I wouldn’t say I’m good at getting it all in my suitcase! Besides my work wear, I’ve usually got a tripod and many days of exercise gear to fit in my bags. I just try to get creative. I stuff small items inside of shoes. I roll some things but leave others flat - depending on how badly they wrinkle. I pad delicate items with softer things. I’ve never photographed the inside of my packed suitcase; it mostly just looks messy!

In my carry on, I have all of my electronics, my glasses/contacts, and warming layers (anything from a scarf to a heavy wrap, depending on the climate). If I were traveling internationally, I might bring a few more layers and additional toiletries in my carry on – in case my luggage were delayed.

Have a great trip!

Minimalist

This look is pretty minimal for me. Minimal colors (three). Minimal layers (blazer + dress). Minimal fuss on a day that consisted of 8 hours at the office, teaching boot camp class, dinner out, and the VitaminWater uncapped fashion show. My schedule is certainly not minimal.


Blazer, vintage. Dress, Richard Chai for Target. Shoes, J Crew. Bag, faux D&G (thrifted). Sunglasses, Xhilaration. Necklace, Target. Bracelets, vintage, World Market, and Fort.


Photos by Beefy Muchacho

Mail Bag: Fiber Preference

In this post and recently…you've mentioned the fibre of what you're wearing ; does the fabric matter to you? Do you have a preference for natural fibres, such as wool or cotton, or are you drawn to the shape/drape/pattern of a garment, regardless if it's made of all polyester?

Anonymous

I had planned on being very scientific about answering this question. I was going to survey my closet for fabrications and present you with fancy statistics and graphs detailing the fiber content of my closet and my satisfaction with the blends.

I’m afraid that didn’t happen, so we’ll have to rely on my faulty memory for my preferences.

The #1 quality in a garment that attracts me is color and pattern. (Is that two qualities?) Next, I reach out, feel the item, and evaluate the fabric. If it passes that test, I move on to shape/drape/fit.

Fabrics I love: silk, wool, cotton, suede, leather. They all breathe (except patent leather) and some of them take dye well (cotton!).

Fabrics I like: linen, cotton-poly blends, lightweight synthetics. Synthetics get a bad rap, but they wear forever. Cotton-poly breathes well AND resists wrinkles!

Fabrics I tolerate: jersey (cotton or cotton-poly or synthetic) and pleather. I find that most jersey knits are unflattering, lose their shape, and pill quickly. Faux leather is the sweatiest thing around.

Fabrics I hate: double-knit polyester, anything that sheds, anything “crunchy.”

My level of tolerance really depends on what I’m paying. I’ve come home from the thrift store with pleather and scooped up a polyester knit at a swap. I can only wear those things on cool, dry days, so the cost-per-wear isn’t worth spending much. If I’m buying a $200 dress, it had better be silk and I don’t even consider boots over $100 that are of “manmade materials.”


A faux leather skirt and a knit polyester dress. Do not wear on hot and humid days.
Regardless of the price, though, I am always hunting for my favorite fabrics. I expect to find some really nasty polyester when thrifting, but it is a nice surprise to score a silk blouse, instead.


I kind of want to wear this thrifted silk blouse every day. The silk/linen skirt isn’t bad, either.

I realize I've interchanged the terms fabric and fiber here, so I apologize for the confusion. Generally, I prefer woven fabrics. I save knits for sweaters, tees, and leggings. It is interesting to note that polyester is much more comfortable and pleasant to touch when woven instead of knitted.

How important is fiber content when you're shopping? Does it matter if the fabric is woven or knitted?

Passing

My approach to aging: you get older or you get dead. I’m glad to be older because that means I’m not dead, yet.

I’m also happy to see that, as the years pass, I care less and less what other people think of me. I’m already practicing at being an old woman in purple.


Sweater, New York & Co (thrifted). Dress, I Heart Ronson. Shoes, Isaac Mizrahi for Target. Belt, thrifted. Bangles, Epcot Morocco and Charming Charlie (swap). Umbrella, Totes.



Photos by Beefy Muchacho