Project 333: Finished Spring Capsule 2016

What’s that?  That’s my armoire.  What’s in it?  The entirety of my spring wardrobe for Project 333.  Just that?  Yup.  Just that.

If you’re just joining me, Project 333 is an online challenge in which you only wear thirty-three pieces of clothing, including accessories, for three months.  You don’t count sleepwear, loungewear, workout clothes, or things you wear everyday (like a wedding ring or watch).  The compilation of your thirty-three items is called a “capsule wardrobe,” because you should be able to fit the whole thing into one capsule (suitcase, carry-on, etc.).  

Above is my second attempt at creating a workable capsule wardrobe.  You can see my winter 2016 attempt here, the recap here, and my final thoughts and lessons learned here.  

This time around may be more difficult for a couple of reasons.  First, I plan to be in this wardrobe for two months this time, instead of one like the first time.  It’s still not the full three because I decided to change the recommended April-June spring timeline to March-May.  Second, spring in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains is not known for being predictable.  For example, our local weather woman, Kathy Sabine, predicts snow tomorrow.  No big, right?  Did I tell you it’s seventy degrees today?  How do you put together a wardrobe of only thirty-three items if you have to plan for such extremes?  I actually don’t know.  But I’m going to try!

This time I stuck with a color palette of black, grey, sand, burgundy/pink, and olive.  I’m hoping this will help it all go together, and let me mix and match.

Here is what I ended up with for this upcoming season…

Tops

1-3. Solid tanks- one from Gap and two Apt 9 from Kohl’s

The grey one from the Gap was in my winter 2016 capsule, and I found it difficult to wear because the arm holes are so big that they show my bra.  I’ll layer it over another tank or under a sweater.  If it doesn’t work out this season, to the thrift store it goes!

4&5. Patterned tanks- both from Kohl’s

Hoping it’ll be warm enough to wear these on their own, but they layer well under solid sweaters.

6&7. Short-sleeved tees- one from Apt 9 at Kohl’s, one bought at a yoga shop in Old

Town Arvada

Both have sleeves that hit at the elbow instead of in the middle of the upper arm, which is more flattering for me.  The burgundy one has bat wing sleeves and a fitted waist.

8&9. Two long-sleeved shirts- one sparkly sand one from Banana Republic and one

olive one from PINK by Victoria’s Secret

Both featured in my winter 2016 capsule.  Both great for chillier/snowy days in the Rockies.

Bottoms

10&11. Jeans (Lee Classic Fit) and *Fake* silk pants from Kohl’s

I’m kind of excited to get out of the yoga pants.  I’ve been frumping it up...just a little.

12&13. Two below-the-knee pencil skirts from Kohl’s

I debated putting these in my capsule this year.  They’re prepregnancy and still a tad bit small, but I’m actively losing weight (thank you, nursing!) and they’re stretchy, so I think I’ll be able to comfortably wear them.  

14. Mini skirt from the Junior’s section at Kohl’s

Yes, the Junior’s section.  Yes, mini.  I’m not confident enough to wear a mini skirt on its own, so I thought the coolness of spring would make this a perfect time to pair this one with leggings and get some use out of it.

15. Checkered shorts- hand-me-downs from...gulp...my mom!

They’re actually pretty cute!  Good job, Mom.

Layering and Outerwear

16. Oversize cardigan from Gap Body

Held over from winter.

17. Oversize wool cardigan from Banana Republic

Held over from winter.

18. Puffy black coat

Sadly, I’ll probably need this at least once more.

19&20. Two pairs of leggings- one from Dansko, one Cuddl Duds

Accessories

21. Pink infinity scarf

I didn’t get much use out of it in the winter, so maybe this spring I can wear it with short sleeves to make them warm enough on cooler days.

22-24. One slouchy beanie, one wide-brimmed sunhat, one straw cloche hat

Accounting for very cold and very hot days.

25. Black belt with silver buckle

26. Birkenstock Gizeh sandals in burgundy

27. Clarks boat shoes in slate

28&29. Pink pearl earrings and necklace

A gift from Dan early in our marriage.  He heard me mention that I would love to have a string of pink pearls someday.  They were under the tree the following Christmas.  Isn’t he wonderful?

30. Canvas tote

My mom got this for me when she visited Butchart Gardens last year.  Because I carry my big, Boken Essentials Everyday diaper bag (a product review and “What’s in my bag” on the way soon), I decided not to include a separate handbag this season.  I’ll put this tote into the diaper bag, and if I need to carry something extra (groceries, financial binder, extra sweater, etc.), I’ll take it out and use it.

Believe it or not, I can’t think of anything else to include!  I’m sure I’ll realize I’m missing something as I go, so I’ll just leave it at thirty and add three more pieces as I need.  I can tell you right now, if I find a retro floppy sunhat I’m getting it!  Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you in the next one!