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We take the Winter 10x10 Capsule Wardrobe Challenge!

We take the Winter 10x10 Capsule Wardrobe Challenge!

Over the years, capsule wardrobes have been gaining popularity, especially as the horrors of fast fashion are exposed. The term “capsule wardrobe” was coined by London boutique owner Susie Faux in the 1970s, although it really caught on in America in the 1980s thanks to designer Donna Karan and her “Seven Easy Pieces” collection. At the time, a capsule wardrobe was defined as a compact wardrobe made up of staple pieces in coordinating colors–usually in the realm of 30 items or fewer, including shoes and sometimes even accessories. Faux suggested fewer than a dozen items for an ideal capsule wardrobe. One might update the wardrobe with a couple of seasonal items two or three times a year, but that was it. The goal was to have a streamlined wardrobe of high-quality pieces that could be worn often and interchangeably, thereby saving money, closet space, and time. As you’re shopping less, you’re also less likely to buy cheap, trendy items that won’t last long and in turn, casting your vote against fast fashion.

Our friend, and our founder’s wife, Jackie, felt inspired to start a capsule collection herself, and before diving in to a seasonal capsule, she decided to get her feet wet by taking on the Winter 10x10 Challenge, hosted by capsule bloggers Caroline of  Unfancy and Lee of Style Bee. We decided to follow Jackie’s 10-day journey and share it with you here and on Instagram!

The 10x10 Challenge consists of picking 10 items form your closet to create 10 outfits over the course of 10 days. While the 10 pieces consists of tops, bottoms and dresses, it also includes shoes, which are kind of what we’re all about here at Fortress of Inca!

Jackie selected seven items from her closet as well as three pairs of Fortress of Inca styles. We sat down with her to find what influenced her selections and what inspired her to take the capsule challenge.

 

What inspired you to create a capsule wardrobe and take part in the 10x10 Challenge?

I was so tired of staring at my closet every morning and not knowing what to wear! It would take up so much time just deciding what items to put together. With a capsule, I’m able to pair pieces from a smaller selection of my closet, and I already know what goes together and what looks good on me, so I think it will make my mornings a lot easier.

What is your intention for this winter challenge?

I want 2018 to be a year of simplifying for me. Evan and I are expecting a child this summer and while we prepare for baby, I want life to be less stressful. Not having to worry about what I’m going to wear every day will definitely help my morning routine run more smoothly, and perhaps inspire me to simplify in other areas as well.

What factors did you consider when selecting your 10 pieces?

While my body changes during my pregnancy, I wanted to select items that are comfortable, but allow me to still feel like myself. I’m starting to show, so it was also a question of what actually still fits me! You have to be conscious of how you wear each piece, so that you can attempt to make it as versatile as possible. I needed my items to be stylish, yet stretchy, so that I could easily go from a client meeting to casual dinner with friends. For my shoes, I chose the Adra flat, the Michelle mule, and the Ani boot. All of the styles are wardrobe staples, really -- they're super comfortable, and the heel on Michelle and Ani give me enough height while not killing my feet.

JACKIE’S 10 PIECES 

  • 4 tops 
  • 2 bottoms 
  • 1 dress 
  • 3 pairs of shoes

 

 

Adra Steel Grey flat / Fortress of Inca

Michelle Black mule / Fortress of Inca

Ani bootie / Fortress of Inca

Grey v-neck t-shirt / Michael Stars

White button-down / Amour Vert

Striped long sleeve tee / Amour Vert

Black wrap midi skirt /  Amour Vert

Black v-neck sweater dress /  Amour Vert

Black distressed maternity skinny jeans / Paige

Jean jacket /  Levi’s

 

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