Monday, 30 July 2012

test driving colours for a new capsule wardrobe

In my previous post I reviewed the "book" 15 to 50 - a stylist's tool to explaining the concept of a capsule wardrobe to clients. As a result I've now decided to give my wardrobe a serious overhaul.

The book advices that three neutral colours should be the basis for a capsule with just one accent colour. Since it makes sense to use things I already have I've therefore found a combination that I want to try in a few outfits before I make my final decision. For now I'm testing black, burgundy and cream with magenta. What do you think?


Sunday afternoon outfit






































My husband took the photos while we were taking the dog for a walk. The temperature had dropped but we still had lots of sunshine, allowing me to wear a cardigan.


Seen from the back






































I'm not terribly happy with these pants but they're the best I can find. That's why I've decided not to include any pants in my capsule but only skirts! But more on that in a later post! As promised there's also a close up of the necklace I bought on holiday.


Necklace bought in Mallorca
















My husband had so much fun taking pictures - so here's another one:


"Say cheese"!




































Now I'm going to link up with Not Dead Yet Style for the Visible Monday rendezvous hosted by Patty.

Have lovely week everyone, and for those still on holiday - Enjoy!
Posted by at 22:04
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29 comments:

  1. Anonymous30 July 2012 at 22:07

    I love this unexpected color combination. And I like the vacation necklace...quite a lot! It is obvious that the photographer loves you as the portrait is gorgeous.

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    1. Kaffesoester30 July 2012 at 23:07

      Thank you so much Terri! It did take me a while to come up with this colour combination - and I think I could add a clear red later on, just to make it more vibrant. But that depends on whether I can actually find fitting item in my size. My husband is a lovely man and I'm so lucky to be spending my life with him - ever since we met time has been flying!

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  2. Patti30 July 2012 at 22:25

    Yes, what Terri said about the last picture - I see you and photographer have a very special relationship! I like your capsule colors very much, I think the burgundy is a wonderful neutral.

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    1. Kaffesoester30 July 2012 at 23:12

      Thank you very much Patti! Yes we do have a special relationship. We met only 14 years ago - with other not so successful relationships behind us, so we've really appreciated each other, right from the beginning. And with time it just gets better!

      I'm hoping to make not only burgundy but maybe also red my neutral colours.

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  3. Curtise30 July 2012 at 22:57

    Oh that final photo of you is SO beautiful! I love your cardigan, holiday beads and ring. I think that's a factor in why I struggle with the whole capsule wardrobe thing - the bits I love most about clothes are the colours and the prints, and the neutrals/basics don't interest me so much... How would it be to do it the other way round, have the colour/print as the main focus with the neutral colours as the accent?!
    I am looking forward to seeng how you get on with your capsule. xxx

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    1. Kaffesoester30 July 2012 at 23:19

      I think you're so right! I'm already considering making red a neutral too, and pairing it with magenta, burgundy and cream. It all depends on what's available in my size in the shops. How does emerald, turquoise, cobalt and lime sound? Those are my mother's favorite colours!

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  4. AnPhibian30 July 2012 at 23:42

    I like those colors a lot. The cardigan is great -- versatile and practical, yet also colorful! Great photos, too. You look relaxed and happy.

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    1. Kaffesoester31 July 2012 at 00:07

      Thank you so much Anne! I always find it hard to pair black with colours, but it's somehow easier when there's a bit of pattern involved.

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  5. Anonymous31 July 2012 at 01:48

    Well, you can certainly tell your husband he's an excellent portrait photographer. I just adore the close up!
    I think your color choices are great. Burgundy is a wonderful color on you. If you choose cream you can also do white too, right?
    I'll be interested in seeing your final decisions. Your blog is one of my favorite stops!

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  6. Jean at www.drossintogold.com31 July 2012 at 04:40

    These colors are good, to my eye! The necklace is really beautiful, as is the ring, too. The last shot of you smiling over your shoulder is just so, so pretty!!

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    1. Kaffesoester31 July 2012 at 12:44

      Thank you very much Jean! With all the positive comments, I'm getting more and more certain that these colours are right for me. My husband loves to hear that he's done a good job - I'll let him know!

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  7. Narda31 July 2012 at 05:15

    That's an uncommon colour combo - yet it looks great! Interesting how a "colour" can be a neutral. I agree with all the comments - that last pic is fabulous.

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    1. Kaffesoester31 July 2012 at 12:46

      Thank you so much Narda! I think all colours can be "neutral"=a canvas for the accent colours. The only limit is what's for sale in the shops, and the state of your bank account!

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  8. Megan, TfDiaries.com31 July 2012 at 05:15

    love the sweater
    Xo Megan

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    1. Kaffesoester31 July 2012 at 12:47

      Thank you Megan! I don't know why it's taken me a year to start wearing it!

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  9. Melanie31 July 2012 at 07:57

    I agree with everyone - that last portrait is winning! I like your colour combinations, but I have to admit I love you in bold splashes of colour in everything. I look forward to seeing how you shape your wardrobe! Great necklace.

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    1. Kaffesoester31 July 2012 at 12:52

      Thank you very much Melanie! There's no rule that says that I can't wear lemon yellow or mint green accessories with the capsule... I couldn't be so discriminating and abandon all other colours - I need all colours! But some will be in the form of bracelets, gloves, scarves etc. And if it doesn't work out I can always change my mind!

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  10. Anonymous31 July 2012 at 11:34

    I love these colors, the combination of magenta and burgundy is lovely, and they suits your hair and skin color. The necklace is lovely too! I think it is possible for you to make these colors into your capsule wardrobe as these colors and mustard seem to be the colors of the autumn. Just check H&M's autumn catalogue for inspiration, but it is on your own risk as it is very tempting. Just a small question, will cream work for you in the winter too, I don't know about you, but for me cream can be tricky when I am pale. I love these photos of you (as well as the pictures your husband took of you at your vacation in Spain) and I get wibes of succesful bloggers with lovely photos! When you become the new Kendi, I will tell everyone that wants to listen that I know Tine before she was famous!

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    1. Kaffesoester31 July 2012 at 13:02

      Thank you Anna - I can't stop laughing! The next Kendi, that's a good one! I've seen the H&M catalogue and found several interesting pieces - and a few are already in the mail! The cream I'm thinking of is slightly greyed, not too warm. I've had one top in this colour, and it worked well with winter skin - in fact better than with a tan. But I think your colouring is warmer than mine, so maybe you should try a warmer cream colour - more like a very pale warm beige? Something with an orange undertone, not yellow. You would have to take a few different creams and stand in daylight holding them up to your face to test it. Good luck with to your athletes!

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  11. Vix31 July 2012 at 17:08

    Great choices given your skin and hair; I think you'll find it versatile as we move into fall. Love the way the pale cream echos your waves.

    Since you mentioned $)$@!% pants fit -- possible help from the links below:

    http://www.coletterie.com/sewalongs/the-colette-patterns-pants-fitting-cheatsheet

    (I rec the comments, too)

    http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/th_122_036.asp#

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  12. Kaffesoester31 July 2012 at 17:54

    Thank you so much Vix! I'm already having a look at the pages. I was planning to take some unused ill fitting dress pants to a tailor that someone recommended. Since I have several pairs lying around I may test my own skills with the sewing machine - don't count on seeing the results! - according to the cheat sheet.

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  13. Debbi@SheAccessorizesWell31 July 2012 at 21:15

    I really like the color combo you are picking. This outfit is so pretty on you. I just love that last picture of you. It is jsut so pretty! Love your hair.

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    1. Kaffesoester1 August 2012 at 09:40

      Thank you very much Debbi! After all the lovely comments I've received I've decided to go with these colours - and ordered a few missing pieces. Then, all I have to do is wear them - and post the pictures!

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  14. teresweetstyle1 August 2012 at 00:16

    this bag iis really cute, i love the colorrr

    !
    xx

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  15. Kaffesoester1 August 2012 at 09:41

    Thank you so much - it's one of my favorites!

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  16. Monica - Colour makes people4 August 2012 at 14:38

    This colour combo totally works!! :) sorry for my late comment, Im a bit behind on my blog reading :p I love the portrait photo, you look beautiful! :)

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  17. Kaffesoester4 August 2012 at 19:51

    Thank you so much! Better late than never - and all supportive comments are appreciated, at all times!

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  18. Adrienne21 August 2012 at 01:06

    What a great photograph of you! She what love does for us.. Its a winner Id keep that color combo if I were you. Reds and wines are in for this fall.

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    1. Kaffesoester21 August 2012 at 20:31

      Thank you Adrienne! I've actually realized that the shop will be full of these colours now, a very lucky shot!

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