Capsule Wardrobe Fall/Winter: Accessories

It is officially the winter season!  In Southern California, that means the temperature has fallen to a chilly 75-80 degrees, though it IS in fact, cold enough to wear a sweater at night.  It is also time to stop stalling, to put away the summer sandals, and to continue with my capsule wardrobe seasonal shift.

First: Shoes

I love shoes.  I have lots of shoes. . . and yes, normally I wear them all.  This year being the dramatic exception.  

However, in order to work them all into rotation, I am one of those people that needs to see what I have otherwise it is 'out sight, out of mind'-- and that includes forgetting about anything shored in my closet, even if the boxes are clearly labeled transparent tupperware.  To that end, I have a shoe rack at the foot of my bed. 

To be fair, I have had some of these for years.

I try and rotate things out seasonally, if only to replace my fun summer sandals etc. with more practical close-toes work shoes. Also, because I am aware that I have more shoes than any reasonable person needs, this gives me a chance to evaluate what I have and haven't used, and want I want to keep/ trash/ donate.

Exhibit A: charming & fashionable, but I've only used them once or twice as they pinch me on that middle seam.  It appears that I have inherited my mother's high instep, which makes booties of all kinds rather problematic--and so off to Goodwill they go!  The nude-colored peep-toed wedges are also leaving me but, as I have worn them for years and they are beginning to look a bit shabby, they will be off to the bin.  

The rest of the summery shoes being packed away, the "work" heels left out, and the more "wintery" shoes (like my green oxfords) added, my shoe rack now looks like this:

 

 

 

 

These, I have added to my wildly optimistic pile of "wintery" shoes in hopes that I might actually go somewhere where something dressier than sneakers is appropriate.  I fell in love with them & bought them years ago in a fit of impracticality.  Maybe this year will be their year.

 

Honestly though, I'm wearing one of these two pairs of fluffy slippers 90% of the time.

Next: Purses

This swap was a bit easier.  The cork-bottomed light blue handbag and the small brown leather shoulder bag got packed away and out came their more dark-toned cousins--a rich navy blue-colored handbag, a faux snake-skin shoulder bag/clutch, & a forest green clutch.

The 70s-inspired evening bag will be for Christmas--even though I'm not going anywhere except my mom's house.  I am determined to cling to some bit of festivity.

Finishing Touches: Jewelry

I've pulled out a couple of my old favorites, like the moonstone & the amber earrings, and mixed them with some of my new favorites, like the snake earrings and the faux gold chain.  Some of it is costume jewelry from Target's sale rack and some of it is real silver & gold and gemstones.  I'm not snobbish, I like all shiny things.  It's the dragon in me.  This season, however, as I prepare for more hibernation than celebrating, I'm picking just a few pieces from my horde to focus on. 

A Layer of Warmth: Scarves

I've settled on 3--a maroon & pink cashmere circle scarf, a brown & black print circle scarf with a grey jersey backing, and a brown & blue floral scarf with fringe. Two of the three are delightfully washing machine friendly & can be thrown on for dog-walking, cloud-watching, etc.  The cashmere I will save for when I want to be a bit more dressed up--or for when I want to swath myself in cuddly, warm, pink, loveliness.

 

 

Next time, I will pull together an assortment of outfits with all this loot.  See you then!