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I’ve been asked about how I go about selecting what I am going to wear for the week in my Capsule Remix. I have been using the Stylebook App for a while and have most of my clothes entered in the app. Polyvore is great for creating outfits but doesn’t help when trying to keep track of when I wore an outfit or a single piece of clothing and doesn’t keep track of Cost-per-Wear.

Let’s take my beloved Tory Burch Cropped Skinny Jeans.

Since I have purchased them I have worn them approximately 11 times. I know there were times when I just threw them on at the last minute to run an errand so I didn’t count those days. I’ve created 14 different outfits with them. I originally paid $185 but the CPW has been brought down to $16.81. That will go even lower as these are my go-to jeans. There’s a Notes and Tags box that is free-form so you can add anything you want in that section. 

As far as picking what I’m going to wear, I find something I like and want to wear and then build around it. Right now, I’m trying to add at least one item I either haven’t worn in a while or never worn (and still with tags in my closet). The first week were several of my current favorite pieces. This week has been about dressing for the cold and rain we had. Once I have everything picked out and outfits or Looks put together I stick to it for the week.

Here’s a glance at the Looks I’ve created.

Here is the first week’s main Look with all the pieces I planned to wear, including those TB Jeans.

From this main Look, I created all the outfits I could with the bottoms.
From that Look I created individual Looks, complete with Shoes. 
With the exception of a few days, My Calendar has been pretty full for the month of May. Creating a Look doesn’t count towards the CPW. You have to add it to the Calendar for it to be calculated. You’ll see at the bottom of the image my Most Worn (TB Robinson Open Dome) and Best Value (Express White Jeans) for the month. (Today is not filled in as it’s Laundry Day.) If I can wear an outfit 5 days a week then I think I’m pretty successful with this Remix.
You can add or remove Categories & Sub-Categories from your Closet. I’ve even created a Closet section for Sold/Returned/For Sale items. I want to be able to keep track of that so I know why I sold or returned an item (fit, color, didn’t wear, Husband hated). I use the free-form text box to add why I removed that item from my closet. 
When I purchase something new, I create Looks for that item within the first week. That helps me decide whether or not to keep it. And it also helps me to wear it right away. 
Here’s a glance at my “Black & White” Week. I am going to be pretty busy running errands and prepping for two graduation parties so I’ll need dressy and casual. Laundry may take a back-seat that week so I’ve added a few extra pieces just-in-case I can’t get to the laundry. It will also help me stick to just these items. I may switch this to the week prior, but for now I have it set up for the last week of May. My reasoning for a week like this was because I don’t wear this color combo unless it’s already patterned for me, like the Carrie Dress in Big Dot. I’ve not worn the Silk Crepe Maxidress with my White Linen Perfect Shirt, tied at the waist, so there’s another option. This Capsule is pushing me out of my comfort zone of bright color. All pieces seem to have some visual interest but the Maxidress will require a necklace at least. 
It’s sooooo easy to just throw on shorts and a sloppy tee everyday since I work from home. This Capsule Remix keeps me from doing that. Something I’ve noticed is that I feel great all day and it’s motivated me to start working out and eating better again. It’s also a little less stressful, now that I am no longer standing in front of my closet every day figuring out what to wear. If Husband wants to meet for Happy Hour or have a date night, I’m already dressed or can pull something together from that week’s pieces. Easy-Peasy!
I’m sure there are other apps and programs out there but the Stylebook App is what works for me. My favorite feature, by far, is the Cost-Per-Wear tracking. I will buy items at full-price and this helps me keep track of how many times I’ve worn it. And then eventually decide if it needs to go to a better home if I’m not wearing it enough. 
Have a Great Evening!!

Follow me on…
 
/ Que Bella

Husband and I are heading to Vegas for a few days. We are practicing for our “Empty Nest”, which we have taken to quite well. I’m still sad though. I’ve seen The Boy become such a wonderful person and I don’t want him to go anywhere. We plan to lounge around the pool during the days and catch a show or two so I’m excited to pack different things from my October trip. The bulk of my wardrobe is from J Crew with some of my Tory Burch pieces thrown in.

Day 1 – Travel Day & Night Out

~ Metallic V-Neck Sweater, J Crew ~
~ Silk Crepe Maxidress, J Crew ~
~ Dorado Necklace, J Crew (outfits) ~
~ Amalie Sandal, Tory Burch ~

 

~ Swoop Blouse, J Crew (Factory) ~
~ Fluted Skirt in Double Crepe, J Crew ~
~ Metallic Martina Wedges, J Crew ~
~ Minaudière Clutch in Botanical Print, J Crew Factory ~

Day 2 – Day/Night

~ London Blouse, Tory Burch ~
~ Lightweight Bermuda Shorts, old J Crew (current) ~
~ Cece Leather Ballet Flats, J Crew ~

 

~ Metallic V-Neck Sweater, J Crew ~
~ Collection Pyramid Brocade Shorts, J Crew ~
~ Metallic Martina Wedges, J Crew ~
Day 3 – Day/Night
~ Lidia Polo, Tory Burch ~
~ Pleated Cotton Short, J Crew (current, Factory) ~
~ Amalie Sandal, Tory Burch ~

 

~ Scalloped Shift Dress, JC Factory ~
~ Grande Crystal Drops Necklace, J Crew (BR) ~
~ Metallic Martina Wedges, J Crew ~
Since I’m not sure right now which one I will want to wear I’m taking these swimsuits.
~ Saint Etienne Seductress, Nanette Lepore ~
~ Printed Halter One-Piece, Jean Paul Gaultier (review) ~
~ Windowpane Sculpted Halter & Bikini, J Crew (review) ~
Day 4 – Travel Day (Will also use this dress and the black one as a cover-up for the pool.)
~ Denim Jacket, old GAP ~
~ Silk Crepe Maxidress, J Crew ~
~ Grotto Pendant Necklace, J Crew ~
~ Amalie Sandal, Tory Burch ~
And the extras, in case I change my mind.
~ Stripe Linen Tunic, J Crew ~
~ Pleated Cotton Short, J Crew (current, Factory) ~
~ Cleo Metallic Mirror Perforated Loafer, J Crew ~
~ Cleo Silk Tunic, Anthropologie (on sale!)~
~ Metallic Martina Wedges, J Crew ~

 

~ Cheers Tee, J Crew ~
~ Aberra Tee, Tory Burch ~
~ Cropped Skinny Jeans, Tory Burch ~
~ Jackie Cardigan, J Crew ~
~ Lightweight Bermuda Shorts, old J Crew (current) ~
Follow me on Instagram to see if I stick to these outfits or switch them up.
Have a Great Day!

/ Uncategorized

We’ve been invited to a New Year’s Eve party and the dress requested is “Black and White”. You might as well have told me to wear a potato sack. I know it’s classy and can be chic but for someone who likes color and who already had her outfit picked out I am in a bit of a dilemma.

Here’s what I’ve put together on my Stylebook app of items I already own. I have some dressy wool black J Crew shorts but Husband nixed those so pants it is.

1) J Crew Schoolboy Blazer in Black, J Crew Stretch Perfect Shirt, Talbots Satin Pants, Sloane Velvet Crisscross Pumps, Grande Crystal Drops Necklace

2) J Crew Schoolboy Blazer in Black, J Crew Tipped Silk Tee in Windowpane, Talbots Satin Pants, Sloane Velvet Crisscross Pumps

3) J Crew Sequin Shawl Collar Sweater, J Crew Ruffled Rhinestone Top, Talbots Satin Pants, Sloane Velvet Crisscross Pumps

4) J Crew Schoolboy Blazer in Black, Kate Spade Shannon Top, Talbots Satin Pants, Sloane Velvet Crisscross Pumps

So I need your help. Which outfit should I wear? I haven’t put any of these on together so the Schoolboy Blazer may not work with the Satin Pants or the Satin Pants not go with the Sloane Velvet Pumps. 
Do you have any other ideas for Black and White outfits? I have the Scalloped Dress in Black and the Fluted Skirt in Double Crepe in Black but would definitely wear tights with either of them. Of course, my original outfit was built around the Gold Stripe Mini Skirt. 

/ Que Bella

Husband and I are off to the West Coast soon, San Jose/San Francisco in fact, for a long weekend. Our last “grown-up getaway” was last September to put our toes in the sand in Mexico. I’m pretty excited as I’ve never been to California. Also, a change in scenery means a change in temps so I’ll be able to pack some items I’ve been waiting to wear for chillier weather.

For the Airport days, I’ll be relaxed, as I was for my Vegas trip at the beginning of the month.

1. Factory Clare Cardigan in Cabernet, Drapey Crepe Henley Tunic in Ivory, Cropped Matchstick Jeans, Cece Ballet Flats in Black
2. Drapey Crepe Henley Tunic in Black, Cropped Matchstick Jeans, Cece Flats

 

     
For the full days in San Jose and San Francisco, I’ve decided on a Black/Grey/Cream color story with a touch of Burgundy.
1. Drapey Crepe Henley Tunic in Ivory, Pixie Pants in Leather Tuxedo Stripe, Cece Flats

2. Merino Pocket Tunic in Garnet, Pixie Pants, Cece Flats

3. Silk Blythe Blouse in Polka Dot, Jackie Cardigan in Dark Charcoal (Old but Factory is offering this color.), Toothpick Jeans in Dolphin Grey, Cece Flats – I’ll also layer my Grey Lexington Blazer over this and carry a scarf if needed. The Toothpick Jeans in Dolphin Grey were a very unexpected love after trying them on in the store. I took my normal Toothpick Jean size of 30.

4. Factory Beaded Sweatshirt in Black, Toothpick Jeans, Cece Flats

5. Ruffle Collar Sweatshirt in Grey, Cropped Donegal Wool Pant, Cece Flats – I’ll add a necklace to jazz this outfit up for the evening and switch to the Janey Patent Flats in Black.

6. Tippi Sweater in Light Pewter (Last year’s version…This year has Heather Grey, which I love.), Medallion Tie-Silk Skirt, Janey Patent Flats – This is a back-up dinner outfit in case I feel like wearing a skirt.

Extras – Lexington Blazer, Michael Kors Jet Set Tote, Michael Kors iPhone Crossbody, Grande Crystal Drops Necklace, Burberry Scarf, Printed Airy Wool Scarf

I do plan to layer long-sleeve tees underneath the sweatshirts and use either the Lexington Blazer or Excursion Vest and a scarf every day. The cross-body will function as my daily bag and the Tote my travel bag.
As usual, I am taking a carry-on so I’ve made sure I can mix-and-match most items and can wear items twice. This also gives me a little room in my bag for bringing home any thing I pick up from shopping. I debated on bringing a heavier coat but Husband has assured me we will not be outside long at night. It would also mean I couldn’t pack it and would have to carry it over my arm on the plane. That would look a bit odd leaving the warmth of Texas. I can always make him buy me a new coat if I get too chilly or cold. 😉
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, where I’ll be posting my outfits. I hope to do an outfit round-up from both trips next week.
Have a Great Week!

/ TravelBella

Hi all! I’m heading to Vegas for the rest of the week to see my brother. We are treating MamaBella, who hasn’t been on a vacation out of Texas in 10 years. Vegas was one of the first vacations Dad wanted to take her on so we are doing it for him. My youngest Brother will also join us on Thursday so it will be just the four of us. Cannot wait but 3:30 a.m. will come very quick tomorrow.

Here’s are my planned outfits for this trip. I had it finalized in my Stylebook a few days ago and then found THE.MOST.AMAZING.LEATHER.TEE. at Lucky Brand. I wasn’t sure how much I wanted to be on-trend with Leather this year so I was being very picky. I tried on the Leather Tee from Banana and it was too long and a bit snug in the chest. Today, walking around making returns (so I can have more shopping money for Vegas!) I found this Tee.

The color is called “Ocean Depth” but it is a beautiful Teal color. The leather is supple and soft. I tried on a Medium and it fit well to a little loose. I tried on the Small and it seemed to be mis-sized. The length was at least 2-3 inches shorter and pulled all over the chest. I stayed with the Medium. Slouchy Leather Tee in a beautiful color…YES PLEASE!
It was also on sale from $199 to $149. AND!!! it was also 50% off! I double-checked on that one with the SA and then cursed like a sailor in my head. Yippee! LOL!
So, having bought this tee I had to re-do my outfits and re-pack. Below is the final packing list for 3 full days in Vegas. 
Travel Days – Wednesday and Saturday
J Crew Gingham Top, Citizens of Humanity Dylan Jeans, Converse Shoreline
Anthro Tee, CoH Dylan Jeans (hope they don’t smell by then!), Converse Shorline

During the Day…Thursday, Friday
J Crew Sequin Scoopneck Tee, Andie Chinos in Navy, Cece Flat in Navy

J Crew High Line Tee, Tuxedo Andie Chinos, Cece Flats

Evening…Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Lucky Brand Leather Tee, J Crew Cafe’ Capri in Tile Jacquard, Janey Flats and KS Clutch

JC Jenna Cardigan, Banana Republic Lace Cami, JC Lace Mini Skirt, Janey Flats, KS Clutch

Lucky Brand Leather Tee, JC Fluted Skirt, Janey Flats, KS Clutch

And an extra outfit that can be either Day or Night…
J Crew Kiss Kiss Tee, Fluted Mini, Printed Janey, Madewell Denim Shirt, KS Clutch

As long as the Fluted Mini is not too smoky-smelling I will try to use it at least twice. Same with the Leather Tee. I also threw in another silk top from Anthro to go with the jeans, Fluted Skirt or Tuxedo Andie Chinos. And I will shop with MamaBella one day. I also took a pair of black heels but may pull those out before tomorrow. I think the Janey Flats will be perfect each evening. I was lucky enough to get them on a pop-back last week. 
Have a Great Week! I’ll have another “1 Item, 3 Ways” with an Anthro Top this weekend. Also, follow me on Instagram because even though “What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas”, I will be posting my outfits!
~Also, say the title of the post as Napoleon Dynamite would!