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MY CAPSULE WARDROBE LIST

November 7, 2021 by Little Miss Honey

capsule wardrobe

I previously wrote a blog post on How To Build A Capsule Wardrobe. Some wonder how much items they should have to comprise a capsule wardrobe. Some suggested it should be around 25-50 items. Some suggested it should be lower those mentioned numbers considering capsule wardrobe idea sprung from the minimalist movement. Some mentioned there is no exact number for it. I agree with last one.

Credit: Teresa Laucar Instagram

I prefer to have a wardrobe of basic things for me to mix and match. I will put a list below for my capsule wardrobe.

OUTER WEAR

  • 2 cardigans (different monochromatic colour)
  • 1 sporty jacket
  • 1 dressy jacket (for special occasions)
  • 1 leather jacket *optional
  • 1 trenchcoat *optional

SPECIAL OCCASION

  • long gown
  • cocktail dress
  • little black dress
  • formal white dress

CASUAL UPPER WEAR

  • 3 plain t-shirt
  • 1 Breton Mariniere striped 3/4 shirt or long sleeves
  • 1 striped t-shirt
  • 2 monochromatic polo shirt
  • 2 monochoromatic spaghetti strap shirt
  • (2 monochromatic casual sleeveless top)
  • 1 graphic tshirt

DRESSY UPPER WEAR

  • 2 dressy tops
  • 2 monochromatic button down shirts
  • 1 white button down shirt (preferable oversize – own preference)
  • 2 3/4 or long sleeves monochromatic tops

BOTTOMS

  • 2 skinny jeans
  • 1 baggy jeans
  • 1 black jeans
  • 1 cropped jeans
  • 1 tattered jeans *optional
  • 1 coloured or patterned jeans
  • 2 slacks (preferable black and brown)
  • 1 culottes

SKIRTS

  • 2 A-line skirts
  • 1 pleated skirt
  • 1 short pattern skirt
  • 1 bohemian long skirt
  • 1 sequinned skirt *optional
  • 1 leather skirt *optional

SHORTS

  • 1 denim shorts
  • 2 coloured/pattern shorts
  • 2 cotton shorts
  • 1 textured shorts *optional

DRESSES

  • 3 work dress (to include a wrap dress)
  • 1 sundress
  • 1 sleeveless long dress
  • 2 short-sleeve short dresses
  • 1 sleeveless dress
  • 1 bandage dress

SWIMWEAR

  • 1 two piece bikini (preferable high waisted)
  • 1 one piece
  • 1 cover-up

SHOES

  • 2 pair of ballet flats in different colour
  • 1 pair of stilettos (preferable black)
  • 1 pair of work heels
  • 1 pair of topsiders
  • 1 platform slippers
  • 1 dressy thongs
  • 2 rubber beach slipper (one basic and one with straps)
  • 1 sneakers
  • 1 dressy slippers (glittery would be nice)

BAGS

  • 1 tote bag
  • 1 casual bag
  • 1 hand bag
  • 1 crossbody bag
  • 1 wristlet
  • 1 canvas bag
  • 1 beach bag
  • 1 work bag *optional
  • 1 backpack
  • 1 party clutch

ACCESSORIES

  • pearl stud earrings
  • diamond earrings
  • 2 chandelier earrings (one with pure gold)
  • 1 beach earrings
  • 1 silver hoops
  • pearl necklace
  • pendant necklace
  • layer necklace
  • statement necklace
  • gold stud earrings
  • 1 straight long earrings
  • 1 quirky earrings
  • 1 casual watch
  • 1 work/fancy watch
  • 2 bangles (gold and silver)
  • 1 bracelets with charms

I know this list looks exhaustive. But some people don’t realised how much dresses they have or dressy tops they have accumulating their closet. This list are most basics that are perfect for mix and match. All are well-thought of for specific occasions. Once I complete my capsule wardrobe, if I want to buy more from my list, I must either replace the one on my wardrobe or wait for it to be worn-out. This list are more for my own preference and lifestyle. If you create your own, it should reflect your own lifestyle. It may be shorter or longer than my list here.

Hope this will guide you when you create your own capsule wardrobe list.

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: capsule wardrobe, list, Lists, minimalism

HOW TO BUILD A CAPSULE WARDROBE

August 29, 2021 by Little Miss Honey

Capsule wardrobe

I have always been wanting to build a capsule wardrobe ever since I learned about Minimalism. I have always love wearing basic classic clothes rather than trendy ones. I also love monochrome clothes than pattern so I can mix and match them easily.

Capsule Wardrobe is essentially a mini collection of clothes made up of really versatile pieces that you totally love to wear that are interchangeable to complement each other. Some have different rules how to create a capsule wardrobe. Some have a specific number in mind. Some would narrow it down to 27 or 37. A lifestyle Youtuber of The Daily Connoisseur and writer of the Madame Chic book series, Jennifer L. Scott, has the 10 Item Capsule Wardrobe per season. Author, Dominique Loreau of L’arte De Simplicete How To Live More With Less advised to have:

• 7 outdoor pieces (jacket, raincoat, coat)

• 7 tops (sweater, t-shirts, shirts)

• 7 other items ( trousers, jeans, skirt, dresses)

• 7 pairs of shoes

• a few of accessories (scarves, belts, gloves)

When I moved to Oman, I was sort of forced into sort-of a capsule wardrobe because I have to make sure all my clothes and essential items fit in my luggage not exceeding 30 kg for my plane ride. I only got 4 work tops, 4 casual t-shirt, 2 jeans, 1 slacks, 4 skirts, 2 dresses, 2 shorts, night clothes and one swimsuit. I been rotating those clothes up until now. I bought a few new ones to add to my wardrobe but some clothes I do have to replace because of wear and tear. And I also realised clothes here in Oman gets worn out easily. Maybe it is our semi-automatic washing machine or the scorching heat when we sun-dry our clothes or the water we use here.

Capsule wardrobe

Steps in Creating a Capsule Wardrobe

  1. Identify your style as well as your lifestyle
  • Classic
  • Bohemian/Gypsy
  • Vintage
  • Sophisticated
  • Preppy
  • Romantic
  • Sporty
  • Trendy

Incorporate your work and normal activity in creating the choices of clothes for your wardrobe

2. Clean out your closet and keep only the ones that resonates with your style

  • Make sure to keep the clothes that you can wear again & again and you can mix & match. For the rest of the clothes, donate or sell it.

3. Have your signature color.

  • Choose a basic colour like navy or black or neutral colours. Find a complimentary colour and add a bit of pattern into the mix.

4. Make a final inventory of your capsule wardrobe and list missing items that would complete your wardrobe

5. Mix & match your clothes and rewire them. Once completed your capsule wardrobe, if there is a need to add an item in the clothes, replace it with one item in the wardrobe.

Essential Things To Include In Your Capsule Wardrobe

I remember when I used to hang out at this cafe when I was in med school, I found this article that got me interested in having essential items you must own. These are versatile pieces that will always be used. Owning one would be enough and replaced once worn out.

  1. Basic White T-shirt / Basic Black T-shirt
  2. Jeans
  3. Black Slacks
  4. White Button-Down Long-Sleeves Shirt
  5. The Little Black Dress
  6. Pearl or Diamond Stud Earrings
  7. Black High-Heels or Pumps
  8. Flat Shoes or Ballet Flats
  9. Black or Grey Turtleneck
  10. Black or Navy Skirt
  11. White Cotton Dress / Sundress
  12. Workdress
  13. Dressy Top
  14. Sneakers
  15. Statement necklace
  16. Classy Jacket or Trench Coat
  17. Cardigan
  18. Bathing Suit that flatters your figure
  19. Gown for special occasions
  20. Flip flops or sandals

I am still in a process of completing my capsule wardrobe. I love this capsule wardrobe concept because it helps me streamline the clothes I own, lessen anxiety, helps me save and make my wardrobe clutter-free.

Are you ready to create your capsule wardrobe too?

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: capsule wardrobe, how-to, minimalism

5 HACKS TO SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE USING SYSTEMS

June 21, 2021 by Little Miss Honey

Helping Cleaning Service

Life is hard, we all know it. The daily grind can get the best of us. It can be really exhausting especially if you are a full-time working mom living abroad with three toddler sons without a helper (Wow! That is a mouthful). Some people would ask me, “How do you manage it all?” The truth is, I prefer to simplify my life because my life is already complicated as it is. So I simplify my life by creating systems. And it works because it made my life less stressful.

What are systems? Systems are repeatable set of actions that are performed in sequence replacing motivation with routine to achieve an desired outcome. Hmmm, sounds boring? But the boring made my life way easier. It eliminates guess work and reduces anxiety & stress. I previously worked as an Assistant Manager in Quality Management at a Singaporean Healthcare company and I have learned how important systems and processes are to create a successful corporation and it allows a company to run smoothly with high quality & efficiency. Just imagine any company running without any specific systems & processes and each employee will operate under the “whenever they feel it’ or ‘ whatever they feel like it’ vibe , you can imagine a company will definitely fall into pieces. This is exactly why companies & businesses have systems, workflows and flowchart. It allows a business to work efficiently and gives employees the confidence & assurance that they are doing their job well because they have a set of work-plan to rely on. This concept of using systems can also be used in our own household for a stress-free life.

Here are 5 ways I use to systems to simplify my life:

1. Meal Planning

Natal Essentials Confinement Food Service

I previously wrote about this in my previous blog post: 10 TIPS TO SAVE ON FOOD EXPENSES.

Have you experience that scenario when a group of friends would have lunch at a mall and it would take almost an hour before they can decision on which restaurant they will eat at? I know I have been in that scenario and it can be exasperating. Because sometimes you do know exactly what you want to eat but other times, you are just too tired to decide what to eat and you just want someone to decide for you. But often in a group setting (I mean with my group), nobody wants to decide where to eat. So we came up with a system to put a little papers of all the restaurants in the mall and we would draw lots to see which restaurant we will eat at that day. It worked for us.

Meal Planning removes that infuriating scenario of not knowing what to eat for that day by having set of meals planned for a week already. Not only did it eliminate stress but it also helped in how we do grocery efficiently and save food expenses as well. Our meal choices will be based on our tried, tested and loved dishes that my husband and I make or sometimes we would add in a few new dishes we wanted to try to cook in the mix. We would create meals or have meals per day based on the type of dish: Chicken Dish, Beef Dish, Seafood Dish, Pasta or Vegetable Dish, Leftover Day. I would make the list weekly or biweekly depending on our next grocery schedule. We know exactly what we will have for our meal tomorrow and what grocery items we will buy for next week. We allow flexibility in our meal plan also. If we don’t feel like cooking Chicken Adobo for today, we will exchange it with Beef Salpicao that was supposedly schedule for tomorrow, moving Chicken Adobo for next day’s meal. Easy Peasy!

2. Clothes of the Day System

Do you wonder why Mark Zurkerberg and Steve Jobs always wear the same clothes whenever you see them? Mark Zuckerberg with his plain grey t-shirt and Steve Jobs with his black turtlenceck, blue jeans and New Balance sneaker. They have a reason for it. Mark Zuckerberg eloquently answered that question in an interview. He stated that by wearing ‘a uniform’ eliminates the decision fatigue allowing him to conserve his energy by removing small decision-making (like what to eat or what to wear) towards more important things like running a successful business empire. Can you imagine if you are like Cher from the movie, Clueless, who has to do all that digital coordinating of outfit of the day every morning before she goes to school? It may look fun for one day but in the long run, I know that would be too exhausting for me.

Tobi x Little Miss Honey

So what I do to make my life easier is by categorising my clothes to work and going-out clothes. I decided what I will wear for the next day by getting the 1st dress or top on the right most corner of the cabinet depending if it is a work or going-out clothes (it can be both). If say I am going out for grocery that day and the clothes item on the right corner is too dressy for casual outing, I will leave it for my next work day and choose the next casual clothes item on the right. The clothes after being air-dried from laundry will be stored starting from the left corner of the cabinet. So the system exactly is like first in , first out. All my clothes definitely be worn in cycle. If I will just allow what I feel like it or what are my favourite clothes, I will be wearing only handful of clothes and neglecting some of my other clothes. If it is a top, that is when I get to decided to wear with it either slacks, skirt or jeans. I also removed the decision fatigue by deciding to wear skirt in morning and slacks in the evening, at work. I also stopped wearing accessories to work when the pandemic started. Previously, accessories was my way to get creative on my outfit of the day. I just wear accessories now when I am going out (which is not often). Same goes with my home clothes, I wear the below most t-shirt and shorts/home pants in the clothes pile and storing newly laundry clothes on top of the pile. Believe me, I love this system. I just pull out the 1st outfit on the right most part of the cabinet the night before, iron them and hang them out, ready for me to wear the next morning.

3. Morning & Evening Routine

The Miracle Morning

We love watching that Morning & Evening Routine videos by Youtubers. There is beauty to having routines in morning and evening. Having a routine in the morning allows you to start the day right by getting up in a particular time of the morning and performing a series of tasks to jumpstart your day. You can create your own specific morning routine. It could be having your morning coffee, then exercise then listening to your favorite podcast or it could be starting your day with a walk in the neighbourhood followed by journaling or reading one chapter of a book. (If you want to read about My Miracle Morning Routine, click here.)

Same goes with evening routine. It is good to have set of routine as you get ready for sleep. It gives your body a signal that it is time for rest. It could be a warm shower and lighting your scented candles or drinking your nightly herbal tea while listening to soft music. You will be surprised how transformative morning & evening routines can be.

Our kids are accustomed to their evening before bedtime routine. After my shower, they know automatically that they will brush their teeth. Then they will proceed in tidying up their toys in the living room (we reminded them at the start when we introduced this practice to them, now they know it is expected of them). Once they have cleaned up the mess in the living room, we will go in their bedroom and I say the nightly prayers with them before they sleep. Even in the morning, I don’t need to remind them that they will fix their blanket and put it in under their pillow. They will then go to the dining area for their breakfast. They normally choose whatever they want for their breakfast. They have their staple favourites. My eldest son would often have his breakfast decided the night before. He would tell me, “Mommy, I would like a peanut oatmeal tomorrow morning.” He would sleep dreaming about his favourite peanut butter oatmeal for the morning.

4. Cleaning Routine

Helping Cleaning Service

Life without helper here in Oman can be challenging. But often I would reserved the intensive sweeping and mopping of floors of the house as well as bathroom cleaning on weekends. I don’t allow my mood to dictate if I like cleaning the house on that day. I know that it is my cleaning day and I will clean the house. We try to maintain the house as tidy as possible (mind you, we have 3 toddlers in the house) so there won’t be massive clean-ups daily. It helps also that we don’t accumulate or buy so many things so we don’t have a lot of things to tidy. One thing that I want to incorporate in my cleaning routine now by using habit-stacking (taken from James Clear’s book Atomic Habits) is to sweep & mop the kitchen floor after my nightly washing of dishes. I have yet to implement this but we will see if I am able to keep up with.

5. Shopping System

You might be surprised that I find shopping to be stressful which is very opposite from other people. I am not a ‘browse around and see what I find’ kind of shopper. I want to go in a mall with a purpose. If you allow me to go in a mall and figure out what I want to buy or allow me to purchase my every whim, I would either end up in a mountain of debts or totally lost with anxiety & indecision due to the daunting multitude of choices available. So I go to the mall with a specific things on mind that I plan to buy. I would have a list of those items on my Notes on my phone. I would ask myself three questions before deciding on an item:

– Is it necessary?

– Will I still want this next week/month/year?

– Do I have a budget for this?

Having a list going to the mall allows me to be mindful of my purchases. This is, however, not fixed in stone. I may buy some items that are not on the lists and may leave out some of those in the lists. But having a curated shopping list (e.g. knowing you need to replace your work shoes or add some dresses in your wardrobe) can help you guide your purchases when out and about.

What you think of these hacks? I know for some people who prefer to wing it and find doing these too laborious and may think I am actually overly complicating things. It make seem too rigid and exhaustive. But I think creating systems is a lazy girl’s hack to getting things done especially if you have the system in place already. Some productivity guru would also call this as Strategic Laziness. Believe me, creating these systems is so freeing and effortless. But then again, to each its own.

Let me know if this list has been helpful for you

Filed Under: Fashion, Inspirations, Wellness Tagged With: Atomic Habits, Evening Routine, Habit-stacking, James Clear, Meal Planning, minimalism, Morning Routine, simplify your life, Strategic laziness, systems

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Hi I'm Honey! I am a Filipina who has studied & lived in Saudi Arabia for a few years, worked in Singapore and is currently based in Oman with my husband & our three little boys. I am a medical doctor, a lifestyle blogger, travel junkie, a foodie and a bookworm. I hope I can drizzle a bit of sunshine and inspirations whenever you drop by my blog. Thanks for dropping by! See ya soon.. :)
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