Capsule Wardrobe Tips + Template

June 12, 2022 The Ameri Brit Mom2 Comments

In December of 2020, I embarked on a journey to curate a capsule wardrobe for myself. Inspired by Courtney Carver’s Project 333, I decided to clear out my closet and take a more ethical approach to clothing choices.

To read my initial post (my most popular post of all time) check out Project 333: A Book Review.

I’ve learned a few things and tailored the Project 333 approach to fit my needs and lifestyle. Below is The Ameri Brit Mom’s best tips for creating your own Capsule Wardrobe and a special template.

Tips to Start a Capsule Wardrobe

Begin by defining how long your capsule wardrobe will serve you. I live in the midwest and the weather cycles match the changing seasons. With that in mind, I kept the suggested timeline of 3 months for a capsule.
Set aside “out of season” clothing in a storage bin or tote out of sight. You will be less likely to go searching for a piece if it is out of the way.
Recycle or donate clothing that does not make the cut. If a piece makes it through a whole year without being in the capsule, it’s time to part ways.
Figure out a number of pieces that meets your needs. Consider events, holidays, or professional needs when setting those numbers. Project 333 would encourage 33 pieces, but I found that some seasons I needed more and others I needed less.
Try to stick to a neutral color scheme so that most pieces can be worn in combination together. It’s okay to have a few pieces with bright colors or prints, but the majority of the capsule should be on the neutral spectrum.

Benefits of a Capsule Wardrobe

Each day I spend far less time than I used to trying to “put an outfit together.” I can spend more time doing other things I enjoy rather than pondering over what to wear.
My eco-footprint is reduced because I own less and it takes less to power and energy to maintain the pieces in my wardrobe.
The choices I make in purchasing are based on comfort and durability and not on trends. This saves a lot of time and money!
Every day I am wearing one of my favorite pieces! I only keep those pieces that I absolutely LOVE. It’s not worth the time and space to hang on to pieces with sentimental value or that make me feel bad about my body shape or size. I love every piece and they each make me feel fantastic about ME.

Capsule Wardrobe Template

Are you interested in creating a capsule wardrobe for yourself?

I’ve taken everything I’ve learned since 2020 and made a template to help you get started on a capsule wardrobe journey.

You can download this template when you join my Patreon. I can also customize your template to meet your needs (FREE TO PATRONS!) In addition to gaining this template and others like it, you will be joining a community of supportive readers.

Patreon is helping The Ameri Brit Mom launch as a small business and is cultivating a direct relationship between myself as a creator and my community. Additionally, I offer writing and editing services monthly and a short story is published once a month that is exclusive to this group.

Join my Patreon

Whether you choose to join the Patreon or not, I hope that my tips have helped you to consider your own wardrobe. Are you happy with the amount you own? Do you love every piece? Is there a piece or two that you can get rid of today because it no longer serves your needs? That’s what capsule wardrobes are all about–conscious choices that simplify closet spaces.

The Ameri Brit Mom

Uncategorized

Project 333: A Book Review

December 10, 2020 The Ameri Brit Mom5 Comments

Title: Project 333

Author: Courtney Carver

Publisher: TarcherPerigee

Copyright Date: 2020

On my journey toward living a simplified life my research led me to Courtney Carver. She is a writer, lifestyle blogger, and health aficionado who has published her wisdom in other books and on her website Be More With Less. The more I looked into her process of eliminating clutter to focus on what matters most, the more I was drawn to this book.

The essence of this book [or project] is that you reduce the excess in your closet to help produce clarity that will eventually spill over into other areas of your life. It’s a minimalist principle, and one that I have been trying to accomplish in my own life. By limiting what you wear down to 33 pieces over 3 months you are achieving a minimalist capsule wardrobe that is sure to simplify getting ready and putting outfits together.

Before I read this book I had a problem.

Almost all of my adult life I had been a shopaholic. I spent hours on end shopping [online mostly] and buying more than I could ever need or wear. My walk-in closet was full and I found myself in want of new hangers and more space. In the back of my mind I knew that I had a problem, but it wasn’t until I came across this book that I addressed that problem and I am here to tell you that it works.

I worked through the book and embarked on the challenge slowly, but with a hard deadline to begin my first Project 333 on December 1. I’m ten days into the challenge and I have so much to share with you, but that’s a different post for a different day.

So why do I recommend this book?

-The book opens with the benefits of the project and provides statistics and facts that cannot be disputed.

– It attacks some of the insecurities or excuses we make for living a consumer lifestyle.

-One of my favorite parts was the discussion on eco benefits, sustainability and ethical production practices. This section helped me to make better choices when shopping is necessary and provided great options for getting rid of pieces I no longer wished to keep.

-I walked through the clean out process with an easy-to-implement plan.

-The rules for the challenge were flexible for my lifestyle, season, and location.

With the help of Carver’s Project 333, I donated 3 bags of clothes and accessories to the local thrift store. I put a tote of clothes I may wear in future seasons in my garage. I cleaned out and organized my closet and I learned the freedom of dressing with less.

I love that getting ready takes so much less time. I no longer stand in the doorway of my closet thinking –“I have nothing to wear.” In fact, I have all that I need in order to only wear my favorite pieces over the next 3 months.

Keep an eye out for more posts about my first capsule and be sure to follow my Facebook Page if you want to see updates on my experience with Project 333. Also, if you want to keep in touch with what I am reading be sure to follow me on Goodreads.

The Ameri Brit Mom

Spirit Week Outfits

October 1, 2018September 29, 2018 The Ameri Brit MomLeave a comment

Last week was Spirit Week at the high school where I teach. My goal was to participate (as I always do) without spending ANY money on my outfits. It was so much fun to coordinate with the themes chosen by the Student Council.

Below is a look at what I came up with each day.

Monday: Superhero Day

My husband had an old Superman shirt that he bought years ago at Walmart. I found it in his closet (it was an XL–which is even too big for him) and I tied it up to make it look less massive and more “cute.” I also wore cropped jeans paired with converse Sperrys in navy blue.

Tuesday: Tacky Tourist Day

I wore a loud floral print shirt with khakis. I borrowed a floppy beach hat from my cousin and the Michael Kors fanny pack was bummed from a former student. To complete the look I wore strappy sandals that didn’t really match the colors in the rest of my outfit. This was probably my favorite of the outfits for the week.

Wednesday: Grease/College Day

Our school’s annual college fair was scheduled for Wednesday night and so while the students were dressing like characters from Grease the staff was to wear college gear to promote the event. My sister recently moved to Canada to study at Brock University and she sent me this t-shirt so I could talk to my students about her school. I paired the college tee with army green pants and a cardigan with fall hues.

Thursday: Disney Day

I joined a gaggle of teachers who dressed as dalmatians from 101 Dalmatians. I used my Cricut to cut out the spots and safety-pinned them to my white t-shirt. I put my hair in two high buns to make dog-ears. For my bottoms, I wore black leggings with shorts over top and black Toms.

Friday: Blue and Gold Day

To show school spirit I wore a crew neck sweatshirt, blue and gold earrings, cropped jeans, and my navy converse Sperrys.

Which outfit is your favorite?

Go Vikings!

The Ameri Brit Mom

Fashion · Uncategorized

Indigo Roads

September 10, 2018September 10, 2018 The Ameri Brit Mom2 Comments

This is my friend Heather.

She is one beautiful woman that I am thankful for having crossed paths with in life. The first time I met her was in a Small Group that we visited years ago, and then we’ve continued to develop our friendship on the sidelines of soccer fields and basketball courts. Our kiddos are all close and we now attend church together as well. Heather is a beautiful soul who gives her ALL in everything she does. Her love for the Lord is also evident in the way she raises her boys and serves the children and families of our community.

I could go on and on about how much I admire her. She’s pretty fantastic.

Today, I want to give some love to her newest venture. Heather is the creative mind behind Indigo Roads Boutique.

Heather designs and creates earrings using genuine leather and a Cricut machine. Her designs are beautiful and fun and I just cannot get enough of them. Browsing her website has become one of my favorite pastimes. The things she can do with a little bit of leather and a blade blow my mind! When I think I’ve seen it all she comes out with a new design.

Over the past few months I’ve built up a collection for my daughter and I…

All of her earrings are lightweight, comfortable, versatile, and gorgeous. Whenever I wear them I get so many compliments. Of course, I carry around her business cards and hand them out whenever someone brings them up. I’m all about helping a friend in her small business and Heather makes that so easy with her awesome products.

Some of my favorites currently in her albums…

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How to Buy

If you want to browse Indigo Roads Boutique join her Facebook Group. Live sales are done frequently or you can purchase through commenting on a photo “sold” within her albums. Once you comment on a photo she will get in contact with you about payment via Paypal and will need your address for shipping. It’s a very simple process.

If you like what you see here please consider supporting Heather. Click on any of the links provided in this post and head over to her Facebook group. Let me know if you end up buying any of her products as a result of this post!

Which pair do you love most?

The Ameri Brit Mom

dressing and educating · Uncategorized

Dressing and Educating: Catch Up Edition

April 26, 2017April 23, 2017 The Ameri Brit Mom2 Comments

This post is a catch up edition to the days I’ve missed since taking my short vacation from the blog. Since I have so many outfits to describe I will be brief.

Day 147: April 3, 2017

I wore a Cassie skirt and Classic T from Lula Roe. I like the peek-a-boo tank look with a knotted tee.

Day 148: April 4, 2017

I wore a pair of OS leggings by Lula Roe and a navy tunic from The Limited.

Day 149: April 5, 2017

I wore my Kebede Mixed Material top by Skies Are Blue from Stitch Fix # 7 and Ellaine Open Cardigan by PaperMoon from Stitch Fix # 4 and coral jeggings.

Day 150: April 6, 2017

I wore a brand new outfit from Lula Roe. I went to a pop-up party the night before and scored these OS leggings and this Irma.

Day 151: April 7, 2017

I wore spirit-gear and jeans today.

Day 152: April 10, 2017

I kicked off Holy Week with a blue and red striped Carly dress from Lula Roe.

Day 153: April 11, 2017

I wore my Rinald Front Pocket Blouse by Fun2Fun from Stitch Fix #6 and Abrianna Knit Cardigan by 41Hawthorn from Stitch Fix #1 and navy cargo pants from Old Navy.

Day 154: April 12, 2017

I proctored the state AIR tests today for the entire school day. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to capture my attire for the day.

Day 155: April 13, 2017

I wore OS leggings from Lula Roe and a navy tunic from the Limited. I added flair to this outfit with a long open-front vest.

Day 156: April 17, 2017

I wore a maxi dress from Old Navy with a Classic T from Lula Roe knotted over top of the dress. This is my first time ever wearing a tee over a dress and I really liked this look!

Day 157: April 18, 2017

I wore red OS leggings from Lula Roe and a long sleeved striped tunic.

Day 158: April 19, 2017

As part of my district’s improvement plan I spent today in curriculum meetings with the other World History teachers creating maps for our units of study. I did not get a photo of my outfit today.

Day 159: April 20, 2017

I wore OS leggings and an Irma top from Lula Roe.

Day 160: April 21, 2017

I wore this spring top from Charming Charlies and a pair of jeans. Students had a half-day today as it was the mid-term. Teachers had afternoon meetings and professional development. We focused on making a difference in the lives of our students.

Which looks were your favorite?

The Ameri Brit Mom

**This post contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation as a result of this post.

Fashion · Uncategorized

LipSense Review

April 25, 2017April 23, 2017 The Ameri Brit MomLeave a comment

I’ve always wanted to be one of those women who wears lipstick. My goal was always to have that put-together, naturally beautiful look, but a combination of the way it dried out my lips and the ease at which products rubbed off as I ate and talked kept me from wearing it regularly. Over the years, I’ve tried a number of products, but none have proven satisfactory. For months, I’ve noticed several of my friends on social media posting about LipSense. It is a lipstick that promises longevity and moisture for dry lips. I was skeptical after my experience with almost every other company, but when I was invited to a live party I decided to try it out.

At the party, I chose several shades to try on myself. I ended up loving Precious Topaz.

The way you apply LipSense is different than any other I’ve worn. It’s a thin, alcohol-based formula that you apply in layers using long swipes in one direction. Each layer dries within ten seconds. Ideally, you should have three layers of the product on your lips, but I’ll admit I’ve cheated and done some applications with only a single layer and it was fine. After the layers are in place you finish the look with a generous amount of gloss. The gloss locks in the color and hydrates your lips.

Once you have finished with application the color should last 10-18 hours depending on the pH of your skin. Mine usually only lasts about 8 hours, but during that time it doesn’t transfer or rub off.

Because I’ve been a Chapstick fanatic for years, the first application was painful. My lips tingled and cracked as the LipSense formula worked to reverse the effects of wax buildup from Chapstick.

In my experience, the more I used the products the healthier my lips felt. Wearing it daily helps keep my lips hydrated. Glossy gloss has been a great replacement to Chapstick. I like to wear the gloss on its own and also while I sleep.

The first time you order LipSense you need to be sure to get the whole kit. The kit includes lip color, gloss, and Oops Remover. Oops Remover is absolutely necessary for removing the color at the end of the day.

So far, I’ve been very pleased with my experience. I get countless compliments each day that I wear LipSense. My advice for anyone who has naturally dry lips is to give it a week to achieve desired results. The first few days were painful for me, but as time wore on the pain went away. Before LipSense I was damaging my lips using products that contained wax and GMOs. I’m thankful for a product I can feel confident in while also knowing it is advancing my lip health.

If you are interested in giving LipSense a try check out the contact information below. Rachel is my consultant. She has some really good tutorial videos on her social media sites.

Facebook: Make up and Chill with Rachel

Instagram: make_up_and_chill

Email: makeupandchillwithrachel@gmail.com

The Ameri Brit Mom

dressing and educating · Uncategorized

Dressing and Educating: Days 140-143

April 5, 2017April 4, 2017 The Ameri Brit Mom2 Comments

This week was our state test week. I will spare you all the test anxieties and dramas and skip right to the goods–the fashion.

Day 140: March 21, 2017

I started the short week with my black tunic from The Limited and OS leggings from Lula Roe.

Day 141: March 22, 2017

I added Spring color with coral jeggings and paired it with my Ilaria Crochet Trim Tunic Stitch Fix #8.

Day 142: March 23, 2017

I dressed comfortably today for four hours of proctoring. I wore a navy and white striped top and grey leggings with boots.

Day 143: March 24, 2017

The last day before Spring Break and the final day of proctoring! I wore a striped top from Old Navy and black OS leggings from Lula Roe.

Which look was your favorite?

The Ameri Brit Mom

*This post contains affiliate links and I may receive compensation as a result.

dressing and educating · Fashion · Uncategorized

Dressing and Educating: Days 134-138

March 29, 2017April 2, 2017 The Ameri Brit MomLeave a comment

Day 134: March 13, 2017

After a week of testing, it was nice to return to the usual schedule and routine in the classroom. In English we read through and interpreted the prologue to Romeo and Juliet and in Honors World History we spent time summarizing major events from the Russian Revolution.

I wore a black sweater and tights from Old Navy, a turquoise scarf and a skirt from The Limited.

Day 135: March 14, 2017

We finally began reading Romeo and Juliet today. Students were assigned parts and we acted out the first two scenes of the play. One of my students has a peacock at home and brought in several feathers so that we could act out the sword fight of the opening scene. I’ve never done that before in my classes, but it was very fun and memorable. In Honors World History we compared the NEP of Lenin to Stalin’s Five Year Plans through readings and videos.

It was a frigid day so I wore Lula Roe leggings, a long sweater from Target, and my navy puffer vest from J.Crew.

Day 136: March 15, 2017

Another wet and frigid Ohio day. In English we finished reading through the remainder of Act I from Romeo and Juliet. At this point every student has had an opportunity to read a part. In Honors World History we worked on a study guide for the Russian Revolution test next week.

I wore my Jessika Cowl Neck Poncho by RD Style from my Stitch Fix #10, a maroon layering top from Maurices, black slacks from The Limited and black boots.

Day 137: March 16, 2017

Today was my husband’s birthday!

We woke up early and I made breakfast/tea in bed. He opened presents and we spent time cuddling as a family before school. It was another really cold day so it made it even harder to leave the warmth of my house this morning.

In English, we watched the first twenty-four minutes of the Romeo and Juliet movie on Netflix and then spent the remainder of the class comparing that to what we have read thus far in the play. In Honors World History, the students are working on an ongoing project about World War II so I gave them a class period with the computers to get some research and writing done.

I wore my Annaway Cable Knit Sweater by RD Style from my Stitch Fix #8, olive jeggings and ankle boots.

Day 138: March 17, 2017

Saint Patrick’s Day and guess who forgot to wear green!?! This lady! It seems like every year I’m so caught up on planning my husband’s birthday on the 16th that Saint Patrick’s Day creeps up on me. I was nearly at school in the morning when I remembered the holiday, and of course I didn’t have any green on.

So despite my students complaining that I was not dressed appropriately for the holiday today I did get some productive work accomplished. In English, the students read for half the period from their own independent books. Following that they took a quiz over the first act of Romeo and Juliet. In Honors World History, we spent the period reviewing the Russian Revolution for the quiz next week.

Which look was your favorite this week?

The Ameri Brit Mom

dressing and educating · Fashion · Uncategorized

Dressing and Educating: Days 129-133

March 15, 2017April 2, 2017 The Ameri Brit MomLeave a comment

This week my school gave our post-assessments. Each day we were on a modified testing schedule. The focus of the week for me was giving and grading post assessments so instruction was minimal. Here’s a look at my outfits this week:

Day 129: March 6, 2017- Carly and One Size Leggings from Lula Roe

Day 130: March 7, 2017- Shan Color Block Hem Knit Top by Olive & Oak from Stitch Fix #11 and olive jeggings.

Day 131: March 8, 2017- Carlito Dolman Knit Top by Paper Moon from Stitch Fix #4 and black slacks.

Day 132: March 9, 2017-I was so busy wrapping up grades I completely forgot to take a picture today.

Day 133: March 10, 2017- White tank from Atmosphere (Primark) and a cardigan from Maurices.

Which look was your favorite this week?

The Ameri Brit Mom

dressing and educating · Fashion · Uncategorized

Dressing and Educating: Days 124-128

March 8, 2017April 2, 2017 The Ameri Brit MomLeave a comment

Day 124: February 27, 2017

A new week brought new content to my English class. We are headed for Romeo and Juliet, but started with an introduction to analyzing poetry to start. We spent today defining terms and looking at examples of traditional and organic poetry. In Honors World History,we discussed the Paris Peace Conference and the end of World War I.

I wore a dress from Wet Seal, leggings from Lula Roe, and a black cardigan.

Day 125: February 28, 2017

The weather was beautiful today in Ohio. It’s been the strangest winter as it has only snowed a couple of times. In English we studied uses of the semicolon and I also handed out the study guide for next week’s post-assessment. In Honors World History we were supposed to go over a student example of a Document Based Question in preparation for the World War I quiz. There was a lockdown at my school all afternoon so that didn’t happen in my afternoon classes. I didn’t even have one class at all and the other afternoon class was cut short.

I wore a Classic T by Lula Roe, leggings and my-Dinah Open Front Cardigan by Staccato from Stitch Fix # 3.

Day 126: March 1, 2016

There were terrible storms last night that spread into the morning hours. My drive to work involved bright flashes of lightning and downpours. In English we reviewed oxymorons and analyzed poetry in small groups. In Honors World History we played review BINGO to prepare for the World War I Quiz.

I wore my Queensland Dolman Jersey Top by 41Hawthorn from Stitch Fix #2, black pants from The Limited, and rain boots by Sperry.

Day 127: March 2, 2017

I only taught during the morning today. I took a half day so that I could join my husband at one of his basketball shows in northern Ohio. In English we read and analyzed The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe. In Honors World History the students took their World War I Quiz while a substitute teacher covered my class.

I wore navy slacks, a peasant top from Target and a navy vest from Old Navy.

Day 128: March 3, 2017

With post-assessments next week I spent the entire day prepping my students for those by providing study guides and test-prep questions. (I didn’t get a photo of myself in jeans and spirit-wear today.)

Which look was your favorite this week?

The Ameri Brit Mom