Textural interest and what's in your holiday capsule?

Yesterday when I wore this I was more concerned about being warm than looking fashionable. I don't feel this outfit was all that inspired. DH seemed to like it. I did like the play on textures (velvet pants, lace blouse and printed lace sweater) which makes it seem a little festive. Festive with a capital "F" would have included a lot more shine.  All of these pieces are in what I would consider my holiday capsule. I have been meaning to put one together.  Maybe I can get a few ideas from you ladies who already have a mental rolodex of your holiday mix and match pieces? So what is in your holiday capsule?

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39 Comments

  • Joyce B replied 10 years ago

    I think your outfit is pretty and I like the colors and texture of it. Also, the main thing is to stay warm but I think you got both things right, staying warm and looking great.

  • Neel replied 10 years ago

    Love your outfit!! The jacket does look festive and its a gorgeous color!

    My holiday capsule has a few holes. But here's a list of what I have off my head (both separates and dresses)

    1) a sequined tank
    2) a sequined skirt
    3) A silk bodycon midi dress with ruched sides
    4) a brocade flared skirt
    5) a lace overlay black dress
    6) a camel silk blouse with golden thread work
    7) two high heeled sandals in gold and silver
    8) a silver sequined clutch and an animal print envelope clutch

    I want to add:

    1) a festive jacket
    2) silk blouses or cashmere sweaters in black and white or other neutrals.
    3) a trouser in black in a superior material not sure what!
    4) a lace skirt not sure what color.
    5) a shiny slouchy pant :)

    Oh and a few fun hoses! That's a long list!

  • Aubergine replied 10 years ago

    I have no useful holiday capsule advice, but just wanted to say that I totally love that outfit. The sweater is gorgeous, and I really like how the combination of textures adds elegance to the whole look.

  • Mary Beth (formerly LBD) replied 10 years ago

    I really like this outfit, it has a lot of subtle visual interest :)

    Oddly, I never thought in terms of a holiday capsule worn as daily
    wear!  Right now I am having a huge duuuuuuuhhhhhhhh moment!    Yeesh
    and ye gods.    Duh!  I can work in my festive pieces in and among the everyday stuff.

    I realize Angie keeps saying this in her articles, but I guess somewhere
    in my mind, it was 'to wear to the parties, the potlucks, the random
    get-togethers, the holiday performances'.  I wasn't thinking in terms of 'everyday'.

    Let me see, my holiday capsule... I don't think it's a capsule, so much as individual pieces and a couple of dresses... off the top of my head...

    Most of my capsule is vintage or retro-inspired.    Hmm.  And sleeveless.  But I can work at least some of this into 'everyday'.

    1) A sequinned aqua sleeveless stretch top I bought at a vintage shop in Paris

    2)  A 1930's sheer black lace dress, also bought in Paris (Aha!  wardrobe hole!  I need a black slip)

    3) A sleeveless black lace bandage dress by Ann Taylor

    4) A nude sequinned Michael Kors pencil skirt

    5) A beaded 1950's style full skirt from Anthropologie

    6) A black silk/cashmere beaded/pearl-trimmed twinset that I bought in Japan.  Very dolly.    I need to dig it out of my closet and wear it this week!

    7) And the tour de force, a vintage 60's Lillie Rubin dress that was reconstructed to look like a Vegas showgirl dress.    I am wearing it to see Brian Setzer perform in a few weeks.

  • Day Vies replied 10 years ago

    Neel - It's funny when I bought the sweater I had no intention of wearing it specifically for "holiday" gatherings. I just happened to notice when I was putting up this post that the print combined with the textures looked rather festive. It's pairings like this that make me realize my holiday capsule could  be larger than the things I automatically think of (sparkly, velvety, shiny, lacy).

    I have been wanting a lace overlay dress, skirt and a sequin skirt. The skirt is a recent addition I have been pondering. I am not sure if I want a mini, pencil, A-line/skater or a tube skirt. Right now I have:
    • deep red velveteen boot cut jeans
    • matching jacket that ties with a bow
    • black stretch lace blouse
    • black satin print skirt
    • cream sequin sweater
    • black velvet pant
    • navy velvet pant
    • bronze scoop neck sweater
    • gray sequin tank

    I think I want to do a capsule simply because I may find happy accidents like the sweater above that don't look obviously holiday but could be gussied up to look holiday.

    La Belle - we must have cross posted. Yeah -- I'm having that kind of moment too where I am realizing that "holiday" can be everyday. Your holiday capsule sounds lush. I can't wait to see pictures. (you will be taking pictures right???)

  • Neel replied 10 years ago

    That is the exact reason why I want versatile pieces like the silk blouses and cashmere sweaters! They can be jazzed up for a festive occasion or they could be dressed down for daily wear! I have a huge wardrobe hole for this kind of items! I have either typical festive stuff or typical daily wear which aren't of the make or quality to be worn as festive wear!

  • LACeleste replied 10 years ago

    Hi,

    You look great!!  I enjoy reading about your capsules.

    My holiday capsule is in good shape thanks to YLF.   I have:

    -Soft gold leather jacket
    -Black patent leather jacket
    -Silk velvet wide leg pants
    -Gold shimmer button down
    -Black lace skirt
    -Bronze sequin pullover
    -Jewel studded silk velvet tunic
    -Faux persian lamb coat
    -Silk grey/black animal print pencil skirt
    -Black subtle sparkle drape-y top
    -Red tartan jacket
    -Black satin a line skirt
    -Tuxedo jacket
    -Black suede long sleeve top
    -Pointy ankle strap pumps

  • Joy replied 10 years ago

    Day, I'm so glad that you started this thread! I love your lux outfit. The lace print on the sweater almost looks like an animal print on my iPad screen.
    I'll come back with what I have collected for holiday season wear. The weather this time of year can be bitterly cold or balmy, sometimes in the same day. I have to be careful to have lightweight items included. Plus I spend 2 weeks working a charitable Christmas shop and can get filthy in the warehouse conditions. Washable festive wear is high on the list.

  • Lisa replied 10 years ago

    I have a really small holiday capsule and I generally pull pieces from my business capsule to round out holiday outfits.  The workhorse item for me is a sparkle tank.  I pair this with a cardigan or blazer, jeans and boots for family gatherings and casual parties.  I use the same sparkle tank for dressier affairs, I just swap out the jeans for one of my suits and a pair of pumps.  I also add in statement necklaces/earrings to mix things up.

  • Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago

    This is a gorgeous outfit on you DV - the rich purple colour is stunning you.

    Holiday capsule? Yep...don't have one :(

  • texstyle replied 10 years ago

    Really pretty outfit - love that rich color on you and I can see why DH likes it since you look fantastic.

    My holiday capsule is small but typically there are only a few mostly casual events for us.

    - White slim jeans with silver brocade pattern
    - Silver/grey light cotton v-neck sweater
    - Silver dressy tee (in case it's really warm and the sweater won't work)
    - A very sparkly, bold statement necklace that looks like snowflakes
    - LBD and festive sash (just in case we go to something more formal)
    - In case it's really cold - black slim pants and black booties

  • rachylou replied 10 years ago

    Beautiful and cozy! You've really been on a roll, btw... I love the neat, trim look you have.

  • catgirl replied 10 years ago

    Lovely. 

    I saw this at Nordstrom and caved.  It's the only holiday item I'm buying - it's dressy and a little off my style radar, but it looks amazing on and the stud-like neckline gives it some edge.

    http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ro.....-personali

  • Beth Ann replied 10 years ago

    You look terrific, DV!  Love the velvet pants and the rich colors!  I used to wear holiday inspired pieces daily, from T-day to Epiphany (I believe in the whole 12 days -- no cutting Christmas off at New Years!).  I haven't done this in a long time. 

    As for a holiday capsule, I've gotta get in the closet and play!  I've been trying to decide whether to keep the AT skirt I got when shopping with you.  I did order the tall, for a little more length, which was a good idea, I think. 

    I think I might play with some festive colors and textures, too.  The items I think would work:
    1.  tiered black georgette skirt (great for singing, with movement and a knee covering length)
    2.  black velvet jacket (need to change the buttons)
    3.  black boyfriend jacket
    4.  oxblood Munro booties
    5.  velvet skirt
    6.  Black beaded, sheer shirt (very old, need to do a K/T)
    7.  Red floral shell
    8.  Green with black polka dot blouse
    9.  Jag bootcuts (for Angie's bootcuts and sparkle sweater formula)
    10. Red dress (very day appropriate
    11.  Red jeans -- about ready to toss, but maybe I should wait until after the holidays.

    hmm....... think my kids can fix their own lunch?  I'm not working 'til 5 today, perhaps I should hide out in my closet?

  • LAR101 replied 10 years ago

    A second on Aubergine's comments.
    Lovely outfit.
    Gorgeous sweater.
    Combination of textures elegant.

  • qfbrenda replied 10 years ago

    Beautiful outfit!  I love that sweater on you.

    Hmm... I don't really have a holiday capsule since we don't do much Christmas partying.  And I'm not much of a magpie so I don't do major sparkle

    What I have that works:
    red sheath dress
    black lace dress
    black dressy cardigan
    silver clutch
    gray cashmere v-neck (on the way)

    maroon lace sweater

    What I'd like to add:
    black silk blouse---button-down shape, nothing too girly
    black tank with mild sparkle

  • Day Vies replied 10 years ago

    Una - that blouse is gorgeous. I LOVE that shade of emerald green especially with black. Festive edgy and just plain killer!

    Beth Ann - I think deciding to keep in a longer version the AT skirt was an excellent choice. I really like the versatility of a lace skirt. It can go from everyday to an event with a capital E. I think you should play in the closet this afternoon. Give yourself 90 min and see what you can pull together. I'll be doing that this weekend. We have a few events planned.

  • LACeleste replied 10 years ago

    Seconding Day Vies.  Una, That top is incredible!

  • Isabel replied 10 years ago

    I love this. I love the different textures and the color is wonderful on you. 

    I have a small holiday/fancy clothes capsule. Jacquard black pants, black skirt, a black jacquard long blazer.  A couple of fancier tops and 3 pairs of pumps ( Black, silver, taupish snakeprint ).  But THEN there is my holiday jewelry capsule. I have a lot of that .  Every year I buy a couple of beutiful big earrings from J. Crew after the holidays and on sale. I have quite a collection. I also have some large, crystal brass bracelets and all kinds of silver. That is my forté and true love.   : ) 

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    This is a beautiful outfit, on  you  Day Vies, and you are right -- it feels subtly festive. 

    And what a great thread. I am so glad you started this. Because I don't really have a holiday capsule and I need one! So I'm off to consider what it would include. I am sure it could feature: 

    Dark grey tank with sequins
    Fuchsia silk suit (but only for indoor at home wear at this time of year -- cropped pants!) 
    Bronze leaf print asymmetrical pleated full skirt
    white jeans (with the right accompaniments...if I had them...)
    Nicole Miller sheath dress (if I had the right topper)
    Cranberry red button down
    Cranberry booties

    hmmm. Not a lot here. No wonder I struggle to come up with festive outfits.

  • milehighstyle (Linda) replied 10 years ago

    Most of my holiday outings will be somewhat casual, so I'm not including any dresses in my capsule, although I could come up with something dressier if I needed to:
    navy jacquard slim pants
    black coated jeans
    cobalt silk a-line skirt
    black velvet blazer
    white tuxedo jacket
    black long vest
    metallic silver sweater
    taupe sweater with beaded sleeves
    silk leopard print blouse
    burgundy suede booties
    black/navy/grey colorblocked patent brogues
    I'd like to get a sparkly top or 2 and some metallic smoking slippers, but no big emergency.

  • MuseumGal replied 10 years ago

    I actually you look quite festive - the jacket is very rich looking.
    But holy smokes I never even thought about a holiday capsule ...

  • Angie replied 10 years ago

    A column of colour is very effective. Flattering and just lovely, DV. Plus you look cuddly - so of course DH liked this outfit. xo

  • carambola replied 10 years ago

    Lovely! Your outfit would be perfect for a holiday party with my family - but minus the belt because, while beautiful, it would be far too restrictive for all the eating and drinking.

  • Day Vies replied 10 years ago

    Isabel - I LOVE the sound of your jewelry collection. I have become obsessed with styling statement necklaces with casual outfits the spiff them up. I am working on a few ideas for my holiday capsule.

    Suz - I am coming to the same conclusion. It's difficult to come up with outfits when you don't focus on what you need until you need it. I just don't want to have to stand infront of my closet going  "uhhhh....." at the 11th hour

  • Thistle replied 10 years ago

    You look terrific! I can see why DH liked it so well. Fashionable and cuddly.

    As for a holiday capsule, well, still working on that :)

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    DV, that is precisely what I usually do -- so that's why I'm glad you started the thread! 

    My "parties" and occasions tend to be sadly casual. Yet I want something a bit festive. So...I don't know. I need to do some serious thinking here. 

  • lyn* replied 10 years ago

    DV - I don't have that many holiday parties, but I have a few sparkily party dresses and a brocade skirt that would be party appropriate. I sneak these pieces in during the year anyway into my normal wardrobe.

    *sneaky sneak sneak*

  • Sveta replied 10 years ago

    Your outfit looks lovely and texture rich, Day.

    My outfit capsule is virtually non-existing: I usually use all items for everyday as well: I have so few really dressy occasions in my life that it does not make sense for me to have a separate wardrobe :-(
    I have:
     - Tahari LBD;
    - black sequin tunic top;
    - silk Ellen Tracy dress with sequins (the only special occasion item I don't wear for regular days);
    - flared midi with silver threads;
    - bone / silver pointy toe slingbacks;
    - white BB button down shirt
    Pretty dismal, huh? but sufficient for my even more dismal un-glamour social life!  

  • Summer replied 10 years ago

    Beautiful outfit on you. Love the mix of textures and I would definitely qualify it as festive!

    New to this capsule concept, off to read more...I *do* need a couple of holiday outfits and I'll be starting almost from scratch.

  • Day Vies replied 10 years ago

    Sveta you couldn't look dismal if you tried!

  • texstyle replied 10 years ago

    Day Vies and Suz - I highly recommend adding a bold sparkly fun necklace to your holiday capsules if you don't already have one and you want an easy and affordable way to dress up a simple outfit.   This isn't the one I got but it is similar:

    http://www.jeweliq.com/collect.....s-necklace

  • Day Vies replied 10 years ago

    Texstyle - I think that's an excellent solution! I've been trolling pinterest for pictures of statement necklace outfits. Confirmation that I'm moving in the right direction.

  • DonnaF replied 10 years ago

    For the first time, I think I'll have something dressy for our regular New Year's Eve party, but now we may not even be able to attend!  :(

    What I'd like to wear:

    Mulberry lace ballet neck top: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/to.....n=wishlist
    or if that doesn't fit, a dark green pindot blouse or a citron blouse
    Vintage (late 1940s) heavy taffeta pleated midi skirt
    Black, gray, silver and gold obi belt made from obi fabric
    Black stockings with black fishnets layered over
    Thrifted black suede with gold trim pointy toed, kitten heeled mules
    Gold bag -- rarely seen since piled on top of other bags in bedroom
    Gold studded fingerless gloves -- worn outside at midnight to stomp on bubble wrap to make popping sounds

    Not sure about top layer.  If Bellatrix vest with bronzy pailettes, the obi belt would be switched out to something plainer, probably a solid black or red silk one. 

    What I probably will wear (if will be stay at homes at my MIL's):

    Jeans & t-shirt/shirt -- whatever still remains clean after a week of being out of town and is not packed for driving home the next day

  • rebekahphoto replied 10 years ago

    DV your outfit looks so pretty! I love the color and texture of the sweater.

    My holiday capsule needs a bit of review & refresher! ...and I just found out today I have an office party for the DH to attend in 2 weeks, so need to get to it asap.

    Seems many of these items are too tight currently, so I will need to be more creative re-mixing....I have always enjoyed luxe fabrics, and sparkly & unusual jewelry. I often will dress for art openings in a similar way to holiday parties, so the capsule can do double duty. This year I am thinking of mixing a sparkly or velvet red topper with slim ponte pants and fancy jewels....

    What I have:

    -black lace overlay short sleeve fit & flare dress
    -black velvet tuxedo jacket.
    -turquoise vintage 3/4 sleeve brocade jacket
    -cobalt velvet jacket
    -black v-neck draped sheath dress
    -deep red v-neck velvet tunic
    -embellished black silk layering tank
    -red faux-wrap cap sleeve dress
    -burgundy sequin drapey sleeveless top
    -black lace/nude underlay sleeveless top
    -red patterned velvet skinnys

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 10 years ago

    What a great outfit on you, Day Vies! It is pretty and festive--I love the feminine touches of lace, velvet, and the pattern.
    Thanks for asking the question, because I hadn't really solved my holiday capsule. Today's post by Angie got me panicking, er thinking, about what I'm even going to wear on Thanksgiving! Lots of great ideas here, and I realize I can pull together something appropriately holiday-like and comfy, maybe involving my wine silk blouse and/or sweater and/or matching scarf/wrap.

  • E replied 10 years ago

    Reading this thread has given me a few ideas and driven home a wardrobe hole of mine! I have a million (slight exaggeration) party appropriate tops, because I love silk and lace and velvet, a couple of velvet jackets and finer cardigans, but I am sadly lacking in party bottoms. :/ I live a pretty casual life, but it does make me panic when something comes up a few times a year. I just thrifted a silk taupe skirt with silver embroidery for the ballet I'm going to in a few weeks, but I'd also like 1 or 2 more fancy skirts (ideally something heavily textured like brocade or velvet and something tutu-inspired) and 2 pairs of fancier trousers (velvet and something season-spanning like shot silk or even just a really nice tropical wool so I could wear them in warm weather too). As long as they're not too over the top, I think I could dress them down to incorporate into my everyday life, since I already love textures, and it would result in much less panicking. At least I have a pair of party shoes now! In past years that's also been a source of stress.

    I wouldn't say no to finding the perfect silk party dress while out thrifting either. But I already have so many pretty tops, it's my frustration at not having anything fancy to pair them with that really stands out!

  • bj1111 replied 10 years ago

    your outfit + neck bling like you suspect would make this party appropriate.  you might even get different styles of bling, swap out the shoes and be prepped for parties across the casual-dressy spectrum. 

    this is my holiday capsule from last year.  i think i'm still good to go with these.
    http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....hiny-pants

  • Day Vies replied 10 years ago

    bj1111 - thanks for reposting -- lots of great ideas. I remember this thread too! 

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