Le Closet Capsule: 2023

Homemade, shape shifted, thrifted, and/ or bought with purpose!

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The Bow Bandeau/ Suit & Christmas Tree Skirt Gem

Starting out with a bang, bringing to those who haven't seen it on my Instagram, here lies a homemade rusty orange glittered to the heavens sheer bow sewn to a blended spandex bandeau fabric top, sheer train elongated to my ankles. The bottom, drumroll pleaseee, was a "Christmas tree skirt", and regarded as a "couture" vibe by my teacher, which of course was the best compliment I could've received. I ended up adding more ornaments after being talked out of the safe "minimalist" look, contributing to the "couture" accolade. The idea was inspired by YouTuber Amber Scholl who made a longer maxi couture looking dress two years ago back on her channel.

I always wanted the excuse to make it, so I wasted no time leaping on this project when I got the chance. Together these pieces took just under a month to make, and could've easily pushed the threshold, but I truly fell in love with the act of my hands sewing/creating and what either felt like fast progress or quality learning because believe me, I messed up, but this is the first experience in adulthood where I physically felt my anxiety subside within the course of an activity vs having it linger or resurface excessively.

I made slacks too, and took the remaining sheer fabrics from the top to use for a handkerchief moment and a makeshift a headwrap or hooded serve.

The "suit' was a solid encapsulation, but the tree skirt idea, which came shortly after finishing the pants (just before Thanksgiving), gave the extra fun, artistic push I also wanted to showcase.

Shoes, thrifted. Hoop skirt, Amazon. Top fabrics, donated. Ornaments, garlands, glue guns and hooks, Walmart.

I brought this top back out on Christmas Day to show out for my fellow black community at The Color Purple and dialed it way down putting it over a comfy black turtleneck tucked into gray ripped denim jeans. I paired it with thigh high boots and medium gold hoop earrings, but could easily swap for my Adidas and studs.

The cozy cropped sweater + maxi skirt duo

I'll let the pictures do the talking, but I definitely put work in on wearing this sweater. I bought it back in April, and I've been able to successfully bring it with me through the seasons. I love this sweater because of everything from the color and texture to the fit. I'm short, so the longer ones often appear bulky on me, and with this one, the crop fit accentuates my shape and still provides the ability to layer over lighter layers.

Dressing Up

Dress and cropped sweater, American Eagle. Sunglasses, Forever 21

A close family friend and I frolicked at my family's home, and dare I say, PERFECT Gone-with-the-wind musical frolicking type sweater. It has the cute ability to romantically drape off the shoulder, making room for whatever fancy strap, or lack thereof, to gracefully present itself.

This sweater would also pair well with the seasonal denim or leather mini and maxi skirts, length not making much of a difference, but I recommend a high waisted fit for a more cohesive look.

Dressing Down

Green bra and leggings set, American Eagle.

I'm still a huge fan of athleisure, so my go to casual fit with this sweater is simply paired with a legging, but on a sunny day, grabbing groceries or meeting a friend perhaps, I break out my favorite American Eagle mom jeans or jegging, slip on my gray booties or Adidas, and keep it moving. Again, exercising the right to rock an off the shoulder (or both if you're feeling frisky).

The blazer + athletic set combo

Blazer, thrifted. Matching set up close and personal

The "speak-for-itself red coat" + mini dress

Purse, Aldo. Leggings, American Eagle. Dress and coat, thrifted.

The mini skirt w thigh high boot + casual "everyday" heel

Tank top and mini skirt, American Eagle

Top and skirt both from Shein. Before shoes are thrown though,

I've had these going on three years now, so I vouch for these garments.

The plain cropped tee + mom jean duo

Top, thrifted. Jeans, American Eagle

My favorite being the famous mom jeans I slip into wearing my favorite go-to cropped sweater. Normally paired with a cute belt and handbag, but I was feeling veeeerrry lax this day. It was just a venture out with the padre to DC's popup, The Museum for Black Girls, over in Union Market. It also looks super cute with this very, well, lifting cami top.

Top and mom jeans, American Eagle

And finally, the ultimate lazy day outfit

Headband, TJ Maxx. Top, American Eagle, Joggers, TJ Maxx

Just add a cute headband and some jewelry and call it a day!

Unbeknownst to most, this was a big year in fashion for me! If you asked Sophomore year of high school me if I'd wear a maxi dress (never mind how flouncy and whimsical), I would've shut the idea down easily. There was a time when my parents would lightly roast me on my unique go to of sweatshirts, leggings, and yoga pants. I dressed to hide my body or follow what peers were doing, show a nice a** every now and then. Don't get me wrong, leggings are still in my bestie circle, but the stack of other non workout workout garments have thinned, and I've gone back to the basics. I dress off of feeling and compatability, things as simple as wanting to wear my favorite color (blue) or taking a leap when I have time to try something new (the maxi dress), and of course yes, the season/weather.

I look forward to revelling in self-made cores this upcoming year. Catch me in the most cozy, romantic, quirky, 90s nostalgic, modern futuristic cores and aesthetics, and I'm not talking about just clothing!!

May you all add new chosen knowledge and experimentation to your styling regimen, stray a bit closer to yourselves fashionably and emotionally, and most importantly, have a safe and grandiose Happy New Year!