BUILDING A CAPSULE WARDROBE, Pt Two

Winter 2026 Capsule Vibe: O Prazer La Grand-Mère

Lifestyle is built, not BOUGHT 

​I’ve written about this before in 2019, and it made sense at the time, and it makes sense now: A Capsule Wardrobe is created from what you own and how you live.

In high school, I dated a guy who asked me, “Why do you dress as if you work in an office?” I was in 11th grade and shopped at Banana Republic, The Gap, J Crew Catalog, and my favorite brand was Ralph Lauren. 
  I was a bit of a political science nerd, participating in Youth in Government, the Young Democrats, and the Human Relations Council, and I volunteered to stuff envelopes and make calls for the George Nakano for State Assembly campaign.  
 
That's where my love of blazers, chunky-heeled loafers, and miniskirts with tights was born.

I wish I had pictures.

I’m saying all of this to say style origin stories start young.  I switched from chunky-heel loafers to stilettos as I became an adult, and the length of my skirts shifted depending on whatever environment required extra inches.  My hosiery became more elevated with each decade of life.  And because of my degrees in fashion, I know fabric and drape, which are the cornerstones for trend-proofing your wardrobe. 

 The foundations of my personal style haven't shifted in 30 years, but how I style individual pieces with accessories is what makes it current and situationally appropriate. I've had most of these items for many, many years, but I have not yet reached the maturity of maximalism. Due to the restraints in my professional environments, matched with my self-imposed restraints of being seen as "too much". 

I've survived too much, and I give myself permission to aesthetically demonstrate it to the world. 

Here’s how I’m doing it in Europe:
 

Knits & Furs

My grandmother's fur shawl, vintage St. John Knit shorts

Anine Bing wool wrap coat

60's vintage Persian Lamb cape, wool knit skirt

Block Heeled Boots & HOSIERY 

Slouch leather boots with net hose

Vintage lace-up suede ankle boots with patterned hose 

Pony hair ankle boots with net tights

Standout Accessories ​

Gloves because it's cold and everyone rides the train

The trinity: Necklace, hat, brooch 

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Belt and bag in good leather to deal with the rain