The Tiny Closet: summer

5.30.2018

Another Daily

I've been focusing more on my capsule than ever. My wish list for seasonal treats, has been minimized to accessories only. Special things to go with my everyday style.

Goodness, there is so much fashion all around us! It's incredibly inspiring. And then crippling in a way, from overwhelm.

And especially after big sales like this past Memorial Day weekend, it's tempting for even a seasoned minimalist like myself to buy things just because they're fun and financially within my grasp.

But I must stay true... to what is true and meaningful. And I truly love having only what I absolutely love and need. For everyday!

This kind of lifestyle often means rarely springing for sales, as well as watching the daily plethora of promotions I get hit with every morning come and go. And I enjoy it. I've grown well-accustomed to browsing and feasting on eye-candy. And then being done with it. My Tiny gem of a closet is a product of that. And for the record, I never considered it a "capsule" until the word became popular and I found that it best described my wardrobe. But really, it's just...my closet.

Anyway, I've grown an allegiance to what you could call a minimalist lifestyle partly due to the type of person I am, and also because of my daily routine.

These photos show me on one of the shoots I directed during the week for my clothing line. Since I do roughly the same things every single day - and many times, I do the same things at even the same time everyday, I am a creature of habit, so my collection of clothing definitely reflects that.

Everything in my life, from my closet to my head to my heart has a place, and I get better everyday at cutting out the rest. I want to make as little decisions as possible on the daily stuff and have more room for making the big juicy interesting decisions that take more time and energy so...

I guess this has made me a minimalist.

This piece, a fabulous deep-v tunic is part of my daily look. Like all the time, ha. It's also part of The Capsule line where all of the items are available year-round... Because I wear them year-round.

We all have items in our closet that are go-tos all year long. I think a closet is better if it has that quality.

Because maybe you have a pretty routine day-to-day yourself and isn't it so nice to be able to grab a fabulous outfit everyday that always works for you, and always makes you feel fabulous? I think it is anyway. So here's another daily look for ya. I don't change them much but I do love indulging in making them look even better.

Do you love your daily wear?

Thank you for visiting and reading! See you next week for another capsule look :)

Style After Style: A Little Yellow Dress

Remember this little yellow knit dress? I wore it at the crisp beginning of Spring - probably the first yellow dress I've ever worn. Designed for The Tiny Closet Shop, this midi dress was meant to be quite versatile and go with any foundational wardrobe.

Anyway, instead of a trench and white woven block heels, I decided to spice it up for the sake of restyling inspiration: a fun fresh white mud cloth open coat and black simple strap heeled sandals.

This particular ensemble isn't something I'd wear - it's not quite me but I couldn't help but take photos of it when I thought up the pairings. It reminds me of something fun to wear on a girls trip or out to lunch. And I do this a lot actually, these types of out-of-my-zone stylings. The habit keeps my brain and ideas fresh and ready to experiment with anything. Why is that helpful?

Well, for me personally, since I design clothing for other women, it keeps me thinking about all the different possibilities of styling and designing and not just sticking to my own comforts, which is limiting over time. Experimentation, dress up sessions, are also helpful for finding one's own personal style. Or igniting a spark of new ideas with an old wardrobe.

Take your clothes and just try on everything with everything else!

You'd be surprised at all the fantastic outfits that can be put together when you come at styling from a different, unfamiliar angle. That's what my Style After Style series is all about.

This is the last one (for now) of my Style After Style series. I will probably start up a new one again in Fall or Winter. I love taking seasonal pieces and crossing them over to other seasons. So I hope you enjoyed these posts dedicated to restyling one's own wardrobe!

You can get this midi dress (The Hostess) in "limoncello" at The Tiny Closet Shop!

And you can also join me again next Thursday for an all new look as I push willingly into... new Summer styles!

Alluring Basics

There tends to be a narrow view of "minimalism" and "capsules"...

Maybe because the aesthetic of minimalism is always marketed as blank or stark. Monochrome arrangements with black, white and grey as the featured colors. As the only colors.

And then with capsules, which is supposed to be a small collection of clothing that you wear year round - they tend to be made up of predominantly black, white and grey pieces as well. And as much as I love that trio of colors, I've never resonated with wearing them all year long, day in and day out - blah.

Very few women do!

And so the minimalist lifestyle with its capsules and uniform-like closet staples continues to be misunderstood and avoided. What a shame.

Because this minimalist outfit right here is my kind of basic uniform.

Aside from my strong opinion that yellow is always a good idea, who said basics and all-season colors had to be black, white and grey? Yes, those shades match with everything - but at what cost people?!

Yes, capsules are focused on utility and efficiency but that's not all they're about. The most perfect, efficient closet is useless if you don't want to wear the clothing.

Like most women, I enjoy bringing out my natural coloring with different hues and prints. I also have different moods and dress for different versions of myself (like we all do) - so I need diversity and versatility. My point is...

Your capsule closet can be whatever you want it to be. And your endeavor into minimalism doesn't mean you throw away everything and go on a clothing fast. If you love plum, leopard print and florals - well those can be worn all year long and make for incredible "basics". You know why?

Because you love them, that's why!

This month I'll be continuing to touch on the diversity of minimalism and how inclusive it really is. The Tiny Closet is my closet, where I show my way to live as a minimalist and work with capsules. But minimalism has many faces and is as individual as each of us. So I'll be featuring different looks as a fun exploration of this niche lifestyle.

Thank you for visiting!

Come back next Thursday for another new look, same closet.

Romantic Minimalism

I almost forgot... about Valentines Day!

If you've been following me for a while, you may know that I LOVE this day. A day of love? What could be better?

A day to show those who are close to you that they're loved. By you! Lovers, friends, family, and secret crushes - Valentines Day is hands down, my favorite holiday.

It's also a fave because I love chocolate. And though candy is the cornier side to this day, like Halloween, the chocolate runeth over - and can be easily attained for free at front desks and lobbies. Mmmm.

Anyway, I think I love this day so much because I have such fond memories of it from childhood. My mom would give me a goofy sweet card with homemade cookies or she'd bake a cake. And my dad would send a dozen roses to my school addressed to me from a "secret admirer" - love dad.

Now in my 30s, those fun Valentines traditions are long gone. But they've left me with rose-colored glasses when looking at this day each year.

Still, I celebrate love daily and every time Theo and I go out on a date, I feel like we're still dating. As a Christmas present, my mother got me a simply stunning bag from Strathberry. I had mentioned to her that I wanted a tiny little bag for my date nights. Instead of the beauteous lugs I have for work. It's not very romantic shuffling through fabric swatches and invoices when reapplying my lipstick at dinner.

So she surprised me and let me pick the color of my new MC Nano shoulder bag. In the spirit of date night, I of course chose ruby red.

And it's perfect.

And I also thought it'd be perfect to debut today.

That being said, this brilliant red is also a fabulous statement color for everyday. And you know me, my wardrobe isn't a museum - I want to live in my clothes! Sure this bag will be special for special occasions buuuuut, say for instance a fun day out where I'll only need my phone, Visa, and lipstick? This MC Nano mama will go with just about everything I own. Boom!

And speaking of going with everything - my Tourist Tunic in white (from The Tiny Closet Shop) is pretty much the coolest thing I own besides my hopeful collection of vintage Levis. In a place like L.A., it's a seasonless statement piece and considered a basic. White tees don't have to look like white tees. I love putting a statement spin on trusted everyday pieces like a t-shirt and jeans.

I don't have any plans for today. Not only is my husband half a planet away, my overwhelming workload has left me isolated and draaaaaaiiind. Last year, I celebrated my love for my work and my professional partnership with Theo - but this year, I find myself needing a vacation from this "devotion" to my business.

I hope you're enjoying your week, and if you're not (like me) treat yo'self to a special Valentines treat, just for you. Or share it if that makes the treat even better.

Thanks so much for visiting! And happy Valentines Day to you :)

See ya next Thursday!

Lengthy Statements

I've been styling this white v-neck tunic all Summer long and now into Fall. It's an upgrade from a big white tee - in fact, it's not even jersey. It's a woven rayon with drape for days. And I love draping it with everything!

So yeah, yeah you can wear this tunic with leggings and palazzo pants - predictable but looks fabulous nonetheless. But I like to play with more atypical styles. Styles that, while still completely accessible, they're a bit off the well beaten path. This vintage (can you believe 80s is now considered vintage??!!) leather midi skirt is my fave and I'll have it for years more to come. It was the first thing I thought of pairing after designing this tunic.

I initially thought having two long oversize pieces on my small 5 foot frame would be a distraction. No one should notice your outfit before noticing you. You and your look need to be an equal pair. But when I put the two together, it balanced quite nicely. No distraction from the wearer, very me and so very comfortable.

I chose to go silver for this style. I never wear silver, having such warm tones but for one, this chain-link cuff was a dear gift from my husband and I haven't been able to fit it in years. I tried it on randomly and boom, it fit like the day he got it for me...7 years ago.

Also, I've always loved these simple hammered silver earrings. Topped it off with a sky blue Larimar ring (which was featured here two Summers ago) and my minimalist heart was pleased.

There's a handful of outfits I'll never tire of and this one was just added to the list. Such a simple artful statement - and so effortless! That's why it's fun to experiment with going against the rules. I always do. Because you never know just how wrong those silly "fashion rules" are if you don't try breaking them. Wearing what you love and looking how you want to look always makes a statement anyhow.

Happy Monday :)

p.s. you can actually purchase this fabulous v-neck tunic at my shop! Enjoy.

Fall Capsule Beginnings

I am finally taking some time to explore separates this season!

I love a one-piece-throw-on-and-go uniform, hence my infinite discussion about them in my posts (and clothing line). They're the secret to [effortlessly] getting ready any time of day, any day of the week! But I'm taking a pause for a season or two to finally tackle tops:

how to wear them / how to style them / how to design the right fit. And I think I'm on the right path...

I went from dresses to... tunics! They're considered tops too. I'm getting there.

This beauty, Portia, an acupuncturist by trade and an ever patient model by friendship shed some light while I worked out the kinks and fiddled with wear last weekend. Ah, the art of wearing separates!

I think all you need is drape. Oh, and good bone structure.

Starting with white and black, I took classic lines and played with them a bit. I always like to start from a classic foundation and build into whatever I'm feeling. And I'm not talking just design - I'm referring to style as well of course!

I've always been intimidated by separates. A lot of options can lead to a lot of indecision. But if focused on the style of look you want, I realize it's quite easy to pick out and put together the pieces that fit that vision. Rather than having some random top here and there that doesn't go with anything and a ton of tops that match one random bottom that you don't even care for. Anxiety!

So I wanted to share a little peak of what I've been up to over here in The Tiny Closet. Makin tops and talkin shop! But seriously, I've been working - experimenting, finding the perfect fit, drape and look to curate a collection of separates and statement pieces into what I believe will be my best Fall/Winter capsule yet :)

Posts to unfold later this week, guys!

And I'm super excited too because I don't get a chance to share so regularly these days. I hope you'll check back again before the week is out to see more!

Daily Looks

I am a creature of habit, especially with my clothing and keeping a wardrobe. So when I find a new uniform or daily ensemble I can count on, I wear that baby out.

I've been feeling artistically moody lately as I was mentioning earlier... feeling the misty, dark Northwest spirit. But the weather in L.A. has been nothing but sunny clear skies and scorching, balmy heat. What gives? Come on, I'm trying to have broody cool vibes over here.

At least I can capture them in photos. Even if I'm sweating under this turban.

I promise I'll have something else to talk about in my next post. But this! This dress has climbed the closet billboard to #1 in just a matter of a week. Side note, it started out longer and I shortened it - voila. Instant daily wear.

Short enough to flirt with on my way to dinner. And long enough to not have to cirque-du-soleil myself out of an Uber without disaster. The swing-like back drapes and flows so beautifully so I don't mind that there is minimal detail. I'm a minimal detail kinda girl. Give me one big statement and you can keep all the other bells and whistles.

I am normally so disappointed in how I look in wedges. My calves are built to keep me moving so needless to say, they don't have that slender swan-like look that can pull off a bottom heavy shoe like a wedge. Buuuuut, I have noticed that a super narrow wedge is much more complimenting on athletic legs like mine so long story short, I love these wedges I'm wearing! And they are perfecto with this high-low dress.

Easy and sophisticated for day and effortlessly sultry for night. What a great day-to-night outfit this turned out to be.

Visit The Tiny Closet Shop to view this piece in more detail. I'm rolling out some fantastic and fun outfits for Fall! ... If only it would start getting there. They'll be trickling in as the weather cools. Check back on Monday to see a brand new outfit and maybe some new ideas to help you put your Fall Capsule together!

Happy, happy Thursday to you!

At Home In White

I've always loved wearing white. I love it so much it's actually a celebratory color - I wear it every year on my birthday. It's a color that makes me feel regal and effortless and I find I only wear it when I'm subconsciously feeling confident and beautiful.

It would be fitting that I made my favorite dress in white. Lately, I've been feeling quietly fabulous. Meaning, not sensational or ecstatic but, well...confident and beautiful. A lot of both.

I've been feeling calm and natural and I guess this is only worth mentioning because for the last few years, maybe even the last several years, I.have.not. felt any of the above mentioned. At all. I've surely tried my hardest to be collected, to not worry so much that it changes my spirit. To embrace all that I'm born with, to look in the mirror and not be so ready to change what I see, to take care of my first so that I am fit to help others. Up until now, it has been an arduous (whew!) task and most times, an impossible one.

But nothing is quite as blissful as the feeling of doing all of those things naturally. Feeling a natural inclination to live and let flow.

To go with the flow!

So this dress has more meaning than usual. The setting of these photos, how I'm wearing my hair... As a blogger - a recorder of my personal style and fashion conquests, I've taken way too many photos of myself to bare to count or even think about. And I don't spend too much time studying them. But this shoot was 15 minutes in my parents home, unplanned, in the most natural setting I realize (a bedroom and a bathroom).... and girl, I am FEELIN these photos!!!

I laugh out loud as I admit this but I've probably looked at these photos a dozen times and smiled.

I felt happy, peaceful, natural and beautiful during this shoot. And let me tell you, I don't know when the last time I felt all those things - and at the same time!

So it's very fitting that I would wear white on that specific occasion, even though I didn't put it all together till now.

This dress will actually be available in the shop on Thursday in limited quantity - just because I felt so good wearing it. And perhaps a few others will feel the same when wearing it too.

Happy blissful Monday to you.

The Tiny Closet

Pages

5.30.2018

Another Daily

5.10.2018

Style After Style: A Little Yellow Dress

3.08.2018

Alluring Basics

2.14.2018

Romantic Minimalism

10.09.2017

Lengthy Statements

9.18.2017

Fall Capsule Beginnings

8.31.2017

Daily Looks

8.28.2017

At Home In White

Search

Archive: