Friday 15 December 2017

Capsule Wardrobe - 5 Outfits, 5 Days! International Style Challenge with Black and Burgundy

My blog friend Ruth does these 5x5 style challenges on Instagram. Another blog friend, Eileen and I started talking with her about it and thought it would be fun to participate. We decided to do an international style challenge a couple of weeks ago near the end of November.

The rules: 5 pieces of clothing to create 5 outfits over 5 days, with a black and burgundy colour scheme. Accessories like shoes, necklaces, scarves, handbags, outerwear, can be added as needed and don't count as one of the 5 pieces.

Who took part: Ruth @ruthyannie, Eileen @eileensed and myself, @awayfromblue. Ruth did this over autumn in the cold weather, and Eileen had to dress a growing baby bump too! I have so much admiration for them both!

This is going to be a bit of a long post as I share with you what we wore over 5 days! I hope you'll get a lot of outfit inspiration from it though, and discover some new ways you can rewear pieces you already own.

5 outfits 5 days, 5x5 International Style Challenge capsule wardrobe 5 outfits 5 days, 5x5 International Style Challenge capsule wardrobe | awayfromtheblue

My Capsule Wardrobe

After a few last minute swaps and changes, these are the 5 pieces I came up with for the challenge.
  • black drawstring waist maxi skirt
  • black denim shorts
  • burgundy jersey dress
  • black, burgundy and cream shirt dress
  • burgundy slouchy tee





My choices were limited by the colour scheme which helped me make decisions about what to pick as my 5 pieces. The last time I did a capsule, it was my third trimester capsule wardrobe and the growing bump helped limit my options there too! I did have to go into the office for one day which made me pick the shirt dress, even if the print is more red than burgundy. I figured it was close enough!

The main worry I had was around structuring the pieces I wore to allow me to have them washed and ironed ready for the next wear With two messy toddlers it was highly unlikely I was going to be able to wear things twice in a row without washing them! In the end I came up with 6 outfit ideas so that if something wasn't ready in time, I'd have a fall back option.

What I wore - Day 1


 5 outfits, 5 days outfit 1 burgundy tee black drawstring waist maxi skirt for playgroup | awayfromblue

Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC | awayfromtheblue

awayfromtheblue instagram international style challenge 5 outfits 5 days day1
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Feather pendant in peach (C/O)
TeeZalora Basics maroon stepped t-shirt
SkirtJeanswest Luxe jersey maxi skirt
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
BagRebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC

Why I wore it:

For the first day of the challenge I went with a classic tee and maxi skirt combo. When I'd first started planning outfits and pieces for the challenge I'd went with a different burgundy tee, and changed my mind and swapped it for this tee instead. I didn't like the way this one sat with the maxi skirt though, I was a bit frustrated with it both tucked and untucked and wasn't as comfortable with this outfit as I could have been. Easy outfit for playgroup though.


Last worn: burgundy tee, black maxi skirtblack ballet flats, Rebecca Minkoff silver mini MAC.

Other ways to wear: burgundy tee and navy kimono, black maxi skirt in autumn, black ballet flats and pencil skirt, Rebecca Minkoff silver mini MAC and printed jeans.

Perfect for pregnancy: burgundy tee in first trimester, black ballet flats and maternity wrap dress, Rebecca Minkoff silver mini MAC and maternity shorts.

What Ruth Wore - Day 1:


A post shared by ruthyannie (@ruthyannie) on


What Eileen Wore - Day 1:


A post shared by Eileen (@eileensed) on






What I wore - Day 2

5 outfits 5 days day 2 atmos&here nigella printed shirt dress | away from the blue

Marc By Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran bag with gold hardware in carob brown | away from the blue

awayfromtheblue instagram printed shirt dress marc jacobs fran bag
NecklaceRoie Designs pearl and antique gold long necklace
DressAtmos&Here Nigella collarless shirt dress
ShoesRMK Chester black ankle boots
BagMarc By Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran bag with gold hardware in carob brown

Why I wore it:

This was as 'formal' as my outfits got during the challenge, the majority of them were casual outfits. I had to go into the office, so picked this shirt dress to fit in with the business casual dress code. I found myself fussing with this outfit too during the day though, the dress seemed to ride up a lot and I was constantly tugging it back down. I much prefer wearing this dress as a kimono, or layering it up with tights in winter.

I knew with the darker black and red print on the dress (it's a geometric print although it looks like polka dots in the pics!) that this Marc Jacobs bag would work perfectly with it. This bag doesn't get worn as often as it did when I first got it, but it's still a nice choice for work. It's been tagged in 62 posts on the blog and most of the time it featured in both outfits of the posts, so you can see it was worn a lot in the past! Such a unique colour too, a deep purple-y brown.


Last worn: geometric print shift dress, black ankle boots, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag.

Other ways to weargeometric print shift dress layered for winter, 30 ways to wear black ankle boots, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag and maxi skirt.

Perfect for pregnancyblack ankle boots and pregnancy announcement, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag at 40 weeks pregnant.



What Ruth Wore - Day 2:


A post shared by ruthyannie (@ruthyannie) on


What Eileen Wore - Day 2:

A post shared by Eileen (@eileensed) on







What I wore - Day 3

5 outfits 5 days international style challenge 3 burgundy dress black mimco bag ankle boots | awayfromblue

Mimco black button bag | away from the blue blog

awayfromtheblue instagram international style challenge 5x5 5 outfits 5 days outfit burgundy dress
NecklaceZanele 40 handmade rope necklace
DressFrench Connection star dancing jersey dress in red rust/almond
ShoesRMK Chester black ankle boots
Bag: Mimco black button bag

Why I wore it:

The simplest of all my challenge outfits, and also the most popular. I wore this to work from home and attend a specialist appointment with baby boy in the afternoon. With the burgundy star print dress, I added black through my accessories, with the same ankle boots I'd worn the day before and another little worn bag, my Mimco button bag.

This was actually my first expensive bag purchase, despite how little I wear it now I'm never going to let it go. I spent months thinking about it and saving for it and picking out the perfect colour combo I wanted and I still remember the excitement of going to the store to pick it up! Very treasured even if not frequently worn now. I think I bought it in 2007 at the height of the button bag trend, still looks great. Sadly it's discontinued, the closest thing is the Mimco Turnlock bag that's around $200 more expensive than the button bag was 10 or so years ago, or to go to ebay for the classic style.


Last worn: burgundy star print dress, black ankle boots (above, day 2), Mimco button bag.

Other ways to wearburgundy star print dress in third trimester, black ankle boots and skinny jeans, Mimco button bag for the office.

Perfect for pregnancyburgundy star print dress for travel in Melbourne, black ankle boots in second trimester.



What Ruth Wore - Day 3:


A post shared by ruthyannie (@ruthyannie) on


What Eileen Wore - Day 3:

A post shared by Eileen (@eileensed) on





What I wore - Day 4

5 outfits 5 days day 5 medical appointment Christmas shopping burgundy tee shorts dress as kimono | awayfromblue

Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold | away from the blue

awayfromtheblue isntagram 5x5 international style challenge 4 burgundy black shorts dress as kimono
JacketAtmos&Here Nigella collarless shirt dress (worn as a kimono)
Necklace: Nibbly Bits Feather pendant in peach (C/O)
TeeZalora Basics maroon stepped t-shirt
ShortsJeanswest Sara distressed hot short
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in black
BagRebecca Minkoff micro Regan satchel in Harvest Gold

Why I wore it:

An incredibly busy day called for a comfortable and casual outfit, and the first wearing of the last of my 5 pieces, my black denim shorts. Added the comfy slouchy burgundy tee and the printed dress was worn as a kimono. Converse were a practical choice for a busy day, and the mustard yellow bag was a fun touch of colour with the black and burgundy.

Baby boy had some more tests at the hospital in the morning, so I had the day off. With my mother in law available to watch the boys, as it was a day I normally work, I made the most of it and she looked after them both once the testing was done so I could gt a rare child free afternoon to go Christmas shopping. And I shopped up a storm, getting the majority of the things remaining on my Christmas present list!

Last worn: shirt dress as a kimono (day 2), burgundy tee (day 1), black denim shorts, Converse, Rebecca Minkoff micro Regan bag.

Other ways to wearshirt dress and ankle boots, burgundy tee and skinny jeans, black denim shorts and stripes, Converse and skinny jeans, Rebecca Minkoff mustard micro Regan bag and red maxi skirt.

Perfect for pregnancy: burgundy tee in first trimesterConverse in the second trimester.


What Ruth Wore - Day 4:

A post shared by ruthyannie (@ruthyannie) on


What Eileen Wore - Day 4:

A post shared by Eileen (@eileensed) on



What I wore - Day 5

5 outfit 5 days final day burgundy dress worn as top with black denim shorts turquoise accessories | awayfromtheblue

Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather | away from the blue

awayfromtheblue instagram | burgundy jersey dress worn as a top with denim shorts 5x5 style challenge
Necklace: Turquoise and gold beaded necklace from my mum's wardrobe
DressFrench Connection star dancing jersey dress in red rust/almond (worn as a top)
ShortsJeanswest Sara distressed hot short
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAC in aquamarine with python embossed leather

Why I wore it:

For my fifth and final outfit with my 5 pieces, I wore my denim shorts again and the lovely burgundy dress as a top. I added turquoise accessories with the necklace and Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC bag for an extra touch of colour. I've won dresses as tops before, it's a nice way to wear something a little differently. The extra dress fabric wasn't too bulky although it was a bit of a pain tucking it in to the shorts every time I went to the bathroom! I had considered doubling up on the dresses and wearing the shift dress as a kimono over this again, but despite how little time I spent with the boys the day before it still got messy and had to have a wash. That was the hardest part of this challenge - making sure everything was washed and ironed in time to wear again!

This was a nice outfit to finish the challenge on, I ran around with the boys completing a few errands.


Last worn: burgundy star print dress (above, day 3), black denim shorts (above, day 4), Havaianas, aquamarine mini MAC bag.

Other ways to wear: burgundy dress layered for winter, black shorts and polka dots, aqua mini MAC bag and maxi dress.

Perfect for pregnancy: burgundy dress and second trimester bump, aqua mini MAC bag and maternity shorts.



What Ruth Wore - Day 5:


A post shared by ruthyannie (@ruthyannie) on


What Eileen Wore - Day 5:


A post shared by Eileen (@eileensed) on




Hope you enjoyed seeing the different outfits we were able to create for the challenge. While it was a fun challenge for me, I was looking forward to getting back into my regular wardrobe at the end of it! Especially after buying lots of new pieces that month that I was eager to wear.

Thanks so much to Ruth and Eileen for inviting me to take part - if you don't already, you should follow them on Instagram!


Linking up with Passion for Fashion, Mix It Monday, Hello Monday, On Mondays We Link Up.


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59 comments:

  1. Awesome how you made the dress into a top! Creative. This is such a fun idea as well.

    Joy to the World

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love doing that with my dresses - a different way to wear them! :)

      Delete
  2. Ahh this is a wonderful challenge! I will find it hard too but you pulled it so well. My most favourite among your looks would be Day 1 and Day 2. Your dress in Day 2 is so versatile. Nice to know you're enjoying the festive season, I think I have to take my toddler for a drive at night so he can see the Christmas lights in my neighbourhood. Cheers dear, have a great weekend!!!

    www.busyandfab.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, dresses can be so versatile! Hope you had fun seeing the Christmas lights :)

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  3. Happy Friday Mica! This was an awesome challenge! All of the outfits were very pretty! I tried creating a capsule for autumn but our weather has been so unpredictable:)

    Well, I plan to play tennis this weekend and do some yard work before the cold weather arrives next week. I pray you have a blessed weekend.

    Tiff
    Http://www.dashoffashandfinance.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's so hard to do a capsule when the weather varies! I'm lucky the weather was pretty similar all week!

      Delete
  4. Love the challenge and the creativity that it brings! I especially love your first outfit. The others had awesome creations as well!

    ReplyDelete
  5. This actually sounds like fun! I always wear black so many I'll give this a shot to try out some new styles :D
    The Fernweh Wolf / Travel & Lifestyle Blog
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  6. The dress worn as a stop looks awesome! I never would have thought of that. I still have no idea how you manage to make it look like you have new clothes on in each post!

    Corinne x
    www.skinnedcartree.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hehe just by trying to change the way I wear things it seems new - like wearing dresses as tops and skirts! :)

      Delete
  7. I like outfit nº 2.
    Have a lovely weekend..
    xoxo

    marisascloset.blogspot.com

    New look on the blog.

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a great challenge, thanks for all the styling ideas!!
    Have a lovely weekend :)
    Rosanna x
    Rose's Rooftop

    ReplyDelete
  9. I like capsule wardobe, I think it's a great idea! *_*

    Kathy's delight

    ReplyDelete
  10. What a fun style challenge. I've always thought that black and burgundy made for such a sophisticated color combination.

    ReplyDelete
  11. What fun outfits and I quite like the star print dress as a top as well! It's definitely a pain keeping things clean with toddlers around!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It really is, haha! Small price to pay for having their cuteness around all day though! :)

      Delete
  12. I think it's always inspiring to see how to wear a piece of clothing different ways. I am all about versatility so I love this! Happy Holidays! Yes, we finally finished decorating and all gifts are wrapped and shipped. Enjoy the weekend, Mica! <3

    ReplyDelete
  13. I think that this is an amazing challenge! It really inspired you to make the most out of your wardrobe. I think that you did really well with every single outfit hun, they all look amazing and I actually really enjoyed a slightly longer post. :) I think my favourite outfit is the day 3 one, I can see why it was popular - it looks absolutely gorgeous on you! The bag is super pretty and fashionable as well. <3 I hope you're well hun, it's only nine day until Christmas now! :D xoxo

    Kay
    http://www.shoesandglitter.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Kay! :) It was a fun challenge, I enjoyed it! :)

      Delete
  14. What a fun style challenge! Love your rust jersey dress :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love your burgundy dress and your button purse! Both are so cute. It's also really fantastic what you did to make it look like a top on Day 5. I wouldn't know it was exact same dress if you never mentioned it. I actually did a double take! 😀 Have a great weekend!

    www.littlemisscasual.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it's a great way to make a dress feel new! :)

      Delete
  16. It looks like a fun challenge, well done for thinking of out of the box ways to re-wear some of the same items! Xx

    Kez | acaciasdreams.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hey girl! I love this challenge! It made you artistic to think of what to wear without going too far from the two colors you chose. I love the first and second outfits among the rest. :)

    xoxo,
    SHAIRA
    www.missdream-girl.blogspot.com

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  18. I love this idea!!

    http://justohana.blogspot.com.es/

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  19. You nail it in every look! My most fave look is Day 2 because it looks like something I would wear literally everyday, even to work lol


    http://www.thequinoxfashion.com

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  20. How fun to work with other bloggers, I absolutely love Ruth. You created some great outfits for your challenge!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She is such a wonderful blogger, it was so fun joining her challenge! :)

      Delete
  21. What a creative challenge and I love that burgundy is one of the colors you chose, I have a lot of burgundy in my closet right now. :) Day 2 and 3 are my absolute faves! I love also that you share what Ruth and Eileen are wearing!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Kudos to you, dear Mica! You managed the challenge very well and I like each of the looks you wore! I really should try this by myself, too, as I can imagine it is fun :) But for sure it is understandable that the biggest challenge of this challenge was to have everything clean and ironed! Thanks for sharing and your effort.
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    www.dressedwithsoul.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should definitely give it a try! It's really fun and a good way to think of different ways to wear your wardrobe :)

      Delete
  23. Wow you guys are amazing! I was getting anxious with the title alone, can't imagine having to put this into practice but then again, you make it look effortless and totally doable! This is such a wonderful and fun concept. I wouldn't mind trying something like this out in my own wardrobe, but maybe black and blue since I have so much blue right now hahaha!

    Sxx
    daringcoco.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haah yes you could do this with any two colours! I wasn't sure about it, but summer is a good time to try as you don't need many layers! :)

      Delete
  24. What a fun challenge! I love that you used a color scheme to help narrow down your choices. I really like all of the outfits, but I especially love how you styled that dress as a top--it gives it a totally different look, and I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  25. These are really cute outfits. I love all of them.
    http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  26. What a great challenge!! I don't follow any of these ladies but I will now!! I love you in dresses and the French Connection one is so cute!! You know I love dresses too and this one is a lovely addition to any wardrobe!! Happy Sunday Mica! xx

    Yiota
    pinkdaisyloves.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yes, do follow them, they are so stylish! :)

      Delete
  27. You guys did great doing this challenge! Inspiring indeed, Mica. Really shows you how you can do so much with key pieces. You are so creative with your outfits, and still practical:) And I love that Mimco bag:D
    Hope you're having a lovely weekend so far.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Emmy! It was fun thinking up different ways to wear things :)

      Delete
  28. Wow...you did fabulous in this challenge Mica!!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. This was such a fun challenge to do! I love the clothes you chose, especially that orangey top! I totally think it's fun to see how many outfits you can come up with but I also always look at my closet and can't wait to get back to rotating things as well! Can't wait to do another challenge!

    http://www.mylittlenest.org

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We should do another one soon! It was so much fun, thanks for inviting me to try it out, I really enjoyed it! :)

      Delete
  30. Amazing outfits.
    xx
    https://theonethattravels.wordpress.com/

    ReplyDelete
  31. Such a great challenge! It's proof that we really don't need a million pieces in our closet to come up with beautiful and unique looks for each day! I really like how you used your accessories to add pops of color to your outfit - the turquoise bag on day 5 was perfect!

    Jenny | Geeky Posh

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes! New clothes are great but you don't need them to make a new outfit! :)

      Delete
  32. Oh such a fun idea!! The three of you look gorgeous in your outfits! I loved all your five looks, especially number 2 & 3! All of you styled the outfits perfectly and it was nice to see each of you putting your own style and twist to the same challenge.
    xx

    www.stylebydeb.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. I love posts like this, it's always nice to see little challenges. I also love how you always to make up so many outfits that still manage to look cute and chic, propps to you my girl!

    Amy;
    Little Moon Elephant

    ReplyDelete
  34. You've definitely opened my eyes to the power of a black maxi skirt! Such a great piece to have in your capsule wardrobe, as it's so versatile and could even work with varying lengths of tops - even cropped! Great styling post babe, I hope you have a wonderful week ahead! :)

    aglassofice.com
    x

    ReplyDelete
  35. I love the red dress with that shoes.
    It looks so chic babe

    Much Love,
    Jane | The Bandwagon Chic

    ReplyDelete
  36. Thanks again to you and Ruth for doing the challenge! It was so much fun! Let's do it again ladies :D

    Eileen | 5feetofstyle.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes! I think once Ruth's snow is gone we should try again, I had a lot of fun! :)

      Delete
  37. I really like how you and Ruthie used shirt dresses as a dress and a layer! I'd never guess your star dress was a dress in the 5th outfit too. You tucked it up so nicely even if it was a pain every time you had to use the bathroom. These are all great outfits and you all remixed your clothing really well! It looks like a fun challenge!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Shirt dresses are so versatile that way! I'm glad I had one in my capsule :)

      Delete
  38. I have not done a wardrobe challenge in a while- I really like the outfits you came up with and the rest of the ladies too.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Thank you all for your lovely comments - glad you enjoyed seeing our challenge outfits! It was fun thinking of new ways to wear things!

    ReplyDelete
  40. What a fun challenge Mica! You did really well. I love all of the outfits you came up with. Those colors can be hard to pair. Love the short set.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

    ReplyDelete

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