How to build a capsule wardrobe you’ll love

A capsule wardrobe is simply a small assortment of essential designs that complement each other, that don’t go out of style, and can be easily integrated with your seasonal pieces. The key is quality over quantity. A capsule wardrobe contains only the styles you love and will wear repeatedly that can easily mix and match to create countless stylish outfits. They are the 20% in your closet that you will wear 80% of the time.

Decision fatigue is real

Have you ever looked in your closet and thought, “I have nothing to wear”? Owning too much clothing or the wrong styles can lead to “decision fatigue” which is real. We are programmed to make only a certain number of decisions per day. After that, it gets tiring, and we struggle to make more decisions. A great capsule wardrobe containing styles you love makes getting dressed easy because no matter how you combine the pieces, they always work.

• More time– A curated wardrobe saves time. As you get more familiar with your personal style and what works for you, you’ll know exactly what you need to buy. You won’t waste time shopping mindlessly or digging through piles of clothes, thinking you have nothing to wear. 

• More sustainable– Owning mostly timeless quality pieces that will last for years and won’t go out of style is a more sustainable and effortless approach to your wardrobe.

• Save money– When you have a capsule wardrobe, you don’t have to go shopping as often because your closet is interchangeable and versatile. This means you wear each style multiple times and avoid buying random pieces you might not wear regularly or at all.

• Less stress– The concept of the capsule wardrobe automatically means less excess and less stress in your life. Getting dressed should be easy with the assurance that you always look on point.

Planning a capsule wardrobe

Once you understand the basics of a capsule, it’s time to start planning. Consider the categories of clothing based on your lifestyle that are important to you and the number of pieces you think you may need. Choose a color scheme with different neutral colors such as white, black, gray, navy, and cream. These colors are a good base and work well together with any other color. This makes them interchangeable and easy to mix and match. They will get you through the day just as well today as five years from now and will be easy to pair up! Pop colors of the season can be added as you go.

A classic poplin shirt

A white poplin shirt is a must-have style that instantly elevates any outfit. Whether you’re dressing it up with pants, or keeping it casual with denim, a poplin button-up is a wardrobe essential for everyone.

At Stella Carakasi we use a high-quality, stretchy, organic cotton fabric for all of our shirts, which is easy to care for and will last for many seasons. Our button-ups range from the classic with a twist to something with a few bells and whistles.

Whether it’s the perfectly placed bias cut panels that create the flattering, silhouette of our Crossroads Tunic, the comfy appeal of the Prime Time Tunic, or the intricate pattern work of our new Showstopper Shirt, a poplin shirt is all about sophistication and practicality. 

This season we’ve added a couple of updated options to our best-selling Tiburon Tunic. We’ve embellished this sweet customer favorite with placed metal studs around the hem and there’s also a printed version!

The must-have cardigan

A cardigan is one of the most versatile and practical garments a woman can own. Whether you’re dressing up for a casual day at the office or a spontaneous night out on the town, a cardigan is the perfect go-to style to top off any outfit. Wear a solid color like black, gray, or white for a more traditional look and easy pairing.

Or if you’re feeling a bit daring, try bold colors like Atlantis, Magenta, Saffron, or Aubergine to make a statement. Just make sure to avoid big patterns since these will come and go style-wise.

Leggings are a must-have

Leggings are stylish essentials, comfortable, easy to wear, and a must-have for almost any occasion because you can dress them up or down. The key to style success with leggings is choosing the right fabric and fit. They should be slim fitting but not skin-tight and hit at the ankle for a modern look like our Tencel® Criss Cross Leggings with their charming ankle detail. Or, you might prefer a legging that actually looks more like a pant like our best-selling Slimming Ankle Pants. Next, think about the color. Leggings come in various colors, but light neutrals, charcoal, and black are the most popular options when considering a capsule wardrobe. Choose a few colors that will work with the rest of your wardrobe, and you’re off to a good start.

Denim for a casual look

Denim is popular among women of all ages and can be dressed up or down. Our 100%Tencel® denim is soft, silky, and sustainable! Our selection ranges from traditional button-ups with a twist like our Between The Lines Tunic or, our take on an artist smock with our rendition of a button-down Henley like The Ultimate Tunic. The Mendocino Tunic has become a customer favorite and was inspired by our best-selling Tiburon Tunic. Regardless of your style, an easy denim top is a must in every woman’s wardrobe.

Jeggings the jeans alternative

A well-fitting pair of organic cotton denim knit leggings are a great option and a no-brainer go-to style for any casual occasion. When considering the wash of denim, a darker wash is the most versatile and can be dressed up or down, while a lighter wash is more casual. Our Criss Cross Denim Knit Leggings are offered in both washes and have a fabulous, comfy fit, and an ankle detail to set them apart. Finally, you can pair knitted denim leggings with just about any top, for example, a button-up shirt or a simple tee.

Picking a great jacket

A jacket is the perfect finishing touch for any outfit and a vital component of any capsule wardrobe, whether it’s date night or taking a walk with friends. For a transitional capsule, we suggest a lighter-weight jacket. You can never go wrong with our take on the classic trench coat, the Favorite Jacket, or our shorter moto-inspired style the Style To Spare Jacket. Both alternatives come in Black or Birch. Either jacket or color would be an excellent choice for your capsule wardrobe because they will never go out of style.

Accessories

You can’t forget about accessories! Fun jewelry and beautiful scarves instantly elevate any outfit. Our artisan accessories are hand-picked for their statement style and one-of-a-kind appeal.

We also love Stella & Dot jewelry. You’ll find something special whether you are looking for a statement piece or something more delicate. As far as scarves are concerned, we’ve discovered beautiful, lightweight cashmere scarves from Ovcio, which are offered in a variety of stunning colors that can be worn across all seasons. These scarves are fabulous investment pieces you will treasure forever.

The most important rule

Select high-quality styles that are flattering, and comfortable, and that makes you look and feel great. Check out our Looks We Love page for outfit ideas to help jumpstart your efforts in creating a stunning capsule wardrobe of functional and versatile pieces that fit well and easily mix and match.

What is a Capsule Wardrobe and How to Create One

With summer rolling around, it’s time to start thinking about how we’re going to update our closets for the new season. If you’re ready to create a clothing collection that will save you money, last you season over season, and is sustainable, it’s time to create a capsule wardrobe. Read on to learn more about capsule wardrobes and how you can start one for yourself!

What is a Capsule Wardrobe?

The term capsule wardrobe has actually been around since the 1940’s. It refers to a small, concise collection of clothing and accessories that can be worn together in many different ways. In the 70’s, capsule wardrobes were popularized again by Susie Faux who was the owner of the London boutique, “Wardrobe.” When Susie and her boutique brought capsule wardrobes back on the scene again, they described it as owning a few key garments that never go out of style and can be mixed and matched together to create many different outfits. These key pieces include trousers, cardigans a classic white shirt, and more. After Susie Faux made this idea popular again, the famous American designer, Donna Karan, brought capsule wardrobes to America with a collection of interchangeable clothing and the rest was history! 

You may be thinking to yourself, “what are the benefits of creating a capsule wardrobe?” And trust us, there are several!

• Capsule wardrobes are sustainable and good for the environment because they help cut down on overconsumption of clothing. With fast fashion, many of us are used to purchasing brand new wardrobes each season because the garments we bought last year are out of style or are worn out due to low quality. With a capsule wardrobe, you’re investing in clothing items that are timeless and have the quality to withstand season after season. 

• With a capsule wardrobe, you have more room in your closet. Typically, capsule wardrobes only consist of about 10-20 articles of clothing, so you don’t have to worry about a disorganized closet that’s busting at the seams!

• Because you know what your key pieces are and you don’t have to go sifting through dozens of garments, capsule wardrobes make getting dressed easier in the morning. There’s nothing worse than staring at your closet for 20 minutes because you’re not sure what to wear. With a capsule wardrobe, you know what items you have, and you can easily put together an outfit because all of styles work with each other! 

• Last but certainly not least, with a capsule wardrobe, you save mega $$$. Gone are the days when you have to shop for every new season or feel like you have nothing to wear. Capsule wardrobes can be updated for every season by simply adding a few additional clothing items like a jacket or sweater instead of having to shop for a new closet entirely! Plus, when creating a capsule wardrobe, you’ll want to invest in quality pieces that will last you a long time instead of having to continuously buy from cheap, fast fashion companies. 

How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe

When creating a capsule wardrobe, there are a few key things that you want to think about.

1. Choose Your Colors Wisely

With capsule wardrobes, it’s all about the colors that you choose. Your number one priority is that you choose shades that are going to be able to match each other to create many different outfits. When you’re starting out, most people will choose a base color of either black or navy. Some people even use a shade of brown depending on their personal taste. The purpose of this base color is to build off of it and choose other accents garments that will coordinate with it. After choosing your base color, then you can dive into other shades that will match such as whites, creams, tans, grays, and the occasional pop color, etc. You always want to keep the idea of mixing and matching in your mind when buying your clothing pieces. 

2. Pick Garments That Work for Your Lifestyle

Speaking of clothing items, let’s get into what garments you’ll need in your wardrobe. The first thing to consider is what is your lifestyle like? What kind of work do you do? Are you required to be in an office with a dress code or do you work from home? Do you participate in exercise or outdoor activities frequently? Do you go on dates or out to lunch/dinner frequently? All these questions and more can help you decide what types of items you should incorporate into your capsule wardrobe. Here is a list to get you started with ideas:

• Jeans 
• Pencil skirts
• Trousers
• T-shirts
• Sweaters
• Leggings
• Cardigans
• Button-up shirts
• Black dresses
• Trench coat
• Denim shirt
• Leather jacket 

Keep in mind that you don’t need all of these pieces in your closet, just the ones that make sense for your lifestyle and personal taste!

3. Don’t Forget the Accessories!

Once you choose your clothing items, it’s time to find the right shoes and accessories. Again, think of your lifestyle and what works for you. Some key pieces for most people include:

• A small crossbody handbag
• A larger tote bag
• Sneakers
• A pair of heels
• Sandals
• Classy flats 
• A classic scarf
• An everyday necklace 

Again, base your shoes and accessories off your preferences and what will makes sense for your day-to-day activities. 

Pieces You Need in You Capsule Wardrobe

Now that you’ve gotten the idea of a capsule wardrobe down, let’s dive into some Stella Carakasi, Coclico and Coach items that will work for any closet.

White Button-Up Tunic Top

The Stella Carakasi Prime Time Tunic is the perfect addition to your capsule collection because it matches with so many different garments and can be worn casually or dressed up! Plus, it’s available in black or soft white to coordinate with almost anything.

T-Shirt

Looking for a simple yet modern t-shirt to add to your closet? Look no further than our Bateau Neck Top. This comfortable yet timeless top in organic cotton will go with any trousers, skirts, leggings, jackets, or accessories that you have in your wardrobe. 

Ankle Pants

The Stella Carakasi Slimming Ankle Pants are a great addition to any capsule wardrobe because they can be worn to work or out for a date night! They’re also super flattering for many body shapes and sizes and available in colors soft white and black.

And Then There’s The Shoes…

Sandals

There’s nothing more versatile than a good pair of sandals. We love these Coclico leather Kotara Strappy Sandals  they are perfect to grab for your capsule wardrobe because they can pair with almost anything whether you’re heading into the office or grabbing drinks with your girlfriends!

Comfy Heels

If you prefer comfy heels you will love the Coclico Tillary Heel sandals because they have a classic, timeless design that goes with just about any outfit!

At Stella Carakasi we’re firm believers in paying attention to the details—from fabric choices to all the construction details, from style lines and how a garment fits on various body types and sizes. It’s the culmination of these details that help create your favorite styles. That’s why we always strive to design multi-functional pieces that work, day after day, season after season.

Discover sustainable, eco-friendly fashion that fits your body & your values.

For more inspiration visit our Looks We Love Page, showing you that it only takes a few timeless, super mixable styles to create a wide variety of fresh looks.

Our Favorite Casual Lifestyle Essentials and Ways To Wear Them

There is no denying that the clothes we wear affect the way we feel and while this pandemic has changed so many aspects of our daily lives, forever changing our future, it has also changed the way we dress.

In the beginning, we enjoyed living in the comfort of our sweats and PJs but quickly realized that we still needed to look somewhat professional during our never-ending zoom meetings.  Our look evolved into all business on top and comfort on the bottom, certainly not a look we wanted to be seen in public with.

As a designer, this posed a very interesting question for me.  How will we be dressing moving forward? Clearly, comfort has become the most important aspect of daily dressing, but it does not have to be synonymous with athleisure, sweats, or PJs because some of us don’t want to look as if we just stepped out from our imaginary gym. How can clothing evolve into wardrobe essentials that are comfortable and stylish from head to toe, that work from morning until evening and are suitable for staying at home or being in public? High quality, easy-care clothing, sustainably made and flattering for many body types.

This very challenging tall order resulted in creating a new core wardrobe that embraced these values and gave birth to a new casual style philosophy. This new core wardrobe consists of a few designs that collectively tie an entire closet together because they mix and match to create a wide variety of looks. 

_{Photo by Manifesto Photography via Pinterest}

Your essential garments should be wearable in different contexts: for work (at the office or at home), on the weekend, and out to dinner to name a few.

If a style has the ability to perform in various style categories, it is a quintessential closet staple and you need it as a part of your most cohesive wardrobe. We’ve taken a few of our favorite super-essentials that fit many of these categories and show you how we would make the most out of them. Get ready for some serious style inspiration.

1. White Button-Down Shirt

The white button-down shirt is a workwear go-to, and while we love it with a jacket, it also works perfectly layered under a knitted cardigan for a softer and more comfortable look.

Longer shirts or tunics worn with denim leggings are ideal for casual weekends. You can add a red lip or a bag for a fun and sophisticated pop of color.

Dress up your favorite shirt with a statement necklace, awesome pants, and a great pair of shoes for an evening out.

2. Jersey Top

For a no-brainer work outfit, wear your jersey top with your favorite pants or skirt. You can further accessorize with a colorful tote, or a skinny scarf, and great shoes.

For the weekend, your jersey top is the easiest choice. Try it with denim or leggings and casual shoes.
For a cool urban appeal, layer your jersey top with a great vest or cardigan over black leggings and cool boots.

3. Sweater

Sweaters multitask very well for many dress occasions. They add comfort to any work outfit, worn with denim they transform into a casual weekend look and paired with fabulous leggings they get you ready for a night out.

4. Leggings

Pair your leggings with a great shirt, long cardigan, or vest. Leggings are the cooler, updated version of classic work trousers.

A printed tee paired with leggings is a casual-cool look for the weekend. Try pairing the outfit with eye-catching flats to add a pop of color.

Leggings are inherently comfortable, making them an ideal 24/7 choice for work, play, or a night out in town.

5. Denim

Denim has evolved. While there is no denying that we immediately think of jeans when we hear the word denim and everybody should own their favorite pair, there is more to denim that most of us know.  There is super comfortable stretchy knit denim as well as silky soft Tencel denim that creates beautiful jogger-type pants or super casual flood pants that feel like PJs but are definitely not. The various silhouettes create fresh and exciting casual weekend looks. 

Three Steps to Curating Your Closet

Who hasn’t spent a morning in front of her closet, trying on one piece after another, only to end up with a pile of clothes on the floor and still nothing on?

Without a curated closet, it’s easy to fall into this rut. But wardrobe nirvana is attainable, and it’s found by ensuring that your closet is filled with pieces that you love.
Take control: evaluate and streamline your wardrobe by following the three steps we’ve outlined here.

You’ll be on the path to an uncluttered closet (and mind) in no time.

Step 1: Identify Your Front-Runners

• Start your closet edit by pulling all of your absolute favorite pieces out and putting them aside. You’ll recognize these winners by the fact that you reach for them whenever you want to feel your absolute best.
• You know the fabulous dress shirt you slip on when you need to nail that presentation, the one that makes you feel instantly more confident? 
• Or your super comfy leggings you pair with a long button-down and heels, the ones that crush it every time?

• Seeing this group of go-to faves together, you’ll probably notice these pieces have something in common. Patterns will emerge, and it will be easier to see what colors, shapes, and styles you clearly like to wear.
• One theme you’ll probably notice among your favorites is comfort. When you’re comfortable, you feel good, and when you feel good, you look awesome and you show up more confident in your daily life.
  Remember that poor girl you saw last night wobbling down the sidewalk in sky-high stilettos, grimacing in pain? Not. Worth. It. If you love heels make sure they are comfortable and the right height.
• A closet edit is all about ruthlessly assessing each item in question to see how it measures up against these wardrobe heroes. Sure, the task at hand can seem daunting when stories and sentiments pop into mind as you grab each garment.
• Avoid confusion and keep your eyes on the prize by remembering to always ask this important question: “Do I love this piece?” If the answer is yes, in the winner group, it goes. Don’t love it? Send it straight to the bye-bye bin. Not sure? This next set of criteria will help you decide its fate.

Step 2: Making the Hard Choices

• Lose the clothes you’re still holding onto from different size eras in your life. Keeping these around is just bad for your closet and your brain.
• Part ways with anything past its prime–yes, that chambray shirt may take you back to freshman year but is threadbare and pilled, time to let go. Anything obviously beyond repair is a non-starter. Stains the dry cleaner can’t vanquish? Are tears not worth mending? Give it the boot.
• Haven’t worn it in over a year? Time’s up. Sell it online, at a consignment shop, or donate here or here.
• You may think that editing down your closet will make it seem like you have nothing to wear, but it actually makes getting dressed easier because you know exactly what you have, and you love it all.

Step 3: Keep a Good Thing Going

• You wanted a simplified wardrobe that felt entirely you, and kudos, you did it. Just keep these tenets in mind to keep your closet in check…
• Reassess your wardrobe every six months, A.K.A. the “shop your closet” mentality. You’ll probably discover items you forgot about and should wear.
• Bear in mind that any new pieces you acquire must meet all aforementioned criteria in order to be allowed a place in your perfected wardrobe. Does that style you’re coveting embody your style and make you feel like a million bucks when you put it on?
• Remember that life’s easier with a closet that you’re proud of and excited to have. Stick to the rules, and you’ll be golden.

How to Create a Wardrobe For a Casual Lifestyle

Creating a wardrobe for a casual lifestyle is a matter of combining your own personal style with a sense of comfort and flexibility. Whether shopping for a new t-shirt and sweats, for lounging around the house, or a great pair of jeans to wear to a party, developing your own casual wardrobe is about buying the clothes that make you feel relaxed. While creating a completely new wardrobe is not an option for many shoppers, building up your casual clothing collection over time is a rewarding and accessible challenge for shoppers of all economic backgrounds.

Instructions

• Imagine a template for a few ideal outfits before you shop to give yourself ideas on which pants, shirts, jackets, shoes, and accessories are really the right fit for you. Look at fashion photographs online or observe a stylish passerby to have a more focused shopping experience.
• Select the right brand for you. Do your research and go for quality styles that will last for several seasons. 
• Browse clothing brands that fit both your aesthetic and financial limits. Imagine yourself in the articles you peruse. Would you feel stylish yet comfortable wearing that item both when relaxing at home or going into town?
• Try on the clothes you selected to ensure that they’re the right fit and that they match your personal vision. If you feel confident, attractive, and relaxed, then this may be the outfit you’ve been looking for.
• Notice which of your casual clothes you wear the most or feel the most comfortable in. Also, take note of the ones you hardly wear. The next time you go shopping, keep these personal trends in mind. Building your casual wardrobe is all about buying clothing that you’ll find flexible and relaxing. These are the items that you’ll want to wear again and again.

Tips & Warnings

• Be selective about the brands you decide to shop in and narrow your focus on the casual clothing that you really love.
• Resist the impulse to buy items that don’t quite match up with anything you already have at home or plan to buy in the future. These are the items most likely to just sit in your closet untouched.

For more inspiration check out our Looks We Love Page, where you will learn to create various casual outfits with only a few essential styles.

Tiburon Tunic Icon

Stella Carakasi – The Power of Design 

Style is not about being someone you’re not. It’s personal. It’s about manifesting confidence and feeling right with who you are without even knowing why. It’s about summoning the power of the senses to communicate security and ease. Think about that favorite garment, that go-to piece in your wardrobe that just works. Not the most expensive mind you, but that one piece that always makes it into your suitcase. Most likely when that piece comes to mind, it’s a sensory experience that triggers a memory; perhaps it felt wonderful to the touch or was that perfect color. Or maybe it just seemed to work with everything else in your closet. A unique cut or some charming detail, whatever the impetus, at that moment you felt the energy of your surroundings. You felt like your true self and you felt comfortable in your own skin. That’s the power of design.

What makes an Icon

The term ‘Icon’ is thrown around a lot these days; a versatile style that stands the test of time, a piece that fits and flatters many different sizes and shapes, like our Tiburon Tunic, one style to which this title can truly be applied. The Tiburon Tunic’s versatility has a great deal to do with its ability to outlast trends; it’s the rare piece of clothing that can be worn for just about any occasion and in a variety of ways, from a workweek staple to lunch with friends, dressed up or down, belted as a shirt dress with leggings, or unbuttoned as a lightweight jacket. A true Icon is something you will wear all the time. It’s a commodity, the one piece that you can wear pretty much anywhere and feel comfortable and confident and know that you are neither over- nor underdressed, but always on-point.

Classic Colors

Black, Soft White and Navy; these timeless shades are classic and set the foundation of any successful look.  Current limited edition colors Aqua and Coral add a bright alternative to our classic shades.

Soft White: The quintessential dress shirt color. For cotton poplin, there’s no better choice, and it’s the best color to combine with classic indigo jeans, your favorite pants, or leggings like our Second Nature Capris or Ready To Wear Leggings.

Black:  A black shirt offers a rebellious alternative to the classic white option, the go-to color that goes everywhere and works with all your outfits. Black adds drama and mystery, it can be dressed up or down or worn head to toe. Go tonal with greys or neutrals. Pop pretty much any color against black and it instantly has cache’, something special comes out- she is empowered.

Navy: Navy the color of midnight is a refined choice that does almost the same job as black and remains day friendly. It’s ideal for creating classic looks when combined with denim, white and cool neutrals.

Aqua: The color Aqua is peaceful and calm. It’s a happy cool bright that works back to denim and white and enhances your mood with joyful positivity.

Coral: Coral is energizing and invigorating and inspires action, it’s bright and exciting. This lively color works back to your favorite denim and white. Want to make a statement? Pair it with other brights like yellow or vibrant greens.

Styled just so…

Comfort falls hand in hand with confidence, and confidence starts with feeling good about what you’re wearing and how it fits and feels. A perfect fit emphasizes parts of the body you’re most proud of, without drawing attention to the areas you’re perhaps more self-conscious about. We’ve designed this piece with you in mind. Taking some of the attributes of our bestsellers along with feedback from our loyal customers we have incorporated them into one fantastic style. The smart poplin front reveals a modern architectural shape and the pleated stretch-jersey back work together to create The Tiburon Tunic Icon. The half sleeves are finished with a stretchy band of jersey for ease of movement and precise fit. The welted front pockets are deep, inconspicuous and keep this piece on the casual side while the pleated jersey back exudes total comfort and ease. Pop the collar for a little attitude. The Tiburon Tunic can be worn open as an easy-going jacket, buttoned-up as a tunic or belted and paired with leggings to make a stunning shirtdress. This style has as many moods as you.

In the words of our happy customers

“It’s a great moment when you make a purchase and it exceeds expectations. You want to tell everyone. You feel great every time you wear it.”   –Ann B.

“Love this shirt! So comfy and flattering.”   –M P.

“I just got mine! It fits perfectly and I want to wear it every day!  –Liz B.

“I LOVE MINE… WORTH EVERY PENNY!”  –Julie W.

“I must say… I have both black and white… best shirt EVER…wear with tights or skinny leg pants…so slimming and classy.”   –Joey W.

For more inspiration, check out our Looks We Love Dressing Made Easy  page at Stella Carakasi

Fashion and Sustainability

Why offer pre-orders?

In order to further the sustainability conversation and the role we play, we are always thinking of ways in which to support this ideal. So we ask ourselves– how can we offer new products without over-producing designs that may or may not resonate with the end consumer, while at the same time let them take part in the design process? What are people really looking for? Why do they like this texture, or that color, or this sleeve length? Zipper or buttons? Pockets or no pockets? These are questions we ask ourselves with every new design.

Over-producing garments season after season is extremely wasteful and clearly unsustainable. The fashion industry, as a whole doesn’t traditionally embrace sustainability, it is about profit at all cost and has become a race to the bottom, devaluing clothing and disregarding the enormous destructive environmental impact.

The current industry paradigm, in fact, goes against the whole concept of sustainability and sadly has become one of the most wasteful industries on the planet. It’s a dirty secret that’s finally getting exposed. Now what? Dwelling on the problem or simply overlooking it has never sat well with us. We’ve successfully been able to incorporate sustainable initiatives into our sourcing and manufacturing processes since the very beginning but we also wanted to address the problem of excess inventory and the waste that happens after the products are produced. Small batch production has been a successful endeavor for us and many garment manufacturers are seeing the value-producing smaller runs but getting consistent orders spread out over time. Not only does this stabilize workflow for all involved but more importantly improves the quality of life for the workers themselves.

The concept of pre-ordering allows us to test the market’s interest in a certain fabric, color, or silhouette before it goes into a larger production. This saves time, money and resources at every stage of a garment’s journey from the fabric to the end consumer. Being the solution-oriented people that we are, we began offering a handful of our products for pre-order earlier this year and frankly we’ve learned a lot.

What is a pre-order?

A pre-order is an order placed for an item that has not yet been produced. Pre-orders allow manufacturers to gauge how much demand there will be and thus the size of the initial production run. For us, testing the popularity of a garment is key and gives us crucial information that helps in this decision. We live in a consumerist society where people devote a great deal of time, energy, resources and thought to “consuming”. The general view of life in a consumerist society is that consumption is good, and more consumption is even better. Everybody seeks instant gratification and instant delivery. This hyper-consumerism has fueled fast fashion’s dominance and along with it environmental destruction. We chose to take a slower approach and deliver quality over quantity. We produce garments that are meant to last, offering value versus the excessive waste associated with “disposable” goods. Much like how the slow food movement versus fast food has become so popular in recent years. It’s time to bring the same awareness and value back into clothing. Fast fashion has completely devalued clothing at a high environmental cost and it is time to move forward and support the needed change.

Sustainability

We produce many of our garments in small batches right here in the Bay Area in order to maintain the highest quality standards with the lowest possible environmental impact. Overproduction and the mass disposal of unsold clothes are clearly an under-addressed issue in the fashion industry. Honestly, it is widely unknown how much “dead stock” accumulates every year. It is estimated that 20% -30% (80 million tons) of garments produced by fast fashion brands remain unsold, leading to enormous amounts of excess clothing that is either burned or thrown into landfill. Needless to say, this results in wasted human resources, fabric, dyes, not to mention the environmental impact, etc.…

Gauge demand

Through our pre-order system, we can more accurately estimate how many pieces we are going to sell of a certain product. This not only leads to higher resource efficiency but also prevents senseless raw material waste. Creating less waste results in lower cost, a saving that trickles down to the end consumer so that everyone benefits. The environment, the manufacturer, and you!

Quality

Fast fashion, as its name suggests– is not produced to last. This disqualifies any attempt to produce a product more “sustainably”. We believe, that garments must have a long and useful life. Our garments are made with love and built to last.

Customer engagement

The pre-order concept goes hand in hand with our direct-to-consumer model. It allows our customers to literally get involved in the design process through direct feedback and gives us crucial information in developing new designs that address the customers’ wishes and concerns.

 What is apparel’s future?

The World Resources Institute states that apparel spending is projected to grow tremendously. This is particularly true in Asia, as hundreds of millions of people in China and India enter the global middle class. By 2030, there will be 5.4 billion people in the global middle class, from 3 billion in 2015. We can expect increased demand for clothing and other consumer goods that define middle-income lifestyles.

If consumption continues at its current rate, we’ll need three times as many natural resources by 2050 compared to what we used in 2000. Fast-changing trends and low prices have allowed people to consume even more. The average consumer is now purchasing 60 percent more items of clothing compared to 2000, but each garment is kept half as long. To keep the apparel industry viable in tomorrow’s markets, the issue of consumption must be brought to the forefront– and it must begin now.

Apparel is just one sector competing for natural resources, but it’s important that clothing makers start transforming their business models now given the industry’s strong growth trajectory. A handful of companies like ours are aware of the environmental risks and are taking action.

The next step is for consumers to get properly educated so they can change their habits as well and use their purchasing power to help the slow fashion movement gain traction. Our direct-to-consumer model, combined with the pre-order concept are just two more approaches that we’ve embraced to help move the needle forward to a more sustainable future.

 

Fall Trend Report: Cue The Color

This season the runway embraced ’80s opulence in the form of bold color, strong silhouettes, and dramatic combinations. We’ve taken some cues from the runway and infused our latest fall capsule release with luxe fabrics, statement colors and refined details. 

Check out our stylists’ tips for rocking this season’s trending colors:

A Punch Of Pink

Fuchsia…a fresh, unique, unexpected vibrant shade of pink that takes your color game to the next level. We are loving this statement color for its bold beauty and ability to go from desk to dusk with confidence.
Pro tip: Pair fuchsia with denim by day and jet black by night for an ultra-feminine look that packs a punch.

Out Of The Blue

Aquarius…wake up your wardrobe with the brilliance of electric blue. We’re obsessed with the dynamic energy of aquarius because it looks fabulous on all skin tones and plays well with the colors you already have in your closet.
Pro tip: This color can be worn year round so it’s a great opportunity to splurge on a statement piece that you’ll wear season after season.

It’s All In Black And White

Black & White…these endlessly sophisticated classic colors are tried and true neutrals that mix and match effortlessly.  Pop them with bold tones or shades of grey…no matter what you choose, you can’t go wrong.
Pro tip: Take advantage of their versatility and experiment with texture and pattern, even pairing prints with stripes!

Our takeaway? Bold color, stripes, and unexpected combinations rule! We’ve created a collection of Looks We Love to show you how we’re wearing this season’s hottest color trends. Need a little help deciding which size is best for you or how to put a look together? Ask us! Click here to send us an email.

4 Easy Steps to Transition Your Wardrobe From Summer to Fall

 

Create a Trans-Seasonal Wardrobe

Transitioning your clothes from one season to the next doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, it can be the perfect opportunity to incorporate a more sustainable approach to your wardrobe while preparing for the change in season.  Here are some chic weatherproof suggestions to help build or to add to your transitional wardrobe.

1. Reach for colors that work in summer and in fall.

Brights inherently make you think of a hot summer day by the pool, while muted jewel tones bring to mind crisp fall days. The next time you go shopping, choose hues that work in both worlds—hot and cold—like white, navy, denim or army green. These neutrals will help you build a versatile color palette to keep you looking chic even as the months change and temps drop.

2. Don’t store every ‘summer’ piece.

Before you do a total seasonal switch out, think about some of the pieces you’ve been wearing and how they can transition to cooler weather and warmer tones.

In terms of what to store: Pack away anything that screams “summer” such as linen shorts, cotton dresses, bright summery prints, and flat sandals. Keep out anything made with silk or Tencel (blouses, dresses, blazers) or in cotton (T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, lightweight sweaters) which can be worn all year around. As for shoes, feel free to keep your casual heeled sandals out—try wearing opaque tights with them under a fall skirt.

3. Choose your splurges wisely.

Summer style is all about your entire outfit since every piece is visible, whereas during fall and winter coats and jackets take center stage. Consider investing in a well-fitting, stylish coat that can carry an entire outfit.

It’s worth splurging on a gorgeous piece that you know you’ll be wearing for seasons to come. Make it something classic like a statement that’ll never go out of style. Don’t be afraid to experiment with color either, while black is a serious investment piece, opting for a color that complements your skin tone automatically elevates your look.

4. Layer, layer, layer!

San Franciscans are layering experts. Within a single day in our city, you can experience a 45-degree foggy morning, to a 70-degree sunny afternoon, to a bone-chillingly cold (and windy) night. Opt for a few lighter pieces that you can layer on top of each other—and take on and off throughout the day.

It’s the perfect time to reassess your closet and even take a risk or two with your personal style. Shop Stella’s Pre-Fall Collection to find the perfect pieces to set the tone for this season.

 

Stella Carakasi Flagship Store Is Turning One!

 

Located right here on fabulous Fourth Street in Berkeley, California and less than a mile from Stella’s design studio, the Stella Carakasi flagship store is a dream realized. After successfully launching her online store, Stella wanted to create a beautifully curated boutique that was more than just a showroom, but a creative space to collaborate with other artists, local designers and to connect with her customers.

This past year has been an amazing journey for our entire team. We’ve launched two collections, staged fashion shows, collaborated with amazing female entrepreneurs and hosted incredible in-store events with local and non-profit organizations including: The Guild, Dress For Success, Watermark and The Berkeley School.

At the heart of our store you will find our stylists, who are creative and customer focused.  They delight in exceeding shopper expectations and are passionate about helping women realize their personal style.

Join us in-store July 7 and 8 as we celebrate our one year anniversary and enter a chance to win a $100 gift card! Can’t make it to Berkeley this weekend? No worries, we’ve pulled together our ultimate collection of Stella Carakasi’s top ten faves. Including flowing tunics, leggings made in San Francisco, lush pops of color and signature travel wear. Ready to start shopping?

 

 

 

 

Sustainable Shopping: 5 Tips For Reducing Your Fashion Footprint

Here at Stella Carakasi we are constantly looking for ways to infuse sustainability into our clothing and the way we do business because we believe that even the smallest of choices can make a big impact. With this in mind, we thought we would share some ways to incorporate sustainability into your own life, especially when shopping for clothes!

5 Tips For Reducing Your Fashion Foot Print:

1. Shop online

• According to this analysis, 22 percent of a garment’s climate impact comes from the process of a consumer driving to the store to try something on, driving to another store to try that thing on, then bringing their final selection home in their car. Shopping from home means one less car on the road! The courier service that delivers your package (such as UPS, FedEx, or USPS) is like public transportation for your clothing: efficient at moving a lot of stuff with minimal fuel.
• Shopping online gives you access to the retailer’s mission and story, you have the opportunity to learn about what they are doing to make fashion more sustainable before making your purchase.
• Know your size and refer to the manufacturer’s size specifications to hone in on the best fit for your size and shape to reduce return shipping.

2. Prioritize natural fabrics
Synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and acrylic can take up to 1,000 years to decompose—which means that all of the polyester that has ever been made still exists. Those materials account for a large chunk of the clothing that’s currently sitting in landfills. Choosing all-natural fabrics is one way to work toward a more sustainable wardrobe—try silk, organic cotton, wool, hemp, cashmere, alpaca, and Tencel, which are more luxurious, breathable and feel great on your body. (Stella even uses recycled paper in some of her sweaters!)

3. Invest in high-quality products, not quantity
Choose clothes that are made with the best craftsmanship, the finest materials, and timeless classic design. Durability is a key component in the environmental impact of a garment because its carbon footprint decreases every year that you own it.

4. Consider the number of uses
Ask yourself: “Can I wear this to work and to brunch?” and “Can I wear this in multiple seasons, or year-round?”. When you choose clothes that you can picture in different places and climates you’ll keep them longer and get more use.

5. Capsule your wardrobe
A clothing capsule is an extremely edited collection of versatile pieces that can be endlessly mixed and matched, so that you get maximum use out of minimal possessions. The goal is to gain clarity of your personal style and only purchase pieces that make you feel like your best self. With a thoughtfully curated wardrobe, you can easily put together a great outfit and you’ll no longer find yourself making hasty purchases because you have nothing to wear. (You can contact a stylist at Stella Carakasi to get styling advice and help curating your own capsule.)

As part of our effort to support sustainable fashion we are excited to announce that throughout the month of June and for the first half of July, our flagship store in Berkeley, California will be hosting an in-store pop-up with Vincetta Studio, a collection of season-less pieces with intentionally minimalist design.  To kick off this exciting collaboration, we are co-hosting a Sip & Shop event Monday, June 11, 2018, from 4 to 6 pm. Click here to RSVP!

 

How-To Pack & Create the Perfect Capsule Wardrobe for the Holidays

Is there anything better than a totally bespoke wardrobe created especially for you?  The capsule wardrobe is just that – the perfect micro-collection of clothing for any occasion.  With the holidays fast approaching we have compiled a capsule wardrobe and packing tips that will have you jet-set ready!

Our Capsule Wardrobe

Rare Form Cape: This cozy cape has a sweet surprise – it is reversible! The versatility of this cape makes it perfect for any capsule wardrobe. We also love wearing it in transit – it is both chic and comfortable for any journey.

Slimming Ankle Pants: The straight leg silhouette partnered with the vegan-leather front panels make these pants especially easy to pack (and forgiving on wrinkles!).  They also pair well with every type of shoe – from heels to flats and everything in between!  

Shape Shifter Top: This flattering top is an essential for any capsule wardrobe.  Not only does it work for layering but it is also timeless worn by itself.  Some added bonuses, it comes in four different colors, is made from organic cotton, and folds up easily for packing.

Tour De Force Cardigan: A cardigan….with edge!  The zipper detail and vegan-leather sleeve inserts add a layer of interest and style to any ensemble. Pair this cardigan with the slimming ankle pants for an added pop of leather.  

Packing Tricks of the Trade

1. Take Notes and Plan Ahead: A week or two before you travel start compiling a list of items you need to pack as you think of them.  This will help eliminate some last minute packing stress and enable you to build your perfect capsule wardrobe while you travel.
2. Fold and Roll: One of our biggest packing secrets is to fold your clothing in half and roll it so it is neatly compressed.  The pieces in our capsule wardrobe work beautifully for this method of packing.  Not only will this save space, but it will create order in your luggage!
3. Pack a Laundry Bag: A washable reusable bag or pillowcase make for an excellent laundry bag on-the go.  It also helps to stay organized while traveling.
4. Keep Your Luggage Smelling Fresh: Slip a sachet or dryer sheets in with your luggage.  The scent will give you a boost while traveling and omit a fresh fragrance.