I am a part of a vast network of bloggers in the Ottawa area. It’s a very supportive community. We try to get together on a monthly basis, and everyone gets their turn to host. We take part in charitable causes, we hash out business ideas and most of all, we vent about the #firstworldproblems of being a blogger.
This week we had our Christmas party meetup at Two Six [Ate}, on Preston Street. They kindly hosted our gang in their event space upstairs. The food was spectacular. I forgot how delicious that place was. I have to admit, I used to go more often when it first opened.
Anyhow, I was sitting beside Flic Taylor of loveagoodstripe.com. She is a self-confessed shopaholic attempting to build a capsule wardrobe. I loved how she defined her vision of a capsule wardrobe. I am paraphrasing here, but (in her lovely british accent)she said something along the lines of “a capsule wardrobe shouldn’t look the same for everyone. It’s not about everyone having black pumps, black trousers with a camel coat. It’s about finding the right pieces to build an ideal capsule collection for yourself. A great bowler hat and leather motorcycle jacket would be fundamental in my capsule wardrobe.” In essence, not all styles share the same essentials!
Back it up, what exactly is a capsule wardrobe? Let me wiki that for you.
Capsule wardrobe is a term coined by Susie Faux, the owner of a London boutique called “Wardrobe” in the 1970s. According to Faux, a capsule wardrobe is a collection of a few essential items of clothing that don’t go out of fashion, such as skirts, trousers, and coats, which can then be augmented with seasonal pieces.[1] This idea was popularised by American designer Donna Karan, who, in 1985, released an influential capsule collection of seven interchangeable work-wear pieces.[2]
So here in lies the problem: I am not only a shopaholic, but also a fashion chameleon. Capsule wardrobe equals impossibe. My style is, literally, not having to stick to one! I dress based on my mood, what my day looks like, what inspired me that day and the overall vibes of where I am headed. I have an overabundance of clothes, which I partly blame for having a very conservative corporate job by day and being a creative social fashion butterfly by night. I could try really hard to find a style that works for both, but I love me some classic corporate atire. Think Rachel Zane in Suits, #goals.
I also find the waste and pollution brought on by fast fashion, a little difficult to swallow. Building a capsule collection can play a huge role in sustainable fashion. It’s a hard balance between investing in classic essentials (a.k.a. clothes that will last you a long time), keeping up with trends to stay relevant, and squirrelling enough money away to pay the bills.
“The Prophesy” is a series of photographs by photographer Fabrice Monteiro that shines light on the problem of pollution in Africa, yet offers a message of hope.
A great resource for sustainable fashion in Canada, is Ottawa’s own Malorie Bertrand. She has many great suggestions on building a simple, effective and sustainable capsule collection, if that is the direction you prefer heading. She also has a few exciting things up her sleeve, so make sure you follow along!
I think we can all use a little lesson in building our own Capsule wardrobe. So, here is my attempt at one! I think I have way more than I need, but it’s a start. What do you think? Is there anything missing? What would you swap?
Lord & Taylor Leopard Print Scarf • $28.80
Knit Wrap Cardigan • Dex • $165
Diane Von Furstenberg Leopard Calf Hair and Leather Gloves • $298
August Hats Felt Large Fedora • $46.14
Amazon Collection 18k Yellow Gold 5mm Ball Stud Earrings • $65
Daniel Wellington Classy Sheffield 34mm Goldplated Watch • $265
T By Alexander Wang Black Scoopneck T-shirt • Alexander Wang • $90
Karen Kane V-Neck Lace Dress • Karen Kane • $186.79
Ivanka Trump Abstract Floral Blouse • Ivanka Trump • $66.75
Faux-Leather Hem Full Skirt • $115.99
Majestic Filatures turtle neck sweater • Majestic Filatures • $176.24
Mes Demoiselles ‘Field’ cable knit sweater • Mes Demoiselles • $823.91
Hue Python Faux Leather Ponte Leggings • Hue • $69.50
Trish-F5 Long Ink Winter Down Coat With Fur Hood • Mackage • $950
Pajar Alice Faux Fur Winter Boots • Pajar • $168
Lacoste Womens White Ramer LCR2 Canvas Sneakers-UK 3 • Lacoste • $110.18
Rag & Bone ‘Brando’ t-shirt • Rag and Bone • $110
Paige Skyline Ankle Peg Jeans Gr. 25 • Paige • $395
Vince Camuto Snake Point Toe Pumps • Vince Camuto • $88–131
Vince Camuto Raylan- Suede & Leather Point Toe Bootie • Vince Camuto • $173.74
Marc By Marc Jacobs ‘New Too Hot To Handle’ hobo tote • Marc by Marc Jacobs • $672.08
Chanel Vintage ‘2.55’ shoulder bag • Chanel • $9,236
Burberry London Virgin Wool Trench Coat with Cashmere Gr. 8 • Burberry • $2,095
In my post last week, I mentioned that I was featured in 
