My Capsule Wardobe // Part One.

Ok this isn't technically about beauty but I'm  hoping you'll find it helpful if you're thinking of having a good clear out which is always cathartic and needed after christmas.

So just under a month ago I decided I wanted to get a bit KonMari on my wardrobes ass. I'd had enough of wasting my money on impulse purchases like ANOTHER jacket, another bag, another this-didnt-quite-fit-me-but-it's-in-the-sale-purchase. I'd had enough of looking in my wardrobe and realising that it was jam packed and full to the brim yet I didn't have anything appropriate to wear that suited my new post pregnancy body or was suitable for my life now. As a self employed person and caretaker of one 11 month old crazy monkey lady baby time, money and space are all at a premium yet I was wasting all of these on clothes I really didn't need ( not to mention the fact that impulse buying and buying way more than we need is awful for the environment) . So I decided to start a 'capsule wardrobe experiment' and I was really inspired by the blog unfancy and Caroline from unfancy's capsule wardrobe guides to doing this.

The reason I wanted to share my experience with you is because the capsule wardrobes guides and tips I have found  tend to be based around  neutral ''classic'' clothes ( a look I always admire on other people but looks a tad drab on me) and although I may try to argue the a banana print denim biker jacket IS classic most people wouldn't agree with me. Being someone who is drawn to ''classic'' clothes would probably  make this whole process a lot easier but I can't deny my attraction to loud prints, bold colours and metallic shoes and I don't want to! So this is a helpful guide for those of you who are a little less beige trench coat and a bit more electric blue suede boots.


So I wanted to edit my wardrobe jammed wardrobe and overflowing drawers (oo -er missus) and just leave a smaller but more thoughtful wardrobe . I wanted to not have to struggle to make outfits look good, I want to buy less but buy better and have a wardrobe I know is full of easy and well fitting outfit options. 


So the key is to be really honest about what you actually wear, what your life actually is like and to be a bit ruthless with those items that you're not 100% happy with. I had to be a bit strict with myself and it took a bit of time it's been totally worth it and I can't believe how into it I am and it's been fun experimenting with my little wardrobe and I feel ''lighter''  ( and wee pinch smug). 

I took everything out of my wardrobe I mean EVERYTHING. This is a bit arduous but it makes it easier- trust me. I then went through everything and made four piles.


1st pile: stuff I love and wear all the time. (went back in my wardrobe,)

2nd pile: stuff I didn't want to chuck but if I was being honest with myself i didn't really wear all that often (stashed under my bed in one box (I've put them away to see if I actually miss them over the next 3 months and I doubt I will)

3rd pile: stuff that didn't fit right  I hadn't worn in ages or I just didn't need (this pile was quite big as even though I'm more or less back to my pre pregnancy weight my body and life are undeniably different so there was less call for ittsy bittsy dresses and skirts that were so form fitting in my head I thought of them as ''standing room only''; this stuff went to charity, ebay and friends)

4th pile  stuff that wasn't seasonally appropriate ( I did this in December so this was all my more summery clothes like sandals and summery dresses) this got stashed too.

I then really assessed what my wardrobe was missing so I never had any of those ''But I have nothing to wear!'' moments and I made a very small and quite boring shopping list of really good basic clothes that would help me get  more mileage out of my existing items ( long sleeved black top, black books, biker jacket, well fitting dress) So then I was left with an really workable but still fun ''me'' everyday wardrobe. 

Sidenote! This wardrobe doesn't include evening wear/cocktail wear/formal wear loungewear, underwear or work out clothes but the stuff you wear everyday . 

And then I was left with my capsule wardobe;  45 pieces that includes tops, dresses, coats, shoes, jeans . Caroline from unfancy suggests 37 pieces but this time round I couldn't get down to that as I have a very grubby little monkey who relishes in throwing food so I need a few more changes of t shirts and jumpers for when I get mango smushed onto me. But now almost a month down the line I think there was more I could have stashed away or given away and next time round I think I could make it even less.

Live with your wardobe for 3 months to see how it works for you.

Do not shop. I repeat DO NOT SHOP for 3 months.  If like me you check Topshop and ASOS daily (even if you don't actually purchase anything) this will feel weird at first but it will get better. And the smugness you feel about not spending money will be way better than that post splurge wave of guilt and shame but If you give in don't worry ; this is meant to be fun having fun and being content with what you have not about self denial. 

After the 3 months is up it's time to switch things around and make it more appropriate for the season ahead. Obviously you won't need to buy a whole new wardrobe so it helps to make items ''transitional''  ( a fashion term that makes me squirm) like lighter knits and tops that can be layered.

So there it is, my quick guide to a capsule wardobe. I'll be doing another few posts on this and showing how my winter wardobe breaks down .