Do you have a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear? Do you dream of a capsule wardrobe? I know the feeling.
The Walk-in Closet
Not long ago, I had a walk-in closet full of clothes: tailored suits, skirts, dresses, pants, casual clothes, dressy clothes, workout clothes, clothes for every occasion. As a result, there was a buffet of colours, textures, and styles. If you have the space, you fill it up!
Hence, you’d think I would have waltzed into that closet every morning, admiring my abundance of choice, and gleefully picking out my outfit for the day. But, that was not the case. Instead, I would stand there feeling rushed and overcome with indecision.
So, I resorted to picking out my outfit the night before. The morning was not the time to be standing around and pondering what to wear. There was no time. I had to get to work. Plus, I would iron everything! Can you imagine?
Since then, my wardrobe has changed a lot over the years. It has gradually shifted towards a capsule wardrobe of Canadian made bamboo clothing. Much of that has to do with me leaving my job as an accountant. Now I’m the creative type who works from home. But, that’s not the only reason or even the main reason.
As I’ve matured, shall we say, I’ve come to admire and even aspire to the less is more way of filling my closet. Or, should I say no t filling my closet! Plus, the truth is I only wore a fraction of what was hanging there anyway. However, it’s one thing to aspire to a pared down capsule wardrobe. And another thing to actually put it into practice.
The Purge
But, life has a funny way of turning things upside down when you need it most, even if you don’t know it at the time. Having to sell our 4 bedroom house with the large walk-in closet and move to a 2 bedroom condo with a much smaller closet and little storage space forced me to purge my wardrobe. It was time so I was ruthless. Just ask my sister.
I donated all my suits to Dress for Success. I needed to simplify my life and it started with my closet. Would I now say I have a capsule wardrobe? Well, I’m not quite there yet. But, it’s a huge improvement.
What is a Capsule Wardrobe?
Let me help you with that. Apparently, Susie Faux, the owner of a 1970’s London boutique called Wardrobe, coined the term “capsule wardrobe”. It’s defined as a collection of essential pieces of clothing that don’t go out of style. You can add in trendier less expensive items each season, but the basics stay the same. It’s the buy better, buy less way of dressing. The pieces mix and match so you can put together an outfit for any occasion.
This is my design philosophy for COKANNA Canadian made bamboo clothing for women. I’ve gradually developed the essential pieces to build a capsule wardrobe. Coming this fall, there are two styles of pant – a new trouser and the Lynne legging; two styles of jacket – the Claire zip up and the Vesna cardigan; two styles of top – the Maxine tank and the Maxine tunic both reversible; and the Patti pencil skirt. You can mix & match the 4 basic colours – classic midnight black, neutral silky blue, brilliant fiery fuchsia, and understated charcoal grey.
To see the COKANNA lineup and start building your own capsule wardrobe, drop by my next “Back to the Grind” coffee shop:
When: Sunday, August 25th from 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Where: #105 – 200 Boundstone Way, Kanata, K2T 0M9, 613-863-8893
What: Coffee/tea & dessert and good conversation
Why: Shop in a relaxed, no pressure, feel at home atmosphere
I look forward to our coffee date!
Until next time,
~ Colleen
