SS/20 Inspiration & Transitioning My Wardrobe

SS/20 Inspiration & Transitioning My Wardrobe

With each season, comes new excitement for me. Fall and Winter means cozy knitwear and turtlenecks. Spring and summer mean breezy linen pants and not having to wear a huge puffy jacket whenever I step outside the house. I’m definitely a summer person — I love the longer, bright sunny days that come with Spring and Summer but I have also loved the time spent in the Fall and Winter. I think that having a curated collection of clothing that I love has helped me to love my wardrobe and also be excited about it when those seasons roll around again. This post is all about saying goodbye (for now) to my Fall/Winter wardrobe and exploring what I’m inspired by for Spring and Summer.

Each year I create two wardrobe inspiration boards on Pinterest. One for my Fall/Winter inspo and the other for my Spring/Summer inspo. If you’re interested in taking a peek at some of the styles and colours I’m loving so far, you can check out my Pinterest board here. As I’ve started doing this for the past couple of years, it’s interesting to see how my style evolves and at the same time pretty much stays the same. As I’ve gotten older, I think I’ve finally discovered my “style” and what I love to wear. I see that in the similar pins that repeat through my inspiration boards from season to season.

SS/20 Inspiration

It’s hard to fit my entire Pinterest board in one blog post, but I’ll share a little screen shot of it here so you can get the general gist of it. It actually looks quite similar to my board from last Spring/Summer.

Styles

This season I’m really loving boxy shaped tank tops with more of a square fit. I’m seeing a lot of those pins on my board. In the Spring, in particular, I love to wear button ups. They’re great as an extra layering piece during cooler evenings, as a cover-up on the beach, or just worn casually on its own. I’m also feeling really inspired by wrap-style tops and dresses this season. I’m not sure what it is about the look, but I really like the laid-back, beach-y feel of a wrap top or dress. I’ve still got the staples in there like denim, straight let trousers, and crisp t-shirts. loving

Colours/Patterns

Colour wise, I clearly can’t get enough of the creams and whites. It’s just what I love to wear during warmer seasons. Except I have to be extra careful because I’m so clumsy! I’m feeling quite inspired by pops of earth-toned shades this season as well. I love the warmth of mauve and olive but also the coolness of baby blue.

I’ve never been a patterns kind of girl because I just like to keep it simple. However, the past year or two I’ve been really drawn to line art. It’s so simple, yet beautiful, and I think my love for framed line art has seeped into my inspiration for my wardrobe too. I think simple line patterns are so cute and would love to try something with some pattern on it this season. I also pinned a polka dot dress, not sure where that came from, but we’ll see where that pattern takes me!

Materials

I’ve always been drawn to linen, especially in the summer. It’s clear that it’s still my fabric of choice, just by looking at my inspiration photos. I think you’ll be seeing a lot of linen and cotton in my SS20 wardrobe. After looking through my inspiration photos, I can’t wait to unpack my capsule from last season and bring back some of my favourites.

What about you?

I hope you enjoyed this walk through of my Pinterest inspiration board and just my thoughts on what’s inspiring my Spring/Summer capsule this season.

What are some things that are inspiring you this season?

What styles are you loving and hoping to bring into your wardrobe?

If you’re curious how I transition my wardrobe each season, watch the video down below where I share just exactly how I transition my fall/winter wardrobe into my spring/summer wardrobe. It’s a great stay-at-home activity to do to get your spring cleaning kick-started!

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This post is not sponsored and does not contain gifted items or affiliate links. I only share products and brands I love and support. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting Candice Tay!

Testing Sustainable and Ethical Leggings

Ethical & Sustainable Leggings

a review

Before I wrote this post, I didn’t realize how different black leggings could be! After testing all of these, I think I’ve got my favourites and I know what makes a good pair of black leggings for me. I hope this review helps you find the perfect pair for your body type and lifestyle! I often get questions about my favourite ethical, sustainable activewear so today I’m finally sharing with you my thoughts on six different pairs of ethical/sustainable black leggings. I’ll be touching on fit, fabric, where it’s made, and price point.

Nimble Activewear - Moto Mesh Full Length Leggings

Nimble is an Australian, female-founded brand I discovered and purchased from a few years back when I first started learning more about sustainable fashion and capsule wardrobes. I have the Moto Mesh Full Length Leggings, which I believe aren’t available anymore, but I still wanted to throw this brand in as an option.

Fit & Fabric: Unfortunately because I’ve had this pair for a long time, the size has rubbed off the tag, though I typically fall between XXS-S. I’d say the waist is like a mid-rise and it’s full-length. The fabric is 73% Polyester‚ 27% Spandex and is made from post-consumer used recycled plastics. The majority of their products are made in Taiwan.

My Thoughts: These leggings are my most “active” looking pair that I’m reviewing today. They have mesh panels along the leg making them look more like an athleisure piece. I’ve worn them to hot yoga, for at-home workouts, and at the gym and they’ve held up very well. I personally prefer a higher rise on the waist and a bit of a more cropped length, but if you are taller, the length of these would be great.

Price Point: $$$

Everlane - The Perform Legging

Everlane recently came out with these leggings and I was curious to try them out…read on, for my thoughts!

Fit & Fabric: I’m wearing the size XXS because I find that Everlane pants usually run a tad large for me. However, for these, I think I could have gone with XS. That being said, the XXS still fits because the material is extremely stretchy without being see-through. I absolutely love the high waist on these because, if you know me, you know I live in high waisted anything. The fabric is 58% Recycled Nylon, 42% Elastane and these are made in Sri Lanka.

My Thoughts: These are superrr stretchy, which I love because it makes it easy to move around in. The key thing is that they are stretchy but not sheer. It has a hidden interior side pocket which is different than the traditional slip pocket at the front of the leggings. They’ve got a very simple look to them with the minimal seams which I personally think makes them more versatile for working out or for every day casual wear.

Price Point: $$

Girlfriend Collective - Compressive High Rise Legging

I could not write a whole blog post on activewear and not talk about Girlfriend Collective. I bought these ones last winter because I had heard so much about them and I had been wanting to try them out for a long time.

Fit & Fabric: I have the standard Black Compressive High Rise Leggings in a size XS. The fabric is made up of 79% RPET and 21% spandex and they are made in Vietnam.

My Thoughts: I think these leggings have the perfect blend of stretch and softness. They honestly feel like butter and are so comfortable to move and work out in them. They have been perfect for all things active and are also extremely comfortable to lounge around in. They are more athletic looking with the extra seam detailing. The pocket placement is also not the typical pocket you find in leggings. It’s actually a small interior slip pocket at the back of the pants.

Price Point: $$

Encircled - The Dressy Legging

Now to move on to classic leggings to be worn from day to day — these are the Dressy Leggings from Encircled!

Fit & Fabric: I’m wearing the leggings in a size XS. These are made of the softest rayon bamboo material! They don’t feel as moisture-wicking as some of the more athletic-looking leggings, but these are great more for casual, every day outfits or for lounging. It is definitely a full-length fit on me and is a great option for those of you who are taller. These are made right at home in Toronto, Canada.

My Thoughts: I don’t normally wear these for vigorous exercise mainly because of the material. However, these hit all the right points if you’re looking for something that offers style and comfort. I love the high waist and the simple, yet functional features like the pockets! I wore these on the plane and they were the most comfy thing ever — not to mention the pockets on the side of the pants that are great for holding cards or your phone.

Price Point: $$$

Boodywear - Full Leggings

These are a more recent pair that I’ve tried from Boodywear. They make eco-essentials like undergarments, loungewear, and activewear.

Fit & Fabric: I’m wearing the size XS in these leggings. The material is 80% rayon made from bamboo, 13% nylon, and 7% spandex. I noticed that this pair is not as elastic as some of the other ones I’ve reviewed. This one also has more of a mid-rise, if you’re not a fan of high waisted leggings. For me, I would’ve preferred a higher waist on these. These are also quite full-length so they’re a great fit for anyone who is taller.

My Thoughts: Overall, these are comfortable, but compared to some of the other ones, they are not the most comfortable pair I’ve tried. They are however, the most affordable pair on this list and they do the job as a pair of activewear leggings. It’s a very classic pair of leggings and has the pocket at the front of the pants.

Price Point: $

Miakoda - The High Waisted Leggings

I received these high waisted leggings from Miakoda a few winters ago and am still loving them!

Fit & Fabric: I’m wearing these leggings in a size XS. The material is 60% bamboo 30% organic cotton and 10% spandex. The rise is a mid-rise and sits just under the belly button. These are another great option for taller people as you can see from the photo above that there is still quite a lot of material at my ankles. These are made in New York, USA.

My Thoughts: These are a very classic pair of black leggings. They are an extremely soft bamboo cotton blend and are the perfect leggings for lounging around or for every day outfits. On me, I would have preferred a more cropped look at the ankles, but having them longer makes them a better fit for others who are taller. These are very minimalistic with no extra seams or detailing on the pants, so if you’re looking to invest in a pair of classic black leggings, these would make a great choice!

Price Point: $$$

I hope this review was helpful for you if you’re on the hunt for a pair of black leggings from sustainable/ethical brands. These are only the few that I’ve tried and I’m sure there’s tons of other ones out there! Let me know your favourites down below, I’d love to check them out!

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This post is not sponsored but contains some gifted items and affiliate links. If you decide to shop through the links above, I may make a small commission that helps support this blog and my Instagram. I only share products and brands I love and support. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting Candice Tay!

Capsule Wardrobe 101

how to:

capsule wardrobe 101

Capsule wardrobes have been all the rage for the past few years now. Although I think they have navigated away from the original, more traditional definition of a strict number of classic, high-quality, versatile pieces, I still love the idea of capsule wardrobes and thought I’d give you my take on how to build your own capsule wardrobe. It’s definitely not the original method or the only method to build a capsule, but I hope this gives you some starting points or some ideas to tackle capsule wardrobes your own way.

But first, let’s talk about the why.

I think it’s important to consider why you want to have a capsule wardrobe before you start, or else this whole process might only be something that lasts for a few weeks, or maybe a few months. Here are a few pros and cons to consider when starting a capsule wardrobe. Maybe the following are some reasons that piqued your interest in the first place. Ultimately, we want to build a capsule wardrobe that features your favourite styles and is functional and practical for your lifestyle so that it becomes a sustainable process.

Pros:

• budget friendly

• great for small closets

• can be more environmentally friendly

• longer lasting

• easier to get ready

• bonus: may help you discover your personal style!

Cons/Challenges:

• style/trend constricting

• possibility of being less environmentally friendly (will discuss this point below)

• seasonal constrictions

Considerations…

Consider your lifestyle

Before gathering pieces for your capsule wardrobe, it’s important to know which pieces are best suited for your lifestyle. For example, I used to work in a more corporate setting, so pieces like trousers, shirts, and blazers made a lot more sense than they do now in my more casual work setting. Maybe you’re a new mum or a student. These things all affect what we choose to wear each day and what pieces we incorporate into our capsule wardrobes.

Consider your environment

Another factor that I personally found affected my capsule a lot is weather. After moving back to Canada from Sydney, I’ve found that I need a few more pieces than I did living in a warmer climate to get me through all four crazy Toronto-weather seasons. If I lived in a purely warm, sunny place, I might need fewer pieces in my capsule. So all that to say, consider your environment, and where you live when creating your capsule.

A system that works for me is having a basic, year-round core capsule that consists of pieces that are worn all seasons. Then on top of that I have a seasonal capsule for fall/winter and then one for spring/summer where I can have a bit more fun and change things up each season and include pieces that I wouldn’t necessarily wear all year round. You can read more on my core capsule here. Keep in mind, that I’m quite flexible with my wardrobe and I sometimes swap pieces from my seasonal and core capsules because I’m still figuring out which pieces I actually wear through all seasons.

Consider your personal style

What do you personally love to wear? If there are pieces you often gravitate toward, these will most likely be your capsule wardrobe staples. If you’ve been following my sustainable style journey for a while now, you’ll probably know that turtlenecks and high waisted pants are my jam. I go to these items time and time again for reasons such as comfort, practicality, and function. Take a look through your current wardrobe, I’m sure you can pick out some tried and true pieces as your capsule foundation.

Go easy on yourself!

I know traditionally, capsules are about numbers and having a certain number of pieces in your wardrobe. However, I personally think it’s fine for each individual to have a set a number or range for themselves, according to the factors that I mentioned above. In the end I’ve learned, through this process, to be intentional with my budget and what pieces I choose to invest into. It has also taught me that I need less than I think I do. I’ve also learned more about my personal style and it has invited more creativity into my wardrobe by learning to experiment with different ways to style pieces.

Let’s get started! (finally)

Wardrobe Evaluation

First, evaluate what you already own! This is SO SO important to being sustainable through this whole process. The point of a capsule is to curate a wardrobe that you love and can easily style each day that fits your lifestyle. I’m sure there are at least a few things in your wardrobe that you love to wear. So pick out a few dearly loved pieces and make sure you include those in your capsule! If there are pieces you no longer wear or are ill-fitting, declutter it sustainably! Try to repurpose the item or fabric (Tip: old t-shirts make GREAT cleaning rags). Sell it through online platforms such as BUNZ, Poshmark, or ThredUp. Donate it or gift it to someone else who loves it and would want to give it a second life.

Gather Inspiration

Next, gather style inspiration! This is such a fun part for me. I’m always so inspired by others’ style and I love to create mood boards each season on Pinterest. This not only keeps me from impulse purchases, but it also shows how my style changes from season to season - it’s like a digital style diary. I also love the “save” function on Instagram which I use often as I’m scrolling, to save inspiring outfits and styling techniques.

List It Out

Now that you’ve gathered pieces from your existing wardrobe and hunted for style inspo. It’s now time to identify wardrobe “gaps” or maybe some “wants”. Maybe there’s a particular trend that you love this season and you want to include - write it down! Maybe you’ve been on the hunt for high quality high waisted denim for a long time. Write it down! For example, this spring/summer season, I was on the lookout for some white pants and more “summer” material pieces for my capsule. Whatever wardrobe gaps you identify, make a list! Having a list in mind helps to guide your shopping so that you will be less likely to make an impulse purchase. It’s like going to the grocery store with a list rather than going to the grocery store with no list and an empty stomach!

Cape Jumpsuit (Top) by Vetta Capsule
Donna Jeans by Cheap Monday

Black Tee by Muji
The Carpenter Pant by Everlane

Shop Intentionally

Finally, it’s time to shop for those missing items. Start to keep an eye out for the items you’ve identified on your list and shop with intention. You may be wondering, “what does shopping intentionally even mean?”. That is a great question because honestly, I think shopping intentionally can mean different things to different people, depending on your WHY (see above). I can only speak for my own why, so here’s my story and how I define “shopping intentionally”. I originally began exploring capsule wardrobes because of my interest in living a more low waste life. This exploration very quickly led me to the nasty discovery of how wasteful and unethical the fast fashion industry is and this has really affected how I shop. For me, shopping intentionally means being aware of my ecological footprint by shopping sustainably and also supporting ethically-made brands where I can. As tempting as it would be to start from zero, and build my wardrobe from the ground up, I would end up leaving an even larger environmental footprint by throwing out all my existing clothing. Instead, I try to “shop my closet” as much as I can but still give myself the freedom to enjoy fashion by making purchases from ethical and sustainable companies and investing in high quality pieces that I know will get a lot of wear.

If you don’t know where to look for sustainable and ethical brands, I have a whole brand directory where I’ve been keeping track of all the brands I’ve tried or have collaborated with in the past.

Now what?

Well, if you stuck around all the way to the end, thank you so much - I really appreciate it! I hope this post was insightful and helpful if you’re looking to build your own capsule wardrobe or are just curious about all this capsule talk. It may seem a little complicated at first, but trust me, you’ll get the hang of it! I’m going to leave a few more tips below that you guys shared with me through my latest #capsuleconversations post, and hopefully they will help someone out!

Tips from you!

• try smaller capsule challenges as a start to see if the capsule wardrobe system is for you (spring 10x10, may 30x30)

• have a visual overview for your capsule wardrobe

• choose pieces based on fabrics

• have a “capsule” when travelling to test out the system

• make sure your pieces can be styled at least 3 ways before purchasing

• have fewer pieces that are patterned for simpler styling

Let’s continue the conversation below! Please let me know if you have any other questions or things I should blog about. It was already so hard to cap this post…I’m thinking there may need to be a part 2!

Do you have a capsule wardrobe? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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This post is not sponsored but contains some gifted items and affiliate links. If you decide to shop through the links above, I make a small commission that helps support this blog. I only share products and brands I love and support. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting Candice Tay!