Pyne And Smith | Capsule Wardrobe Update #3

Hey Guys!  Its been a little while since I gave you an update! Honestly things haven't been super exciting, I have just been doing the best with what I have.  BUT I am working on my summer capsule wardrobe!  And I have been enjoying the two new purchases I told you about earlier!  One of which was this Pyne and Smith Clothiers Linen Dress.I was soooo excited to get this little number in the mail.  I immediately put it on, and then, had one of those moments of doubt.  You know the kind.  I wasn't sure if I could 'pull it off', if it was the most flattering dress for me.  Maybe it was just one of things I loved on other people?  So I let it hang in the closet for few days, but eventually decided that if I like the dress I should darn well wear it, and love doing so.Jump ahead to day of errands, peppered with compliments and I was completely sold! (I really try not to dress for anyone besides myself, but being on the receiving end of a compliment is always encouraging <3)    Needless to say, I have been wearing this incredibly comfortable dress on repeat ever since!   It is honestly so versatile (and the midi length is crazy practical when you are running after little ones). I've worn it on its own, with sweaters and belted so far.  (PS. the belted version kind of made me feel like Belle!! Honest to goodness the soundtrack played in my head allll day long lol)So I thought I'd share a few real life pictures that I snapped this afternoon while my kiddos splashed in the pool!  I am about 5'2" and am wearing an XS.  If you have any questions let me know!

Happy Weekend Pals,

<3Karmen 

The Purge! Capsule Wardrobe Update #2

Hey Guys, it's been a while since the last time I posted about my capsule wardrobe and actually quite a lot has happened!!  Let me fill ya in.I purged my closet.... and it was AMAZING!!  I am a person that easily feels overwhelmed by clutter, so having so much more space in my closet has been kind of fantastic.  And, honestly, I had so many clothes in there that didn't even come close to fitting or were just so far from my style (like from high school, freaking high school you guys) that made it really hard to find the clothing that actually fit!The picture below shows my king size bed absolutely covered in clothes.  Not pictured is a chair full of maternity clothes and my naked daughters trying everything on in the thrift pile 😂.  Haha it was out of control! I spent an entire rainy afternoon sorting through this big pile of clothes and listening to Oldies (as one does).  I was quickly reminded that as much as I hate clutter, I hate waste!  And I really love re-porpusing old things.  I toyed with a few ideas, but in the end I decided that there was just too much stuff for me to keep around the house.  (And the last thing I need right now is another project lol.)  So I sold a few things, and the rest I will be sending to my sisters and the thrift store.  I also put away all my winter and hot summer clothes.  This left me with just under 50 items including pants, shirts, tanks, sweaters and dresses.  And so far it has been great!  While I don't totally love a lot of these clothes, I have committed to sticking with them for the spring season so that I can make sure that this capsule wardrobe is really something I want to follow through on, and to sort of figure out what pieces I need to make this a fully functioning wardrobe that I adore.I have to admit, this process has already shown me that less can really, truly be more.  And it has been surprisingly fun!  I have actually cleaned out the girls and the entryway closets out as well!  (up next linens!).  Wowzer, look at me being all domestic!!!  Hahaha, but I think what  truly is the most surprising part of this exercise so far is that I have actually been wearing more variety!  Who would have thought!  I have also been doing more research on responsibly made clothing and have come across some of the most wonderful small (and big)  businesses in the process.   I ended up ordering from a lovely woman in California, who hand makes the most wonderful linen dresses to order.  She recently did a collaboration with a fantastic YYC educator and I just couldn't resist the sale!  I actually had been eyeing her beautiful dresses before I even started my capsule wardrobe (WIN!).  I also ordered a bathing suit from a rad company I have been following on Instagram for quite some time.  Thankfully my patience paid off and I managed to get it on sale as well! (High-five!)  I just LOVE that I can totally get behind these brands and actually feel like I know the women running them.  I have come across some other really promising shops but will wait to share them until I feel confident that they are awesome.So now it's your turn!  What do you think of this whole capsule wardrobe thing?  Do you know of any great responsible brands? Have you ever considered where your clothes come from before?  Is there anything else you would like to know?Once again, thanks so much for listening to me ramble on about something completely unrelated to photography.  Keep being awesome!!Warmly,Karmen    

Why I haven’t gone shopping for myself in 4+ years…

  OK, so that’s not entirely true, I have picked up the odd item here and there but it has pretty much been out of necessity!  I have honestly not just gone shopping or purchased clothing that I love AND feel amazing in (and about) since I became pregnant with my oldest, and here are a few of the reasons why:

1. A changing body and breastfeeding.  The past 5 years I have been reluctant to invest in much clothing because I just might not fit in it a couple weeks later.  I don’t know what other ladies have experienced, but I found that it drove me crazy that none of my clothes fit for more then a week or two.  And I am not just talking about pregnancy, but postpartum as well!  I basically lived in dresses, cardigans and leggings during this time.  And now let’s talk breast-feeding for a second, if it doesn’t unbutton, pull-down or lift up it’s a no go.  I really don’t have the time or patience to change in order to feed my child.  And let’s be real, I didn’t really have much time to think about this whole fashion and shopping ordeal during this little phase of my life haha!!
2. I’m not a impulse buyer.  I don’t see something I like and swipe my card.  Much to the dismay of my shopping companions, I generally need to research and compare what I am buying. I DON’T WANT A LOT OF STUFF, I JUST WANT A FEW GREAT THINGS.
3. Ethics.  I feel completely overwhelmed when I walk into a mall and see thousands of things for sale, many of which were essentially made to be disposable.  I can’t help but wonder who made them, where they are made and where they will end up.  I often don’t even bother with ‘fancy expensive stores’ because I just am not all that fancy, and yet in the same breath how are all those fast-fashion chains selling these clothes for so cheap?!  I am not saying that clothes shouldn’t be affordable (trust me I LOVE a good deal as much as anyone!) but it’s just the lack responsibility that I cannot get behind.
4. I am picky.  If I am spending my hard earned cash, I want to love the way it fits and feels and I want it to last!

So ya, I guess now you know.  I am a super up-tight shopper, a total prude really.  But my body seems to have found it’s new normal and I am no longer nursing!  And I am sooooo, so ready to LOVE getting dressed in the morning.  I want my wardrobe to feel like an extension of myself, rather then just something I have to put on in order to leave the house.Like with most things, I likely won’t rush into this little project and I will probably start with researching ethically and locally sourced companies.  I am also debating creating a capsule wardrobe (because after 4+ years sans shopping I am basically starting from scratch anyways)!If you guys have any advice or tips or favourite shops, designers or makers I would LOVE, love, LoVe, to hear from you!  I have tried to navigate into ‘slow fashion’ previously and found it incredibly difficult (and kind of depressing).  But I am hopeful that after nearly 5 years away from the shopping game that there are lot’s of hidden gems to be uncovered!   And I promise to share any little nuggets find you <3.  EEEK, wish me luck!Warmly,KarmenP.S. Thanks so much Erinn, from www.shoptheskinny.ca, for sending this amazing dress with me to Hawaii!  I had so much fun wearing and photographing it (and it is bonkers comfy) 💜.   I am so stoked for you to be launching a ladies clothing line next month!  YAY!!!  Heck here's one more of The Skinny's 'Willa' dress, just for good measure ;)