Madewell Wide Crop Jeans, Aritzia Top, Mejuri Earings, Nisolo Ama Mules, Bailey Nelson Sunglasses

Having a more minimal closet has been a slow intentional process encouraged by our small space and marked by 2 pregnancies and all the body changes that go along with that (I gained 50 lbs on my 5'2" frame with both pregnancies!). My closet is not a perfect minimalist closet or capsule wardrobe but I have been steadily getting rid of clothes that don't fit, don't last and are fast fashion and replacing them with more timeless pieces that are better quality. I am not all the way there yet but I hope there is value in sharing a work in progress.

Part of it is age I think, knowing and accepting my body instead of fighting it. I know what looks good on me and what doesn't but when I was younger I would try looks and sillouettes that looked great on others but not on my small square frame. I have now embraced more of a uniform of striped shirts, flowy blouses, rompers, wide leg jeans, black skinnies and a handful of dresses.

Muji shirt, Chambray Madewell skirt, Nisolo Mules, Bailey Nelson Sunglasses

I have also learned that a good coat and a go-to pair of shoes for every season and weather in Vancouver is critical and makes me look put together even when I don't feel that way. I have one good coat and one good pair of shoes for each season and each usually lasts me 2-3 years. Similarly with shoes, I have learned that with our walkable lifestyle and chasing after little kids, I need quality shoes.

When I packed up my winter clothes this year I took note that I was only packing away 5 sweaters, one turtleneck, one flannel shirt and a sweater dress (that I ended up donating thanks to a helpful push from a reader ;) ). I also packed away my winter parka I've had for 4 years and the wool coat I've been wearing for 2.5 winters. Part of this small pack up is because I have been trying to have many of my pieces transition through all seasons with layering. And part of it is the uniform concept of only wearing the things I really love over and over again. I will say that with the adoption of this method, by the time I'm done with something in my closet I have really worn it out and consignment isn't an option for me.

I find this way of organizing my wardrobe helps with decision fatigue too. Between work, parenting two children, my marriage, this blog and maintaining friendships, life can be wonderful but overwhelming. I like that I can look at my small wardrobe, where most things go together and choose an outfit in a few moments. I may look the same most days but that's fine by me and in the end, no one else cares!

White Tee, Jean Jacket, Clogs, Devons Drawer Linen Culottes,

I'm not sure if a list helps more or photos (let me know)? So here is a list and a couple of pics of outfits I wear or plan to weekly... please be kind as I am not a fashion blogger! Many of my summer clothes are only 1-2 years old as I was either pregnant or postpartum over the past 5 years and didn't invest in summer clothes until recently. My mainstays are listed below with some links. I added years owned inspired by Vancouver stylist Elim Chu who is a great source for ethical and vintage fashion. I am also inspired by Erin Boyle of Reading My Tea Leaves and hope to move my closet closer to more sustainable and ethical choices as I educate myself on where my clothes are made. There is much more to say about clothes and I hope to write more about it soon including caring for and repairing the clothes we have (I just took an embroidery class and I think it is very transferrable to mending!).

Currently Wearing:

striped shirt x 2 - madewell + aritzia (2-3 yrs old)
2 flowy embroidered blouses - found in Mexico by my wonderful Aunt
Linen tunic - muji
Cotton Button Up Courier Shirt - madewell (3 yrs old)

Wide Leg Cropped Jeans - madewell (no longer available, linked to closest version)
High Waisted Black Skinnies - gap
Linen Cullottes - Devons Drawer
High Waisted Jean Shorts
Black Linen Jumpsuit

Striped Dress - offon clothing
Linen Sack Dress - muji
Chambray Skirt - madewell

Clogs - vintage via Handled Goods
Ama Mules - nisolo

Jean Jacket - Jcrew (6 years old)
Cotton Coccon Jacket - zara

A (Somewhat) Minimal Summer Closet