5 Spring Wardrobe Essentials

When I think of spring, I am always hit with a wave of nostalgia. That initial burst of warmer weather, after months of cold and snow, it's what dreams are made of. Just the smell of spring on the breeze (a mix of grass, mud and flowers) is a euphoric experience for me. Spring also marks the beginning of a new wardrobe, whether it be the stuff you put away when the leaves started to fall or new items you can't wait to introduce to your closet, it is an exciting time.

In the spring, I usually like to incorporate lighter clothing (both the fabric's weight and color) pastels, bright colors and bold patterns eclipse my usually neutral-dominated closet. Since the beginning of 2017, I opted to go with a seasonal capsule wardrobe, containing 30-50 items. This allows me to focus on items that are seasonally appropriate, everything goes together and I am able to minimize my daily decisions.

This spring I plan to incorporate color and pattern for my top half but I will stick to mostly black, white, grey and light blue when it comes to my bottom-half. This will allow me to easily coordinate bottoms with tops in my capsule. In the past I would've written this post based on this season's must-have trends; that is, after all, what most of us look forward to at the start of the season. But since there are plenty of bloggers who write about this, I decided to take a different approach. Here are the items that, in my opinion, are important staples for any spring wardrobe (capsule or otherwise):

Favorite t-shirt:
There's nothing wrong with being a 'basic beech",  a simple outfit can make a big impact. Having clothing that you want to wear over and over is a good thing, whereas buying things that don't go with what you already own means you won't wear it; essentially a waste of money. T-shirts are crucial pieces, you can wear them year-round and they come in every color you can think of.  My favorite t-shirt for spring is the Synergy Tissue Knit Boyfriend Tee in washed denim.

Photo Credit: Synergy  Clothing

Patterned scarf: This s a great transitional piece that can be worn year-round. As the temperatures start to creep up, you will want to shed the bulky coat in favor of thinner layers. A scarf in a bright color or pattern is a great accessory to add to an outfit when the mornings and evening are still a bit chilly and can be removed and stowed in your bag when it warms up. I prefer patterned scarves like this Denim Passion by Passion Lilie which is 100% vegan, hand-block stamped with plant-based dyes, fair-trade made in India. It ties together an otherwise basic outfit together and can help incorporate coordinating colors.

 Photo Credit: Good Cloth

White denim: White is a color that to me screams spring and summer. It is bright, goes with everything and looks great with sun-kissed skin. You can wear white in fall/winter but the warmer months is where white really shines. Having white jeans or a white denim jacket (or both) is a definite staple for any spring capsule. The only downside of white is that it's white, and if you're a slob like me, you'll need to make sure you always have some OxiClean on-hand. Check out these beautiful white jeans by Levis from Arc Apparel (a Canadian online retailer):

Photo Credit: Arc Apparel.ca

Slip-on shoe: This may seem boring; but my shoe of choice is usually flats (even the name isn't exciting). But after 6 months of wearing the same pair of winter boots, these flats seem to me like a roller coaster ride of risk and reward. I am not a huge heels lover and since I am average height (5'7") I don't feel the need to be taller so flats are my go-to shoe for spring. Even if you do like wearing heels at the office, try wearing flats for the commute and then switching to heels at your desk, your feet will thank you! These flats by OKA B are ethically produced in the USA, they are washable (dishwasher or washing machine), one-piece durable design, recyclable, ergonomic and come in a bunch of colors, love these!

Photo Credit: Good Cloth

Lightweight cardigan: This item has similar benefits to the scarf. Did you ever notice how overly air conditioned some places can be in the summer? Yep, me too. That's why I pretty much always have a cardigan on-hand, that way when I go somewhere cold I don't have to suffer. A light-weight cardigan, like this organic cotton one by Synergy Clothing is a great layering piece for spring because it will go easily under a blazer or trench. A soft, thin cardigan like this Tissue Knit Wave by Synergy Clothing  is a piece that can stay in your wardrobe throughout the year.

Photo Credit: Synergyclothing.com

There are so many other items that can be named for spring but for me these are the foundation of a coordinated wardrobe. I hope you enjoyed this article and please share below! Happy Spring shopping everyone!

Note: This post was not sponsored and I did not receive any compensation for featuring these brands. 

Related articles:

• 5 Tips for Curating a Spring Capsule Wardrobe
• 5 Reasons to Shop the Second-Hand Market
• My Project 333 Challenge

Erin

Project 333: Week 5 OOTD

Wow, I cannot even believe that I have made it through another week of my Project 333 Challenge with no outfit repeats! This is definitely my longest challenge, and also the longest I have ever gone without wearing anything new.

 In my last update I mentioned my purchase from Synergy Clothing of some new staples for my spring capsule, I am so happy with all the items I chose. Want to hear the crazy thing about this last purchase? The old me would be constantly checking my tracking status, going out to the mailbox in search of packages and thinking about the new clothing 24/7. That's how bad my addiction to buying and receiving new things had become. This time, I was mindful that it was coming, I was excited to receive it but I wasn't "needing" it like I used to. I did try the clothes on right away to make sure they fit properly (thankfully everything fit perfectly) but now they are sitting patiently in my closet as I curate my next capsule and and wait for spring.

As this first closet challenge comes to a close, I am able to reflect on what I liked and didn't, what I have learned and what I will do differently the second time around. My favorite part was just that; wearing all the things I truely like rather than trying to rotate through all the items I own out of guilt. Putting away things I'm not crazy about doesn't mean that I'm getting rid of them or will never wear them again. It means that they aren't right in my current capsule, which has it's own theme and color palette, but they may work beautifully in a capsule down the road.

I did find it much easier to get dressed in the morning, I was often excited to go and choose my outfit each night for the next day. Posting daily on Instagram has challenged me to think of new combinations and also to re-discover my love for the app. I wasn't as strict in this challenge with shoes, accessories and outerwear; if I'm honest I may have had more than the 33 items if I totalled it all up. Next time I plan to have closer to 50 items but it will include my shoes and accessories (this may be hard to narrow down as I have way more summer footwear!)

What I have come away with is a better understanding of my relationship with my clothing. I am now making more of an effort to appreciate what I have to buy fewer and better things (that's actually the Cuyana slogan but it is true for me) and I think I am feeling less of an urge to shop because after watching The True Cost, I know that Fast Fashion isn't what I want to spend my money on anymore.

Have a great week and feel free to tweet me any questions you may have!

Related posts:

• My Project 333 Challenge
• Project 333: Week 1 OOTD
• Project 333: Week 2 OOTD
• Project 333: Week 3 OOTD
• Project 333: Week 4 OOTD

Erin

Ethical Brand Spotlight: Synergy Clothing

Have you ever wanted to go against the status quo? To step outside the box and follow a different path? This is something that as kids we tend to do naturally, until we reach adolescence and we realize that we can be targeted for being different and going against the grain. Then we enter college or university and the cliques disburse (ok maybe not but it's a much bigger pond) and we are free to experiment with being ourselves. Then we become adults, maybe we get married or have kids or both or maybe neither but we are more or less free to be our own person, to stand out as an individual.

So why then do we find ourselves heading to the same stores every season to refresh our wardrobes with the dress we saw on a billboard? The dress that thousands of women around the world are also buying. The dress that will be "out" by next spring. This is what I like to call the "cheap thrills" mentality, one I have been guilty of possessing more times than I can count. It still catches me off guard every now and again. It's a little voice that tells me I want new things, it could be from any store, that detail isn't important. As long as it's inexpensive, cute, and I can have it ASAP then I'm happy. After a few washes, reality sets in, the garment shows it's true colors (wonky stitching, loose threads, little holes, pilling, fading, etc.).  I'm disappointed with myself AND my purchase.

Synergy Clothing

As soon as I came across this brand during my research for sustainable, ecologically-friendly and ethical clothing companies I knew it was a perfect match. Their campaign photos are romantic, they make me want to travel, to be ship wrecked on a deserted island. They give the sense of a woman who is secure in herself, who is beautiful but doesn't wear too much makeup, who is fit, (runs, does yoga or pilates) but doesn't overdo it. Who is ready for adventure and has a beautiful, high-quality, comfortable wardrobe which is ethically made, friendly to the planet and affordable but never cheap.

Synergy Clothing came about after CEO Kate Fisher travelled to Nepal and India (in her second year of college) where she discovered a wealth of beautiful textiles and clothing. This trip and the connections that she formed would inspire her to create a company with the commitment to help create opportunities and empowerment for everyone within their supply chain. Synergy is a Santa Cruz-based, family-run business. Both Kate and her husband Henry are heavily involved with every aspect of the company and manufacturing process both in the US and overseas. They have succeeded at combining their passion for clothing with sustainable initiatives to create a business that they can be proud of, hopefully for generations to come. (Source: Synergy Clothing) Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored, it is my own opinion of this clothing brand and I do not receive any compensation for featuring this brand on my blog.

Sustainable and ecological initiatives:

• A green America certified business
• GOTS certified organic cotton
• Textiles are processed using low-impact dyes
• Eco-friendly screen prints using water-based inks (rather than plastic Plastisol ink) allows ink to soak right into the fabric rather than sitting on top
• Living wages & responsible factories; loomed in India; ethically sewn in Nepal
• Empowering communities and local businesses in Nepal and India (specifically women and children)
• Recycled Polyester collection; Synergy Clothing diverts old polyester and used plastics bottles from landfills and non-biodegradable waste from oceans. It is turned into a fabric used to make beautiful tops, skirts, dresses and pantsuits
• Dedicated to quality; instead of pumping out clothing designed to fall apart, Synergy Clothing employs quality, trained artisans to sew and applique all their garments
• (Source: Synergy Clothing)

  Photo credit: Synergyclothing.com

  Photo credit: Synergyclothing.com

  Photo credit: Synergyclothing.com

  Photo credit: Synergyclothing.com

  Photo credit: Synergyclothing.com

  Photo credit: Synergyclothing.com

 Photo credit: Synergyclothing.com

 Photo credit: Synergyclothing.com

 Photo credit: Synergyclothing.com

Let me know what you think of their collection and which pieces are your favs!  I just placed my first order and received a coupon code for 15% off that I would like to share with my readers: http://synergyorganicclot.refr.cc/erinmoskal. Happy shopping and please share any of your fav pics with me on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook!  Here is a list of my top choices from Synergy's new arrivals:

• Mimi Skirt - Sand Dollar - $73
• Jaipur Dress - Black - $79
• Essential Kamala Pant - Dusty Rose - $81 
• Ocean View Shorts - Black - $57
• Mulberry Jacket - Smoke - $128

Erin

Project 333: Week 3 OOTD

 This week has shown me why this is a "challenge". I am starting to get a bit bored of the same items all the time but luckily I picked my favorite items for this Project 333 Challenge. Trying to think of new ways to wear the same 33 items for three months will be difficult but I know that I can figure it out! Doing this challenge is great from a minimalism and sustainability perspective (two things that I consider important to me) but when you rely on clothing to express yourself everyday and want to share that on Instagram and a blog I think it helps to have more than just 33 items.

The typical duration of this challenge is 3 months, however, since spring is on the horizon, I will likely be swapping out my current capsule wardrobe for a spring/summer version sometime in April.
Since my body shape and size has changed a bit over the last four years (having had two children) I will need to purchase some new pieces; shorts, cropped jeans, a dress and a skirt. I have a few brands in mind that I have been researching and I will be posting about them in an upcoming article!

One of the things I have learned since undertaking this project is that I DO have favorites. There are not many items of clothing that I miss from my "full" closet, maybe a few things from my "summer" wardrobe but that's it! The things I chose for this challenge are the pieces which fit me best, which are comfortable, which make me feel confident, and which go well with the other items in my closet. The idea of having a seasonal or semi-annual "capsule wardrobe" makes so much sense. I would say my top 40 items (not including shoes and accessories imo) is all one individual really needs.

The difficult part for me, would be not adding heaps of new items every time at every wardrobe swap-out. This is likely due to the heavy marketing that happens in the spring and fall; we see all the new seasonal patterns, the trends, the must-have items and we want an entirely new wardrobe. We see a beautiful, famous, fashion blogger or Instagram style-influencer and we want to copy the look but we don't have the right items so we need to go buy them. I love to shop and it's been a bit hard to adopt a minimalist approach to shopping.

Spring is taking a looooong time to reach Ottawa compared with the rest of the Northern hemisphere so I'm still forced to gear-up in my parka, boots, hat and gloves every time I venture outside. I'm lusting after spring in a bad way so please send some warm vibes over my way! Hope everyone has a great week and please send me your feedback on my outfits and let me know what are your must-haves for spring!

Erin

Ethical Brand Spotlight: Encircled

Photo Credit: Encircled.ca

Perhaps you've recently discovered that the current mainstream fashion and retail industry doesn't quite float your boat. The idea that you are one pawn (amongst millions) in the chess game of fashion doesn't sit well, and it shouldn't. 

Most of us have a set of values that we live by; these are different for each person and will depend on many factors. In general, we as consumers don't want to be taken advantage of, we don't want to spend money on items that don't last. We want to buy high quality clothing for a reasonable price, right? Unfortunately, what we're getting when we shop the "high street" (affordable, big-box clothing retailers) is usually trend-based, season-specific clothing which is not made to last longer than a few years at best. The reality is; we usually get tired of the item long before it falls apart. 

What is the answer? Well one solution to this problem is to research brands before buying, making sure that their brand values match our own. Over the next few months I will be posting about brands I have come across in order to highlight them for their forward-thinking, innovative, and sustainable tendencies. (These posts are not sponsored, they are my own opinions and all photos and information have been used with the permission of each brand.)

Encircled 

They call you Wanderluster, a world-traveller, a free-spirit. Encircled is a brand with a vision for its customer. To be able to travel the world with only a carry-on in tow; nothing to hold you back or delay you from your next inevitable adventure. They're on a mission to help you pack lighter and do more with less. (source: encircled.ca)

This company offers "full-circle" fashion; which they describe as fashion that is better for our planet, that benefits the people who make it, and that gives its customer a better life. This is a company based in Toronto, Canada (Yaaas Canada!) and all its clothing is ethically made in small batches; slow-fashion if you will.

Here is a rundown of their sustainable MO:

• Produce in small batches, they produce only what they will need
• Production takes place 100% on Canadian soil, thereby reducing the impact of emissions and carbon footprint from shipping products from overseas
• Source eco-fabrics such as: Modal (from Beech trees), Tencel (from Eucalyptus trees) and Bamboo
• Textile process is sustainable using low-impact dyes
• Closed-loop process, no "waste water" in textile manufacturing
• Leftover cuttings are used to make products such as headbands
• Use suppliers with matching principles and values
• The list goes on click here to see the full list of sustainable initiatives 

My favorites from their collection: 

The Transform Leg Warmers - $58

Photo credit: Encircled.ca

The Wanderer Sleeveless T, black model - $58

Photo Credit - Encircled.ca

The Evolve Top, Mineral Grey - $98

Photo Credit: Encircled.ca

Same top, different look!

Photo Credit: Encircled.ca

Same top, different look!

Photo Credit: Encircled.ca

Same top, different look!

Photo Credit: Encircled.ca

Chrysalis Cardi Bamboo, Feather Beige $138

Photo Credit: Encircled.ca

Chrysalis Cardi, same cardi - can be worn 8 ways!

Photo Credit: Encircled.ca

Dressy Sweatpant, DK Heathered Grey Modal - $148

Photo Credit: Encircled.ca

Let me know what you think of clothing brands with an ethical & sustainable identity in the comments below! Want to be notified when new posts go up on Fashionmamaaquarius.com? Don't forget to sign up by email :)

Erin

5 Items To Hygge Your Wardrobe

The year 2017, it seems,  is the year of Hygge. A Danish word (pronounced "Hue-gah") which cannot be literally translated but which is described as being warm, cozy, comforting, and enjoying the moment. It is can be applied to your home, your car, your office and of course; your wardrobe. I find it hard to believe with the extreme cold temperatures we experience in Canada and the US, it could take us so long to catch onto this Danish way of life. Think about sitting by the fireplace, wearing your Fair Isle sweater, wool socks, candles lit with a big mug of cider: heaven right?

In many parts of the Northern hemisphere, spring is within reach but since it's still bitter cold and snowy here in Ottawa I need this kind of post to get me through the next couple of months until spring arrives. It is possible to transfer this theory of coziness to your closet, you may want to just hygge your at-home clothing if you work in a very corporate environment but if you can get away with it I would Hygge the whole darn thing!

Here are five cozy items which can make your wardrobe hygge-ier until spring/summer:

1. Flannel Shirts 

They're not just for lumberjacks and hipsters. They don't even have to be plaid, although I quite like some of the plaid out there. It's a cozy material, they come in flattering tapered shapes for women so it can be worn to the office or for a night out if you want to take your hygge "on the road". If you're not into flannel for everyday wear you could try some flannel pajamas instead. If possible go for flannel made with organic cotton, a soft and earth-friendly option. 

2. Cashmere Shawl

In the winter, in Ottawa, it get COLD. Like, really, really COLD. So first thing in the morning it can be difficult to get out of my nice warm bed into the cold-ish house. My solution for this dilemma is a shawl. It doesn't have to be a cashmere shawl (the shawl I have isn't) but cashmere is oh so soft and a great luxury item to ask for as a gift or to invest in for the long term (unless you plan to go somewhere warm for your winters for the rest of your life!) If going for cashmere (which comes mainly from the "undercoat" of the cashmere goat when they are combed after the winter season. Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2011/jan/16/does-cashmere-get-your-goat)

3. Shearling Slippers

Another way to keep yourself in cozy-mode for the remainder of winter is by wearing some nice soft, shearling slippers. Not only is it a nice way to keep you feeling cozy after you extricaste yourself from your nice warm bed in the am, it's also a great way to keep you warm after a nice hot soak in the tub in the pm. There's nothing I love more than padding around my house in nice warm slippers on a cold winter day. Try to choose slipper that have sturdy rubber soles; better traction and protects your feel from the cold that can come through hard wood, concrete and tile flooring.

4. Buttery Soft Leggings

Leggings may be a no-no at work but for home-life they are a stretchy, soft, body-hugging piece of heaven. Choose leggings made with pre-shrunk Organic Cotton; super soft and better for the environment than Polyester (I still love my Sweetlegs but discovered they are Polyester and that takes a long time to break down in a landfill) mixed with low amounts of Lycra or Spandex (this material is a petroleum products using raw materials, toxic chemicals and lots of energy, also it doesn't have a long lifespan) (Source: http://wearnothingnew.typepad.com/wear-nothing-new/2011/01/environmental-impacts-of-fabric-spandex.html)

5. Cotton T-shirts

A versatile, cozy piece to have in your closet is a high quality organic cotton t-shirt. It can be layered underneath your warm weather clothing and then applied to your spring/summer wardrobe. You may wish to stick to basic colors; black, white, grey, beige for simplicity's sake but I prefer cream, blush and navy at the moment. A striped shirt is a classic piece (nautical has stood the test of time) which I would consider to be a staple in any wardrobe.

How do you get yourself "hygge" in the colder months? What are your go to pieces as you transition from winter into spring or fall into winter for our southern hemisphere readers :) Let me know your tips and tricks in the comments below!

Erin

Project 333: Week 1 OOTD

It has been just about two weeks since cleared my closet, created my capsule wardrobe and started my Project 333 Challenge. So far I am really enjoying it, my weekly laundry has been drastically reduced, mostly because I am re-wearing things like sweaters and jeans (assuming they are not stained or smelly). Another aspect I like is the ease with which I can plan my looks. All my items work well together and since most items are in the same color-family, I have an infinite number of outfit possibilities.

Every night before I go to bed, I choose my clothing for the following day. This makes my morning easier because there is less thinking required before I've had my coffee and therefore less stress for me. I keep my outfits simple; top, sweater, pants, socks and accessories, I know it's pretty basic but I focus more on the colors, patterns and shape of the clothing. It is also important, working with children everyday, that I am comfortable and wearing clothing that washes easily. 

This capsule wardrobe was created using pieces that I already owned. I didn't purchase anything new, but I did receive the gold Coffee and Couture choker for my  birthday from my best friend and got a new gold bangle from my husband. I have been loving gold jewellery lately so I wear the same pieces everyday. 

In the past I was always longing to buy new items. It felt as if I was always planning my life around my next shopping trip. Since discovering and undertaking this project, I haven't purchased any new clothes and I haven barely thought about clothing shopping. In fact, I went to the mall recently to buy some skincare items from Sephora and I only ventured into one clothing store; Zara, which I didn't end up buying anything at all.

I will be posting weekly updates for the duration of this challenge, there will obviously be some outfit repeats since I am working with a closet of 33 items but I will try my best to keep things interesting and unique! Follow me on Instagram to see my daily outfit updates as well as my Instagram-worthy meals.

Did you decide to try the Project 333 Challenge? Let me know in the comments below this post!
Erin

5 Reasons to Shop the Second-Hand Market

When you read the title for this post, your initial reaction might be "awesome" but it may also be "ewww gross". My reaction would be the former but if you're reaction was the latter, please know you are not alone. The demand for second-hand goods has grown steadily over the years with thrift shops, consignment stores and websites; Kijiji, Craigslist, VarageSale, Thredup and Facebook. The second-hand market has given consumers the opportunity to sell their gently used items for cash, and find quality used items at a significantly lower price than if buying new.

There are definitely some items that you might be better off buying new; undergarments, swimwear, and socks come to mind but aside from those very personal items the options for buying second-hand are limitless. Here are some reasons why I think that shopping second-hand is a great idea:

1. Wallet-Friendly: This point may be open for argument as I am aware that deals on the high street discount rack are pretty good but the beauty of buying used clothing, particularly through Kijiji, Facebook etc. is that the price is usually low (people want to get rid of their stuff quick) and the price is usually negotiable, SCORE. Another point would be that you can get some really high quality used items for a fraction of the cost of buying new; example: a Canada Goose jacket, these rarely go on sale.

  

2. Stand Out From the Crowd: One of the problems with always buying new, current and inexpensive; everyone else has the same thing. That dress you saw in the window at your local Mango? There are thousands of others out there just like it. Buying something vintage, from a few seasons ago or even something purchased abroad can add some exclusivity to your wardrobe.

3. Supports Local Charities/Businesses: This point may vary from country to country but there are local thrift shops who will pass on some of the benefits of your donations to people in need. Showing support for local consignment businesses is a good way to help while at the same time getting a bit of money back from your used items.

4. Creates a Sense of Community: Buying or selling through sites online like Kijiji, where you are dealing with people in your area, can create a sense of community. It puts some the money you initially gave to a corporation back in your pocket, or it is helping one of your neighbours to make some extra money while you get a great deal on the item you desire; win-win.

5. Reduces Textile Waste: Like it or not we are a society of consumers. This is great for our country's economy but not so great for our planet. The conventional clothing and textile industry is the second-most polluting industry in the world, so by reducing the amount of clothing that ends up in landfills and by reducing the demand for new textiles (or demanding a change in how textiles and clothing are produced) we can hopefully steer the industry in a better direction for our earth.

Do you ever buy second-hand? What are your favourite stores or websites for buying quality used items? Please let me know in the comments section below! Don't forget to follow me on Twitter for updates on my posts ;)

Erin