Does anyone else think that autumn feels like the perfect time to regroup, get organised and declutter? Move over spring, there’s a new clear-out season in town!

I for one, have enjoyed spending some time rethinking my possessions and the things I own this season. Particularly my wardrobe! While I’ve really kick-started things in autumn, I’ve spent the last year researching the best ways to keep a sustainable, minimal wardrobe. It’s become so fascinating to me, and something I’ve put a lot of time and energy into, because the rewards have most certainly been worth it.

Part of my research has been around capsule wardrobes, and why they're good for decluttering your closet space, your mind + the environment. And this is the method I decided to adopt. So what actually is a capsule wardrobe? Let me try and break it down!

While there tends to be many different approaches to a capsule wardrobe, the basics are as follows…

A capsule wardrobe is a term coined by Susie Faux in the 1970s due to her frustration with the lack of well-made clothing. According to Faux, a capsule wardrobe is a collection of a few essential items of clothing that don't go out of fashion, such as skirts, trousers, and coats, which can then be augmented with seasonal pieces. Most of these items are interchangeable and can be worn together with ease. This is usually achieved by buying what are considered to be "key" or "staple" items in coordinating colours.

Caroline Rector of Unfancy, describes the concept this way: 

[A capsule wardrobe is] a practice of editing your wardrobe down to your favourite clothes (clothes that fit your lifestyle + body right now), remixing them regularly, and shopping less often and more intentionally.

Over decades our consumerist culture and fast fashion have encouraged us to buy lots and buy often. For many fashion retailers, four seasons in a year turned into 52 seasons, giving us new lines of clothing every week (if not every day.) The result is a stuffed wardrobe full of clothes that we very well may never wear, and landfills piled with clothes that we longer want. Sustainable living, fashion, and beauty all come down to intentional consumption and decision making. This inspires us to truly value the clothes and things we buy, and discourages us from contributing to this throwaway, high-turnover culture.

So how do you start a capsule wardrobe? Let’s get straight down to it.

It all starts with cleaning out your closet. I’ve learned that the best way to do this (thanks, Marie Kondo) is to completely empty your wardrobe first. I know, it sounds like a tonne of work. But trust me on this one, it works. Take absolutely everything out of your closet and lay it out on your bed. It may look like a scary mountain of clothes, but we're going to navigate and climb up this messy mass together. 

Now here’s the important part. It’s time to ask yourself the big questions. Pick up each item and ask yourself a series of questions. Have I worn this in the last month? Is the item in good condition? Would I buy this again if I saw it in the store now? Does it spark joy? (Sorry, I just had KonMari it.)

Now sort each item into one of these four piles:

LOVE. It fits. You wear it all the time. You feel comfortable and confident wearing it. Amazing! Back in the wardrobe it goes!

MAYBE. This is for items that don’t fit quite right, the colour is a little off, have sentimental value, you can’t put your finger on it but you just don’t wear it, or you’re keeping it because you paid a lot for it but you don’t wear it. Put all this stuff in a box and store it somewhere out of sight. You can always go get stuff out of it, but you probably won’t. If it’s still in the box at the end of your season, it’s time to say goodbye to it.

NOPE. Self-explanatory. If it’s in good condition, donate, swap with a friend, or sell it. I’ve recently discovered Depop for this! If it’s not in good condition, then you can recycle the item to prevent it going to landfill. Many supermarkets or local councils have recycling schemes/bins, so be sure to check those out.

SEASONAL. Denim shorts in winter? Wool coat in summer? You probably don’t need it handy. But there’s no need to get rid of a staple like that. If it’s not in season, but you love it, store it away until the appropriate season rolls around.

Assess what’s left in your closet. Place the clothes in your LOVE pile, back into your wardrobe. From here it’s easy to start identifying your true style. It should be practically screaming at you by now anyway. 

From here, add in the appropriate SEASONAL items you’ve kept, and store away the out-of-season clothes you still love.

From this point, I would suggest going on a shopping hiatus for however long you like—especially if your wardrobe is less than perfect (and trust me, it will be). Mine is not even close to being how I want it, but I’m enjoying the journey. Living with what you have for a little while will teach you so much about your style and what you really need.

Once you've finished with your shopping hiatus, make a plan for your wardrobe and stick to it. As you go along, make note of anything that’s missing or anything that needs replacing for a higher-quality item. I’ve definitely come to appreciate the importance of quality over the last year, and over-time I’m aiming to switch out some of my fast-fashion, low quality items, to something more hard-wearing that will stand the test of time. 

So, now that we’ve gone through how to actually start a capsule wardrobe. Here are some things I’ve learned along the way, and hopefully these tips will help you too!

For example, a lot of people try to stick to a 37-piece capsule wardrobe. As I’ve just started, I decided to keep that number fairly fluid, and not be so strict on myself just yet. In theory, I have a 37-piece basics and all-year-round wardrobe but, for now, I’ve supplement this with seasonal items amounting to around half of my all-year-round capsule.  

As you go along, you can edit this process to fit your own lifestyle. If you need two capsule wardrobes, like one for work and one for the weekends, go for it. If you need more than 37 items, add ‘em in. If you hate numbers and rules, scrap them all together. No matter what, make it yours - and enjoy it. For anything to be sustainable, you have to enjoy it. 

Don’t be tempted to Marie Kondo (or KonMari) the crap out of everything overnight. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Don’t be blinded by the ‘get rid of it all’ mentality. Pace yourself and take your time over your decisions to keep or discard. 

If you’re nervous about getting rid of some clothes, simply store them instead. This acts as a safety net, so you avoid any rash decisions (which can be easily done when you’re on a clear-out rampage.) Plus, this gets the visual clutter out of your wardrobe but takes the pressure off. And later, if you realise you miss something, go grab it. Once the new season comes around, you can reassess items in storage. If you've not even thought about it, chances are you're best donating it.

I think one of the most important things is to focus on finding yourself in your wardrobe, instead of defining your style by other people’s standards.

For instance, I have a very monochrome all-year-round wardrobe, with plenty of white, black or grey pieces (see above.) I love me a bit of Scandi-chic. But, I've supplement this with a few colour pops in my seasonal wardrobe (see below.) I’ve found that I’m particularly drawn to mustard yellow and bottle greens. I also love anything with spots, stripes or daisy print.

Now while this seems like perfection to me, someone else might feel mildly nauseated by the mere thought of mustard yellow in their wardrobe. They might recoil at the idea of a monochrome capsule, and find that incredibly dull and boring. Some people need variety, some people want bold pieces and others want something more cohesive, and any version of that is ok. What’s important is that it’s 100% you, and you’re not basing your decisions on trends or what your friends might wear.

Side note: If it was down to my partner Dan, he would for sure have an entire wardrobe of garments in different shades of grey. And while I joke that he’s my “50 Shades of Grey” (I am utterly hilarious…) if it makes him happy then that’s all that matters.

Is the item flattering on you? Does it suit your body shape or complexion? These are some of the things you should also consider for a lasting closet. As with cuts of clothing, some colours are more flattering than others, to both skin tone and body shape. If the shape and colours are well-chosen, the items are more likely to remain your favourites.

As the idea of a capsule wardrobe is to own a few items of clothing that can be worn different ways, individual pieces get lots of wear. So it’s a good idea to choose clothing that is well made, and made from high-quality materials when you can. This is something you can work on over time, by replacing some of your cheaper items to something with a nicer finish. 

As well as lessons learned, I’ve also discovered some amazing plus points to the capsule wardrobe. Here are just a few!

It’s easier to pick an outfit - Yes, no longer will you stare into the cluttered fabric-abyss of your closet. Remember the days when you had a million clothes but still thought “What the hell do I wear today?” With less visual clutter, and only items left that you LOVE, you’ll pick out an outfit faster than you can say “That’s not my gusset!”

You save money - You’ve done the hard bit, you’ve raised a middle-finger to consumerism and damn it feels good. But you’re also saving money too - what a bloody bonus. Having a capsule wardrobe encourages you to shop less, and get more use out of the items you love. So even after a short period of time, you’ll have saved a hefty sum (particularly if you’re a serial pay-day shopper!) 

You’re more creative with fashion - This is one I’ve been pleasantly surprised to find. I’ve naturally experimented more. I’ve discovered new outfits hiding in my closet, that I might not have throw together otherwise. For example, I never would have thrown on this mustard jumper over my spotty dress, had I not created my capsule wardrobe. I’m absolutely loving this combo and it feels like a whole new outfit I purchased from the store - but it’s been sitting in my closet this whole time!

You appreciate your clothes more - This one sounds as fluffy as your tacky Christmas jumper, but it’s true. Once you’ve cottoned-on to the clothes you cannot live without (see what I did there) you have a new-found love and respect for them. It’s a pure kind of love. The kind of love you only see in movies.

You’re helping the environment - In the wise words of Orsola De Castro I’m a big believer that “the most sustainable garment is the one already in your wardrobe.” With fashion being the second biggest polluter in the world, it’s a huge contributor to climate change. If we want to make lasting change, we have to stop putting money into the hands of fast-fashion giants. We need to send a clear message to brands that we want a better. We want workers rights, sustainable cotton-farming, higher-quality garments, less production and far less waste. A capsule wardobe, is a great place to start to help the environment, and become part of the sustainable revolution. 

This is why, from this point, I have vowed not to buy new. I've decided I'm not going to fund high-street and fast-fashion labels anymore. I will only be buying second-hand or vintage to reduce my consumption from now on. This is something I have found huge joy in already. It’s reinvigorated my love for shopping, as I rummage through thrift/vintage shops, never entirely sure what gems or treasures I might find. If you’ve never tried it, I encourage you to give it a go and see what you think! It’s usually a great way to find high-quality pieces at a low price too. Plus your money could be going to a great charity. Another huge bonus!

If I absolutely have to buy new, I will thoroughly research ethical and sustainable brands, who hold the same values I do. While I know this isn’t for everyone, and sustainable fashion often comes at a higher price point, I feel it’s a price worth paying, especially if I’m in a position where I can afford it. 

So there you have it! I hope you enjoyed my starter’s guide to a capsule wardrobe and why I’m no longer buying new. I will be sharing more details and tips about my wardrobe transformation and what's inside my closet very soon! But for now, if you have anymore tips or tricks on how to declutter or shop sustainably I'd absolutely love to hear them, so please let me know in the comments below. 

Want some more resources on the capsule wardrobe or to learn more about sustainable fashion? Take a look at some of my favourites below.

Fashion's Dirty Secrets (Documentary on BBC)

A capsule wardrobe is the practice of editing your wardrobe down to your favourite clothes, remixing them regularly, and shopping less often and more intentionally. So how do you start a sustainable capsule wardrobe? Let’s get straight down to it.

Starting a Capsule Wardrobe + Not Buying New

Did you know that most single-use wipes contain plastic? I wasn’t aware of this until very recently either! After watching the BBC documentary War on Plastic, I was shocked to find out that this was the case, and the amount of plastic in a ‘disposable' wipe can be as high as 84%! That’s insane. A lot of this plastic is non-biodegradable too. Apparently the plastic is what helps to make them stretchy and strong. Honestly, stretchy and strong is not something I want from a wet wipe. I just want something that will remove my make-up or clean my hands thanks.

Here are some more shocking facts for you…

Every year, over 8.8 million tons of plastic waste enter the oceans. Among this huge amount of trash are such items as single-use cups, bottles, straws, and you guessed it, wet wipes.

While many hygiene firms claim they break down, water companies and scientists disagree, saying they are still very slow to degrade.

Even when they eventually do break down, the small remaining pieces of plastic add to the global micro-plastics problem, as marine life consume them. 

A 2017 study revealed wet wipes made up to 93 per cent of the material that forms blockages in sewage pipes.

To put that in context, toilet paper made up just 0.01% of the material blocking in our pipes and sewers.

The UK government recently set a target to eliminate single-use wipes in their 25-year plan, with Theresa May pledging to eradicate all "avoidable plastic waste" by 2042. But come onnnnn. 25 more years of this? Meanwhile, our oceans and landfill already cannot cope with our sheer consumption of these ‘disposables.’  

After this shock, I decided to make the switch to something kinder to our environment, especially as I’m trying to reduce my overall plastic consumption. Along my sustainable journey, I’ve been swapping out many different household and beauty products, and I’ve found the process really satisfying. What I’ve found is that most, if not all, of the sustainable options have been just as nice or have outperformed their far less eco-friendly counterparts. And these reusable cotton-pads/wipes are no exception!

Now of course, I could have tried to find a brand that advertises “biodegradable”, or even “compostable” wet wipes, but I really thought moving away from single-use items was the best route. It’s so much better for the planet, and as long as you can commit to washing your wipes/pads every now any then, there’s no real difference.

I decided to go for these Bambaw reuseable cotton pads/wipes. Bambaw aim to provide zero-waste products to help build a better future. Conventional cotton pads are also a disaster for the environment. Cotton is grown with a massive use of pesticides, fertilisers and water.

These makeup remover pads are made from bamboo and are so, so soft. Far more luxurious than any conventional cotton pad or wipe I’ve used in the past. This set includes 12 soft and 4 scrub makeup removal pads.

The scrub pads are perfect for cleaning off tougher products (i.e waterproof mascara) and exfoliating the skin. Whereas the soft pads are great for sensitive areas like the eyes and everyday makeup.

After using, the pads can simply be washed in the laundry. They come with a handy laundry bag to wash them all together, so there’s no risk of losing them in the washing machine, unlike that pesky mystery sock.

Retailing at just over £13 - these feel like a bargain. I hate to think about how much money I’ve spent on wipes over the last decade or so. Especially when they just end up in the bin! I’m sure these reusable ones will last me years, and save me so much money in the process. All of their products are also shipped neutrally, which I thought was another great bonus.

So there we have it! I’m fully converted to the reusable cotton pad, and will certainly never go back. Who wants to wipe their own face with the plastic equivalent of a sandwich bag anyway?

To find out more about Bambaw visit: https://bambaw.com

I would just like to point out that these products were not gifted and this is not a sponsored ad. Just putting out my genuine love for this brand and these products. All stats and prices correct as of Sept 2019.

Did you know that most single-use wipes contain plastic? I wasn’t aware of this until very recently either! After this shock, I decided to make the switch to something kinder to our environment, especially as I’m trying to reduce my overall plastic consumption. I decided to go for these Bambaw reuseable cotton pads and wipes. Bambaw aim to provide zero-waste products to help build a better future.

Sustainable Reusable Cotton Pads

Hello lovely ones! As always it’s been a while. You may have noticed that over the last few years Heart + Bowl has stayed relatively quiet. There have been many reasons for this! So I thought today I would open up to tell you a little bit more about why that is, and hopefully let you in on some exciting news about why that might be changing.

It’s safe to say there have been some fairly big changes in my life over the last year that have been quiet time consuming, and have taken up a lot of my mental and physical energy! I’ve bought a house, moved into said house, gone part-time, changed jobs, started working from home and rehomed a beautiful little cat.

All of these transitions and changes have been so positive for me and I’m feeling so much better in myself. For anyone who knows me, knows that I’ve been struggling for many years with my mental health, and this is a large reason why I’ve not been posting as much as I used to. It’s hard to be creative or commit to much of anything when you’re battling your own thoughts, and your self esteem has hit rock bottom.

On my journey to improving my headspace, I’ve really tried to delve into the world of self-care and self-love. The journey hasn’t been a quick one, nor has it been a straightforward climb to improvement. I’m sure it’s the same for everyone. There are no miracle pills or magic bullets when it comes to mental health. I have however, taken the time to discover some lifestyle tips, helpful practises and day-to-day activities that have really helped me. I’ve taken inspiration from some of the happiest countries, and learned about everything from Hygge to Lagom. I’ve started practising meditation regularly, thanks to amazing apps like Calm. I’ve taken up Pilates, and have been attending classes for over a year now.

On my climb to wellness, I’ve really loved trying and learning new things. These things have become so ingrained in my day to day, and it’s hard to think of life without them now. I’ve learned that happiness isn’t just something you are or aren’t, you really have to work for it. Life will kick you in the face regardless, and you can’t do anything about that. So you have to work at the things you can control, and build a life you love. It’s definitely not easy, but it’s 100% worth it.

There are still things in my life I’d love to change and I certainly still have bad head days, but hopefully I’ve found the tools and built better habits, in order to help me cope better with those bad days.

I’ve not only started to think about self-care and looking after myself, but this has lead me to be more conscious about our planet too. I’ve been watching a number of documentaries about the impact of our actions on the environment, and they have been quite eye-opening in some cases. I’ve become very sad and angry about the state of our consumption culture today, and it’s made me realise that I can do more in the fight to save our planet.

I’ve been reading as much as I can about sustainability, and it’s something I’m getting increasingly passionate about. I’ve vowed to eat less meat, to stop funding fast-fashion, and to reduce my use of single-use plastics. I’ve been slowly switching out my products for greener, more sustainable alternatives, researching ways I can reduce my household waste and simply ways to use less.

So what does this mean for Heart + Bowl? Well, I’m hoping to blog more of course, and I’m hoping to document this sustainable journey with you. I want to continue to post recipes every now and then, this time with much more of a focus on plant-based eating. Expect to see lots of posts on thrift shopping and sustainable fashion, or tips on how to reduce plastics in the kitchen or bathroom. My mind is bubbling with ideas, and it’s nice to have that creative excitement and energy back again.

I want to reiterate that I am by no means perfect. I’m just trying to make changes bit by bit and do what’s best for the planet. What works for me, might not work for you. That’s what makes this world we live in so wonderful. We’re all different. Plus, that’s part of the reason I want to do this, I want to document the journey and discuss the swaps I’m making, as I make them. I’m hoping these little adjustments I'm making everyday, will eventually add up to a big lifestyle transformation.

I'm just aiming to be another voice out in the world helping to raise awareness around these issues and ideas. However quiet that voice might be! And if I can inspire some people to make their own changes along the way, well that would be pretty neat too.

A New Direction

This month I’m turning 29! Yikes. Does this make me a grown-up now? I don’t feel very grown-up. While age is just a number and all that, I wanted to share the 29 things I’ve taken away from the past year. You may remember when I did this last year when turning 28?

Overall, 28 has been a pretty groundbreaking year for me. I don’t want to go into too much detail, but I feel like it’s the first year I’ve really put my mental and physical health first. Especially in my adult life anyway. I’ve moved house, gone part-time, started pilates, changed jobs and rehomed a gorgeous little cat. All of these changes have been so positive. They’ve allowed me to put myself first, and create a lifestyle + environment that makes me happy.

Life isn’t perfect, but I feel like I’ve designed a life to benefit all aspects of my wellbeing, even in times of hardship. While there have been quite a few challenges this year, I’m proud of myself for getting through them. I’ve also been kinder on myself when I’m not 100%, and accepted that it’s ok not to feel okay sometimes.

Right, I’m not going to waffle on any longer. Here comes the list!

Ramen is one of my favourite things to cook and eat.

Although nothing can beat a good roast dinner.

Don’t say no to something, just because you’re scared of change.

Working from home is liberating and suits my personality.

For an introverted person, I have an insane number of friends. How did this happen?!

Thoughts are just thoughts, they can simply be acknowledged and let go.

You can’t eliminate stress from your life, but you can control your reaction to the it.

I hate fast-fashion and everything it’s doing to the planet.

Capitalism has corrupted almost everything.  Wow that escalated quickly!

I’m proud of the progress I’ve made with my anxiety.

Pilates is now an essential part of my life.

Take care of yourself, everything else can wait.

Don’t give up on things you’re not automatically good at. Practice until you are.

A good home and work environment works wonders.

I’m learning to love myself and to stop being my own worst critic.

I’m an old lady stuck in a young lady’s body.

It’s easy not to treasure what you already have, it’s important to do the opposite.

Slow down. (Sometimes it’s more productive.)

Fuck tradition. If it feels right, do things your way.

This month I’m turning 29! Yikes. Does this make me a grown-up now? I don’t feel very grown-up. While age is just a number and all that, I wanted to share the 29 things I’ve taken away from the past year.

Twenty Eight

As soon as Sponge announced their Gluten Free Hazelnut Praline cake, I knew I would have to find an excuse to treat myself! So when Sponge gave me the opportunity to try out a cake of my choice – I jumped up and down with excitement! (Preemptively burning off calories before the inevitable cake coma.) Free cake – was this a fairy-tale?! Somebody pinch me.

Having already tried and loved many from Sponge’s gluten free selection (see my Baby Shower post here) my expectations for this latest seasonal flavour were very high indeed. Particularly because I’m in love with anything hazelnut praline related. You’re looking at a girl who makes homemade Nutella and eats it straight from the jar! 

So with all that in mind, I’m pleased to report that this cake did not disappoint! My expectations were not only met but dazzlingly exceeded, and all my Praline dreams came true. This is the Prince Charming of the cake world.

The victoria + chocolate marbled-sponge was light and moist (which is often difficult to achieve from a gluten-free cake!) The buttercream was sweet, creamy, and packed with praline flavour that feels oh-so decadent! To top it all off, caramelised hazelnuts added a great crunchy texture to finish the cake off beautifully.

I feel so lucky to have found an online cake company that can cater for my dietary requirements, whilst not compromising on flavour or indulgence! It’s not just gluten-free either, Sponge have recently launched an entirely new vegan range!

So if all that cake-y goodness wasn’t enough, Sponge have kindly given me a Vegan Cake for 8 to giveaway for FREE!! Now that’s a happily ever after! The winner will have the choice of either a Vegan Carrot Sponge or a Vegan Chocolate Sponge.

Enter below in the rafflecopter to be in with a chance of winning. You seriously haven’t tried cake until you’ve had a Sponge cake!

Due to postage reasons, I will be accepting entries from the UK only. Accept my huge apologies to those readers from the rest of the world!

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SPONGE AND ALL THEIR DELICIOUS FLAVOURS HERE.﻿

Starting a Capsule Wardrobe + Not Buying New

Sustainable Reusable Cotton Pads

A New Direction

Twenty Eight

Gluten Free Hazelnut Praline SPONGE CAKE + A GIVEAWAY!!!