More Posts Like This: Low Waste • Sustainable • Health & Beauty • Reviews 

​Sooo... I used to subscribe to dollar shave club, but canceled my membership because 1. I was getting too many blades (I don't replace them until they need replaced, rather than on a schedule) and 2. I was interested in using up what I had and switching to a less wasteful alternative. Granted, refillable razors where you replace just the head are a good step if you are using the kind that you are supposed to dispose of after each use. But I was ready to take the next step. So I set out to use all my dollar shave club replacement blades. Months and months later I saw that Leaf Shave had a kickstarter for a new safety razor - the Twig Razor! I thought this was a great opportunity to save some $$ on this investment piece. 

While the Twig was in development/production during the crazy year that was 2020, my dollar shave club razor fell (as it had done countless times) in my shower and actually broke in a way that I could no longer attach the replacement blades. :( I literally spent the subsequent months gripping the razor head with my soapy fingers and making due. lol. Crazy, but maybe good training?

More Posts Like This: Low Waste • Sustainable • Health & Beauty • Reviews

I backed the The Twig razor: plastic-free shaving made easy campaign in the summer and it was charged to my Chase Freedom Unlimited card on 9/24/20 once the project was fully backed with an estimated delivery date of November 2020. 

As an early bird I snagged the starter kit (1 Twig single-blade safety razor, 1 Twig stand, 1 Blade Recycling tin, and 1 pack of 50 single-edge blades) in Silver for just $68. Yay! Today it's regular price is $91. So huge savings! 

I received the final product on 1/23/21.

I'm giving you these details so you can know what to expect if you back something on Kickstarter. You have to be patient, delays come up, design issues come up. But I think it's worth it because you are part of something awesome that is being created. Your support allows a new product to come into existence that otherwise may not have, or at least not as quickly. And in appreciation for that support, you can get a nice discount if you don't mind the waiting! I have backed some other great crowd funded products like Last Tissue - The Reusable Tissue Pack, Last Swab - The World's First Reusable Cotton Swab, Throw Throw Burrito from the makers of Exploding Kittens (super fun games), and I enjoy the experience. I know encircled's UnBlazer was crowdfunded on indiegogo which was cool. On the other hand, there's one product I backed in 2019 ($1.3 million was crowdfunded) that was originally to be delivered by end of 2019 that has still been in prototyping all through 2020 (shut downs worldwide delayed things for sure, and to date, at the start of February 2021 I still haven't received it. So it's just a risk you take, but if you really believe in the product I recommend sticking with them. Imagine how much you would appreciate the support!

More Posts Like This: Low Waste • Sustainable • Health & Beauty • Reviews

I can only speak from my own personal experience. I found shaving with this razor to be an absolute delight. I was nervous I would cut myself, however I just tried to use a gentle hand and I haven't cut myself once (yet)! I didn't use shaving cream or anything. Just the suds from the handmade soap I got off Etsy recently. I've only been using this razor for about 2 weeks now, so my experience with it is limited. Yet so far I would definitely recommend giving it a shot if you're looking for ways to cut down on waste and also because it just looks so slick! 

​Fast Fashion Royal Blue Turtleneck

• acquired: c. 2016
• wears: >25
• material: poly blend :(
• better option: this funnel neck blouse in royal blue

​wore 2 times in January

Fast Fashion Royal Blue Snap Button Cardigan

• acquired: ​c. 2016
• wears: >30
• material: 49% cotton 51% acrylic
• better option: this multi-way cardigan in royal blue

Everlane Relaxed Silk Shirt in Real Blue

• acquired: 2019
• wears: >15
• ​material: 100% silk
• free shipping & returns here

Wore 2 times in January

Fast Fashion Chartreuse Snap Button Cardigan

• acquired: 2017
• wears: >15
• material: poly/rayon/spandex :(
• better option: linen layering piece, hand made, customizable measurements in greenish mustard

Wore 1 time in January

Fast Fashion Forest Green Snap Button Cardigan

• acquired: 2017
• wears: >15
• material: poly/rayon/spandex :(
• better option: handmade linen blazer in evergreen

Wore 3 times in January

Everlane Mustard Yellow Cashmere Crew Sweater

• acquired: 2019
• wears: >15
• material: body 100% cashmere (trimmings cashmere/nylon/elastane)
• ​free shipping & returns here

​wore 2 times in January

Sea Life Circle Skirt w/ Pockets - Made To Measure on Etsy

• acquired: 2018
• wears: >20
• material: unknown
• see available fabrics in small shops like this one

​wore 2 times in January

Fast Fashion Talbots Tweed Pencil Skirt

• acquired: 2013
• wears: >40
• material: poly rayon

Wore 4 times in January

Fast Fashion Banana Republic Taupe Skirt

• acquired: 2014 hand-me-down
• wears: >15
• material: cotton/lyocell/spandex poly lining

Wore 5 times in January

Encircled Dressy Sweatskirt in Navy
Initial Review Here

• acquired: 2019
• wears: >25
• material: MicroModal

learn about encircled's fabrics

Wore 5 times in January

Fast Fashion Long Abstract Animal Print Pencil Skirt

• acquired: 2011
• wears: >40
• material: cotton/poly/spandex

Wore 2 times in January

Current Jeans worn here, Better option here

Dressy Sweatpants Black, XS - here
​(or here if you're Canadian)

Encircled Flipside Legging, no longer available but great option here (or here if you're Canadian)

Intention: The intention of the Closet Audit Capsule Wardrobe series is to assess the color, fit, style, and fabric of each garment.
Action: At the end of the month I will remove items I consistently don’t reach for, find unflattering, uncomfortable or in need of constant adjustment while wearing.

Additionally: This capsule also gives me the opportunity to try clothes from a recently received hand-me-down bag to give them an honest evaluation as to whether they are worthy of my in-progress closet curation.

Spreadsheet or StyleBook App: I'm also using this as an opportunity to start outfit tracking again whether in my Style Book app or a spreadsheet, to assess which clothing, footwear and other accessories I'm reaching for most and what the CPW is working out to be. Just a nerdy-fun thing .:)

These Birkenstocks - the finish makes it surprisingly versatile and elevates a casual outfit a bit. They are also super comfy especially because of the wide and spacious footbed. (Note: Wearing these in January bc I’m home all day)

The Rothy’s Marigold points are a perfect match with my mustard sweater! See rothys FAQs here and get $20 off rothys here

Emerald Handmade Vintage Style Leather Booties from etsy

Spenco Orthotic Arch Support Loafer - these are a little loose on me so they rub at the heel on my right foot (problem area for me) if I wear them a lot without thick socks, but they are great for wearing at home! All Spenco shoes have  wonderful, supportive footbeds and I highly recommend them - just get the right size ;) 

Let's define capsule as it relates to clothing per Oxford Languages: "(of a collection of clothing) consisting of a relatively small set of key items"

Some people have a truly minimalist wardrobe and their capsule wardrobe consists of only those key items and nothing more. Their capsule wardrobe stays almost the same year round, depending on climate. 

For the vast majority, though, the idea of a capsule wardrobe is a lot less intimidating and extreme. The idea is to set aside a small selection of the clothing you own and mix and match those pieces together for a period of time of your choice. During that time you can remove the rest of your clothing and enjoy a really spacious and open feeling closet. 

A Few Benefits of a Capsule Wardrobe:

• The aesthetic of a paired down closet can't be beat! Even if you're not interested in getting rid of half your closet, you will definitely enjoy this!
• At the end of each month, season, or however often you choose to rotate, you'll get to "shop your closet" (or storage) and get excited about pieces you already had that you forgot about and are now excited to wear again!
• As a result of --^ this step, you will spend less $$ on new clothes and still get the same feeling of having something new in your closet!
• Surprisingly, with less clothes in your closet, you'll find yourself saying "I have nothing to wear" less often - if ever!
• You make new, creative outfit combinations.
• Minimize decision fatigue as there are less choices to make when getting dressed!
• Helps you identify wardrobe gaps 
• Helps you identify and refine your style

Let's start with a definition for audit: "an official inspection of an individual's or organization's accounts, typically by an independent body"
Applying that to your closet - A closet audit entails a thorough investigation and inspection of what is in your closet! Most people will do this on their own, although you can hire help if you're in the position to.

Generally an initial closet audit includes taking out everything from your closet(s) and literally counting every item you have and how many items you have. While the end number of items in your closet is person to your needs and preferences, it can be interesting to see the total figure of items you have. Definitely write this down at the beginning so you can look back later. 

After taking inventory (or during), put each item in one of 3 piles:

1. Keep 
   
2. Hold
   
3. Donate

The Keep Pile consists of pieces you definitely love and know you want to keep!

The Hold Pile consists of pieces you're not sure about. Maybe they are really functional but you don't love them, but you can't pass them on until you have a suitable replacement. Maybe they are new-ish or were gifted/hand-me-downs you received and you're still tryin to see if you want them in your curated wardrobe - if they fit your personal style and lifestyle. 

The Donate Pile consists of (obviously) pieces to donate. You've made peace with them. Maybe you've worn them a ton, maybe they're just not your style anymore. Maybe you finally came to grips with the fact that even though you spent a lot of $$, if it's just hanging in your closet causing you guilt then it's costing more than simply letting it go would. Some of these pieces you may be able to sell online or pass on to friends as well!

There's an amazing free Minimalist Wardrobe Workbook that will help you with this from encircled.
​If you're Canadian your Minimalist Wardrobe Workbook is here.

Growing up our family didn't have a lot of money, so we always shopped the super-clearance racks. By the time I moved out, I had bins upon bins of cheap clothing. It was literally a burden, but I was not accustomed to letting things go. Especially if they were "still good". It dawned on me at some point that all of those "great deals" actually added up to a lot of money, little by little, and many of those clothes didn't last long due to poor quality or weren't really my taste. Buying for the price tag instead of buying a style that makes you feel great wearing it or something that fills a gap in your wardrobe is a mistake I've made countless times. 

This decade started my downsizing of ... well everything, but we're focusing on clothing here. I passed on at least 60-70% of my (admittedly huge) wardrobe and swapped out tons of patterned tops for solid t's and cardigans. These worked great for casual outfits with jeans or with skirts.

The errors I made: 

• One in every color!  Instead of having a few T shirts and a few cardigans, I now had something like 15+ cardigans and 20+ rainbow t shirts. 
• Buying colors that didn't suit me.
• Not considering fabrics

The combination of the second and third bullet points were what made the quantity of items truly an error.
At least half of the items I bought were not colors that flattered my hair/skin tone. I loved the color, I loved the style. Still, I either never reached for them or didn't feel great in them.

Lesson Learned: You can love the color, the style, and how it looks on someone else, but you don't have to buy it!

I also started to learn more about fabrics and the need to read descriptions and labels carefully, especially when shopping on line. Although the listing images looked identical, when I bought some follow up cardigans to ones I loved, they arrived made of inferior materials - poly, rayon, spandex blend. These cardigans quickly stretched out, pilled up, and felt terrible on. They didn't breathe well at all since I was basically wearing plastic.  

Lesson Learned: Don't assume every color of the same style of an item sold from the same place is made of the same material. Always read the labels. 

Sustainable and Ethical Fashion 

At the tail end of my 20's I started to learn about ethical and sustainable fashion, something I had never thought about before. I never thought about the "true cost" of all those unbelievably cheap clothing items. I never thought about what fabrics would be better for the environment and even feel better and safer resting against my skin! Not only did this add many layers to deciding what/if to purchase something, but it was a whole new way of thinking which required a greater investment each time. But rather than trying to do everything perfect, I'm really trying to embrace progress over perfection. The most sustainable thing any of us can do is buy intentionally and make good of what we have or do decide to buy. 

I'm merging the concepts! At least in my mind :)  

It's a capsule designed to help further audit and curate your closet! 
Whereas capsule wardrobes are thought of as sections of your already curated wardrobe.

I've already been through an overall closet audit (more than once). I've already removed a lot of clothing over the past several years. I'm still in an ongoing auditing phase. There are items I'm struggling with and areas I want to learn more about. I want to hone in on my personal style more. I want to understand why I love the pieces that I love - is it the fabric? the color? the silhouette? And I want to understand why I don't love other pieces that I thought I would when I purchased them. There are some pieces I don't love but haven't been able to let go of yet. I aim to get to the bottom of that. 

Each month I will curate a Closet Audit Capsule.  During that month I will be able to really assess if I want these pieces in my closet going forward. This is a hyper-focused, refining closet audit over a period of time rather than in one day.

You should know, while I love keeping it casual and comfy, I also love to dress up, even when I'm stuck at home 24/7 like during this pandemic. So the area I still need to refine most is my dress clothes, which is uncommon for most people. All the principles still apply to whatever style you enjoy wearing! :) 

At the end of the month I will share an update of my findings! What I learned, what I released, what I'm still stumped on. I'll share wardrobe gaps I've identified and items I'm considering to fill those gaps. Feel free to share  your recommendations!   I hope you enjoy the journey and that it can help you in any way, but tbh it's just as much for me as for anyone who stumbles on it. 

Straw Hat: Similar
Straw ​Bag: Similar

Buttercream Clothing is an ethical clothing company out of Canada that makes tons of great basics and wardrobe staple pieces that you’ll want to keep for years to come. From their popular Lolli Leggings to their 3-in-1 skirt-meets-dress-meets-poncho number, plus rompers, kimonos, maternity leggings, cardigans and beyond, you’ll probably find something that can fill a hole in your wardrobe!

At some point in history there was a Buttercream Clothing Etsy Shop but now you can order straight from the the Buttercream Clothing website. This past Black Friday Buttercream Clothing generously ran a sale which enabled many with tight budgets and a desire to branch into ethical fashion to try their clothes at a discount!
​
I took that opportunity to try their Sundae Dress - a versatile 3/4 length sleeve dress with a gathered waist for a comfortable, flattering fit that is twirl-enabling! And don’t forget the pockets...
​

This is a cute, fun dress that can easily be dressed up or down. Overall I find it very comfortable because it’s snug at the bust and flowy below. Low fuss! I love that it has pockets, but I do find the pocket placement to be a tad high. Everytime I go to put my hands in the pockets I always miss them! I wonder if this is because of the dress design or because I sized down? The fabric is soft and comfortable, though if you have dry or sensitive skin, the elastic waist band may be noticeable if you don’t have a barrier layer.

This piece is one you can wear year round as it’s easy to layer with leggings and boots and a cardigan or sweater!

One tip that I wish I knew before I ordered: You can generally order any item from any fabric you see on the Buttercream Clothing website! I thought I could only choose from the colors on the Sundae Dress page, but had I known I could order any color (it is made to order after all!) I would have got that perfect mustard color instead!

Burgundy Sundae Dress | Emerald Fair Longsleeve Top | Emerald Booties |

​With the exception of their “Freshly Baked” section (ready-to-ship items), everything else on the website is made to order and on average takes 2-4 weeks. Due to extremely high volumes from the sale it was about 6 weeks until my order shipped. Ordering from small, ethical brands is not the same experience of Amazon Prime 2-day shipping. But in a good way. It makes you appreciate the items more.

Vintage Jean Jacket: Similar
​Shoes: Similar