The Scrunchy Mom’s Capsule Wardrobe

The capsule wardrobe I built to last through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.

How A 7 Day Sweater Challenge Turned Into A Lifelong Obsession

Introducing the 2nd blog in my 3-part blog series about the Oliver Charles Cardigan Vest.

This blog is about creating a sustainable wardrobe as a toddler mom. Follow along as I go through how I fit my wardrobe to my newfound lifestyle.

• Wool Vest For 7 Days
• Mom’s Capsule Wardrobe
• Yak Wool’s Versatility

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If the term “crunchy” is a new concept, allow me to introduce it.

Crunchy is used to describe a natural lifestyle, characterized by eliminating processed foods and opting for organic and raw alternatives, avoiding products containing chemicals and microplastics, and minimizing modern interventions as much as possible.

But most of us can’t afford to be crunchy 24/7. Thus, we are sort of crunchy, or scrunchy for short. I have claimed this label with absolute zeal. As a toddler mom expecting her second son this fall and having to take a step back entirely from work soon, our budget is tighter than ever.

However, I still want to give my family the best possible whenever I can. I buy organic when it’s on sale, use household products like detergents and bath soaps that have clean ingredients, and shop at thrift stores to reuse and repurpose clothing for my family.

I have wanted a sustainable capsule wardrobe that is simultaneously befitting to our budget and conducive to my current condition and lifestyle as a pregnant mother. I spend three days per week working from home, three days running around with my toddler and dog, and one day attending church and other social functions.

Needless to say, my outfits need to be comfortable, durable, and interchangeable for all occasions. After completing my 7 Day Sweater Challenge, I was inspired to curate a scrunchy mom’s capsule wardrobe to last through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.

A Sustainable Sweater With Efficiency, Lifestyle, And Budget In Mind

Compiling a capsule wardrobe is a great idea for busy moms and individuals looking to simplify their lives, specifically their morning routines. Not only does having a select few outfits to pick from make getting dressed painless, but it also cuts down on clothing costs in the long run.

See, it is short-sighted to look at the price tag on a sustainably made, high-quality article of organic clothing and recoil. I’m guilty as charged!

In the long run, though, the reality is that a sustainable capsule wardrobe will endure wear and tear, survive seasons, and outlast fast fashion trends. Meaning, I will be spending as much, if not less, on a few staple and beloved clothing items than having to replace them constantly.

Now, I’m not about to throw out all the other clothes in the closet. My scrunchy-ness can’t quite justify tossing out clothes that may still bring me joy or go to waste otherwise. Personally, I have no idea what is going to fit me again, if ever, after this second pregnancy. Do I plan on taking inventory? Absolutely, eventually.

But, for my current season of life, I’m selecting just 7-10 days' worth of my most favorite and comfortable outfits. The intention is that each item can be interchanged for the sake of a unique style, keeping both efficiency and lifestyle in mind, and utilizing my new favorite Yak Wool Cardigan Vest in the process.

As I previously mentioned, the Cardigan Vest is versatile enough to dress an outfit up or down and also layer with just about any ensemble for that extra comfort or touch of accessory.

The Cardigan Vest As The Final Touch For Every Outfit

I’m no fashion expert, but my helpful tip for curating a scrunchy mom capsule wardrobe was knowing my own color palette, or “season” as it is often referred to.

Admittedly, I love jewel-tones and bold colors. But I also gravitate toward any shade of green and rich autumn hue. The latter is what I tried to focus on to build my scrunchy mom capsule wardrobe in order to layer my sweater vest appropriately. The timing couldn’t be more perfect with fall just around the corner.

Once I had a vision for colors in mind that were becoming on me and easy to blend well with the Cardigan Vest, I began narrowing down the clothing selection already in my closet based on what fits now that I’m in my 3rd trimester.

My options were limited, but that’s kind of the point when building a minimalist wardrobe, right?

I quickly found the vest tied outfits together easily while also making each one seem entirely new. My favorite basic tees were brought to life with the Cardigan Vest paired with a cute skirt or layered under my denim jumper.

Since dresses are the easiest thing to wear during this stage of my pregnancy, I tried to choose neutral patterns and colors so they could be reworn in different ways in the weeks to come.

Creating A Sustainable Capsule Wardrobe Takes Time

Change doesn’t happen overnight. If I’m right, and most family budgets are like ours right now, choosing a sustainable lifestyle takes time.

Discount shopping isn’t just a trendy hobby for our family. It’s a necessity. However, as much as my little boy grows each month, I still refuse to buy toxic quality clothing that won’t last for the next little one on the way.

While being scrunchy has lazy connotations, it’s still a reality for many moms like me. We have to prioritize what we can for our households when our finances allow. We have to find balance in everyday life and not let the urge to live toxic-free become a stressful, toxic endeavor in and of itself.

But I am always proud when I accomplish a goal toward sustainability and low-tox living. The Oliver Charles Cardigan Vest is a step in the right direction to help me create a minimalist capsule wardrobe I can rely on.

When I question the upfront cost of something, whether it’s organic clothing or a more eco-friendly, low-tox product, I have to remind myself that quality over quantity is what counts. Sure, mainstream products and fast fashion are cheaper and advertised as “more for less.”

But I’m realizing that these items sacrifice so much to give our bodies, our lives, such little benefit, if any at all. Now that I know what to look for, organic wool, cotton, or linen clothing brands like Oliver Charles are out there waiting to make my environmentally-conscious and financially-limited mama’s mind find peace.

My capsule wardrobe is humble and not entirely sustainable yet, but it’s a work in progress!

Caring For The Cardigan Vest So It Takes Care Of Me

I was equally shocked and thrilled to discover Oliver Charles offers a lifetime repair guarantee for their sweaters. Since each item is 3D-knit on-demand and with care, the company takes pride in its work and wants each piece to last.

However, if a snag or tear were to occur, they have a request-to-repair form available for customers who want to ensure their sweaters remain part of their capsule wardrobe for as long as possible.

Most importantly, though, I’m a rule-follower of the care instructions tag to the utmost degree. I don’t think it was placed on my garment as a suggestion. If I want my Cardigan Vest to remain a constant staple in my scrunchy mom capsule wardrobe, I will continue to wash it just as Oliver Charles instructs. No sweat off my back as this yak wool vest is machine washable!

This yak wool knit is hardy. Oliver Charles takes pride in their zero seams, zero waste 3D-knitting creation process of all their yak wool and SeaCell products, and now I can see why. My Cardigan Vest is made to go the distance, despite all the factors a harried mom's life can throw at it.

If you believe that every good wardrobe starts with owning less and owning better, consider buying yourself an OLIVER CHARLES sweater.