Weight Transition and Capsule Wardrobes

Weight Transition and Capsule Wardrobes

This was right before Kit’s nap time so please excuse her tired eyes. 🙂

Weight Transition and Capsule Wardrobes Weight Transition and Capsule Wardrobes Weight Transition and Capsule Wardrobes Weight Transition and Capsule Wardrobes Weight Transition and Capsule Wardrobes Weight Transition and Capsule Wardrobes Weight Transition and Capsule Wardrobes Weight Transition and Capsule Wardrobes

On Wednesday I posted my first look with this combo. This time, I paired it with a cozy cardigan for our little trip to pick out a pumpkin. P.S. I am in love with Kit’s Halloween costume. I love that even though it’s a simple switch it gives you a different look. I guess that’s the beauty of a capsule wardrobe right?

I had someone e-mail me and ask me to talk about how to do a capsule wardrobe when your body is in “transition.” She was specifically speaking about post pregnancy (and I FEEL that concern), but this could really apply to anyone that is in some sort of weight transition.

This is a great topic because

a.) I’ve had SO many people ask me the same thing

b.) I have yet to see any other capsule wardrobe bloggers tackle this issue because they all seem to naturally be able to stay the same trim size no matter what they eat.

Ok. I joke, but for real! I eat one measly taco and I have to undo my belt buckle.

So in other words, I’m with you on this one. Here’s the thing: my first capsule I tried to just deal with clothes that didn’t fit anymore because “they were part of my capsule” and I should just grin and bear it. Right? Yeah that didn’t work. I ended up going shopping in the middle of my capsule and purchasing clothing that DID fit.

So this is what I have decided to do now that I have no ability to predict what my body is going to do since having birth. I have decided to allow myself to dress in such a way that I feel GOOD about myself.

In other words, if I need to shop to replace something that doesn’t fit anymore then I’m going to do it! Even if it’s in the middle of a capsule.

BUT, in order to keep it in budget I have decided that for the time being I will try my best to only purchase pants and skirts second hand so that I can get them at a better price than buying them brand new. For me, those are the items that make me feel bad about myself if they are too tight. For tops, I have always been drawn to a more flowy/baggy aesthetic so I’m typically fine if my weight fluctuates.

What I would suggest is figuring out what clothing you should do the same for. If you like maxi skirts and joggers for example, you might be okay if your weight fluctuates. Or you might like more form fitting tops, in which case you should probably spend less on those items. I’m not talking about giving up on quality, but be a bit more intentional about looking for sales, browsing eBay, etc.

What will end up happening (and I’m still getting there) is that you’ll naturally create two capsules so that no matter where you are in your journey you’ll have clothing that fits.

I mean, I would love to be able to guarantee that I’ll get down to my ideal weight and then just stay there forever, but I’m 99.99% sure that isn’t going to happen. So instead of letting my fluctuating weight get the better of me, I’ll have a plan already implemented so that I’ll feel good no matter what.

Because that’s the point of a capsule wardrobe right? Having clothes that you LOVE and will feel good in? Do any of you have a way of dealing with this issue? Do you have two capsules like me? Or do you have any other tricks that work well? Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time,

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22 Comments

  1. 10.16.15
    Rebecca N said:

    My baby is 14 and I still have weight fluctuations! I am gluten and dairy sensitive so I tend to pack on weight if I eat those things. On the contrary, if I am a good girl and cut them out the weight drops off. I don’t like living my life as a slave to food though, so often I indulge, even if it means tummy issues and weight gain. All that aside, because of this my size has been known to go up or down by 3 sizes in a matter of a years time! I keep those extra sizes available in a separate drawer to mix in or out should the need arise. I actually own identical jeans or shorts in several different sizes. I usually go on eBay to find identical pair of something I already own and I know fits my body type well. This way, I am not buying new and spending a ton of money. So I second your idea of buying second hand and on eBay!!

    • 10.17.15
      Karin said:

      I do the same thing Rebecca! If I really love a particular pair of jeans, I will buy them in a couple of sizes so I know I’ll be good no matter what. 🙂 And I’m also dairy sensitive so I totally get what you mean about making the choice between “living” and gaining a few extra pounds!

  2. 10.16.15
    Tianna said:

    Kit’s hoodie is so adorable! Looks like a fun time at the pumpkin patch 🙂 Gonna go check out your transition capsule wardrobe – such a brilliant and realistic idea!

    stop by and chat with me ♥ http://storybookapothecary.com

  3. 10.16.15
    Pris said:

    Love the advice. I’ve been reading about capsule wardrobes lately and my weight tends to fluctuate about 10-12lbs so sometimes only certain things fit. I like the idea of two capsules. Also your baby is adorable!

    • 10.17.15
      Karin said:

      Thank you Pris! I tend to dwell in the more realistic realms of the capsule wardrobe world. 🙂

  4. 10.17.15
    Christen said:

    I love your pics, Karin! You are super photogenic and yes, Kit is absolutely adorable.

    • 10.17.15
      Karin said:

      Thanks Christen! You are so sweet!

  5. 10.17.15
    andi said:

    oh i know that feeling – tryin to drop some weight myself

    • 10.17.15
      Karin said:

      I don’t know very many people over 30 who aren’t. 🙂

  6. 10.17.15
    Ashley said:

    What cute photos! And this is such great advice. I’ve been struggling with this for the past year or so. I’ve been needing to clean out my closet and get some new pieces so I’ll be keeping this in mind 🙂

    • 10.20.15
      Karin said:

      Thank you Ashley! I’m right there with you in the struggle!

  7. 10.19.15
    Claire said:

    I love these pictures! So Fall!

  8. 10.19.15
    Katie said:

    You look great! I ended up having to buy new clothes too. My old stuff didn’t quite fit how I wanted it to and I was sick of wearing maternity clothes! I tried to only spend money on a few staples I needed.

    • 10.20.15
      Karin said:

      I know how you feel Katie! You reach a point don’t you?

  9. 10.28.15
    Liz Jo said:

    I love your outfit, you are one stylish mama. And Kit’s outfit is so cute 🙂

    liz @ sundays with sophie

    • 10.29.15
      Karin said:

      Thank you Liz! You are so sweet!

  10. 12.6.15
    Chrissy said:

    Great post – I can remember how my bodyweight turned into my “worst enemy” after giving birth – and it has never been the same ever since – the genes also play a trick on me in that department. But, I have learned to cope and I have had a kind of capsule wardrobe for the past years, even though it wasn’t even a thing yet. haha – love your outfits and your cutie looks so sweet! happy Sunday xxx

    • 12.6.15
      Karin said:

      It’s so easy for that to happen isn’t it?! I hate that… as if we don’t have enough to worry about as new moms. And thank you!

  11. 12.8.15

    Ooooh when I have some time I need to go back and find your philosophy of capsule wardrobes! I have always viewed mine as flexible, and don’t mind buying new things as long as I sell or donating a corresponding item for each to keep the same “net” amount of clothing (I avoid doing that toooo frequently because I am trying to watch my budget, but I’m fine with it when it does happen occasionally…). But I am hoping to have a baby-shaped reason for transitioning weight in the near future myself and have already started to stash a few items of clothing that don’t fit now but probably will in that circumstance… I think that having two capsule wardrobes to “bridge” that time is totally fine. It’s all about making life simpler, right, and avoiding stress and waste? That’s how I view it anyway. 🙂

    You and your baby are both so cute in these photos! 😀

    • 12.9.15
      Karin said:

      I totally agree with you Sarah! It SHOULD be something you enjoy doing and not a burden. And thank you!

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