IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Photo of Amy Grace with Cream Wool Hat and Mittens wearing a black winter coat. Snow Covered trees in the background. Text overtop the image: Winter 2023 Capsule Wardrobe - byamygrace

Wool Hat & Mittens | Love & Lore / Chapters

I don’t remember the last time I owned a winter hat I truly loved. Possibly High School? I appreciate the thickness and warmth of these mittens and matching hat along with the style. Understated, yet on trend.

Pull Over Half Zip Hoodie | Lulu Lemon

Spoiled by my cousin, this sweater arrived for me over Christmas. She absolutely hit the mark with this one. I adore wearing it during my winter yoga or cardio sessions.

Black Long Sleeve Body Suit | Aritzia

Interestingly enough, I did not realize when I ordered this body suit online that it would come with shoulder pads. Somehow I missed this very CLEAR description or perhaps got redirected to a different one. Either way, shoulder pads are very much ‘NOT’ my thing. After trying it on and realizing how much I liked the fit etc., I thought I could take the shoulder pads out.
I did and saved myself a trip into the city to replace it with a different one.

Skims Body Suit

Curious about the hype, I invested in this simple soft and form fitting body suit for wearing underneath outfits or for around the house. The fit is more comfortable than I had expected coming from a shape wear company. It was pleasing to realize that Kim K does designs her various body suits to match the exact needs and desires of a vast array of customers. This suit wears and washes well. I will definitely investing in another body suit when the need / desire arises.

Tentree Pants Green

I have been eyeing this specific pair of Tentree pants for the better part of five years. I began noticing they were not showing up in my local searches and were running low on the stores main website. I snagged a pair before the autumn ended. They are soft, comfortable and relaxed. Perfect for Autumn weekend nature walks.

Abercrombie Plunge Neck Midi Dress

Although I have not returned to public partner Blues dancing since early 2020’s pandemic beginnings, I still hold space for solo blues dance moments at home and relish the return on the public dance floor.
This dress, I bought with that desire in mind, knowing that hopefully within the next 365 days, there will be a moment where close breathing in a dance partners space might not seem so overwhelming to me.
For now, this item is reserved for date nights.

Top Centre - Clockwise: Striped Dress | Banana Republic, Lover Sweater | Poppy & Olive, Loose stripped T-Shirt | The Gap, Blue Bikini | La Vie En Rose, Grey Romper | RW&Co, Starfish Keds | Softmoc, Coral T-Shirt Sweater | The Gap, Brown Purse | Modcloth, Malibu Rising | Chapters, Tkees Flip Flops | The Bay, Jean Shorts | The Gap, Pink / Cream Camis | Ambercrombie & Fitch, Perscription Sunglasses | All About Eyeware, Bridgerton | Amazon

Although this summer started out slow for us after a third lockdown pushing various spring events, our August was everything we needed it to be. Having time for a family vacation, celebrating 10 years married along with friends visiting and beach days, we are alight with what that rest that sank into our bones.

New to Me

Lover Sweater

This sweater is extremely thick, high quality and just altogether beautiful. I have always loved the word ‘lover’. I think it captures something I hold deeply inside myself and it has a way of propelling me forward.

Bikini Swimsuit

After 6 years of beach and pool days my tankini swimsuit bit the dust this summer and I was forced to do the dreaded task of finding another suit that I would like. I loved how my other set hugged my body in all the right spots. This Bikini gives me the coverage I want while also adding more style to my summers.

Flip Flops

I have been in desperate need of a pair of flipflops and was thankful for my moms birthday gift in these.

Coral Sweater T-Shirt

I am a bit lacking in clear ‘shirt’ options for the summer outings and this coral sweater t-shirt adds a fun option for beach days, or just around the house on a cool summer morning.

Still Going Strong

Blue/White Striped Dress

This stunning dress keeps giving me life. It feels like it captures all of me.

Starfish Keds

This pair has that worn appearance yet still holding shape.

Purse

I adore this purse I invested in a couple years ago. It is easy to bring on shopping days or just out and about on the weekends.

Time to Go

Jean Shorts

Not pictured here is a pair of jean shorts I bought and used exclusively as my ‘jean shorts’ for the summers. They were quite honestly falling apart. Off they go.

Blue Second Hand tank

Not pictured here is a second hand tank top I have been wearing for 4-5 years in summer and autumn months. It was never 100% me, but it did the trick when doing life with a toddler in tow. I am not wearing it anymore, so it’s time to donate it. Someone will appreciate it more than I am right now.

Top Centre - Clockwise : Blue Long Sleeve | Second hand find from Auntie Nicole, Crayons | source unknown, Robe | Winners, Reading socks | Indigo, Good Night Rebel Girls Book 1&2 | Indigo, Pyjamas | Gift from Mimi & Yeye, Calico Critters | Christmas / Birthday gifts from family, Roots Joggers | Roots, Jeans | Old Navy, Baby doll | MiniKane , Pink Dress | Second hand find from Auntie Nicole, School Books | Various family members, Ready Set Draw Activity | Auntie Jasmine & Uncle Tyler, Long Sleeves | Old Navy, The Compete Baking Books for Young Chefs | Indigo, Beads | Christmas Gift from Mimi & Yeye, Christmas Doll Dress | Handmade from Auntie Nicole

This season we have found that our growing girl is all about re-wearing her favourites to till they are thread bare. Many of the new purchases to fill out her wardrobe never got touched as she would rather wear her ‘favourites’.

New to Her

Cloud Pyjamas

A Christmas gift from her Mimi & Yeye, these pyjamas fit perfectly and are the sweetest things on her.

Jade Minikane Doll

With the help of her dear Auntie Nicole we were able to get this new baby doll in time for Christmas. To say it was her favourite gift is an understatement. She was in awe of this lifelike baby and she cares for it so tenderly. A purchase we will never regret.

Reading / Cozy Socks

Worn through a pair she received from a ‘great aunt’ two years back, she begged for replacements.

Still Going Strong

Roots Joggers

Although they are becoming shorter on her, these joggers are long lasting and her favourites. We will definitely replace when she has outgrown them.

White Robe

This beautiful robe is becoming smaller and smaller on her but she loves it so much. We love seeing the joy she gets from it.

Time to Go

What needs to go she’s been ‘over wearing’. It’s almost comical how hard it is to get her to wear anything else. A few items are not seen here as they were either on her body when this picture was taken, or in the wash. (yoga pants, shirt, pink and grey zip sweater)

What isn’t shown here:

Pink Zip Sweater, Old pair of Reading socks, Pants outgrown, Pyjamas outgrown

Top Centre - Clockwise : Brown Knit Sweater | H&M, Brown Keds | Soft Moc, Green Knit Sweater | Bootlegger, Brown Silk Long Sleeve | Suzy Shier, ‘Seeing Stars’ Essie Nail Polish | Amazon, ‘Less is Aura’ Essie Nail Polish | Amazon, ‘Spirit’ Lipstick | MAC, Blue Jeans | The Gap, Black Pants | RW&Co, Into the Wilderness by Sara Donati | Lend from a bookish Aunt, Black Pleather Jacket | Suzy Shier, Black Turtle Neck | RW&Co, Black Leather Boots | part gift from my parents : GLOBO Shoes, Rose Pyjama Pants | La Vie en Rose, White Cable Knit Dress | Magnolia Boutique, Green Pants | RW&Co, Black Pleather Pants | Zara, Autumn Anthology | Amazon.ca, Burgendy Sweater Dress | La Vie En Rose, Gold / White Silk Zipper tank | Bootlegger

Unfortunately this top down photo didn’t turn out as clear as I wanted it to. I thought about doing it again, but it’s that time of year where we have to pick and choose what we make a point of making a fuss over, and this isn’t one of those things this time around.

That being said, I ADORE this seasons capsule.

There are many things not pictured here (fitness wear, under tanks, pyjamas, black dresses & blazers.) But I figure those are staples all year round and if I end up wearing them a lot during a season or are in a big event that season, I will feature them in the capsule. Just know this is clearly not the only clothes I own for this season. Just the more curated look of what I wore on the daily with a few staples sprinkled in that didn’t make the cut for the picture.

New to Me

The cable knit sweater was a purchase I am still weighing if I feel was the right one. I may end up sharing this item with the bestie, Jasmine.

The brown knit sweater is a dream, along with the burgundy sweater dress which has pockets and hugs the body exactly how you want it to, while also leaving enough room to feel cozy.

The Silk Long sleeve is also new to me, and something I found for $13.00. I was so happy to have acquired it!

Still Going Strong

That Black pleather jacket is a dream. I adore how it keeps me warm yet still feeling chic heading to a meeting.

The brown leather KEDS are a forever joy for me. I am taking extra care of this pair, because I love them so so much!

The Gap blue jeans are a solid pair. They don’t have that new look to them anymore, but they are still holding strong after many days of wear and washes.

Time to Go

The white silk tank with gold zipper has not stood up with time. I am not ready to let it go just yet, but I am realizing that some pieces from Bootlegger stand and some do not. This has been one of those that don’t. The gold leaves on the white silk have faded quickly and it’s starting to loose its vibrancy. I loved it, so this is very disappointing.

Top Centre - Clockwise: Navy Blue Tank | RW&Co, Black Romper | The Gap, Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Tank | Bench, White T Shirt Dress | La Vie En Rose, Sailboat Pyjamas | La Vie En Rose, Black Shorts | Winners, Jean Shorts | Bluenotes, Starfish KEDS | Softmoc, Blue/White Romper | Aerie, Rose Gold Watch | Fossil, Essie Nail Polish | Shoppers Drug Mart, White/Grey Dress | H&M, Summer Anthology | Amazon, White/Grey Pin Strip Pants | RW&Co, Pink Silk Pyjamas | ASOS, White Silk Tank | RW&Co, Blue Silk Tank | ModCloth, Green Shorts | The Gap, Blue/White Striped Dress | Banana Republic

This Summer, as with all summers, I found it hard to put my finger on what I needed and what was working for me. Maybe it’s the unpredictability of ‘Nova Scotia’ summer days? The way they can be overcast and a bit chilly while the next sunny with humidity pushing the temperature past 35 degrees Celsius, and the following day foggy, humid and raining in spurts.

I was able to end the summer with a deeper understanding of what next years capsule goals will be and what worked for me overall.

New to Me

Blue/Striped Romper

I found this romper at Aerie and immediately fell in love with it. It reminded me of a wardrobe item I had back in my early twenties found second hand by my bestie Jasmine. It was a beautiful piece that I wore every Summer up until a couple years ago when I realized it didn’t exactly fit who I was anymore and felt it was getting a bit too ‘love worn’ to wear. This is a perfect addition that still holds that appeal to me.

White T-Shirt Dress

Found at La Vie En Rose as ‘lounge wear’ I immediately was drawn to this piece not only because it was $10.00 but I loved how it was soft on the inside and would be the perfect 'throw on’ post beach or pool day.

Pink Silk Pyjamas

Ordered via ASOS when I realized that waiting for Victoria Secret to bring in the exact pattern / colour pyjamas I wanted would take too long, I purchased this set which is made by Bluebella the same company who made the Navy / Pink silk pyjamas I bought last winter. A bit pricy but oh so comfortable and good quality.

Still Going Strong

Silk Blue Tank

Seen here as folded, this tank has been with me since first summer post partum and although it was an expensive order from Modcloth, it’s a huge favourite of mine, in my favourite shade of blue and a it is perfectly shaped and simple.

Sail Boat Pyjamas

Still a summer/Spring favourite to wear. Cozy and light.

Time to go

Jean Shorts

Bought them the first summer after giving birth in May. I have made these work for the longest time. I bought them cheap from BlueNotes not knowing how my body would change over the the postpartum journey. In reality, I think I ended up shrinking them in the dryer by accident, but they’ve done the job for 5 summers, even though I am packing them away for the autumn/winter season, replacing them will be a focus for next spring.

**always know there are items not pictured here, as they either are duplicates / additional extra wear (like under tanks, a few extra pairs of pyjamas, year round dresses / work out wear, swim wear) I tend to show the most used items of that season & reassess the items that don’t make it into this picture.

Top Centre - Clockwise : Pink Scarf | Suzy Shier, Reading animal socks | Indigo / gift from my Aunt, BlueBella Blue silk pyjamas | ASOS, Bedazzled Black Mittens | Bootlegger, Headband | gift from my mom, NARS duo orgasm blush | Sephora, black & gold tank | Reitmans, Peppermint Candle | Gift from a close friend - Saje, White knit Sweater | Suzy Shier, Black skirt | H&M, Black pants (bottom right corner) | RW&Co, Pleather pants | Zara, Blue jeans | the Gap, rose gold watch | Fossil, Pink Sweater | Aerie, Outlander by Diana Gabaldon | Chapters, Black Basic long sleeve | H&M, Glasses, Grey Joggers | Roots, Yoga Pants | Aerie, Cabin Socks | Roots, Red Flannel shirt | Winners, Wool Winter Jacket | RW&co

This winter started out mild & became cold quickly! This made my additions to the Winter capsule focused on warmth over other pieces I may have been looking at.

New to Me

Bluebella Silk Pyjamas was a late autumn purchase that took forever to arrive due to the Canada post mail service interruption. Thankfully they still arrived & they were 100% worth the wait. I am not a fan of many ‘silk prints’ & finding a classic look in the city was difficult. ASOS is a great place to check for what you can’t find in your own city.

White Knit Sweater was a fun purchase from my mom to me. I was griping about my lack of sweaters and although she knew I was looking for something of a high quality, she thought this one might tide me over until I can make my mind up. & it has done the trick. Although already pilling a great deal it has given me a winter level up & received compliments where ever it goes.

Wool Winter Jacket was a combination of my own money and gift money from Christmas. I was given a lovely tank top that was a size too small (busts are a thing ya’ll) and upon return I realized that although we had gift cards to this store that would allow me to find other various tops and then some, the smartest and most valuable purchase would be to FINALLY get a proper winter coat. This coat is EXCELLENT at keeping one warm and although it won’t be one that I romp in the snow in, it is one that I can wear any other time and feel stylish while also staying ‘oh-so-toasty’.

Black Yoga Pants from Aerie are a lesson learned. Last year I bought a pair from them that had meshing along with some ‘hole’ patterns. It was my mistake to buy a design I knew full well may not stand up to my daily use. This pair of pants from Aerie has meshing and some stylized lines but do not have any places where wear and tear should show. Yoga pants being something I wear at least once a day , are a purchase not to be taken lightly!

Black Bedazzled Mittens from Bootlegger that my mom gave me for Christmas are the WARMEST mittens I have had in a LONG LONG time!

Still Going Strong

Roots joggers bought late Summer have continue to be a high enjoyment during a snow day or just any day that I am preferring cozy comfort wear.

Eye glasses I ‘had to’ purchase almost two years ago are still doing their job. Although I am due for a check-up…. my biggest decision is should I buy a new pair or forgo a new pair for an actual pair of prescription sun glasses?

Time to Go

The red flannel shirt pictured hear has MANY rips on the sleeves. Being a purchase from winners it continues to prove to me that shirts from winners don’t hold up as well as one would hope unless they are of a silk variety. I will not be getting rid of it per say, but I will be looking for a replacement next autumn.

The zipper on the Zara pleather pants is becoming a problem. It’s not the pants that should go, but the zipper itself should be looked at and possibly replaced.

Utterly ecstatic to pull out the warmer weather clothes and remind myself of what outfits are in store for me again!

From top Centre - Clockwise : My Shapes Sticker Book | Gift from Great Auntie Linda, FAMILIA Sweater | Zara, Doctor Costume | Second hand on kijiji , Nature Pyjamas | Old Navy, Pink Zipper Jacket | Zara, Off white Pants | Zara, Flower waffle Shirt | Old Navy, Grey Cat Shirt | Childrens Place, Jeans | Zara, Black Sweater | Gift from Auntie Jasmine while in Korea (still going strong) , Pink Waffle Shirt | Old Navy, Kitty Sweater | Gift from Uncle Tyler & Auntie Jasmine , Winter Boots | Joe Fresh, Hair Bows | Carters, Dress Up Doll | Gift from Grandma , Kelidascope | Gift from Grandma.

New to Her

The My Shapes Sticker book arrived in the mail late Autumn from my Aunt who is now living part of the year in British Columbia and the other part of the year here, in Nova Scotia. While settling in over the summer she learned of Zoë’s affinity to stickers and mailed her one after she traveled back to B.C.. This was carted around the house for weeks.

The waffle long sleeve shirts were great additions to the wardrobe and a relatively cheap purchase from Old Navy. Her long arms are finally properly covered.

The Zara pants were a necessity. Not only does Zoë have long legs but she is petit in nature which means most pants in her length fall right off her. Zara thoughtfully has waist adjustments in their pants which is perfect for us.

The hunt for proper winter boots were on and thankfully a family member nudged me to go looking for them as an early Christmas gift. Joe Fresh has the best quality boots for a lesser price. So glad they had a pair that worked for Zoë.

Still Going Strong

The Carter hair bows have been used on Zoë since she was a baby. It is hilarious to think they still fit her, but she did have a very round head for a baby & quite big for her size. These hair band bows were easily stretchable and have grown with her. There is nothing better than seeing her walk down the stairs with one she has put on in a way that looks a bit edgy as spots and then chases our cat into a love cuddle.

That black sweater from Korea took forever to fit baby Zoë but now that she’s older we’ve got at least one more winter season for it to fit her.

The Dress up Melissa & Doug Doll was a favourite this Autumn. Not new to her, but a toy we generally keep up on a shelf and bring down when asked. She asked daily this last season it seemed.

Time to Go

It’s hard to remember what needed to go as it has been a month since I have transitioned our wardrobes but those cute little woodland pyjamas were grown straight through over the course of her having them. A toe poked out one morning along with a ripped pant leg, and that was that.