This spring, I set myself to look for a legitimate trench coat. (the current one I have, is clearly a knock-off, is not insulated by any sense of the word and is purely fast fashion to appear nice). Finding a good quality trench coat seemed simple enough.

Wrong.

I did find one I adored after weeks of online and in-person looking. Unfortunately, the company that sells this trench coat doesn’t ship to Canada directly and quickly ran out of my size.

I reluctantly gave up my trench coat search and pivoted to my other top needs.

For this Spring

Open-Front Cardigan Sweater

This cardigan I ordered from Nordstrom. The brand is CASLON. I purchased it to be a longer term replacement for a cheaper cardigan of similar color that I have had for a handful of years. The older one has holes in the seams, and is of a cheaper fabric. This new one is warm enough for an East Coast spring, yet being open, leaves space for when the spring sun is shining.

Indoor Training Shoes

Last year, I bought a pair of these same Under Armour trainers to replace my worn-out pair. After loving them for the past year, I decided I should buy a second pair to use as my inside-the-house set when I do workouts in my home gym. I appreciate having them for only indoor use so that I am not cleaning the bottoms every time I am on the mat. (no one wants to do yoga on a mat that just had outdoor sneakers all over it)

Pink Kate Spade Clutch / Purse

A beautiful soul that I know had this purse and was looking to find another home for it and thought of me. I felt so seen and loved to be identified as its possible new owner. I have loved Kate Spade for years, especially the o.g. items. This purse gives a great pop for a date night or social outing, and it’s making me hopeful that it will see lots of life this Summer.

Top Centre - Clockwise : Canadian Currency Tray | Amazon, Jewlery Box | Birthday Gift from Auntie Nicole, Lounge Set | H&M, Kiwi Co Crate Puppet | Kiwi Co Box from Tai Ma, Rainbow Ribbon | Gift from Auntie Heidi, Sketcher Sneakers | Soft Moc, Pyjamas | Gift from Mimi & Yeye, Disney T’s | H&M, Yellow Dress | Zara, Brave Hoodie | H&M, Star Pants | Gift from Mimi & Yeye, Heart patch Jeans | Old Navy, Short Overalls | Old Navy, Winnie the Pooh | Chapters, Welcome to Pawston! | Chapters, Bike Helmet | Canadian Tire, Readers | Chapters

Spring is always an exciting season for us as parents and for our little, as a birthday marks the beginning of a new year in her life. Turning six feels big to us. In truth, every age thus far has brought major milestones. This year her main birthday gift was a blue bike. Complete with a bell and no training wheels. A huge step for her, since due to various life circumstances she hadn’t had a bike since her pink tricycle.
That along with various other milestones we have had and eventful spring, to say the least.

New to Her

Yellow Dress

A beautiful dress from Zara for her 6th Birthday. A little family tradition. Every birthday deserves a new dress.

Brave Hoodie

Although she takes forever to get used to new clothes, especially anything that is outer / extra layers, she took to this new hoodie eventually and it has become her favourite. I wish I had one for myself to be honest.

Sketcher Sneakers

Although she was voting for the light-up sneakers, we needed to put money aside for her bike and stuck with the non light up pair. We will meet that desire on the next go around, which will probably be sooner than later. She’s growing like a weed.

Still Going Strong

Readers

Although she has had readers in level 1 and level 2 for awhile, adding new ones to her collection is making her a ravenous reader. No complaints about that.

Disney T’s

Graphic T’s that have a sweet nostalgic quality to them are my fav. I love it how these haven’t worn with weekly washes.

Star Pants

Thankfully these have been a great fit during Winter and Spring. She is a weed these days.

Time to Go

Pyjamas

Over the Spring she has actively grown out of her sleep-ware. Very doubtful any of these warmer pairs will fit come Autumn.

Various shirts / pants

Not pictured here are various pants and shirts we have had to pass along due to her growing arms and legs.

Top Centre - Clockwise: Graphic T Femme | Dynamite, Graphic T Music Notes | Mod Cloth, Cream Scarf | Indigo, Romper | RW&Co, Origins Exfoliant | Sephora, Origins Toner | Sephora, Monarch Butterfly Sweater | Winners, Loose Black Pants | RW&Co, Karl Lagerfeld Flats | The Bay, Pleather Pants | Zara, Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon | Indigo, Girlfriend Jeans | The Gap, Black Cami | H&M, Long Sleeve Shirt | RW&Co, Oversized White Button Shirt | Aritzia, Ordinary Face cleanser | The Ordinary, Ordinary PM Toner | The Ordinary, Cream Oversized Hoodie | Aerie, Tan Turtleneck | RW&Co

Spring saw us in Nova Scotia in the third wave of the COVID pandemic.

This being the hardest wave we have seen yet due to variants. For the first time we were parents of an ‘at home learning’ child and had to navigate our own careers alongside her education.

Thankfully, our Province is opening back up as case numbers drop and the number of vaccinated people go up.

This has meant a more curated approach to my spring capsule this year. More ‘at home working’ outfits and weekend cozy vibes.

New To Me

White / Grey Romper

I adore this romper. Relaxed, light and playful, it adds a lot to my spring / summer capsule.

Beige Hoodie

Although the softest fabric inside and out, this hoodie began buzzing after the first wear. It does not hold up well to look the way it was marketed as from the get go. It does however remain in tact and as warm and as cozy soft as ever. Unfortunately I wouldn’t suggest this for anyone due to it’s lack of ability to hold it’s smooth appearance.

Taupe Long Sleeve

A purchase early spring that was to help with my lack of long sleeves that are not ‘turtle necks’. It is a season fav.

White Oversized Button Shirt

I hunted all Spring for this and am not disappointed with this expensive purchase. The material is high quality, it’s loose yet shapely at the same time. I expect this to be in my wardrobe until it’s threadbare.

Still Going Strong

Tan Turtle Neck

Great for those early spring days in March when a turtle neck is still the best option.

Butterfly Sweater

Though not the most expensive sweater find with the highest quality, the graphic decal is holding up well after multiple washes and it symbolizes a change in my mindset that began during the pandemic. Always a sucker for symbolic capsule items.

Girlfriend Jeans

They do the job. No complaints.

Time to Go

Grey Bridesmaids Dress

Purchased for the besties Wedding in 2017, this dress has seen a handful of wears. I am feeling that it is time to put this baby up for sale. (Not pictured here.)

Ankle Socks

About every pair of my ankle socks had holes in them by mid spring. I ordered another batch of under armer ankle socks to replace them.

Top Centre - Clockwise: Peach Skipping rope | Amazon, Denim Dress | Joe Fresh, Hair Bows | Gift from Auntie Nicole, Bracelet | Etsy, Pink T Shirt | Joe Fresh, Sweater Dress | H&M, Blue Jumper & Red/White T-Shirt | H&M, Polly Pockets & Tiny Toys | My 90’s childhood collection, Where the Sidewalk Ends | Birthday gift from Mimi & Yeye, Animal Upon Animal | Amazon, Readers | Gifts from Auntie Susan, Jean Shorts | Carters, Jeans | Old Navy, Pre School Math & Literacy | Amazon, Necklace & Bracelet | Birthday Gift from Auntie Nicole & Uncle Jude, Pink Shoes | Winners, Mermaid Pyjamas | Old Navy, Wild Flower Pyjamas | Old Navy, Sunglasses | H&M, Sneakers | Zara, Rainboots | H&M, Dress Shop | my 90’s childhood collection, Hedhghog Family | Chapters, Rain jacket | Old Navy, Socks | H&M

Having Zoë’s last semester of preschool cancelled, we had to shift gears at home and in our daughter’s overall daily life. This capsule is very indicative of the direction that the COVID 19 pandemic took us and her.

New to Her

Denim Dress

A birthday dress. She loves wearing dresses these days.

Rain Jacket

What kid wouldn’t want a see-through rain jacket? These were the thoughts I had running through my mind pre COVID world when I was in Old Navy late February. I am very glad I picked it up. It was a hit. She adores it

Pink Dress Shoes

On our last outing before the pandemic, Zoë strolled through winners and picked up this pair of shoes. Already more of a shopper than her mama and with a keen eye, I couldn’t deny her this pair. We said we would put them aside for her easter outfit. (little did we know easter events would all be in the house this year, either way, we brought them out for easter and she adores them.)

Still Going Strong

Pyjamas

Although a couple of sets of pyjamas wore out in the knee (inevitable) she still has plenty of pairs to keep her going and will probably fit still this coming autumn. I love the patterns Old Navy produces for kids.

H&M Rainboots

Ordered over a year ago these rainboots I purchased was a size too big for her at the time but has proven to be a smart choice as they fit perfectly and I assume they will for at least the duration of this year.

Readers

A gift from a great aunt awhile ago, these readers are becoming the method in which Zoë is gaining her reading skills. Seeing her understand the process of reading is such a thrill.

Time to Go

*not pictured here

Worn out socks & Pyjama Pants

This season plenty of worn-out socks and pyjama pants were tossed. Thankfully we still have plenty on hand and are in no great need to replace any.

Top centre - Clockwise: Facemasks | Mothers Day Gift, Bye Bye Undereye - It Cosmetics | Sephora, Rythmns of Renewal - Rebekah Lyons | Amazon, White/Gray Knit Sweater | Winners, Femme T-Shirt | Dynamite, The Fiery Cross - Diana Gaboldon, Brown pleather Purse | Modcloth.com, Hunter Rain Boots | Softmoc (birthday gift from my parents), Yellow Rain jacket | London Fog, White/Grey Pants | RW & Co, Blue Crop Pants with White Ribbon | Aritzia, Tan Turtle Neck | RW&CO, Girlfriend Jeans | The Gap, SOJO Bluelight Glasses | Amazon, White Linen Shirt | Old Navy, Spring Anthologies | Amazon, Brown Pleather Keds | Soft Moc

Entering Spring during a Pandemic introduced some challenges. It changed my goals for the spring Capsule and it quickly showed me that my lack of waterproof (non-winter) footwear was an issue. Along with more lightweight pants and sweaters that were still warm but not suffocating.

New to Me

White/Grey Sweater | Before the pandemic hit Nova Scotia, I went to winners on a whim with my daughter and saw this hanging on the rack. Already a good eye and sharp shopper, she said “this would be nice for you mama”. I had to agree. Knowing that our damp spring days and my love for walks outside would make this sweater a great addition to an admittedly older and worn hoodie that I wear for those times. (I still have that old hoodie…campfire days are perfect for the old raggedy ones)

Femme T-Shirt | I am finding that I have a budding love for the simple white t with words that corroborate with my values and vision statements for work. This one is simple and to the point.

Rain Jacket | My old rain jacket (not seen here) was black, long and form-fitting. It was from a store called One Tooth (Canadian Yoga wear company) it has sense moved/shut down. That jacket was purchased over a decade ago and has seen me through college, theatre school and every outdoor adventure possible. Due to it’s broken zipper and permanently stained front I decided to retire it and invest in this lovely London Fog when it went on sale. I love it so much already. I hope it lasts longer than my last one.

Rain Boots | As with my rain jacket, my old pair of rain boots from winners I purchased during my first ever professional job in 2010 split open and were irreparable. I managed for a year without rainboots. For my birthday this year, my parents helped me purchase this pair of Hunter Boots. I like that they are mid-length. They do the job and hopefully, they last as long as everyone says they do.

Tan Turtle Neck | RW&Co has a variety of turtlenecks. Once I knew my size and the style I liked, I bought a few more when they went on sale for future work outfits in the winter and autumn. This tan one was a great addition to the colder days in early spring. (the rest I packed away for Autumn.)

Still Going Strong

Leather Brown Keds | I adore this pair of Keds. I will wear them to the ground before I let them go.

Girlfriend Jeans | This pair from the gap is a perfect fit for my body type. Again, will wear till they fall apart.

Yoga Clothes | Not seen here my 3 pairs of yoga tops and 3 pairs

Time to Go

*not seen here:

Rain Jacket from One Tooth. It lived a long life with me. Worth the investment in ‘07/08’

Top Centre - Clockwise: Mermaid Pyjamas | Old Navy, Magnific Graphic T | Joe Fresh, Black Shoes | Shoe Company, Donuts Graphic T | Gift from Mimi & Yeye, House Puzzle | Gift from Mimi & Yeye, Mother Teresa Book | Indigo, Amelia Book | Gift from Auntie Heidi & Uncle Sean, Unicorn purse | Gift from Auntie Heidi & Uncle Sean, Bunnies | Gift from Grandma & Grandpa, T-Shirt Dress | Old Navy, Mermaid | Fluffy Bottom Babies, Mermaid Sticker Book | Gift from her Birthday, Mermaid Pyjamas | Gift from Mimi, Yeye & Great Grammie, Graphic rainbow Pants | Gift From Auntie Heidi & Uncle Sean, Green Pants | Old Navy, Flower Pants | Second hand find from Auntie Nicole, Crayons & Drawing Pad | Gift from Auntie Jasmine & Uncle Tyler, Chambray Top | Gift From Auntie Heidi & Uncle Sean, Blue Flower Blouse | Second hand find from Auntie Nicole, Graphic Blue Pants | Gift from Mimi & Yeye.

New to Her

Mermaid Pyjamas

If you didn’t know it already, the theme of Zoë’s fourth birthday was mermaids and it turned out we were right on brand. Many gifts were either mermaid pyjamas or stickers.

Birthday Dress

I adored finding this dress. It’s perfectly balanced in both comfort and relaxed and feminine. I don’t know who Zoë will grow to become and what she will like in the future but this dress, for now, says everything I know about her. Imaginative, poised, articulate and goofy all in one.

Baby Bunnies

Finding cute small easter things has been harder than I thought it would be. I admit, I am trying to find the equivalent to what I would have had in the 90’s but I didn’t think it would be this hard. My mom was able to find these two bunnies in the little critter collection, and she used that as a little easter gift.

Still Going Strong

Magnific Graphic T

This T I picked up late last summer and trusted it would still fit come next spring. It does and is the perfect little long t.

Green Pants

Picked these up late winter and although they fall a little bit around her hips, I trust they will fully fit by fall and until then, they do the job.

Time to Go

Pyjamas not seen here

Countless pyjamas wore out over this Spring. Holes in pants were the common theme.

Socks not Seen here

Let’s just say, it’s time to get her new socks.

Top Centre - Clockwise - Black/White Dress | H&M, Dare to Lead by Brené Brown | Indigo, White Silk Tank | RW&Co, Black Blazer | H&M, Glossier Tint, Glossier Highlighter, Glossier Boy Brow | Gift From Jasmine, Lavender Shirt | Pseudio, East Coast Lifestyle Hoodie | Pseudio, Psalms | Gift from Jasmine, Girlfriend Jeans | The Gap, Missing in the gap is Green Pants | RW&co, Graphic T | Threadless, Blue Tank | RW&Co, Silk Rose PJ Pants | La Vie En Rose, Patent Leather Shoes | Birthday Gift from mom, Essie Nail Polish | Shoppes Drug Mart, Grey Dress | Second hand from Jasmine, Cotton Candle | Foxhound, Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon | Indigo

New to Me

Black & White Dress was a last minute whim moment with the bestie Jasmine. After lunch together she nudged me to go for a quick shop to see if we could find a new dress for me to wear to my 30th birthday party. I was BEYOND thrilled to come across this dress and realize I had been eyeing it for about a year. Now was the perfect excuse to buy it. Jasmine get’s all the credit for this lovely addition into my 30th year.

Glossier Products were introduced to me via Jasmine. ‘For the busy woman doing all the things’ is something like what she said to me when she gave them. I am already hooked at their natural affect and how easy they are to apply.

Lavender Shirt with the bat like sleeves which is folded here, was a purchase made out of necessity and also a ‘need-to-add-a-bit-more-style’ to my wardrobe.

Patent Leather Black Flats are everything! I have been yearning to find the perfect pair since having to throw my last pair out. Thankfully, my mother came to the rescue and helped me hunt these down and gave them to me for my 30th birthday. They are the perfect addition when you want something simple that says ‘smart & classy’.

Still Going Strong

Graphic T from Threadless bought in 2012 is still a staple and is obviously made to last because it is thriving.

East Coast Lifestyle Hoodie continues to be the first thing I grab in the morning after I put on my exercise clothes. This hoodie may have been a ‘trendy’ purchase but it sure does the trick and I like representing my favourite coast as I start my day.

Girlfriend Jeans are everything. The perfect fit and feel for the weekend life.

Time to Go

Rainboots from Winners. Of course I always forget to take pictures before I pass things along or throw them out. I had bought a pair of rain boots back in 2011 with money from my first year of working and felt so utterly proud of them. They were purple rimmed with coloured rain drops with a white background. This year I wore them out and sadly realized they had cracked in more than a few places. I was sad to see them go. ESPECIALLY, as a Nova Scotian woman… I am now in need for rain boots / shoes.

Center - Right Clockwise : Fisher Price Doctor Kit | Walmart, Grey/white Lace Baseball shirt | Carters,  White/Pink Star sneakers | Zara, Maya | Indigo from Auntie Heidi,  Pink Tricycle | Second Hand on Kijiji, Jean Shorts | Carters, Blue and White polka dot Dress | Zara, Gaston/Antoinette books | Indigo, Purple Flower pants | Auntie Jasmine & Uncle Tyler, Blue and White Striped Pants | Carters, 'Sea Ya Later' T shirt | Joe Fresh from Grandma & Grandpa, Flower Pants | Carters from Mimi & Yeye, White botanical Shirt | Zara, Girl Power athletic shirt | Joe Fresh, Bicycles & Balloons T. | Carters, Green Pets Pyjamas | Carters, Purple Bunny | Gift from 'Cousin' Betty, Dollhouse accessories | From my 90's childhood stock pile. 

It seems the bulk of this season was from Carters or Zara.  

For Zoë's third Birthday we were able to find an almost new tricycle that usually goes for over $60 and we were able to find it for $40..  She is also at an age of intense imagination and getting her the doctor set this spring really helped her with her fears of doctors and the unknowns.  It empowered her. 

We adore this blue/white polka dot dress and it is big enough that it will grow with her over the next few years.  

Having a toddler/pre-schooler with long legs and a slim body makes finding pants difficult but hopefully with the warmer weather we won't have to think about pants for a few more months.

This season was a fun one, to see our three year old daughter grow in her intellect and her imagination.   It's always fun to see these little capsules and how they captured those few months of her life. 

Top Centre - Clockwise: Grey Sweater wrap | Bootlegger, Striped Hoodie sweater | Bluenotes, Zap Toner | Saje, Black Pleather Jacket | Suzie Shiers, Black Dress | Reitmens, Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan | Chapters, Blue tank top | Second hand on a road trip, Sail boat pyjamas | La Vie en Rose, Candle | Foxhound, Black Workout shorts | Winners, Sketcher Runners | Soft Moc, Light Ripped Jeans | H&M, Bamboo Sheet Masks | Innisfree , Pink socks | Winners (Lemon) , Graphic T | Threadless, Brown Leather Keds | Little Burgundy, Black Camisole | H&M, Four Leaf Clover Knic Knack | Chapters, Green Pants | RW&Co, Heart Beat necklace | a gift from a bestie , White Linen Shirt | Old Navy, White Yoga top | Local Yoga Store

What is that!?!?! Is that some green sneaking into my wardrobe!?!

With the purchase/find of these green RW&co pants I realized that I really do like this shade of green.  It's earthy and it adds another tone that matches so nicely with my greys, blues, whites and blacks.  I am thinking this is a tone in which I will continue to add more of into my various capsules.

I was able to add some much needed articles this season.  My parents thoughtfully gave me the leather jacket for my birthday (Which I had been aching for after my brown pleather jacket bit the dust after six years of wearing it all the time a couple years ago.)  A white linen shirt which is loose and yet feminine and gives me something relaxed to be in that still can be worn to work meetings or just around at home.   And that black cami, which is so much fun to pair with the pleather jacket, a knit sweater, or just a pair of jeans. 

Reading Crazy Rich Asians slowly has been a fun additive to my spring and that heart beat necklace from my bestie away was a great comfort reminder of her solidarity.  

Missing here is another gift of a bracelet with the word Tribe on it from another bestie, an extra yoga top , under tank tops, extra pyjamas and pair of jeans. 

Overall, these were the tried and true articles of Spring.  The additions fulfilled a lot of my last needs.  The gaps of what I still need each season are getting smaller and smaller.  Very soon it will be just about replacing much loved but worn items along with a meaningful accessory or two. 

I LOVE THIS capsule wardrobe thing!!!

Can ya tell?!?!

Clockwise from Centre:  Key Rock made by Jasmine Alexander, Light Flower Long Sleeve - Carters from Mimi & Yeye, Pink Cat Heart T-Shirt - Joe Fresh, Heart & Sailboat Rocks painted by Jasmine Alexander, Blue Bird Rock painted by Amy Grace, Blue Jogging Pants - Carters, Jean Shorts - Carters, Rainbow pants - Children's Place, In My Heart: A Book of Feelings - by Jo Witeck & Christine Roussey - Indigo - , Red Hooded jacket - From my childhood, Green Pants - Carters, Pink Dress - H&M, Magnetic Doll - Melissa & Doug from Grandma & Grandpa, Whale Panamas - Carters, Tea Set - Hape From Mimi & Yeye , Grey and White Baseball T - Carters, Caterday Sweater - Joe Fresh, Yoga T-Shirt - Carters

Spring was a great season to watch Zoë explore the getting dressed and undressed process.  She's beginning to show preference and have favourites.  She loves anything that has a cat on it, and absolutely ADORES her whale pyjamas that match perfectly with the whale she was given for Christmas by an Auntie.  Zoë also fell in love with this red hoodie jacket that her Grandma put on her one windy spring day (that I wore for a short time as a toddler.  Apparently I outgrew it quickly) fortunately it not only fits Zoë perfectly, but it is a staple item that would never go out of style or loose its quality appeal.  

Littered about this capsule are a few story rocks which Jasmine and I made for Zoë over the past 2 years.   We are into a stage where she not only enjoys putting them in and out of a bucket, but is able to identify the images and make scenes with them.  

Also worth mentioning now that we are in a new stage of toddlerhood with Zoë, the 'In My Heart Book' is a perfect story time read that captures what each emotion feels like.  As an adult I relate so well to the descriptions and often find myself appreciating the reminder of how valid our feelings really are. 

With this Spring Capsule I know that the life of her t-shirts and blue joggers will soon be outgrown and so they will continue to be around this Summer for as long as we can wear them!