For my husband’s 40th birthday, I had what I thought was a brilliant idea: a surprise short cruise.
We had never been on one before. It was always something we talked about, but because I get terrible motion sickness, we kept putting it off. But the kids were finally at an age where they’d remember the holiday, so I thought, why not try a quick four-night sampler to see if I can handle it?
I remember being so incredibly excited. I spent months secretly researching what to wear, trying to coordinate outfits for all the fun theme nights onboard without letting my husband catch on. Keeping that secret for six months while the kids and I were bursting with excitement was hard!
But as the departure date drew closer, a sudden feeling of dread set in.
I looked into my wardrobe and realised I didn’t have a single thing I actually liked to wear.
Stepping Out of the “Mum Bubble”
For years, I had been living in the “mum bubble.” My clothing choices were purely practical: things that didn’t matter if they got dirty, things I could move in while chasing the kids around the playground, jumping on trampolines, or being grabbed by beautiful, grubby little hands.
So, I went on a well-needed shopping trip. I walked away feeling completely disappointed, old, and frumpy.
Had it really gotten to a stage where I was too old for my favourite shops?
Not to mention, the quality of the clothes was just so poor. The fabrics felt thin, synthetic, and scratchy. Had it always been this way and I just never noticed?
I think entering my 40s has profoundly changed my relationship with clothes. It’s no longer about chasing fast trends or wearing uncomfortable things just to fit in. I still want to look good and feel amazing, but I want comfortable things that reflect my personal style.
My boys are 10 and 13 now. As they navigate their own independence, I feel like I’m finally stepping out of that consuming early-motherhood bubble. It is an exciting, slightly daunting time as I learn to love my body again and figure out who I am on the other side.
Right now, I find myself deeply drawn to natural textures, earthy tones (with a few dusty pinks mixed in!), and a vintage, boho vibe. I want clothing that feels like an investment. If I find a piece I feel beautiful in, I want it to last. Fast fashion is designed to last one fleeting season, leaving us forever returning to the shops only to walk away feeling sad, defeated, and disconnected.
A Call to Sow Living
Over the last few years, our little family has walked away through a few different trials. It’s the kind of perspective that makes you stop and want to slow the world down. Life is just too short.
I want to spend more time truly being with my family. It has made me look intentionally at everything – especially where our money goes, and what changes we can make to spend more time enjoying life and less time working.
When you start looking at life through that lens, fast fashion begins to feel incredibly wasteful.
By choosing to slow down, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the way things are made – the time, love, and labour poured into a single item. This mindfulness has rippled into everything. I’m paying attention to the food I put into my body, changing how I cook, and asking of my clothes: Where did this come from? What is it actually made of?
Enter the Made-by-Me Capsule Wardrobe
That is why I am building a “Made-by-Me” capsule wardrobe. To me, a capsule wardrobe isn’t about restriction or keeping a strict, arbitrary number of items. Instead, it’s about choosing an intentional colour palette where everything mixes and matches effortlessly.
Because I am taking the time to hand-make my clothes, having them work together seamlessly is essential – especially in the beginning when my collection is small!
I already know how to crochet, but I am currently teaching myself how to knit, too. Depending on the drape and texture I want for a garment – Like a cosy winter jumper to pair with a handmade skirt – being able to blend both worlds will be magic.
I fully expect my personal style to evolve over the next few years as I explore my creative side. But the best part? I won’t be limited by what’s currently “in fashion” on a department store rack. I get to pick the exact colours, natural fabrics, and wooden or resin details that feel like me.
I would love for you to join me on this slow-fashion journey. My hope is to encourage you to learn a new skill, inspire you to step out of your comfort zone, and help you explore your own authentic style.
Let’s start the conversation in the comments below: If you look in your wardrobe right now, what is the one handmade or high-quality piece that makes you feel the most you?