BUILDING BLOCKS

Mom of three, Chenel has a passion for styling, decor and photography. When she began her motherhood journey she struggled to find trendy and stylish pieces for her little ones. It came as no surprise that for this reason, she started a blog to help other parents with styling tips and tricks for their children. Being one with an eye for everything style, Chenel knows the importance of building a capsule wardrobe for her little one, here she shares key items that work overtime in her kids’ wardrobe.

What does your kids' capsule wardrobe look like?

Lots of neutrals – Jeans are a big yes in our cupboards! Or khaki pants. With tees, we always opt for plain or striped fabrics and finally plain sneakers.

What are the key items in your boy's wardrobes?

We love Cotton On and their basic ranges – most of the pants for the kids are adjustable at the waist. A good sweater, jacket, button-down shirt, and a trendy little hat to complete any outfit. A good pair of sneakers is essential as it would work with any outfit.

What are the key items in your girl's wardrobes?

Plain leggings, a neutral dungaree and a good pair of white sneakers.

How do you shop when you have 3 kids of various ages?

James and Jaxson actually share clothes - their sizes are very similar especially in summer. James and Jaxson actually share clothes - their sizes are very similar especially in summer. They do have different tastes though as James is into superheroes and Jaxson into dinosaurs, so their t-shirts are different. Only their tees vary, but their pants are all quite the same. Amelia has a lot more dresses, tutus, and leggings in her cupboard. I am guilty of shopping for the cute factor now that I have a girl, above the practicality factor.

What are the benefits of a capsule wardrobe?

It saves space and money. Basics that mix and match together work really well all around and also make getting dressed so much faster.

Do you consider quality, longevity + sustainability when you shop for your kids?

Depends on their age. At James’ age now yes, as he wears his items longer. But Amelia outgrows her clothes every couple of months so it doesn’t bother me so much around her age group.

How do you change up their capsule wardrobes for the season?

I just add a couple of jackets and jerseys - and for Amelia two pairs of thick stockings, then she can take her summer clothes to winter quite easily!

How has the pandemic impacted your shopping habits?

I am spending a lot less money on their clothes. We don’t go out so I feel it’s not necessary to be shopping all the time. Also with our businesses suffering during the pandemic, we have been a lot more conscious about how much we spend around the house.

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Business owner and super stylish mom of two, Wardia knows a thing (or two) when it comes to dressing up. Having worked for an international fashion retailer she’s got the knowledge on what stays a classic piece of clothing and what doesn’t. Here shares with us how she shops and creates a capsule wardrobe for her kids.

What does your kids' capsule wardrobe look like?

I used to get away with dressing my kids in beautiful smocked or anglaise dresses but lockdown changed all of that. With us being at home most of the time my children refuse to wear anything that isn't soft, stretchy or light, and breezy. We prefer clothes made from cotton including tees, tights, shorts and summer dresses for pool-side chilling or weekend outings.

When it comes to colour palettes, I try to steer the kids away from character clothing as it is not always successful and keep it mostly neutral; navy, black, white. On some days, I add a pop of soft colour like pale pink and mint or a pretty liberty floral dress. Currently, my kids and I are loving the tie-dye print trend. Pairing their clothes this way means everything in their wardrobe becomes versatile enough to be mixed and matched with anything.

What are the key items in your kids’ wardrobe?

Key items in their wardrobe include basic tees, tights, shorts, denim and simple cotton dresses. I also keep a fair amount of knits, jumpers and jackets for nippy days. Additionally, each of them also has one or two outfits kept for special occasions as well as a pair of sneakers and ankle-tie sandals as well Havaianas or Birkenstocks.

What are the benefits of a capsule wardrobe?

Getting dressed in the morning is no longer as time-consuming and stressful as it used to be. The neutral colour palettes and basic items make mixing and matching easier. I now spend much less time searching for clothes in shops because I know exactly what I am looking for and tend to spend less money.

Do you consider quality, longevity + sustainability when you shop for your kids?

For sure! Kids are always playing so they not only need comfortable and stretchy pieces but also fabrics that are breathable and airy. I try to buy natural fabrics as far as possible which allows their skin to breathe whether they are in the hot sun or a tee layered under a knit or jumper. My younger daughter's skin is prone to eczema so I buy mostly cotton or cotton stretch and linen/cotton blends. Natural materials like cotton also tend to wash well which means they last longer and I don't have to replace them as often. I would rather spend a little extra but know that the clothes are gentler on the skin and they are going to get longer wear.

How do you change up their capsule wardrobes for the season?

Their summer wardrobes consist mainly of cotton tees, shorts and dresses. When moving to colder seasons I substitute short sleeves tees with long sleeves, shorts with sweatpants and tights. I also add some hoodies, jumpers and at least two pairs of boots and sneakers in the mix.

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