If you're unsure of how to incorporate printed pieces into your capsule wardrobe, this post is for you. I do like a printed piece. Years ago, I remember…
If you're unsure of how to incorporate printed pieces into your capsule wardrobe, this post is for you.
Our style and what clothes we prefer to buy change over time. It's natural. Over the last year, I've purchased more timeless, classic and versatile pieces. Pieces that I can create multiple outfits with. I found that with some printed pieces, I could only create 1-2 outfits with them. From a fashion perspective, it's not sustainable. Wearing the same patterned piece multiple times means you grow bored of wearing it and end up purchasing another patterned piece. Then this vicious cycle develops -
Wear the same printed piece all the time - get bored - buy another printed item.
What I have done since creating more of a versatile wardrobe is adding patterned pieces like stripes that can be worn with different looks and outfits. If you own more classic items than printed pieces - it's ok to add a patterned piece here or there. Rather than wearing the same neutral colours all the time, wearing a little printed piece doesn't hurt.
Here are some tips I've picked up for adding printed pieces to your closet:
1) Buy timeless prints
Stripes and leopard are my favourite timeless prints. I do like a floral print for Spring. Groundbreaking, right? When choosing a timeless print to buy, it's important to consider how many wears you will get out of it. Can you wear for example a striped shirt with different outfits? Is a polka dot top you like going to be versatile? That's the first stepping stone when it comes to buying a patterned item. I find that printed pieces like stripes are a perfect item to have in any capsule and minimalist wardrobe. For example, a blue and white striped shirt is deemed a classic item. Which is certainly true.
2) Does it match your colour scheme?
If you've spotted a printed piece and have fallen in love with it - hurrah! However, you must ask yourself - is it an item you'll often reach for in your wardrobe? For example, when it comes to striped shirts, I tend to go for blue and white, black and white or cream and white as it fits in with my style. If it was like red and blue stripes, I wouldn't wear it or use it as they're not striped colours I would wear.
3) Keep things in proportion
When wearing printed pieces, it's important to keep things balanced. For example, if you're wearing a patterned top, wear a solid-coloured bottom to keep things in proportion and vice-versa.
4) How versatile is it?
Can this new patterned item of clothing be worn with multiple outfits? If you buy the right printed piece, it can be as versatile as anything. When it comes to buying printed pieces, or any other type of clothing for that matter, I like to think of at least 3 outfits I can style it with. If I can't think of any more than 3 outfits, then it's a firm no to me buying it. The only exception I make to this rule is Summer dresses. Sometimes it's good to have a floral dress to throw on quickly with a pair of sandals or sneakers.
There are my tips for adding printed pieces to your wardrobe!
If you have a more curated, minimalist wardrobe, it's fine to add a printed item to your wardrobe. As long as you can see that it's versatile and it's an item that you love, then do it, buy that printed piece!
I'd love to know your thoughts on this!
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Let's put it out there, having a chronic illness/disability is no easy feat. When considering how a chronic illness can affect someone's everyday life, many factors must be considered. A chronic illness and disability not only affects that person physically, but it also affects their mental well-being, socialising, work opportunities and even relationships. Supporting someone like myself with a chronic illness may not be easy for the other person. I think there's that fear of upsetting them or saying the wrong thing. Here, I'll explain some ways to support someone like myself with a chronic illness.
For those who don't already know, I have Cystic Fibrosis - a genetic lung disease which I was born with. The gene in my DNA affected by CF controls the movement of salt and water in and out of cells. Because of this, people with CF experience a build-up of thick, sticky and somewhat disgusting mucus in the lungs, digestive system and sinuses. It can also affect other organs in the body, leading to obstacles to overcome. So, as you can imagine, I need all the support I can get! Not just from medications and treatments, but emotional support and strength from family and friends.
As I spoke about earlier, supporting someone with a chronic illness may seem hard to some, but it doesn't need to be. It's just about being supportive, empathetic and most importantly, positive. All of those things put together, you can't go wrong!
Here are some ways to support someone with a chronic illness:
1) Be a good listener
Sometimes, someone with a chronic illness needs to vent. We could vent about having to have more blood tests, receiving bad news about our condition or moaning about the parking at the hospital. It may seem trivial or insignificant to you, but it's a big deal to us. A listening ear is what we need sometimes. I know it makes me feel better to have a rant and a rave when CF decides to be a naughty so-and-so.
2) Learn about the illness
Unless you're a healthcare professional, it's understandable that you won't know the ins and outs of someone's chronic illness. Over the years, I've tried to educate people about CF as much as possible, especially through my blog and social media channels. As they say, it's better coming from the horse's mouth. If you're too afraid to ask someone more about their illness, then do your research. Look at the specific illness's charity website as they can offer stories from people living with it.
I want people to ask me questions. However, I can understand those who fear putting their foot in it. But I would rather people ask me the right questions than make the wrong assumptions.
P.S. - don't rely on hospital dramas to know about an illness. Purely because 1) it's overdramatised to keep viewers entertained and 2) more often than not, they depict it wrong.
3) Offer practical help
Whilst listening and learning about someone's illness is good, offering practical help is a good way to support someone. Obviously, we all have a lot going on in our lives, but lending that helping hand can mean everything to someone with a chronic illness. A simple act of accompanying them to GP/hospital appointments, picking up prescriptions on their behalf or helping with household chores if they're struggling.
However, as much as it's great to help someone, don't be too pushy in the amount of help you're offering. You don't want to come across as overbearing, allow that person to have some sort of independence. Just assure the person with the chronic illness that they can call on you if they need you.
4) Don't engage in toxic positivity
There's nothing worse than someone saying to you "Well, it could be worse" when you get bad results from a medical appointment. It's an easy mistake to make. It's like you're trying to summarise things through an optimistic lens, but that doesn't help me. Another one I hate is "Look on the bright side!" no I won't thank you, Sandra.
Instead of saying phrases like that, try "I can't imagine how this feels, but I'm here for you" or "I want to support you" or "I'm listening".
These are some of the ways to support someone like myself with a chronic illness.
I know it's difficult knowing the right things to say to someone with a chronic illness, especially when they have a flare-up or they're unwell. But as long as you listen, support and generate positivity to that person, there's no reason to worry. I know that laughter and positivity help me through the toughest of times.
I'd love to know your thoughts on this topic!
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