The perfect capsule wardrobe
Look no further.
One thing I am asked all the time, is where to get the best basics. And the answer to that is, well that depends. If you're looking for a set of investment pieces that you can wear from day to night, from weekday to weekend and through all seasons, Baukjen is your one stop shop.
When I was asked by Baukjen, if I would like to collaborate on an article, the immediate thoughts were - put together a capsule wardrobe from their pieces. I have super fond memories of Baukjen years ago before their rebrand, when it was known as Isabella Oliver and sold predominantly maternity wear. And it was my entire maternity wardrobe.
I remember getting that white box at work (between hoovering entire boxes of Dunkin Donuts - during all my pregnancies, if it was nailed down, I ate it). Beautiful packaging with its distinctive orange ribbon (thirteen years ago, very very few people did gorgeous gift wrapping for delivery) and little did I know that I was going to live in the contents of that parcel for the next seven months. From work, to weekends, to weddings, that capsule wardrobe worked for me. Oh and then return to them, with a couple of new additions, as the maternity clothing market grew, over the next four years with two more pregnancies.
I remember getting that white box at work (between hoovering entire boxes of Dunkin Donuts - during all my pregnancies, if it was nailed down, I ate it). Beautiful packaging with its distinctive orange ribbon (thirteen years ago, very very few people did gorgeous gift wrapping for delivery) and little did I know that I was going to live in the contents of that parcel for the next seven months. From work, to weekends, to weddings, that capsule wardrobe worked for me. Oh and then return to them, with a couple of new additions, as the maternity clothing market grew, over the next four years with two more pregnancies.
So partly for the sake of nostalgia and mostly because there are some amazing clothes and it's something that a lot of people I know still love to do, I thought I'd put together a small capsule wardrobe from their much expanded current range.
First up, these are investment pieces. I have selected my choices and photographed them in outfits so you can see the versatility of them and we're not talking fast fashion here. We're talking clothes that will last you season after season, wash after wash and will stand the test of fickle fashion time. With the odd tweak here and there - and first up, I have such a tweak.
Skinny jeans. Skinny jeans that work. That don't make my legs look like sausages trying to burst their skin. Well obviously black is the colour I chose as opposed to the indigo pair that they have, but the reason I chose these was because of the rock chick addition of distressing. I have hankered after a pair of ripped knee jeans for forever. There's such a fine line between a pair of skinny black jeans being.. err just a pair of skinny black jeans and frankly being a tad dull and something a lot more interesting.
These tick that latter box for me. Plus I've been after a flattering pair since the Topshop disaster of a year or so ago when I tried on a pair to scratch the rock chick itch. I have Les Dawson faces for knees. And to see them poking out of the incredibly unflattering, spray on, low cut, skinny pair I tried on, wasn't entirely the look I was going for. Don't even get me started on Muffin Vesuvius that was making its way over the top of the waistband. These are another level of well cut. Phew.
Freja Ripped Skinny Jeans £99 They do also have these in a non ripped version too. Size wise - take your normal size.
The second tweak is another pair of trousers. I find that if you keep half your outfit super classic and add a bit of interest in the bottoms (or vice versa), it's just that bit more modern. These are a jersey fabric and do have an elasticated waist but look just as good with heels as they do with trainers.
Isla Trousers £65 in black and white. Size wise - take your normal size.
But the beauty of both of these bottoms is that they can be dressed up and dressed down.
Firstly however, we need to see my must have tops. I selected three different sorts (although two are the same in different colours which is kind of cheating but I'm very much a fan of the "if it looks good and you'll wear it loads - buy it in all the colours". And you can't go wrong with black and white).
T-shirts. The classic tee shirts but v necks. The drape to these is fantastic but size up. In fact, I would say size up and then up again. I have tried them in a 12 here, but they are still on the fitted side, so if you prefer them looser, I would size up twice. The fabric has a silky jersey feel to it so could easily easily be worn for a night out too.
Third top - my beloved stripe. In black and white. Now this is on the oversized side so wear your usual size. Unlike a breton, this is a drapey top, which again has a slightly dressier edge to it, were you to choose to wear it out in the evening. Perfect to wear for dress down with either pair of trousers for during the day - would work as well with a pair of heels and some bling in the evening.
And then we come on to the finishing touches, the blazer. I selected a range of clothes for this article, but Baukjen have very kindly said I could choose one outfit for Mother's Day to keep. Out of the two blazers, it's the black one that wins hands down for me. Merely because I am a black addict (I'll stop wearing black when they make a darker colour) and a black, well cut, well fitting blazer is my absolute Go To item for feeling smart. I have a fitted blazer that I got from Topshop six years ago and wear regularly. Oh hello replacement, better x a million blazer. Size up though. I'm in the 12 and even this is on the snug side.
Alternatively, there is the soft white blazer. A lovely relaxed, almost jersey style feel to this - super casual and very flattering. Take your usual size.
So here I am, wearing them in a number of different ways.
Ashcroft Blazer
White Tee
Isla Trousers
White Tee
Isla Trousers
Lexden Blazer
Isla Trousers
Hanna Striped Tee
Ashcroft Blazer
Hanna Tee
Freja Ripped Skinny Jeans
And my favourite look. This with ballet flats for a casual Sunday. Or any old trainers, or ankle boots - love love love. So incredibly wearable. That perfect outfit that just makes you feel good. And we all love a bit of that.
Ashcroft Blazer
Black Tee
Freja Ripped Skinny Jeans
Other options would work really well, mixed in with the above - or swapped out (ie change of jeans or trousers) and I would happily snaffle away in my wardrobe are:-
Black Tee
Freja Ripped Skinny Jeans
Other options would work really well, mixed in with the above - or swapped out (ie change of jeans or trousers) and I would happily snaffle away in my wardrobe are:-
The Boyfriend Jeans £119 Someone pointed out the other day that these come in different lengths. How did I not notice that? And in white... I may have to ask if I can review these so we can see what they look like in the flesh. One of the major problems I have being tall with boyfriend jeans, is that they narrow at the ankle but on me - being Gulliver - that means they cut me off on the calf. Which isn't narrow. And so look crappola. A long length would solve that problem. I must try. I'm talking myself into trying.
And two tops that again, I am really regretting not asking to try.
Stars. Ok so I'm all about the stripes, but the more I look at this, the more I am drawn to it. This would work with all of the above bottoms, not to mention under the black blazer - could easily fit into any of those outfits I've shown. If anyone happens to have a black maxi skirt... well how fab would this look?
And Summer out out tops. Again, WHY didn't I try this? Turn any pair of the above bottoms into the most elegant evening outfit ever. Plus holiday perfection. You know when you're going out for drinks on hols but don't want to look too dressed up but don't want to look like you're off to the beach? This would save your outfit bacon every time.
So they're my ideas for a capsule wardrobe from the Baukjen range - a great set of basics that will get you through Spring, for all occasions. The perfect set of mix and match clothes.
AND there's 15% off with free delivery and returns with the code STYLE223.
I'd love to know what your picks would be from the range and how you'd style them. Plus there is the chance to win a £100 voucher if you head over to Instagram now and comment on my Bauken pic (the one of me above in the heels) - @doesmybumlook40
I've not been able to take my blazer off and have sneakily been wearing it most of the week.
Out the other night - along with the tee.
Black v neck tee - Baukjen
Black Blazer - Baukjen
Trousers - ASOS (following on from blog yesterday)
Leopard Division boots - Balenciaga
And yesterday for a date night with my two little boys and husband.
70s leopard maxi dress - Lily & Lionel
Blazer - Baukjen
Trainers - Golden Goose
Black Tools Bag - Balenciaga
Mother's Day outfit from today -
Blazer - Baukjen
Tee - Isabel Marant (Happy Mother's Day to me...!!!)
Ripped knee jeans - Baukjen
Copeland Trainers - Air & Grace
Soho Disco Bag - Gucci
I am now dragging son number two and the grouchiest daughter on the planet, to our local cafe Otto's (amazing if you're ever in the vicinity) for a coffee and a cake. When I say grouchy - anyone who has ever had a 12yr old daughter who's been on a birthday party sleepover with zero sleep involved, will know to which circle of hell I am referring...
And then waiting for my other two boys to get back from rugby so I can be spoilt rotten with presents... well, a girl can dream. Hope everyone else has had an amazing day. And just a quick special thought for all those who have lost their mum - the day really does have a bitter sweet edge to it, doesn't it? And to those who have never had the opportunity to become a mum. Much love and strength to you all xxxx
AND there's 15% off with free delivery and returns with the code STYLE223.
I'd love to know what your picks would be from the range and how you'd style them. Plus there is the chance to win a £100 voucher if you head over to Instagram now and comment on my Bauken pic (the one of me above in the heels) - @doesmybumlook40
I've not been able to take my blazer off and have sneakily been wearing it most of the week.
Out the other night - along with the tee.
Black v neck tee - Baukjen
Black Blazer - Baukjen
Trousers - ASOS (following on from blog yesterday)
Leopard Division boots - Balenciaga
And yesterday for a date night with my two little boys and husband.
70s leopard maxi dress - Lily & Lionel
Blazer - Baukjen
Trainers - Golden Goose
Black Tools Bag - Balenciaga
Mother's Day outfit from today -
Blazer - Baukjen
Tee - Isabel Marant (Happy Mother's Day to me...!!!)
Ripped knee jeans - Baukjen
Copeland Trainers - Air & Grace
Soho Disco Bag - Gucci
I am now dragging son number two and the grouchiest daughter on the planet, to our local cafe Otto's (amazing if you're ever in the vicinity) for a coffee and a cake. When I say grouchy - anyone who has ever had a 12yr old daughter who's been on a birthday party sleepover with zero sleep involved, will know to which circle of hell I am referring...
And then waiting for my other two boys to get back from rugby so I can be spoilt rotten with presents... well, a girl can dream. Hope everyone else has had an amazing day. And just a quick special thought for all those who have lost their mum - the day really does have a bitter sweet edge to it, doesn't it? And to those who have never had the opportunity to become a mum. Much love and strength to you all xxxx
I so wish they had that blazer in navy (and petite fit), I may own two navy blazers, but that leather detailing is amazing, tux jacket look but more edgy. I would be so tempted! I've not yet ordered from Baukjen but they've been on my radar for a while now...
ReplyDeleteIt is THE most amazing blazer - super fitted and structured. I actually think it would work really for a petite frame as it's a very close fitting cut. They do LOADS in navy though.. so much of what I wanted in black, they only had in navy!
DeleteI've ordered the baukjen white jeans although not the tall length. Having to wait for a week or two for them but have high hopes. First thing I have ordered from them. Also bought a pair of distressed jeans from next which are actually quite nice.
ReplyDeleteA couple of people mentioned on the other blog I did on white loose jeans, that they Baukjen ones were amazing. So fingers crossed for you!
DeleteI had no idea Baukjen was Isabelle Oliver! I am off to peruse at length!
ReplyDeleteYES!! They rebranded a couple of years ago. Still same great quality. The v neck tee is silky enough to wear out in the evening. And low enough a v neck to be super flattering. Perfection in a tee.
DeleteI have an 11 year old daughter. I feel your pain :D I, too, lived in those Isabella Oliver maternity clothes. I still have a pair of bottoms that I wear as pyjamas - shhh :D But I had no idea that was who Baukjen were. I'm off to have a nosey. That star top should really be mine and as it's mother's day....
ReplyDeleteoh I LOVE that. And yes - if you can't treat yourself on Mother's Day, when can you?!
DeleteJust trying the discount code and it's not valid?
ReplyDeleteI can't get it to work either!
DeleteOh gosh that's irritating! Try WELCOME117 or WELCOME317 or CHIC217 but I'll definitely get another one sorted for tomorrow if these don't work. I think someone mentioned one on the blog the other day.. they used WELCOME223. But I will definitely get one sorted for tomorrow (monday!) if there are any further problems xxx
DeleteThe first one worked, so there's a navy flared sleeve Elise top on its way to me soon. Thanks Kat!
DeleteI lost my mum when I was young, and used to dread Mother's Day, seeing all the cards in the shops, and people giving jokey reminders. Then it took many years to have a child of my own, so this day is very special. Bx
ReplyDeleteI hope you have truly had a lovely lovely day xxxxxx
DeleteOoh I love that star top so much. I am a sucker for stars and stripes (although not together LOL).
ReplyDeleteAnd the black boyfriend jeans?! How rare a find. I am living in a pair of legging jeans from Gap that are as black as a priest' socks ;) which I love (no grey fading) but would love an alternative to the skinnies.....
I love Baukjen quality but i find their sizes are all over the place. I now order everything in two sizes (normal and up) and only with free returns (usually their returns are not free so watch out).I think they are designed for tall women like you Kat (I'm 5'4) but it looks like they now have different length trousers which is great news!:)
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