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Original poster

Emigrating to Vancouver, need a capsule wardrobe.

90 replies

MrsKoala · 07/05/2013 20:25

We are emigrating in July and not taking anything but a suitcase each. I need advice of a capsule wardrobe which will fit in a suitcase for summer to autumn. I will then ship a winter capsule wardrobe over in September.

I don't want to shop much in Vancouver, so would like advice on good easy to wear/washable clothes.

DS will be 10months. I am tall with long legs, broad shoulders, small boobs, chunky thighs, small waist. I have bad knees and back so don't do heels.

I think it's quite hot there in the summer, and often rains.

Cheers.

OP posts:
teta · 07/05/2013 22:05

Beauty stuff is much cheaper in Vancouver.We have family living there who always bring masses of Clinique over for us.Wait and buy your clothes there as what fashionable in Vancouver will be very different to the uk.

Original poster
MrsKoala · 07/05/2013 22:08

maybe i'll go all West Coast and immerse myself in the Van mum vibes. Yoga then sushi for lunch. Not sure if DH will recognise me in a few months.

To those of you who know Van - can you take babies places with you? I pretty much go to lunch/pubs etc with DS. I also BF everywhere. Is that okay there? hmm more questions...

OP posts:
RedwingWinter · 07/05/2013 22:10

I am not jesting about the shorts, it would make a suitable work outfit! I didn't mention Eddie Bauer, tho that might make you cry too.

Kits is nice. Everyone else will be in yoga wear. I think you should wear whatever you like.

You'll want bikini/swimsuit/shorts for the beach, and comfy shoes for walking along the seawall. It can get hot in summer but if you're by the water there is usually an onshore breeze. You'll want wellies and waterproofs by mid-October but you might as well buy them in Vancouver.

Maybe the best advice is to take English clothes that you really like, that you won't be able to get in Vancouver except by mail order.

pocketandsweet · 07/05/2013 22:19

I can imagine bf- ing would be any problem at all. Canada is extremely child-friendly. Everyone pushes around massive jogging strollers ( about as big as a Mini).... Seriously spacious flat sidewalks everywhere. Clean fabulous play parks ( often with water-play areas that I have never encountered the like of here).

RedwingWinter · 07/05/2013 22:21

pocketandsweet I don't understand the lululemon stuff but it's everywhere. And pretty much everyone has the same hairstyle too.

pocketandsweet · 07/05/2013 22:21

CAN'T IMAGINE. That should read. Bloody phone

pocketandsweet · 07/05/2013 22:24

I'm immune to the Lemon! Overpriced AND they make their staff go on a "cult retreat " thingie to "live" the Lemon ethos. No thanks. Curious about the hairstyle though.... Details please. We are contemplating a move back to Canada ( after 15 years here) and I need to know if my pixie cut will fit in :)

Original poster
MrsKoala · 07/05/2013 22:25

oh what's the hairstyle?

OP posts:
RedwingWinter · 07/05/2013 22:28

It is always long hair; very few short cuts.

pocketandsweet · 07/05/2013 22:30

Phew. I would be gutted to have the hairstyle de jour.

ggirl · 07/05/2013 22:32

My dd did a gap year in canada and absolutely loved it , spent a long time on the west coast..came back and said she could easily live there..except for the fact she'd miss the fashion of the UK.
Sandals and socks and wall to wall gore tex.
I think you should take your decent UK stuff and convert them.

Original poster
MrsKoala · 07/05/2013 22:32

damn! i have long hair too. bugger. i don't want to be identikit. :(

OP posts:
ggirl · 07/05/2013 22:34

my brother lives there and does yoga everyday
and says 'love you' a lot Grin

pocketandsweet · 07/05/2013 22:35

I think we/they are inconvertible. Love you for trying though!!

Original poster
MrsKoala · 07/05/2013 22:37

ggirl Grin if i ever start saying that it means i am not me anymore. i don't drink coffee or do yoga, i'm not keen on sushi. i'm not touchy feely or 'spiritual' at all and i like my own space. this will be interesting!

OP posts:
pocketandsweet · 07/05/2013 22:42

It's a city with at least a million people. Most of them well educated and travelled you will find kindred spirits. You need not engage in any of the stereotypical activities associated but I am kind of wondering why you are moving there? ( and I do not mean that in any remotely bitchy type way) It's not London or New York as an urban experience certainly. Lots of room for your own space though definitely.

Original poster
MrsKoala · 07/05/2013 22:51

We love it there. go every year. love to ski, mountain bike, walk etc. DH has a visa and i have given up work - so has he (to start a consultancy which he mainly does from home). We fancied an adventure. Will travel whilst there - might spend a few months in Canmore too. DS is small. We don't have a big family or loads of friends. It just seemed the right time.

I now i'll love it - i might be homesick - but i need to get the London aggression out of me. I am reminded of the Baz Luhrman song 'wear sunscreen' where he says 'live in New York, but leave before you get too hard and live in california, but leave before you get too soft'. When you are giving dirty looks and huffing at old ladies for being in your way, it's time to go!

OP posts:
cafecito · 07/05/2013 22:51

Envy what a fabulous place to live with your DS Grin you should take your existing clothes, and rock them Smile

alternatively, chinos? cropped twill pants? Banana Republic are okay - their sizing is definitely very much on the large side I think. Also, sweaty betty do some yoga pants that flatter the chunkiest of thigh, I was very lazy last summer and wore them all the time- cost per wear virtually zero. They are loose and sweat wicking
but yeah, sounds like you have stuff you feel comfortable in already
how exciting Smile

Original poster
MrsKoala · 07/05/2013 22:54

now = know

Cheers Cafecito, i'll check them out.

OP posts:
pocketandsweet · 07/05/2013 23:00

Well it sounds like you will probably have a brilliant time. Im sure your son will love it as well. When you get there you can report back on how your expectations and realities collided. Good luck

cafecito · 07/05/2013 23:33

these and these are reaaaally flattering (12 would be a medium) - I know they probably seem pretty expensive but really, they're sooo comfy you can wear them in the day with flip flops and if you're exercising/yogaing too. But just as casual trousers they are fine, and great for hot summers.

cafecito · 07/05/2013 23:38

these and these examples. with flip flops, ballet pumps, converse, or sandals

RedwingWinter · 07/05/2013 23:48

I hope you have a fabulous time, MrsKoala :)

MacaYoniAndCheese · 08/05/2013 02:29

Ooh..have fun, MrsK. I went out there after Uni with DH for finishing school culinary school. Would move back in a heartbeat, especially if I got to live in Kits Envy (we're in Toronto now). I think you sound very cool and you should just be you. Invest in some good rain gear and waterproof footwear though, so you can get out and explore the beaches and the forests. A membership to the aquarium and Science World are good ideas for little ones. Enjoy!

Nandocushion · 08/05/2013 02:39

MrsK - July/Aug/Sept are almost invariably good weather, not much rain (that's the other nine months of the year). Your wrap dresses will be fine and your twinset will work with city shorts.

I have lived in Vancouver on and off for 30+ years and have NEVER owned a fleece. And don't worry about the Goretex - Lululemon do some nice raincoats I think?

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