Emigrating to Vancouver, need a capsule wardrobe.

[MrsKoala]

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.

Have fun in Kits, very jealous!, we lived there pre-kids about 7 years ago. It was fun. We used to pop down to Seattle for clothes shopping as we found the clothes shopping in Vancouver a bit limited.

We're south of Vancouver - agree about the dressing down. When I'm back in the UK I always feel like a scruff! I have wholeheartedly adopted the relaxed dress code (basically due to laziness!) but there are many who don't wear Lulu etc. so you'll be fine! Short hair does seem to be less common here - mine is short and we're a rare breed.
One more prod for the Western Canada Mumsnetters - we're recruiting

I live in interior BC, so Vancouver is the big city here we are all even more laid back and when I went to try and buy a new interview suit I failed completely!

My work has two offices, with the other one in Vancouver, and in general I'd say people look fairly normal really. Work wear varies, some smart, some in suits, many in jeans. I think you'll be just fine.

If you do have a bit of a defined look I would be inclined to buy the tailored things you really like in London. I have found it a pain to try and figure out which shops, brands etc fit me, when previously I just knew where to shop. But then I hate shopping!

The long 'ironed' hair look is popular here. I have to tell the hairdresser to put down the tong things (I look terrible with ironed straight hair!)

I'm in Victoria and therefore 'close' to Vancouver by Canadian standards. We call the yoga lot Lulu Lemmings in case you need a name for them.

I second (well probably 14th) that casual is the norm. I went to a wedding my first year here. Very nice venue, big wedding. I was one of two people out of more than a hundred with a proper hat on. There were people in cut offs, jeans, shorts and t-shirts. I was horrified. I have mellowed since (outwardly, inside I still shudder).

There are smart and/or funky dressers. They tend to be younger people. We say in Victoria there are essentially two type of wardrobe; yoga and mountain climbing. Mountain climbing is further split into; serious climber (Goretex and Teflon) and hippy climber (someone give that Peruvian back his hat).

My DH handles big contracts and rarely wears a tie or jacket to work, he does wear a shell though I also know a lawyer who goes to work with odd shoes (not socks BTW, shoes).

All you need to do is join the Western Canadian Mumsnetters Quiche and you will be surrounded with stylish, devil may care fashionistas (not me, the rest of the. I've given up).

OmG I am so glad I have read this post - has nothing to do with me as I have no intention of going to/living in Vancouver.

However, where I am in Australia all the mums seem to wear posh gym wear and I keep thinking, surely they are not all going to the gym all the time - i.e. after drop off and before pick up every day? Given that I am pregnant and just off the plane I have just ignored it and thought that I won't be exercising for a while. However now I get it - it must be their on trend wear - now wondering whether I embrace it post pregnancy or just stick to my British style!!!! Although I am highly worried that I may get it wrong and be asked about what exercise I'm off to do

The Kitsilano look is either trendy yoga mum (it's Lululemon central quite literally) or lentil-weaving granola-crunching mum. Vancouver is very casual but that doesn't mean you won't see people that have their own style & there are plenty of people who love fashion whether it's high-street, Holt-Renfrew labels or unusual boutique pieces. There are also a lot of fleeces, yoga pants & Gore-Tex.

Stick with your style, wear what you like - bring your favourites & your essentials & then have some fun shopping either in Van or Seattle. For high street stores, sounds like you will like BR & J Crew. There is a Vancouver-based national brand called Aritzia that may have some pieces you like, also a small chain of boutiques called Spank that carries dresses etc that sound your style. There are some great boutiques in Gastown & South Granville that will be right up your street I think.

About the Goretex.... Resign yourself to the fact that sometime in October you will go into the North Face store & buy a rain jacket. And bring some Hunters or similar with you, you will wear them almost every day from October to March.

The good news is from April to September we have glorious sunshine

mrsterrypratchett I have pm'd you

Cheers pocket. Right back at you.

aaah thanks all.

My hair is not ironed straight - my face is too round for that - i have a natural wave which i cultivate.

DH is one of those climber types MrsTP. He looks as tho he is sponsored by North Face.

Will defo check out Spank Kahu.

I will also join the west coast mners if i can work out how. How do i find you on facebook

PM Jacksmania, she'll sign you up.

cheers :)

Holy shit! Just looked at Hunters Wellies. Do people really pay a hundred odd quid for a pair of wellies? I mean some are nice (one pair for £199 i do like) but i don't think i could ever spend that much on wellies.

I think i am being converted to outdoor pyjamas yoga clothes and have seen some Swetty Betty stuff i like - but a pair of bottoms and a top i like is £175 for what are essentially GYM CLOTHES??!!

Sweaty Betty stuff is frighteningly expensive but it does last well and keeps its shape. Unlike cheap yoga pants that get that awful sagging knee thing.

I got some Hunters Wellies for about 85quid online here But might be better to buy in BC as they will take up lots of suitcase room and you might feel foolish wearing them on the plane

You must be getting excited.

Just came onto say I am Vair Vair Vair jealous that you're moving to Vancouver. Sorry I have no s&b advice at this time