It’s been a while since I’ve been on the blog! Thank you for sticking around.

I’m currently just over 30 weeks pregnant and I wanted to share how my simple maternity capsule wardrobe has been holding up for the past month. I curated this capsule back at the beginning of May. If you haven't watched that video yet, I would love for you to check it out on my YouTube channel. I’ll leave a link below!

This capsule is full of oversized dresses, comfortable jumpsuits, and billowy tops, almost all of which previously existed in my wardrobe. I’ve been really impressed with how versatile this capsule has been in adapting and changing with my growing body. I have grown out of some pieces at this point in my pregnancy, but the majority of this capsule is still going strong. I love all the fun colours and oversized silhouettes of a lot of the pieces.

A few thoughts

what I’m doing with pieces I’ve grown out of

For the pieces that don’t fit at the moment, I’ve passed them onto family and friends to wear for this season and once I can fit into them again, I can enjoy them! I love that the pieces are still getting worn even when it’s not worn by me.

maternity-specific pieces

Investing in a pair of maternity pants has been super key for me this season because although I had a lot of dresses and jumpsuits that fit, I really miss my high-waisted denim and black trousers. Those were key staples that I lived in before pregnancy. Simply having a pair of black joggers has allowed me to feel a lot more like myself even though my body has been going through a lot of changes.

versatility

I’m honestly really impressed with how versatile this small capsule has been so far. I even completed a #5x5ByFriends capsule wardrobe challenge with five of the pieces. It just takes a bit of creativity to get the most out of pieces that you already own, which is what I love the most about capsule wardrobes and shopping from your own closet. Because wearing what you have is always the most sustainable option!

a few of my favourite maternity looks

Jumpsuit by Tradlands
Cream Cardigan by Tradlands
Sneakers by Veja

Black Dress by ABLE - CANDICE20 for 20% off
Wrap Top by Vetta
Flats by Everlane

Black Jumpsuit by Boob Design

Black Linen Top by Power of my People
Black Joggers by Storq

Navy Jumpsuit by Curator SF
Grey Tank by FRANC

Striped blue top by Laude the Label
Black Joggers by Storq
Sandals by ABLE - CANDICE20 for 20% off

I hope you’ve enjoyed this mini recap of my maternity capsule, I’ll be in these pieces for about two more months! After that, we’ll see what happens!

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This post is not sponsored but may contain some gifted items and affiliate links. If you decide to shop through the links above, I may make a small commission that helps support this blog and other social platforms. I only share products and brands I love and support. All opinions are my own.

Thank you for supporting Candice Tay!

It’s finally Spring here in Toronto but if you’ve ever lived in Canada, you know how the weather can take you for a rollercoaster ride during the Springtime. As I’ve slowly transitioned my winter wardrobe into my spring wardrobe, I’ve made sure to include a few lightweight knits for chilly Spring days and cool Summer evenings. If you’re curious how to style knitwear for Spring, keep reading on!

I’m also extremely excited to be partnering with a Canadian slow fashion brand, that I’ve admired for a long time, to bring you today’s styling post. I’ll be sharing three styles from their collection that are absolutely perfect for this transitional weather but also make great layering pieces throughout all seasons. If you’ve been looking to invest in high-quality knitwear staples for your closet, Bare Knitwear is definitely a brand to consider. I’ve also got a limited time exclusive discount code for my readers - see more below!

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Partnership Disclosure: This post is produced in collaboration with Bare Knitwear and the Bare Knitwear pieces shown in this post were gifted or loaned as part of this partnership. I earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) on all sales made with the exclusive code CANDICE10, valid from April 30th - May 14th.

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About The Brand

Before we get to styling, I wanted to share more about Bare Knitwear because they are doing amazing things. (Scroll on down if you want to hop to the styling first!) I recently met founder Kelsey Adair via email and really admire her passion for creating change in the fashion industry through her brand. Bare Knitwear is created in slow batch collections, which is the epitome of slow fashion! — It’s rare to see a lot of fashion brands working with this slow batch model these days. They only produce one refined collection a year, which reduces waste and eliminates excess inventory. They are also a brand committed to sustainable sourcing, working with fibres native to Peru, from suppliers who are committed to supporting local farmers. They only use dyes that have a OEKO-TEX 100 certification which ensures they comply with international standards on consumer and environmental safety — this is a huge deal! Bare Knitwear strives to empower local artisans while preserving the heritage of traditional Andean artisanal techniques. There is SO much skill required to make these pieces and each Bare Knitwear garment is handmade! Bare Knitwear’s fair trade certified garments are crafted in the Huamanga Region and employ about 150 - 300 artisans at the height of production season.

Reading more about Bare Knitwear and the process that these garments go through has made me recognize how much of an impact these pieces have. At the end of the day, it’s not just a long-lasting closet staple, it’s a hand-crafted piece of art that has helped preserve artisanal tradition and empower and promote the well-being of local Peruvian women. If you’re interested in learning more about their artisans, you can read more about Olga, a featured Bare Knitwear artisan.

Featured Pieces

These are the three garments that I’ll be walking you through today to help offer some insight into the pieces and help you make a more informed decision if you’re looking to invest in Bare Knitwear.

• Mock Neck in Natural

• Seed Stitch Henley in Olive

• Marine Cardigan in Cloud Grey

*Shop Bare Knitwear with 10% off using the exclusive code CANDICE10, valid through May 14th. (code does not apply to the sleep shirt pop up)

1 | Mock Neck

The Styling

Spring is usually a time that I like to bring in light neutrals. For this first outfit I’ve styled the mock neck in a light and bright, Spring-appropriate monochrome look. I love how the beige sweater pairs so nicely with bright white pants and a pair of tan flats. Inspired by staying at home, in the second outfit I’ve styled the mock neck with a pair of slouchy trousers for the perfect cozy, at-home outfit. This outfit is great for lounging around or running out to do errands. I love that this knit can be styled tucked in or untucked.

The Material & Fit

The Mock Neck is made of 85% Pima Cotton and 15% Baby Alpaca. The blend of cotton and alpaca wool make it so soft (not itchy at all!), yet breathable and is a great light-weight piece to wear during transitional weather. This piece has a bit of weight to it allowing the garment to slouch nicely on the body. This pullover knit features a beautiful seamless mock neck collar and small slits on each side of the garment allowing for easy movement while wearing the piece. The sweater styled untucked hits me just slightly below the hip (I’m 5’5” and I have a longer torso). The sleeves hit at the perfect length and isn’t overly long or too short.

• I’m wearing the Mock Neck in the colour natural in the size XS/S. This garment fits TTS.

• Other colours: Olive and Black

• Sizes available: XS/S, M/L, L/XL

The Design Details

This sweater is a great no-fuss, every day piece. With the neutral colour “Natural”, classic and elegant silhouette, along with its relaxed fit, this sweater is so simple to pull together an outfit and can easily be dressed up or down. This mock neck features a delicate ribbed detail all throughout the piece that adds a bit of texture to this garment. I personally love how understated this piece is with the contemporary style as well as its seamless, minimal detailing. The garment drapes beautifully on the body and I love the straight sleeves that are intentionally left un-cuffed, completing the seamless, relaxed silhouette of the garment.

Shop the mock neck in natural and use the code CANDICE10 for 10% off + free shipping over $200 (Code does not apply to the sleep shirt pop up)

2 | Seed Stitch Henley

The Styling

Next up is this classic henley! First I went for a casual, comfy style, pairing the henley with a pair of straight fit, boyfriend jeans and sneakers for the ultimate casual-chic outfit. This is another piece that can be styled tucked in for a more relaxed look. The second outfit I pulled together is another monochromatic outfit, pyjama-inspired outfit. I like to call this style “pyjama-chic”, again most likely inspired by all this staying in. Who says you can’t wear your pyjamas out?

The Material & Fit

The Seed Stitch Henley is made of 85% Pima Cotton and 15% Baby Alpaca. This garment is another lightweight piece from the collection that is incredibly soft and breathable. This is another great option for transitional weather when it’s not full on t-shirt weather but also not sweater weather. This piece, though made of the same fibres as the mock neck, a little more lightweight. It features a high neckline and a boxy silhouette with a relaxed fit. On me, this sweater hits me just at the hip and is the perfect length for styling with all types of bottoms. Because of the slouchy fit and the lightweight material, it makes this piece really easy to tuck in and is not bulky at all. The sleeves again hit at the perfect length and isn’t overly long or too short.

• I’m wearing the Seed Stitch Henley in the colour Olive in the size XS/S. This garment fits TTS.

• Other colours: Natural and Black

• Sizes available: XS/S, M/L, L/XL

The Design Details

I really appreciate all the intentional design decisions in Bare Knitwear pieces like this seed stitching all throughout the henley. It adds just the right amount of intrigue and texture to a classic shirt. Not to mention the sturdy, wooden buttons down the top centre of the shirt and the minimal ribbing on the cuffs, collar, and the hem of the shirt. It’s a great piece to be worn on its own or layered because of the loose-fitting silhouette. The muted olive-toned colour of this garment adds a subtle pop of colour to any wardrobe and although it’s not black or white, because of its earthy hue, it pairs nicely with a variety of bottoms.

Shop the seed stitch henley in olive and use the code CANDICE10 for 10% off + free shipping over $200 (Code does not apply to the sleep shirt pop up)

3 | Marine Cardigan

The Styling

The final piece I’m styling is this incredible oversized cardigan - the Marine Cardigan. It has just the right amount of “oversized-ness” without making me feel like I’m drowning in a ton of fabric. In the first outfit, I’ve styled a simple, classic outfit with a t-shirt and a pair of straight leg jeans allowing the cardigan to shine. In outfit two I’ve paired the cardigan over top of a classic black maxi, going for an overall casual, laid-back look. This cardigan honestly doesn’t need much “styling” because the beauty of this piece really speaks for itself.

The Material & Fit

The Marine Cardigan is hand loomed and is made of 43% baby alpaca, 43% merino wool and 14% polyamide. Considering the size of this cardigan, it’s incredibly lightweight and probably the lightest piece out of the three. Although it’s lightweight, it’s also the warmest of the three pieces and I can see myself wearing this piece from the dead of Winter into mid-Spring as an extra layer on cool nights. This cardigan has an oversized fit and hits me slightly below the hip. It features a drop shoulder and airy balloon sleeves. I’m wearing the cardigan in the colour Cloud Grey, which I think is a perfectly fitting name for this soft, fluffy cardigan.

• I’m wearing the Marine Cardigan in the colour Cloud Grey in the size XS/S. This garment has an oversized fit and fits TTS.

• Other colours: Taupe

• Sizes available: XS/S, M/L, L/XL

The Design Details

The Marine Cardigan is the ultimate, staple cardigan to have in any wardrobe. It’s not only a pretty investment piece, but it’s also a practical garment complete with deep patch pockets on the front of the cardigan. It can be styled up or down and has the most beautiful billowy silhouette that leaves you feeling like you’re wrapped up in the biggest hug. I also like the attention to detail shown in the vintage, fishermen knit inspired ribbing that adds a lovely textural element to the garment.

Shop the marine cardigan in cloud grey and use the code CANDICE10 for 10% off + free shipping over $200 (Code does not apply to the sleep shirt pop up)

Concluding Thoughts

Thank you so much for reading my thoughts and joining me in learning more about Bare Knitwear. I love discovering and sharing ethical, slow fashion brands with you. Overall, if you’re looking to invest in knitwear for your closet, I would highly recommend Bare Knitwear. From the intentionality of their classic, simplistic designs combined with traditional artisanal craftsmanship, to the sustainable sourcing, to the ethical manufacturing that helps empower women, Bare Knitwear is a brand that I am so proud to be partnering with and is one who’s mission I can really get behind. Although it is a larger up front investment, these pieces are high-quality, long-lasting, and crafted with care. On a side note, now more than ever, I think it’s important to voice our opinions about slow fashion by supporting small businesses with our purchases or by simply sharing about them where you can. Bare Knitwear is produced in small batches, so if you’ve got your eye on something, I’d love to partner with you in supporting Bare Knitwear by offering the code CANDICE10 valid through May 14.

If you’re not looking to purchase something right now, I hope you’ve been inspired and encouraged by all the wonderful things that Bare Knitwear is doing and the beautiful pieces they are creating. I’m happy to have simply introduced you to a new slow fashion brand that is making a positive impact in the fashion industry.

Other Outfit Details

• Jeans, Boyish Denim (old)

• White Pants, Everlane

• Olive Trousers, Aritzia (old)

• Maxi Dress, Aritzia (old)

• White Tee, Muji (old)

• Flats, Everlane

• Sneakers, Veja

• Jewelry, Mejuri

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Thanks for stopping by! This post contains affiliate links and if you decide to make a purchase through the links above, I may make a small commission that helps support this blog and other social accounts. As always, I only share products and brands I love and support. Thank you for supporting Candice Tay!

Ethical & Sustainable Leggings

a review

Before I wrote this post, I didn’t realize how different black leggings could be! After testing all of these, I think I’ve got my favourites and I know what makes a good pair of black leggings for me. I hope this review helps you find the perfect pair for your body type and lifestyle! I often get questions about my favourite ethical, sustainable activewear so today I’m finally sharing with you my thoughts on six different pairs of ethical/sustainable black leggings. I’ll be touching on fit, fabric, where it’s made, and price point.

Nimble Activewear - Moto Mesh Full Length Leggings

Nimble is an Australian, female-founded brand I discovered and purchased from a few years back when I first started learning more about sustainable fashion and capsule wardrobes. I have the Moto Mesh Full Length Leggings, which I believe aren’t available anymore, but I still wanted to throw this brand in as an option.

Fit & Fabric: Unfortunately because I’ve had this pair for a long time, the size has rubbed off the tag, though I typically fall between XXS-S. I’d say the waist is like a mid-rise and it’s full-length. The fabric is 73% Polyester‚ 27% Spandex and is made from post-consumer used recycled plastics. The majority of their products are made in Taiwan.

My Thoughts: These leggings are my most “active” looking pair that I’m reviewing today. They have mesh panels along the leg making them look more like an athleisure piece. I’ve worn them to hot yoga, for at-home workouts, and at the gym and they’ve held up very well. I personally prefer a higher rise on the waist and a bit of a more cropped length, but if you are taller, the length of these would be great.

Price Point: $$$

Everlane - The Perform Legging

Everlane recently came out with these leggings and I was curious to try them out…read on, for my thoughts!

Fit & Fabric: I’m wearing the size XXS because I find that Everlane pants usually run a tad large for me. However, for these, I think I could have gone with XS. That being said, the XXS still fits because the material is extremely stretchy without being see-through. I absolutely love the high waist on these because, if you know me, you know I live in high waisted anything. The fabric is 58% Recycled Nylon, 42% Elastane and these are made in Sri Lanka.

My Thoughts: These are superrr stretchy, which I love because it makes it easy to move around in. The key thing is that they are stretchy but not sheer. It has a hidden interior side pocket which is different than the traditional slip pocket at the front of the leggings. They’ve got a very simple look to them with the minimal seams which I personally think makes them more versatile for working out or for every day casual wear.

Price Point: $$

Girlfriend Collective - Compressive High Rise Legging

I could not write a whole blog post on activewear and not talk about Girlfriend Collective. I bought these ones last winter because I had heard so much about them and I had been wanting to try them out for a long time.

Fit & Fabric: I have the standard Black Compressive High Rise Leggings in a size XS. The fabric is made up of 79% RPET and 21% spandex and they are made in Vietnam.

My Thoughts: I think these leggings have the perfect blend of stretch and softness. They honestly feel like butter and are so comfortable to move and work out in them. They have been perfect for all things active and are also extremely comfortable to lounge around in. They are more athletic looking with the extra seam detailing. The pocket placement is also not the typical pocket you find in leggings. It’s actually a small interior slip pocket at the back of the pants.

Price Point: $$

Encircled - The Dressy Legging

Now to move on to classic leggings to be worn from day to day — these are the Dressy Leggings from Encircled!

Fit & Fabric: I’m wearing the leggings in a size XS. These are made of the softest rayon bamboo material! They don’t feel as moisture-wicking as some of the more athletic-looking leggings, but these are great more for casual, every day outfits or for lounging. It is definitely a full-length fit on me and is a great option for those of you who are taller. These are made right at home in Toronto, Canada.

My Thoughts: I don’t normally wear these for vigorous exercise mainly because of the material. However, these hit all the right points if you’re looking for something that offers style and comfort. I love the high waist and the simple, yet functional features like the pockets! I wore these on the plane and they were the most comfy thing ever — not to mention the pockets on the side of the pants that are great for holding cards or your phone.

Price Point: $$$

Boodywear - Full Leggings

These are a more recent pair that I’ve tried from Boodywear. They make eco-essentials like undergarments, loungewear, and activewear.

Fit & Fabric: I’m wearing the size XS in these leggings. The material is 80% rayon made from bamboo, 13% nylon, and 7% spandex. I noticed that this pair is not as elastic as some of the other ones I’ve reviewed. This one also has more of a mid-rise, if you’re not a fan of high waisted leggings. For me, I would’ve preferred a higher waist on these. These are also quite full-length so they’re a great fit for anyone who is taller.

My Thoughts: Overall, these are comfortable, but compared to some of the other ones, they are not the most comfortable pair I’ve tried. They are however, the most affordable pair on this list and they do the job as a pair of activewear leggings. It’s a very classic pair of leggings and has the pocket at the front of the pants.

Price Point: $

Miakoda - The High Waisted Leggings

I received these high waisted leggings from Miakoda a few winters ago and am still loving them!

Fit & Fabric: I’m wearing these leggings in a size XS. The material is 60% bamboo 30% organic cotton and 10% spandex. The rise is a mid-rise and sits just under the belly button. These are another great option for taller people as you can see from the photo above that there is still quite a lot of material at my ankles. These are made in New York, USA.

My Thoughts: These are a very classic pair of black leggings. They are an extremely soft bamboo cotton blend and are the perfect leggings for lounging around or for every day outfits. On me, I would have preferred a more cropped look at the ankles, but having them longer makes them a better fit for others who are taller. These are very minimalistic with no extra seams or detailing on the pants, so if you’re looking to invest in a pair of classic black leggings, these would make a great choice!

Price Point: $$$

I hope this review was helpful for you if you’re on the hunt for a pair of black leggings from sustainable/ethical brands. These are only the few that I’ve tried and I’m sure there’s tons of other ones out there! Let me know your favourites down below, I’d love to check them out!

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This post is not sponsored but contains some gifted items and affiliate links. If you decide to shop through the links above, I may make a small commission that helps support this blog and my Instagram. I only share products and brands I love and support. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting Candice Tay!