Reader Requests - My Capsule Wardrobe and Long Hair Regime

Fifitr commented that she'd be interested in seeing the capsule wardrobe I'd created so, while Jon was out tinkering with engines on Tuesday afternoon, I commandeered a corner of our bedroom and took some photos. It was one of those days when the skies kept switching between gloriously sunny and ominously leaden, as you can see from how the colour of the wall, painted in Valspar's "Meet Me In Morocco", changed throughout. Our bedroom is quite dark so the colours of the garments - annoyingly - aren't true, especially the blue ones.

I'm not sure why I chose what I did, I love all of my clothes and wear them pretty much all year round. There's a few I don't wear as often as I should so I locked away a few old favourites to give the neglected ones a chance to shine. 

It's interesting to see a pattern emerging as I took photos. If I wasn't already aware of my taste, creating these collages confirmed that the vast majority were made in South Asia (India, Pakistan & Afghanistan) and none were made in China. I rarely wear synthetics, prefer loosely fitting styles and I'm drawn to rich, earthy colours, Indian block print and hand-embroidery. Of the 66 garments I've selected, 15 were purchased new, all but one of which were bought from companies with transparent ethical policies. Forty-four of my choices are vintage (ie., at least 25 years old).

Much as I love wearing skirts, since we started our twice weekly swims almost a year ago, dresses are a lot easier to pull on and off so I've only chosen a handful. Up until a few years ago I only ever wore minis or maxis calling midi "midi-ocre", now half the dresses I've chosen are midi length.

All the dresses I've chosen work with polo neck jumpers worn underneath and can accommodate a waistcoat, coat or jacket over the top. 

 The boots I wear the most often, along with my only pair of shoes, are out on the rack. I've stashed a few pairs in the bottom of the wardrobe. I've not packed away any of my hats or my bags. The drawer in my dressing table holds my trousers (three pairs of jeans, denim dungarees and combats), skinny polo necks, two cardis, a jumper and a tank top.

Here's this week's choices....

Sunday (clearance charity shop and an afternoon of sewing): Vintage Phool Indian block printed midi with the only pair of shoes I own.

Monday (Tony's birthday outing to The Ashmolean, Oxford): Vintage Indian embroidered velvet maxi with a 1970s velvet jacket

Tuesday (Swimming, breakfast in Spoons and an afternoon of photography): Vintage Anokhi maxi skirt with a 1970s Ayesha Davar shirred cheesecloth blouse.

Wednesday (a morning of charity shopping and an afternoon of washing, mending and reading): Dilli Grey block printed cotton maxi dress.

Thursday (Swimming and breakfast in Spoons followed by an afternoon of crochet & cleaning): Vintage Pakistani block printed kaftan with a 1960s English-made fringed suede waistcoat.

And on the subject of reader requests, Kristin, a fellow long-haired lady, asked about my hair care regime back in January. (Sorry, I've not posted sooner!) As of today, my hair from root to tip measures 30" (76.2cm) and the last time I had a trim was 1st April, 2022. 

I wash my hair once a week. For years I've used Lush's shampoo bars but recently spotted Garnier Ultimate Blends Shampoo Bar in Delicate Oat on offer so gave it a try. I'm really impressed, it smells lovely and my hair feels really soft. As we live in a hard water area some brands of shampoo bars leave a horrible sticky residue, Lush & the Ultimate Blends don't.

I've always used Lush's solid conditioner bars but for the last few weeks I've also been using this Daniel Galvin Jnr's Organic Head Argan Oil Detox Masque found in the clearance charity shop (B&M's organic coconut oil is a decent alternative). I apply it to dry hair, comb through, wrap my hair in a warm towel for 20 minutes then wash and condition as normal. 

I never use a hairdryer. After I've washed my hair, I towel dry then French Braid it before I go to bed (brilliant tutorial HERE). I also do this most evenings (with dry hair) as I love the wavy effect and can't bear to go to bed with my hair down. The only styling products I use are The Hair Lab by Mark Hill serum and, on the rare occasion that I use my ceramic curling tongs, his heat protection spray. 

If I ask him nicely, Lord Jon dyes my roots every five weeks. I'm currently using Castings Creme Gloss in Cool Chestnut (currently 2 for £12 in Superdrug). In between dye jobs I use L'Oreal Magic Root Re-Touch (often on offer in Lidl).

My hair has grown like mad in the last year. Don't quote me on this but I think it *could* have something to do with the high strength Ginkgo Biloba I take every morning (as recommended by Arthritis UK for my suspected Glaucoma). As it also boosts brain, mood and memory it doesn't hurt to try. 

On the subject of hair, I've just treated myself to a new Speedo silicone cap especially for us long haired swimmers (I've chosen spearmint). £8.39 (free postage) on Ebay.

If there's anything else you want to ask me, please let me know in the comments.

See you soon!