We are always inspired by the real stories that come from within our community. Especially those who really live in their clothes, stretch them, test them, and make them part of everyday life. When Fiona Duncan-Kerr told us she wanted to explore what it really meant to wear wool day after day, not just as a challenge, but as a mindful choice, we knew her experience would resonate with many of us.
Fiona’s approach to life is grounded in simplicity, comfort and a deep respect for the environment. Her hygge-inspired ethos, her active work with children, the reality of perimenopause, and her commitment to buying consciously all shape the way she chooses her wardrobe. Her 5-day (which became 7-day!) wool challenge wasn’t about “less for the sake of it,” but about discovering whether a small number of well-made pieces could truly support a busy, messy, joyful, ever-changing life.
We’re delighted to share her reflections which are honest, practical, and full of heart.
Meet Fiona
My name is Fiona Duncan- Kerr, I am 46, perimenopausal, work full time as a childminder, have a large dog and a very patient husband. I run a Hygge in the Early Years accredited Childminding setting and provide hygge training as a side hustle. I embraced a hygge lifestyle as a way of coping with the stress of the COVID 19 lockdowns and the ensuing chaos of perimenopause. Part of my lifestyle change was to become more conscious of shopping mindfully – looking after the environment alongside my changing wardrobe requirements.
So, why the 5-Day Wool Challenge?
I suffer both extremes of temperature tantrums - hot flushes but also get cold easily, I feel claustrophobic in tight clothes/high necks but have an active job and dog so need clothing that stands up to the challenge. I easily cover 60 km on an average week between school runs, outdoor adventures with the children and dog walks and spend a disproportionate amount of time on my knees on the floor.
For at least 2 years I have been curious about the wool company 30 day/100 day dress challenges but their prices are prohibitively expensive considering I'd need to order multiple sizes in multiple styles for fit (I am an odd shape). Then I discovered the Annan dress and was able to request and try on 3 different sizes in store (excellent service on both visits btw) I made a purchase and so my personal 7 day challenge began.
Tell us about what you wore & what you did
Monday – Annan dress over Fern leggings and green Fern Stripe base layer.
Mondays are always a busy day at work; resettling children after the weekend, school runs, pottering between the garden and house – lots of temperature changes but the merino wool coped admirably!
Tuesday – Annan dress under moss green/grey marl Fern Sripe with Fern leggings and Ava zip hoodie.
Schools runs, dogs walks and attended a Toddler Group at the local church and stayed for “lunch club” with our toddler friends. After work I attended a card making workshop. Again lots of walking, time indoors and out and the hoodie was on and off and at one point the base layer came off too – easy to maintain modesty as I had the dress as my base.
Wednesday – Annan dress under Fern leggings and navy Fern Stripe base layer.
Today was adventure day! After dropping the big children at school we spent the rest of the day outside stumbling, tripping and squelching through the forest (following footprints round in a circle “Oh Nona, the footprints are coming from us!). We had lunch in a café and I often find I need to strip off to cool down when first going inside but with merino I don’t find that to the same extent – rolling my sleeves up is enough.
My navy stripe top came a cropper so I had to iron on a daisy patch – they do say never work with children or animals!?!?
Thursday - Annan dress OVER navy Fern Stripe with Fern leggings.
School runs and we had a birthday lunch today for a mindees Gran. Normally I would worry about and deliberate over what to wear – to make a good impression – when we have a visitor come but today, I felt smart in my dress and didn’t stress.
Friday – Annan dress with Ava hoodie and Fern leggings.
School runs, dog walks, played football with the children afterschool then the dreaded dentist appointment. I worry myself sick going to the dentist which only aggravates perimenopause symptoms: hot flushes, claustrophobia, anxiety… But again the Merino wool was comfortable, temperature regulating and I didn’t feel the usual need to come straight home and get my PJ’s on!
Saturday – Annan dress with Ava hoodie and Fern leggings
Paperwork then slouching on sofa.
Sunday – Annan dress with Fern leggings and denim jacket.
I headed out for lunch with my friend feeling the epitome of smart casual.
The Findings: How Did It Feel?
I wanted to test the Merino for temperature control, lack of need to wash and the very important slow fashion aspect of being able to pair one dress with items from my current wardrobe to create many different styles. I would 100% recommend merino wool as an environmentally sustainable option and especially FINDRA for its fabulous quality, practical style and fair price. The fact it is designed, produced and sold locally is a bonus!
Closing
Fiona’s week in wool captures something we believe deeply at FINDRA: clothing should support your life, not complicate it. When we choose pieces that are versatile, natural and built to last, we step away from the cycle of fast fashion and move toward a wardrobe that feels calmer, kinder and more connected to the world around us.
A huge thank you to Fiona for sharing her story with such honesty and warmth. It’s exactly these lived experiences that continue to inspire our purpose: helping people feel good in what they wear, so they can get out, move more and enjoy the small adventures that make life meaningful.
Sunday Inspiration
Favourite Book
The Year of Less - Cait Flanders
A gentle reminder that when we buy less but choose well, life feels lighter, calmer and a bit more intentional.
Favourite Quote
Favourite Song
This Must Be the Place - Talking Heads
A song about home, comfort and belonging!
