The Chrysalis Cardi by Encircled

Published on 18 January 2017
#encircled #reverse-engineering #sewing

If you’ve been here a while, you’ll know how much I love EncircledEncircled products. I love their versatility, and they make fantastic packing staples for carry-on only travel.

I’ll be honest here, my penchant for reverse-engineering clothing I see online, and offensive shipping rates to Australia from the US and Canada mean that my review will be of a clone that I made myself. But, based on the images, videos and instructional how-to-wear guides, I think I’ve honoured the design pretty faithfully. And now that the site shows where all the snaps are, I can confirm that it’s the same.

Chrysalis Cardi - All Looks
Chrysalis Cardi - All Looks - Encircled

The Encircled: Chrysalis CardiEncircled: Chrysalis Cardi is a convertible item that can be worn in at least 8 ways. And while convertible items like the commonly available infinity/octopus dresses can seem extremely complicated to wear, the Chrysalis Cardi is pretty straight forward once you’ve seen the how-to videos and given it a go.

Many convertible items (in my personal experience), end up being relegated to the back of the closet once the novelty has worn off. But, the Chrysalis Cardi was first of the Encircled products I tried three years ago, and since then I’ve made three. One each in grey, fuchsia, and black. I always have one with me when I travel (the grey came with me on our six-week honeymoon to Europe in spring), and all three are used throughout the year in one form or another.

chrysalis cardi
clockwise from left: cocoon cardi, scarf, Grecian tunic or wrap dress, cape

These are the ways I wear the cardi the most. I’ve done some of the others listed on the site, and shared on the Encircled Facebook/Instagram accounts, but these are my preferred styles. My other favourite way is as a blanket. It’s great for flights when they don’t give you a blanket, or as an extra layer of warmth.

If you’re looking for a truly versatile piece of clothing that will see you through the year on your travels and at home, this is definitely it. Make one yourself like I did, or buy it from EncircledEncircled. They release new colours throughout the year, and also have them in maxi and petite sizes.