


A few years ago I made the decision to eat as locally as possible. To always buy organic, when I have the option. To support local restaurants, farmers and grocers with my dollars. To be conscious about what I put in my body. Those choices and considerations I make regarding food are spreading out to what I choose to wear on my body.
First, let me be clear. I love fashion. I love clothes. I love things. Maybe it's the Taurus in me but I find tremendous joy by surrounding myself with beautiful things. It used to be a challenge to express my point-of-view with my budget wardrobe - but I've found as the world becomes a bit more flat fashion has become a lot more accessible. While I've come to pride myself on making a cardigan from Target look couture, I've mourned the loss of the challenge when it comes to dressing with creativity. I've found myself craving something new.
I've considered wearing nothing but black, white and grey. The goal being to find creativity through constraints. Or maybe just removing one more decision from my day.
After having an inspiring discussion with my friends from Shop Good (a local shop here that carries socially responsible, ethically produced and fairly traded clothes & accessories) I've decided to put my money where my mouth is and focus on buying clothes that are not only beautifully crafted with care from quality materials but are also considerate of our environment. I no longer feel entitled to a closet full of off-the-sale-rack fashion but rather a responsibility to invest in a wardrobe that is worthwhile.
cardigan - BCBG
tank - American Apparel
skirt - Brandy Melville from Shop Good
boots - Fiorentini + Baker
earring - Shop Good
Yay! This is great. I get very frustrated that fashion is overlooked as a place where change for the better can happen. "Fast fashion" isn't good for workers or the environment!
ReplyDeletePlus, you look super cute.
I love this. For the past year or two I've been phasing more American Apparel into my wardrobe just because it made me feel better knowing my clothes were made here, but the whole sustainability thing is an issue in itself.
ReplyDeletePlus AA is too dang casual sometimes. I'm a working woman, people, I can't wear booty dresses and sheer tops.
Super happy you are doing this! I'm a firm non-believer of mass produced, short life pieces of clothing. Second hand is also a great way to help the world to be a little less crap-filled.
ReplyDeleteJust to clarify: not everything I'm wearing here is ethical or sustainable. Even American Apparel has it's issues (even if it's made in America I've heard questionable stories about how their shady CEO treats his employees). I think it's going to be a slow transition but I'm excited about the huge shift in perspective I've gained.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love your skirt! I've been looking for one like that for.. a LONG time. I'm sad it's not on their website.
ReplyDeleteBriannEm - I was just in there today at lunch and they had one left. Just call them at (405) 702-0517 and they'll be happy to ship it to you (I asked).
ReplyDeletethat skirt is super awesome. loving maxi skirts right now...and good for you for making that decision! it looks good on you.
ReplyDeleteThat first picture of you is just stunning.
ReplyDeleteI love this concept. The hubby and I have started trying to purchase EVERYTHING we can locally. Be it groceries, clothing, etc.
ReplyDeleteWe instituted a 80/20 rule. Buy 80% from local stores/organic markets/local people and then the other 20% can be left up to big name stores like Target or chains like ALDI Supermarket. We're trying to boost our local economy. So far it hasn't been painful at all and I don't miss Walmart.
We are on a quest against Wally World right now, they are trying to create/build not one but TWO more walmarts in our small area. We already have ONE super Walmart here and another one right across the river. 1 more is not needed let alone 2... knocking down trees, taking out vast spaces of nature to me is not worth saving $5.00 some detergent. :(
Thank you for this post - p.s. your outfit is beautiful.
I love the style!
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