This post is not my big Fall wardrobe reveal. This post is merely to tell you that more big changes are coming for me. Changes that I’m scared to commit to, but know are necessary.
I had mentioned in a previous post that I wasn’t sure whether I’d be doing a capsule wardrobe, a categorized capsule wardrobe, a uniform wardrobe, or a french wardrobe for Fall. And I still don’t really have an answer for you.
But I had to write this while it’s still fresh in my mind. I never want to forget how I feel right now, after watching the documentary The True Cost. If you haven’t seen it, it’s streaming on Netflix, so please find it and watch it. Especially if you love fashion and clothes. Because what I learned from this documentary is all about fast-fashion, disposable products, and what the workers behind the cheap goods go through to make us a $5 t-shirt or $20 pair of jeans.
I guess I always knew that someone was making the clothes, but I never realized how awful it can be. What they give up in order to be competitive in our consumer market. These are mothers and women working for pennies and putting their lives on the line in poor working conditions, only to make these big businesses more profitable. And to make us feel like we can have it all. This documentary really put a human face and human fingerprints on all the “affordable” clothing that I wear. And no matter how cheap the price point, is it worth someone’s humanity? I can’t say yes to that.
My heart sank a little as I thought about my clothes and my shopping experiences. Given the fact that I almost exclusively shopped fast-fashion brands until this point, what does this mean for me?
It simply means this:
- I will buy items made in the USA whenever possible.
- I can shop second-hand to keep clothing out of landfills.
- I have a lot of research to do to find affordable, sustainable clothing brands.
- I will continue wearing the fast brand clothing already in my closet, because I don’t feel like throwing them out will achieve anything at this point.
- I need to buy less overall and make my purchases count (well we already knew that one).
If you are looking for more inspiration from people who have been supporting sustainable clothing brands, please check out Harben Porter, Better Dressed, and Seasons and Salt. These ladies all had a hand at inspiring me to give this a try. I know it won’t be easy and it won’t be cheap, but I guess that’s the point.
UGH!! Between giving up Diet Coke and H+M, I don’t even know who I am anymore!! A shell of myself.
Let me know if you watch the documentary – what did you think? If you already shop sustainable, what are your favorite brands? Any tips for me?
Awesome. Thank you!!
Jaana I’ve only just seen this post now but bravo! I’ve loved following your capsule wardrobes for awhile and am excited to see how you make it more ethical and sustainable. And thank you for mentioning my blog!
I’ve been collecting some great ‘better brands’ here: http://www.betterdressedblog.com/better-brands/ The great news is that there are more and more brands that are producing beautiful clothing AND are better for the environment and the people who make them 🙂 And honestly, it’s such a buzz to wear something that IS as good as it looks + feels.
My biggest tip is to go slow. It’s about changing your habits sustainably and not just for a season. I’ll be following your journey!
thank you for the blog suggestions! it will definitely be an adjustment for me!!
Check out Everlane.
one of my favorites!
I’ve been pursuing ethical fashion for the past year or so, originally spawned out of slowing down my consumption and reducing my wardrobe overall via the capsule concept. A couple of my favorite blogs are My Green Closet [https://www.youtube.com/user/MyGreenCloset] on youtube and Eco Warrior Princess [http://ecowarriorprincess.net/]. I follow the “second hand first” mindset when thinking of an item I would like or need to add to my wardrobe, such as a dress or coat. I like to hope it helps in its tiny way to reduce textile waste and used items aren’t exploiting any more garment makers or the environment to exist. On the other side of the coin, it isn’t financially viable for me to buy everything, such as socks, from ethically-made (or environmentally-friendly) sources, so I instead try to get as much life as I can out of my belongings until they need to be mended or replaced. I really do think caring for fabrics properly and being able to do simple repairs or knowing a good tailor to alter or completely change something for you is better than throwing it out or donating it and buying something new. I’m definitely going to watch that documentary when I have a moment and thanks for the sustainable blog recommendations! Oh, and a brand I keep hearing good things about is People Tree [http://www.peopletree.co.uk/].
thank you! excellent tips
I haven’t seen the film, but I want to see it. I follow a few bloggers that are great about sustainable fashion: http://www.beyondthefried.com http://www.thenotepasser.com http://www.lifestylejustice.com – they have helped me find brands I wouldn’t have heard of otherwise. I also LOVE the clothes at http://www.seamly.co (versalette = all season staple)! I have to admit that I’m not as committed to sustainable fashion as I’d like to be – sometimes I get sucked into trends and cheap prices – but it’s a journey! Can’t wait to see where you go with this.
I love Grechen of Grechen’s Closet. She’s super committed to sustainable clothing and has thought about this topic A LOT — she has a series called the Minimal Closet where she discusses not only downsizing her closet, but how she figures out what to buy, when to replace things, etc. She identifies as someone who seriously adores shopping and clothing, so it’s quite interesting to see how she’s always struggling toward a balance in that regard too. Her posts are always so honest and heartfelt — which is exactly what I love about YOUR blog! Her style is minimal and very chic. I hope this helps you in your journey! I almost exclusively thrift (Buffalo Exchange always has designer stuff second hand) or use eBay for second hand, higher quality pieces. You can still get tons of lovely, amazing things without directly supporting fast fashion brands, plus I’m convinced it’s actually cheaper in the long run, too!
This will help a ton!! Thank you for sharing!
I’ve really been trying to buy ethically for the last year or so. I do a good amount of thrift store shopping, poshmark and eBay. Some of my favorite brands are elegantees ( use Candace for 10% off your order), kut from the kloth, wildly co(kids clothing), 31 bits, Noonday, mata traders, raven +lily and the root collective!
Even with the research I’ve done I think I’ve only heard of one or two of these!! Thank you!
I agree, Wildly Co has cute (and well-priced) kids clothes, and it is a line started and run by young parents!
perfect! can’t wait to check it out