Downsizing my closet, my gently used clothes, shoes and accessories are available to you.
Uniquely homey shopping experience with treats and beverages served as you browse and items gift wrapped for you.
Sizes average: S and M tops and dresses, size 6 bottoms, and size 9 shoes.
We need your help! >> All proceeds support Luke and I (& #barleyjames) as we follow Daddy God's faithful lead in our life and move to Brooklyn, NY on June 1st. You name the price for each item you purchase. Invite friends! Shop for a friend!
Shop online at Vinted.com or come over -- the next open house is this Saturday at 10am!
Here we go. Diving into some mighty deep waters. This is the post on sources for ethical fashion.
A quick reminder that when I say ethical fashion I mean, ideally: 1) the sources of the fabrics and dyes and what-have-you are purchased from suppliers fairly and 2) the people employed to create and produce the pieces of clothing are paid and treated fairly.
This isnt just about not shopping at stores that are big name brands, supplied by sweatshops overseas, made of cheap products. Ultimately this whole shift is about changing the way you shop, not just the where. This infographic provides a nifty visual:
I enjoy shopping second hand for gently-used gems. This is the thing though, for me, I still look for brand names I know and "trust" like H&M, Old Navy, or Forever 21 when Im sifting through the racks, and while purchasing these second-hand means you arent supporting the businesses with your cash, ultimately youre still supporting the brands by wearing them. You know? I would rather go at this thing radically than half-way. The whole point is to use your purchasing power to stand for the worth of the people every step of the way. This is going to expose some shadowy places. We want to do it with bright light! So here is where I am at with this...
Second-Hand: Absolutely go for it, as long as you read the label and know for sure that the brand champions human worth at every step of the way.
New: Buy it ethically-sourced or not at all. Sure, to buy something not ethically-sourced as a once-in-a-lifetime purchase, or "to last", means youre not dumping money over and over into the compromising companies, but lets not even do it once.
Ive been doing just a bit of research. Its overwhelming to tell you the truth, but in a good way. There is more consciousness and therefore more real options for ethical purchasing than I imagined. For my own journey Im going to focus on finding brands that are ALL about valuing human life and supporting communities (ex. when buying a pair of shoes I dont want to settle for them simply being vegan and eco-friendly, I want them to be made with products produced by diligent suppliers, stitched together by skillful craftsmen, giving another pair to someone who needs shoes with every purchase). It will narrow the options down a bit and I am thankful for that. Enjoy uncovering all the gems out there that are about what you love to support with your purchasing power, in the styles that youre all about. Its fun!
Taking another look at my vision board, there are some obvious categories of items to find brands to supply: accessories, undergarments, basics, knit-wear, denim, shoes, bags, etc. Here are some goodies Ive discovered for sources. >> Note:When my wardrobe has made its complete transformation I'll be sure to share all the items and their source details.
"the Look"
Its seems a little silly I suppose for me to be making this wardrobe list in the dead of Midwest winter when Im dreaming of summertime... everything on here looks pretty summery I realize... but actually being in the reality of the cold right now helped balance this list out. With the options for pairing here, I should comfortably cover every season's needs -- here in the Midwest or in warmer climates (where I am heading in the future).
A breakdown: There is a plethora of neutral crop tops -- both tank and tee, fitted and flowy -- to choose from as basic pieces. I will also have a few tees that are long and loose and neutral colored, for the winter days when none of my abdomen will want to be exposed in the least. These will all pair great with any of the shorts (various patterns and textures), maxi skirts (neutral, color, or print, in various fits), or pants (boyfriend jeans, dark wash skinnies). For chilly days just layer on a sweater and swap sandals for boots instead. Even the shorts can transition into cool weather. I put a pair of leggings or tights on under them and boots with socks and we're set. I actually just did that last week and the temp was in the low 20's. The slip dresses and shirt dresses are great as-is for summer and can be transitioned to cool weather in the same general way as the shorts -- add a sweater and some tights and boots. Ive also added a pair of black pointy-toe heels -- because I adore them -- as well as a minimalist grey wool overcoat for winter (when Im not wearing my down jacket with the fur-lined hood, not pictured). A nice selection of neutral colored sandals and boots, all going for a boho chic look, should cover all occasions that will arise for me. Bralettes galore, as they are my simple pleasure, will work well with all the options for outfits. As for accessories, my list is minimal. A sun hat and beanie, as well as a headband or two. Ive also arranged a selection of bags for my travel-happy self: a weekend trip duffel, a market bag, a nice leather backpack/satchel, and a simple shoulder bag (to double as my pop of color in most of the outfits). Add one trusty pair of shades, and the look is complete.
I know myself too well not to make an exception to this overall look by adding the aside that I will certainly have lounge wear (read: sweats) to cozy up in at home. I just want to hold myself to more of an actually-dressed image, even as a nanny in the dead of winter, and these looks really are just as comfortable and easy to achieve as throwing on a pair of sweats is.
A note on pattern: Im really loving the bold and classy large floral print lately. Also the tribal designs. And a classic horizontal stripe, as seen on one of the shirt dresses. Pattern on pattern should be done sparingly, and if at all it should be done tastefully. I wouldnt put any of the patterned sweaters on with the floral maxi skirts or floral shorts.
In regards to wanting to be able to travel light... I could pack five tops, three skirts, two sweaters, two pairs of shorts, a dress, a pair of pants, tights, three pairs of shoes and a hat easily in a carry-on bag. If I launch into a lifestyle of truly trotting the globe and not having a home base, I could cut back to just that many items to my name. There would still be a load of options for creating outfits in all seasons and climates.
If you'd like more visuals of how these outfits could look put together check out this board of mine on Pinterest.
There is a season for everything, even taking time away from things. I havent done any What I Wore posts in ages -- although Ive been doing a little nod to it for over a year now on Instagram (#reflectionsessions) -- but Ive posted (irregularly) on unboxing my Stitch Fixes instead.
Like many other twenty-something women, I have acquired a substantial wardrobe. After hauling my whole wardrobe back and forth across the country in 2013 (#newjerseyadventure) I purged out tons of items I wasnt ever wearing. It was great. My style evolved in that season and I acquired new items that fit it over the past few years. Something has been eating at me though. Ive been aware for sometime that many brands I buy are a compromise of my morals and ethics. To put it in a very uncomfortable, but accurate, light, Ive been as hypocritical as the men who stand for justice and protection of women trapped in human trafficking and yet participate in porn. Ive supported human trafficking by purchasing from companies that "employ" slaves in sweatshops. And I know the arguements of the struggle: "But I dont have the budget to purchase Fair Trade items" and "Its really hard to find ethically sourced and supplied clothes that are my style", etc. Yet again I have to compare this to the equally compromising lifestyle of sexual immorality and say that men often have "justifying" arguments for their use of porn too. Lets face the ugly facts: its wrong. No "ifs", "ands" or "buts". More information is in the video below. Pardon the YouTuber's language. I tip my hat to her for this awareness spreading and exposure.
I have this dream of having a simple and satisfying wardrobe made up entirely of fair trade items -- everything from intimates and shoes, to clothes and sleepwear, to jewelry and makeup. It seems like a big undertaking, it feels impractical and possibly even ridiculous, but I really believe that its worth it. Because this isnt about me sacrificing my style or wardrobe, its about walking the walk and not just talking the talk about truly valuing human life. [For now lets just focus on this. Because, truth be told, this same undertaking should sift through every single item in my lifestyle and household -- from furniture and cutlery, to books and music, to cleaners and tools, to food and beverages, to paper products and pens. Everything we use comes from somewhere; was made somewhere, by someone, and with materials produced somehow. We support justice or injustice with EVERY purchase we ever make.]
Is it the "right time" for this? Well, if by that you mean "do you have the budget for all new clothes", we will answer that in time. If by it you mean "have you had enough of playing your part in injustice and are you finally ready to go another way?", the answer is a yes -- bearing in mind that it isnt fully "yes" until that "yes" really does affect every purchase in my world.
I dont know a lot but I know enough to start with. My style is evolving once again -- its very normal for this to happen again and again over time -- and it is a fitting transition season. So this is the goal: 1. I want to purge out my wardrobe afresh. 2. I want to have clearly in mind the looks that I am going for and a practical plan of what items to acquire in order to accomplish it. 3. I want to create a sort of capsule wardrobe, bearing in mind that Im aiming for a life of travel and prefer to travel light, and focus on quality over quantity when making my purchases.
Before we get to that lets just take a look at whats currently in my closet and where I want to take it. KEY: bold are not fair trade, italic are fair trade, normal are unknown.
Intimates - bras (target, victoria's secret, naja, urban outfitters), undies (target, victoria's secret, naja), socks and tights (target) // Jammies (target, aerie) // Work out gear (target, old navy) // Swim suits (target, victoria's secret) // Sweaters/Sweat Shirts (goodwill, sevenly,target,walk in love) // Tees (sevenly,forever 21) // Tanks (sevenly,forever 21, target) // Pants (target, old navy) // Shorts (target, forever 21) // Skirts (target, forever 21) // Dresses (target, old navy, Etsy, victoria secret, Francesca's, Anthro, forever 21) // Jackets (target, StitchFix, ModCloth, Eddie Bauer) // Shoes (target,TOMS) // Hats (target) // Headbands (target, Francesca's) // Scarves (target, H&M) // Bags (StitchFix, target/FEED, No41, walmart)
Here are some visual compare and contrast examples I put together of non-fair trade vs fair trade items. Thanks to Google for making it easy to find all these images. Youll probably note like I did that the cheaper products actually look cheap in comparison. Although these are all brands Ive had a kind of affection for (*cough*, Target), it makes me wonder even more why Ive been so quick to put my money down on their things in the past.
Before we move on Id also like to note that I am not scrapping every item I already own from non-fair trade companies. More on this in another post. Along with fair trade Ill cover my reasoning on also buying handmade, American made, or second-hand. My views may change on them but Ill share where Im at on them presently in another post.
The 5 Pieces: Red blouse, blue sweater, green jacket, black and white dress, dark wash skinny jeans. KEPT:The jacket and the dress >> These two pieces continue to be staples in my wardrobe and are worn a lot. The jacket is light enough to be worn in the summer but sturdy enough to be a practical layer in cooler weather. The dress is one I reach for when I want to be as comfortable dressed as I am in my sweats but want to look classier than I do in sweats. You know?
note to self: need more distance from mirror for a true full-body shot.
Fix #2
The 5 Pieces: Blue top, short sleeve blouse, black and white sweater, taupe scarf, and a blue sweater.
KEPT:The top pictured >> I love this top. It is super soft and falls in a very flattering way. It can be dressed up or down but more often than not I just pack it as a touch of class to break up my flowy-tee habits when I travel.
note to self: just because you dont like the other items in the "fix", and feel unattractive in them, doesnt mean dont photograph them.
Fix #3
The 5 Pieces: Multi-colored top, lace sweatshirt, purple blouse, blue corduroy skinnies, and a gold bangle.
KEPT:The cords >> Im not very adventurous when it comes to pants but these were a great investment. Ive used them for evening parties in the winter two years in a row now. My size has fluctuated a bit so they look more like a straight leg than a skinny this year but that's ok.
note to self: no ponytail. and work on consistent photo angle.
Fix #4
The 5 Pieces: Green top, elbow-patch sweater, plaid blouse, aztec patterned scarf, and black skinny jeans.
KEPT:The elbow-patch sweater >> I drooled over the sweater as soon as I unwrapped it in this "fix" and I continue to every time I pull it out of my closet. Its super soft, its cozy, and its so dang cute.
note to self: wearing heels for the photos is a win.
Fix #5
The 5 Pieces: Floral tank, black and white maxi dress, white sweater, striped tank, and blue purse. KEPT:The purse >> I had a black purse and a camel colored one in this style but they were retired shortly after purchasing this one. Its been my statement piece and I get compliments on it everywhere I go.
note to self: it can be good to experiment with new camera angles.
Fix #6
The 5 Pieces: Striped sweater, light green blouse, blue maxi dress, crocheted sweater, and leather bag. KEPT: None of the above because of budget that month >> This broke my heart because I adored the maxi dress and I was in love with that purse. Oh my gosh. I mean really.
note to self: when you know your budget is tight, push your "fix" out a month or two.
Fix #7
The 5 Pieces: Fringe purse, wrap dress, black and white tank, striped sweater tank, and dark wash capri pant. KEPT: The wrap dress >> Another amazing piece that gets a lot of use. Its very form-flattering and incredibly comfortable. I dress it down sometimes by putting a nice over-sized sweater over the top so it looks more like a pencil skirt.
note to self: dont skimp on photos -- these are literally the only ones from this "fix".
Fix #8
The 5 Pieces: Denim jacket, patterned tank, red skinny jean, beaded cuff bracelet, and red knit dress. KEPT:The dress >> I'm a sucker for a cute dress. I know this about myself so I try and limit myself. However, this one just brought the little-girl up inside of me. It fit so perfectly. The color was marvelous with my skin tone. The crocheted back made it special. I get a lot of use out of this piece as well as my other Stitch Fix purchases.
note to self: dont settle for iPhone photos when your camera is four steps away.
Every "fix" has been delightful but this one, "fix" #5, this one takes the cake. I wanted to keep every single item in the box. That's never happened before.
Mystree Hobart Sweater >> M
I cant even describe it, I just felt so at home in this item. I probably would never have picked it out for myself but I loved it. The fit was perfection, the style marvelous. $68.00
41Hawthorn Trinidad Chevron Striped Henley Top >> M
The stylists know that Im a sucker for henley top. This was my favorite one for fit and fabric style by far. $48.00
Mystree Andria Maxi Dress >> M
Ive been drooling over Anthro's spring line so when I opened up this maxi dress I did a very happy dance. It was the dress of my dreams! $78.00
Urban Expressions Trevor Woven-Top Hobo Bag >> brown
Seriously, how did they know that hobo bags just like this one are my weakness? $68.00
Honey Punch Wakeman Crochet Open Cardigan >> M
I have a cardigan very similar to this one but I like this one even better than the one I already own. The weight of the crochet is heavier so it falls nice and long. $54.00
There you have it. Hands-down my favorite "fix" yet. When you purchase all five items in your box you get a 25% discount. A really nice perk to falling in love with everything they send.
"Fix" #4 appeared on my doorstep right before the weekend. It put a skip back into my step. Made it feel like delightful things were around any corner even as winter continued to persist and bills started arriving in the mail.
Market & Spruce // Sam Hi-Lo short sleeve tee
size M
Never have I ever tried on a top of this style, though I have seen them on several of you in recent months and have liked them. The jersey-knit fabric of this piece turned me off in the end but had it been a silk or linen piece I would probably have swooned. $44.00
Honey Punch // Layla striped elbow-patch detail cardigan
size M
I was just saying the other day that I wished I had another sweater-like layer that was super cozy but more spiffy than a sweatshirt. How did they know? As simple as the layer is, the pattern is arresting, the soft-knit is luxurious, and the elbow-patches won my heart instantly. I couldnt help myself. $48.00
Octavia // Delta lightweight geo-print infinity scarf
So silky-soft and the print was super boho which is fun. I felt like the colors fought with my skin tone just enough that I wouldnt want to wear them that near my face so had to pass on this piece. $28.00
Honey Punch // Stinson tab-sleeve top
size M
Ive had a few pieces be slightly too small on me in past fixes but this one was a surprise, it was too big. I know the style is intended to be a bit baggy but not as bag-like as it felt on. The colors were very muted but combined with these heels the red popped a bit better. The style of the piece is very like me. A size smaller it would have been more tempting. $54.00
Just Black // Connely skinny jean
size 8
These stunning skinnies had status all on their own! There was a lot of stretch in them which was the only way I was able to button them at the waist -- I have wider hips than these were made for. The length was ideal. I could tell they were just too snug to be practical. This was confirmed when I took them off and I realized the blood circulation had been hindered to my legs in them. Haha! $78.00
Shout out to my chic Target wedges that, I feel, really made each of these outfits. I love that part of Stitch Fix, getting to try on the pieces with the rest of your wardrobe in the comfort of your own home. So convenient, so fun. It hasn't gotten old to get a package of delightful surprises picked out just for me in the mail -- even though Ive had to switch the frequency to every-other month with my current budget. If you still havent taken the plunge and scheduled your first "Fix", you may as well go poke around the website a bit, right? https://www.stitchfix.com/referral
