Author: admin

Valentine’s Day is around the corner and while I don’t have any plans this year, I still think it’s a fun excuse to dress up. This holiday is often criticized as another Hallmark holiday, but I personally think that it’s nice to have a holiday that celebrates the spirit of love.

Whether you’re staying home and practicing a little self-love or celebrating with someone else, here are 5 Valentine’s Day outfit ideas to inspire you to restyle garments that you probably already own.

Outfit 1: Classic LBD

Ahh, the classic little black dress…

I chose a dress that goes past the knees with a keyhole neckline and a lace overlay. The length is modest but the form-fitting cut makes it appropriate for an evening activity like dinner or going to the theater. I kept the look simple with a neutral, albeit darker, makeup look and put my hair into space buns for a fun twist. 

Dress: Lace Bodycon Dress, Arden B, 2016
Shoes: Black Sandals, Steve Madden, 2016

Outfit 2: White Blouse, Black Skirt

This look is a little more casual and would be great for something like grabbing drinks with friends or hanging out at the local bar. It’s likely that you already have a white blouse and black skirt, so this look is super easy to replicate.

I added punk-inspired details by layering fishnet tights underneath and wearing my go-to platform boots. Pigtails make the look a little more playful and red lips add a pop of Valentine’s color.

I styled this blouse by crisscrossing (layering) the edges over each other and then binding the overlap with a belt tucked under the skirt. I felt like this styling technique made the blouse a little more interesting but you can alternatively add interest by wearing your white blouse backward.

Top: White Blouse, Gifted from a photographer who thrifted it, 2019
Bottoms: Lace Black Skirt, Forever 21, High School Days
(Unseen) Belt: #RaidedMomsCloset
Legwear: Fishnet Tights, H&M?
Shoes: Black Platform Boots, Aldo, 2016

Outfit 3: Candy Hearts Fashion!

So…I have this tradition of purchasing a package of those pastel candy hearts and eating them to celebrate Valentine’s Day. I know, I know, they’re really not that tasty (they honestly taste like cardboard) but there’s just something so novel and fun about them that I can’t resist.

This pastel purple and periwinkle combo was inspired by those treats. I layered a shorter dress under a longer skirt, slapped on some blue eyeshadow, and called it a day. This outfit would be great for daytime activities (maybe catching up over coffee or even thrifting) and is overall, very low-maintenance.

Dress: Periwinkle Crushed Velvet Dress, Urban Outfitters, 2016
Skirt: Purple Floral Skirt, #RaidedMomsCloset
Shoes: Black Sandals, Steve Madden, 2016
Earrings: Silver Earrings, Canal Street Markets 2014(?)

Outfit 4: Chilling At Home

Is there anything more appropriate for Valentine’s Day than a slip?

To be honest, I mostly wear sweatpants or leggings when I’m at home, but Valentine’s Day calls for a little self-care and dressing up in something comfy but still sensual is the perfect way to celebrate self-love.

Outfit: Green Slip, H&M (super old)

Outfit 5: Galentines

This casual look is perfect for the low-fuss lady who still wants to celebrate! 

The pink blouse is a subtle nod to Valentine’s Day but still allows for all the functionality required of everyday activities. Whether you’re grabbing brunch with friends or running errands, this easy look is a sure way to bring the spirit of love to everyday activities! (I couldn’t find a top with this but bonus points if your blouse has tiny hearts printed…)

Top: Pink and White Printed Blouse, #RaidedMomsCloset
Bottoms: Distressed Denim Jeans, H&M 2016
Earrings: Editor Hoops, Mejuri 2019

Are you celebrating Valentine’s Day this year? Do you have any go-to outfits for the holiday?

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Last week, we discussed the importance of fabric choice and its relation to sustainability. This week, I wanted to delve more into the world of synthetic fabrics, microplastic (or microfiber) pollution, as well as my thoughts on microfiber catchers such as the Guppy Bag or Cora Ball. 

First off, let’s define a few things:

Synthetic Fabric:

“Synthetic fabrics are fabrics manufactured in factories using chemical synthesis. They’re known as artificial or man-made fabrics. These include nylon, polyester, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and rayon. Synthetic fibers are made by the joining of monomers into polymers, by the process of polymerization.” (Wikipedia)

These fibers are made from petrochemicals (aka crude oil) and are heavily used in the creation of activewear. While synthetic fabrics are sometimes easier to produce than natural fabrics, they pose an issue when it comes to biodegradability, re-use, and plastic pollution. 

Microplastics:

“Microplastics are small plastic pieces less than 5mm (0.2in) long…due to their small size, they are easy to digest and are now the subject of a health review by the World Health Organization.” (Britannica)

When garments made of synthetic fibers are washed, they release tiny particles of plastic-based thread into our waterways, which then enters our food supply, and ends up on our dinner plates (or in our drinking water). It’s estimated that we consume about 5g (a credit card’s worth) of plastics a week (WWF).

The Impact of Plastic Pollution From Fashion

The Impact:

Synthetic textiles are a hugely overlooked contributor to plastic pollution. According to an article published by the IUCN on the Primary Microplastics In The Oceans, between 15%-31% of marine plastic pollution could be from the microplastics released by household and industrial products, rather than larger plastic items that degrade once they’re at sea. Of that, approximately 35% comes from washing synthetic fabrics. 

What We Can Do:

First and foremost, as consumers, we can decrease the amount of synthetic textiles that we purchase. Buy garments made from natural fibers instead and demand that the sustainable/ethical brands that you support act more responsibly by installing better microfiber filters. In your everyday life, you can use a microfiber catcher like the Cora Ball or Guppy Friend with your synthetic garments and a filter microplastics from your drinking water with a carbon block faucet filter.

My Thoughts on Microfiber Catchers:

Microfiber catchers are great but I think the issue with this discussion is that they’re often hailed as the end-all-be-all solution when in reality, they’re nothing more than a bandaid on top of a larger issue. 

Things like the Guppy Friend or Cora Ball trap microplastics from your synthetic garments and prevent them from leaking into the water supply. My problem with this, is that once those fibers build up, they’re disposed of like normal trash. These microplastics then end up in our landfills and through erosion and precipitation, wind up back in our water supply. The microfiber catchers add an additional step in deterring plastic from entering our water/food supply but in the end, they really don’t change anything. 

Instead, we should be moving away from synthetic fibers altogether. We have to rethink the way we manufacture–prioritizing garment end of life disposal, biodegradability, and recyclability as part of product design. We have to consider moving towards circular textile production and think about recyclability at the very beginning of garment production. While this largely weighs on the shoulders of manufacturers, as consumers, we have the power to spend and support companies that are actually enacting change.

What are your thoughts on this? How do you think we should be addressing the (micro)plastic crisis specifically when it comes to the fashion industry? I would love to hear your opinions below!

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When building a sustainable wardrobe, fabric choice is incredibly important. The textile that your garment is made from can be a key indicator of how sustainably or ethically it was produced. We briefly touched on the importance of natural fiber clothing in the How To Tell If A Clothing Brand is Ethical and Sustainable article, but in case you needed a refresher, here’s why natural fiber clothing matters and how to care for individual fabrics.

Why Should You Switch to Natural Fiber Clothing?

Natural fiber clothing tends to have a smaller environmental footprint than synthetically-made garments (with the exception of cotton). They take less energy to produce and can be more easily recycled. Natural fabrics also feel better against the skin, breathe more easily, and are less likely to cause allergic reactions.

Additionally, a lot of consumers choose natural fabrics because the alternative is just too damaging. Not only is synthetic clothing largely created from petroleum, making it more extractive in the first place, but once it’s created, it continues to contribute to plastic pollution.

With each wash, microplastics (small bits of plastic less than 5 mm in length) are released from synthetic fabrics into our waterways and eventually, into our oceans. This negatively impacts marine life, which eventually negatively impacts humans.

Natural fiber clothing, comparatively, does not shed any microplastics and even decomposes faster—leading to less environmental damage in the long run.

Here Are Five of the Most Commonly Seen Natural Fibers in Garment Production and How To Care For Them

So, if you’re ready to make the switch from conventionally-produced synthetic garments to natural fiber clothing, here’s what you should look out for. General disclaimer on caring for garments: always read the tags of each specific garment for proper care and as an environmental rule of thumb, cold-wash always uses less energy!

1. Linen

Linen is derived from the flax plant and is one of the most sustainable materials for garment production. The plant itself is very hardy and requires little water or pesticides to grow well. Linen is highly durable, gets softer with each wash, and dries faster than cotton–making it a popular choice in the summertime. That being said, be cautious of linen that has been treated with chemicals (ether in the process of separating the fibers or in the dyeing/bleaching of the fabric) as this can have an impact on biodegradability as well as sustainability.

How to Care for Linen:

Generally speaking, linen is very low-maintenance (except for the wrinkle factor). You can machine-wash (or hand-wash, if you prefer) the fabric and the general recommendation is to go with a warm or cool setting as linen does have the potential to shrink when washed on a hot temperature.

Avoid using fabric softeners and bleach on linen clothing, even if it is white. When it comes to drying, feel free to machine dry your garments but remember to stick to low temperatures to avoid shrinkage. Air drying is also a fantastic alternative for this fabric choice because saves energy and linen is very quick to dry.

2. Cotton

You’ve probably heard about the impracticality of cotton by now: it’s an extremely thirsty crop that takes a lot of pesticides to grow commercially. However, there are several good reasons why organic cotton is the standard in sustainable fashion.

From the consumer’s perspective, cotton is a versatile, breathable, durable, and easy-to-care-for fabric that is soft and hypoallergenic. It’s easy to dye and can be used for many different purposes. Because consumer demand for it is so high, it’s only natural that brands are going to seek it as one of their primary fabric options.

To purchase this fabric mindfully, always opt for organic cotton from clothing brands that have been accredited by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Cotton also has a long history of labor exploitation and companies with certifications from the Fairtrade Initiative or Better Cotton Initiative could be working to combat that.

How to Care for Cotton:

As you probably already know, cotton really isn’t that fussy. It’s a durable fabric that can withstand many wash cycles. That being said, shrinkage is something that tends to happen with cotton garments. Prevent this from happening by washing your clothes on the cold setting (yay, better for the environment anyway) and air drying. 

3. Hemp

Hemp–such a versatile and sustainable textile! Hemp fabric is made from the cannabis sativa plant (industrial hemp). It is an incredibly sustainable crop that requires very little water and virtually non pesticides to grow. Interestingly enough, hemp is also very gentle on the environment that it grows in and returns 60-70% of the nutrients that it takes from the soil (source). This fabric is very durable, quick to dry, and relatively cheap to produce ethically (it takes fewer resources to maintain).

How to Care for Hemp:

Again, another easy-to-care-for textile! For the most part, hemp can withstand regular laundering. It gets softer with each wash and can handle varying water temperatures well. Because it is highly durable, hemp garments will last longer than your typical cotton or linen garments (yay, sustainability)!

Wash your hemp clothing in cold water and either air-dry (it’s highly porous and will dry quickly) or machine-dry on your normal setting. Dry cleaning is ineffective (washing it would be more useful) and if the fabric is too tough to begin with, you can soften it running it through a few gentle dryer cycles.

4. Silk

Silk is one of the most luxurious fabrics in the world. It is incredibly soft and timelessly elegant–making it a highly sought-after fabric for garments that come in close contact with the skin (pajamas and undergarments, for example). There has been a lot of backlash from animal cruelty adovocates as the process of obtaining silk requires that you kill the silkworm. Ahimsa Silk has been created as a cruelty-free alternative. The technique that they use allows the moths to leave the cocoon before it is boiled and you can read more about it here. 

If you have personally decided that it is ethically okay to wear silk or purchase it secondhand, keep reading for general care instructions!

How to Care for Silk:

Silk is a delicate fabric and is best washed by hand with a mild detergent. Once cleaned, gently squeeze the extra moisture out by rolling it in a towel and hang to dry. Never tumble dry your silk as the high temperature can cause your silks to shrink. Also, when air drying, do not hang your silks in direct sunlight as exposure can cause colors to fade or fibers to get damaged over time.

5. Wool

Wool is a practical fabric to invest in for heavier items like sweaters and coats. It is a natural fabric that if properly cared for, can last you a lifetime (or even longer). There is some concern over whether or not wool is truly a sustainable or ethical textile as it is environmentally costly to raise sheep (trees are cut down and land is cleared) and it can be a challenge to ethically source the fabric.

How to Care for Wool:

Be especially cognizant of the garment label here, but as a general rule of thumb, wool should be hand washed. You can clean your wool with mild detergent and then gently press the excess water out. Wool should be laid flat to dry. Always fold your heavy wool garments to store and keep them in an airtight container away from direct sunlight.

We’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of natural fiber clothing but understanding these five commonly used textiles should give you a basic understanding of how to shop (and care) for sustainable fashion.

Here are a few additional articles to help you get started on your conscious consumer journey:

• 8 organic cotton clothing brands

• 5 online marketplaces for ethical and sustainable fashion

• what is a capsule wardrobe (plus how to build one)

• 20 sustainable fashion resources to consult

• a beginner’s guide to sustainable fashion

8 organic cotton clothing brands

5 online marketplaces for ethical and sustainable fashion

what is a capsule wardrobe (plus how to build one)

20 sustainable fashion resources to consult

a beginner’s guide to sustainable fashion

• Destination Guide

• Slow Travel

• Sustainable Fashion

• Solo Woman Travel

• Taiwan

• Slow Living

• Beginner’s Guide

• Style

• Secondhand Fashion

• Personal

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Happy New Year! One of my goals this year is to purchase fewer than 10 clothing, accessory, and fashion-related items. Yes, thrifting is a wonderful alternative to conventional fast fashion–it reduces waste by giving clothes a second chance at life and is an affordable alternative to sustainable and ethical clothing, but can still contribute to the problem that we have with heavy consumerism in the fashion industry.

Over these past few months, I’ve noticed that rampant consumption is an issue within the sustainable fashion community.

Whether we’re purchasing enormous amounts of new clothing from sustainable brands or burning through hauls of thrifted clothing, rapid overconsumption is a problem.

While there’s nothing inherently wrong with purchasing large amounts of clothing (you as an individual get to choose what your closet and spending habits look like), it does make me wonder if the intention to shop sustainably got muddled somewhere along the journey. Yes, we’re choosing better alternatives but is this amount of consumption really helping us impact the environment in a positive way like we initially set out to do?

While brainstorming exactly how I was going to get set myself up for success with my sustainable fashion goals, I’ve come up with a list of five questions to ask myself before buying:

1. Is this broken beyond repair? 

Are there any tears or stains on the garment? Will I actually set aside time to mend or remove these? Are these defects going to prevent me from actually wearing the garment?

There have definitely been instances where I’ve purchased a secondhand item even after noticing its defects. Minor rips can be repaired and small stains can be hidden but I think the question here is whether or not you love the garment enough to put effort into fixing those issues. After purchasing the piece, you’d have to set aside time to sew up the holes or put effort into hiding the stain every time you style the garment. Will these defects be a barrier to you wearing the garment?

2. Does this piece actually FIT me?

Always, always, ALWAYS try a piece on (if you’re purchasing in person). The cut of a garment and how it falls on your body is one of the things that matters most when deciding whether or not you’ll actually wear a piece of clothing. If it doesn’t fit perfectly initially, is this something that can be changed with a trip to the tailor and will I actually set aside time to do so?

3. What hole does this fill in my wardrobe?

Come on, do you really need another pair of black leggings or another solid t-shirt? Sure, they’re basics but buying similar, albeit slightly different, items really doesn’t serve you. 

4. If this item were $50, $100, or $200, would I still want it?

An especially big contributor to overconsumption while thrifting is that the clothes are sometimes so cheap. Ask yourself, how much is this garment worth to you? It’s currently available at a cheap price, but if it weren’t, would you still want it? Sometimes putting an imaginary price on something helps us really quantify the value that it is to us.

5. Am I actually going to wear it?

This is the big umbrella question that all of the previous questions lead up to. There are so many aspects to consider with this. In all honesty, can I see myself wearing this garment regularly?

One thing that I like to do is to vaguely picture the outfits that I could wear with this piece. If I can come up with five different outfits off the top of my head and am excited about the different combinations, then it’s a pretty safe bet that I’ll wear the piece. 

What do you ask yourself before thrifting a piece of clothing? Have you ever fallen into the trap of overconsumption on your sustainable fashion journey? What do you think about when thrifting goods like household furniture or when thrifting for other people in your household? I’d love to hear!

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Halloween is right around the corner and for me, it’s a marker of the upcoming holiday season. While it’s important to maintain the cheer and joy that comes with the holidays, I think it’s equally important to do so in an eco-friendly manner. So much waste is generated during this time of year so the more we can do to offset that, the better.

Here are 9 tips that I like to keep in mind when preparing for the holiday season!

Halloween

I love Halloween; it’s one of my favorite holidays!

This spooky day is an opportunity to really let your creative energy shine. It allows children to dress up and live out fantasy characters and gives adults a chance to let their imagination run wild. The downside of this holiday is the amount of waste created. Think about all the pieces of plastic wrapping those individual candies or the number of costumes you’ve worn only once and then thrown away because you couldn’t be seen wearing them the next year.

1. Costume Creativity!

Swap out the traditional idea of purchasing a costume specifically made for Halloween and instead, consider creating something from your own closet. That long black dress paired with some dramatic face makeup and a broom could make for a fantastic witch costume.

Another thing that I’ve seen recently is that thrift stores are beginning to carry more and more costumes during this time of year. Mix and match from the pieces that you find and see if you can create something new!

2. Conscious Candy!

When purchasing candy to hand out, consider packing and manufacturing. See if you can buy from brands that support the values you believe in and instead of buying goods covered in plastic, opt for those that use paper or cardboard. Some other options include fruits that are naturally sealed (think tangerines or mini bananas) and non-food items (though many of those are also made with plastic and created to be disposable).

3. Reuse Your Decorations!

This is going to be a theme throughout, but if you commit to purchasing decorations, store them in a safe place and use them year after year.

Thanksgiving

“Americans throw away roughly $165 billion in uneaten food every year…about $293 million of that waste will happen during Thanksgiving–and that’s just for turkey alone.” – Market Watch

Thanksgiving is the time for family, friends, and FOOD. It’s a holiday associated with decadent meals and eating so much that you feel like you’re about to bust. At the same time, so much of that food is trashed. Here are some of my favorite tips for minimizing waste, decreasing environmental impact, and increasing social impact.

4. Buy Locally! 

Create your Thanksgiving spread from as many locally-grown, in-season items as you can. Foods that are grown in your region take less energy to get to your table and are typically denser in nutrients. If you want to take it a step further, challenge yourself by serving as many plant-based dishes (or go entirely vegetarian) to reduce your environmental impact!

5. Cut the Disposables. 

We’ve gotten into this habit of using single-use utensils for large group gatherings and it needs to stop. Instead of using paper plates, plastic utensils, and paper towels, choose to serve dinner on quality dinnerware instead. Sure, disposable items make the clean-up process easier, but it generates so much trash. Setting the table with actual plates and silverware can help set the mood for intimacy and human connection. Enrolling your guests to help with the clean-up can even serve as a bonding activity!

6. Make Use Of Your Leftovers!

Choose to donate your leftovers to local organizations that will accept them or send them home with your guests. You can preemptively ask your friends and family members to bring their own tupperware and divvy up the leftovers afterwards. So much food is wasted every year and we can all be more mindful of how we’re resolving this situation.

Holiday Season

TIS THE SEASON! Joy is in the air and tinsel is everywhere! The holiday season has become synonymous with consumption and that makes it the perfect opportunity to practice your sustainability values. 

7. Buy A Real Tree!

Did you know that a reusable, artificial tree is actually worse for the environment than buying a live tree every year? 

The amount of resources that go into making that fake tree (which typically has a lifespan of 6 years) far outweigh the amount of resources that go into growing a live tree. When purchasing a plant for your living room, buy one that was grown pesticide-free and in a safe way. 

Alternatively, you can buy a living, potted tree that you can move inside for the holiday season and then back out every other day of the year. When your tree comes to its end-of-life, make sure that you’re disposing of it in an eco-friendly way.

8. Give Mindfully.

The amount of waste that comes with gift-giving is ridiculous! Americans spend so much money on unrecyclable wrapping paper only to have it torn off and trashed. This year, push yourself to minimize your environmental impact by wrapping your gifts in recycled and recyclable paper (think newspapers, magazines, etc) or maybe even skipping the wrapping altogether. 

On the topic of gift-giving itself, see if you can thrift or re-gift an item instead of purchasing it new. Another tactic that I’m hoping to implement more of this year is to give experiences instead of material goods. If your loved one has wanted to travel somewhere, see a show, or learn a skill, give them the opportunity to experience that instead.

9. Offset Your Holiday Travels.

In today’s world where travel has gotten so accessible, it’s no surprise that we’re commuting farther and more frequently for our holiday plans. This holiday season, consider carpooling, using public transportation, or even looking into purchasing carbon offsets.

Do you have any go-to tips to make your holiday celebrations more environmentally conscious? Please share them down below!

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Clothing donation is generally thought of as a good thing! Whether it’s because of seasonal changes, annual cleanings, or maybe you’ve just discovered Marie Kondo and have been inspired by her minimalistic mindset, there’s no denying that we’ve all experienced the bulk-closet clean-out. 

The second-hand apparel market was worth $24 billion in 2018 in the U.S. according to ThredUP, so it’s a no-brainer, right? You’re not using that shirt anymore. It’s only lightly worn. Somebody else will definitely rewear it; so you pack it up and drop it off at your local charity shop. Now it’s been cleared out and you feel great about decluttering your closet, but have you ever given a second thought as to where that shirt ends up?

Here are a few ways that your donated clothes might not be doing as much good as you think they are and some tips to consider before your next closet clear-out!

Donated Clothes = Discarded Clothes?!

Because of fast fashion and the large quantities of clothes that we’re producing, the supply of donated used clothing has begun to far outweigh the demand. 

Did you know that only about 20% of clothing donations* sent to charities are actually resold at those shops? The rest of those clothes end up being shipped off to developing nations, recycled into other consumer goods (think rags or home insulation), or even dumped in landfills. We know that textile waste accounts for approximately 5% of all landfill space and it’s been said that one garbage truck of clothing & textiles being landfilled or burned every second.

How much of that is consisted of your thoughtfully donated clothes?

Imported Clothes Impacting Economic Opportunity?!

As previously mentioned, a large amount of our donated clothes are actually being exported to developing nations. These garments often get resold in local second-hand markets and those that don’t sell are likely thrown out. 

Because of the surplus of donated clothes, locals often choose to purchase these cheap second-hand garments rather than the more expensive, locally-produced clothes. This in turn stunts the growth of the local textile industry–an industry that provides hundreds of thousands of jobs, and leads to a decrease in a region’s ability to raise its economic standing, decrease poverty, increase technological development, which ultimately increase quality of life. 

The impact of secondhand clothing on economic development has gotten to be so big that several nations like the EAC have even banned imports of secondhand clothing.

This is a particularly tricky topic when it comes to the intersection of human rights and environmental impact. Ideally, we need to decrease the rate of clothing production in order to reduce carbon emissions and better the environment, but doing so might negatively impact those in developing nations who need the job opportunities. 

So what can you do to reduce the negative impact of your donated clothes?

1. Keep Your Clothes For Longer

I understand the temptation to lump everything into a bag and drop it off at your local charity shop but rather than doing so, see if you can hold on to the garment for a little longer. If something seemingly doesn’t fit your style anymore, see if you can wear the garment in a new and creative way. Instagram is full of style challenges that spark creativity and I’d recommend that as a place for inspiration. You can even DIY or alter your garment to fit your current aesthetic.

2. Try a Clothing Swap or Gift It

If a garment is really not bringing you any more joy, participate in a clothing swap or donate it to your bestie! Keeping it intimate within your community will increase the chances of your clothes finding a happy home (rather than ending up in a landfill). 

3. Be Mindful of What You’re Donating

This goes without saying, but don’t donate any clothes that are dirty, soiled, or ripped. If a component of the garment is broken or missing and can be easily replaced (think buttons, zippers, etc), mend and repair that garment before donating. This will increase the chances that they will be given away or resold.

4. Keep it Local

Donating to local homeless shelters, or battered women’s shelters will cut out the middle-man and increase the chances of your garments actually reaching the people who need it most.

Remember that sustainable fashion is a detailed field with many personal considerations. This is by no means a post discouraging you from donating your clothes, but rather, my hope is simply to interject a little more mindfulness in the action. 

Have you ever thought about the impact that your donated clothes might be having? What are your thoughts on the balance between textile/clothing production’s impact on economic growth versus the environment? Am I missing any other components in this discussion?

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  *please note that the article doesn’t actually cite where the statistic was pulled from

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*please note that the article doesn’t actually cite where the statistic was pulled from

Aaaaaaand that sums up the Sweater challenge! It was my first time hosting an Instagram Style Challenge and I was so excited by the turnout. Thank you to everyone who participated! It was so inspiring to see all of your different outfit combinations! 💖

Here’s a summary of what it entailed, my looks for the week, and an overview of the experience:

Once the cold weather hits, I have a difficult time being creative with my outfits. Sometimes, I feel frumpy when I’m rotating through the same five sweaters for days on end, so I was hoping that this challenge would inspire me (and anyone else who might’ve been interested in participating) to style sweaters creatively.

Prompts:

Day 1: All-Time Favorite Sweater

Day 2: Turtleneck Sweater/Sweater Dress

Day 3: Forgotten-About Sweater

Day 4: Statement Sweater

Day 5: My Oldest Sweater

Day 6: Ugly Sweater

Day 7: Wildcard

Day 1: All-Time Favorite Sweater – Black & White Graphic Sweater

My favorite sweater of all time is this black and white sweater! It was gifted to me by my preceptors at a high school that I was working at during my senior year in college. It’s the perfect thickness for chilly fall evenings and the simple black and white graphic lettering pairs well with anything!

Cambridge Rindge & Latin Sweater, gifted by preceptors, 2015
Lace black skirt, Forever 21, high school days

Day 2: Turtleneck Sweater/Sweater Dress – Black Turtleneck Sweater

You can’t go wrong with a black turtleneck sweater! I kept the format of this outfit simple with a black top, navy slacks, and black boots, but decided to spice things up by adding fishnet tights to the look!

Black turtleneck cropped sweater, H&M 2016(?)
Navy slacks, Gap 2016
Fishnet tights, H&M(?) not sure when
Black platform boots, Aldo 2016

Day 3: Forgotten-About Sweater – Mint Monochrome

I decided to brighten up the fall outfits by going monochrome in sea-green/mint! This forgotten sweater was literally pulled out of a box in the basement. I think it’s my sister’s but can’t be completely sure…

Sea green sweater, Borrowed From Sister(?)
Lace bodycon dress, H&M 2014

Day 4: Statement Sweater – Stripes for Days

Honestly, I feel like sweaters are pretty casual by default so coming up with a statement sweater was a CHALLENGE. This top was stolen from my mom’s closet and I thought that emphasizing the stripe pattern would make this seem more dramatic than it actually is.

Striped red, black, and white sweater, Raided Mom’s Closet
Black and white striped skirt, Topshop 2016

Day 5: My Oldest Sweater – Tan Sweater

Apparently I have an issue with boundaries because I frequently borrow items and end up never returning them. 🙈 This sweater was borrowed from a friend way back in 2012 and I’ve worn it every single winter since.

Tan sweater, Croft & Barrow, borrowed from a friend in 2012
Blue jeans, H&M 2016

Day 6: Ugly Sweater – Bedazzled Purple Sweater

Remember when rhinestones and bedazzled clothes were a thing? Well, this sweater is a major throwback. Honestly, I tried my best to make it work but I’m still not completely convinced…

Bedazzled purple sweater, Raided Mom’s Closet
Floral bird of paradise dress, H&M 2016

Day 7: Wildcard – Two of a Kind?

Apparently my mom loved the style of this sweater so much that she bought the exact same sweater in different colors. This is my wildcard interpretation. Since it’s basically the same sweater, it counts as a two-for-one, right?

Red & Green Knit Sweaters, Raided Mom’s Closet
Black Skirt, Topshop 2016

The Community

One of the best parts of this challenge was the engagement within the community. I genuinely loved seeing how other people paired their sweaters and was so inspired to be more creative with my looks. Below are some of my favorites.

(all photo credits belong to the rightful individual)

Overall, I learned that sweaters are extremely versatile and actually very easy to pair with garments other than jeans and boots. I surprisingly loved colorful sweaters much more than neutral sweaters and will do a better job of incorporating them into my closet.

Did you participate? What did you learn? If you didn’t join this time, would you consider it in the future?

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It’s Spooktober! The leaves are turning orange, the days are getting colder, and all I want to do is stay in bed and cuddle. From apple picking, to getting dressed up for Halloween, there are endless fall festivities that you can participate in! Regardless of what your plans are for the upcoming months, here are 9 looks that will hopefully inspire you to style creatively while still keeping warm!

Note: I’ve chosen to omit sweaters in this lookbook because I’m leading a sweater challenge this coming week and am excited to share my collection through that! Please email me if you’d like to join in on this fun challenge!

Outfit 1: Forest Fay

I’m starting off with a transitional outfit that restyles one of my summer favorites in an autumn-appropriate way. I wore this emerald green slit skirt all throughout summer and am determined to continue to wear it into fall! Adding a long-sleeved shirt on top adds warmth and balances out the high slit of the skirt. Fishnet tights with black platform boots add interest in a dark, witchy way.

Top: Black, cropped long-sleeve top, H&M, 2016(?)
Bottoms: Emerald green slit skirt, Forever 21, 2016(?)
Tights: Black tights, H&M, 2017(?)
Shoes: Black platform boots, Aldo, 2016

Outfit 2: Cardigans are a Girl’s Best Friend

Fall means that it’s time to whip out those cardigans! Honestly, I’m not the biggest fan of the garment but I’ll make an exception for this one grandma cardigan. This loose-knit, muted sea-green cardigan is the perfect cozy layer for chilly evenings. I’ve paired it with a bright orange crop, black leggings, black boots, and a black hat for another summer-to-fall transitional look. 

Outerwear: Muted sea-green grandma cardigan, Urban Outfitters 2016
Top: Bright orange crop, Forever 21, 2014-2016(?)
Bottoms: Black leggings, Forever 21, 2016
Shoes: Black Platform Boots, Aldo, 2016
Hat: Black Floppy Hat, Forever 21, 2012

Outfit 3: Fall Florals

Rewearing another of my summer favorites! I thrifted this floral skirt when I was still living in Boston and it’s definitely one of my favorite purchases. I layered it on top of a shimmery dress, and paired it with a black turtleneck and black boots. Fun fact, that white-gold dress was my college graduation dress!

I love sustainable fashion is that it pushes you to continuously style old garments in new and creative ways. I don’t think I’ve ever put this specific look together and yet it’s one of my favorites of all time!

Top: Black, cropped long-sleeve top, H&M, 2016(?)
Dress: Silver-gold shimmer dress, Alice & Olivia, 2015
Skirt: Floral skirt, Goodwill Boston, 2014
Shoes: Black platform boots, Aldo, 2016

Outit 4: Comfy-Casual

My usual day consists of teaching yoga as well as settling down at a cafe to do work remotely, so this is one of my go-to looks. A button-down top is an easy swap for that sweaty tank you wore in class and a thick scarf makes for the perfect accessory to keep warm as the weather begins to drop.

Top: Sea-green button-down shirt, Express, 2018
Bottom: Blue leggings made with recycled plastics, Lole 2019
Scarf: Black scarf, Zara, 2016
Shoes: Black platform boots, Aldo, 2016

Outfit 5: Punk it up!

Guess what? I finally got around to thrifting that leather jacket! I found this lightly-used, secondhand Zara layer at a Crossroads Trading Co in NY. I got super excited when I found this and unfortunately didn’t notice that the pockets were much too small to actually hold anything but regardless, I love the jacket and will be wearing it a bunch this season.

A leather jacket adds automatic edge to any outfit and I took this as an opportunity to layer it over an otherwise very soft, striped, summer dress. Fishnet and tights to complete the look, as always. 

Jacket: Black leather jacket, Thrifted, 2019
Dress: Striped green & grey summer dress, Marshalls, 2013
Tights: Black tights, H&M, 2017(?)
Shoes: Black platform boots, Aldo, 2016

Outfit 6: Fall Florals

I’m really into fall florals this season I layered this bright yellow dress on top of a polka-dot brown skirt for a darker take on a classic summer dress. I took this styling tip from @_sarahchuck on Instagram and it’s safe to say that I’ll be using it much more frequently. 

Jacket: Black trench coat, Raided Mom’s Closet
Dress: Yellow floral wrap dress, H&M, 2018
Skirt: Brown polka dot skirt, Raided Mom’s Closet
Shoes: Black platform boots, Aldo, 2016

Outfit 7: Greyscale

Bring out the work-appropriate outfits! Just kidding, I hate business wear but this is one look that I would actually wear outside of the workplace! Stripes on stripes on stripes! This is a triple-striped outfit! Keeping everything within a similar color family as well as similar pattern makes for an easy (but still interesting) outfit combination.

Jacket: Black striped blazer, Raided Mom’s Closet
Top: Grey striped top, Zara 2015
Skirt: Black and white striped skirt, Topshop, 2016
Shoes: Black platform boots, Aldo, 2016

Outfit 8: Dark Romance

This outfit is really similar in composition to the outfit 5: dress + outerwear + tights + boots. I just swapped everything out for a purple garment and changed the textures up a bit. This crushed velvet dress is ultra romantic and pairing it with my mom’s work blazer added some structure to the look. Again, fishnet tights and platform boots because they’re definitely my go-tos for this season. 

Jacket: Dark purple blazer, Raided Mom’s Closet
Dress: Crushed velvet periwinkle dress, Urban Outfitters, 2016
Tights: Black tights, H&M, 2017(?)
Shoes: Black platform boots, Aldo, 2016

Outfit 9: 90s Throwback

I’m bringing back retro with mom’s plaid overcoat and turtleneck tee! This look is a mix of streetwear and vintage styles and will keep you cozy all the way into late November. 

Jacket: Plaid overcoat, Raided Mom’s Closet
Top: Yellow turtleneck tee, Raided Mom’s Closet
Bottoms: Black harem pants, H&M 2012
Shoes: Black platform boots, Aldo, 2016

There you have it! Which of these looks did you like best? Are there any styling tips that you’re looking forward to trying this season? I’d love to hear from you!

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Navigating the world of ethical and sustainable fashion can be tricky. Not only are there a million factors to consider when deciding whether a brand fits within your specific set of values, but the increased presence of greenwashing and influx of “sustainable” brands have made it more and more difficult to identify authentic companies.

Ultimately, we should buy less to make the biggest environmental impact,. The first step in sustainable fashion is to reduce consumption and wear what you own. Secondly, explore secondhand shopping or swapping alternatives so that your money isn’t going towards the production of new clothes.

Of course, there are instances where shopping second-hand isn’t ideal. For example, I’m personally not comfortable with buying previously owned undergarments, swimwear, or shoes. There are plenty of people who choose to make those purchases, and it’s definitely possible to do hygienically; I’m just not at that point in my sustainable fashion journey yet.

If secondhand shopping or swapping aren’t viable alternatives for what you’re looking for, the best option is to buy from sustainable and ethical brands.

But how do you know which brands are truly sustainable and ethical in practice?

Keep reading for the ultimate guide to figuring out whether or not a company actually practices what they preach.

What Does Their About Page Say?

You’re on the website anyway. Take an extra five minutes to scour their about page for details on sustainability and ethical practices. Websites are set up so that consumers automatically go into shopping mode, but before you even start to look at their clothes, swing by the about section and take a quick scan of what’s there. You’d be surprised by the amount of information (or lack of information) a company provides. 

What to look for:

Transparency

An ethical and sustainable business will have their production details listed. They’re proud to inform their consumers of how their clothes are made and by whom. Search for impact reports and information about the factories they use.

Ethical Labels

Fair Trade International & B-Corp Certifications take a company’s environmental, social, and economic impact into consideration and can be a good indicator that the company legitimately follows through on what they say they do. For a B-Corp certified business, you can even search the B-Corp directory and look into the specifics on how that company compares in relation to its competitors.

Corporate Social Responsibility Policies

Most large fashion companies will practice some type of corporate social responsibility. These policies tell you which guidelines they follow and what their goals are on achieving more environmentally-friendly or ethical production practices. 

Note: Many companies tend to emphasize the good and skim over the bad. Review these policies closely and keep your eye out for signs of a marketing ploy. Careful reading can give you a better understanding of the things they’re doing well, as well as areas that these corporations can improve on, so that you can further discern whether or not their brand matches your values.

What If There’s No Information?

I hate to break it to you, but if that information isn’t there, it’s likely because the brand is greenwashed. If you’re seriously in love with their products, take the time to shoot them an email. Fashion Revolution has an excellent pre-drafted template that you can use for your questions. 

What materials are they using and where are they sourced?

There’s no doubt that different fabrics affect the environment differently. Even if a company is ethical in production and abides by sustainable guidelines, the raw materials that they choose to use (and you choose to wear) can have an impact on the carbon footprint of that garment.

What to Look For:

Fabric Source/Fabric Description

After you’ve reviewed the company’s ethical guidelines, double check on where the fabric was sourced or knitted. Make sure that the production process is ethical and sustainable from the very beginning of the process (the growing and picking of the crop), to the very end (when the design is put together and shipped to the consumer). Make sure that the company is completely transparent throughout the entire process to ensure that your product is as ethical and sustainable as it can get.

Natural vs Synthetic

There are a lot of nuances in the different fibers that we can make our clothes with.

Natural fabrics like linen, hemp, silk, or even bamboo typically take less energy to produce (though the processing  of bamboo actually uses a lot of energy), and can be more easily reused in a cyclical fashion. These fabrics feel better on the skin and are great for everyday garments like t-shirts, undergarments, socks, etc.

Synthetic fabrics, alternatively, are designed for longer wear but take centuries to break down (or do not disintegrate at all). If you’re purchasing a garment that might be subject to lots of physical trauma (workout gear, for example), the man-made fibers might actually help your garment last longer and in turn produce less waste.

Okay, great…but it gets more complicated. Certain crops (cotton, notoriously) can take more resources and pesticides to grow, and synthetic fabrics have the capability to continuously shed microplastics into our water. Are clothes made from recycled plastics even a good thing? There are hundreds of small considerations when you sit down to weigh the differences between textiles. Ultimately, fabric choices whittles down to where your personal values lie and it’s up to you as a consumer to figure out which textiles best serve you.

Dye/Color Process

The runoff from toxic dyes can be hugely impactful on the environment and communities within close vicinity of the textile factories. (Check out these articles here, here, and here.)

When you’re looking at the composition of your garment, consider buying from companies that use natural dyes or at least check that their factories abide by proper disposal mechanisms. Certifications like the GOTS certification or the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification can be easy identifiers on whether or not you should purchase from a specific brand.

Vegan/Animal-Friendly

Another tricky topic…

When talking about ethical and sustainable fashion, animal rights are bound to get involved. What is considered ethical and for whom? Do animal rights matter just as much as human rights? 

Materials like wool, leather, silk, and fur are not vegan and can be pretty unsustainable in production. At the same time, however, what about the environmental tradeoff that comes with creating vegan alternatives made from unrecyclable plastics?

Again, you get to decide on whether or not using animal-based products is something that you’re personally okay with. 

Shop Locally

Before you buy something from halfway across the world, check out your local options! There might be a company that’s ethically making sustainably-sourced clothing right in your city. Buying within a smaller geographical radius can decrease the carbon emissions associated with transport.

It’s helpful to start looking for clothing made right here in the US, but that doesn’t have to be the end-all-be-all solution. Clothing sourced and made in one location (regardless of where it is) will have a smaller carbon footprint than clothing made with components from various different regions.

While it isn’t necessarily an indicator of poor ethics, garments made in developing nations can be associated with fast fashion. Many brands will outsource labor overseas and pay their workers unlivable wages. This should be a red flag and an indicator to do further research.

Longevity and Apparel Care

I strongly believe that circularity is something that most industries (including the fashion industry) should strive for.

Ethical and sustainable brands know that to be truly effective, it’s not just about how the garment is produced, but about how it’s treated throughout the course of its lifespan, as well as how it’s handled at end-of-life. 

A good sign to watch out for is whether or not a brand encourages its consumers to properly clean, maintain, and repair their garments. Some businesses will additionally collect well-worn products and partner with other companies to recycle and reuse them in future production (though this can also be a greenwashing tactic so tread carefully around this tip). 

Resources

These tips and tricks will take you a long way, but sometimes we need a hand. Luckily, there are plenty of directories, tools, and shopping marketplaces that have done the heavy lifting for us. Here are my top five (in no particular order).

1. Good On You:

Good On You is probably one of the most well-known ethical and sustainable fashion apps. It first became popular in Australia and recently expanded to the US. Their rating system is independently determined and considers three components: planet, people, and animals. They believe that fashion brands have a responsibility and should be transparent about their impact. Good On You’s app is easy to use and research (from what I’ve seen) is thoroughly conducted. That being said, some brands may be difficult to find because they were created for an Australian audience.

2. Done Good:

Done Good is another sustainable fashion app. Touted the “amazon of social good,” Done Good helps you filter through brands and find ones that align with your values. It was initially developed as a Chrome extension and even operates as a marketplace for all things that relate to social goodness. Done Good streamlines the shopping process and allows you to keep all of your products in one area.

3. Ethica:

Ethica is an online marketplace that offers a selection of over 80 brands. It’s similar to Done Good and specifically streamlines the shopping experience. They sort brands into categories and allow you to filter through based on personal values.

4. Fashion Revolution:

Fashion Revolution is a not-for-profit global movement with teams in over 100 countries around the world. They’re one of the biggest educators, motivators, and inspirations in this movement and provide an abundance of resources for education. 

5. Kent State UniversitY:

For all of my research nerds out there, Kent State University provides an extensive list of additional resources that you can refer to. From categories ranging from textiles, to consumer resources, Kent State’s directory has a resource for the specific category you want to learn more about.

I hope these tips will help you filter through all the noise in the sustainable fashion industry. Remember that living sustainably looks different for every single person and your values may vary a lot from the values of the next person. Do your best to get educated and make your decisions from there. If you accidentally mess up and buy something fast fashion, try not to beat yourself up over it. Treat yourself with compassion, wear the garment for a long time, and move forward from there.

What are some tips that you’ve found helpful in identifying truly sustainable and ethical brands?

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  (last updated 9/29/19)

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(last updated 9/29/19)

Over the past two weeks, I participated in the last two Instagram challenges of the summer: @thevillagelook’s #BasicallyUnworn10x10 Challenge and @littlealotamy’s #NoMakeup #Littlealotbeauty Challenge. 

Challenge Details:

The Basically Unworn 10×10 Challenge:

The Basically Unworn 10×10 Challenge was an adaptation of Style Bee’s original 10×10 Challenge and targeted clothes that you hadn’t worn all summer long. The idea was simple: pick 10 items from your summer wardrobe that were “basically unworn” and style 10 different outfits over the course of 10 days! This challenge allowed me to take a deeper look at why I wasn’t wearing certain garments anymore, as well as style individual pieces that I had accidentally forgotten about (😬). 

Little A Lot Beauty’s No Makeup Challenge:

Amy’s No Makeup challenge ran from Aug 26 – Aug 30 and was created to promote natural beauty. On Instagram, where images are perfectly styled and curated, it’s easy to feel like we need to hide our imperfections. The Littlealotbeauty challenge was a breath of fresh air and a welcome reminder to love ourselves as we are.

Because the challenges overlapped, I’ll be sharing the outfit images with my bare face and then reflecting on my overall thoughts on both challenges afterwards.

What I Wore:

The 10 pieces that I chose were:

• Halter-Neck Bird of Paradise Floral Print Dress | H&M 2016⁣

• Long-Sleeve Chambray Top | H&M 2016

• Long-Sleeve Green “Positivity” Crop Top | H&M 2016

• White “LA” Cropped Muscle Tank | Stolen From a Friend 2016

• Long-Sleeve Grey Adidas Crop Top | Thrifted 2016

• Green Jeans | H&M 2018

• Coral Strappy Crop Top | Forever 21 2014-2016(?)

• Faux Leather Skirt | Forever 21 2011

• Light Blue Denim Shorts | H&M 2016

• White Long-Sleeve Button-Down Shirt | H&M 2014

Halter-Neck Bird of Paradise Floral Print Dress | H&M 2016⁣

Long-Sleeve Chambray Top | H&M 2016

Long-Sleeve Green “Positivity” Crop Top | H&M 2016

White “LA” Cropped Muscle Tank | Stolen From a Friend 2016

Long-Sleeve Grey Adidas Crop Top | Thrifted 2016

Green Jeans | H&M 2018

Coral Strappy Crop Top | Forever 21 2014-2016(?)

Faux Leather Skirt | Forever 21 2011

Light Blue Denim Shorts | H&M 2016

White Long-Sleeve Button-Down Shirt | H&M 2014

What I Learned:

The Basically Unworn 10×10 Challenge

This challenge made me realize that emotional attachments play a big part in my wardrobe decisions. I thought I had done a thorough job of clearing out pieces that were no longer serving me, but NOPE, this challenge was a wake-up call. 

On Outgrowing Clothes:

One theme that kept coming up was that I was holding on to garments because they represented a component of my previous identity. 

For example, I realized that I wasn’t wearing the crop tops anymore because they no longer fit with my style. I originally bought them for dance class (I was dancing regularly in 2016) and a part of me wanted to hold on to them because dance (and street culture) was such a big part of my identity. 

Similarly, while I genuinely love that leather skirt, during this challenge, I realized that I hadn’t worn it in ages because I no longer felt comfortable wearing short skirts. I recognized that I was no longer willing to trade comfort for looking fashionable. 

This challenge was a reminder to give myself grace in growing. We’re constantly changing as people. Our bodies change; our styles change; and that’s okay. You’re going to outgrow some clothes and when it’s time, it’s okay to let them go.

Style Creatively:

The best thing about this challenge was that it gave me an opportunity to see and style clothes differently. I was able to layer the crop tops over the dress to create an outfit that felt comfortable but still cute. 👌🏻 During this challenge, I also fell in love with that halter neck dress! When I first bought it, I knew I would wear it often, but prior to this challenge, I had always worn it simply as a dress. It’s so much more versatile than I imagined it to be!

Again, a huge thank you to The Village Look for hosting this challenge. If you haven’t done a 10×10 or 30×30 challenge yet, I highly recommend it. It gives you an opportunity to style clothes differently and also takes your mind off choosing garments for a few days. For more on 10×10 challenges, check out my previous looks for the Spring 10×10 2019 challenge here!

Little A Lot Beauty’s No Makeup Challenge:

I’ve somewhat shared this on Instagram, but honestly, I felt like a fraud when participating in this challenge. 😞 I’ve been going makeup-free for basically two years now, so this challenge wasn’t a huge stretch for me.

I never struggled with skin issues and makeup for me was never a means to feel more beautiful. It was simply another tool for self-expression and creativity (much like style). 

That being said, I’m grateful that Amy hosted this no makeup challenge and am so proud of all the people who pushed themselves to be vulnerable during those five days. Redefining beauty and questioning why we behave the way we do is such an important conversation to have. To be able to show a bare face on a visual and open platform like Instagram when you’re accustomed to wearing makeup everyday requires a lot of courage and I’m so proud to be part of such a brave community.

Did you participate in either of these challenges? What were your biggest takeaways? 

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