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  • How To Make Your Clothes Last Longer

    So now that we’ve addressed what sustainable fashion is, why it matters, and how you can get started, let’s talk about your current closet. Overall, three key points to adopting a more sustainable wardrobe include consuming less, taking better care of your existing clothes, and shopping sustainably.

    Have you ever given any thought as to how you were taking care of your clothes?

    How you launder, store, and care for your clothes can have a significant impact on keeping them looking good (and wearing well). Ready? This is a beginner’s guide to making your clothes last longer.

    Part 1: Laundering

    We have to wash our clothes. There’s no way around it. We’re living organisms that produce sweat and carry bacteria; in order to pass in today’s society, as well as for health and hygiene standards, keeping clean is a huge part of our everyday lives.

    That being said, not every single garment needs to be washed after every single wear. Think about what your clothes through every time you put them through a wash cycle–the physical trauma, the potential for fading, the loss of elasticity, the changes in shape…the first rule to laundering is to wash less. 

    1. Wash Less:

    Being mindful of how often you’re washing a piece of clothing can extend its life as well as conserve precious resources (water and electricity). Unless something is visibly dirty or you can catch a whiff of it, challenge yourself to wear your garments at least three times before tossing them in the laundry.

    • Another way to think about it is to keep this helpful guide handy unless you become familiar with how often garments should be washed (originally sourced from buzzfeed)

    • This of course doesn’t apply to garments that are worn close to the body like intimates or socks

    Another way to think about it is to keep this helpful guide handy unless you become familiar with how often garments should be washed (originally sourced from buzzfeed)

    This of course doesn’t apply to garments that are worn close to the body like intimates or socks

    2. Read Labels and Be Mindful of Material:

    Each garment usually comes with a small tag with instructions on how it should be cared for. As we were taught in elementary school, please read the instructions before taking action. 😜

    • Get familiar with different fabrics and how they like to be treated. I have a guide on this coming out shortly, but for the time being, you can reference DIY Network’s article for more information.

    Get familiar with different fabrics and how they like to be treated. I have a guide on this coming out shortly, but for the time being, you can reference DIY Network’s article for more information.

    3. Implement Best Laundering Practices:

    Follow these general guidelines for best laundering practices.

    • Separate your clothes. Put your intimates in a delicates bag (or use an old pillow-case) and use a guppy bag for items that contain synthetic fibers to help prevent microplastic pollution. 

    • Use the right laundry setting for your load size. It doesn’t make sense to set the washer to the full load size if you’re only washing a couple of garments.

    • Use less detergent (cheat by using half of the usual amount and adding ½ cup of baking soda), swap for a green detergent (just be mindful of greenwashing), or use a completely natural alternative. 

    • Use cold water when possible to conserve energy and prevent potential shrinkage. Keep in mind that you should always use hot water when washing intimates so that pathogens are destroyed. 

    • Always button your buttons and zip your zippers to prevent snagging. 

    • Turn jeans, dark garments, and printed t-shirts inside out to preserve color and prevent cracking.

    Separate your clothes. Put your intimates in a delicates bag (or use an old pillow-case) and use a guppy bag for items that contain synthetic fibers to help prevent microplastic pollution. 

    Use the right laundry setting for your load size. It doesn’t make sense to set the washer to the full load size if you’re only washing a couple of garments.

    Use less detergent (cheat by using half of the usual amount and adding ½ cup of baking soda), swap for a green detergent (just be mindful of greenwashing), or use a completely natural alternative. 

    Use cold water when possible to conserve energy and prevent potential shrinkage. Keep in mind that you should always use hot water when washing intimates so that pathogens are destroyed. 

    Always button your buttons and zip your zippers to prevent snagging. 

    Turn jeans, dark garments, and printed t-shirts inside out to preserve color and prevent cracking.

    4. Air Dry Often:

    Air drying saves energy and prevents shrinkage or any other heat-related wear on your clothes.

    • Use a clothing line or clothing rack (if you’re like me and have limited space) to air dry.

    • Intimates and active-wear are particularly sensitive to drying machines. The heat is known to break down elasticity so always air dry these garments to prevent unwanted stretching.

    • If you DO have to use the dryer, here’s how to choose the right dryer cycle.

    Use a clothing line or clothing rack (if you’re like me and have limited space) to air dry.

    Intimates and active-wear are particularly sensitive to drying machines. The heat is known to break down elasticity so always air dry these garments to prevent unwanted stretching.

    If you DO have to use the dryer, here’s how to choose the right dryer cycle.

    Part 2: Storage

    Now that your clothes are nice and clean, this is how you should store them so that they don’t experience any trauma while in your closet. 😢

    1. Store In A Cool & Dry Environment:

    A general rule of thumb is to keep your clothes in a cool and dry environment away from pests and bacteria.

    • Avoid cramming clothes into tight spaces as the rubbing between garments can lead to wrinkling or color fading. 

    • Keep garments out of damp places like your basement or your bathroom to prevent the growth of mildew.

    • Store clothes in shaded areas to prevent fading from over-exposure to light.

    Avoid cramming clothes into tight spaces as the rubbing between garments can lead to wrinkling or color fading. 

    Keep garments out of damp places like your basement or your bathroom to prevent the growth of mildew.

    Store clothes in shaded areas to prevent fading from over-exposure to light.

    2. Implement Best Storage Practices:

    Follow these general guidelines for best storage practices.

    • Buy better hangers. Plastic and wire hangers are cheap and will stretch out the shoulders of your garments. Wooden hangers are a great alternative that will last longer and prevent snagging.

    • Fold heavy sweaters and store them on the shelf. This one was a game changer for me! Store heavy garments on shelves because if you hang them, the fabric will start to stretch and by the time winter rolls around again, you’ll have a way-too-large sweater.

    • Prevent clothing moths from making holes in your clothes by storing them with a small block of cedarwood or spraying them with lavender. If you find a beautiful vintage garment but are worried about potential moth larvae, stash the garment in a bag and stick it in the freezer for a few days to kill any eggs or larvae. Additionally, store expensive items in cotton suit bagsteo prevent moth damage!

    • Again, button all your buttons and zipper all your zippers! 

    • If you rotate through your clothes, store them in tightly sealed plastic containers.

    Buy better hangers. Plastic and wire hangers are cheap and will stretch out the shoulders of your garments. Wooden hangers are a great alternative that will last longer and prevent snagging.

    Fold heavy sweaters and store them on the shelf. This one was a game changer for me! Store heavy garments on shelves because if you hang them, the fabric will start to stretch and by the time winter rolls around again, you’ll have a way-too-large sweater.

    Prevent clothing moths from making holes in your clothes by storing them with a small block of cedarwood or spraying them with lavender. If you find a beautiful vintage garment but are worried about potential moth larvae, stash the garment in a bag and stick it in the freezer for a few days to kill any eggs or larvae. Additionally, store expensive items in cotton suit bagsteo prevent moth damage!

    Again, button all your buttons and zipper all your zippers! 

    If you rotate through your clothes, store them in tightly sealed plastic containers.

    Part 3: Care Techniques

    Laundering and storing your garments properly will do wonders in keeping your clothes looking good, but what about the in-between moments? Here are a few additional tips that you can incorporate day-to-day so that you increase the overall lifespan of your garments.

    1. Stain Removal:

    Stains are the bane of my existence! I know, I know, we’re all human and life gets messy, but if a stain were to never appear on my clothes again, you wouldn’t find me complaining…

    • Carry a stain removal pen. The sooner you address a stain, the more effective the treatment will be.

    • Reference this for the ultimate stain removal guide. They’ve literally got different stain-causing elements and treatments sorted a to z. 

    Carry a stain removal pen. The sooner you address a stain, the more effective the treatment will be.

    Reference this for the ultimate stain removal guide. They’ve literally got different stain-causing elements and treatments sorted a to z. 

    2. Learn Basic Mending:

    Basic sewing skills can help to elongate the lifespan of your garments. Rather than throwing your garments to the side when a button falls off or a small tear occurs, you can make a simple repair and it’ll look good as new!

    • Youtube is a great resource for basic techniques. Additionally, you can make learning this skill a social event by attending local classes if they’re available in your area!

    • When in doubt, take your clothes to a tailor or a cobbler. They can help with more complicated altercations such as getting zippers replaced, seams fixed, and taking fabrics in and out.

    Youtube is a great resource for basic techniques. Additionally, you can make learning this skill a social event by attending local classes if they’re available in your area!

    When in doubt, take your clothes to a tailor or a cobbler. They can help with more complicated altercations such as getting zippers replaced, seams fixed, and taking fabrics in and out.

    3. Clean Between Wears

    If your clothes are starting to smell a little between wears, spray them with a quick refresher of vodka and water! Think of this as dry shampoo for your clothes. The yoga studio I go to actually uses this to treat the aerial silks and believe me, those get pretty sweaty after classes.

    • Use three parts vodka and two parts water if something is aggressively stinky or inverse the ratio if the scent is only slightly musky.

    Use three parts vodka and two parts water if something is aggressively stinky or inverse the ratio if the scent is only slightly musky.

    4. Take Care Of Your Shoes

    We haven’t talked about them at all, but using treatments on your shoes can extend their lifespans by quite a bit! 

    • Look after the leather of your shoes. Make sure to gently wash the grime off every few weeks and apply leather conditioner so that your shoes can maintain their pliability for longer.

    • Beeswax is a fantastic natural means to waterproof fabric shoes.

    • Stuff newspaper or packing paper into your shoes to help them keep their shape.

    Look after the leather of your shoes. Make sure to gently wash the grime off every few weeks and apply leather conditioner so that your shoes can maintain their pliability for longer.

    Beeswax is a fantastic natural means to waterproof fabric shoes.

    Stuff newspaper or packing paper into your shoes to help them keep their shape.

    5. Use a Dye Bath To Maintain Color

    This is relatively straightforward, but if your colorful garments are fading and you’re not ready to part with them, bring them back to life with a dye bath! 

    • The only pointer I have to offer is to please be mindful and use natural and non-toxic dyes.

    The only pointer I have to offer is to please be mindful and use natural and non-toxic dyes.

    I hope this guide was useful in giving you a starting point to make your clothes last longer. Increasing clothing wear decreases overall textile waste and in turn, makes a positive impact on our environment. 

    One final point I’d like to make as a tangent, is that as you’re building your sustainable wardrobe, be mindful of the clothes that you’re purchasing. High quality, natural-fiber clothes is a great choice for the environment and can help make the maintenance/care for these new garments easier.

    Which tip did you find most helpful? Do you have any questions or tricks that you’d like to share? I’d love to learn more!

    • G

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  • Color My Closet: A Summer 2019 Outfit Challenge

    I can’t believe it’s almost been a week since the summer 2019 Color My Closet wardrobe challenge ended. I’m still reeling from all the color!

    This challenge was created by Chloe & Clothes in the dead of winter last year to inspire more color in a sea of neutrals. It’s a simple challenge–wear the color of the day and share your outfit on Instagram or Instagram Stories with the hashtag #colormycloset.

    I have to say, before this challenge, I had no idea how limited in color my closet was. I knew that I had a lot of black clothes, but I thought I’d at least have one cute item in each color. This was unfortunately not the case, and in order to get by, the majority of my looks were borrowed from family members. 

    Here’s what I came up with…

    Day 1: Pink – Graphic pink tee with a striped black and white skirt.

    I styled this shirt by tying it up in the center. I saw a video of October using this styling technique and it looked so cool that I had to try it for myself. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out so well with this particular shirt. Retrospectively, I should’ve found a shirt that was more form-fitting so that the shape would hold without any drooping. In the end, I got frustrated with fiddling with it and just wore the look with the shirt tucked in.

    Pink Tee, Raided Mom’s Closet

    Black and White Striped Skirt, Topshop from 2016

    Day 2: Red – Red cardigan with white shorts and black booties.

    This is a super simple look with a red cardigan worn as a top, white distressed denim shorts, and black booties. This look made me realize the power of red. Although it’s an easy outfit, because the color is so vibrant, the outfit still says a lot.

    Red Cardigan, Raided Mom’s Closet⁣

    Distressed White Shorts, Forever 21 from 2012 

    Day 3: Orange – Orange polka dot blouse and an emerald green slit skirt.

    I was so proud of this outfit! 🎉 Orange was really hard. Nobody in my household really owns orange so after much digging, I finally found this polka dot shirt. Again, I styled it by tying the center up and paired it with an emerald green dress for a peas and carrots-inspired look.

    Orange Polka Dot Blouse, Raided Mom’s Closet

    Emerald Green Slit Skirt, Forever 21 from 2016(?)

    Day 4: Yellow – Yellow wrap dress, yellow turtleneck tee, and navy blue shorts.

    You’ve seen all of these articles of clothing before but I really wanted to bring the color so I threw them all together! What do you think? Color overload?

    Yellow Turtleneck Tee, Raided Mom’s Closet

    Yellow Wrap Dress, H&M from early 2018 (before I quit fast fashion)

    Navy Shorts, Forever 21 from 2016

    Day 5: Green – Mint lace bodycon dress under emerald green slit skirt.

    Green was the easiest color for me. I love green! I layered the same emerald green skirt from orange day over a mini mint green dress and called it a day. I’ve had both of these clothes for years and can’t believe that I’ve never paired them together like that!

    Mint Green Lace Bodycon Dress, H&M from 2015

    Emerald Green Slit Skirt, Forever 21 from 2016

    Day 6: Blue – All denim outfit.

    Strangely enough, it was really hard for me to find any blue that wasn’t denim so I went with a classic canadian tuxedo (denim on denim) for this day. Isn’t it funny how denim on denim was a complete faux pas until just a few years ago? This look turned out better than I expected it to (I actually really liked this look a lot).

    Denim Button-Down, Borrowed From Sister

    Denim Jeans, H&M from 2016

    Day 7: Purple – Floral purple skirt styled as a midi dress.

    Can you believe this purple? 😍 Once again, this was another challenging color to find. Weirdly enough, I only found two or three purple clothes in our combined closets. This outfit is actually a really long skirt that I wore as a midi-dress and paired with a floral scarf as a belt.

    Floral Purple Skirt, Raided Mom’s Closet

    Floral Scarf, Raided Mom’s Closet

    Shoes, Steve Madden from 2018 (pre-slow fashion days)

    Day 8: Brown – Coral crop top with brown polka dot skirt.

    WORST. COLOR. EVER. 😭 Brown was so hard! I legitimately couldn’t find anything except belts, bags, and this skirt. It was looking a little drab so I had to brighten it up with coral!

    Bright Orange Crop Top, Forever 21 from sometime between 2014-2016 (I think)

    Brown Polka Dot Skirt, Raided Mom’s Closet

    Day 9: Wildcard – Striped pink button-down, black bralette, and black flared skirt.

    WE MADE IT! And so, we’ve come full circle with pink… Given that more than half of my closet is black, I couldn’t neglect adding it in on this last day.

    Striped Pink Button-Down, Raided Mom’s Closet

    Black Lace Skirt, Forever 21 from high school days (so like 2010?)

    Takeaways:

    BUY MORE COLOR AND DON’T BE AFRAID TO EXPERIMENT!

    Honestly, it shocked me how much I enjoyed this challenge. I felt like adding color to my wardrobe brightened up my day and pushed me to have more energy as well. Blue day taught me that monochrome is insanely easy to pull off and it always looks put-together. Red and purple are the colors that I’d like to actively incorporate more and brown and orange remain neutral in my perspective (that is, I probably won’t be shopping them anytime soon).

    Did you participate in this challenge? What did you learn?

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  • Slow Fashion Season 2019 & Closet Mass Index Evaluation

    We’re about halfway through Slow Fashion Season and I just wanted to keep you guys updated about how my journey has gone!

    First off, what the freaking heck is Slow Fashion Season?

    Slow Fashion Season is a campaign that Collaction.org put together for the summer of 2019 in which 10,000+ people vowed to not purchase any new fashion from June 21, 2019 – September 22, 2019. 

    We already know that the (fast) fashion industry is the 8th largest industry that contributes to global carbon emissions, but did you know that it also uses an incredible amount of water for textile production as well? It takes roughly 2,700 liters of water to make ONE cotton t-shirt! 

    With over 13,000 participants vowing to be more mindful of consumption, Collaction estimates that we could save up to 300 million liters of water and 1 million kilograms of CO2 emissions in the three months of participation. 

    I really wanted to be more thoughtful of my clothing consumption and couldn’t say no to being part of such an impactful challenge, so I signed up!

    Here’s what I’ve learned so far:

    It just takes a little bit of effort

    • A theme that I consistently see in my journey to living more sustainably is that it just takes a little more effort. The small actions that we take add up over time to make a huge impact, and because we’re changing small components at a time, the overall shift isn’t really that difficult. I’m learning that to shop more sustainably, I just have to do a better job of planning ahead and using my creativity for when obstacles come up.

    A theme that I consistently see in my journey to living more sustainably is that it just takes a little more effort. The small actions that we take add up over time to make a huge impact, and because we’re changing small components at a time, the overall shift isn’t really that difficult. I’m learning that to shop more sustainably, I just have to do a better job of planning ahead and using my creativity for when obstacles come up.

    Just say no

    • Maybe you’ve had a rough day and are craving some retail therapy…I get it. It’s life. Some days are just going to be harder. A huge thing that I’ve learned in this process is setting boundaries. If you’re committed to not buying new, stick to it.

    • Once you’ve committed to it, set it and forget it. Don’t even think about shopping. Spend that time and money on other hobbies like having out with friends or enjoying an outdoor activity.

    Maybe you’ve had a rough day and are craving some retail therapy…I get it. It’s life. Some days are just going to be harder. A huge thing that I’ve learned in this process is setting boundaries. If you’re committed to not buying new, stick to it.

    Once you’ve committed to it, set it and forget it. Don’t even think about shopping. Spend that time and money on other hobbies like having out with friends or enjoying an outdoor activity.

    Borrow From your friends/shop your closet

    • I’ve recently moved back home and it’s been great because I get to borrow from my mom and my sister. I’m participating in the color my closet challenge on Instagram and having access to additional wardrobes has been SO helpful because all of my own clothes are either black or green.

    • If you live by yourself or your siblings prefer not to share, that’s okay too. Ask an in-area bestie if they’d be willing to do a mini-closet swap with you!

    • Additionally, take a good look at what you actually have in your own closet. Which articles of clothing have you been neglecting? Can you style them in a different way? Shop your own closet!

    I’ve recently moved back home and it’s been great because I get to borrow from my mom and my sister. I’m participating in the color my closet challenge on Instagram and having access to additional wardrobes has been SO helpful because all of my own clothes are either black or green.

    If you live by yourself or your siblings prefer not to share, that’s okay too. Ask an in-area bestie if they’d be willing to do a mini-closet swap with you!

    Additionally, take a good look at what you actually have in your own closet. Which articles of clothing have you been neglecting? Can you style them in a different way? Shop your own closet!

    That conveniently brings me to the next topic…the Closet Mass Index!

    So…What’s the Closet Mass Index?

    The Closet Mass Index (CMI) is a helpful tool devised by Hello Goodbye students from the Amsterdam Fashion Institute that pushes you take an honest look at your closet. You go through every single item in your closet and categorize them into segments (new, secondhand, gifted and unworn). This sorting and organization offers you a transparent perspective on what your closet actually looks like. Taking the time to do the CMI also serves as the perfect opportunity to go through your closet and donate/sell any items that no longer fit or make you happy.

    The Breakdown:

    New: 86

    Secondhand: 10

    Gifted: 1

    Unworn: 0

    Personal takeaways:

    • The majority of my closet was purchased new from fast fashion brands, but this wasn’t much of a shocker given that I only transitioned to slow fashion last year and haven’t purchased any new articles of clothing since

    • I didn’t include any undergarments, socks, shoes, or accessories. If I had included them, my closet would probably be closer to 130.

    • I was incredibly surprised at how much of my closet was consisted of similar articles of clothing. Plain tanks, tees, and leggings make up over HALF of my clothes. Perhaps it’s time to let go of some of the older pieces of clothing that I’ve used for years as work-out clothes/pajamas. 

    The majority of my closet was purchased new from fast fashion brands, but this wasn’t much of a shocker given that I only transitioned to slow fashion last year and haven’t purchased any new articles of clothing since

    I didn’t include any undergarments, socks, shoes, or accessories. If I had included them, my closet would probably be closer to 130.

    I was incredibly surprised at how much of my closet was consisted of similar articles of clothing. Plain tanks, tees, and leggings make up over HALF of my clothes. Perhaps it’s time to let go of some of the older pieces of clothing that I’ve used for years as work-out clothes/pajamas. 

    Are you participating in Slow Fashion Season? Have you done the Closet Mass Index? Would you? What was your biggest takeaway if you have?

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  • What Is Sustainable Fashion and Why Does It Matter?

    In college, I would go out every Friday afternoon to purchase a new outfit for whatever party was happening that weekend. It was my therapeutic weekly routine. I’d take a 20-minute walk down to Newbury Street and hit up Forever 21 or H&M for the latest find that fit the party’s theme.

    Week after week, my closet grew. By the time I moved out of my sophomore year apartment, I had two large suitcases of clothes more than I started out with (100-150 new articles of clothing)!

    That experience of sorting, moving, and packing all those garments woke me up to exactly how much I was consuming. The hassle of packing scared me into inadvertently buying less and unknowingly, my journey to conscious consumption and sustainable-ish fashion began.

    At that time, sustainable fashion wasn’t a conversation that people were having and I never thought of it as a way of living. It wasn’t until 2018 that I decided to cut out fast fashion entirely and buy only sustainable (or secondhand) fashion.

    So what is sustainable fashion?

    “Sustainable fashion is a movement and process of fostering change into fashion products and the fashion system towards greater ecological integrity and social justice. Sustainable fashion concerns more than addressing fashion textiles or products. It comprises addressing the whole system of fashion.” (Wikipedia)

    Why does sustainable fashion matter?

    Sustainable fashion (ethical fashion, conscious fashion, or eco fashion), is crucial because provides some balance to the negative effects of the fashion industry. When consumers choose to buy in line with their values, it shifts the market and businesses have no choice but to do better.

    Fast Fashion’s Impact On The Environment:

    • The global apparel and footwear industry accounts for 8% of the world’s greenhouse emissions. (Quantis, 2018)

    • The fashion industry’s CO2 emissions are projected to increase to nearly 2.8 billion tons per year by 2030–equivalent to the emissions of 230 million passenger vehicles driven for a year! Global Fashion Agenda 2017)

    • 15.1 million tonnes of textile waste generated in 2013 (NPR) and as much as one garbage truck of textiles goes to landfill or is burned every second. (Ellen MaCarthur Foundation)

    The global apparel and footwear industry accounts for 8% of the world’s greenhouse emissions. (Quantis, 2018)

    The fashion industry’s CO2 emissions are projected to increase to nearly 2.8 billion tons per year by 2030–equivalent to the emissions of 230 million passenger vehicles driven for a year! Global Fashion Agenda 2017)

    15.1 million tonnes of textile waste generated in 2013 (NPR) and as much as one garbage truck of textiles goes to landfill or is burned every second. (Ellen MaCarthur Foundation)

    Conventional fast fashion is a huge contributor to climate change and if we continue to move in this trajectory, there will be no going back. From food and water scarcity to disaster displacement, climate-related changes are going to increasingly impact our way of life. Now more than ever, there is a need to reduce carbon emissions and halt, or even reverse the impact that we’ve had on the globe.

    Now what? How do I make my wardrobe sustainable?

    I know, I know, the world of sustainable fashion is overwhelming. Where do you even start?

    Begin with mindfulness and curiosity.

    As with any lifestyle change, start small. Take note of how much and what exactly you’re buying. With each article of clothing, ask yourself (and answer truthfully), whether or not you’re going to wear that piece again and again or if it’s just going to sit in your closet.

    Be curious!

    The conversation around sustainable fashion is constantly changing and honestly, the best part about this journey is that there’s no clear right and wrong. We’re all just trying to make a positive impact on the world so open the conversation up to your friends or online community and get to connecting!

    Remember that the sustainable fashion journey is one that you’re committed to for the long haul. We’re all human and mistakes (as well as temptations) happen so remember that it’s progress over perfection. Remember, “we don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste sustainable fashion perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.” (quote adapted from the zero waste community)

    Learn more about sustainable fashion by checking out these resources:

    5 online marketplaces for ethical and sustainable fashion

    top 8 books on sustainable fashion

    a beginner’s guide to sustainable fashion

    8 online thrifting platforms for secondhand fashion

    what is circular fashion and why does it matter?

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  • Travel Recap: Things To Do In Canada Part 1 (Montreal)

    Hello friends! If you’ve been following me on social media, you’ll know that I recently took a trip to Canada—specifically to Montreal and Toronto!

    I had such an incredible time exploring the two cities and am beyond excited to share my experiences with you! Because this short trip was packed with so many activities, I’ve decided to split this recap into two installments. Keep on reading for my itinerary and insights on Montreal and I’ll update you guys on when the post on Toronto is out!

    My family and I traveled to Montreal on a quick 1.5 hr plane ride from NY’s Laguardia Airport. This was my third time visiting Montreal and first time visiting in the summertime. When we arrived, we immediately took an Uber to our AirBNB and then headed out to explore!

    Day 1: OLD MONTREAL

    Pointe-à-Callière:

    Our first stop was the Pointe-à-Callière, Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History, because better way to explore a city than begin with its history and infrastructure?

    The museum was founded in 1992 to celebrate Montreal’s 350th birthday. It hosts a collection of artifacts from when the city was originated, and does a fantastic job of demonstrating how various cultures, such as the British, French, and natives, coexisted and interacted.

    Exhibit Highlight: Memory Collector

    If you get the chance, definitely check out this aesthetically intriguing exhibit. Memory Collector is a tribute to the first North American collector sewer. I love that it blends the original architecture of the sewer system with new artistic mediums, such as a light installations and sound technologies.

    Lunch:

    We originally had planned to take lunch at Olive et Gourmando (touted for their sandwiches) but when we stopped by, there was a huge line. We were famished so we decided to explore other local digs instead and ended up at a beautifully sun-lit spot called Mandys.

    Overall, what shocked me about food culture in Montreal was the amount of fresh, natural, and real foods that were easily accessible. It seemed so much easier to access quality food products than the processed snacks that we’ve become so used to eating in the US.

    Explore Old Montreal:

    The best way to see Old Montreal is on foot. We used google maps to take us on a route that included the Place-d’Armes, Montreal City Hall, Place Jacques-Cartier, and Bonsecours Market. The best part about planning your own walking tour is the flexibility—you get to walk at your own pace and take as many breaks as you’d like.

    Tip: Use google maps to mark down all the stops that you want to see! Use the three dots to drag and rearrange the locations so that your path goes efficiently and save the link so that you can easily reference it from your mobile phone when you’re actually walking.

    Aura at Notre Dame Basilica:

    Turns out “Notre Dame” is a really popular name for French churches, chapels, and cathedrals, as it means “Our Lady” and refers to the Virgin Mary. The Notre Dame Basilica is one of Montreal’s most iconic churches. It’s located at the heart of Old Montreal and features some of the city’s most intricate interiors.

    Every evening, the basilica hosts several light shows to engage its visitors. It’s an opportunity to explore the church’s beautiful structures as well as connect with this space through a unique and immersive experience. Aura is indeed a dramatic and exciting show that will take you on a journey.

    Tip: Purchase your tickets online and line up at least 15 minutes before the show starts. You definitely want to take your time exploring the structures and getting a great seat.

    Dinner & Old Port:

    We stopped for dinner at a random tapas bar in the neighborhood and then continued to trek towards the Old Port. The setting sun and cooling winds were a welcome change from the daytime heat and we took to sipping coffee and strolling along the boardwalk just to unwind after our long first day.

    If you choose to, you can also enjoy your time on paddleboats, bikes, or even take a ride on the massive Ferris wheel (La Grande Roue)!

    Side-note: La Grande Roue is seriously huge and we chickened out due to fear of heights, but if you decide to go for it, I’d love to see your photos of the view!

    Day 2: Jean-Talon Market & Mont-Royal

    The AirBnb that we booked was in Mile End district so we had the opportunity to explore some of Montreal’s best eats without needing to venture too far.

    St-Viateur Bagel & Cafe Olimpico Coffee:

    You can’t experience Montreal food culture without bagels and smoked meats!

    Like New York, Montreal’s food scene was largely built by immigrants. Jewish immigrants from Poland and other Eastern European countries brought the bagel to North America and though the history of how it migrated over is consistent across the two cities, the Montreal bagel differs quite a bit in taste from the New York bagel! Each Montreal bagel is made by hand and poached in honey water before being baked in a wood-fire burning oven, yielding a difference in color, crust, and chewiness.

    Tip: Get the all-dressed bagel from St-Viateur Bagel with a tiny packet of cream cheese and a cappuccino from Cafe Olimpico!

    Jean-Talon Market:

    Jean-Talon Market, or Marché Jean-Talon in French, is the largest open-air market in North America! It features the best produce, meats, fish, cheeses, ice creams, and maple syrup (of course) that Montreal has to offer. You can easily spend the greater part of your morning wandering through this inviting space and sharing small bites from the different vendors. Grab some fresh fruit and pastries to enjoy at home of if you’re planning on picnicking like we were, grab some cheese, crackers, and sandwiches for your lunch!

    Mount Royal Park:

    Mount Royal Park (Parc du Mont-Royal) is the highest point in Montreal as well as the landmark that the city of was named after.

    I’d recommend that you hike to the Mont-Royal Lookout for incredible views of the city skyline and then take an afternoon break at the Mont-Royal Chalet. If you take the red path (up the wooden stairs) from Avenue des Pins on the McGill campus, it should only take you about 30 minutes. Trust me, while it’s a steeper climb, this path will take you less time than some of the more roundabout paths.

    After taking ample photographs and enjoying lunch at the chalet, we decided to retire back to the AirBnB. If you still have energy and would like to explore more of the mountain, I’d recommend that you visit Beaver Lake (about a 15-minute walk from the chalet) or St. Joseph’s Oratory (exit the mountain first and take an alternate walking/biking path there).

    Day 3: Botanical Gardens & Plateau Mont Royal (Feat. Schwartz, and Frites Alors!)

    My mom has a passion for flower and the Montreal Botanical Gardens came highly recommended, so knew that this was something we could not miss.

    Take the metro to the gardens (just google maps it) and depending on how much time you have, you might want to get a combo pack with admissions to the Botanical Gardens, the Planetarium, and the Biodome. Unfortunately for us, the Biodome was under construction so we only got the opportunity to visit the gardens and the planetarium.

    Planetarium:

    As someone who knows very little about space, the level of explanation the Planetarium Rio Tinto Alcan offered was perfect. It’s definitely a museum targeted towards kids but was great to explore as an adult as well.

    We watched two of the shows: Passport to the Universe and Night Sky. Passport to the Universe explores Earth in relation to the other structures within our Solar System, galaxy, and universe. Night Sky in comparison, was more of an artistic examination of the mysteries of a starry sky.

    Botanical Gardens:

    The first thematic garden that you’re greeted with is the rose garden. The flowers were in full bloom and the garden displayed hundreds of different romantic varieties. We then went on to explore the Chinese Garden, the Japanese Garden, the First Nations Garden, and the Greenhouses.

    The grounds are truly gigantic, so take your time to casually stroll through and make sure to take plenty of photographs to remember them by!

    Olympic Park:

    The Olympic Park (Parc Olympique) was home to the 1976 Summer Olympics. It’s a huge stadium and you’ll likely only be able to (and want to) explore a small portion of it. As you’re walking around, be sure to stop inside the stadium and maybe even take a ride to the observatory!

    Plateau Mont Royal:

    Le Plateau-Mont-Royal is a borough of Montreal that is home to some of the city’s mot iconic eats, including Schwartz’s Deli and Frites Alors!

    We spent our evening eating and drinking our way through the little neighborhood and got to see how locals typically spent their Friday evening.

    Tip: Get the smoked meat sandwich from Schwartz’s and the duck poutine from Frites Alors! They’re DELICIOUS.

    DAY 4: The UNDERGROUND City & MILE END

    The Underground City:

    It was an extremely rainy day so we took it as an opportunity to hide from the elements and to explore the Underground City of Montreal!

    This underground network is a series of interconnected hotels, shopping centers, office towers, metro stations, bus terminals, and performing arts venues that run underneath Downtown Montreal. It contains over 32 km (19.88 miles) of tunnels for you to explore!

    Needless to say, it’s impossible to walk the entire Underground City, so we plotted specific points that we wanted to visit and set out on a path from there.

    Start at the gorgeous metro station of Champs-de-Mars; it’s a beautiful station that features glasswork from artist, Marcelle Ferron, and is the only station where sunlight reaches the train platforms.

    From there, grab a cup of coffee and stroll through the tunnels until you hit a major shopping center (I recommend either the Eaton Center or Le Cours Mont-Royal Centre). There are hundreds of stores for you to browse through and enough snacks to get you through the afternoon.

    Tip: Definitely use a map of the Underground City to navigate. Google maps will not be as useful in this instance because the service isn’t as strong and the tunnels aren’t mapped out.

    Mile End:

    After walking all day, we decided to return to our neighborhood for some local eats and retire to the AirBnb early. We had dinner at a local ramen shop, ice cream at Kem Coba (the line was so long), and even stopped by Drogheria Fine for some gnocci as a snack for later that evening.

    Day 5: Hangout & Reset

    Honestly, we really didn’t do a whole bunch our last day in Montreal. Our metro pass had expired and we were pretty exhausted from all the walking so we chose to spend the day enjoying the Mile End neighborhood and catching some last snacks before heading to Toronto.

    Mile End Food:

    We took breakfast at Fairmount Bagel (the first bagel bakery in Montreal), skipped lunch, had dinner at La Panthère Verte (a local vegan chain), and once again, had dessert at Kem Coba (it was that good).

    Alternative options for your final day include exploring Montreal’s Gay Village or maybe even biking to Park Jean-Drapeau.

    Takeaway:

    Montreal is a beautiful, generous, and culturally-dense city. Fresh, healthy, and real foods are easily accessible; there are quality cafes everywhere; the people are considerate and polite. The city is extremely easy to navigate with public transportation, bike rentals, or walking. If it weren’t cold for more than half the year, I’d seriously consider moving to Montreal.

    Which cities have you fallen in love with?

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  • A Beginner’s Guide to Sustainable Fashion

    If you don’t know by now, fast fashion is wrecking the world.

    Not only is it disastrous for the environment, but it’s an issue that perpetuates inequality, especially for women in developing countries.

    Here are a few facts to get you centered on the severity of this issue:

    • The global apparel and footwear industry accounts for 8% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, releasing 4 metric gigatonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere (Quantis 2018)

    • More than 50% of the emissions from clothing production comes from three phases: dyeing and finishing, yarn preparation, and fibre production (Quantis 2018)

    • 80% of garment workers around the world are women in their early 20s (International Labour Organization 2015)

    • Most garment makers are paid FAR below living wages, ranging from $97 USD/month in Bangladesh to $6/hr in the US (Fair Labor Association 2019, LA Times 2017)

    • North Americans is the largest consumers of new textiles, consuming 37kgs each. (Textile Beat 2016)

    • Approximately 300 million people who produce cotton are still living in poverty. (Fairtrade 2017)

    The global apparel and footwear industry accounts for 8% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, releasing 4 metric gigatonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere (Quantis 2018)

    More than 50% of the emissions from clothing production comes from three phases: dyeing and finishing, yarn preparation, and fibre production (Quantis 2018)

    80% of garment workers around the world are women in their early 20s (International Labour Organization 2015)

    Most garment makers are paid FAR below living wages, ranging from $97 USD/month in Bangladesh to $6/hr in the US (Fair Labor Association 2019, LA Times 2017)

    North Americans is the largest consumers of new textiles, consuming 37kgs each. (Textile Beat 2016)

    Approximately 300 million people who produce cotton are still living in poverty. (Fairtrade 2017)

    So what is fast fashion and what can we do about it?

    Fast fashion describes the rate at which fashion designs move from concept to fashion products in retail stores. It’s usually characterized by the high volume, low margin rate at which cheap, disposable, articles of clothing are produced.

    The most impactful thing we can do is decrease our rate of consumption. Combat the fast fashion industry by wearing the items you own for longer and choosing to spend your money wisely. Although they’re not entirely related, minimalistic fashion tools, such as the capsule wardrobe, can help you to provide a structured way of creating a wardrobe that you love and will wear for years.

    I know it’s intimidating to make such a huge lifestyle shift (I’ve been actively on this journey for a year and there’s still so much for me to learn), but here are some quick tips to help you get started.

    1. Hone in on the why.

    Why is this important to you? What kind of impact do you want to make on this world?

    This journey’s going to be challenging and the cost of convenience is everywhere. When you’re out and suddenly the temperature drops but you forgot a coat, you’re going to be tempted to purchase that $10 jacket to get you by.

    Tapping into WHY this matters will help you stay motivated and focused on the end goal.

    2. Wear what you own.

    When you decide to quit fast fashion, it’s tempting to scrap your entire wardrobe and replace it with sustainable clothes. The best thing to do, however, is to work with what you’ve got.

    The biggest problem with fashion right now is the rate at which we’re producing and discarding clothes. Counter that by wearing the clothes that you own and taking good care of them.

    Sometimes, wearing the same clothes can get boring. Challenge yourself by styling things in new and unique ways or participating in style challenges like the Style Bee’s 10 x 10 challenge. You can draw inspiration from your fellow participants and also build a community with those who have the same values and experience the same challenges.

    3. Take care of your clothes.

    Those little care tags have a purpose! Read them and abide by what they prescribe. Air dry when you can; it saves energy and keeps your clothes from prematurely wearing out. Good On You has a comprehensive guide that summarizes how you can make your clothes last longer. Additionally, learning to sew can be helpful so that you can mend simple holes and make small alterations.

    4. Borrow, swap, or buy secondhand.

    Wearing the same clothes over and over again can get pretty drab. I get it. 😔 Some fantastic alternatives to purchasing new clothes include borrowing items from a close friend/sibling, swapping clothes with others in your area, or even shopping secondhand!

    A quick google search for “(Your City) Clothing Swaps” can provide upcoming events in your area. Heads up New Yorkers, @HowToBeBrokeInNewYork is hosting a clothing swap THIS THURSDAY, June 20!

    Shopping secondhand has never been easier. Online platforms like ThredUp, Poshmark, and even The RealReal, have changed the thrifting game. Instead of spending hours at a physical store, you can just search for that one item that you’re missing. Traditional thrift and consignment stores are a fantastic option for those who like to physically try on their clothes, and may offer more unique pieces depending on the neighborhood.

    5. Support ethical brands.

    The issue with sustainable brands is that they’re still using energy and resources to create new products. On the other hand, there are going to be times when you can’t avoid purchasing new. Do your best to purchase clothes from credible and transparent brands that follow set ecological standards and account for workers rights. Clothes made with natural fibers will wear longer and are less damaging to the environment.

    Thank you so much for considering sustainable fashion. It only takes small changes from many people to make a huge difference in this world. If you have any questions or concerns, please, please, please do not hesitate to reach out.

    On another related note, Slow Fashion Season is coming up! For the next three months, I will not be purchasing ANY new clothes. This movement is 10,000 strong. Let’s make an impact!

    (white dress was thrifted from Goodwill)

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  • How I Got Into Sustainable Fashion

    I had the recent honor of being featured in an interview with Secondhand Steph.

    Steph is a capsule wardrobe enthusiast and slow fashion advocate. She recently started a series on her blog that interviews different bloggers within the sustainable fashion space and explores how they got into the lifestyle, what their inspirations are, and their general thoughts within the specific industry.

    Check out some of my responses to her questions below!

    How did you first get into ethical / sustainable fashion?

    “Looking back at it, I think a lot of principles that tie into sustainable fashion were instilled in me as a child. My parents are immigrants from Taiwan and I grew up in an environment where they consumed thoughtfully and used everything for as long as they could.

    The conscious commitment to ethical/sustainable fashion started about a year ago when I realized that my style blog didn’t have a direction and I wanted to leave a positive impact on this Earth.”

    What’s something you really want other people to know about ethical / sustainable fashion?

    “It goes beyond just fashion. It’s tied to so many other industries and issues—the environment, human rights, equality, representation, etc. Additionally, ethical/sustainable fashion is a spectrum and I think it’s important adapt a system that works sustainably for your lifestyle. There’s no right answer. Do your research.”

    Who are your inspirations (ethical fashion or otherwise)?

    “Recently, I’ve been drawing a lot of inspiration from women of color, specifically women who look like me. Representation is a hot topic in industries such as tech and business and the ethical/sustainable fashion space should be no different.

    Within the ethical fashion realm, I love Kamea Chayne (@kameachayne), host of the Green Dreamer Podcast; Cat (@cookiecat.herine) from restitchstance; and Terra (@gratefullyterra) for fitted looks and representation over 40!

    Conceptual and artistic accounts also boost my creativity and push me to look at clothing in a different light. @fongminliao is a painter with a clean and luxurious aesthetic; @homeless_handmade for creative poses and interesting mood boards; and @ruba, the creative director of Revlon for juxtaposition and composition.”

    Keep reading for my tips on finding thrifted pieces and the books/tv shows that I’m currently consuming!

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    photographs by Steven Hyon

  • Joseph & Stacey Handbag Review

    Hello friends! I’m beyond excited to share with you a new brand that I’ve fallen in love with!

    Joseph & Stacey is a Seoul-based Korean leather design and manufacturing company. They produce modern, luxurious, bags that are both fashionable and functional.

    I LOVE when a brand delivers on what they promise! The handbags produced at Joseph & Stacey are high quality, have a unique tie to Asian aesthetics, and best of all, are ethically produced.

    All of Joseph & Stacey’s handbags are manufactured locally in South Korea; they’re handmade in small-batches with a production process that is closely monitored for quality control and transparency. The factories used by Joseph & Stacey abide by eco-friendly production regulations and do their best to follow global sustainability standards.

    I was gifted two bags to review for the Spring/Summer 2019 season and here are my thoughts!

    Lucky Pleats Shopper in Cracked Silver

    This Joseph & Stacey bag IMMEDIATELY caught my eye because of its pleated fan shape. Fans, though present in many cultures globally, are best associated with Asian culture. They are a symbol of beauty, elegance, and prosperity. Historically, in East Asian tradition, fans have been used functionally to keep people cool, decoratively as an element of entertainment in dance, and even as weapons.

    It’s no surprise that this interesting structural bag is their number one seller.

    The Lucky Pleats Shopper launched in the fall of 2016, when the technique to put pleats on leather did not exist. Stacey was inspired by the idea of Eastern Korean classicism meeting Western Italian handbag craftsmanship and thus, the Lucky Pleats Shopper was born.

    Review:

    I love the shine on this handbag and thought that a gleam of silver would be the perfect accompaniment to any summer outfit. This versatile metallic bag can easily be dressed up for a chic night out or toned down for a casual, daytime summer outfit. The tassel details add movement and adjustable shoulder straps make it extremely comfortable to wear. The bag is large in size and can comfortably fit the majority of my daily necessities. My favorite part is the super cute, detachable leather pouch!

    Composition & Care

    The Lucky Pleats Shopper bag is made entirely out of Paddington Milling Leather. Joseph & Stacey source hides from German and American suppliers and puts them through a repeated milling process to ensure that the leather becomes soft while remaining elastic and durable.

    Proper care and maintenance are a huge part of sustainable fashion, so take care of your bag and keep it out of testing weather. Although leather is naturally water resistant, it is recommended that you clean this bag with a dry, clean cloth and store it in a cool, dry, place away from direct sunlight.

    Stacey Tote L in Savage Wine

    I wanted to experience the two opposite ends of the Joseph & Stacey spectrum, so I chose this modern, deep burgundy, classic tote as my second option. While the Lucky Pleats Shopper represents a fun and refreshing take on handbag design, this bag embodies all the classic elements of handbag design and structure.

    Review:

    I absolutely adore this color. Although it doesn’t necessarily scream summer, wine is a sophisticated color that pairs well with day-to-day business attire and can easily be dressed up for a sophisticated evening out. This handbag demonstrates incredible attention to detail and is impeccably put together. The body is large enough to fit my laptop and its multitude of straps allow for versatile wearing. I think this bag makes for the perfect everyday bag and its high-quality craftsmanship ensures that it’ll last for years.

    Composition & Care:

    This Large Stacey Tote is once again made entirely out of Paddington Milling Leather. A useful tip for maintaining the appearance of your leather bags is to wipe your bag once a week with warm, soapy water (make sure to wipe with the gran of the handbag!) When your’e not using it, keep your bag stuffed and stored in dust bags so that they keep their appearance for longer!

    Which of these two bags would YOU wear?

    This post was made in collaboration with Joseph & Stacey.

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  • What Style Means to Me

    There’s so much power in clothing. It’s functional; it’s self-expression; it’s art. Styling can help you embody an energy or express something that maybe you’re too scared to say otherwise. It provides you with a method to control the way the world perceives you and there’s value in the security that that offers.

    I first took note of fashion as a means of self expression around 9th or 10th grade. While I’ve loved the feeling of dressing up since childhood, it wasn’t until adolescence that I realized just how powerful style could be as a means of standing out.

    I went to an ultra-competitive high school. My classmates were incredibly intelligent and being in such an atmosphere made me feel less-than. I was afraid to speak out and be myself in front of others because I thought they would judge me as obnoxious, stupid, or irrelevant.

    Clothing became a way that I could distinguish myself as an individual without needing to verbally communicate and risk rejection.

    Styling is an opportunity for expression without further explanation. Someone can take one look at you and understand who you are, what your attitude towards life is, and what you mean to say without expressly saying it. It is a tool of empowerment and can give you the confidence when you’re lacking it.

    As I’ve gotten more comfortable with who I am and recognizing that my worth isn’t based off the judgments of others, my clothing choices have gotten simpler. I still love the creativity that clothing offers, but am slowly becoming okay with just being. I’m learning to allow my clothes to act as a blank canvas and for my spirit to take the center stage instead.

    What’s styling and fashion mean to you? Why are you drawn to it? How does it enrich your life?

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  • 2 Last-Minute Sustainable Halloween Costume Ideas

    Have you ever noticed that we spend hundreds of dollars on a Halloween costume that we only ever wear once? That’s ridiculous and completely unsustainable! Halloween snuck up on me this year so here are two super quick, super easy, and super chic sustainable Halloween ideas that feature clothes you probably already have in your closet.

    1. Wednesday Addams

    Wendy Addams is an icon of American pop culture. She’s a fictional character in the comic The Addams Family and is known for her pale skin, grim demeanor, and long, dark, twin braids. Wednesday Addams is often shown wearing a black dress with a white collar, black stockings, and black shoes.I created this look by layering a white button-up underneath a black dress that I already owned. Dark smoky eyes, black lipstick (it’s actually just eyeshadow with a lipstick base), and eye bags from not sleeping (cry) help to complete the look.

    2. Pisces (Zodiac)

    The second super easy costume idea is simply to dress up as your zodiac sign! My birthday in early March and that makes me a Pisces.

    Pisces is the last sign of the zodiac and carries some personality traits from all the previous signs but more so, Pisces is known for being compassionate, artistic, intuitive, gentle, wise, empathetic, romantic, and emotional. The Pisces glyph is one of two fish swimming in opposites directions and the sign is often associated with blues, greens, and purples.I simply put on some dramatic makeup featuring those colors, drew the Pisces sign on my forehead, and threw on a flowy, watery, maxi-gown. There are some scales on the side of my face where contouring would be and I let my hair flow as it naturally would to portray the romantic and feminine side of being a Pisces.

    This costume idea really speaks more to dressing up as your zodiac sign rather than Pisces specifically. If you believe in astrology, it’s a fun opportunity to connect with like-minded people; if you don’t, it’s still a good conversation starter.

    Of course, through all of this, I’d like to stress the importance of clean beauty and making sure that the products you put on your face are non-toxic. Other than that, have fun this Halloween season and as always, I’d love to see your ideas and costumes!!

    PIN THIS FOR LATER

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