I recently contributed to an article on sustainable promises for the new year written by Mind Body Green editor Emma Loewe. I was honored to be included in the piece along side so many awesome green bloggers. Check out the article here for all the sustainable tips.
In 2017, consider cutting out fast fashion—a highly unethical business. It's the second most polluting industry in the world and a perpetual violator of the health and safety of its workers. Shop local, look for eco-friendly fabrics, thrift, or find a go-to second-hand clothing site.
Above is my excerpt, I wanted to elaborate on this a little. Many of us turn to fast fashion because it appears to be cost effective and it is so easily accessible. Once we add up the cost of replacing items that fall apart, unnecessary purchases made because "I might never wear it, but it was so cheap so what the hell" and the horrific environmental and human toll it is no longer so "cost effective". However justifying a higher priced ethically made alternative is not always within our means. As far as the accessibility factor, finding ethical fashion just keeps getting easier. You no longer have to spend hours at Goodwill digging through piles of clothes (although this can be really fun at the right time), the internet is full of curated second hand shops that allow you to score great finds right at home. In addition sites like Garmentory and Shoptiques are providing an easy way to shop independent designers directly from the makers or from small boutiques (and they have sales fairly often).
Cutting fast fashion out of my own life meant becoming more aware of where products came from, limiting the amount that I purchase and shopping both vintage and second hand to make the switch more affordable. This might not sound very glamorous but I have found everything from high end designers (Gucci, Ann Demeulemeester, Dior, Dolce and Gabbana plus many more) to some of my favorite modern indie labels and hand sown pieces from the 1800's with intricate lace and embroidery details.
To help you in your switch I want to share some of my favorite sites for pre-owned and vintage clothing. This is kind of a big deal, sharing ones treasure trove. Because of course unlike new items there is only one of each and when it sells...tough titty said the kitty to the next guy. But sharing is caring so here it is......
1. Barnaby Jack - amazingly curated and well priced vintage. I have scored a healthy amount of vintage denim from this shop. She also sells some ethically made new pieces, including items by Amour Vert.
2. Shop Future - Another good one for jeans and perfectly worn in vintage sweatshirts/tees.
3. Gold Banana - special pieces that cover a range of time periods, some gorgeous options for vintage wedding dresses too.
4. Fairseason - great casual everyday pieces.
5. Noihsaf Bazaar - An Instagram site that allows person to person sales with a small hosting fee. Full of great pieces from indie designers like Elizabeth Suzann, Black Crane, Jamie and the Jones, Atelier Delphine and many many more. They also have sites for vintage, kiddos, men, active wear and home. First bid wins so act fast.
6. Slowre - this site sells gently used items from responsibly manufactured brands, a double win! Created by one of my fellow Ethical Writers Co members Grechen Reiter, I have come across pieces from Esby, Miranda Bennett, Zady, Uzi, Hack with Design and many more.
7. Hot Cocoa - minimal 90's pieces in earthy tones.
8. Na Nin - also in the minimal 90's realm, this shop sells vintage through their Instagram feed. First bid wins just like Noihsaf.
9. Bohemian Harvest - a new discovery for me, I love the feel and color tones of this shop.
A few honorable mentions that have higher price points but beautiful pieces, definitely worth checking out even if its just for a daydream. Desert Vintage, Plume Canyon, Collection LA. Many of the boutiques in our Store section carry vintage pieces as well, it is noted under their descriptions.
*Note, know your measurements! Not just your size, size changes from designer to designer and through out time, but most sellers list the actual measurement of the garment. So take your measurements and those of a few of your best fitting garments, embarrassingly I actually have these saved on my phone. But it comes in handy!