Hello and welcome to my first blog post, I’m so glad you’re here! I hope you find my posts both entertaining and useful, but most importantly, I hope it helps to kickstart your style transformation and encourages you to have fun with fashion!
I wanted to start by talking about slow fashion, what it is, and how and why I follow its philosophy. In the simplest of terms, slow fashion refers to clothes that will last. Quality made clothing that is versatile, fit for your specific lifestyle, and will stay in your closet for years on end.
How I began on my slow fashion journey:
Like most of you, I have shopped fast fashion for some retail therapy. It’s cheap, often very cute, and for a few minutes it even had the ability to make me feel better. Thing is, those purchases were usually bought without purpose or thought. After the thrill of buying was gone I was left with clothes that didn’t always fit great, and usually weren’t the best quality. Mostly all they did was clutter my closet helping me to be part of the majority that only uses 20% of their wardrobe. Because of all the excess and overwhelm, every time I opened my closet I usually ended up wearing the same few pieces time and time again. Buying more was actually making me wear the same clothing repeatedly and become less creative in my styling choices! Besides all that, I was basically throwing money away.
So about 10 years ago I decided to go on a shopping cleanse. Cleaned out my closet, donated what I could, and upcycled and tailored those pieces that needed a new life. I also decided not to buy any new clothing for one whole year, except for necessities like undies, socks, and such. After all, I really didn’t need anymore, even after the purge I still had two closets full!
Once I got reacquainted with what was in my closet, knew the clothes actually fit, and could see the garments, I started playing more with layering and having fun with clothes and my style again. And I was saving money! Since I wasn’t carelessly buying it became easier to identify the pieces I was missing to give my style an update. I didn’t miss the overabundance of cheap clothes either, instead, I treasured each new piece I took the time to purchase. In the years since I buy only a few new items each season.
“Buy less, Choose well, Make it last.”
–-Vivienne Westwood
For me, slow fashion is about creating an endless wardrobe with less by buying versatile, quality, long-lasting clothing that works for your lifestyle. It’s about taking good care of your garments, and putting them to good use once you are done using them. Want to deep dive into the movement’s origins? This article on google scholar has you covered.
Looking for ways to incorporate slow fashion principles into your life?
Here are 5 simple action steps:
Buying vintage and/or resale not only gives clothing a second life but these pieces are often of better quality. Your closet will be more unique as well as sustainable.
- CONSCIOUS CONSUMERISM
- VINTAGE AND/RESALE
- UPCYCLING
- TAKE CARE OF CLOTHING PROPERLY
- DONATE
Conscious Consumerism:
When you decide to buy, purchase quality pieces that will have a long life in your closet. If possible try to buy from local and/or small producers. If you can’t, it’s ok! As long as it’s a quality piece that will become a wardrobe staple.
Buy Vintage and/or Resale:
Buying vintage and/or resale not only gives clothing a second life but these pieces are often of better quality. Your closet will be more unique as well as sustainable.
Upcycling:
Upcycling gives new life to old and unwanted clothing, transforming garments into one of a kind pieces. It’s one of my all-time favorite ways to elongate the life of a garment! These pieces often become my most treasured wardrobe staples.
Taking Care of Clothing Properly:
Take proper care of your garments to prolong their lifespan. Wash and store clothing according to directions. Use hot water and dry cleaning sparingly.
Donate:
When you’re done with your item of clothing it doesn’t mean someone else can’t get use out of it. You can donate it, resell it, or you can even recycle it.
What happens to you when you open your closet?
Do you have a closet full of clothes and still feel unsatisfied and overwhelmed with your options?! Are you missing key wardrobe essentials? Maybe you have clothes you like but you just have no idea how to wear them in a way that suits your personality and lifestyle?
I’m here to help you get the most out of your closet!
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