Category: Daily Outfit

For Keeps

floral blouse, Mott & Bow mom jeans, Nisolo huarache, Anine Bing sunglasses

When: May 22, 2021 // Weather: hot // Real life: Saturday errands and pizza date

floral blouse, Mott & Bow mom jeans, Nisolo huarache, Anine Bing sunglasses
floral blouse, Mott & Bow mom jeans, Nisolo huarache, Anine Bing sunglasses
floral blouse, Mott & Bow mom jeans, Nisolo huarache, Anine Bing sunglasses
floral blouse, Mott & Bow mom jeans, Nisolo huarache, Anine Bing sunglasses
floral blouse, Mott & Bow mom jeans, Nisolo huarache, Anine Bing sunglasses

I’ve mentioned many a time about how I regularly sell my old clothes to make room for new stuff (although these days, the “new” stuff is often used, so I’m a proud participant in the circular economy).

From time to time friends ask me how I decide what I let go of — I know this is difficult for some people because they’re afraid they’ll get rid of something and then regret it. When I have a garment that I haven’t worn in a while and I think I’m ready to let it move on to its next owner, I make myself wear it one more time. Usually, that confirms that I’ve gotten all the use I want out of it, and I put it in my consignment pile.

But every once in awhile, that “last wear” gets me excited about a piece again. That’s what happened with this top — I thought I was tired of it (admittedly, it was a fast fashion impulse buy a couple years ago), but then I loved this outfit so much I realized I could wear it again with other combos of jeans and flats.

So congrats, random little top! You’re in the “keep” pile for now 🙂

old H&M top // Mott & Bow Jeans // Nisolo shoes (sustainable brand) // secondhand Coach bag // secondhand Anine Bing sunglasses

Rule Breaker

j.crew shirtdress, Coach bag, retro style, scarf headband

When: May 2, 2021 // Weather: 60s // Real life: peepin’ those flowers and art at Newfields

j.crew shirtdress, Coach bag, retro style, scarf headband
j.crew shirtdress, Coach bag, retro style, scarf headband
j.crew shirtdress, Coach bag, retro style, scarf headband
j.crew shirtdress, Coach bag, retro style, scarf headband

^^ Quite possibly my new favorite picture of myself. I belong in old Hollywood, if only I had been born a few decades earlier and with any charm or acting talent whatsoever.

So I’ve been doing the whole “be a more sustainable/conscious shopper” for awhile now, and I’ve found it helpful to follow likeminded bloggers and influencers for inspiration and encouragement. I’ve noticed there are two different camps: Some say you need to give up “fast fashion” altogether and only buy secondhand or from sustainable, ethical brands; otherwise you’re supporting “the bad guys” who destroy the earth and exploit their workers. The other camp says you should just try to make more conscious choices and not feel bad if you still buy a shirt from Target once in a while.

Personally I tend to be more successful when I set clear rules for myself. If I open that promo email from Nordstrom or “just peruse” the new stuff at Madewell, I’m going to be tempted. So for the most part, I really have given up fast fashion. But I also recognize that there can be an element of elitism to the “slow fashion” movement. Not everyone lives in a city with cool vintage shops, and not everyone can afford a $300 organic cotton handmade cardigan. No one should be made to feel like a bad person for buying a fast fashion piece that they love and know they’ll get a lot of use out of.

That’s why I don’t feel bad about breaking my “rule” and getting this dress from J.Crew. I’ve wanted a not-so-basic white shirtdress for ages, and this one is perfect. I’ve already come up with at least 5 other outfits with this dress as the base, and I’m going to take good care of it so it lasts many years. And that, my friends, is still a sustainable choice. 🙂

J.Crew dress // Sneakers (sustainable brand) // secondhand Coach bag // secondhand Le Specs sunglasses // Earrings