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