"Sustainable Fashion"
Photo Credit: Interlaced
-- SUSTAINABLE FASHION --
From a Different Perspective
I'm from Portland, OR and if you are at all familiar with our state of Oregon... you know we are cracked out on nature and liberal debates so it is not surprising to see "sustainable fashion" themes trending in our boutiques and targeted advertising from major brands in the area. The last several years, I've looked at "Sustainable Fashion" as being organic, hippie-dippie, arty, and a bit self-ritious. Why? Because I haven't taken the time to really think about what this means to me.
I was recently asked to contribute to a local blog started by a group of women who are power-house fashion designers in Portland, OR and they want to develop more content around sustainability... A perfect time for me to find some new perspective!
I understand that my original perception of sustainability is small-minded and I am slightly embarrassed although only enough to motivate me to educate myself so I can make a better judgement call here and allow myself to create some positive content.
First off, lets look at what dictionary.com says about the word Sustainable:
adjective
1. capable of being supported or upheld, as by having its weight bornefrom below.
3. able to be maintained or kept going, as an action or process:
Secondly, lets see what dictionary.com says about the word Fashion:
noun
1. a prevailing custom or style of dress, etiquette, socializing, etc.:
the latest fashion in dresses.
So, what did I get out of that? Make your style something that can be maintained throughout trend shifts... buy classic essentials that you can style with different "trending" accessories. Make your wardrobe timeless. Don't just go to Target every quarter and buy whatever is on sale (it will either sit at the bottom of a drawer after wearing it one time, fall apart after 1 season, or end up not fitting right but not worth the time it will take to return). Quality over quantity!!
My favorite timeless pieces:
- Nike lux running tights in b&w snake print - I got these several years ago and forgot I stored them away when I thought I didn't like them anymore... I found them last year and have been wearing them tons! Rebecca Daily from Real Simple nailed it with her article on Animal print and how the neutral color pallets carryover across all fashion collections - it is not going out of style!
- Brooklyn Industries boyfriend cut destroyed light wash denim - so comfy and I can wear with lace tights in the winter or nothing under in the spring/summer!
- adidas originals sweatshirt in black and gray - perfect for lounging, running errands, or going out to dinner if you throw a pleather jacket over it!
- Bogs - this company KILLS IT!! Perfect boots for gardening - wear with jean shorts and a tank if you're pulling weeds in the summer while sipping iced tea. OR, in the fall when you're raking leaves and jumping in puddles! I'm obsessed with mine - so comfortable and extremely well made. I'm wearing Bogs boots in the cover image for this post ;)
- Side Note: Bogs Footwear gives 2% of all proceeds to an Outdoor Education program with a goal to provide scholarships and grants so that all children have an opportunity to learn and grow in outdoor education! How SUSTAINABLE! Check out my post highlighting Bogs Footwear here.
Some things I've naturally always done that make me an eco-friendly shopper:
- No fur.
- Shop local brands.
- Shop quality over quantity.
- 4 annual closet donations.
- Attend clothing swaps.
- Re-purpose my wardrobe (I cut some of my old shirts to make scrunchies, rags, and/or patches).
