Every girl has her "go-to's"...
Creating an ethically made capsule wardrobe
Every girl has her “go-to’s”. When I’m rushing to head out the door for drinks with my fiance, 95% of the time I end up in my striped tee and best cut of jeans... or if I snooze the alarm all morning before work, I head out the door in a black knit dress with a bottle of dry shampoo. Dirty or not, these items that stay front and center in my wardrobe can be paired with sunglasses, a leather tote, or jean jacket, and within 5 minutes...I look ready for whatever the day throws my way.
With the right closet, you can pull together a variety of key pieces, get rid of the others your rarely choose, and with the right mix and match...you're set for anything. That’s the concept behind the growing trend of a capsule wardrobe.
I have spent a few Saturday mornings over the years cleaning out the nice, expensive, yet un-worn clothes collecting dust in my closet, I can’t help but wonder who could benefit from these more than me. Fashion trends are a love-hate relationship in my book. When I fall in love with a recently purchased blouse at the mall, and then three months later pick a different top instead...I can’t seem to justify going to buy the next newest-cutest thing. Especially after watching “The True Cost” and realizing the impact that the apparel industry has on many of its workers and the environment being the second largest source of pollution in the world (only second to the oil industry) I found the strong desire to change my spending habits and make sure that I am confident that my purchases are supporting the things I feel strongly about.
If I’m going to continue buying clothes and support fashion...what can I support with each item I wear? Can I know that fair wages were paid in making this garment? Does the company prioritize sustainability and minimizing their impact on the environment? I will say, the capsule wardrobe concept isn't easy to pull off, especially with all forms of social media screaming latest trends at you… this concept is the opposite of trend focused. Capsule wardrobes focus on the basics and the classics. If you're a trend junkie this probably isn’t for you... but even trends are highlighted best by a few classic pieces to let your fun new shoes, shades, or tote stand out. It’s my goal to pull together a caused based capsule wardrobe that can support ongoing trends. I never intend to claim 100% of my product purchases are caused based, but if I wear my capsule wardrobe 80% of the time, the majority of my purchases will do more than just help me. I certainly love to style these pieces with trendy accessories and layers...but I feel best when I walk out the door wearing a product with more purpose. I’ve been working on my capsule for a while now, and this is what I’ve come up with so far that may help you get started!
my favorite ethically made items:
Raleigh Denim raw denim that is handmade in my college town (Raleigh, NC). I think I have had mine for about 5 years, they have held up very well and still remain on my go to pairs of jeans. I am 5’1 so went I went into their shop in Raleigh they helped fit me a pair that was flattering and hemmed them to the right length for my short legs. I opted for one of their darker washes making these perfect for dressing up or down.
Amour Vert AGolde Sophie Copped Jean is my other go to pair of jeans. Again because I am short the cropped style actually works as a full length for me. I go the lighter wash since my Raleigh Denim is darker and these are my favorite casual and comfortable jeans that are so soft and stretchy!
My Italian Leather Jacket I can’t link to this one because I can’t remember the name of the shop I purchased it from while studying abroad in Florence, Italy about 9 years ago. This was my big splurge while abroad for a summer and while I purchased it hoping it would become a staple in my wardrobe I didn’t expect for it to still be my go to fall (and winter because in NC you rarely need a real winter coat) jacket and outfit completer piece.
Krochet Kids Aria t-shirt dress this simple t-shirt dress can be dressed up with jewelry, wedges and a clutch or worn with sneakers for a more casual look. While I often throw on an oversized cardigan and flats for work I also throw it on over my swimsuit when heading out on the lake. I wear an XS in this dress but will say after as much as I have worn and washed this guy, it has drawn up some so if you are taller and plan on throwing it in the dryer I would suggest sizing up.
Amour Vert black knit top this easy knit swing top similar to the t-shirt dress can easily be dressed up or down and for me serves as a great work top and can also be worn on a night out.
Amour Vert Striped Tank this classic stripped tank is perfect for summer time, I often wear it was shorts out on the lake or tie a knot in the side of it and wear with jeans and wedges when I need to dress it up a little.
Amour Vert Sezette striped t-shirt dress talk about a go-to I sometime wonder if I wear this dress a little too much. But Amour Vert’s modal jersey fabric is so soft you will feel like you are wearing comfy PJs yet you will look put together and is perfect for travel because it doesn’t really wrinkle at all.
CP Shades Button down handmade in the San Fransisco bay area CP shades uses sustainable fabrics to create simple and timeless items. This blue and white gingham button down is soft and comfortable, it perfect for the fall season with jeans and booties but can also be paired with white jeans and wedges for a fun summer look.
All Birds I wear these lightweight wool sneakers with jeans and shorts they are perfect for running errands and exploring cities while traveling. And even better they are machine washable!
Nisolo Sandals are designed in Nashville, TN and ethically made by hand in Peru. They look great with jeans or dresses for an everyday casual yet stylish look.
Threads for Thought Firefly Legging every girl needs a great pair of leggings and these black leggings from Threads for Thought are moisture wicking and can be worn for a workout or paired with an oversized tunic and boots for a cozy fall look. They are a comfortable mid rise and are made from recycled polyester-spandex.
Karen Kane Black Cardi having worked with this company for a couple of years they are a wonderful family committed to making stylish looks with most items made in the USA. This black cardigan is long enough to cover your bottom and can be thrown over a dress, tunic, or really any look for added warmth and doubles as a completer piece.