Buying Ethically but not Over Consuming

finding the balance

Something I have thought a lot about recently is finding the right balance between supporting the companies I love yet not going overboard. One of the most fun parts of this blog is finding companies and products that I like, want to support their mission and want to share with you guys! One of the tougher parts is holding myself accountable for being responsible with the purchases I make and not allowing myself to over consume. A critical part of becoming a more responsible consumer is understanding the impact of the textile industry on the environment and not buying into the throwaway mindset that often times goes along with fast fashion.

We shouldn’t over consume for two reasons; the first being that it is bad for the environment. The textile industry is the second most polluting industry in the world, second only to the oil industry. The second reason being that most of us have the desire to be financially responsible with our spending. If we want to know that fair wages were paid, a safe environment was provided for workers and quality materials were used in the items we are purchasing, that item is likely going to cost more. We are essentially voting with our wallet and saying that we are willing to pay more for an item to know that is what we are supporting with our purchase. If we decide to become more conscious of our purchases and their impact on other people and the environment we have to prioritize our purchases and spend our money on the things that we want the most and will get the most use out of.

Prior to trying to be more intentional with my purchases, I shopped all the time! And would put stuff on credit cards at times and go a little overboard. I have consciously made a big shift away from that mindset over the past few years but since starting to write for this blog I have caught myself falling back into old habits from time to time and saying, “ohhh I need to order that item so I can write about it!” Well I can only do so much of that… This girl hasn't traveled in a while, the itch is getting stronger and stronger, while at the same time my fiance and I are trying to save for an awesome honeymoon and a downpayment on a house. Clearly we have some pretty lofty savings goals between now and our wedding and it would be wrong of me to be irresponsible with my spending when we are both focused on saving goals.

It takes time

So no, not every outfit that I post on here will be head to toe ethically made… and I am not sorry about that. It would be wrong of me to make myself out to have a more perfect closet than I really do. I want this site to be authentic and honestly I have some old pieces that I love! I don’t have the disposable income to purchase every new item I find out there, and even if I did that wouldn’t be the right thing to do. I don’t have any intentions of getting rid of some of my favorite items until they have unrepairable holes and just can’t make it another season.

While some may find it frustrating or disappointing to hear that not everything I post will meet certain ethical standards, that is not what this blog is about. This blog is about the journey of becoming more thoughtful in our purchases and a more responsible consumer. A wardrobe takes a long time to build therefore it takes a long time to transition. With each new purchase I make I am gradually getting to a larger portion of my closet representing the values I want it to represent, but as I work through that process I do not intend to unnecessarily get rid of older items. The Wholehearted Wardrobe is a blog that I love and I think Kellie covered this topic perfectly on her blog so if this is post interested you I would suggest you check out her post about not being a fashion blog and the ethical aesthetic!

Oldies but goodies!

And just for fun, here are a few of my favorite fall pieces that I like to call oldies but goodies! While not every one of these is achieves the ethical standards I would like for it to, I won’t be replacing these favorites of mine until they must be replaced.

CK Performance Puffer Vest - gahhhh I love this vest! I have to admit that I have caught myself wondering what my friends and family think of this vest because once it starts to cool off because I literally start to wear it every single day. Yes it is 6 years old and no it is not the prettiest, sexiest or most feminine article of clothing and I don’t care! It is cozy, works over about any casual outfit and often times doubles as a purse for me. My phone in one pocket, my keys in the other, and by debit card, id and chapstick in the inside pocket and I am good to go… what can I say, on occasion I like being practical! This Patagonia one has some similarities including the inside pocket for valuables, is made with recycled polyester and down and all a part of Patagonia's transparent supply chain.

Ruffled Tunic Sweater - I picked this up from Anthropologie last year with a gift card I received for Christmas and it is so cozy I have been known to sleep in it throughout the winter months. It was made in the USA so when I made the purchase I thought maybe it was a cool company here in the states that I would learn about and want to support. Turns out it is an Anthro private label so most likely the most I can say about it is that the workers received at least minimum wage, so while this may not fully meet the ethical standards I am striving for it is a part of my journey getting there. I struggled to find similar items to this but am loving the Prana Frosene top (not as long of a tunic but pretty red color) or the Amour Vert Animana sweater which is more tunic like but fewer color options.

The scarf and leggings pictured here are from companies that I love! The leggings are Threads for Thought, these are an older style of theirs but very similar to the Firefly legging and are made from recycled water bottles and brushed on both sides to create a super soft feel. They are great for working out or paired with a tunic and booties for a cozy weekend look. Knowing they were made from recycled water bottles I was afraid to wash and dry them, but they actually wash and dry very well! The scarf came in my fall causebox and has quickly become a favorite of mine. The company is Bloom & Give and 10% of every purchase (~50% of their profits) directly go to girls education programs. Each program they support targets a specific obstacle in each community that prevents girls from going to school.

H&M Mustard Sweater - Yes believe it or not this is from H&M! I picked this up about 4 years ago, before I had even starting thinking about the impact of the purchases I make. But over those 4 years this has remained a favorite of mine - it is perfect for work, out with friends, travel… it is always comfortable and versatile enough to go with about anything. I have paired it black pants, a leather jacket and flats for work or with casual jeans, a puffer vest and booties for a more casual look. This is a true oldie but goodie so I will be keeping it until it can’t be worn anymore! If you do love this style Everlane currently has a mustard yellow color in their cashmere styles that has a similar look :)