While I am not partial to purchase (or take clients shopping) at the chain boutique per se, it’s time we become more mindful in our choices.
When we make ‘therapeutic’, yet unconsidered, impulsive fashion purchases, we add not only to the clutter and overwhelm in our own wardrobes, but to the demand that drives these practices.
Most of us have had a shopping binge at Zara or the Iconic after a particularly long day, delighting in the adrenalin hit of scoring a full shopping cart of bargains. However, when these items come home, there’s usually a hangover, where nothing really fits, works or as Marie Kondo would say, sparks joy.
When I start working with a client, I see a wardrobe bulging at the seams with items never worn. No matter the type of client I work with, I have yet to meet a woman who didn’t feel some sort of shame with the amount of unworn or ill purchased clothes she had hoarded.
Caryn Franklin, professor of diversity at Kingston School of Art, speaks beautifully of the emotional correlation between sustainability and self-esteem. “Women feel they will never be good enough, that they must keep on striving for an ideal they will never achieve,†she told the Guardian. “They medicate with clothes, using them to create the self they think they need to have – and when the dress doesn’t deliver they keep on disposing of clothes along the way.â€
The fashion industry is contributing to major environmental destruction only because consumers insist on buying clothes at such cheap prices. We love the hit of the bargain, without realising the ripple effect.
Fashion is the second most polluting industry in the world after oil – and Australians are the world’s second largest consumers of textiles, buying on average 27 kilograms of new clothing each year.
Landfill
Unfortunately, most of this ends up in landfill. This post-mortem doesn’t consider the impact of production, such as polluted waterways, land-destroying GM crops and unethical, exploitative production.
A $30 top is not just a top, so it’s time to consider what has been the social, environmental and ethical impact of producing that wardrobe en masse.
Thus, a part of my role is to teach women how to shop smart, purchase less and co-ordinate pieces to achieve more, on every level, from less. I love to show my clients how they too can think differently about their style and get creative, no matter their budget.Â
While I’m not here to say exclusively not to purchase these garments (because the right find in Zara can be nothing short of a life-long joy), I want you to enhance your wardrobe in a considered, stylish and sustainable way. Being a conscious shopper and making clever styling choices is a step in the right direction.
For those that would like to purchase ethically, there are a rising number of designers and brands trying to educate buyers on conscious textiles. Their motto? “Great style doesn’t have to come at the expense of the environment.” They use suitably sourced materials using sustainable methods. Below are a list of some designers making their style mark in sustainably produced garments.
- Find your style, know what looks great on you and shop intelligently. If that means investing in a stylist to edit your wardrobe, show you what looks great and teach you how to shop, then do so to avoid wasting your time and money in the future on senseless spending. This investment means you’ll never waste your money on stuff you won’t wear (or feel good in!) again.
- When shopping, ask yourself: 1. do I really need this? 2. the piece be worn in several ways? No matter how good the change room stylist tells you you look, or how much the salaciously the item has been discounted, if you can’t work it at least 3 times into the rest of your wardrobe, you’ll regret the purchase.
- Repair and tweak items to revamp them! For instance, get a tailor to add buttons, or create the the right fitting seams. Turn jeans into shorts or skirts and amend sleeves to your liking. I recommend become best friends with your tailor and you’ll always look the part (on a budget).
- Purchase from vintage and recycled stores as well as op shops and integrate these with your current pieces. I recommend this especially with furs, leathers and suede, to ensure circularity and empathy for animal hides.
- If you can afford it, have garments made or order bespoke pieces, which are perfectly fitted and proportioned to suit you! And the quality means the garment will last for years. Like consciously minded designers, there are a growing number of couturiers making a mark- contact me for names of some of the best!
- Swap garments with friends. Have a ‘fashion swap party’, guided by a stylist. You’ll get new items in your wardrobe even if they aren’t new. I conduct these events so please reach out if you want to know more.
- Try and integrate more sustainable garments in your wardrobe, made of natural fibres. Below is a list of natural fibres to look out for. For instance, organic cotton and bamboo linen are better, as is hemp, linen, silk and wool. Lyocell, made from natural cellulose found in wood pulp (harvested from sustainably farmed forest plantations), also rates fairly well.
- To keep garments lasting longer, wash in cold water only, gentle cycle or hand wash using mild detergents. Detergents can actually destroy certain fibres, so do your research and go easy on the quantity.
So what to do with unwanted clothing?
Give to friends or donate them to your favourite charities. Be aware though that not everything you give an Op Shop is resold. Many are taken to landfills or sent overseas to developing nations. That’s great provided not all you are doing is moving the plastic from one country to another? You can also donate to a church that looks after the homeless or those in safe homes. I’ve seen homeless people in my area wearing some pretty cool pieces, so let them wear what you don’t.Â
Amie Baker – Director, Financial Advisor
Here are three stylish outfits that walk their sustainability talk.
Ooo la la I am loving this edgy denim jacket with frayed edges and exposed white seams teamed with a layered white skirt. Pair with sneakers and this Kooreloo handbag, which uses recycled fabrics.
- Denim jacket from Kitx on Farfetch
- White skirt from Stella McCartney on Farfetch
- Scarf from H&M Conscious collection
- Sneakers from Veja on Farfetch
- Handbag from Kooreloo
- Blazer from Stella McCartney on Farfetch
- Print trousers from H&M Conscious Collection
- Camisole from Reformation on Farfetch
- Statement earrings from H&M Conscious Collections
- Pumps from Stella McCartney on Farfetch
- Handbag from Kooreloo
Bring some rocker-edge to a feminine asymmetrical maxi with a faux fur jacket, cowboy boots and a chain-mesh bag. The statement earrings are restrained and romantic, bringing the whole look together.
- Black dress from Mara Hoffman on Matches
- Faux Fur jacket from Unreal Fur on Farfetch
- Statement earrings from Arabella Brusan
- Boots from H&M Conscious Collection
- Handbag from Stella McCartney on Farfetch
[contact-form][contact-field label=”Name” type=”name” required=”true” /][contact-field label=”Email” type=”email” required=”true” /][contact-field label=”Website” type=”url” /][contact-field label=”Message” type=”textarea” /][/contact-form]
