Curating a wardrobe for life is my tagline for a reason, it’s what I do. I believe this is the best way, we as consumers can make an impact on the runaway train that is fast fashion. When you love clothes (shoes and bags) it’s impossible to give up buying them so perhaps the answer is to abstain more often? Let’s be clear, we spend the money and we buy the clothes so ultimately WE are responsible for the shit show that’s been unloaded onto Earth.
Blaming the manufacturer and the brand is high on my agenda but I hold my hands up too. I am guilty your honour. If I wasn’t buying so many clothes and if I didn’t expect to see a new collection every month then brands wouldn’t feel obliged to take advantage of that fact to make a motzah. Am I right or am I right? Granted we can all do better, there’s no doubt about that. However many of us are certainly doing more harm than others. I’m not naming names, you’ve all seen these fast fashion pushers and their addicts. The first step for them is seeing their behavour as harmful. Indeed we have a ways to go…
I mean who decreed a new outfit every week is required? Why do we admire Women on Instagram for wearing something new every single day? How does this make our lives better? Erm…it doesn’t. When you have all the things, the things stop giving you pleasure, they lose their value so you’re forever chasing something more. Another dress, another pair of shoes, another handbag.
It simply doesn’t make sense to think that’s sustainable in any way shape or form. And I don’t just mean sustainable from an environmental persepective I also mean happiness and personal wellbeing. Who started the stupid idea of rewarding ourselves just for being happy? Isn’t being happy the fucking reward? How about getting joy from styling the same pieces differently? Creating a totally new look from your wardrobe is actually a lot of fun!
“Life is short,
buy the shoes,
eat the cake”
YES LIFE IS SHORT, EAT TOO MUCH CAKE AND IT’LL ONLY GET SHORTER LOVE.
MAKE SURE EVERY PIECE HAS PURPOSE
Sensible and austere with money in my younger days, I’d think long and hard before buying anything. This mentality, instilled in me by my Father carried over from my Grandfather and served me well. Both men were regarded as tight wads but don’t say I told you sshh it’s our little secret. Never wanting to leave myself short of rent or even a night out I was careful with cash. Yet as much as I love fashion I’d never contemplate using my credit card for such a frivolous purchase as clothing. The credit card was sacred and only existed in case of emergencies!
Evidently this mentality isn’t shared today, rather it’s been replaced with the self indulgent chorus “go ahead, buy the shoes, you’re worth it, you deserve it!” Even if that means on credit which is basically rewarding yourself with a gift you haven’t actually earned? Is that harsh? Firm but fair I believe. Needless to say my frugality later converted well to the plight of the Planet, these days the two inextricably linked. As I’ve always said choosing the economy over the environment is a false economy, you simply won’t have a strong economy with a dying environment. Not a platform most politicians have the guts to run on, though many know to be true. Clearly that excludes the current POTUS since he isn’t actually a politician.
BOOYAH!
So if you feel pressure to buy when you really don’t need to, get into the habit of saying I’ll think about it. You’ll find that time takes the sparkle of most things particularly in fashion trends. If you shop in store, walk out empty handed or better still, only go with a specific purpose. Otherwise don’t go there at all. If you shop online, wait for the sales like I do. Make a list of what you would like or need and choose the items that will enhance your collection. Also I never double up on similar pieces. For example one pair of nude pumps will do the same job as having three pairs so why buy more than a single pair? I only have one breton top, one plain white t-shirt, one tan skinny belt, one plaid coat and so on. Naturally there are exceptions although right now, I can’t think of any.
In any case we could argue the toss but my point is make certain every piece in your closet has purpose. If you have two blue floral maxi dresses, one is reduntant. It’s simple.
THINK OF OTHER WAYS TO WEAR IT
Now that you’ve decided on the pieces you need, consider other ways to wear them. Take a closer look at the sleeves of my cardigan in the photo above and you’ll see I pushed them up to reveal the detail of my dress underneath. When you allow layers to show through, you’re changing the entire structure of each item. Just like my voluminous summer dress underneath my fitted jumper dress in this post.
Get creative by exposing the hem of a dress or shirt, the collar or neckline and of course, the ultimate reveal is the statement sleeve.
I am so dedicated to this mantra that even when clothing is gifted to me I choose something that can be re-styled many ways. In fact after so many years doing this, it’s now my default setting. Even sifting through racks at a thrift store, hell even at a garage sale, I kid you not it’s embedded in my DNA! Consequently I have an incredible amount of styling options in my wardrobe for the actual size of it! Remember I gave away half of my wardrobe when we moved yet I still have infinite outfits because what remains is cohesive. It all works together.
If anyone needs proof it’s right there in my Instagram gallery. Scroll through to see how many times my pieces are repeated.
5 WAYS TO STYLE A LONG CARDI
The longline cardigan is an entirely underrated knit in my opinion. It gets a bad rap as the scruffy, sloth about home. But that’s unfair especially if you choose a well made, good quality wool version like this one from Woolovers.
In todays post I style the longline cardigan four ways although I genuinely could have gone much further with just what I have in my closet. Worn over a simple white t-shirt and jeans with ballets is tré French chic. Another no-brainer I love with this cardi is double denim and ankle boots.
In any case you can see the colour is perfect paired with most things and the straight long line is uber flattering. Cinched in at the waist or left open and flowing this piece is so versatile I’d call it a wardrobe staple! Not only that but it plays well through the seasons. How is a long cardigan trans-seasonal? When it’s made from 50% cotton and 50% wool it breathes, holds it’s shape and washes well in the machine. What more can I say? I rest my case.
Longline cardigan | Wool dress | Fruit floral maxi dress | Navy trousers | Khaki silk shirt |
3 POINTS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING SOMETHING NEW
- Colour – Obvious? Well yes and no. Sometimes a colour works well in your closet because it contrasts with a lot of other pieces. Clashing colour is as versatile as tonal hues. If you’re not sure take a sample with you to the store. I often do this with surprising results. Generally the name of a colour or the online image doesn’t share it’s real life shade especially if you’re trying to match it.
- Fabric and Finish – Certain materials last longer than others. Naturally how you care for them has a bearing on this so wash rarely and if you use a dry cleaner choose the non-toxic eco kind. I find cotton, cashmere and silk stand the test of time along with denim and leather. In terms of garment finishing, go as high a price point as you can. It’s a matter of buying less but buying better right?
- These brands can be expensive but trust me, if you’re patient and wait for sales you will reap the rewards big time. In fact now is a good time to look at Woolovers, 15% off full price using code MICHELLE – Whistles, 20% off full price for new customers – Hobbs, 20% off – JCrew, 30% off full price and 50% off sale for today – Winser , 25gbp discount voucher when you spend 150 – and People Tree, 20% everything including new season.
- Don’t forget designer outlet villages for crazy discounts on luxury designer. I go every two years on average and always come home with an amazing treasure. On my last visit I found the stunning handmade Burberry buckle bag you see at the top of this post. A genius multi-way belt bag that also converts to a crossbody, clutch and shoulder bag. So the cost per wear plummets pretty soon after purchase since I wear it on repeat. Marked down considerably from$1,300 to $800 merely because it was past season. Now granted $800 is still a lot of money for a bag but for a crazy bag lady like me it’s a valuable addition to my collection. Come on, we all have our weaknesses!
NEXT STOP VERMONT!
Yipee at last we’re taking a holiday! On Sunday morning we drive to Stratton ski resort in Vermont. It’s our first holiday in eighteen months and although it’s only a four day break, I feel incredibly grateful never the less.
Yes we are taking the children out of school for three of those days but I spoke to both schools about it and they were fully supportive. One teacher even said she is glad to hear we’re taking a vacation as a family, we deserve the break away. The schools have been awesome on every level and continue to amaze me with their genuine care for my children. It’s the education I always dreamed of for my kids. They’re really very lucky, as I tell them every day.
So dear friends old and new, I’ll report back here about Vermont next month. Expect a travel/fashion post if you enjoy skiing or fancy giving it a try. If you can’t wait for that stay tuned to my Instagram stories for the live action and by live action I do not mean stunt action. Please God no injuries!
Bye for now,
Love, Mx
*DISCLOSURE – Thank you to Woolovers for partnering on this post
Comments ( 8 )
Sequinist
I am so grateful that you have such a great perspective and a loud voice (!) about fast fashion. It is so unrealistic that everyone who is not living in poverty feels the need to have a new outfit every week. Or that everyone needs meat every day. Or that everyone needs a closet of cashmere. Or that everyone needs to travel and see everything. Each activity destroys the earth when EVERYONE feels they deserve to have it. Because of these bad habits, we have vile fast fashion, the disgusting industrialised meat industry, terrible cheap cashmere everywhere, and the souls of cities like Paris being destroyed because everyone is a tourist and no one supports local neighbourhood business.
I really don’t know what it will take to change all of this, but I’m glad you are so vocal about it. xxx
No Fear of Fashion
Although I agree with everything you say, I feel that the subject has so many more sides to consider. And I feel judged. Does that sound stupid? I try to do my bit but I fail often.
About trivial stuff: that bag in the first picture is indeed a beauty.
Greetje
Michelle
Oh no I’m sorry you feel judged Greetje, that isn’t my intention at all! I agree this topic has many sides or parts if you like but for today’s post I was coming from the perspective of what I can do as a consumer.
I feel frustrated about this most of the time because, like you, I love my clothes. Also I’ve said this to you before but I’ll remind you, I know you are incredibly concious of what you buy. You’re brilliant at mixing second hand with new and you generously give away your unwanted pieces rather than toss them to landfill.
In my opinion you’re a great example of how to enjoy fashion whilst being aware of sustainability.
No Fear of Fashion
Oh thanks Michelle, I feel a lot better now. Was a bit sad you might think bad of me. I suppose we are all on different steps of the “good” ladder. Mother Theresa at the top with no wordly possessions and hard criminals at the bottom.
I did so well on second-hand stuff and on shopping my wardrobe. Climbing that ladder. Then last week I went totally off the rails. Will compensate by donating a lot of clothes to women who have less.
Abby
Well, I don’t have strong reaction to this post, simply because I’m not guilty of any of the above. I have never chased any current trends nor was spending my cash on things I don’t need/won’t wear anyways. I’ve been buying cloths that were made to last since my christening, and if I buy any for myself than it’s not more than two/three pieces per year. And whatever is still in good shape (that includes my kids cloths and shoes), goes to charity. Having said that I DO love luxury items. But when I do buy that cashmere cardigan I will wear the sh*t out of it, I mean I still have some cashmere sweaters I bought twenty years ago and they’re in perfect condition. That sort of life philosophy was part of our decision why we moved to the country side, where there real values at play and not some “quick” fashion or what-wear-next first world problems. At some point I just couldn’t take this consumerism anymore. Here, the surrounding us nature or my animals couldn’t care less if I wore the latest Dior collection. In the end of the day it’s what you bring to the world and the good you do that will stay long after you’re gone and not what you wore. Love xx Abby
MT
Hi Abby, thanks for your considered reply my love. Although I know (you) my readers are all very conscious of the negative impact fashion has on the planet, I still felt compelled to write this post. I always hope to catch a new reader off guard and win them over to my wiley ways mwahaha!
Btw I haven’t received any emails from Midlifecrisisnut are you still coming back? We all miss you xx
Catherine, Not Dressed As Lamb
THIS is the post that’s inspired my idea to write an eco warrior fashion bloggers post!! I agree with every word you’ve said, and more and more I’m on the lookout for bloggers that rewear their wardrobe and/or buy secondhand. This year is DEFINITELY going to be the year that fast fashion becomes a big fat no-no, like smoking…. something that people say, You bought it from WHERE?! about…!
Two big fat thumbs up from me, you fabulous Eco Warrior Princess, you 😀
C xx
Samantha
Sage words as always Michelle! Really love your first two looks here. 70s Village and then 70s lady who lunches! Stylin! Well done on the bagging the Burberry! The thrill of knowing you paid less than RRP is worth $800!