Tag: shopping

A True Sustainable Closet

My relationship with thrifting and consumerism has changed as of late. This is probably because I am in the planning stages of moving out of my place where I have lived for seven years. In the recent past, I have had a somewhat strict policy of “one in, one out.” But the reality is I would do a monthly closet clean out, then replace with a bag full of new thrift finds. To me that is sort of missing the point of trying to be sustainable and to use what is already there. How can you be a more mindful shopper, and what are some things to chew on when it comes to the fashion landscape in general?….

Shop your closet….

This is step one. Look at your closet and think outside the box of how to style the clothes. Try things on and make sure things are your true size. If items don’t fit consider a clothing swap with friends or go to your community and try to organize one. It’s fine to donate things, but not for the intent of replacing.

Are your clothes for fashion or function?….

I just found a chunky knit infinity scarf in the back of my closet. Any fashion person would say, “oh an infinity scarf that’s so cheugy!” However, it serves a function meaning you don’t have to constantly flip the scarf or have it accidentally dangle in a toilet. This is just an example, but you should be thinking is this accessory or clothing item practical versus is it out of style?

Learn how to style your clothes you currently own….

I know you have enough clothing. Maybe you need to tuck a shirt, throw on a belt, wear a long sleeve shirt under a summer dress, etc. I keep learning how to style my clothes from trial and error and also saving styling videos on Instagram.

Sell your good clothes that you can get a profit from….

You might have been gifted expensive fashion items that are not your taste. It’s a great idea to start a Posh-mark and sell these types of clothing.

Alter your clothes….

I have become obsessed with dying my clothing. Once you do it you will become addicted. It is a great way to make your clothing flatter your personal color palette ( winter, warm spring, summer etc.), or to just change up a boring shirt. I also crop my shirts and the bottoms of jeans that are too long on me. The best shirts or pants that look great cropped is denim. It creates a beautiful frayed look that I love. For those who know how to work a sewing machine tailor your own clothes. You can take it a step further for advanced sewers by designing your own outfits or even starting a side hustle. Or go to your local tailor. They can help make a cheap thrifted jacket or pants into a custom fit.

Don’t make shopping a routine….

This can get tricky with some people, since shopping can be social, and it’s just a fun activity to do with family members or friends. You naturally will be influenced by who you are with and how much they eat or spend . It’s importantly to communicate with your shopping buddy that you are doing a “no spend month” just to see how that goes. You will naturally find another way to be social and spend time together.

Stop obsessing about micro trends…

Look, no one is immune from trends. There will always be influence to what you decide to put on. However, there are extreme pendulum trends where you go from maximalism to bare minimalism. You need to recognize that being in the middle and within your own taste is where you need to remain. Always recognize when an extreme is happening and resist the urge to burn down your closet and start fresh. It’s what they want you to do.

The “classics” are a lie…

Instead of “buying the classics,” which is a sneaky way of getting you to buy an expensive item, go with what is flattering to you or just something that you love. The classics always change, even if at a slower rate. Wear what speaks to you on a personal level.

Bottom Line….

When people read an article about cleaning out a closet, they gasp and panic about all of their special items being thrown in the trash. That is not the case here. Instead the message is to actually wear your items that you already own. And alter clothing that you want to tweak. It will breathe a new life into a garment and make you wear it more. It is also important to educate yourself about how to style your clothes. Watch stylists on social media or to read styling books. You can also use mood boards on Pinterest to help shape your taste and how it could be worn. I promise you have enough clothes to style an outfit. Consider a clothing swap and sell your designer items with Posh-mark. Lastly, resist the loop of closet clean out to filling the gap with more thrifted clothes.

Crowd Pleaser Holiday Gifts

There are people who are impossible to shop for. It can get frustrating because they have everything and when they have a desire to have something it will be purchased. This is the time to think outside the box and try to be sustainable if possible. I always like to give people a useful gift that can be used all year long. What are some gift ideas for anyone you aren’t super close to or a hard to shop for person?….

Think outside a physical gift….

This is my first instinct for this type of person. Most people will not take a random class or feel that a certain streaming service is a little too indulgent. For an older person a technology favor could really help them out. Such as organizing their desktop or to help block scammers on their computer and phone. Movie passes to an indie cinema, concert tickets, sports tickets etc are also an option.

Go personal…

Anyone who is artsy or has a fun hobby this is the time to shine. Anything handmade or designed by you adds a special touch. You can easily set up a red bubble or similar site and add your art. A cute tote bag or tee shirt with your design can be a great gift.

Plants….

A plant can be a great gift for most people. You can help breathe some air into a space with an easy to care for plant. Create a starter herb garden with small plants that can be used indoors next to a kitchen window. They also make indoor herb kits with lights. Another option is fun and artsy plant holders. You can paint a plain one, thrift, or find one at a holiday market.

The mixologist….

Set up your friend’s home bar. Get them started with some bitters, shaker, a simple cart etc. The entertainer loves to have a fancy decanters to show off to guests. For non drinkers help stock a coffee or tea bar.

Sheets and pillowcases….

Nice sheets only get softer with each wash. A silk pillowcase is very helpful for anyone who doesn’t want to wake up with bed head. It’s great to give everyday luxury that they can use all year. A cozy large throw blanket can be a good idea as well.

Food gifts….

Make gourmet bread or sweets for people. This is great for relatives you don’t know that well and you are mailing them items. There are companies that offer food packages as well. Keep food simple and double check dietary needs.

Cashmere scarf….

No one would dislike a quality scarf or hat. Keep the color neutral, black is probably the safest bet. A sweater might be too expensive for most, so something smaller (socks) might be better for your budget.

Gift cards…

With gift cards I try to go local. This could be to a local day spa, restaurant, or book store. It seems more thought out than an amazon gift card.

Art…

This is great for people who have blank walls and need an art curator. Go to the flea markets, thrift stores, or local art markets. If you know your friend or family member’s taste this can be great to help them decorate. Also you can go to Etsy or other sites for downloadable art then thrift a nice frame.

Bottom Line….

These are examples of crowd pleaser gifts. It is great to go personal whenever possible however, sometimes you need to give gifts to people you are not as close to such as a co -worker or family member. I enjoy a non physical gift or favor that could really help out someone. Try to shop small, second hand, and buy a gift card from a local business. It will help out the local economy and give money back to the community.