It seems like with a summer of work and travel in and out of the country, I've missed the heat wave that struck Portland. Now that the days are gonna be grayer and the evenings cooler, I've started taking cardigans and long-sleeves out of my closet and putting them on my capsule rack.
I'm also evaluating my fall wardrobe and contemplating on adding new (to me) items.
In my first years as a working professional, I used to buy at least one new piece of clothing a week. It brought me joy, sometimes relief, rarely regrets.
As time passed, I moved, I changed, I opened my eyes. And now I know what the true cost of fashion is.
My approach to apparel has drastically changed over the past few years. But my love for style is still intact.
Clothes are still my weakness. I take great joy in getting dressed in the morning (most of the time). So for the past few years, I've tried to live by Coco Chanel's words:
"Fashion changes, but style endures."
And:
"Simplicity is the key note of all true elegance."
It now takes me days, sometimes weeks before I make a purchase - unless my favorite local store hosts its bi-annual sale.
I am aware that shopping consciously is not the easiest and not always the cheapest solution. Trust me, I've got an Excel table containing and comparing all sorts of data!
Undoubtedly, the best way to make a conscious purchase is still to buy vintage and second hand. But if you also want to support ethical makers, retailers and designers, you'll find my current favorites below.
Apparel
Everlane* - Made consciously in China.
Their tees are a staple in my wardrobe and might be the only items I allow in 2 different colors in my closet.
Amour Vert - Made in the USA.
American manufacturing, non-toxic dyes, sustainable fabrics, a zero-waste philosophy, and above all, enduring style.
Back Beat Rags* - Made in Los Angeles, CA.
*Easy, wearable tees, sweatshirts, and dresses infused with vintage-inspired details."
Elizabeth Suzann - Made in Nashville, TN.
The whole collection is on my wishlist. Do follow Liz on Instagram, you'll only grow fonder of her brand and team!
Only Child - Made in Oakland, CA
*Beautiful natural fibers. I have one of their coats and loooove it!
Reifhaus - Made in Portland, OR.
Jumpsuits. Period.
Tradlands - Made consciously in the United States, Mexico, Italy and China.
Their classic just are perfect for anyone looking for professional workwear and their tees and knits are simply timeless.
Hackwith - Made in Saint Paul, MN.
The softest striped dress I own. I can't remember how many times I've washed it and it's still my favorite lounge/beach/night dress.
Muumuu - Made in Novato, CA
*Naturally dyed linen. I want one of their jumpsuits!
Reformation - Made in Los Angeles, CA.
I've worn my sexy-back dress to every. single. wedding I've attended for the past 2 years and it's still pretty magical.
Black Crane - Made in Los Angeles, CA.
Focusing on a silhouette that complements supple lines and comfort, the collection is characterized as minimal and edgy.
Vetta* - Made in NYC & LA
Capsule wardrobes.
Garmentory - Independent designers aggregator.
The best way to shop from indie boutiques and emerging designers from their racks to your closet.
Shoes
Everlane* - Made consciously in Italy
I LOVE my day heels.
Fortress of Inca - Made consciously in Peru.
I have their Chelsea boots. Super chic and comfy.
Nisolo* - Made consciously in Peru.
I love a classic pair of oxfords. Their Mariela mules are my favs too!
Bryr - Made in San Francisco, CA.
Clogs are my latest obsession, whatever the season, with or without socks!
Marais USA - Made in Los Angeles, CA.
Hailey Boyd is my style icon, and makes the most colorful and beautiful mules.
Missta - Made consciously in Spain
Vegan
Veja - Made consciously in Brazil.
If I ever need to replace my current pair of sneakers, this is where I'll get them.
NAE
Designing shoes without animal, environmental and human exploitation
Wills
Bourgeois Boheme - Made consciously in Portugal
Matt & Nat
Vegan Leather
Beyond Skin
Vegan Shoes and Vegetarian Shoes
Underwear
Brook There - Made in the USA
Organic cotton
Everlane*
I've only been wearing their bralette for the past year.
Pansy - Made in the USA
*Organic USA Cotton *
HARA
Organic Bamboo Bras & Underwear
Kala - Made in the USA
All-natural and biodegradable underwear, inclusive sizing
Naja
Eco-friendly, socially conscious, handmade lingerie bra brand for empowered, courageous, real women.
Pact
Naked
Organics Basics
Only Hearts
Azura Bay
Accessories
Boswell (hats) - Made in Portland, OR.
Some day, one of these hats will me mine!
Betsy and Iya (jewelry) - Made in Portland, OR.
Local. Stylish. Affordable.
Seaworthy (jewelry) - Made in Portland, OR.
Statement earrings, come to mama!
Cosmetics
Aether
Clean, vegan, sustainable, #goodvibesbeauty
W3ll People (make up) - Made in the USA.
Their mascara and foundation is the best I've tried so far.
S.W. Basics (skin care) - Made in the USA.
If you haven't read Skin Cleanse yet, do it now!
RMS (make up) - Made in the USA.
Their versatile LIP2CHEEK is a classic.
OLO (fragrance) - Made in Portland, OR.
I hear the Lightning Paw fragrance is a must!
Do you have any recommendations for second hand resources and/or ethical makers? I'd love to check them out! Please share them in the comments section below!