Photo credits: Octave Zangs

I love supporting local makers, but I don't necessarily always have the budget to add their pieces to my closet.

And then, sometimes, the universe conspires in my favor.

Worn / Jumpsuit: Lauren Winter (made in Portland, OR), Shoes: Rachel Sees Snail Shoes (made Portland, OR), Bag: DIY.

I've been a fan of Lauren Winter for a couple years now. I wear her pants weekly, no matter the season - do you remember them in my fall capsule?

The quality of her linen is perfect, the cuts are very flattering and her aesthetics and mission align perfectly with mine.

I'd been eyeing her wraparound jumpsuit and waited for the right oppotunity (i.e. sale) to make a move.

The jumpsuit is everything I expected. The linen is the softest, the color complements my skin tone and hair color just like I wanted it. The fit is great though I might have been able to size down (I chose a medium). I feel like it's a little bulky on the bust and shoulders.

Now let's talk about my shoes!

I was following Rachel online, first met her IRL at the Sustainable Fashion Forum and again at an Airbnb Experience hosts meet-up here in Portland (she teaches shoemaking workshops, I host tours of my "Zero Waste" Home). She later organized an open studio event where I got these samples for a steal.

The rubber soles are very comfortable and the leather is buttery soft. They are now my go-to summer sandals.

If you're not able to come to Portland to take a shoe-making workshop, you can order a kit and make your own at home! How cool is that?!

I consider myself very lucky to be able to get to know the people who made items I wear on a daily basis.

This post is not sponsored, but it does contain affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase via one of my links, I may make a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

How do you shop for a somehow pricey piece? Or do you save your bucks for the right time and splurge? Do you wait for a sale and "risk missing out"?