Although my tagline is “Fashion With Purpose” and I encourage shopping with a conscience, I can do a better job of making responsible consumer choices. I began by visiting Nathalie-Roze boutique and a second-hand thrift shop on New Year’s eve and I intend to continue lightening my consumer footprint on the earth.
That’s from the post I wrote on January 1 in which I laid out my new year’s intentions. Like it says, I’m a proponent of socially-conscious fashion choices, be they locally-made, fair trade, organic or second-hand. For the most part, I’ve been a responsible consumer, but there are those times when I need a dress at the last minute and I don’t take the time to think about its environmental implications or social impact. Was it made following ethical practices? How about the fabric…is it organic? Sometimes, I’m ashamed to say, I am so bedazzled by how good the gown looks (shiny sequins!) that I don’t care to think about these things. I appease myself in the knowing that most of the time I make sound choices.
No, it's not fair trade, organic, local, or used!
I’ve decided it’s time to raise the bar, however. For a while I’ve had this funny feeling that there is enough stuff in the world already, that we can get by very well using what’s already there rather than buying something new. I’ve written posts to this effect and there’s even a theory that consumerism itself was invented by an American economist named Victor LeBow after World War Two to help nurse the economy back to health:
According to the Story of Stuff, it was then that buying things became a mindset and a way of life where before qualities such as stewardship and conservation were highly-valued. In the same 20-minute video, narrator Annie Leonard mentions that 99% of what Americans buy ends up in the landfill after six months.
Bay-area resident Annie Leonard created the Story of Stuff
Writing on these topics has renewed my interest in vintage fashion and thrift-shopping (often to find stock for my Ebay store). I’ve been able to get this far into 2011 without buying any “new” clothes, so I’ve decided to challenge myself to go a full half-year (I know a year would be more dramatic, but let’s be realistic) buying only used and vintage clothing–even footwear. The challenge ends July 1, 2011.
Have you ever challenged yourself to change your shopping habits?
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Good luck with the challenge! I really should think more about social/environmental factors to do with fashion, and buy more things second hand. Your blog is very inspiring
http://not-just-clothes.blogspot.com
Thanks honey! Like I said, I could do better. I’m not completely against buying new as many designers create responsibly and need to make a living! Just thought I’d make a change and see what it’s like.
Good for you Laura! Last year I went on a two months “no shopping for clothes” diet to force myself to get creative with what’s in my closet. It was a great experience, but your six month challenge sounds much tougher! Can’t wait to hear how it goes!
I think it’s a good idea to modify our shopping habits once in a while, even just to inject a little change in our lives and think in a different way than what we’re used to. It helps us become more creative, too.
that is a brave step!! and good for you. I’m moving countries and have decided to give dozens of clothes to charity and selling dozens more. I have too much. It never gets worn, it just sits there, it’s simply sad.
We spend, spend, spend, and while there is nothing wrong with shopping, being ethical about it, and understanding how our behaviour affects the rest of the world is an great realisation, and in the consumer-crazy world we live in this is hardly thought of.
Thanks! Part of me wonders what I’ve got myself into but when I hear fashionable people like yourself are constantly donating, I shouldn’t have any trouble finding cool things at the thrift shops.
So excited to see how this goes! I shop almost exclusively in thrift stores for clothing unless it’s for undergarments. There’s such great stuff that people give away (myself included–I donate a lot, too!). You can find things that probably cost upwards to $50 for $4. I like the sound of that!
I enjoyed your post about the ballet pink blouse you found at Goodwill. It looks fantastic. My next post is about wearing pink to support ending women’s cancers, it’s National Wear It Pink day here.
I pretty much have brought this challenge into my lifestyle, yet I can’t pass up a good deal for new things when I find one. Good deals for new things are of course sometimes subjective, but what I am comfortable with is only between me and my pocket and is whatever doesn’t make me feel guilty inside after the purchase. Being able to get great finds on used clothes though is a challenge that is both exciting and fulfilling.
It’s true! There is a second-hand/vintage store in Toronto called The Thrill of the Find and I think that is such a perfect title.
Hi Laura,
I am ashamed to admit that I have started & failed not one but multiple attempts at shoe-shopping curtailment. I can go without clothes and can easily go 3 months without buying a new piece of clothing. It is also easier to top up the closet with charity shopping and vintage purchases which aids with responsible consuming but extending that ethos to footwear is one I have yet to master.
Good luck with the challenge. It is always good to put the spotlight on our habits every now and then in order to see which we would be best to do without!
Thanks so much for the words of encouragement; it will be an interesting challenge!
This is so inspiring!!!! I am terrible with clothes and have been trying to shop and sell my closet since the beginning of the year. I am just blessed with so much and some things I own have not lived a life.
Have you seen the site smashion?! I just found out about it last month and I love it! It’s shopping in other people’s closet essentially. There are really modern things, so you’ll be shopping used, but also pretty current.
You can start in my closet!
http://smashion.com/market/store/made_to_travel
Best of luck in your challenge! I think it is wonderful!
Thank you so much for the words of encouragement and the link. As soon as I’m finished here I’m going to check it out. Sounds like just what I need.
You’re very welcome! When you do purchase your vintage/used finds please post! Would love to know more resources for great used clothes.
Here’s a link to a reader’s vintage boutique called Daisy Fairbanks: http://www.daisyfairbanks.com/
THANKS! Keep em comin’
This is so important! Your challenge is a wonderful idea, and it’s really not as hard as it may seem. I’ve shopped almost exclusively second hand and vintage for many years. What I’ve found is that in addition to being much more consumer-guilt-free, it’s also easier to express one’s own sense of style when we’re not limited to what the stores are telling us is “in” or “out” but are free to choose from many seasons and styles.
I’m looking forward to hearing how it goes for you.
Thank you so much; this may be a good opportunity to check out your store! I agree that vintage allows you to express yourself through clothing in ways that are less restricted by budget or trends.
woooow, good luck!! I have been starting to get more and more conscious of what I buy and don’t buy. I love secondhand clothes, and when I buy something I try to make sure I really want it and don’t just buy if for the sake of it. It’s a small start, but it is a start
Thank you! I love second-hand clothes, too. You can get really amazing things for such a good price. And when they’re good quality to begin with, they don’t lose their lustre. It’s a terrific way to shop.
I have even been purchasing vintage I like that doesn’t fit properly with the hope that I can stimulate the tailor’s economic situation. I figure that in this economy, with it’s unending blatant consumerism and lack of quality made things, they have perhaps suffered more than many others. Most places are quite cheap and efficient!
That’s so cool! One more reason to buy used. I have always been a big supporter of the seamstress/tailor as well. Even when I worked at a boutique which sold new clothing I would encourage women to buy something and have it tailored. After all, the chances of finding something off the rack that fits like custom is slim at best.
i saw this link on the IFB links a lode mode and almost squealed…i’m not alone! i’ve been a second hand or fair trade shopper for the most part for a couple years now, but recently challenged myself to shop that way exclusively. sound familiar?
i’m following your blog now, and would love to have you check out my blog as well!
That’s so wonderful! I hope we can inspire each other. It sounds as though you might be going for the lifetime challenge which is very brave of you!