Sustainable clothing: What is it, and should we care? Can I make an impact?

 

I ask myself this as I scroll through my e-mails from Athleta and Patagonia. What these companies do that’s different, is that they get us consumers to think about our relationship with clothing, and the contrast between fast fashion and purchasing with sustainability in mind; Which at times, seems like an oxymoron.

 

Sustainable clothing refers to fabrics derived from eco-friendly resources, such as sustainably grown fiber crops or recycled materials. It also refers to how these fabrics are made.

 

Sustainable fashion is a “trend” that encourages environmental awareness around the production of clothing to lessen those impacts on the environment. This includes the use of pesticides in growing cotton, the dyes used for various colors, water and waste treatment, and sometimes even packaging. More and more companies are making a commitment to offering sustainable fabrics within their lines of clothing.

 

The average US citizen throws away 70 pounds of clothing each year. The production of new textiles does have an environmental cost. Reusing and recycling can be part of the answer. Many closets have usable, but no longer wanted clothing.  This unwanted apparel could be put back into circulation again by donating, consigning, passing to a friend, or to “Dress for Success”, an organization that provides professional attire for women getting into the workforce. https://twincities.dressforsuccess.org/

These are ways to help with the social sustainability question of what to do with items that are no longer useful to you, and to dispose of them in an ethical way.

 

Patagonia will repair any worn clothing, to keep you in your well-loved jackets and vests longer. The “worn wear’” team can fix about 40 garments a day. Last year they had a truck that toured the country hitting college campuses and engaging students in learning how to fix their own clothing.

 

Fair trade guarantees that the products produced in certain factories take into consideration the well-being of the employees along with the environmental conditions. Companies that commit to these fair trade standards pay a premium to the workers and the workers themselves get to decide how the extra monies are spent. Every worker gets a vote. Some decide to build daycare centers within the factories, set-up scholarship funds or evenly distribute profits to the workers themselves.

 

There are 40 million workers globally that work in the garment industry. It’s a very small percentage of garment producers that are certified fair trade factories. But companies promoting more environmentally, socially, and ethically conscious production and consumption are starting to get attention. One of the companies that are working on changing that is Patagonia. In 2014 Patagonia had only 11 certified fair trade styles to offer its customers, and in 2017 they had over 300 certified fair trade products.

 

Some would say that sustainability and fashion are not compatible considering the fashion industry is known for its churning out “mountains” of the latest trends. The great thing is we all get to make our own decisions. So, take a little time to treasure what you already own and pass on what no longer serves you!

 

To answer my own question; yes, we can be more mindful about how we approach fashion and sustainability. I think awareness is the first step, and change is good even for fashionistas.

 

On that note – check out these cute vegan handbags by Matt & Nat the company name stands for MAT(t)erial  + NATure each lining is made from recycled plastic bags.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vegan bag from Melie Bianco!

 

 

 

Nothing welcomes winter and the holiday season like a cozy sweater. This winter it’s all about the sweater!

 

 

 

Its the one item that never goes out of style. A sweater in a layered look is essential for our cold climate. A colorful chenille says you are in for a cozy night at home, while a rich berry wool says its holiday party time!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wear your “ugly holiday sweater to work” days are more exciting if you put a little thought into it. Of  course, you can always head to Ragstock. But if you want to up your game, Nordstrom has just the look to impress your co-workers at this year’s party.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Men – pay attention; this is for you too! There is nothing like a “sharp dressed man” in a sweater (Wait, isn’t that a ZZ Top song?!?). What I’m trying to say, is that a man dressed in a sleek sweater worn alone or with a dress shirt popped under it, looks fabulous!

 

 

 

St. Croix men’s sweaters are handcrafted in the USA. If you are going to grab one sweater and wear it for years, this is the one to get.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The embellished sleeve adds a fresh look to a black sweater. I love black, as it goes with everything… even dark navy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shopping is easy with such a wide variety of styles and price points out there to choose from.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you noticed the ribbed turtleneck is back too? I know, heavy sigh… Here’s the thing, the old ribbed turtleneck sweaters of yesterday were constructed of a heavy cotton fabric that was stiff, especially after a few washings. The natural non-synthetic fabrics of today are mostly made of pima cottons, rayon, and modal (which is made from bamboo). These sweaters claim top spot with their superior softness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wrapping yourself in a beautiful cashmere poncho isn’t a bad choice with a cool cropped wool pant.

 

Let’s be realistic; it gets darn cold in Minnesota in the winter! Go buy yourself a couple nice sweaters to keep warm and enjoy the season! Happy Holidays!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With the first signs of fall here you may be thinking, “Oh no, I have nothing to wear!” We all tend to cling to our black & grey staples that have been hanging around in our closets for the last few seasons. This fall dressing is a mix of rich colors patterns and fabrics.

 

Top Fall Trends:

 

Velvet          

This year it’s all about velvet; from purses and boots, to dresses and double breasted blazers. Velvet has always been a very traditional fabric, mostly worn in black. But, this season velvet is a day-to-evening staple, modernized this fall by its rich bold colors, and soft, pink hues. So, no excuses, this is the year for velvet!

 

 

 

 

Pattern Boots and Shoes 

If you make one purchase for fall, it should be a pattern bootie or pump. Picking suede for sure says its fall, and you will be right on trend.

 

 

 

 –CLICK ON PICTURES FOR LINKS TO PRODUCTS —

 

 

 

 

Bell Sleeve 

 

Bell sleeves come in many shapes. It can be as subtle or dramatic as you want it to be. Put a bell sleeve sweater or blouse over a fitted pant, and no jacket needed.

 

 

 

 

 

Plaid 

 

Something about plaid screams, “it’s fall!” Add a choker neck detail to make the look more feminine.

 

 

 

 

Plaid pairs with jeans of course, and to dress it up even more, throw on a cashmere cape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seasonless Stripes

If you own a stripe blouse, keep wearing it into the season. A good crisp blouse always looks cool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The “It” Color is Cherry Red

The one color that seems to be everywhere this fall is every shade of red. Wearing red isn’t complicated, so don’t be afraid to add this pop of color into your wardrobe.

 

 

 

Racing Stripe Jeans & High Low Hems 

If you’re tired of your straight skinny’s, the new twists on jeans for the fall are a wide leg crop, the high-low frayed hem, or the racing stripe side seam.

 

 

 

 

 

 

With so many new and exciting fall trends, this is the year to put a little more style back in your fall wardrobe. Whether we add a velvet piece, a patterned shoe, or a frayed leg jean, let’s get shopping together!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer party season has arrived. Is your “dress wardrobe” ready?

 

The Floral Dress

Floral dresses are here for at least another season, and paying attention to the size of the floral pattern matters.  If you have a smaller frame and are under 5’ 5”, stick with a pattern no larger than the size of your fist.  For those of you with a bit more height, go for it!  A large statement flower is for you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dark neutral is the perfect backdrop to pulling off any floral on the body. The contrast color against the skin grounds the pattern, so as to not overpower your body shape.

 

 

Remember, the cut and proportion are the most important factors to looking your best. Sometimes a print can get overwhelming even if you are very tall.  If a flower print is just too sweet, think about a dress style that incorporates other just as worthy trends, like the bell sleeve, choker neck, or halter.

 

 

The Lace Dress

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We all thought that the lace trend had run its course, but think again. Lace dresses in every color are still hot.  The updated style for this season includes a flutter sleeve or the new midi length.  By the way, the midi dress is perfect length (not too long and not too short) to wear with a square heel, ankle strap sandal.

 

Going Bold

 

 

 

Being dramatic means you pick one aspect of the dress that draws attention for fashion sake; and it need not necessarily be body flattering.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you pick a solid color it can be a big A-line cut, with a scalloped hem and sleeves.  Or a fitted dress with an extra neck or sleeve detail.

 

The Kimono

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tired of the standard shawl or shrug to slip over your shoulders on a chilly night or in the air conditioning?  Add a silk kimono for a new look that is right on trend. I love these!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Little Black Dress

Not much needs to be said for the little black dress… everyone needs one!

 

 

 

 

 

The Perfect Leg

Achieve a smooth sleek leg that is pantyhose free with Sally Hansen. The cream in the tube has a bit more coverage without the smell of a self-tanner. The spray has a little lighter coverage with a pretty shimmer. Bare legs with confidence.   https://www.sallyhansen.com/skin-body/airbrush-legs

 

News

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale pre-sale starts July 13^th for cardholders book your appointment with me now.  Sale opens to the general public on July 21^st.

 

 

 

 –CLICK ON PICTURES FOR LINKS TO PRODUCTS —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Love the comfort of wearing your yoga pants everyday, but don’t always want to look like you are headed to the gym? Having a good mix of athletic clothing and everyday street wear in your wardrobe, and knowing how to style it, is the key.

 

Historically, it hasn’t been cool to wear a tennis shoe with jeans. Trending now is to wear a casual leather or canvas rubber-sole shoe paired with jeans, leggings, or a skirt. It will be obvious you are heading somewhere other than the gym. Adidas, Lululemon, and Alo, are just a few popular athleisure brands to check out.

 

 

Denim on Denim

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, denim can be worn with your Adidas. And with all of the embellished jeans, with rips, tears and embroidery, try the denim on denim look; as long as somewhere in the outfit you have lots of texture and color variation. The denims should not match. Dark on the bottom will be the most slimming.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For even more contrast, throw on a colored belt and a bold statement necklace. For a night out, add a bomber jacket and switch out the Adidas for your highest heels.

 

 

 

Bomber Jackets

 

 

Any Members Only fans out there?

 

 

I remember my father-in-law wore a peach Members Only jacket proudly into the 21^st century – Wait! I think he still has it!

 

Admittedly, the bomber jacket has had its ups and downs over the years, but its back with a few new twists. Bomber jackets, if not made of leather, must have a shiny or metallic finish, or some fabulous embroidery, and a wider shoulder (welcome back 1980!). The bomber can be worn with a legging and a feminine blouse, so you get the athleisure comfort but with the cool look of an updated bomber.

 

 

 

Click here to Book an appointment.