Fashion Done Right

EMILY | 10 · 22 | FASHION

**This post is from couple years ago, but the words still hold true. I think including this into the new blog sets a foundation for you to see the values I hold with the clothes I buy and what I wear**

Heyo my doods!! Soooo this has been on my heart to write about for quite a long time now. About a year ago, last March, I started looking into what is known as “fast fashion” and on the contrast, “slow fashion.” And here’s the deal, I went for a while hearing about it, one of my favorite Youtubers Sarah Therese started her slow fashion journey and shared all about it on her channel. But the thing is, I couldn’t be swayed by her convictions, anymore than you can be swayed from mine. It took me doing the research, it took my sifting through countless hours of research and writing a seven page research paper over the subject, for me to no longer turn a blind eye. Someone else’s convictions will only get you so far, so I’m inviting you into this space to learn, to learn about the effects of the fast fashion industry, and maybe, just maybe begin a journey of your own. So let’s begin…

I could go on a long rampage, which we all know I am very good at, but I have decided to take the simple approach. No one likes to be buried beneath an onslaught of depressing information, we’ve all taken environmental science here, we’re not trying to relive the experience.

So, what is fast fashion? Fast fashion can be described as clothing made in a way, amount, speed that puts stress on every link of the production chain. Fast fashion companies are those that focus on keeping their prices low, and in turn their quality is low, to keep a massive amount of product moving through their stores. Almost any name brand you can think of falls under this umbrella of fast fashion, which is a sad reality considering most of us like to shop the sweet deals from H&M, Target, Forever21 and brands like that. Ethical fashion refers to fashion that takes interest in the human lives taken advantage of in the fast fashion industry, while sustainable fashion refers to the efforts to relieve the environmental toll we impose. This fashion industry endangers lives on a daily basis and takes advantage of third world countries to do the dirty work, it also puts a lofty weight on our beloved planet, the air we breathe and the water we drink, on both ends of the production cycle. All of this sounds scary, and to be honest it is, it’s scary to me that we live in a world where we under-pay and over-work laborers and jeopardize our planet so we can pay a few bucks for a T-shirt. To get more info I would definitely recommend you look into The True Cost on Netflix, it is an extremely informative documentary that sheds more light onto the damage left in the wake of these big companies. I also can link my research paper if you want to look into it, and some links to good sources below so you have a launching pad to start your journey, if you want!

Okay, so I know all of this sounds daunting, but there is hope!! And that is exactly what I am here to talk about, the good news! There are thousands of people across the globe that have dedicated their lives to building companies with the vision of “slow fashion.” Slow fashion to me is paying higher prices, for high quality, and a guarantee that your money is giving fair wages to garments workers, and using sustainable practices to give back everything we take from the earth. Pretty cool huh?! Basically, creating in small batches, recycling plastic waste, good work environment for workers, carbon offsetting, and soooo freaking much more awesomeness. And extra awesome cool news, more companies are popping up every day, people are beginning to notice and so everyone gets to benefit from the new demand for slow fashion.

Soooo without further adieu. bumbaduhdummmmm

Here is the passion project:

A list of carefully curated, highly recommended, stellar companies that are using their influence to make a difference for our land, and the people on it. For the past year, I have shared my passion with several people and they have all asked me the same thing: if I can’t shop at all these stores, where can I shop? I’ve always had a few suggestions, but finally, a year later, I’ve got a buttload of them, a little of everything, sooo let’s just dive right in. All of these shops I have either personally shopped from and LOVED orrr ones that I have done a lot of research into, and deemed them worthy for my beautiful people.

First and foremost… THRIFT SHOPS, they are the absolute best way to go, you get to give older clothes a second chance, rescuing them from land fills, AND extra bonus, it is by far the cheapest option. So no matter what situation you are in, you can shop ethically and sustainably.

Women’s Clothes

PACT– All of your cotton basics

Wholesome Culture– Water-based ink, printed shirts and hoodies with words that matter.

Everlane– They pride themselves in having the cleanest denim factory in the world, and they practice sustainability and transparency in everything they do.

Raven+Lily– They partner with women-led businesses and craftsmen to sustainably create leather goods and jewelry for the long run.

Calico and Twine– beautiful vintage second-hand selection, the owner of the shop is the cutest lady of all time, so definitely giver her a follow – – you’re welcome

Madewell– Okay sooooo, beautiful pieces, made incredibly WELL. I know i know very original hahaha. A lot of their pieces are made with sustainability in mind, but some are not, so just make sure to look and read into it before purchasing :)))))

Naadam– Cashmere staples straight from the Mongolian desert

Whimsey+Roe– Beautifully designed, boutique-like clothing, each piece created ethically and sustainably to make women feel stunning.

Reformation– For the boujee(r) of conscious shoppers, beautiful quality with outstanding ethics and sustainable goals.

Etsy- There are hundreds of small businesses on Etsy that make homemade goods in an ethical and sustainable way. Here is my fav shop…

– – Love&Confuse— Stunning linen goods, handmade pieces from Lithuania made to make the earth smile.

Poshmark– I have found some sweet deals on Poshmark. I purchased new Levi’s for pretty inexpensive and I also found some awesome Lee overalls. Great place to find new or preowned loves, for less.

Men’s Clothes

PACT– They also have men’s clothes.

Frank and Oak– Beautifully curated men’s clothes, mostly nicer stuff, for nicer guys (haha I’m so cool)

Tact and Stone– MODERN SUSTAINABLE ESSENTIALS. sorry i stole their motto hehehe… they have all of the cool basics a guy could need plus just really sweet pieces that will stand the test of time. (thinking about getting alex some cool pieces from here ;))

Swim/ Undies

Aava– Swimwear based on the rise and fall of the tide, the ocean’s favorite swim brand

Toast Sustainable Swim– A modern approach to sustainable swimwear “slow like the sun”

Summersalt– Designer suits made from recycled materials, with compression fabric

OrganicBasics– Undies, Bras, Workout clothes…the works

LIVELY– Comfort you can live in, delivering the most comfortable undies and bras that make you feel cool and confident

GUYSSS super pro tip: look on sites like Mercari and Poshmark for NWT swimsuits, because you can get the cute pieces from places like aerie without endorsing their company and its WAY cheaper!! I just bought several swim pieces on Mercari and I LOVE THEMM!!! So highly recommend!

Workout

Patagonia– Outdoorsy athletic for the conscious minded

Girlfriend Collective– AHMAZINGGG, absolutely love this brand. They are incredibly transparent with their factories and processes, ensuring that they are living up to their amazing claims. They do sustainability so well, using water bottles and other recycled materials to make their beautiful products. I’m LOVING my pieces from them alottaa

ACTA– Absolutely beautiful and stylish designs that compliment any body type and that are made to last. I want the seamless long sleeve sooo bad, definitely my next purchase!

[future emily edit: GUYSSSS I am now an ambassador for ACTA!!! And YES their quality is as good, better even, than I expected. Sooo if you are looking to purchase some sustainable active wear check it out and here is a coupon code for 15% off!!! Use the code “330031” at checkout!!!]

Shoes

Adelisa&Co– Handmade leather shoes, for mamas and kiddos {I really want to get there leather slide sandals…ughhhh so cute! Also I seriously have no sandals so I need to do that hahahah}

Veja– Cute, comfortable vegan shoes, designed with sustainability and longevity in mind

Vivo Barefoot– Created to let feet breathe, like they’re made to, made from the best materials in the best way for the best shoes

Allbirds– Responsibly made shoes from wool, trees and recycled water bottles

Tyler has both Vivo’s and Allbird’s and absolutely loves both of them!!

Home & Misc.

PACT– And organic home goods like sheets, towels and comforters.

Buffy– An AMAZING bedding business. Patented eucalyptus thread and recycled plastic design in the perfect mix between cozy and breathable, for beautiful sleep of course.

Boll & Branch– Mattresses, bedding and all the home textiles you could want, made with every part of the supply chain in mind

Thank you guys so much, please check these brands out, they work sooo incredibly hard to make products that are good on every part of the garment cycle. So next time you are in the market for some new clothes, give these guys a try!! Also thanks for clicking and hopefully reading hahahah, love you guys muahhhhh

Love Em

Emily Joy

Hi, my name is Emily! I am a Jesus lover, sunshine enthusiast and chaser of joy. I love expressing my creativity through my writing, photography, fashion and design. I have a deep heart for people and cultivating a life that is truly worship to the Lord in every way. I’m so excited you’re here, I hope you stick around!

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