One of my primary goals that I’ve kept up with for this year has been minimizing my closet. At least once a week, I look through my wardrobe, swipe left on my clothes with the speed of an avid Tinder user (I used to be one, no shame), and pull out the pieces that no longer live up to my personal style. Whatever I think will sell, I post on Poshmark. If you’re looking to make a few additional bucks per month (why wouldn’t you?!), I highly recommend it!
As for the rest, I plan on donating it all to & Other Stories. I discovered the store when I moved to New York, and it’s become a favorite ever since! They have an in-store recycling program, whereby you can bring a bag filled with old clothes of all sorts, in exchange for a 10% off coupon on your next purchase. Where does that clothing go, you might ask? Back into the world, reincarnated into new products! It’s a small, yet impactful gift to Mother Nature, given that the fashion industry yields some of the most detrimental effects on our environment.
Speaking of our dear Earth, here is another store that should be on your radar: Reformation. My mind and wallet say, “Don’t do it, you poor bitch,” but my heart begs to differ. Reformation is one of a few mainstream brands leading the charge in eco-friendly fashion. For every item listed, you can learn how much CO2, water and waste is released through its production. I told myself that if I got a raise at work, I would use that extra moolah to purchase a “treat yo-self” piece from Reformation.
And so, here we are, a pair of $100+ jeans (ignoring your judgments) and one happy gal, later. This pair immediately stood out to me on the Reformation website. Wide-leg, with a cuff-like, frayed hem, these jeans were born to inhabit my bottom half. Of course, that’s not the only reason why these jeans are special; they were made out of love for our planet. You won’t see me spending $100+ on an item unless it is thrifted or mindfully crafted with a purpose.
If there’s anything I want you to walk away with from this post, it’s the following:
- If you’re gravitating toward a minimalist lifestyle, begin with purging your wardrobe. After examining each piece carefully, you’ll realize just how much you DON’T need it all. Keep staple pieces you’ll wear for years to come, and donate or sell your one-offs to people who will appreciate them more.
- By disposing of the one-offs, you can focus your attention on saving your money to purchase higher quality, ethically made clothing. I know it’s hard to avoid fast fashion. Believe me, I still struggle with it due to my tight budget. However, I’ve reached a point where I’d much rather walk away with a more expensive item from an emerging designer or thrift shop than with three or four items from Zara. It helps you get creative with what you already have in your closet, too!
- Do your research and look into brands that support the environment, or other causes that you hold near and dear to your heart. It adds another layer of value to the brand if they have motivations beyond making profits.
With that said, I’d love to hear from you all on this subject! How do you guys go about curtailing your clothing when you know enough is enough? What are some of your favorite clothing brands that inspire you to shop responsibly? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
Outfit:
Top: Na Nin Vintage
Jeans: Reformation
Boots (similar HERE): Free People
Sunglasses (similar HERE): Absurda Design
Bag (similar HERE and HERE): The Frankie Shop
Photography: Jacob Goldberg
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