A year of Ethical Fashion- The big difference

Have you ever bought a shirt from a big name retailer and after the first washing it fits dramatically different?  Or, better yet, you go to fold it and the seams are so off you can't even fold it properly?  (*not that i would fold anything properly...or at all for that matter.).   You do, for the most part, get what you pay for.   It's hard to complain when you pay $4 for a shirt right?  

Several years ago I made a change in how I buy clothes.  Even clothes for my kids.  I shop A LOT at thrift stores, estate, and garage sales.  Its amazing how many great things both new and vintage you can find.  Don't get me wrong you can still find me at target perusing all their cute clothes....I just don't buy them as much anymore.  

If you do thrift be selective.  Keep your eye out for high quality designer or handmade goods. They are ususally made well and will last.  Don't be afraid to do some minor mending or even take it to a tailor.  It's usually worth it.  The main reason for my switch wasn't as much the frustation at cheaply made clothes, but the fact that they all end up in the trash.  I'm afraid we are burying our future in a mountain of garbage.  

The suits and dresses below are mostly from the 40s.  They all came from the same person and were loved.  The details are amazing and beautiful. 

 I think there is something to be said about the way our Grandmothers dressed.  They may not have had much, but what they had was nice.  It was a big deal to get a nice suit and they were often handmade or made specifically by a dressmaker.  We live in such a throw away, stuffed closet kind of world.  Is it really necessary to have 30 pairs of jeans?  The older I get the more I want to buy staples that will last for a while. 

#YOEF- Whitney Manney

This past summer I met Whitney Manney at one of the Gypsy Markets.  She was in the booth space next to me.  She is as sweet as she is tall.  And she is tall.  I can say this because I am just as tall.  Kindred spirits.

Anyways I wanted to feature her for this ethical fashion post because 1. she is from KC,  2.  she makes her own badass (ethical) clothes and 3. she is an emerging designer and needs everyones help to vote for her in the Threadless challenge.  You have to create an account but can do so easily by logging in with  facebook.  It's also a great site to check out other emerging handmakers and designers.

Speaking of ethical fashion...anyone thrift anything good lately?  I've been on a thrifting hiatus due to an overwhelming amount of inventory!  Plus, I want my house back. 

Happy Thursday!

xoxo,

Amy

Another one bites the dust!

Another year of unchecked things from the do to list...or if you have been super productive another year of crossing things off!

This time of year it's easy for me to look back and feel like I haven't accomplished much.  Maybe it's just that I haven't done everything that I wanted to do...or maybe the ongoing list in my head is just too dang long.  I have to remind myself that it's ok to pat myself on the back.  This year was indeed full of milestones, some good, some great, and plenty not exciting enough to reflect on.

I quit smoking!  Yay for me!  After years and years of being a quiet somewhat closet smoker I kicked the habit for good.  I also gained 30 pounds.  Go me.

I ran my first 1/2 marathon.  It sucked...but I finished and didn't die.

We sold our old house and bought a new old one.

I made it through another year of marriage.  I guess those that are married can understand why this indeed is an accomplishment!  It's not always unicorn and rainbows.  Especially with buying and selling a house...amidst quitting smoking.

I lost a job and gained a life!  I haven't lost a job since I was 15 and was fired from Taco Tico for being underage.   While it was a blow to the ego I quickly recovered from the sheer shock of it all and have more than enjoyed time with my family.

My kids have grown over 5 inches (combined).  I shop for food more than anything else.  My son lost several teeth and I was reminded every time that I am the worst tooth fairy on earth.

This time of year it's easy to think ahead of what you want to accomplish but sometimes it's nice to take a minute and reflect on all the blessings, good and bad that you were dealt last year.

Now the fun part...what's everyones goals for 2014?  I love reading other peoples goals and writing my own as well.  Do you do resolutions?  Are there any good link ups or challenges out there?  Leave a comment and let me know!

The challenge that I am looking forward to most is the Year of Ethical Fashion from  Meet Me at Mikes.  You can link up here.  Another reason that buying vintage is a good thing!


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Cheers to 2014!

xoxo,
Amy