Hey Fashion Friends
Posts
Why Slow Fashion is the new Vogue

Why Slow Fashion is the new Vogue

Why it's so popular and the benefits of this approach.

Strike A Pose!

Welcome back friends!! This newsletter speaks to slowing down and appreciating our wardrobes. I once read that the only way to be perfect with Sustainable Fashion is to be a nudist…….……. So today I speak to an alternative sustainable approach you can take to your wardrobe, that may be a little less extreme. We don’t need to be perfect (because nobody is…….well except our friends in the Nudist Colonies #respect), we just need to try. So grab a cuppa of something- sit back, sip and relax and have a little read. Thank you for letting me be a part of your day! xx

Why Slow Fashion is the new Vogue: Why it’s so popular and the benefits to this approach.

So you’re probably asking “Do you mean Vogue the magazine or Vogue like ‘strike a pose’? Neither actually. I’m talking about the noun meaning, ‘something in fashion’. Now, I think Slow Fashion is definitely having it’s moment. One reason being it’s an easy sustainable approach you can take to your wardrobe. So for that reason I think it goes beyond being “something in fashion”. I think it’s here to stay. But along with that, I think slow fashion can contribute to us being more mindful about what we choose for our wardrobe. In result creating a personalized collection that we love and makes us feel like the best version of ourselves. For that, you can definitely 'strike a pose’ :-)

Let's explore how embracing a more mindful approach to style and slowing down our consumption can help us savor the present moment and build lifelong love affairs with our clothes – all while saving the planet and looking fabulous, of course!

Mukuko Studio on Unsplash

Slow Fashion 101

Slow fashion is the chicest rebellion against the traditional fast fashion frenzy that's known for its speed and high quantities of trendy clothes that are low quality at a low price. As the alternative, slow fashion champions quality over quantity, timeless beauty, and most of the time ethical production. It's all about making conscious, stylish choices that consider the garment's entire life cycle and its impact. By slowing down and choosing thoughtfully, we can create an unbreakable bond with our wardrobe and treasure the unique stories and craftsmanship each piece offers.

Motoki Tonn on Unsplash

The New Perspective

Getting started with Slow Fashion means changing our perspective completely. It’s no longer about cheap and impulsive. It’s about being patient and intentional.

Now, slow fashion is not about buying the most expensive thing you can find because it’s the opposite to cheap fast fashion. I’m going to be so bold to say that slow fashion can even be you buying a piece that is from a fast fashion brand. As long as it’s with the perspective that you love this piece, it makes sense for your wardrobe and you plan to have it for a long term. The intention and quality of the relationship is what makes it slower, not the amount you spend on the clothes.

However, I will say if you can be patient with your budget to buy from brands that are creating more quality pieces that give a fair wage to the people producing it, then that’s even more intentional. But I get it, not all can afford that. No matter how patient they are with their budget. Either way, the perspective needs to change.

Changing The Relationship With Clothes

Life's too short to be constantly chasing the next trend! Slow fashion encourages us to revel in the present by appreciating the clothes we already own. Lets remember the excitement we felt for that piece when it was shiny and new. Romanticize what you have rather than what you don’t. Whether it's a vintage dress that makes you feel like a Hollywood starlet or your favorite cozy sweater that makes you feel like a chic snow bunny, there is true value in what you already own. Create a relationship with your clothes that is appreciative instead of fleeting and you’ll grow a wardrobe that is loved and sustaining.

Your Wardrobes Legacy

Ok, this sounds a little dramatic, our wardrobe leaving a legacy (insert eye roll here). But by investing in timeless, quality clothing, we create a wardrobe that sustains our time, limits waste and builds a collection that tells a story about us. I’m sorry, but that sounds like a legacy to me. This legacy takes patience, discipline and being mindful but in the end leaves a better you and a better planet.

Milan Popovic on Unsplash

In The End

So although slow fashion is vogue, it’s also sustaining for those of us who choose to make it a lifestyle approach. Whether you go as extreme as ‘no buy’ or decide to limit the amount of pieces you buy each season, slowing down to appreciate what you have and what you bring in, will make an impact. Even if you’re still not sure you can let go of your fast fashion pace, remember, even just going a little less “fast” is still……well, slow.

Quick Tips For Quality Fashion

Haley Lawrence on Unsplash

Do your research before shopping with a brand. This way you can know their initiatives and hopefully get an idea of the level of quality you can expect. The more transparent the better, however isn’t always easy to find. So at least try to find brands that have some sort of a mission vs. just making cheap sh** to make money.

Know your fabrics. If you don’t recognize one, Google it. Be mindful of what fabrics you like. If there is a favorite piece in your closet get to know the fabric so you can use that as your guide. If you have a piece that’s uncomfortable it’s just as important to know that one as well, so to avoid it.

When shopping always check the fabric. If it’s in person check the tag on the seams. If it’s online check the description. If in doubt, avoid highly blended synthetic with natural fibers, they won’t wear as well over time. Either go all synthetic or all natural. If it’s a small amount of blend, you’re probably ok.

Check the seams!!! I can’t stress this enough, pull on them seams, give them a good yank, check how tight that weave is. If you see any loose threads or gapping…drop it!!

Favorite Fashion Finds

A few things I am loving this week:

Mother Denim Tomcat Ankle Fray

Mother Denim has contributed to a lot of my style confidence because of their fierce fitting jeans. If you're feeling in a rut, choose a pair from their large collection and I guarantee it will wake you back up to the beautiful person you are!

Re/Done Classic Popeye Tee

Just to add a bit of fun to your wardrobe. Spendy but great quality!!!

Levi's Trucker Jacket

Because everyone should have a denim jacket no matter your style. It works with everything!!!

Something That Inspired Me

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better”

Maya Angelou.

Your Weekly Homework

Homework Task: Practicing Slow Fashion

Instructions:

Self-reflection: Assess your current wardrobe and shopping habits, noting factors such as price, quality, convenience, and style.

Research: Find at least three brands that have a more intentional initiative. (refer to my videos below for some help)

Challenge: For one week, buy nothing. (Yep, even after researching new brands)

Take Note: Whether it’s mental or physical, take notes of your experience. Did you find it effortless to not buy anything? Did you have to fight every fiber or your being to not give into an impulse? Did you end up still buying something?

Reflection and goal-setting: Reflect on the exercise. What worked for you, what didn’t? Was it hard or easy? Can you quit fast fashion or impulse buying cold turkey or do you need some time to work your way to “slow” fashion?

Remember: Nobody is perfect when it comes to slow fashion. (I still on an occasion or two give into an impulsive purchase). Just do the best you can when you can.

Track I Am Enjoying

Shop For Quality

Location for discount codes and upcoming sales.