In my younger days, I needed a great deal of retail therapy. Now I think twice before pulling out the plastic. And when I do, it may be for different reasons.
What I know now is we not only want to feel good in our clothes, we desire to feel good about our clothes. The good news is the fashion industry has recently put more emphasis on apparel that is diverse and has a "giving back" element to it. A few thoughts worth sharing from a recent article I read for you to consider next time you shop.
If You Value Sustainability. For those of you who value sustainability, there are several new companies to consider that are taking the lead. The Boston start-up Ginkgo Bioworks has partnered with designer Natsai Audrey Chieza to dye fabrics using a pigment-producing bacteria, a process that conserves more and pollutes less water. For more details and inspiration check out her Ted Talk. And, Stella McCartney's clothing line continues to please fashionista's by using alternatives to animal products and creating trendy and beautiful new designs.
If You Value Upcycling. Did you know that the average American throws away a whopping 82 pounds of clothing each year! Upscale consignment shops are on the rise as well as companies repurposing and reworking items to reduce waste. And, if you're looking for authenticated Luxury Consignment check out The Real Real. You may want to follow drossintogold on instagram; she does a beautiful job upcycling clothes.
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If You Value Size Inclusivity. More than 2/3 of American women wear a size 14 or larger, yet many fashion companies completely ignore this. High-end designer, Prabal Gurung has been a long time champion for this cause and recently launched a blockbuster collection with Lane Bryant. 11 Honore brings together an expansion list of designers and offers styles up to size 24.
Being the healthiest version of you both mentally and physically is very important, but dress size is not an indication of your health. All women should be able to find clothes that make them feel beautiful. Katie Sturino is killing it on Instagram with her the12ishstyle. What a great inspiration of beauty and style!
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If You Value Making a Difference. Lauren Bush was one of the first to start this trend with her Feed Project, showing us a beautiful bag can also make a difference! One of my local favorites is The Church Street Cottage in Alpharetta. Jodi and her daughter have a great sense of style, while using the profits from the shop to give back to the community as well as to make a impact globally!
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A friend introduced me to the Flourish Market in Raleigh, NC . They partner with 40 brands that are made all over the world, providing dignified jobs and fair wages to inspiring artisans in vulnerable communities. A fairly new start-up that is doing great things is The Tote Project. Two best friends came together with a shared dream to help empower survivors of human trafficking worldwide, providing them with opportunities to thrive and recognize their worth and power.
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We all want clothes that tell the world who we are. Now, we can do that while making a difference in a multitude of ways. Share your shopping values and sense of style with us!