There is a growing movement about donating your old clothes. Even fast fashion companies like H&M or Zara are willing to take your old clothes, but what is really behind this? Every time you donate your clothes there are three possible outcomes, they will either be sold, donated or turned into new garments. It all sounds great, except for the following facts:
From my point of view, one of the most important issues that fashion will be facing in the future is waste plastic. The fashion industry has been introducing more and more plastic into our clothes. Silk has been replaced by polyester and the cotton by nylon and there has been a huge increase in clothes made out of mix fibres, natural + synthetic. The reason for this change is petroleum based materials are cheaper than natural ones.
About 11 millions tonnes of clothes end up in landfills every year just in the US. This is a problem we are all contributing to, so it is all of our responsibility to take action & reduce this burden or to solve the issue.
I love mixing & matching! Today’s outfit is a great example. Mixing a lot of garments that I’ve purchased in different locations and moment of my life. Those moments in my life that come along with beautiful memories and achieving a very eclectic look by mixing very formal and informal garments.
I’m featuring a t-shirt targeting a positive message that makes people smile every time I wear it! I am also wearing a pair of classic Levi’s 501 which is part of the waterless program. The company (Levi’s) has been working to reduce up to 96% of the water consumption during the denim production. The velvet jacket is from Ben Sherman, a British designer that has sadly closed their women’s line. There are three main reasons why I love this garment. First of all, it is timeless. Second, I bought it while I was living in London and third it was locally made in England.
Jean styles change periodically and skinny jeans are no different. It’s time to say hasta la vista baby to the skinny jeans…but please do not throw them, there are plenty of other alternatives that are way more ethical:
Nisolo – Ethically made shoes produce in Peru and fairly priced.
We often perceive that ethical fashion is more expensive than the average fast fashion labels. But what if I told you that your average clothes could be costing you more? Let me introduce you to the price-per-wear concept.
Images courtesy of Vogue
The sailor style it is always fashionable. Season after season we can see a version of it on the catwalk, it doesn’t matter whether it is an AW or SS season. Above there is a small selection of this SS17.
The first time I bought a second-hand piece of clothing I was already in my mid 20’s and living in London, the vintage’s capital! But somehow I have always owned pre-loved clothes, as all younger sisters know sooner or later you inherit your sibling old stuff, which by the way was not as cool back then. Also, my mother was and is a very fashion forward woman, so using some of her clothes and accessories it always adds a certain flare.
In 2015 Livia Firth, a well-known fashion activist, started a movement known as #30wears in which she challenges consumers to wear the clothes they buy 30 times or more.
Personally, I have never been a shopaholic and actually using a garment 30 times doesn’t feel like a challenge to me. That is the reason I have chosen this outfit today, I think both pieces are a good example of how to increase the mileage in our wardrobe.
