Your Style Journey
How to begin the sustainable style journey.
Hey N!
I am so excited to talk about this. I has been such a dream of mine to help other people realise their style, and also realise WHY sustainable style (over just sustainability or sustainable fashion) is important! I long for friends and family to have their eyes and hearts opened to this and then learn and grow. I’ve realized that in my passion for style and learning about its sustainability, I have been on a journey. I find that it isn’t really until I look up from where I am and get some perspective that I see where I came from and how I got to where I find myself. I started this blog because deep in my heart I want to help women - and men - along every step of their sustainable style journey. I realized that I have been going through the why, how, what, and where of sustainable style myself. I am so passionate about helping you, and others, explore this for yourself. I’m not sure where exactly you'd place yourself - from why to where - but I hope that my words and passion encourages you, and helps you take the next step.
These are the different parts of the journey I've seen so far. I wouldn’t be surprised if I’ll go back and rethink over them again - but this is what my glimpse into my journey so far!
Know Your Why : Why Sustainable and Ethical Style?
For me, my first step into sustainable style was simply to be introduced. My very first introduction was watching ‘The True Cost’. That was the spark I needed; I thought, read, and intentionally pursued the topic. A floodgate opened and the exciting parts of sustainability rushed forward. I thought deeper about style - where I was buying my clothes, what type of clothes I was buying, how I was consuming, and who I was supporting. I found there were parts of sustainability and ethical style I was more passionate about than others, and that was okay. These questions might help you like they did for me!
what part of the ethical or sustainability process speaks to you?
why do you care?
what is your motivation and driving force behind making these changes and pursuing sustainable style?
If you don’t know what exactly you are passionate about yet, or you want to learn more about what you find you care the most about, then I’d encourage you to learn through watching documentaries, listening to podcasts, following bloggers, reading blogs or articles or books, or follow sustainable/ethical style hashtags on Instagram, Flipboard, Twitter, etc.
Know Your How : How Do I Make a Difference?
Even with just watching 'The True Cost', I quickly became overwhelmed by all the layers of ethical practices and sustainability. Being overwhelmed froze me. Honestly, there was a tipping point where I could have easily turned away and opted out of sustainability. The mix of passion and overcome was incredibly real, and I had to choose a small part to start off with. Choosing a manageable piece to do well was a better starting place than being frozen between passion and defeat. If you’re feeling this way, my friend, I have been there. I still sometimes feel that way. You can ask yourself these questions to help decide what is manageable for you.
how do I want to be a part of the impact/change?
how do I fit in and what part of the system do I want to support?
My specific passionate is about clothing and cultivating my personal style. I focus automatically on style, but people are also a focus of my heart. It’s important to me to love, give, and serve people. In sustainable style, people really matter to me. I don’t dismiss the environmental side, but the impact on people affects me more deeply. Loving people and valuing them in the "fashion" industry, to me, focuses on ethical labor practices for the workers and supporting the people behind sustainable small businesses and local brands first.
Know Your What: What Area Works For Me?
It was only in these past few years I realised I wanted my manageable effort to be focused on people. True to form, I wanted to go full steam ahead and help everyone. I wanted to buy from whatever brand was doing sustainability and practicing ethically … but I didn't have money to do that (even if I did, that wouldn't have been a wise decision). I realized that niches exist for a reason. You know that my style is my own, different and with my own flavour. It may sound so simple, but I hadn’t thought about it before. This epiphany helped me see that not every sustainable brand fits my style! I needed to be clear on what I liked, how I wanted to dress, and what my own personal style was. Once I started thinking through this filter, I focused on which businesses and brands I wanted to support -which was so much wiser for my money and wardrobe.
what is your aesthetic and style?
What pieces do you normally buy?
Where does your money usually go and where do you normally shop?
How would you define your style/taste/etc?
Know Your Where: Where Can I Marry My Style and Efforts?
Figuring out my personal style made such a world of difference. I cannot exaggerate the difference it made!
Minimalist looks, classic pieces, timeless silhouettes, muted, cool, and neutral colors are my jam. I started keeping my eye out for brands that fit into my defined style. I took the time to look through my wardrobe with fresh eyes and see what fit, or didn’t. I started realizing why I didn’t wear certain items and why they sat untouched for ages. By defining and focusing on what I love and what really represents me, I then picked investment pieces I wanted to add to my wardrobe to complete my style - like that amazing duster I got when we were in Vancouver together. Knowing my style and my investment pieces opened up a whole world of discovery into businesses and brands that completely worked with my style. I love being able to support their sustainability efforts and own a piece from them. I ask myself these questions often:
what kind of brands also have (fill in the blank) from my personal style?
where can I buy this piece from?
what sustainable brands do I enjoy? why?
If you are more passionate to focus on a different direction like animal cruelty or the environment, you can research to find brands and businesses who are doing well in that and also match your own taste. By supporting businesses that align with my taste and style, it has helped me be even more on-board and passionate about what they are doing.
I cannot wait to find out what you think, and where you think you are on this journey my friend. I hope you are inspired to take a step forward into sustainable style! Sending love xoxo
