As I write this, we are in that awkward week between Christmas and New Years. With some time on my hands and not much to do, I took a look at my closet and thought to myself I wonder what my fashion footprint is? A fashion footprint is much like a carbon footprint- a measurement of greenhouse gasses emitted from our actions. After a tinge of curiosity and a quick google search I found this:
https://www.thredup.com/fashionfootprint/
ThreadUp has this nifty calculator that after a few questions about your closet habits, will calculate your fashion footprint. Pretty cool, huh? They took into account things I didn’t consider in being closet conscious. As an already second hand lover, I wasn’t very worried that my score would be high, but what I have failed to consider is how and how often I wash/repair also plays a part in my overall footprint. It reveals your habits and holds you accountable in areas where you need to improve. Check it out!
But I have to be honest here. I talk a lot about being conscious about where you buy, choosing second hand first, and boycotting those big box stores. However, they are easy, tempting with those low prices, and sometimes the only option. As I have recently moved to Spain, my whole secondhand routine got thrown out of whack. I was no longer around my beloved Here We Go Again, no local Portland thrift shops, and no Poshmark (gasp!). I landed with minimal clothing and needed to adjust to my surroundings a bit. So what did I do? I went to Zara. Did I find things I liked? Of course! Was I tempted to buy more than I needed? Duh. And did I feel guilty while doing it? You bet. But instead of going down the spiral I decided that these items were going to be treated well, worn a ton, and repaired when needed. And guess what, it did help me feel a little better about my hypocritical moment.
Since then, I have found a Poshmark alternative (Vinted- it works throughout the EU) and some local thrift shops run by cute little old ladies who love to chat. So my point with sharing my misstep is that you too will have your moments and it’s okay just as long as you find your way back.
As 2023 approaches and New Year’s resolutions are being formed, can I suggest adding “buy no new clothes” as one? Don’t worry, you will not be alone in this adventure because I will be doing it with you! Buy no new clothing does not include secondhand items or small businesses, so thrift/consign/or consciously shop away! The idea is to reduce our fashion footprint as much as possible and to possibly quit fast fashion for good. Are you up for it?
Below I have compiled a list of Instagram profiles to help us along this journey and they are all great for different reasons:
Educational
He is a leather pro who literally rips apart leather goods (luxury bags included) and gives you his expert opinion.
She reviews fashion brands and also gives interesting insights into the business.
Venetia is a fair fashion campaigner fighting for workers rights and she is just awesome. Also started @remembewhomadethem which is also a podcast on Spotify.
Aja is a sustainable fashion activist and she also wrote a whole book about the true impact of fast-fashion and how to quit it. And she’s just cool. The book is Consumed and it’s an incredibly insightful read.
Inspirational
She is a professional thrifter ™ with killer style proving thrifting is just more fun
Michelle isn’t a self proclaimed thrifter but a lot of her pieces are thrifted and she has such a fun fashion sense that can inspire your next lewk.
She is the definition of an upcycler and honestly I wish I was that skilled.
One of my all time favorite brands that ditched the traditional fashion seasons and creates each collection consciously.
Till next year!
Dre