Last week was my birthday, and one of the gifts I received was a Zara gift card. Super sweet, right? But here's the thing, Zara isn’t usually where I shop, so I found myself in a bit of a dilemma. What’s the best way to use it without going against my values?

It felt tricky. Fast fashion is a whole tangled web, and Zara is right in the middle of it. But at the same time, this gift came from a place of kindness, and I didn’t want it to go to waste. So I decided to make the most of it with a thoughtful, intentional approach.

I asked myself: how do I shop mindfully in a space built around fast-paced trends and overconsumption?

Here’s what I came up with:

• This was the time to revisit my wishlist. What do I actually need or truly want? Stay focused.
  
  

• I looked closely at quality. Can this piece last me for many seasons? Longevity is the name of the game here and even in fast fashion, it’s possible to choose pieces that will go the distance.
  
  

• I checked out the higher priced pieces. Sometimes they’re made with slightly better materials or cuts, and might hold up better over time.
  
  

• I thought about experimenting. Maybe this is the moment to try out a trend I’ve been unsure about without making a big investment.
  
  

•  I ended up focusing on accessories, not jewelry! In my experience, jewelry doesn’t last long, but pieces like bags or belts, especially when made from quality materials like real leather, tend to be more durable and get a lot more use.
  
  

This little birthday adventure reminded me of something important. Mindful shopping is not just about where you shop. It is about how you shop. Every choice counts, and a thoughtful approach can still exist, even in the fast fashion aisles.

Until next time, 

Dre