Consciously consuming and it feels so good

A little update for y’all in regards to my shopping habits.

In August last year, I made a deal with myself that I would stop buying fast fashion. I knew the toll the industry has on the environment and I wanted to challenge myself to curb my spending habits. Vote with my dollar, as they say. And over 6 months later, I am happy to report that I am still committed to that personal pact. I haven’t missed it nearly as much as I thought I would, I think it has a lot to do with the retail experience that fast fashion offers a consumer. It feels overwhelming and uninspiring at the same time. I walk into H and M and feel bored. Racks and racks of everything I have seen a thousand times in a thousand stores right now, and will see a thousand people wearing. This feels especially uninspiring when I can go to a thrift store and find the most amazing, high quality items for just a few dollars, and those dollars are supporting people in need.

That’s what draws me to thrift and vintage shopping. You never know what you are going to find, you could walk away with a whole new spring wardrobe full of fun vintage goodies. Or you could walk away with one white tee shirt (but that’s a score in itself, white is notoriously hard to find at the thrift stores without at least one mysterious mustard stain). It’s the luck of the draw and the quality of the hunt.

Buying from sustainable brands is something I want to support more. It’s a good alternative to thrifting if I am looking for something specific that I just can’t seem to hunt down. The price tag for this is quite a bit higher than Vinnies, but engaging with ethical and sustainable designers shows that there is a market out there for fashion with a heart. That brands don’t need to be deceptive with their customers. Having fake sales, huge mark ups, low prices and crap quality isn’t good enough anymore. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of their buying power and want to support brands that support this planet and its people.

So that’s where I am at right now, feeling good about what I am bringing into my wardrobe and inspired to give new life to each piece. Including this amazing vintage dress from winston.collective (pictured above), a sustainable fashion brand on Depop run by me and my best friend Lucy, a stylish queen in her own right. Check out our stuff, and give us a follow on Instagram @winston.collective. Some exciting new stock coming soon!