Fashion
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6 Ways to Style the Timeless Trench Coat
Spring is around the corner and I love wearing trench coats any time it’s not too cold nor too hot. In Canada, the weather is quite unpredictable no matter the season. My trench coat is secondhand from the marketplace Depop (and I’ve been looking for one for ages – as a petite, finding the right length was essential). I really like this one because it has slightly flared sleeves, which is a nice little detail, and different from the usual trench coats. While a classic go-to outfit is to style this coat with a comfy knit or tee and jeans, here are my takes on the classic combination as well…
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To-Read Book List: Sustainable Fashion and Living
Overdressed: The Cost of Cheap Fashion by Elizabeth Cline This sustainable fashion and living book discusses the consequences of our increasing desire for cheap clothing. Elizabeth Cline explores fashion economics which led to our growing consumerism, the disappearance of the middle class, and consumers’ changing perspective of clothes. This means that we rather go after deals and steals rather than craftsmanship and value. In the book, she documents her visits as an undercover buyer to factories in China and Bangladesh. And she uncovers actual costs and quantity of clothing that might be offered to other companies. Moreover, the book mentions the lost art of sewing. Individual style is also lost…
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Sustainability Videos to Inspire a More Conscious Lifestyle
Here is a list of my recommended sustainability videos and documentaries that have inspired me. They focus on topics about the fashion industry and its environmental and social impact, the zero waste lifestyle, climate change, and minimalism. I have learned a lot by watching these videos and films. And they have impacted the way I see all of my purchases. This led me to follow a more conscious lifestyle and to make more sustainable decisions. Feel free to share in the comment section below the sustainability videos that you watched and that had an impact on you. The True Cost (documentary) This is one of the most popular documentaries in…
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6 Must-Listen Sustainability Podcasts
1. A Sustainable Mind This first must-listen sustainability podcast is one of my all time favorites. The founder, Marjorie Alexander, digs deep into the minds of influential entrepreneurs and experts. They share their own journey to becoming a champion of sustainability within their fields. Moreover, you will learn about each interviewees sustainable habits and mindset, and the challenges they faced. Favorite Episode: #40 – Sustainable Investing, an emerging movement in finance that will shake up the global business model. 2. Sustainability Defined Secondly, this sustainability podcast is an educational and enjoyable one. Jay Siegel and Scott Breen are the hosts and creators. As they discuss environmental topics, both engage in…
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Inclusive Sustainable Underwear and Lingerie Brands You Should Know
In the sustainable fashion community, second-hand is usually a big option and a favorite/primary choice. But, second-hand lingerie? Personally, not my cup of tea. Thankfully, sustainable lingerie is making its way and growing in the industry. But what’s missing is the inclusive aspect – something that women already struggle with, with regular brands. So I have done my research and found the sustainable lingerie brands that offer just that below! Some brands on this list only go as small/big as 1X, but still provide a better range than other sustainable brands. Therefore, inclusive sustainable underwear is still in its early stages where more brands need to improve their offerings. Pact…
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How to Build a Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe
Minimalism isn’t about limitations… It is refinement. The point of creating a minimalist capsule wardrobe shouldn’t feel like you are limiting your options. It’s so that you can wake up every morning and always have something to wear. Spend less time on your clothes and more time to focus on other more important things. SO, how many items are in a capsule wardrobe exactly? There isn’t a definite number. It’s what works for you! Just be rational about the choices you make. *And don’t exaggerate – a 100-piece wardrobe is not the goal.* A minimalist capsule wardrobe doesn’t have to be difficult. Therefore, here is a list to help you…
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Sustainable Activewear to Work Out In… Without Guilt!
Not most people think about this… But our activewear are usually made of synthetic fabrics for “performance.” So the way that they are made and washed *ahem microfibers* can be unsustainable. I do admit that it is still difficult to find great sustainable activewear, especially since most are a mix of materials, for example with elastane and spandex. Even if most eco activewear brands are made with organic cotton or recycled materials like polyester, the blend of materials makes the clothes harder, if not, impossible to recycle again. The answer is new technology and innovation which still need to be developed. But in the meantime, it’s a move forward! Here…
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How Eco-Friendly Are Your Clothing Fabrics?
When I shop for clothes, I always look at the composition label and see if this includes any eco-friendly fabrics. This gives me an idea of the clothing item’s lifespan and the easiness of “caring” for that item. So I created this *non-exhaustive* list of fabrics. I hope that you find it informative and that you learn more about the fabrics you wear. If you have more to add, always feel free to share in the comments below! Synthetic Fabrics Polyester Polyester is a petroleum-based plastic product. This became popular because it is a cheap fabric that dries quickly and has wrinkle-free and resistant properties.There are different types of polyester. Textiles…
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Top 16 Charity Thrift Store Shopping Tips
If you just started this “sustainability journey” and are looking at different shopping alternatives, the thrift store, also know as a charity shop, is definitely a great budget-friendly option. If you are an expert thrift shopper, share in the comments below some of your tips! What is a Thrift Store? According to Merriam-Webster, it is a “shop that sells secondhand articles and especially clothes, and is often run for charitable purposes.” Don’t mistake this with vintage. Thrifted and vintage are often used interchangeably, but they are not synonymous. Vintage is used to describe pieces that have a certain style representative of a past time or era. Something thrifted can be vintage,…
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Are Your Clothes’ “Made in” Label Still Reliable and Relevant?
When I shop for clothes or accessories, the first thing I look at is the label. I look at the materials and the country of origin (CoO). Generally, I prefer to buy items made in Canada or Montreal to support local businesses and the local economy. I also favor items made in Europe like Italy, which signals quality to me, and most likely, fair labor practices. However, is it still relevant to rely on this “Made in” label? Let’s try to break down and understand this “Made in” label. With international trade, the CoO of an item is generally a requirement. This is due to trade restrictions and regulations between…