This weekend I hosted my first clothing exchange. One of my goals in starting this blog is to spread the message about sustainable fashion; and to me the easiest way to do that is with shopping and clothes! Most women have an affinity for those two things. So, I invited over some friends, got some wine, cheese, a rolling rack, and we were off.
Throughout the afternoon we chatted about lots of things but the conversation often circled back to the amount of clothing we all have. We discovered that we all had a feeling of being overwhelmed by our closets. We all agreed that we basically have closets full of clothes that we don’t actually like. I guess somewhere along the way filling our closets with stuff replaced filling our closets with clothing that brings a smile to our faces. Let’s be honest, the act of “closet filling” doesn’t actually satisfy us, it just does the opposite. Closet filling for me is often filled with guilt and regret. The truth is, for a lot of us our closets just plain make us feel BAD. Here’s the deal- we don’t have to accept this.
It’s not about how much you have, it’s about having the right pieces. Seeing my friends shop and interact yesterday reinforced my understanding of this. It was lovely to see them relaxing and not feeling self-conscious. There’s beauty in realizing that we don’t necessarily need more; we just the right pieces. It’s easier to find the right things for your body when you are in a relaxing environment and you don’t feel the pressure of the price tag.
Removing the pressure of the sale combined with the benefit of reusing something is amazing for the psyche and one’s confidence. Having this clothing swap taught me a lot and further secured my path down the sustainable fashion road. I become more and more endeared to this subject and lifestyle every single day.
Here’s what I learned and what I want to share with you!
1. Most of us have too many clothes and we don’t really know what to do about it
2. Most of us have a giant closet full of clothes, but nothing to wear
3. We all have pieces we wish we could wear, but we never will
4. Our consumer culture is messing with us
5. We want out! Out of the jumbled up, taking over our houses, piles of clothes!
6. We hate the amount of money we spend on clothes
7. Everyone loves a good deal
So, here’s the solution I have for you! Sustainable fashion. That’s it. Sustainable fashion is not some rich girl thing, I swear it’s not. My FREE clothing swap proves that. There is no reason to buy ANYTHING new unless you are buying from a sustainable brand that can prove it’s environmental and ethical claims. Otherwise, do yourself a favor:
– buy consignment
– share with friends
– swap with friends
– consign your stuff
– buy quality
– buy classic
– hold on to your stuff
– don’t buy it unless it fits you NOW and you LOVE it- even if it’s cheap
You see, the secret to looking fabulous is wearing something that makes you feel fabulous, that’s it. Honestly, unless you feel like you are channeling Gisele, don’t buy it! I’m only half kidding… hehe.. I honestly love when my outfit gives me a fierce vibe and you should too!
Join me on my sustainable fashion journey, start one for yourself, and start to feel liberated from fast fashion. I swear, it will put a smile on your face.
Questions, comments? Contact me lydia@lydialovespurple.com. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook too @lydia.loves.purple or subscribe to the blog!
