5 Ways to find Sustainable Clothing that Suits your Style

Fast fashion is quickly getting cancelled

 

It seems like consumers are more and more concerned with how a product is made and how a company treats its people and not only the products that are produced.

Cheap and cheerful, fast fashion brands can you get whatever is trending, for less. Hard to not love that and I totally understand the appeal! 

I will admit I have a love for Shein, but am not ordering from them anymore. Goodbye Fast Fashion, Hello Sustainable Style.

Unfair pay, insensitive messaging and replication in fast fashion brands have many of us blowing them farewell kisses and embracing more sustainable clothing and style options. 

I'm going back to my roots of discounted designer items and finding unique pieces from thrift stores.  

Care to join me?

Here are 5 ways to find sustainable clothing that suits your style.

Thrift Stores

Many of my favorite clothing items are from thrift stores. You will be able to find bold statement pieces that are unique and can express your personal style. Since you are buying pre-loved pieces you are recycling! 

Did you know that if it is cheaper for a brand to throw away a returned item, they often will toss it rather than access, repackage and resell it? *facepalm* 

Reselling Platforms

From easy everyday wear to high-end luxury items, there is a platform for it all. 

Etsy, Poshmark, Depop, Facebook reseller groups (yes, this is a thing!), The Real Real, Fashionphile, and Tradesy can all get you started. 

OPC (Other People's Closets)

I have been saying the 90s have never left and I fully stand by that. Raid someone's closet (your mom, dad, grandmother, older cousin, you get the point!) to find some interesting pieces that they aren't wearing anymore. 

Have fun styling oversized items to make the garments relevant to your current style. 

Rent it! 

Renting clothing is an awesome way to find a piece that you need for just a short time. From active wear to gowns, they have it! I love this option because you can rent a gorgeous designer gown and pay a fraction of the price to wear it.  

Shop Ethical Brands

If you are not into renting clothing or wearing clothing from consignment, don't worry. 

Many brands are taking responsible approaches to producing their pieces so you will be able to to purchase new clothing with confidence. 

Here are a few resources:

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/sustainable-fashion-brands-affordable_l_5c51d047e4b0f43e410d7b85

https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/fair-trade-clothing 

https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/what-to-wear/g22788319/sustainable-fashion-brands-to-buy-from-now/

https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/your-comprehensive-guide-to-ethically-made-athletic-wear-brands

https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/15-ethical-shoe-brands-for-every-occasion

             

Cottage Core in a Secret Garden

Captured a moment in a secret garden.

Well, more like captured this moment in my back yard in Georgia at my mom's house. But the mystical and romantic feeling translated well in this image, don't you think?

I spent some time at home in Georgia with my mom recently and decided to take advantage of the big backyard to shoot some content I wouldn't have the opportunity to shoot in NYC. 

Since cottagecore and fairycore aesthetics are buzzing, I hopped on the bandwagons to mix up my style and Instagram Aesthetic a bit. 

And so, I walked barefoot through the grass and found a spot to lay my crisp, white sheet and handful of whimsical props and glasses to set the scene. 

The end results, although very different from my normal chic-girl-in-the-city-style, did not disappoint. 

Summer Swim

Summer isn't over just yet and there are plenty of beach days left in the horizon.

I have always wanted a resort-wear-worthy bathing suit and this year, I finally bought one and let me tell you, it did everything but disappoint. 

My basic two-piece bathing suit will always still be a staple for summer but the one piece from Riot Swim is on another level.

The genius one piece looks like a long piece of fabric upon opening the package. Once I stepped into it and tied it properly, it hugged and contoured in all the right places. 

Given all of the travel restrictions, I didn't make it to a resort this summer *sign* but I made it to Rockaway beach in Queens and strutted around the board walk in my new swimsuit. 

Low-key, basic but still chic is my black 2-piece bikini. I have learned that "cut is key" when it comes to a flattering bathing suit. High-cut and strappy made this simple style really work. 

Islands US Travelers Can Currently Travel To

Me trying to remain calm after reading that the EU is opening boarders but will not allow US travelers

Not sure about you, but I am aching for an international adventure! 🌎

Even though I would love to skip off to Amsterdam or Berlin to scratch my travel itch, it’s just not realistic in the foreseeable months. As unfortunate as this news is, I understand because the pandemic is still not under control in the US.

Even if the US was allowed entry, it’s questionable how comfortable I’d be on a plane with recycled air for a long international flight. What about you?

Laying low or ready to fly internationally to Europe as soon as we’re permitted?

I am still waiting for the moment when the EU will allow US citizens back in but if you are bold and just can't take it anymore, here are the islands that are currently allowing (and not allowing) US Travelers! 

(I found the above charts on Jet Blue's website on August 5th #notsponsoredbutwouldlovetobe) 

Stylishly Conscious

Being socially conscious will never go out of style.

Since this year has been absolutely bananas... ahem... my relationship going up in flames and because we're living through a global pandemic accompanied by racial tension, I’ve refocused my messages on my Instagram to voice the beauty as well as the challenges within in my community.

It absolutely makes sense for me to reflect on these challenges in my blog!

Yes, there will still be how-to articles and fabulous places to go write ups. There is no way I am giving up sharing my style tips and favorite places to go places around New York City or around the world. 

However, I finally feel like the world is actually listening and receiving the messages the black community has been expressing.

And so, now more than ever is the time to speak up, get involved, join a protest, support black businesses, and have uncomfortable conversations.

This is not just a trending moment. This is a movement and this is everyone’s fight. Not just the black folks.

This space is for people in all walks of life. Non minority friends and allies, I’m here and open if you ever would like to have a conversations or have questions.

Staying Golden with Aux Marches Fermiers

Living my life like it’s golden and my accessories follow suit. 

If you've been following me me for a while, that's old news! 

To help me stay golden, my friends at Aux Marches Fermiers shared this statement bag with me and it has the ability to make the most minimal outfit, stand out.

Their name translated in English is “to the farmers markets" which I love because you guys know I am all about dressing up even if I’m only going to the grocery store.

I reached for their Sharlene Baguette Bag in purple to meander around the upper east side one summer afternoon. 

Being that I love to support start ups I believe in and because I love you dearly, please enjoy my code THECHICPAIGE for 20% off of items from Aux Marches Fermiers. 

(this bag was gifted to by the brand #ad) 

How to Wear One Pieces & Rompers

All for One and One for All. One-piece that is. 

The Three Musketeers said it best and I'm translating their catch-phrase into styling for the summer and beyond. 

The idea that summer is canceled has been floating around social media along with the opposite idea that summer is not canceled. Regardless of where you stand on the topic, the warm weather is here and I'm dressing the part with the help of staple one pieces and rompers.

Even once we kiss the warmer nights goodbye, your one-piece doesn't have to say sayonara with it.

Rompers and one-pieces are no brainers when it comes to effortless style. Throw it on quickly and you're out the door...but how can we make a basic one-piece look as chic as possible?

To make your regular romper turn heads, check out my style tips.

Deconstruct your Idea of a One-Piece

Consider taking a one-piece and wearing it as a statement item. In the first look, I grabbed a basic white crop top, acid wash denim shorts and then wore my up-cycled thrifted one-piece vest over the look to give the outfit more character. 

For autumn or winter, easily swap out your cropped t-shirt with a long sleeve basic tee and put on your most flattering pair of slacks or mom jeans. 

Accessories.

A must. Always. Right now, gold is the move but even if it wasn't I'd still be wearing my chunky gold necklaces on the regular. 

Grab a simple pair of gold hoops, a textured bracelet, and a dainty (or in my case, chunky) necklace. 

Don't forget your sunglasses and handbag. 

Layer

Perfect for the warmer months, throw on a casual crop top and wear it under your romper for a cool approach to your outfit. In the chillier months, you can do the same with a cute cropped sweater.

You're welcome :)

Find a Bold Color

This pistachio color makes my eyes look like the heart-eyed emoji whenever I catch a glimpse of it in my overpacked New York City closet.

The color compliments my skin tone and is fresh for this season and seasons to come. Find a color that is complimentary to your skin and follow all the steps listed in this how-to for a stylish and chic ensemble.

How to Wear Athleisure for Summer

Casual & Comfy for Summer?

I think, yes! I am deciding to keep the cozy vibes all summer long. Since we have all been in quarantine for the first half of 2020, we are used to being in no-fuss outfits that keep us casual and comfortable. 

Even though restaurants and stores are opening back up, there is no reason to ditch your sports bra and sneakers if you don't want to. 

Athleisure combines comfort and practicality and now, it is acceptable to wear performance clothing to brunch and not just the gym or around the house.  

So how can you achieve a chic and functional look without looking frumpy? 

It's simple: Accessories, Layering, Fit and a fresh face are all you need to pull the look together. 

Fit

Start building your outfit with well fitting pieces as your base. If the gym wear you thrown on looks, well... thrown on, it will make your outfit look less tailored. Selecting pieces that compliment your body type is key in making this style work. 

Layer Up

Grab a short jacket to throw on over your outfit on a cool night. Tying the jacket around your waist can nice dimension to your look. 

Accessorize  

Bold statement jewelry, an over-the-shoulder bag and shades are all you need to elevate your look. Wearing shades is always a simple method to add mystique to any outfit - adding to athletic wear is no different. 

Fresh Face

My preference for this look is to have a full face of make up! #extra I know. I like the juxtaposition that having a fully beat face and a causal outfit creates. But if you prefer the no make up look, that of course, works too. Just make sure you put on your sunscreen to protect your skin. 

Do's and Don't of Wearing Athleisure

• Do mix fabrics, like denim and leather, with high-performance sports fabrics 

• Don't wear clothing that has holes that aren't supposed to be there

• Don't wear Athleisure to formal events or job interviews (duh)

• Do mesh your performance wear with your own personal style 

• Do use layering to add depth to your look 

A Big Light in a Tiny Package

I N T R O D U C I N G PENNY PAIGE!

My new teacup poodle and the new love of my life. 

The time had finally come for me to add a little doggie into my life. After debating adoption or purchasing from a breeder, I opted to go to a store to meet the pups before committing to one that I found via googling. 

I took this route this because although I would have loved to adopt, there weren't many small breeds available (to fit in my tiny NYC apartment) and to also avoid getting scammed by purchasing a puppy that didn't really exist by a fake breeder! 

I made an appointment to visit a puppy store and was the only person in the store viewing the pups because of social distancing. It was my first day puppy searching since my landlord finally gave me the ok to get a pooch because I am not able to have a dog in my apartment. 

Penny is technically my Emotional Support Animal recommended by my psychologist, and so my landlord allowed me to bring in a doggie.

The pandemic, the current flare up of outrage due to racial injustices towards Black and African American people, and finding out my ex, whom I wanted to start a life with and who I wrote about in With Love and Hope  had a whole other relationship with another women for the entirely of our relationship. 

Yeah. That part. 

Queue "Take a Bow" by Rihanna. 

I'll spare you the grim details for now, but as you can imagine, I was a complete wreck and I am still in the process of recovering from the emotional and psychological blow. 

However, as soon as Penny came out of her crate and into my hands in the puppy store, I melted and it was a wrap. I visited a few other pet stores to look at other options but she already had my whole heart. 

At a whopping 1.5 pounds, she came home with me that day and has brought immense joy and happiness into my life ever since.

Her big brown puppy eyes and loyal mentality warm my spirit with each little tail wag.

I underestimated the magnitude of just how much an ESA would drastically lift my mood even despite my personal situation and our current social climate, but the transition into life with Penny has given me a renewed sense of vibrancy and happiness in my day-to-day. 

If you are going through a difficult time and are considering an ESA, just go for it. 

You have nothing to lose and you will gain a sweet and loyal companion. 

Releasing the Stigma of Therapy in the Black Community

When life gives you lemons, go to therapy. Forget the lemonade. 

In the Black community, going to therapy or expressing the need to go to therapy is often looked down upon because Black and African American people tend to be concerned about the stigma and judgement associated with mental illness. 

Let's unpack that.

Life has it's general challenges for everyone but with the troubled history of African American and Black people in the United States that has now trickled into a more contemporary version of racial oppression, going to therapy to cope seems like a no-brainer. 

However, from research and conversations with my peers, mental health and going to therapy is often viewed as something that is for "white people" or is brushed off as a waste of time or unimportant or is replaced with the idea that Religion will fix all problems. 

Mental illness can be viewed as someone having a weak mind, when I feel, it should be just the opposite. Understanding that to reach out to someone while you are stuck in a poor mental state is a sign of strength and maturity. Understanding that you don't have to stay in a place where your thoughts are working against you and not for you. 

Normalizing the idea that anyone, regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity can seek therapy if they feel speaking to someone about their internal issues can be helpful. (heyyy black and minority people, this comment is specifically for you).

I pulled together some data from NCBI for a snapshot of how therapy is perceived in Black and African American communities and also pulled together some resources on where to find a therapist. 

Since our current political and health climate are in shambles, most if not all resources are currently provided at reduced cost or no fee.