5 Ways to “Buy Less. Choose Well. Make It Last.”
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Buy less, choose well, make it last. This was a simple statement made by Vivienne Westwood – not in an effort to promote her fashion line, but to promote the agenda of the climate revolution. It really is my philosophy, and for a similar reason.
[Tweet “Buy less, choose well, make it last. – Vivienne Westwood #oldworldnewStyle “]
To me, shopping is about building an empire in my closet. Quality over quantity. How can what I am about to purchase add value and variety to my existing wardrobe?
Thrift stores are full of unique clothes that have survived the test of time (survival of the fittest, if you will), so I love purchasing clothes at thrift and vintage stores. There are also sustainable brands that produce beautiful clothing. Many big name brands are slowly ending their unsafe production practices and slowly integrating sustainable practices to lower their carbon footprint. Fashion brands that are honest and transparent about every step of their production process make me feel good about how I’m investing in my wardrobe.
[Tweet “Shopping for clothes should be about quality, not quantity. #oldworldnewStyle”]
How can you buy less, choose well, & make it last?
1. invest in pieces that you can dress up or down
2. black and white & neutrals for staple pieces
3. identify your go-to style, and invest in good quality pieces with variety in that family. i.e. I love a just above the knee or midi-skirt, thus I have several! And that’s an understatement. If you love casual pants, invest in a few pair that vary in color and pattern.
4. mix and match! Don’t be afraid to play dress up. Discover new ways to wear simple pieces, and new combinations that allow you to use one article of clothing for several different occasions.
5. make an effort to buy sustainably and ethically produced clothes. Some brands that I love include Monkee Genes, Reformation and HAE Now organic tee.
This post is being published on Earth Day (Aprill 22) 2015. I chose to write about fashion and how our purchasing power can have an effect on the earth because I truly do love making sustainable fashion purposes. The fashion industry is one of the leading creators of most of the pollution that our earth receives, and it is also a source of workshops in less fortunate countries than America. Thrifting allows me to forgo new production, because the energy that was used to create things I find at thrift stores was already spent. It did not require new production and pollution for me to have it. Buying sustainably produced and fair trade clothing allows me to minimize my pollution/carbon footprint and also leaves me reassured that whoever created my clothes isn’t being mistreated at their workplace and given unfair wages. I hope this post encourages you to buy less, choose well, and make that stuff last. Don’t view old as bad. This world is old, but we love it all the same, right? Well let’s leave it a good place for the new boys and girls to enjoy long after we are gone. (See what I did there?? Old World…NEW).
How are you passionate about making the earth a more sustainable place? How would you like to be more eco-conscious? Let me know in the comments below!
The Comments
Nadeen
Such great points! I am also about quality over quantity. Good to know off brands who are bring conscious of waste and excess. Happy Earth Day!
Megan
I find some of my favorite pieces at thrift shops. most recently a floral dress no one can get me out of during the spring. Certainly some very tried and true tips 🙂 Thanks
Lisa
This is really interesting! I never really think about how the fashion industry can be causing harm. I need to get into thrift shopping. I’ve seen so many great pieces from thrift stores.
Crystal
Great tips! I need to venture out and explore our thrift shops!
Jessica
I struggle with the quality over quantity thing! I LOVE to shop so it’s hard for me to buy a few expensive pieces versus a lot of cheaper fashion! I’d also love to buy more from local designers versus large chains.
~Jessica
Jeans and a Teacup
Stacey
Great post! Buying thrift store clothes are so cheap too. If you did buy something and it got ruined, it wouldn’t be as big of a deal since you didn’t send that much to begin with. I’m too buy thrift, not just clothes but household items too like my bread maker that I got for $6. I make sure my families all items that can be recycled as well as grow some of our own vegetables.
Nicole Keener
I rarely buy clothes it is just so frustrating for me. When I do it is never much. Great post
Donna
I totally agree with this philosophy! We try really hard to apply it to most things in our life – locally made furniture (well made in the USA), local designers for clothes and growing as much fruit and veg as we can. Of course there are always going to be exceptions but I go for the 80/20 rule. Great post, thanks for sharing!
Madaline
This is why I love your blog! And this also why I love thrifting. When I go to Porta Portese I for one second think why did these people get rid of these perfectly good clothes? I mean like HUGE designer clothes they basically three away!
Natalie
I need to get into thrifting more–I love your philosophy behind it! I, too, tend to only buy things that I absolutely love and that will make it through multiple years. I may not have a ton of clothes, but I do love the ones that I have! 🙂
Tiffani
I love this post! Gosh, it really made me think about wanting to scale down my closets. I do enjoy thrift shopping, but never go out and do it enough. You have inspired me! Thanks so much and great post! 😉
Erin- Sixth Bloom
I try to get my more fashion statement pieces clearanced or cheap like Target! Then my staple pieces that will last I like the quality! Thanks for the awesome post
Valery Brennan
Your passion for sustainability is so admirable – I don’t always make it a priority and I really should! Thank you for the reminder!!!
xoxo
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