What does conscious style mean to me?
Are you on a style journey? Trying to buy less ‘fast fashion’? I think I have been on this ride for about 8 years now and I don’t think there is a possibility to be ‘perfect’ at sustainability.
What does ‘imperfect’ look like for me?
Looking back now on the last 8 years and what has come and gone out of my wardrobe and why I realise I am not the ‘imperfect’ one! It is the designers, manufacturers, brands that are imperfect. Over the past 8 years I have been pregnant twice, gained a stone with each baby that I have not lost (I think that when I have the possibility of more time for me and I’m less tired it might go), I have breast fed two little ones for over a year and my needs from my clothing has been so changeable.
With all that evolution in my life my clothes have not adapted! I don’t have any pre baby clothing that fits now. I had to put away a lot of my wardrobe to accommodate my bump and then feeding. Before children we don’t really consider ‘will this fit over a bump?’ or ‘will this be practical for breast feeding?’.
So even on my journey I have bought ‘fast fashion’, sent stuff to the charity shop and held on to things I know I won’t wear again but lived in hope!
“Fashion can be a harbour of stories and memories”
Here are my reasons that we need some kind of ‘fast fashion’ (more affordable and accessible than fast ideally).
‘Sustainable’ or ‘ethical’ fashion is often online or in big cities.
Sometimes you need to be able to pop to town and get something affordable. Like during pregnancy when suddenly you wake up and nothing fits! Or you are breast feeding and get dressed one day and realise your top has soooo many milk stains on it you really should get something new, but it will be stretched out by feeding so affordability is crucial.
Buying online often means planning in advance and there is often an added cost involved with postage.
As women our bodies change so much. It is heart breaking when you invest over £100 (when that £100 is a good chunk of your disposable income!) on a dress that doesn’t fit a year later as no part of the design has accommodated for weight fluctuations.
Our styles change with our lifestyle, we need to be able to swap and change clothes from time to time without the guilt.
The brands are the problem not us!
There have been moments when I grabbed a vest and cardi from Matalan to cover my ever growing bump. There have been moments where I have felt serious ‘eco’ guilt donating to the charity shop. But I think we should consider that fact that we should not feel guilty! It is the way that fashion currently is that is the problem. Like the fact that we are sold ‘maternity clothing’ separate to our ‘normal clothing’.
During my pregnancies I lived in Fatface dresses and maxi skirts that I had owned for ages. But to my sad discovery these past 2 years I have bought this dress in a new design they have reduced the volume of the skirt. Sadly now without buying a big size (I don’t recommend this for maternity it won’t fit right and make you feel good) their skirts won’t go over a bump!
In this picture the dresses go from oldest (black) to latest Would you believe the oldest is a size 12 and the other 2 are a 14 bought one year after the other?! They are the same dress just the different version for each year. As you can probably see the black one fitted over 2 pregnancy bumps with ease.
Also this is just a reminder that you might go shopping and think you are getting bigger but it’s not you! The clothes could well be getting smaller!
Buying ‘better’
I’ve been using this phrase to help guide me through. If I have had time and money on my side before buying something I have questioned can I buy this better? For example before I replace my milk stained cami can I get an organic cotton version somewhere? Do I need a new dress? If yes can I find a linen option instead of viscose or poly?
Here are my considerations when I try to ‘buy better’:
Is a ‘pure’ natural fabric? i.e cotton, linen, wool? I never buy poly or recycled poly and I only buy from brands with sustainable viscose. For example I was desperate for a quick vest top, that didn’t cling to my baby belly and I could feed in, a few months back, there are hardly any local clothes shops now so in Sainsbury’s I chose their Tencel option. I have literally worn it to death! I think that was a fair compromise (although I am aware it wasn’t the most ethical choice).
Should I buy it or could I save the money and buy that other more sustainable version I had my eye on next month instead?
Buy it on pay day and somehow I usually can muddle through the month fine! If I leave it I never have the money left later and then turn to cheaper options!
The obvious one - do I really need it or need it now from this (if it is the less ethical option) brand?
Check out the charity shops, particularly for coats.
Ask will this last? Things last longer if they are lined, well sewn, weightier fabrics, have fitting ‘ease’ for weight fluctuations and can be worn in a few ways.
Beware of greenwashing if the brand offers an ‘organic version’ alongside 20 non-organic options with no sign of decreasing the later offer they are probably greenwashing! So just walk away and spend your money with a worthwhile brand.
“The only way we can make things new is through the lens which we view them ”
What have a learned?
So there is my sustainability bit! It was important that I write about this because all my experiences combine with my skills to create something that is unique to me.
From these years I have taken this learning into my own designs. When I design thoughtfully I consider:
Longevity - lined garments, restyling options, quality fabrics and sewing.
Adaptability - can this keep fitting if the wearer’s body changes?
Memories - can this piece be turned to many times over as it is great to wear and be worn in a variety of ways or for different times.