Sustainability
Reducing clothing waste and supporting small, sustainable businesses is a deeply important part of my business model. Shopping with sustainability in mind supports ethical labor practices, makes a positive impact on the environment, and is much more affordable in the long run!
The average American buys 63 new pieces of clothing a year, and an average piece of clothing only gets worn 7 times. Fast fashion has a horrific environmental impact, producing more CO2 every year than France, Germany, and the UK combined! Fast fashion is also built on gruesome human rights abuses like sweat shop labor, child labor, and slavery.
Fast fashion is also a nightmare for personal styling. Most clothes nowadays are designed to basically self-destruct after only a few washes and they are nearly impossible to repair. While the prices may be significantly lower, fast fashion will drain your wallet in the long run. It’s expensive to have to constantly replace your clothes as they wear out. Plus, the low prices make shopping addictive, leading to more impulse purchases that you’ll be less satisfied with. In addition, the clothes are often made of synthetic materials that can be very uncomfortable, especially for neurodivergent folks.
I will never judge anybody for buying fast fashion. We might even end up buying from fast fashion brands when we shop together. Unfortunately, it’s the most accessible and affordable type of clothing out there. It’s often the only thing available to plus-sized people. It’s also a good option when you’re just starting out and don’t want to invest heavily in an entire wardrobe before you figure out your style. However, I will always encourage you to invest in quality over quantity when you can. I will also encourage you to get your favorite clothes tailored when they wear out or when your weight fluctuates. Finding staples that you love and will keep for a long time is the secret to saving money and to maintaining an epic wardrobe!
Oh, and one last thing! I will do everything I can during our closet cleanses to keep your old clothes in our community and out of the landfill. I always donate them to mutual aid projects so your clothes can find a new life supporting other marginalized people in Portland! Right now, I am donating to Radical Abundance, a queer-owned non-profit thrift shop without price tags (everything is pay what you can). All of their proceeds go towards care grants for BIPOC & trans people in the Portland community. Check them out and consider making a donation or getting involved!