Oh man! It feels like forever since I’ve shared an outfit with you guys.
I am taking a quick break from my sea of editing to share some flare… literally.
I am new to the world of Madewell denim, and I actually scored these for under $50 a few months ago at Nordstrom Rack. And I must say, consider me a fan. The high waist on these is very forgiving and comfortable, yet the jeans still hold their shape. I love the true blue wash with soft distressing, it feels relaxed and fun.
However, if I am being completely honest with you guys, I have no idea how Madewell stacks up when it comes to ethical clothing manufacturer practices. And now that I’ve hopped on the slow-fashion train I have no desire to get off. Madewell has some manufacturing and sourcing info available on their website per the law of the state of California, but I am not entirely sure what to think of it yet.
When I hit a little roadblock like this on my ethical fashion journey, it is a good reminder to circle back to the term slow-fashion. The more cautiously I add stuff to my wardrobe the better. It gives me time to determine the source of it, time to determine if I really need it in my closet, and time to determine if I really like it. For example, earlier today I decided I really wanted these shoes, and my first instinct is to plot a way to add them to my wardrobe ASAP. This desire comes just on the heels of buying these bad boys last week, so right now is not the time to buy more shoes. I gave myself a reality check by reminding myself how well slow-fashion is serving me. If I really desire something and it’s going to be a well-chosen addition to my closet, it will serve me just as much if I get it six or 12 months from now.
[sweater, Madewell, similar / tank, Everlane / jeans, Madewell / bag, Madewell / shoes (a few seasons old) similar, similar + ethical company alert! / necklace, Loop Jewelry ]
Stay classy San Diego!
xo
andrea
Andrea, your reminder about slow fashion is so soothing! Thank you for sharing. Letting “perfection get in the way of progress” is always a struggle, but gentle mantras like yours definitely help.
Thank you Erin so much! Comments like this make my day, and they are the reason why I blog.
And hello gorgeous website! I don’t believe I’ve seen your link on here before! And I am now having an ah-ha moment and connecting you with your IG account. :)
I always feel very unsure when I buy things whether or not they were made ethically as well. Aside from brands that advertise UPON transparency and ethical production (Everlane and the like), other big brands are either very vague about it, or they don’t address it at all in their marketing materials.
On the other hand though, you’ve been rocking the flares! They look great on you and I’m super into the look. I’m afraid I’m too short for them though!
Dori it’s good to know I’m not alone!
Thanks for the nice comment about my flares, haha. It’s just hard to find the right shoes! But it is a fun change from my usual skinnies. :)
Madewell-expensive brand made by J Crew= not very ethically made. At least in my research. I’d go with Nudie Jeans (raw denim) or Everlane, totally transparent on everything, or MonkeeGenes a completely ethical brand.
I think it ate my comment. Boo. Madewell is J Crews luxury brand, so not tops on ethics. I’d try Nudie Jeans, Monkee Genes or Everlane all good ethical companies.
No worries, it’s just my spam checker. :)
UGH, so hard to hear, but I know you’re right. I am glad to be having this conversation even if it’s not what I want to hear.
I’m not at all aware of slow fashion or of the ethical standing of the brands I buy … so this is an interesting post for me.
In recent years I have been cutting down on the amount of fast fashion I buy, but that was mainly for purposes of having a more considered capsule wardrobe [but I do sometimes give in to a wild and wonderful not-at-all-capsule-item!!].
And I do buy more vintage from charity shops – which always soothes any guilt I have [saving clothes from landfill *and* help a charity at the same time!
Someone who enjoys your blog actually recommended I drop by to visit you today as I’m madly seeking out new content to read as I set myself a challenge to leave 300 comments in 30 days http://notesonpaper.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/why-im-leaving-300-blog-comments-in-30.html
And this is comment No.219!
Julie
Love everything you do! Thanks for supporting brands like Fortress of Inca shoes and boots!
Happy to share the good things I find! :)