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Beanie Business

The sugar detox is real my friends.

I have spent the last handful of days ‘helping’ my kids eat their Halloween candy and now the weaning is happening. Mom disclaimer: I did toss out a bunch and left only enough for a few days so we wouldn’t turn into complete gluttons. But now I need to get back to the place of enjoying the sweetness of fresh fruit rather than craving a million grams of refined sugar.

Moving on…

So I bought this hat (for my husband) at Forever 21 last year. I’m totally ashamed to share that fact with you guys, but I think it’s important to talk about. I’ve made a lot of changes in the last year. I used to be all about the cheapest, bottom-dollar price. I almost always pursued quantity over quality and I never gave any regard for the people who were making my clothing. I never thought about how much they were getting paid or how they might be treated.

But it’s fascinating what some new information followed by a little research will do. I have no stomach for places like F21 now. They are churning out a massive inventory at an extremely low price point (and quality) that feeds the culture of disposable commodity apparel and accessories. To be completely honest with you guys, I struggle not to judge those who choose to shop there. But then I think about myself just one short year ago. I had less information and my shopping showed it. If I can change, someone else can too. So instead of judging I am sharing information and encouraging people to think outside the mall “box.” As my friend Leah said in her guest post, think about the fingerprints that are still on your clothes. Think about who made your clothes. It matters.
The Outfit:

I’m wearing my most favorite sweatshirt from Everlane that I ordered while I was still pregnant with my son, clinging to dreams of a smaller stomach and a smaller chest. They don’t make the sweatshirt anymore, but this one is similar. It’s probably time for me to get my own white button up top, but since it’s not in the budget right now, I keep wearing my husband’s slim fit oxford from J.Crew. When I get one for myself it will probably be this one from Everlane, or this one from Grana (still figuring out the latter company, ethics-wise). My jeans are by Paige Denim and made in the USA. I have been wearing this pair for three years, so for me the investment has been worth it. Sometimes you can find them cheaper at Nordstrom Rack. Shoes, Vans ftw, and bag by Cuyana (made in SF). For a better alternative on the beanie, try this one by Marine Layer.

And finally, a little something pretty. I picked up these earrings at First Thursday in the Pearl, and I had the lovely time of buying them from the artist who made them, Joy of Joy Cha Studio. See more of her work here.
Cheers!
~andrea

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14 thoughts on “Beanie Business”

  1. I just placed my first Everlane order last week and purchased on of their sweatshirts (not the scuba one, but the crew neck). The package is supposed to arrive today & I can’t wait. I really appreciate your outlook on the “fast fashion” and focusing on the fact that people can change. It’s also great that you continue wearing it, even if you wouldn’t necessarily purchase it again. Using what you have is just as important as buying ethically. Love this outfit too – perfect for the chillier weather we’ve been having around here!

    1. Agreed – using what you already own is key to staying out of the fast-fashion cycle.
      I am excited for you Stacy! I hope you love Everlane as much as I do. Maybe that sweatshirt will help you stay warm today – so cold!!

  2. Andrea, I say this having never been to the PNW, but…you look so “Portland” in this outfit! Very fun and playful and chic, all at the same time.

    I’m glad I’m not the only one trying to figure out what gives with Grana. I want to like (and buy, gulp) their stuff, but I have a feeling they’re not being completely transparent with how it all gets made. I’m eager to hear what you find out.

    1. Erin, I get that feeling too, I wonder why that is? The price point? And I wonder how on earth we can get some answers.
      Ha! Thanks for the Portland comment!!

  4. You look so cute in this!! I also used to base my purchase decisions on what was cheapest, not what I needed or liked best. I am now focusing on getting the most out of what I own and secondhand purchases. I still don’t quite have the courage to put the money into investment pieces – I don’t think I trust my style yet!!

    1. Oh man Paige, I definitely bought my share of things that I didn’t need or even like the best because of the price point. Way too much.

      You are totally getting there on your style. Give yourself a year in capsules and see what it does for you! And you always look great BTW…

  5. I love how you’ve worn the sweatshirt here, I’ve got a similar one in a similar fit but haven’t tried to wear it on top of a button down yet!

    I do want to make the switch to shopping more ethically made things, but the price point of getting that stuff here in Australia on a student budget makes it kind of hard. In the meanwhile I’m just trying to shop as little as possible and take care of what clothes I do have. Let us know what you find out about Grana – I recently came across them and they do ship to Australia and have a pop-up store in Sydney (unlike Everlane, sigh!).

    1. Thanks Jane!

      The price point is definitely one of the biggest challenges of buying ethically made items. Are you on Instagram? I feel like I keep finding ethical clothing companies on IG that are based out of Australia. What helps me is planning for a long time when I want to get a new item – making sure I really want it, making sure it fits my style, and of course saving up. I also don’t buy new things very often. It is literal slow-fashion, ha!

      I’ll let you all know if I find anything out about Grana.

      1. Ah, I’m not very active on Instagram so I’ve been missing out on those. I’ll have a closer look into Australian-based ones!

  6. Those earrings are so delicate and beautiful.

    I’ve never really understood F21 and the equivalents. The mass production of “trendy” fashion is just so incredibly odd to me. Questionable production ethics aside, the fact that people buy things that are trendy to only discard to make room for the next trend is just so wasteful. Just baffles me; when is enough enough?

    Nat | Dignifiable

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