It seems the next big trend in responsible shopping is subscription based. Essentially you pay a sum up front to get a handful of items over a given period of time. Nisolo launched their 5 for 5 program, where you pay $500 and get two pairs of shoes for the next five years. You did the math right, that’s 10 pairs. Now, I’m a big fan of Nisolo, their business model, and their products, but this program doesn’t really resonate with me. Ten shoes seems like a lot, and I worry it would encourage the mindset of shoes being a disposable item. Brass Clothing just kicked off a similar program, The Brass Edit, where you pay $548 for six new items over six months. This one seems to have a better, educational-based approach. The idea is to slowly build a functional closet that you love. What do you think? Would you use subscription based shopping?
This week I spent some time living vicariously through Stacy’s trip to New York. It’s a city I’ll forever love, and it is so fun to experience it through someone else’s eyes. (Especially when this is the closest I’m getting to a vacation right now.) Also, her green Yellow108 fedora is the cutest.
Right now I’m experiencing that phenomena where I have an item in my closet that I feel unsure in, but when I see it on someone else I love it. I have these jeans that I keep going back and forth on, but a very similar pair on Jessica looks great. I’m going to keep embracing mine for now, because, slow fashion.
Last year around this time I was lauding my thrifting efforts which landed me a black blazer. The way I styled it then looks really cute but sadly, over the last year it has hardly seen any wear! A blazer is something I love in theory, but it just isn’t practical for my daily life. There are always other things I reach for instead. It’s currently sitting under my bed in the ‘maybe’ pile.
“Be an expert.”
“Skip the email and go face-to-face.”
“Stay home and work.”
These are just a few excerpts of some of the best career advice.
And, Everlane international shipping is here!
Very good weekly rundown.
We’re seeing a lot of subscription based offers popping up in Denmark right now – but they are more rent based, than own based. Like fashion libraries, or monthly jewelry subscription, which I’ll be trying out for the rest of the year. It seems start ups are really embracing the new mantra of offering acces to over overnership…
I’m interested to see if it can catch on..
Very interesting Johanne! I’m so curious to hear how you like it. I could see jewelry, but clothes too?
I’m not really into subscriptions, to be honest! It kind of goes against the buy-only-what-I-need kind of way to shop. 2 pairs of new shoes a year (if you’re not replacing old pairs) does sound like a lot.
I’m the same with you about blazers, although I am looking for one for professional situations right now, I’m not sure if it’d get a lot of casual wear despite theoretically fitting into my wardrobe and style.
Totally Jane, it seems like it would urge me to buy sooner than I ‘needed.’
What about a tweed(ish) blazer? Or camel? That would work well with your wardrobe and potentially work in more than just a professional situation.
Those jeans you’re on the fence about, I think they work for you. They’re a nice shape without being too tight or too loose. But in the end it depends on how you feel when you wear them.
I also have a thrifted blazer at the bottom of my storage box and I even used to wear blazers back in the day but now, my style is so unblazer-like. I’m only keeping it in case I have a formal job interview or something like that. But truthfully I think it will have to go soon.
And those subscriptions…well 10 shoes in 5 years seems like a fair bit but if you like Nisolo then it’s a great deal because I think you’d find that in 5 years time, even without the subscription, you’d have purchased around the same amount…for a sum total of about twice as much. Although having said that, their selection is too limited for me to make this work.
Same with brass, all their pieces are just so basic. I would struggle to pick 1 piece from their collection, let alone 6. But yes, I realise if you love the brand already then it’s an interesting concept.
I personally don’t like subscriptions because they are quite prohibitive in that you have to front a lot of cash at the beginning – or each month – and actually that is the complete opposite of slow fashion. It’s just another of those things that hides under the blanket of the slow fashion initiative while creatively trying to find ways to get the customer to drop some serious dollar. It’s another clever marketing plot. Great for people who have the money and no interest in shopping, but still want to look good but pointless for people who see personal style as a whole self-development/discovery process. Especially if all the pieces in the subscription are from one brand only. I wouldn’t want to be a poster child for a particular brand – I like to pick my own pieces from various different sources :)
Would you go for subscription shopping? You didn’t tell us your opinion :)
xo Kat
Thanks much Kat! I think I’ve narrowed it down to realizing what I pair with the jeans makes a huge difference. Something fitted on top, then we’re all good. Something boxy or baggy, then that’s when I’m finding they don’t work.
That’s a great point on subscriptions, what if your style changes? It forces my hand a bit more than I would be comfortable with I think. Thanks for weighing in.
For me, I think I could see *maybe* on the Nisolo program if I was sharing it with my husband. (He really likes their shoes.) But, what if on a given year I didn’t care for any of the styles? I like the idea of the Brass one because it’s educational, but their items are a little too dressy for my casual lifestyle. Honestly, I think I would get a little too swept up in the ‘accumulating new things’ part of a subscription service, it’s like I would always be waiting for the next thing to come instead of enjoying what I already have, if that makes sense.
Hi Andrea! Yes I see what you mean, I struggle with it too. I really am one of those people who get inspired by new stimuli and so being content with what I have, looking at the same clothes every day, it’s really hard for me (that’s why I’m pro hiding my clothes off season).
I read the other commenters say you can split the subscription with someone, which hadn’t occurred to me and I think that is great. 5 new shoes in 5 years sounds reasonable. And you could make it very intentional, evaluate your wardrobe and see which style you need and only let yourself get that style. I suppose if there was a season in which I didn’t like any of the styles I’d ask around if any of my friends or family like anything. That way I wouldn’t lose money and someone else would get to try ethical shoes :)
I must say I’m not a huge fan of Nisolo styles for my personal style but I know you love the shoes you have from them so this perhaps might be a good thing?
xo Kat
It would be a good thing if I needed more shoes, yes! ;)
A subscription based service seems like a good way to end up with items you don’t love, because you haven’t actually chosen them for yourself based on your current needs, you chose a set amount based on what was currently available from a certain brand e.g. what if I need to replace a pair of boots and a pair of trainers and I’d like some loafers, but I only actually like one pair from this subscription’s season and it doesn’t fit any of those needs? Getting two items a year you don’t love may seem minimal, but it’s still an increase of two items per year taking up space to store and taking up resources to make and transport etc. It’d be better to buy three pairs of shoes you’ve researched and selected based on your taste and existing need that you’ll then wear regularly than it is to get two pairs that you’ll never wear and which will just end up heading toward the landfill, even if it takes a circuitous route through selling or donating them first.
I try to avoid hanging on to or buying an item I’m unsure about just because I like it on others, and actually have a separate pin board for outfits I love on others but not on me. Items in my wardrobe are for me to wear, so it doesn’t matter if other people look or feel good in them. It’s why I stopped buying heels: I can’t walk in them, I don’t feel good in them because I can’t walk in them, so it doesn’t matter how great they look on other people. Good for them, not for me, so they don’t have a place in my closet. If I’m unsure of an item because of the fit or colour or my comfort level, that’s unrelated to how other people have styled it, so other people looking good in X shouldn’t be a factor in whether I keep it. Plus different people have different bodies, and an oversize sweater on one person can give a different overall silhouette than it would on someone else, so even trying to recreate an entire outfit has limited value.
I totally agree Sophia! And your Pinterest strategy is a great one. There is a reason why models are size 0, everything looks great on them, but it doesn’t always pan out like that in real life. It’s so great when we can learn the difference between liking something for ourselves, or enjoying it on someone else. Great advice.
I guess I never thought about the rental subscriptions as being better (for the environment, decreasing the amount of true belongings and you still get to have something new without it just piling up)…but ten pairs if shoes?! I just counted mine, 14, a few of which are seasonal, and I feel/know I have about 2-3 pair too many. How would they keep their craftsmanship by ‘giving’ them away so cheap?..thanks for the write up!
Really good point! What if over the course of the five years craftsmanship went downhill? That would be a huge bummer. I think 10 pairs for one person is a lot, but it could maybe work if split with someone?
I was excited to see new service from Brass, I haven’t bought anything from them yet but I keep eyeing the same 2-3 pieces. The cost of the Edit collection is too much for me right now, but depending on how my next year goes, that could be a good way to save up money for clothes and purchase the next round of the Edit collection.
That’s awesome Anne. Especially if you already have a few of their items on your list. Keep us posted!
I’m right there with you on the blazer! I spent a lot of time collecting them and not wearing them. I am currently down to one “tuxedo” style which doesn’t see much (any?) wear but I can’t seem to part with it. One day I’ll get brave and throw it over a t-shirt for work. In the meantime, it seems like a nice date night piece.
Yes, date night is the reason I don’t get of mine. (But I still don’t wear it then either!) If I had a work place to go to, it might get more use. You should TOTALLY rock yours with a t-shirt!
I was thinking about doing Nisolo’s 5 for 5 because while 10 shoes in 5 years seems like a lot, 5 in 5 years seems about right and I could split it with my husband and get shoes for him as well. I agree that it seems to encourage overbuying but they also indicated that it was totally fine to split the deal with someone else and seemed to encourage it on their FAQ.
It actually reminds me of the business model of a CSA, where you pay for your veggies upfront so the farmer knows a little bit better how to predict future sales. It is interesting to see that model migrate over to ethical fashion, though.
Very interesting comparison! I could totally see what you mean about it being like a CSA. We used to do those before we moved, they were so great!
And I agree, splitting with a spouse could be a great deal.
Your jeans: I think they look fine, but they have to work for you, not me :) Is their some way you can modify them to make them more “yours”? They would also be a good addition to a yardwork/camping/etc. “mini collection”, if you have the need for such.
Subscription services: This sounds like a good way for a company to get a quick infusion of capital to buy new equipment, etc., but is perhaps not as useful for the consumer. The Nisolo service sounds as if it could be split among several friends, especially if they are local to you and the shoes can all be sent to one address. The Brass Edit would likely be harder to split. Plus, you’d really have to trust their sense of style, since you will be getting clothes specially made for this collection.
Anne
Hi Anne! I think I am figuring out that it boils down to what I’m wearing on top with the jeans. Fitted = good, baggy = no good. We’ll see what happens!
Yes, I agree. Committing financially to one brand is a little scary from a style standpoint.
The Nisolo deal makes sense if you split it with someone, I think, but I feel like I can’t really commit to one company for that long. What if things change drastically with my style, location, or the company’s aesthetic and I’m stuck?
Great points Leah! What if i change my mind in one or three years? Five is a long time, stylistically!
So glad you brought this topic up! Honestly, I’m not into the whole subscription thing. Even if the brand is making beautiful goods and producing them responsibly I still feel like it encourages over consumption. Regardless of whether you can split the subscription it still undermines the mandate of “Buying Less and Choosing Well”.
I can certainly see how it might appeal to some customers, especially those who aren’t concerned about achieving a particular personal style or investigating options. I can also see why this service appeals to the companies offering it. Influx of cash flow, stable order numbers, guaranteed customers etc.
But when it comes down to my personal philosophy on style and shopping it’s not well-aligned.
Very well said Lee! I see both sides for sure. But personally, I think it would lead to me over indulging or, I might feel a bit ‘trapped.’
I was just reading through Brass’s program last night, and while I see the value in it, it’s definitely not for me. I think it’s best for people who are completely overhauling their wardrobes, and truly haven’t defined their style. It makes sense if you’re starting from scratch, but if you already have a good foundation, I can see how it could get wasteful. Also, I personally dislike any program where I have to talk with someone – I’m a “do it my own self” type ;) The Nisolo program, from how you’ve explained it, also doesn’t sound very sustainable.
Thanks for sharing my NYC post + for the hat compliment ;)
Haha! As soon as I saw the bit about talking to someone, I thought, ‘oh no! I think I’d skip that step.’ I know what you mean about being a DIY type. Sometimes it’s hard for me to slow down and follow someone else’s directions.
Loved your NYC posts, and the hat color is so great!
Thank you, nice read.
Thanks for reading Arden!
I might be opening a can of worms by saying that I actually signed up for the 5 for 5 program after reading this. I’ve changed so much of my lifestyle to become a more conscientious consumer – food, makeup, cleaning products, clothes, but NOT shoes. The company’s mission resonated with me and it seems like the last great hurdle – to start wearing shoes from an ethical company. When I signed up, I make a pact to myself not to buy any other shoes during this 5 year period (and I’m hoping these shoes will last me a long time, so less shoe shopping after the 5 years are over)! I tend to gravitate towards minimal shoes and muted natural colors so Nisolo is perfect for me, but I could see how other shoppers could feel stifled by these limited options. I also like the way that Brass is promoting their program with the ‘shop with intent’ motto. Im on the fence about subscription services – I like ones done by ethical companies, or promoting ethical brands (causebox) because they help consumers (like me) shift away from fast fashion. But some of these other subscription services seem to promote that ‘its a surprise present!’ mentality, so they aren’t really purchased with intent.
Great point about intent Kendra. You’re right, I think Nisolo and Brass are both approaching this with good intent. And I think it takes consumers to approach this with the right intent as well, to make it work out (and not be wasteful, etc.). It sounds like your approach is pretty solid. Nisolo DOES have a lot of great shoes. I personally have three pairs, and my husband has a pair and they are his most-worn shoes. Keep us posted on how it works out for you!
Hi Kendra! I’m looking for someone to split the 5 for 5 with, even three- or four-way. I don’t like enough of Nisolo’s products to justify the 5 for 5 for myself, and none of my friends buy there. If you went ahead with it and are looking to split some of it (even if it’s just one pair), let me know!
I like those jeans on you a lot, but as others have said you are the one wearing them and feel good in them. I actually may do the Nisolo 5 for 5 if I can share with my husband. One new pair of shoes for each of us per year doesn’t sound excessive, and it is a awesome deal! I don’t think I could ever do a clothing subscription though. Also, that post makes me want to go back to NYC…….
Rebecca, let us know if you do the 5 for 5! It sounds like it’s okay to share. My husband has a pair of the guys chukka boots, and he wears them several times a week! I bet your husband would like their shoes.
And NYC, forever in my heart!
Hey, I realize this is plenty late, but I’m looking for someone to split the 5 for 5 with, even three- or four-way. I don’t like enough of Nisolo’s products to justify the 5 for 5 for myself, and none of my friends buy there. If you went ahead with it and are looking to split some of it, let me know!
Hi Andrea! Your and un fancy are the only two blogs I follow and I really enjoy them both
Thanks for all the styling ideas and life insights.
I’ve never bought an everlane item but saw that they are shipping internationally now (m in Australia). Could you please tell me if their sizing is true to size? I’m a size 10 usually. And also do you have any favourite pieces (specially tops)? Keeping in mind that I have a three and one year old so mainly am at the park and play dates.
Thank you!
Ah, thanks so much for the kind words!! :) That means a lot.
Yay for international shipping from Everlane! I find Everlane’s sizing runs true to their sizing chart. For example, I am pretty regularly a US size 6, and that almost always falls under the Medium category. Very consistently, Mediums have been the best fit for me from Everlane. I would say their Mediums are sometimes on par with other brands’ smalls. Does that make sense? I think they are really helpful if you email them too!
I am a big fan of their u-necks, they are great everyday items, and I like their thick, long-sleeve striped tops. Both are great for everyday ‘mom’ life! :) Happy shopping!