This post is sponsored by Tradlands, menswear inspired women’s staples, guaranteed to last and meant to be lived in.
Over the weekend I had the chance to attend a Sustainable Fashion Forum in Portland, that included a moderator from Eileen Fisher and a panel of designers who weighed in on ethics and sustainability in the apparel industry. One of the questions posed was: When brands market or identify themselves as ethical or sustainable, does it motivate people to a point of sale?
The answers came in varying degrees, and upon examining my own thoughts, I realized my answer was no.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of buying something just because it meets your ethical standards. After all, it can feel really hard to find responsibly made items, so when you do find them, you feel the need to make a purchase. But, if you don’t actually end up liking the item very much, it’s a waste of your resources and you’re more likely to get rid of the item sooner.
I have to love something if I’m going to wear it. Making a purchase because of manufacturing standards is not enough. In order to get the most value for my money and my life it needs to meet my ethical standard plus my aesthetic standard. Thankfully, companies like Tradlands make it easy.
In an industry saturated with tradeoffs, and the lesser of two evils, Tradlands has crafted a lineup of clothing that is both responsibly made and beautiful.
Sadie and Jeremy – the team behind the brand – have worked tirelessly to create the most well-designed and functional garments, the kind they hope you’ll pass down to your kids. All Tradlands pieces are cut and sewn in the USA, a rare notion these days, even among the ethical fashion world.
This spring they’ve released a new line of tunics and blouses, including the BCN, a loose linen top inspired by the magic of Barcelona’s inner city. It’s understated but a lot more interesting than a plain white tee. I love wearing this tucked into my favorite jeans. Later this spring I plan to tuck it into my black linen skirt, and layer it underneath my favorite black jumpsuit.
The Utility Laurel is straddling the line between shirt and jacket, while being planted firmly in camp ‘effortless.’ It’s a great layering piece for chilly spring days and I suspect it will be well-utilized on a big camping trip our family is taking in the summer. (Read: the kind where you don’t see electricity for days!) The heavyweight cotton holds its shape nicely. I’m wearing a small, but recommend sizing up if you want to wear it like a jacket.
The Murphy Shell is what I consider the perfect weekend shirt. On Saturday mornings, I am usually at my peak relaxed state for the week, and I want my clothing to reflect that. I don’t really want to commit to anything too showy or colorful; I just want something that keeps me warm (without diving into my sweater stack) yet still pulled-together.
The fitted shape of this shell is perfect for the new styles of pants taking center stage these days, including loose vintage denim, baggy trousers, Kamm-style pants, the list goes on. I look forward to wearing my Murphy Shell most Saturday mornings with my favorite jeans, my olive work pants and tucked into all my favorite wide leg pants.
OUTFIT DETAILS:
LOOK 1, I’m wearing the BCN in a size small. The lightweight linen is a touch sheer but my dark tan bra still remained hidden. Untucked the shirt is 2-3 inches past my hips.
LOOK 2, I have on the Murphy Shell in small, it was a bit tight on my athletic arms at first, but loosened up with wear. The henley-style collar holds its shape nicely. The 100% cotton shirt is more structured than stretchy, which makes it unique among similar styles. The Utility Laurel wears almost like a jacket, thick, structured cotton cutting a crisp line no matter what it’s paired with. I am wearing a small, but I recommend sizing up if you intend to layer it.
Tradlands has generously offered Seasons + Salt readers a discount of 25$ off any purchase of $100 or more. Use the code: seasons at checkout. And that includes free shipping and returns for USA customers. (International friends receive a discount on shipping fees.) The code is good through May 15th.
From my IPA to yours, cheers to the weekend!
This post is sponsored by Tradlands, but all written content is 100% my words. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Seasons + Salt possible, and that make the world a better place.
Helpful feature; just FYI that code gives you $25 off not 25% off.
Oops! THank you Elizabeth!
I admit I already know of this company, nevertheless it is nice to see their pieces worn and styled by you. This is the kind of sponsored post I like.
Thank you so much for the support Addie! It’s an honor to work with Tradlands! I believe wholeheartedly in their mission and business model. Wish there were more like them out there!
Hi Andrea, I love the BCN shirt! Question – how does it fit in the shoulders? I feel like in the photos on the website it looks tight across the shoulders. Thanks!
Clarification – it looks great on your shoulders, but on Tradlands website the mustard & navy look like they might pull in the shoulders. Thanks again!
Hey Lindsey! I found the fit to be great on the shoulders, and you know me, I often struggle in that area because I have wider shoulders. For example the Staple Basic Tee by J+J was too small in the shoulders on me and it pulled. The sizing on the BCN top feels more generous and it works well in the shoulders for me. I hope that helps!
Is that what happened to the staple basic tee? I’ve been seduced by raw silk recently and I was wondering if you’re still loving your tops from them (and if they’re wearing well long term).
And I’m so tempted by that BCN top, but I think I’d rather save up for my first piece from ELizabeth Suzann.
Hi Jessica! Great question, yes, I gave my staple basic tee to a friend, because the size Small was too small for me. I think a Medium would be a better fit, and I am deciding if I want to try that in the future (I love their blush!). I love raw silk, it’s such a great fabric. I still wear my Blank Canvas tee, especially now that the weather is warming up, and I still wear my black T Top tee as well. I agree, the BCN is beautiful, but so are ES’s pieces. Which ES piece are you considering?
I’m so torn, al the ES pieces are so good! But I’ve really been enjoying long outer layers, so I have my eye on the Clyde vest.
Thank you for this review. I’m new to the sustainable brand land, and every opportunity to meet a brand that sells cute clothes is a good one. So many brands sell oversized, boxy, drab clothes. Those aren’t my style.
Great feedback Annette. There certainly is a prevailing style in the ethical fashion world — at first glance. The longer I’m immersed in it, I definitely find more and more unique companies and designers that are breaking the mold! Glad that you like what you are seeing in the post! xo
All the looks are perfection! :)
Aw shucks! ;) Thanks, twinnie!
Thanks for the intro! Headed to check them out. Mind sharing your jean soure?
Hi Ellen! My jeans are a bit unique, they’re vintage Levi 501s, maybe from the 80’s? I got them at a second hand shop and had them hemmed by Nordstrom’s. If you’re looking for tips on how to find vintage denim, start here.
I recently discovered Tradlands and have definitely been pining after some of their button up shirts! I’m currently trying to fight temptation and save for a Portland trip soon where I know I’ll want to spend cash on ethical clothes I can actually see in person and try on before buying!
But still so cool to see you reviewing this brand and showing us some of their stuff after having found them so recently :)
Do you have any favorite ethical retailers, restaurants or hangouts in Portland?
At this point I’ve had 5 others tell me to visit Voodoo Donuts haha.
Hi Vivianna! For shops, there are some great spots in the West End area: WM Goods, Frances May, Animal Traffic, and Backtalk are just a few of my faves. :) If you’re going to get donuts, skip Voodoo and go to Blue Star, just a little tip from the locals. ;)
Aha! Thank you for the donut tip! I’ll be there when the cravings kick in. Also thank you so much for the retailer recommendations as well!
Thank you! Just went ahead and bought The Rambla! Excited for this to come in the mail!
Excited for your Kirsten, that’s a beautiful top!
Hi there! I see that you wear these nisolo mules a lot. I just purchased a pair and can’t decide whether they are a bit too small. My heel hangs a tiny bit off the back. I’m wondering if yours stretched a bit to allow your foot to slide forward a little more in the shoe after wearing them a few times.
Hi Ashley! I would say mine have loosened up a tiny bit in width, but my heel comes pretty darn close to the back of the shoe too. If my feet are swollen from heat or walking, they may even hang over a bit in the back. It just comes down to preference I think! You could always order the next half size up just to compare?
Love that first shirt! Thanks for the intro to so many great brands. I’ve turned 30 last year, and though I’ve shopped ethically (read: mostly secondhand) for many years, I’m now ‘maturing’ in my style and want fewer, better pieces that will be along for the long haul. You’re a constant source of inspiration–thank you!
It’s my honor Beth!! And I really like that top too. :) Best of luck with your shopping journey, and feel free to ask questions here when you have them. :)