dress: Charlotte Russe | belt: vintage | shoes: Ruche
Last week, I had to get a gift for a bachelorette party I was going to, so I stopped by the mall and went to Charlotte Russe. I got the gift, and while I was at it, I picked up a few things for myself: tights, pants (!), and this dress from the clearance rack. I love the little tree print and the slightly 1940's-esque shape, and it's just nice to get some more black dresses in my closet. For all the praise that always gets showered on the classic LBD, I sure don't own many!
I can't truly say I regret any of those purchases. But after I left the store, I felt a little bit...icky. That's probably not the most eloquent way to phrase it, but there you have it. It's how I felt. All of a sudden, it dawned on me that literally thousands of other girls own this exact same dress. That's not a bad thing, necessarily - I really enjoy seeing all the different ways pieces can be styled. It fuels my creativity.
But I also realized that this dress probably came into my hands thanks to the labor of sweatshop workers. And that made me really uncomfortable.
So as soon as I left the store, I decided something: no more of my "fast fashion" vices - Charlotte Russe, Forever 21 - for at least 6 months. Sure, it's great that you can pick up something stylish for cheap...but how long do those pieces really last? And what's the true cost?
I realize this may not be the most popular decision, but I'm eager to see where this takes me over the next six months. I'll do my research in the meantime; I mean, I don't actually know anything about the practices of those companies. Either way, I don't think it's bad to swear off something like this for a little bit. I've unsubscribed from their newsletters to avoid temptation. I want to do more thrifting. I want clothing that means something. I want to support small businesses and independent designers. If that means I have to spend a little bit more, then so be it!
I don't want to be overdramatic, and I'm not trying to start some sort of style blogger revolution. But to me, the best part about blogging is the community, and getting to hear all sorts of opinions...so lay it on me! I haven't done the research - I'm going mostly on gut feelings. What are your thoughts on "fast fashion"?
Well, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Mine will be a bit of a whirlwind: I'm driving to Atlanta with my family tomorrow (almost a 14-hour drive), going to my uncle's memorial Saturday morning, then driving to Nashville briefly, then driving partway back to Grand Rapids Saturday night, then driving the rest of the way on Sunday, and then going to Newaygo to see my friend Matt marry his lovely bride! Phew! Do any of you have anything awesome planned?
p.s.: I've decided that my pictures are going to be be a little bit bigger from now on. I know it's kind of a blogging faux pas to have differently sized photos, but going forward, they will all be the same size! This is in preparation for my new layout, which I'm still working on.
I gave up mall clothes a long time ago and it feels really great! You can still find stuff like that at the thrift store, and then you're actually paying what its worth, and recycling it which is important. I think you'll have no problem making the switch! and your wardrobe will only get better. So congrats on making such a good decision!
ReplyDeleteYou always look amazing and your pictures as so beautiful.
ReplyDeletehttp://shannonhearts.blogspot.com/
Darling photos! I did the same a few months ago- I called it my "Forever21/ H&M ban". My intentions were solely on the fact that the cheap pieces I purchased from those stores simply didn't appeal to me a few weeks later. And because the pieces were so affordable, I justified buying large quantities, which just resulted in lots of junk that never got worn. It was definitely a rewarding feeling to not step into those stores for months. I now purchase items from there once and a while, but definitely with more thought than I used to. And I think that still makes a big difference. Best of luck <3
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking about sweatshop labor and whatnot a couple days ago. I think you're making a great decision, and you've inspired me to see what I can do along the same lines. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI really, really respect your decision. I started thrifting because it was easy and cheap, but as I learned more and more about the horrors of the fashion world it became more than that. I haven't cut out my 'vices' yet, but maybe sometime soon I will stop being lazy and commit to it. Either way, these pictures are great!
ReplyDeleteGoing with your gut is always the best way to go. I tend to shop at F21 and H&M here and there and some of my favorite pieces have come from those shops but its nice to broaden your shopping habits.
ReplyDeleteI definitely try to buy less terrible sweatshop stuff, although I haven't put a full ban on as thrifting is not always an option. I definitely try and focus more on independent designers though... it's so much more rewarding to be wearing something where you feel a connection to the whole process anyway. I'm sure you'll be fine.. and I really like your new dress. Like you, I feel I often don't have enough basic or not-so-basic black clothes!
ReplyDeletei think this is a good idea, and i wish i could do the same! i've been trying to thrift more and more, but sometimes i leave without finding anything. and i've been noticing my thrift purchases, aren't the ones i want to wear all the time. instead i'm trying to get things closer to my style, then wear then to rags!
ReplyDeletebut this dress looks lovely on you and i can't wait to see what you do!
toooo cute! love it :)
ReplyDeletexx
natalieoffduty.blogspot.com
First off, love the dress. It definitely has a vintage-y vibe even though it's not vintage! You look adorable, as always. My sympathies about your uncle, and congratulations to your friend Matt. One door closes, another opens, right?
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty torn when it comes to fast fashion. I do agree with you that it makes me uneasy that there HAS to be a reason why it's so cheap (the people making them must be paid next-to-nothing). At the same time, those companies (Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, etc) are giving people here in America jobs (the people actually working in the stores, and at the corporate offices). If we all stopped shopping there, thousands of people would be out of work!
The reason why I think this way is because I worked at Ann Taylor for three years. I don't even know where those clothes were actually made, but if people stopped coming to us and started shopping more thrifted/vintage, we would close down. But then that leads us to think, maybe more thrifted/vintage type shops would then open? Who can know for sure...
I pretty much buy what I want, wherever it may be, though I do tend to buy more thrifted/vintage because it's more unique. :)
When I am shopping for other people, I always shop for myself, too. "One for you, two for me ..."
ReplyDeletehttp://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
Twitter: @GlamKitten88
gorgeous girl!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a complicated issue as The-Loudmouth has pointed out. But it is great to go for some change when you begin to feel that tug of icky moments. If anything it will only mean you save yourself some money maybe along the way and figure out where you stand on this and what you can do for your stance and your well being as well as others. Either way I think you will feel great by the end of the six months because you'll have a clearer view of what you want to do. ^_^
ReplyDeleteI really love all of your photo's, they are so wonderfull and dreamy. Your blog is amazing, I'm a new follower for sure!
ReplyDeleteX
losttinafairytale.blogspot.nl/
Your dress is fabulous and I love your photos as well! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's too bad we don't have thrift shops here or many alternatives so we end up having to buy on those shops... good luck to your challenge though, I can't wait to see what you'll come up with!
Drawing Dreaming
You look gorgeous! Love the little apple print. How precious.
ReplyDeletehttp://shannonhearts.blogspot.com/
Very interesting post! I tend to feel the same way when I leave "fast fashion" stores with a handful of items I don't need. Most of the time I realize I can live without my impulse buys and end up returning them, only to get a gift card to the store rather than my money back...it's a bad cycle to end up in. I stick to basics at these places now.
ReplyDeleteI'm a year late to this post, but I really hope that you've been sticking with it :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I disagree. I think we can start a little movement as bloggers. Simply writing about this is a great start - seeing a couple of posts like these is what changed my mind, because I was simply ignorant and didn't even really think about where my clothes were coming from until seeing those posts.