Fashion Revolution Week really got me thinking about how my clothes are produced. In our fast-fashion world, we often don’t pay much attention to what we’re buying. We don’t pause to ask ourselves questions like: Is this a quality garment, or a throwaway piece that won’t survive a few cycles in the washing machine? What was the environmental cost of production? Was the person who made it paid fairly? Personally, I would like to know more. I would like to learn about fabric and garment construction so that I can tell whether a clothing item is of high quality. I would like to shop from brands that I know are putting people and planet at the forefront of their business model. I’m not interested in having mountains of cheap fashion finds in my closet; I’m more interested in purchasing and wearing beautiful, high quality clothing that reflects my values and stands the test of time.
I will readily admit that it’s hard enough finding plus-size clothing at all, let alone clothing that is stylishly and sustainably made. Shopping as a plus-size woman can be a frustrating and demeaning experience. Blogger and entrepreneur Katie Sturino often calls brands out on social media for this with her #makemysize campaign. (If you’re not following her on Instagram, I recommend that you do. She’s awesome.) Even brands that carry a plus-size range often carry them online only, or in a small number of stores (I’m looking at you, Loft.) The fashion world can often feel like a hostile place for those of us who don’t look like the models.
My personal style philosophy – buy less, buy better
Often it seems that quality is a secondary consideration in the plus-size fashion world; sometimes it can feel like enough just for a retailer to carry my size. The truth is that women above a size 12 simply don’t have a lot of choice. There are a few brands out there that focus on ethical and sustainable production and cater to an extended size range (eg. Reformation, Girlfriend Collective), but not nearly enough. For now, I need to find a compromise.
You will absolutely see me wearing clothing from famous plus-size clothing chains on this blog (Eloquii and Lane Bryant are personal favourites of mine). However, you will also start to see me incorporate high quality, ethically made items into my wardrobe. I am uncomfortable with a high-turnover, wear-once, disposable approach to fashion and so have decided to walk a different path. I’m going to keep an eye out for brands that are doing good things for people and planet, and share them with you here on the blog.
In addition to clothing and fashion, I would also like to start writing more about other topics that are of interest to me as a young professional woman. I want to look and feel good in my clothing, but I also care about my money. I want to pay off my debt and save for the future. I’m interested in business, productivity, and personal development. I’m interested in taking care of my physical and mental health, and in being the best version of myself that I can be. If these topics are of interest to you, I invite you to stick around as my blog continues to evolve. I hope you like where it’s headed!
xo – Annette