Fast fashion retailers have revolutionized street style.  Runway looks and trends can be to market within weeks, allowing us ‘ordinary’ style mavens access to designer looks at a fraction of the price.  However, there are several downsides to this new fashion reality including labor explotation, and the environmental impacts of both shipping products halfway around the globe, and the rate in which consumers discard these inexpensive, trendy pieces.

Personally, I simply try to be a conscious consumer.  Fast fasion appeals to both my love of trends and my budget.  Rather than spending hundreds of dollars for a more expensive (albeit better made) tribal print jacket (as seen here), I can afford to spend $60 on an item that I will likely get less use out of.  As I have stated in previous posts, I try to think of cost-per-wear when investing in additions to my wardrobe.  For a solid pair of booties, I feel more confident spending more.  Conversely, for trends and louder, statement pieces (such as a printed jacket), I prefer to spend less of my shopping budget because I will likely get less use out of them.

However, I also believe in supporting a sustainable global economy and I like the idea of eco-friendly fashion (more on this later this week).  With regards to being globally aware, the blouse I am wearing is made by Same Thread, an ethical fashion brand with the ethos to support women in Northern Thailand by providing them with stable employment in the garment industry.

In short, as a consumer, I feel a responsibility to be aware of the affect of my purchasing decisions.  Do I buy all organic, locally grown produce? No. Do I exclusively buy apparel made in the US or out of recycled materials? No. Do I hord plastic bags? You bet! (Plastic bags are banned here in Seattle). But I strive to find a balance in my life…this means being a savvy consumer and remembering my reusable bags (sometimes).

{outfit details}
coat: Zara (no longer available)
blouse: Same Thread
jeans: Rag & Bone (on sale! – few sizes)
booties: Free People
gloves: Pistil Designs (found at Queen Anne Dispatch)
necklace: Lucia K. Jewelry

I’m also trying to take myself less seriously.  Fashion is fun, after all.  I hope you’re having fun reading this blog!  Thanks for your support, please leave a comment with any ideas, feedback, or quesitons. ~Jenn