I’ve been shopping a lot for myself lately, much more than usual. I bought what felt like a bunch of items in the spring (see video documentation here). I thought I would be done shopping for a while after that, but the urge hasn’t left, and I have a lot of mixed feelings about it.
For the first time in about 5 years, I’m going through a big style transition, from somewhat crunchy all linen to something more elegant, streamlined, and minimalist. This is fun for me, to take in all the inspiration and translate it into outfits that make sense for me. It’s a big piece of what I do for clients as well.
I’m also feeling really strongly (as many clients are) that I’m ready to start regularly making an effort getting dressed to work from home. I’ll be documenting that on Instagram and TikTok. There are many things I don’t miss about my 9-5 (the 10 hour workday, the commute, the working-at-a-non-profit-therefore-doing-the-jobs-of-three-people), but I do miss getting dressed for the day and the mental shift that creates. I also look back and see that when I was working in an office, my wardrobe was at least 30-40% bigger because many of my clothes were solely for work. I’m actually really craving a blazer (who am I)! We’ll see how long this lasts…
Reasons why I don’t feel too terrible about this: 50% (I did the math) or more of my new items so far this year are secondhand. I’m editing as I go and removing items that no longer fit or fit my style, and selling many of them. I’m having just a great time with this as a creative project.
Yet, even though I’m not spending crazy amounts of money and am being sustainable where I can, I still worry about perpetuating the American societal habit of consumerism (yes, you can buy only ethically and still overconsume). As I sit here thinking about this, I realize that I wouldn’t feel bad about this if I wasn’t constantly broadcasting my outfits to the world and worrying about what others will think. So that’s interesting.
Well, enough navel gazing, let’s get to the links.
A note on these links:
Some of them are affiliate links and I may earn a commission through them, and some are not.
Since these are things I genuinely like and save at the time I see them, and not things I’m just trying to get you to buy, they may no longer be available or available in all sizes.
Many of them are from fast fashion brands and wouldn’t be considered ethical fashion brands by any means. I include those for three reasons: One, often these are the only brands who carry a wide range of sizes. Two, I will always prioritize your mental health and if you need clothes for a changing body quickly, or your body is changing multiple times and you’re having to buy new clothes often, these are good options. Lastly, not everyone has the financial privilege to be able to spend more on ethically made items.
I’m going to trust you, the reader, to be mindful about whether you purchase something from this selection or not. Really think about something’s functionality in your life. Please don’t buy anything just because I suggested it or because I like it. What works for me might not work for you.
Remember that even when you purchase an item online, it doesn’t mean you’ve committed to it. You still need to feel it, try it on, see how you feel in it and THEN make a decision. You have the right to return things even though they’re in your home. I’ll be talking in future newsletters about the logistics of online shopping and returns.
Hey! If you’re interested in my help with shopping, editing your wardrobe, and defining your style, I’m booking now for my Intuitive Styling program. It’s 8 weeks and includes coaching on all those topics, as well as personal shopping done for you. Check out the info, and if you’re interested, book a free call to see whether it’s a fit.
If you’re curious about the links, they’re below, and if you’re not yet a paid subscriber, I’m doing a flash sale this week! 20% off annual plans, only until Friday!
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