The whole reason I started this blog was to bring awareness about exploitation, child labor, trafficking and modern day slavery that is common in the fashion industry (learn more by checking out The True Cost on Netflix). Ever since becoming aware of this, I have been researching and highlighting ethical companies that are caring for their employees and not participating in exploitation. I know that discovering all of this can feel super overwhelming at first (believe me, I've been there!) and you may wonder where do I even start? Well, I'm so glad you asked! This is why I've put together my top 5 easy steps to an ethical closet....
1. Shop Your Closet!
I'm guessing your closet is a lot like mine and there are probably many random pieces lurking in your closet that you've completely forgotten about. Now is a great time to go through your clothes, shoes and accessories and organize them. Then you can take inventory of what you have and get inspired about new ways to wear and pair things!
2. Thrift!
Secondhand shopping is a great way to get pieces you love for less! Hello budgeting! If you're not super fond of going into actual thrift stores (and prefer to shop from your couch like me) check out online thrift shops like thredUP.com. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the quality pieces they have for great prices! This is a great way to get closet staples like jeans, a leather jacket, a denim jacket, coat etc. without having to break the bank!
3. Buy American Made!
Thankfully there are several countries (USA, England, Italy etc.) that have great labor laws in place that fight against child labor, exploitation etc. Buying clothing and accessories that are manufactured from start to finish in these countries is a great way to ensure that the workers are being treated fairly. Companies such as Arrive Market and Elegance Restored do a great job of offering cute items that are either American made or fair trade.
4. Invest in Quality Pieces!
Find good companies that are truly treating their workers fairly. Don't have time to spend hours researching company policies and supply chains? No worries, I'll do it for you :). I love finding new ethical companies that deserve to be supported and aren't secretly exploiting people. Then, when you need to buy something new, support those good companies that are treating their workers well. There are so many awesome companies out there doing the right thing! Let's give them the support and recognition they deserve :)
5. Consider a Capsule Wardrobe!
A capsule wardrobe is basically having a minimum number of pieces to your wardrobe and wearing them tons of different ways. Now I do not have a capsule wardrobe myself but I love the essential idea behind it - invest in quality basics that can be worn several different ways. I try to use this idea to shape how I purchase items - for example, I know I can wear this Brookes Collective black pencil skirt dozens of different ways and it is a quality piece that will last a long time. Therefore, I deem this a good purchase.
Do any of you have a capsule wardrobe? Let me know in the comments below...
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