Is it Worth it?

I love fashion, probably more than "the next person", but over the last few years the why behind the fashion that I purchase has made a prominent place in my mind.

I never want to demonize anything unnecessarily, especially something as close to my heart as fashion, so I won't. It begs the question, though, what is going on behind the scenes of our favorite tops, dresses, jumpsuits or even shoes? So many things...and, don't get me wrong - I've desired to be naïve in this arena if only to appease my mind to shop my favorite fashions, but the truth is here. The more I researched "behind the scenes" within the fashion industry, the more I discovered how destructive it was.

Let's get one thing straight. Fashion is not altogether horrible. Many companies adn designers have effortlessly begun to think and do things differently. Unfortunately, the majority of what is purchased falls into the what we call "fast fashion". Fast fashion, known to those in the industry as fashion created without sustainability in mind. That means that anything goes. From unfair wages to unsafe manufacturing practices to undignified textile processes, 'fast fashion' has no rules but to create more for the consumers who desire them. And that is just the beginning.

So, what can we do about it? We can be informed. We can make empowered decisions when it comes to selecting pieces for our wardrobe. Think about it. If something cost less than $30, there should be questions surrounding where, how and by what means did it come to creation?

Another practice we can put into place is consuming less trendy and more capsule, timeless pieces. This means that when we purchase, we are contributing not only to our closet, but to a universally larger solution.

Shopping for clothes equates to a fun event for many, so if this rings true - think consignment. This way, the activity of shopping is not lost and contributing to upcycling is present rather than another contribution to 'fast fashion' issues.

Okay...I'm officially off the soapbox. Don't feel guilty if new practices, like the ones named above just aren't appealing enough to elicit dropping current fashion practices. However, I urge you to think about it. Think about what one person can do to change the world.

That is why LiveableMe was created - to create a space for shoppers to find "the why behind the what that they wear" It is a boutique focused on all things sustainable and made locally, in the United States. Thankfully, we aren't the only ones. Many designers and companies are switching practices from the old, 'fast fashion' ways to be more sustainably conscious.

Not every decision made has to begin with 'why', but asking the question could be the beginning to changing buying habits to in turn, changing the world (for the better, of course). And, let's face it, we'll still be stylish.

XOXO-

Jenny

LiveableME