just a girl blogging in her favorite new (but not new?) sneaks
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Well, I started writing this, and then I realized....I have a lot of favorite things! Whoops. So this is part one we'll call 'wearables.' These are things we don't sell at the shop. That being said.....
1) ask yourself if you need it... "sleep on it."
2) can you buy it used? (or on loan)
please note, some of these are "affiliate/referral links"
Clothes...
My biggest challenge? Struggling with the balance of not buying new clothes, but also feeling good in my skin with clothes that fit an ever shifting female body, buying sustainably and ethically, but all within a budget..... Anyone else?!!
And the afformentioned same struggle with kids.
First up: I've had decent success with Thred Up. I find things like that overwhelming, but if I have a favorite brand and know my size, easy. I'll also use their closet clean out service and send them some 'nicer' things. You certainly won't get rich but...hey, you'll find a good home and a few bucks for that lululemon tennis skirt you HAD to have and never wore (true story) Link for 45% off +free shipping your first order.
But even better than that! I'm super excited for Share's new venture....coming soon!! a consignment app. Sign up to be on the list.
Need a quick refresh or have a fancy week ahead? Try Nuuly for rental! Grab $30 off your first order!
Sometimes I buy new clothes, yes I'm a human! Some of the cleanest most ethically made clothes out there? See below! (unfortunately, most of these are rather expensive, but the quality is good!!)
Boden & Mini Boden- Here's a referral link I love mini boden's clothes, such great quality, fashion I can feel good about, but 100% not cheap, so bonus tip, find a friend with kids two sizes bigger than yours for great hand-me downs! I like a lot of their women's dresses, basics, and bathing suits too!
Q for Quinn socks (seriously, they are expensive, but if you have a sensory sensitive kid...) we have purchased A LOT of socks for some particular folks in my fam. These are the only ones that we like. I'm surprised at well they've held up considering how 'lightweight' they are. I also tried some of their underwear and it wasn't my favorite TBH.
Branwyn- I'm obsessed with this brand. I love their tops and bottoms, I love that I can sweat in them and they don't smell. They are so comfortable, they dry quick so you can go for a hike, swim, and be on your way. I don't know how suitable they'd be for folks with bigger chests, but they work well for me. and no the wool is not itchy!
Nothing New- My new favorite sneakers. so comfy!
Unders for littles- underwear is one area that I don't skimp on in terms of quality and materials. 100% cotton, Okeo-TEK certified, preferably organic....you need that s**** to breathe....Big fans of Hanna Andersson when younger, mini boden for boys, and lucky me brand for tween girls. Unders for adults- loving Big Favorite. Top notch sustainability. Pact is definitely more 'affordable' particularly when sales, but I think their quality has unfortunately diminished in the past few years. I also recently tried Hu-ha. (ha!) and I really liked. Made from sustainable breathable fabrics. Check them out and grab $10 off
(also the Big Favorite undershirts, while pricey, are super nice high quality).
A number of companies are also doing 'worn wear' or selling their products 'used,' which is a win win IMO. I think it's still fairly limited, but its a great idea when you want to buy things that last, but also have kids that are growing...
Other companies with great track records....
- Patagonia
- REI- REI committed last year to banning PFAS in products. (side bar, please note, anything 'non stick' is generally coated in PFAs: take out containers, non stick cookware, rain gear.....)
- Fjallraven
- We also love Faherty. Super sustainable, I LOVE their packaging...no plastic bags here! (GREAT mens button downs ) fun fact? I'm a tee shirt snob, but sometimes I just want a PLAIN shirt that isn't see through and doesn't get holes after one wash?! Why is that so hard? I can assure you these are TOP notch. Get $50 off your first order
- as my kids get older and more particular....(my tween daughter....) this is harder. but we say no to fast fashion, one time use shirts, things with glitter/sequins...if you are still buying stuff from shein and temu...please don't . I'm sure Old Navy isn't fabulous but at least there are better regulations.
Are you printing custom merch? Consider using screen printing without the plastisol (most common, plastic based ink) Bonus points for using reclaimed garments like Stay Vocal has been doing for 20 years, and like the bad*** Pattegonia just did.
And if you've been following along for awhile....I have some fav jewelry that I talk about a lot...
The finer things- Bario Neal- hello recycled metals and reclaimed jewels and all things beautiful. (my wedding rings are from here 12 years ago when they were a much smaller operation, and I have a few other goodies...but maybe one day I'll get another band for an anniversary or something *hint* *hint*). They were founded in Philly (where I'm from) and have since opened a showroom in NYC, but do virtual appointments these days too.
Cheyanne Symone- Why do I love them so much? Obviously their work is top notch and beautiful. Anytime I wear any of my earrings I get a million compliments. Everything is thoughtfully made with ethical and sustainable practices. Too often indigenous artists are ripped off and 'copycatted' ( so i love being able to proudly support this female, indigenous owned brand. While not featuring CS, I enjoyed this article about a new wave of indigenous beaders in Vogue.
Why am particular about jewelry? The industry is riddled with environmental issues stemming from mining, and human rights abuses. Why vintage jewelry and recycled materials win yet again!
Solios- when it came time for me to get a new watch....I did some research and ended up purchasing (correction, sent my husband a link before Christmas, and surprise!) my watch. It's been a few years and I love it. SUPER sustainably made AND solar powered so no battery changing or charging here. I don't need alerts attached to me (although maybe if I did I could walk away from my phone a bit more...).
You know what else is eco friendly? (and I hate to say it since I hate shopping, especially for clothes....true story). Drive yourself to an ACTUAL STORE and try on the clothes...because chances are if you return the crappy shirt you bought on Amazon (or target or old navy...), its destined for the trash.
Here are the South Shore we have a ton of resources...between TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Derby Street, Hanover Crossing, wonderful boutiques like Strand or Levitate (Levitate, Athleta, Faherty...all utilizing super sustainable fabrics...concerned about microplastics from gear made from plastics? grab a guppy bag!) Let it be know that every (pricey) dress I've purchased at Strand, I've worn 10x more than any other thing (and friends have borrowed them too). Bonus points for small businesses!
Regardless it's all about balance friends. Do the best you can. Learn something new. Give yourself grace.