And the Nothing New November Challenge is upon us!
It’s been years now that I’ve been writing about the intersection of style, sustainability and self-esteem, three facts of modern life that are intimately connected- and I have deep regard for.
The more I learned about sustainability and how the fashion industry is effecting our planet, the more I valued fashion and brands that are protecting the planet.
A large part of my personal and professional mission in sharing this content is to create an image and a lifestyle- a place where fashion & consciousness come together. There is great importance in being conscious of not only the social and environmental impacts of fashion, but being conscious of how you are affected by the fashion you choose (on the inside and outside).
My passion for shopping secondhand started as from an environmental stance. I believe that secondhand shopping, whether high-end consignment, vintage or thrift, is the most sustainable shopping we can do because the resources have already been used. By extending the lifecycle of discarded items that would otherwise be sitting in a landfill, we are strengthening the circular economy (vs. a linear, throwaway culture).
Sadly, the fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world
Aside from my intention to protect the planet by shopping more sustainable fashion sources, I do care a lot about style- mine and yours. I believe that while [yes] secondhand shopping may take a little more time and effort, it is one of the best ways to purely pinpoint your true style.
With the array of choice- styles, genres, brands, etc.- secondhand shopping is a great way to hone your true style. I care that you feel successful in your shopping ventures and that you only buy what you love and will use. Otherwise you are only deflating your self-worth and self-esteem, which is the exact opposite of why I am suggesting you shop!
Here’s a few of my favorite tips! Three important things to consider when shopping secondhand:
Curate! Take note of what you love. What grabs your eye? What makes you smile when you hold it? What do you imagine yourself in (or wish to be in)?
Be selective! Buy only what you love and intend to use. DO you have a purpose and intention for this item? Where will you wear it? With what that you might already own? How will you style it? Are you excited about wearing it? Or, do you love it that much that you just can not part with it?
Have an end game for your purchases. What do you plan to do with it when you are done with it- if ever? Will you gift it to another friend? Will you sell it (is the quality and brand of value)? Upcycle it? Swap it?
Lastly, to make this whole thing more fun, next month I am participating in the Nothing New November Challenge. Don’t worry, it’s not really all that challenging. It is something I created last year in partnership with Goodwill and I had so much fun doing it that I am doing it again.
Now, full disclosure, I do shop about 95% secondhand anyways. It is a way of life for me. I have the most fun shopping secondhand, treasure hunting, and curating. I also find the most value in it, since I simply find the best stuff shopping that way!
I have also come to realize most of the women in my life here in Arizona also LOVE shopping secondhand and I am completely inspired by their style! It’s like we have our own little secondhand shopping society. SO- clearly I believe in this, and I would love for you to join in the fun - and the fabulousness that is to come.
Stay tuned for more! That’s all I’ll share for now. But I promise there is much more style, shopping and sustainable lifestyle tips to come.
If you’d like to help me in my efforts to raise awareness of making sustainability stylish, please join me in the Nothing New November Challenge.
Make sure you are following my Instagram @iamlauramadden where I share my sustainable style and advocate for sustainable fashion brands.
I hope I’ve inspired you to explore more responsible, more creative and even more stylish alternatives to the fast fashion industry that is still somewhat de rigueur.
Get involved. Become part of the sustainable fashion movement for a healthier, more sustainable planet. I believe that together we can change the face of fashion for good.
Wear what you love and wear what empowers you. Consider where your clothes were made and who made them.
Every choice you make matters.
*The items featured on this blog are what I consider sustainable fashion
Thank you to Modern Luxury Scottsdale for providing your platform to share my style and mission for a more sustainable fashion world. All opinions are my own.
Photography by King Lawrence.
Makeup by Bianca Koonce.