Update on clothing resolutions (12 in 12 and ethical buying)

So it is one month down the track from my resolution to buy only 12 items in 12 months, and as much as possible, to buy “ethically”.

A bit of background for newcomers. I have been on YLF for over 4 years, and have bought a reasonable amount of new stuff. I have had no huge weight fluctuations in that time. I am a SAHM mum (no work clothes needed) in Australia (no snow boots etc needed!) I am not however, a shopping addict or an overspender – my wardrobe is already on the minimal side.

So far, in this month, I have bought 2 items that I had ordered previously, and one running top (not counted in 12 along with underwear) that was bought off the shelf.

Thoughts so far

-Defining ethical is difficult! My concern is focused on worker's pay etc – I will still wear leather shoesl. I am also keen on cutting down on waste and “churn” and the 12 in 12 should help with that even if I can't source the clothing from the sources I want

Much of what I have found so far is boho or avante garde in style, which is not me
I have yet to find a footwear provider of the kind of shoes I want. I may just have to stick to good quality and get them repaired (which was my policy anyway)
I have found a supplier for knickers!
Haven't found many suppliers for plain clothes like jeggings or turtleneck sweaters
Am contemplating dying my denim skirt rather than replacing

Current plan for remaining 10 items in yr Jul -Jun 11/12
white and black turtleneck
black cardigan
jeggings
flats
belt
tracksuit pants

and 3 other items!! (I have all sorts of ideas for these, but don't want to be too prescriptive at this point)
It sure isn't much. I am going to try and get by without buying anything for summer at all! Although I am very keen on the idea of a woven orange sundress!

13 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

Anne I would be interested to know the suppliers you have sourced so far. I find this a really challenging issue. I was just watching an ad on tv for Kmart spruking how cheap they are and all I could think was how little the children must get paid producing these items...does anyone ever challenge these big organizations?

The items you are thinking of sound great, and should prove to be real workhorses for you:)

anne

I have worked from this list Deborah
http://www.ethicalclothingaust.....ted-brands

but feel that it is really just a start! I don't necessarily want to limit myself to goods produced in Australia, but working out what is available from elsewhere is not easy.

Any leads to other brands gratefully received YLF!

Anonymous

I will be reading your thread with interest, Anne. My hat is off to you!

Ann in New England

Active Member

I'm new here, so you may likely already know about this, but just in case ...

The website Fashioning Change (http://fashioningchange.com/) is about finding sustainable and ethical clothing companies. You take a short quiz about the labels you like to wear, and they suggest companies and items from alternative companies that they have vetted for ethical production, cruelty-free materials etc.

MNsara

Good work, Anne! It's not easy, nor convenient, to do research for everything, but hoping that in time you'll find makers and brands for these things. I find it interesting, but not surprising, that you're seeing mostly boho or avant garde available

I should point out some great exceptions I have found Sara

eg
http://www.cue.cc/ If I worked professionally, I would be tempted to live in Cue - right up my alley - structured, sophisticated work appropriate clothes

http://www.bardot.com.au/Home.aspx young fashion. Includes jeans

http://www.metalicus.com/ drapy casual wear

JAileen

I'm interested in your mention of wool. With leather, obviously an animal died. But with wool, that it not the case. Is there an issue with wool? This is not a judgemental question, I'm just curious. Are you a vegetarian or vegan?

Mama Susie

What a great challenge and you seem to be starting off great too! My ethical purchases tend to stem from an environmental standpoint and so I buy a lot at thrift stores. However, I have to confess that when I buy new I do buy at those cheap trendy stores like H&M etc since I don't have a lot of discretionary spending money. But it's always good to be introduced to these types of threads because it makes me think more about my own purchases. I will be following your threads with interest.

Jaileen, Sorry the mention of wool was a complete red herring (in fact I am going to edit it out above). I am quite new to looking at ethical clothing issues but a lot of material that I have found is about animal issues. I am NOT a vegan or vegetarian.

My concern is similar to that of Deborahs - that nagging feeling that you get when you buy a $5 tshirt and think "how much did the person who made this get?" (I have bought plenty of this cheap clothing) And then the knowledge that even more expensive brands might not be treating their workers any better.

Ann, getting back to you to say I have been checking our the website you recommended.

It is great and really interesting. I am not sure if they ship internationally so I may not be able to use them personally but I would encourage North american YLF's to have a look.

Mama Susie - the budgeting issue is a big one for me too. This stuff is expensive. I have just located some jeggings for example for 139 AUD!! My current 2 pairs cost me less than 30. I have tentatively given myself a budget of $800 for the year (augmented by any vouchers I can get) which isn't large anyway. At this rate I won't be able to afford more than about 5 garments, let alone 9! I may have to go up a bit.

Carole

I'm so impressed with your dedication to such a good and worthwhile cause. Keep us posted on your findings, struggles and successes, you may just influence some of us to take a step in the same direction.

Lisa

Very impressive. I will purchase made in US when I see the label (one reason why I like Lucky Brand jeans) but I don't often see styles or items that I really want to purchase (and I agree lots of boho styles). Kudos to your 12 item goal, I'm keeping that in mind for future planning.

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