https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-my-ethical-fashion-plan Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 02 May 2026 21:16:42 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-my-ethical-fashion-plan#post-922402 Wed, 01 May 2013 13:37:09 +0000 pastrygirl 922402@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This has sent me into a tailspin this week (I even blogged about it). I'm shopping for my new size and am now at a standstill, unsure of what to do! I didn't even care about this topic a week ago, and now it's all I've been thinking about.<br /><br />I'm finding it hard to figure out which brands are OK. How do you go about it? For example, I saw this morning that Target, JCPenney, and Nordstrom&nbsp;are part of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, but what does that mean when stores like that carry many brands?<br /><br />What do you think of Goodguide? Old Navy gets a green-colored rating (meaning one of&nbsp;their higher ratings), yet they are one of the kings of cheap, fast fashion. How can they be an ethical choice?<br /><br />I also just found&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.responsiblyann.com/weCare.asp">http://www.responsiblyann.com/weCare.asp</a>&nbsp;this morning, when looking into whether I can&nbsp;go try on some LOFT jeans. They make a pretty site, but is it all true? Is it meaningful, or just a&nbsp;lot of fluff to appease a consumer like me who doesn't actually know what I'm *really* looking for?<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-my-ethical-fashion-plan#post-922283 Wed, 01 May 2013 05:29:22 +0000 anne 922283@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks so much to everyone!! I have had computer problems and haven't got back here, and now DD wants to use the computer - but I'll be back to respond<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-my-ethical-fashion-plan#post-920482 Mon, 29 Apr 2013 02:31:15 +0000 rosee 920482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you Anne for the re-welcome. &nbsp;Truth be told, I have been lurking for the past year with the occasional comment on the forum.<br /><br />I am interested in learning more about Cue and Veronika Maine. &nbsp;I did bid on a Cue skirt on ebay awhile back but really knew nothing about the brand. &nbsp;Will be keeping my eyes on their stuff in the future. &nbsp;So thanks for that.<br /><br />Also, sorry if I sounded like I was too negative on the whole ethical shopping thing. &nbsp;Your efforts (and all our efforts) should be encouraged, but it does help to know it will be a challenge. &nbsp;Not impossible, just a challenge. &nbsp;But a challenge more people should take. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-my-ethical-fashion-plan#post-920046 Sun, 28 Apr 2013 15:34:53 +0000 Kristin L 920046@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think these are all great points. One of the things I'm looking to try and do now is buy 2nd hand and work on my sewing skills so I can start making a few things. I want to buy from the people y'all list, but that's a bit out of my league now. :)<br /><br />I did have a thought about sewing my own clothes though. Where is the fabric coming from? If it's coming from areas like&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;and China, is it much better? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-my-ethical-fashion-plan#post-920028 Sun, 28 Apr 2013 14:57:42 +0000 Anonymous 920028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I took three teenage girls to the mall yesterday and it really hit me how much cheap, fast fashion is out there. Flimsy $5 T-shirts that won't last a season, but right now they are bright and cheerful and in "this year's" colors.&nbsp;<br /><br />You are doing a great job with buying ethical fashion. Even if you can't do it perfectly (and I'm not sure that's even possible) you are making well thought out choices that you weren't a few years ago.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-my-ethical-fashion-plan#post-920023 Sun, 28 Apr 2013 14:52:42 +0000 annaj 920023@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think it's great in theory, but I understand how much of a struggle it would be to stick to it! I find myself shopping more wisely now, and although I pay little attention to the behind-the-scenes ethics of my clothing, I am trying to live with less. I'm trying to build my basics, rather than just having lots of "stuff".&nbsp;<br /><br />Love the Veronika Maine shirt! I am pleased that they are an ethical company, as they have some lovely choices. I've also found them to be quite good quality, and they also have a "timeless" quality so will last from season to season.&nbsp;<br /><br />I hope you find your wine skinnies or find peace with going without!&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-my-ethical-fashion-plan#post-920010 Sun, 28 Apr 2013 14:40:47 +0000 anne 920010@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Firstly to the last poster - Rosee - great to see you back here on YLF and thanks so much for giving us some useful links which I look forward to checking. I have read your comments on Manidipa's thread too.<br /><br />And thanks to all the others who posted. I am not being particularly heroic. I should point out - I gave myself an "out" for my brother's wedding, and I don't hold DH to these standards or even myself for what I buy for the kids. And I am pretty sure already that when it comes to shoes, I am going to have to compromise. And maybe on other things too. I'll have to make some decisions - do I need ":wine skinnies" at all - when perhap there aren't any ethical options, do I buy something else or just say "well I tried" and get some from target!<br /><br />I walked around a big city mall last week and was seemingly assaulted on all sides by things I wanted to get and only 1 or 2 shops in the whole place that I was allowing myself to buy from.<br /><br />Krishnidoux - I don't know. I guess I do know that I want to encourage with my clothing dollar those companies that are doing the right thing.<br /><br />Must go to bed here, but thanks all of you, and looking forward to more insights when I wake tomorrow!<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-my-ethical-fashion-plan#post-919963 Sun, 28 Apr 2013 13:58:57 +0000 rosee 919963@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Like Deborah, I also have "To Die For" by Lucy Siegle, and another good one is "No Logo" by Naomi Klein (older read). &nbsp;Still need to finish both though.<br /><br />Also check out Oxfam and Maquila Solidarity Network for more info. &nbsp;MSN does not seem to be publishing yearly reports on factories as they used to (maybe the effort and cost required to do so) but there is good general info. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-my-ethical-fashion-plan#post-919960 Sun, 28 Apr 2013 13:54:45 +0000 rosee 919960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ the comments on Manidipa's thread will also be relevant:<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-do-earth-friendlyethical">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....dlyethical</a><br /><br />I hope to scrounge up some new info based on some old research I have and will post that too. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-my-ethical-fashion-plan#post-919949 Sun, 28 Apr 2013 13:25:21 +0000 Suz 919949@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Echoing Julie, Anne. I admire your commitment and dedication to this. And agree that it is incredibly difficult to know. Are there some generally agreed upon guidelines when it comes to sourcing ethical clothing? I mean considering the fact that companies often mis-state their actual practices.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-my-ethical-fashion-plan#post-919922 Sun, 28 Apr 2013 12:00:50 +0000 RoseandJoan 919922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have written and deleted my post twice Anne, I cannot seem to find the right words. I admire your determination and can only begin to contemplate how difficult it is to put your ideals into practice in an industry&nbsp;where there is little transparency and you have a budget to work within.<br /><br />The tragedy in Bangladesh makes me feel sick to my stomach and it appalls me that such loss of life and the subsequent protests may result in little change. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-my-ethical-fashion-plan#post-919912 Sun, 28 Apr 2013 11:15:32 +0000 krishnidoux 919912@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Like Lantana, I too am impressed, and I too was reflecting on this very topic this week. I command you for trying and doing the&nbsp;research. Thank you for sharing it! It's not because we don't buy "Joe Fresh" that we are immune to this&nbsp;. But we cannot bare the whole guilt and responsibility on our shoulders. &nbsp;As you point out, it becomes extremely difficult to follow through. I am afraid this is a matter where "vote with your feet" is not the ultimate&nbsp;solution.<br /><br />First, to do so, one needs time. Then money. And isn't it&nbsp;buying into the idea that it is all the fault of&nbsp;the selfish and&nbsp;insatiable customers, while poor, unaccountable brands only follow the market to serve them?<br /><br />We have to also find other ways to protest, such as petition to our politicians to take action towards the big companies who buy from or even own&nbsp;these factories.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-my-ethical-fashion-plan#post-919903 Sun, 28 Apr 2013 10:23:01 +0000 Lantana 919903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anne, I am so impressed with your commitment to buy ethically. The tragedy in Bangladesh had me reflecting yet again on the provenance of cheap clothing. I didn't know Veronika Maine had an ethical code but I am pleased because I bought VM pants and a shirt last year, expensive for me, even on sale. There's quite a bit of Veronika Maine on ebay.au, although that's online shopping yet again.<br /> As you say, it's hard. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-my-ethical-fashion-plan#post-919873 Sun, 28 Apr 2013 07:49:38 +0000 Caro in Oz 919873@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I try to buy ethical fashion but it is really difficult. I look for sales - still expensive but doable for me. I bought an organic cotton top/jacket on sale for &nbsp;1/4 of the original price - but you do have to be lucky.<br /><br />Have you tried Sussan - most of their fabric comes from India rather than from China (they say they are ethical but who knows)? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-my-ethical-fashion-plan#post-919866 Sun, 28 Apr 2013 07:39:02 +0000 Deborah 919866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anne, this is quite a dilemma. As is suggested above its really difficult to know who is telling the truth about the circumstances of their production. I am reading a book called "To Die For" by Lucy Siegle and it is very challenging. And there is the issue of what we can reasonably afford. I don't have an answer for you but admire your dedication to follow through on this as its not easy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-my-ethical-fashion-plan#post-919863 Sun, 28 Apr 2013 07:18:29 +0000 anne 919863@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes, Agnes you are right and that makes another level of complexity.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-my-ethical-fashion-plan#post-919861 Sun, 28 Apr 2013 06:59:52 +0000 Agnes 919861@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ And also many brands source their stuff from different places, some good some not. And sometimes the factories where the clothes are made are fine, but where the fabrics are made are not. I certainly can't afford the ones in Australia that really are meant to be good on all fronts. very tricky. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-my-ethical-fashion-plan#post-919855 Sun, 28 Apr 2013 06:21:56 +0000 anne 919855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes Sharon, the garment factory collapse has certainly brought this issue to the for. I too like Cue and Veronika Maine. If I had a well paid office job I would be tempted to buy all my work wear there!&nbsp; I agree that suspicion of companies is another factor in what is involved.&nbsp; The group I mentioned above (included Portmans and Just Jeans) had an ethical code, which is why I was happy to buy my coral dress from Portmans. But according to Oxfam they are refusing to let people check their chinese contractors to see if they adhere to it in practice.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-my-ethical-fashion-plan#post-919849 Sun, 28 Apr 2013 05:48:50 +0000 Sharon 919849@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Anne,<br />This is something I struggle with too. The collapse of the garment factory in Bangladesh resulted in a discussion in our house about who is really paying for the cheap clothes (food, energy) that we enjoy. I buy mostly Cue and Veronika Maine, but they don't really do much casual stuff, as you mentioned. They are expensive, but I find this helps me to be thoughtful about my purchases and buy fewer things.<br />&nbsp;I read an interview this year&nbsp;with one of the bigwigs from Country Road, who was talking about how they were committed to ensuring that their factories in China operated safely and ethically. Sadly, I don't think you can always believe what companies say, as much as I would like to. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-my-ethical-fashion-plan#post-919833 Sun, 28 Apr 2013 05:13:13 +0000 ManidipaM 919833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Anne, I hear you---I try to buy 'more ethically' if not 100% most of the time, but feel so often that i have to choose fashion or fair trade/earth-friendly/ethical so much of the time. And keep aiming more and more&nbsp;for less and less actual 'stuff' (which also calls for 'hard wearing' and 'versatile' as features!).<br /><br />I'd thought it was better in more developed markets than ours, in terms of choice and price points ('ethical fashion' is even more of a luxury in South-East Asia the moment you go beyond the very traditional garments). But sounds like it is still a very, very tough choice to make.<br /><br />That shirt is a beauty, though---congratulations on a really nice find!<br /><br />ETA: Just saw Lyn's comment. Interesting how we all find different, and hopefully all effective, ways to make sense of the mess we're surrounded by in fashion retail! My attempt tends to be to find ethical inside the often least-ethical spaces---probably because I already belong to one of the messiest bazaars in the business (and have several others for neighbours), I feel like we (local collective 'we', not global here) need to support the better brands/manufacturers big time. I'll often buy from 'safer' origins when buying for the baby or where the product has a bit of a&nbsp;safety aspect/concern built-in (plastics in general, toys, baby clothes), but for my own clothes I'm delighted when I can find a local or other 'messy place' source that is doing 'green-er/good-er' than the environmental norm. (Note: And am NOT saying this is the best/only way; far from it. I think it's great to have an attack on the inferior/less regulated spaces from all sides, in all ways!) https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-my-ethical-fashion-plan#post-919830 Sun, 28 Apr 2013 05:08:52 +0000 lyn* 919830@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I find it's really hard to find things that are "ethically sourced" - I try to stick to decent countries, and hope that is enough. It's painting with a big brush though - not every factory in London or Canada is a good one, and not everyone in Cambodia is bad. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/musings-on-my-ethical-fashion-plan#post-919816 Sun, 28 Apr 2013 04:20:56 +0000 anne 919816@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For those who came in late - my plan was as much as possible to buy only from "ethical fashion" providers this year.<br /><br />Thoughts<br />* This is REALLY hard. Prior to this year I was mostly a low price shopper. I'd make an exception for footwear, but Ezibuy was about the most expensive I'd otherwise get. I'd fill out the fashionable end of my wardrobe with australian shops like valley girl and temt.&nbsp; Spending&nbsp; a lot more on every single item is hard to come to terms with. Bear in mind that I am already a minimal wardrobe type.<br /><br />* I don't like shopping that much anyway, and having to shop online is getting pretty dreary. I don't enjoy op-shopping either.<br /><br />* A group of "high street" shops that I thought were okay have proved to be not, thus cutting down on B &amp; M almost entirely.<br /><br />* I get my fashion ideas here, pretty much, and then try to find them on the ethical fashion pages.&nbsp; Hardly any jeans out there, none in wine, which is what I'd like. Maybe the key is just to look at those sites and pick only from them. But I don't want to give up YLF!<br /><br />* there are heaps of interesting dresses and tops. Much less in terms of basic knitwear and tops, and some is just too expensive for me.&nbsp; And this sort of item is hard to find in op shops too.<br /><br />In terms of what I have actually bought, I have ordered this top <br /><a href="http://www.veronikamaine.com.au/Products/Pleated-Soft-Twill-Shirt-M5033-W13" rel="nofollow">http://www.veronikamaine.com.a.....-M5033-W13</a><br /><br /><br />