https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spice-it-up---and-some-musings-on-sustainable-fashion Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:56:12 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spice-it-up---and-some-musings-on-sustainable-fashion/page/2#post-646434 Fri, 15 Jun 2012 05:41:14 +0000 rosee 646434@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not much to add (just marking the post for future reference, b/c it is really great).<br /> Kari: love the B44 dress on you, love the Ecco shoes and really love the specs. Way to rock it, girl! Great insights too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spice-it-up---and-some-musings-on-sustainable-fashion/page/2#post-646275 Fri, 15 Jun 2012 01:29:23 +0000 Kari 646275@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>modgrl, I can't wait! *grin* That dress just rocks with turquoise.</p> <p>I'm still musing on this concept as well, Vicki, so please feel welcome to share your thoughts/wisdom! I have a lot of learning/practice to do until I truly have a relationship with every piece in my wardrobe, but I love the concept. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spice-it-up---and-some-musings-on-sustainable-fashion/page/2#post-646060 Thu, 14 Jun 2012 19:44:28 +0000 Vicki 646060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kari, thank you for the bag link and your sustainable fashion musings. Your comments and those shared by others are really insightful and I'm going to save this link for more mulling and musing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spice-it-up---and-some-musings-on-sustainable-fashion/page/2#post-646046 Thu, 14 Jun 2012 19:29:04 +0000 modgrl 646046@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My dress debut is tomorrow! I hope I can do it justice!! I am stealing your turquoise necklace idea. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spice-it-up---and-some-musings-on-sustainable-fashion/page/2#post-646045 Thu, 14 Jun 2012 19:24:42 +0000 Kari 646045@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here's a link to the bag sold in other colors: <a href="http://shop.mobileweb.ebay.com/searchresults?cmd=SKW&#038;pg=1&#038;kw=kate+spade+wellesley+maeda" rel="nofollow">http://shop.mobileweb.ebay.com.....sley+maeda</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spice-it-up---and-some-musings-on-sustainable-fashion/page/2#post-646043 Thu, 14 Jun 2012 19:23:26 +0000 Kari 646043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Vicki, it's a Kate Spade bag. I saw it in an outlet store but it was still more yhan i felt comfortable spending, so I stalked it on EBay. Let me find the link for you.. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spice-it-up---and-some-musings-on-sustainable-fashion/page/2#post-645051 Wed, 13 Jun 2012 16:20:06 +0000 Vicki 645051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>p.s. Who makes the bag? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spice-it-up---and-some-musings-on-sustainable-fashion#post-643006 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 03:30:58 +0000 Kari 643006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, Cheryl! Those specs were the first glasses I posted since joining YLF, and believe me, I took Angie's advice on purchasing really flattering statement glasses to heart. I hope to be wearing these frames for years to come. The burgundy &amp; turquoise is kind of a much more highly saturated version of my hair &amp; eyes, so kind of "bookends" those features without matching them exactly, if that makes sense at all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spice-it-up---and-some-musings-on-sustainable-fashion#post-642971 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 03:06:55 +0000 cheryl 642971@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great post and very thought provoking. You look fantastic in this dress and I am so loving those glasses! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spice-it-up---and-some-musings-on-sustainable-fashion#post-642633 Sun, 10 Jun 2012 17:24:55 +0000 Kari 642633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And just to come back and touch on a few individual questions/points:</p> <p>Sheila, I'd never heard of Pennychic before but just from a quick glance through the site, I love what I'm seeing. Thanks for the recommendation!</p> <p>ManidipaM and Claire, you brought tears to my eyes and blushes to my cheeks. Thank you for your sweet words! I actually was not feeling terribly body-confident yesterday and that was such a lovely thing to read when I woke up. Thanks for the boost.</p> <p>Heather, I snagged this purse on EBay after seeing it in a Kate Spade outlet store (EBay ended up being a lot cheaper.) Here is the same handbag in a variety of colors: <a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=kate+spade+wellesley+maeda&#038;_sacat=0&#038;_odkw=kate+spade+wellesley&#038;_osacat=0" rel="nofollow">http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html.....;_osacat=0</a><br /> (In addition to the bright greens, I also love the pewter bag near the bottom! What a cool color.)</p> <p>Michelle, those leather jackets at the boutique were soooo drool-worthy. I couldn't believe how silky soft they were. Too bad the price was to match! It was very fun to get an appreciation of tactile shopping strategies with you, both in that boutique and when we were shopping with you at the mall. You are so discerning about quality and know from a quick stroke whether you'll like and feel comfortable in a fabric or not, and I've started adopting that strategy when shopping on my own ever since then.</p> <p>Someday when my size stabilizes I'd really like to invest in a cognac leather jacket. I had a great black leather jacket (real leather - I got it from Brass Plum when I was a freshmen in high school) that I wore for 6 years until it really started to look shabby and worn. That was probably my very first "investment purchase" that whittled down to nearly no cost per wear despite being more expensive up front than anything I'd purchased beforehand. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spice-it-up---and-some-musings-on-sustainable-fashion#post-642595 Sun, 10 Jun 2012 16:31:03 +0000 Kari 642595@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also wanted to add a quick response about the longevity of items I buy, and what my expectations are. When I purchase a favorite book, I'm likely to keep reading it over and over for decades. I don't have that expectation with clothing - as Natalie mentioned, even classic clothing will date over a long period of time (the cuts, fabrications, etc. will often change slightly the second time around) and I expect that *my* tastes will change over time. </p> <p>On the other hand, I'm hoping that many of the long term buys I add - shoes, handbags, coats - will last for 5-10 years. I might add a couple inexpensive trendy items (my faux-fur vest, for example, I don't expect to wear years from now and it didn't cost me a lot) but I want those items to be the minority. I love that many of the dresses in my closet right now are cut in a way that they will fit me whether I gain or lose a few pounds, and are a relatively classic shape, and even the print doesn't seem to be something ultra-trendy that will look dated a year from now. For example, I could see wearing the Bailey 44 dress, the <a href="http://pencilskirtlife.lookfab.com/post/that-spicy-dress-again">Tahari coral dress</a>, <a href="http://pencilskirtlife.lookfab.com/post/lighten-up-a-potential-wedding-guest-outfit">emerald Michael Kors dress</a>, and <a href="http://pencilskirtlife.lookfab.com/post/an-example-of-my-favorite-fast-fall-back-outfit">Nine West scribble print dress</a> for several years and hope I'll be able to. </p> <p>With care, my handbags and shoes (which are pretty classic shapes that I hope should date less quickly) should last closer to the 5-10 year mark. Ditto with my glasses frames, though of course I'll use my insurance benefits to upgrade the prescriptions as needed.</p> <p>Like Marianna (who I believe is the same age as me, as is Rae) part of this is coming from maturity - settling into my adult style and body. My style *doesn't* need to be disposable any longer, and what Marianna wrote here really summarizes my thoughts on the matter succinctly:<br /> " I am no longer interested in wasting money on fast fashion... I am truly trying to buy pieces that will last me longer, and that I will love for longer. " </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spice-it-up---and-some-musings-on-sustainable-fashion#post-642587 Sun, 10 Jun 2012 16:08:58 +0000 Kari 642587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So many intriguing thoughts here that I'm mulling over and want to respond to. Shannon also recently posted a great thread about impulse buys while thrifting that I loved reading:<br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thrift-returns-and-a-realization?replies=5#post-642585" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ost-642585</a></p> <p>I'm going to copy my comment to Shannon because I think it relates to this discussion as well.</p> <p>"Shannon, so much of your wise thoughts here really resonate with me-very similar to what I've been thinking about lately."<br /> Shannon wrote:<br /> "I've come to the conclusion that I tend to settle for "good enough" when thrifting and I need to stop that. It's mostly thrifted items that end up being closet orphans."<br /> My response:<br /> "I'm not patient enough to thrift really effectively, but a few years ago you could have used this exact description for me-just substitute "sale" in place of thrifting! I really made do with less than okay pieces because they were inexpensive and marked down, and then I wondered why I'd never end up wearing them, or why they just didn't feel right. And from time to time I still fall for that trap.<br /> "Forum member Taylor said something to me a while back that I will try to paraphrase- "Don't settle for less than killer." That sentiment echoes in my ears when I'm shopping and consider making do with an "okay" item that *almost* works." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spice-it-up---and-some-musings-on-sustainable-fashion#post-642579 Sun, 10 Jun 2012 15:40:07 +0000 marianna 642579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This was a very interesting read. As I'm getting "older" I am also trying to buy pieces that will last me longer. I am no longer interested in wasting money on fast fashion... I am truly trying to buy pieces that will last me longer, and that I will love for longer. This is a very hard goal when your weight fluctuates constantly (as mine does) but over the year or so I've collected some pieces that I believe will stand the test of time. It's a good feeling knowing I've made a wise "investment."</p> <p>Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the matter! I really resonate with what you're thinking about. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spice-it-up---and-some-musings-on-sustainable-fashion#post-642565 Sun, 10 Jun 2012 15:13:05 +0000 Mander 642565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Awesome outfit! I love those shoes. </p> <p>One of the problems I have come across is that as a very plus-size and relatively tall person, it is difficult to even find higher-quality clothes to begin with. When I was looking at the possibility of buying a fancy suit earlier this year, for instance, there were hardly any options at all, let alone nicer quality items. None of the big fancy department stores in my city carried a single item in my size except t-shirts and leggings. So I am much more willing to pay more for a really good item that will hopefully last for a long time. By the same token, I'm less willing to compromise on the quality. If I'm going to have to hunt all over hell and high water for a pair of trousers that fit me, I'm not going to settle for nasty-feeling, cheap polyester, especially since the scarcity drives up the price of poor quality goods. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spice-it-up---and-some-musings-on-sustainable-fashion#post-642538 Sun, 10 Jun 2012 13:53:47 +0000 Anonymous 642538@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kari, sometimes I get so jealous of your curves! You rock that dress like no one else, and I love that it's comfortable, too. I'd want to wear it out to the store as well! </p> <p>Thank you for the wonderful article (yes, it really was *that* well written)! I loved reading your thoughts on fast fashion. I have been guilty of indulging in some of it while I figure out what it is that I want to invest in. I've bought a handful of cheap pleather belts this season and a trendy accessory or two. I'm not sure how much I'll wear belts, where I'll wear them (waist or through belt loops at hips), how wide or narrow I want, etc. I know sometimes the perfect belt can make an outfit, but I'm still trying to figure it all out before I'm ready to make an investment purchase. </p> <p>I have had great luck with thrifting the majority of my clothes this season. I've bought lots of woven, button front shirts that still have a lot of life left in them. Compared to the brand new knit T's I would have bought previously, these are cheaper and much better quality at the same time. So yay for sustainability. DD and I are learning how to alter garments as well and are having fun with some DIY projects. Upcycling can be lots of fun. </p> <p>I really admire your bag collection. I used to buy Coach purses back in the day and use them for decades. I can't afford them any more but I don't want cheap bags with vinyl trim and handles either. How dumb is that? The handles and trim get the *most* wear. If anything should be leather, it's that. I just found out the Tignanello bag I've had for a few years has PVC handles and I'm fuming. I bought it under the assumption that it was an all leather bag. No wonder they're fraying and cracked. Bad, bad fast fashion! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spice-it-up---and-some-musings-on-sustainable-fashion#post-642491 Sun, 10 Jun 2012 08:45:52 +0000 fieldmouse 642491@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting thread, and I'm only half-way through yet, but regarding the "where is the quality?" question, there is a very good blog dealing with that issue, as well as sustainability of fashion:<br /> <a href="http://emptyemptor.com/" rel="nofollow">http://emptyemptor.com/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spice-it-up---and-some-musings-on-sustainable-fashion#post-642480 Sun, 10 Jun 2012 07:32:38 +0000 goldenpig 642480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kari,<br /> First of all, you are stunning in that purple B44 dress and I love how you have paired it up with the orange pumps and yellow bag! (I think I need a pair of those orange pumps--I may try them out too!) You've got a fab wardrobe and shoe &amp; handbag collection. I love your post and agree with everything you say. That's how I feel too, but then again on my other threads people were saying that I shouldn't expect to wear things for more than 5-10 years, which seems at odds with the idea of buying higher quality for things to last longer. I'm still struggling to reconcile the two aspects. I feel bad for purging things in my closet that are really old but still in good condition, but I guess I just have to make room for more updated clothes, as long as they are also good quality. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spice-it-up---and-some-musings-on-sustainable-fashion#post-642453 Sun, 10 Jun 2012 05:51:45 +0000 christieanne 642453@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Quality over quantity is a good mantra. Also, saving up and buying better quality does not mean spending tons more than you otherwise would. You have to be savvy and look at fabric, construction, etc.<br /> Great observations in this thread. </p> <p>I am so inspired by your wearing a dress to go out on common place errand today. I have been living in jeans (and the MOTG formula) which works for me as far as comfort and I think I look respectable (no sweats in public) but I barely own a dress and here you are rocking one in a big box. Awesome! </p> <p>I invested in some high quality work shoes today (Cole Haan coincidentally) and it did cross my mind that they are a little pricier than other shoes but I can see running them into the ground and bringing the CPW to a minimal point rather easily. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spice-it-up---and-some-musings-on-sustainable-fashion#post-642449 Sun, 10 Jun 2012 05:36:56 +0000 Mo 642449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great thread. I come from it from another angle sort of. I have been the same size for most of my adult life and so maybe that is why I *never* thought of buying anything 'just for one season'. Honestly, I always thought anything I purchased would be with me until it wore out! That might be why I had decade old things to purge :/ But the idea of paying for quality is relatively new for me. I wouldn't say I specifically looked for fast fashion, but I've always had my eye out for whatever deal I could score. What I have come to recently is that I can have quality at a bargain if I really look and wait. I am all for quality. I am also all about finding the best possible deal I can. And I will admit that the occasional $10 shirt helps round everything out and I'm not sick when it's worn out in 3 years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spice-it-up---and-some-musings-on-sustainable-fashion#post-642437 Sun, 10 Jun 2012 04:43:52 +0000 Michelle 642437@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a brilliant post, Kari, and one that really resonates with me of late. I've dropped about 40 pounds with plenty more to go, and the thought of sacrificing clothes that I'd spent so much time and mainly money amassing in the post-ylf era literally made me sick. I could have chucked it all, but I've instead decided to take the pieces I love most to a seamstress and get them altered to fit my new body. I have more weight to lose, and I know the time will come when I do have to say goodbye to them, but at least I will do so knowing I got the maximum value and enjoyment out of garments I put a lot of thought into to begin with. That type of philosophy will inform my fuuture purchases once I exit the plus-size range for good (fingers crossed that I can). Gone are the days when I buy something in a panicky pinch...Quality, longevity and joy are my watchwords from here on out. Thank you for reinforcing how important this is.<br /> And...I bet you look amazing. The outfit sounds great! Now all you need is a druel-worthy konyak leather jacket from a downtown Toronto boutique, right? :p </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spice-it-up---and-some-musings-on-sustainable-fashion#post-642421 Sun, 10 Jun 2012 04:10:02 +0000 HeatherW 642421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love, love, love this post. First of all, that dress is HOT. It looks fabulous with the spice-y accessories you added (where can I get the purse?!?!). Second, the musing about developing a relationship with our clothes is so right on. What if everything in our closets was a "10" ? I love this idea. Sometimes when I shop online, I notice myself gasping at certain clothing items. What if everything we owned was something that we once gasped at? And when it's no longer gasp-worthy, we can pass it along. Finally, clothing should LAST: I have a black merino turtleneck that I got in college over 15 years ago. I'm rather proud that I still own it. It is a staple. And when I eventually have to replace it, I will look for a similar quality item that will last me another 10-20 years. And I will pay accordingly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spice-it-up---and-some-musings-on-sustainable-fashion#post-642402 Sun, 10 Jun 2012 03:30:52 +0000 ManidipaM 642402@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kari, you are so beautiful! (Sorry, that was just my first thought --- maybe it's the dress or the specs, maybe you feel happy, but you look radiant!)</p> <p>Thanks for this very thought-provoking post. Like VC, I've been guilty of short-term, not-my-'real'-size compromise/bargain buys during weight loss --- and worse, compromises because I could not spend a lot on clothes for a while. I think because I was working from a place of depression and desperation, I made unwise choices... too many of them. Need to learn to keep the panic behind closed doors before I go shopping, even when nowhere near goal weight and no budget for all the goodies I want/need at once. (I also panic now about the good pieces I see that fill a hole --- what if they aren't around in my size by the time I've saved up? It *has* happened, so yes, ideally I should have a buffer built so I can pounce early --- but just now, too many holes to fill! So I need to remind myself, something else *will* come along.)</p> <p>About your point on the cherishing of good stuff carefully bought, my SO and I had a conversation just the other day, acknowledging that we hadn't been taking time to really care for our shoes... and that is contributing to their state of shabbiness (at least in the case of the better quality stuff, some stuff was hopeless to start with, in terms of longevity.) I'm much better with caring for my favourite clothes! Though yes, I too have been wanting to develop my sewing skills --- they are pretty sparse, which is a shame given my father's pretty good at it, despite being self-taught.</p> <p>I'm gradually coming around to the less is more approach, where the fewer are also assessed for versatility with different wardrobe items and in different seasons. I used to be guilty of making one or two outfits of each piece and repeating ad nauseam. Trying to do more remixing... But as Claire once said, I think given the extreme conditions and length of my summer (and my mad monsoons), I do need a bunch of cheap tops, tunics, Indian leggings and pants, and maybe dresses to wear into the ground each year, and prevent laundry bottle-neck (air-drying gets old so very fast in the rainy season!). But even there, more 'perfect' pieces can still make for some pruning of numbers, I hope!</p> <p>I've just gotten to the bags bit myself... Still full of trepidation, like Makrame, because I don't switch out often. But cautiously hopeful now that I do switch several times a month at least! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spice-it-up---and-some-musings-on-sustainable-fashion#post-642390 Sun, 10 Jun 2012 02:52:05 +0000 DonnaF 642390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So if *fast fashion* is stuff that is wearable for only a season or two, what does *long term* mean to you? I think on a number of threads, many or most folks felt that clothing ten years old is dated and one has to be careful in styling pieces so as to make the look updated.</p> <p>If one wants to have *investment* pieces, what is their reasonable life? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spice-it-up---and-some-musings-on-sustainable-fashion#post-642388 Sun, 10 Jun 2012 02:45:18 +0000 Sheila 642388@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, this is really a great thread. Thank you, Kari, and all you wise contributors. Sometimes I have wished that somewhere there would be a magic databank of apparel and accessories...one where you could view lovely items that are out of your budget's reach but there would also be similar items at other pricepoints. Say, for example, that you wanted a Chanel suit but maybe never would be able to afford it. Where else might you find that look at an affordable price??? Sigh. Maybe nowhere. I think it would be an extremely popular service if it were available.</p> <p>Do we all aspire to moving up the ladder of quality in our wardrobe choices? What does one wear/ buy in the meantime? Maybe there are certain brands that appeal to the aspirational shopper...maybe all brands, now that I think of it. I admire what Pennychic.com has been doing with matching designer looks at budget prices; I think she is doing a great service. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spice-it-up---and-some-musings-on-sustainable-fashion#post-642375 Sun, 10 Jun 2012 02:16:06 +0000 velvetychocolate 642375@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you Kari </p> <p>The ridiculous thing is that I've probably spent just as much as anyone else, but have somehow ended up with a closet full of 'fast fashion' that I'm not sure I even like. </p> <p>Way too much stuff, and it's not up to par, at all. </p> <p>Meanwhile, I'm still very intrigued by the whole topic - because I really do think that there is something to be said for 'saving up' for something truly well-made. But the thing is, I'm not entirely certain that these things are as easy to find as they were years ago. This might make an interesting topic for a future YLF discussion (as in, "where is the quality?). I suppose that like everything else - clothing and accessories are becoming a little bit too commoditized, a bit too disposable. And like I said, even shopping at the 'better stores' is no guarantee either. </p> <p>There is a lot of 'food for thought' in this post and discussion. </p> <p>Thanks again, and I'm glad you wrote about this here, because it has definitely opened my eyes to 'what's going on' for me. Very helpful! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spice-it-up---and-some-musings-on-sustainable-fashion#post-642333 Sun, 10 Jun 2012 01:34:17 +0000 Jaime 642333@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of interesting thoughts in your post and the responses. As a fellow thrift addict with Shannon, I have also learned to discern quality and stop picking up excess stuff just because it is so cheap. I am actually far more picky about what I buy at a place like H&amp;M than what I buy at a thrift store, because, relatively speaking, H&amp;M is expensive! Another important thought you bring up is the idea of actually using your good stuff, and considering good as the standard and not good as not belonging in your closet. You look great in the dress and in the closeup shot too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spice-it-up---and-some-musings-on-sustainable-fashion#post-642332 Sun, 10 Jun 2012 01:27:29 +0000 Kari 642332@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>VC, this is so wise and I totally agree with you. This really was an eye opener when I moved a couple years ago and realized how many "disposable" items I had acquired when I could have been focusing on quality long term buys. I especially like what you wrote here: </p> <p>"I can't say that I've ever regretted buying better quality or spending a bit more. What I do regret is spending hundreds or even thousands (over the course of the year I mean) on 'discount' items, thinking that I shoudn't get anything all that nice because I'm not quite where I want to be yet." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spice-it-up---and-some-musings-on-sustainable-fashion#post-642327 Sun, 10 Jun 2012 01:21:55 +0000 velvetychocolate 642327@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love this dress on you, especially with these beautiful new ECCO orange shoes! </p> <p>In the meantime, wanted to say that I especially appreciate this post about 'fast' fashion, and in particular - the potential relationship between buying this kind of stuff and weight fluctuations. I have been kind of cheap about things for the past several years for this very reason. </p> <p>Actually, I'd have to say it started when I started gaining weight in the first place, and then it continued throughout weight loss. To be perfectly honest, I bought much better clothing and accessories before the weight problem got out of control. While losing weight, I'd buy the cheapest thing I could get away with, because sometimes I'd only get to wear something for just a few weeks or a couple of months, tops. </p> <p>Thing is - I haven't been losing more weight recently (although I'd like to), and have been sort of stalled/stuck for awhile. In fact, I've been dealing with a gain of around 5 pounds or so, never mind trying to get past my stuck point and get the last of the weight off. </p> <p>You know what? I miss having nicer things! It took reading your post today to help me realize this. Thanks to you - I now have a very good litmus test to apply to any/all closet edits, future purchases and the like, "Would I be buying this or keeping this if I was at my goal weight?". Of course, this angle is very personal, but it took reading your thoughts on 'fast fashion' and providing the discussion, for me to come to this conclusion, so thank you </p> <p>In the meantime, it's so true that people used to save up for good things and take care of them. I do admire my Grandma's generation for buying the best they could afford, and cherishing those items. </p> <p>I hope we're not losing that. Everything seems so disposable now. I think one of the things that I find kind of disappointing is that even if you shop at seemingly 'better' stores, the quality is kind of hit-or-miss. Used to be that you could go to certain stores or buy certain brands and you'd feel confident that you were buying something that was well-made and of good quality. </p> <p>...</p> <p>Having said that - I think I'm going to adopt your 'purse' strategy - these things don't require being a certain size or weight, and they look good no matter what. I'd say this is one area where it's wise to buy better quality items, even if it's more expensive than the usual. </p> <p>Hmm...I can't say that I've ever regretted buying better quality or spending a bit more. What I do regret is spending hundreds or even thousands (over the course of the year I mean) on 'discount' items, thinking that I shoudn't get anything all that nice because I'm not quite where I want to be yet. </p> <p>Lots of really good food for thought in this post Kari - thank you for sharing with us </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spice-it-up---and-some-musings-on-sustainable-fashion#post-642283 Sat, 09 Jun 2012 23:43:33 +0000 Transcona Shannon 642283@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kari - this is an EXCELLENT post! As someone who is addicted to thrifting (yes...I admit it!) I have often brought home items of poor quality and that were "good enough" and have been working on getting out of that mindset. </p> <p>I actually had an interesting conversation today with Wonder Woman (my seamstress) when I took the pair of recently thrifted capri pants in for shortening. She commented on the quality of the fabric of the pants, noting that it was very good and proceeded to explain that she feels when buying an item, whether new or thrifted, that the quality of the fabric should be the number one priority. As long as the basic fit is there, she can pretty much make anything fit perfectly for a person but if the fabric is substandard, it won't last or look good no matter what. She complimented me on my thrifting skills and said as long as I choose good quality, she'll make it fit perfectly, cost wise we're still less than brand new and I have a custom fitted item - plus it's a completely sustainable item because I've recycled from someone else, therefore keeping something from entering the landfill. I thought this was an interesting conversation.</p> <p>I completely understand what you mentioned about weight fluctuation affecting sustainable wardrobes. My size has been up and down for a good 10 years now and like you, I've had to buy replacement items as my size changes. This has prevented me from making any "investment" clothing purchases. I think I would feel sick if I paid $200 - $300 for an item and then couldn't wear it 8 months later.</p> <p>I think you're building a beautiful wardrobe (as demonstrated by your amazing outfit here) and have a great eye for style and what works for you. I'm looking forward to seeing where you go with this. Thanks for this post! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/spice-it-up---and-some-musings-on-sustainable-fashion#post-642278 Sat, 09 Jun 2012 23:36:02 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 642278@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kari, that was a very interesting post. It reminded me of the thread GP started about the timeless pieces and what items we each have that are over 10 years old or that we expect to still have in 10 years.</p> <p>I am trying to achieve a balance between buying enough items to keep my need for diversity satisfied and buying items that are of sufficient quality that they will last for as long as I want them or longer so that someone else can enjoy them too. I think that balance is as important in fashion as in other aspects of life.</p> <p>I have a few decent quality bags that I never wear because I worry about forgetting something and I need to address that. I also find that my tastes shift as your are now and my weight has been shifting even more than usual now that I am almost 50. There a a lot of factors to be taken into consideration when finding the right balance for you.</p> <p>About the outfit, I really like that dress on you and think it is great that you can wear it for a casual day as well as a day at the office. That makes it pretty darn versatile and wearable in my books. </p>