Ethics x Fast fashion part 1

“Fashion fades, style is eternal” – Yves Saint Laurent.

Let me just start by saying: I’m not the most environmentally conscious person on the planet - I’ve been doing my part and we try to be as conscious as we can in our household.

I’m just a girl educating myself about where my clothes are coming from and how it’s effecting our world by way of my quest to an edited closet.

I’ve touched on the subject of fast fashion in a few posts but I haven’t really laid out the full story. I typically don’t like to speak on things that I am not well versed and educated in - but this is a subject I have found myself deep diving into as of lately and I have learned a lot.

We all know that ‘big oil’ and car pollution are some of the highest contributors to pollution because, well, everyone is talking about it. But I’ve heard so little about fast fashion’s contribution (which is a lot) until recently. We all love to shop, so I think it’s about time this comes up in conversation more often - and more than just throwing trendy words like sustainable and ethical around - let’s actually talk about what those mean. 

Ethical fashion is a blanket term that encompasses design, production etc. It covers the ethics of working conditions, the exploitation of workers, sustainable production methods - basically the welfare of everyone that is effected.

Sustainable fashion is about producing clothes/accessories/shoes/etc in a sustainable and environmentally conscious way. This also covers sustainable shopping practices regarding consumption and use. 

When thinking of ‘fast fashion’ as a whole, the concerns that come to mind are: labor conditions, quality, environmental impact, sustainability, overconsumption and the massive amounts of water/resources used for the mass production of clothes you wear for a month and then toss aside. (Not even touching on the fact that we are raising up this next generation to have an insatiable need for new and more, which is setting them up for a life of being unfulfilled and discontent). 

According to recent studies, Americans are purchasing (at least) FIVE TIMES the amount of clothing we did 30 years ago. Because of this, more and more garments are being produced each year, which in turn, results in more items being discarded a year (i.e. trends from years gone past).

This brings us back to the topic of overconsumption. I’m going to break it down for you: We like clothes. Fast-fashion companies know this. They import the trends you want at a fraction of the cost, with a fraction of the quality and promote the heck out of them. We see ads. We buy. New trends come out. Old clothes fall apart (see quality). We toss. We buy again and the loop continues. 

We are living with an unquenchable thirst for new and more and what she has and we have no idea of the implications (while big box companies rack in the money because we are never satisfied). This thought process of discontentment is poison for your heart and for your wallet. 

If you’re still reading, I’m grateful. I have probably / hopefully scared you away from the clutches of these stores (you know the ones, I don't need to list them out for you. you probably have about 5 emails from them saying "NEW NEW NEW!) and you’re feeling empowered, thinking : ‘I’LL NEVER SHOP THERE AGAIN’ - only to come down from that high of knowledge, questioning where you’re going to get an outfit for that thing you have to go to next week (because that’s how we’re conditioned to think these days). 

I’m not saying you have to quit cold turkey and I know that quitting fast fashion doesn’t reward you with an increased shopping budget to afford some of the pricier, more ethical choices — but we can be more conscious of who we are giving our money to. While some of these stores had good intentions of bringing what seemed like unattainable, luxurious fashion to the masses — the enormous demand lead to cheaper quality, unethical labor conditions and they didn’t stop it. 

  Quality clothing is more expensive, I won’t lie to you, but they are also long term investments (in contrast to the sweater you wore once, only for it to fall apart after the first wash). You’re spending more money at one time, but less money overall because that piece you bought will last five times longer (probably more, I’m no mathematician). We have to change the way we’re thinking about clothes and the money we spend on them. Invest now, buy less, save more. 

A lot of sustainable and ethical brands are coming out of the woodworks and giving us some insight as to how they are striving to change this environment while still producing clothes that you want to wear and that will last. 

These two themes must coexist because as important as the rise of ethical fashion is, brands have to be appealing in their aesthetic as well as their ethics. That's just the world we're living in. 

Other stores that might not necessarily be sustainable are working to provide options that help make sustainability possible within their brand. They’re providing recycling programs that will allow the disposal of garments to be repurposed either into other garments or things like insulation (see: Madewell’s recycling program. Also noted that Reformation has a recycling program as well).

At the very end of the day, switching to an intentional lifestyle is hard (and can be expensive!). Sometimes you mess up, sometimes you feel guilty, but knowing there’s some grace and wiggle room as you transition is so important. It’s a slow process, so rest in that and know that any step toward a more intentional and sustainable lifestyle is worth celebrating -- the biggest hurdle is the first step! And slowing down is part of the larger point - slower, more thoughtful, living with less and loving what you have more. 

Feeling put together and elegant does wonders on the psyche and knowing where your clothes come from and how they’re made is even better. Icing on the cake, if you will. You can love clothes and learn about where and how the clothes are made. 

This year I plan to dive in deeper in our journey to a more sustainable life and continue to be thoughtful and mindful of where my money is going. Less things. Less Instagram and less wanting what others have. We are cultivating contentment and a slower pace in our household this year and challenge you to do the same. 

xx

SK 

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Quick switches for a more sustainable, low waste lifestyle:

Everyone is still on their organizing high after watching Tidying Up with Marie Kondo - and while we’re all tossing the excess and holding onto what sparks joy, I thought I’d note a few tips and habits to add to the mix. Turning over a new leaf with organization and less clutter is a great time to also implement a few new habits that will in turn help you lessen your amount of waste, create some more sustainable habits, and in the end a healthier, happier you! 

Here are a few of the easy ways Carman and I implement sustainability and low waste in our every day life. Not only are these quick and easy switches, you end up saving some money in the long run choosing these reusable options! 

Maybe these things feel too small to make a difference, but it’s all about doing the little things consistently that end up making the biggest difference in sustainability! So start ‘small’ with these tips:

- Your toothbrush: Switch out disposable toothbrushes for something like Quip with recyclable brush heads. 

 Or choose a bamboo toothbrush that lasts as long as 4-6 plastic disposable tooth brushes! 

- Your razor: Switch out disposable razors for a reusable base with replacement heads - I like the Billie. 

- Grocery bags: Always take reusable grocery store bags (even if your store doesn’t charge for bags!). It may be convenient to grab a bag or two at the end of checking out, but think about how much plastic you’d save if you brought your own bags? There are so many options out there for reusable bags that you can use time and time again to cut back one time use grocery bags that you immediately throw away! One reusable bag equals about 170 plastic bags. (I also like all of the fun options Baggu has, and we use these bags every day!)

- A reusable water bottle: Did you know that by choosing to use a reusable water bottle, that equals about 167 plastic water bottles (give or take)? That is a LOT of plastic and waste that you can eliminate by choosing a cute reusable water bottle that you can re-fill time and time again. 

- Coffee to go: Take your own reusable mug into coffee shops! A lot of places offer discounts if you bring your own cup, and by choosing a reusable option you can save up to 500 disposable coffee cups! 

- Straws: If you love using straws, try replacing them with glass or metal straws to cut back on one time waste (that really adds up!). 1 metal straw equals about 540 plastic straws. 

- Food: Eat more whole foods (things that grow)! More fruits, veggies and grains rather than pre-packaged foods to cut back on plastic and fill yourself with what your body needs rather than processed food! Shop local markets for fresh in season options and support your local farmers! 

- Cook at home more! Carman and I love to eat at home. The process of preparing the food yourself is gratifying, you know exactly what you’re putting into your body, it’s less expensive AND you cut back on plastic take-out containers/silverware. 

- Clothes: Shop second hand! This is one of the best options to reduce the excess and ‘waste’ that is already out there and should be your first choice when trying to shop sustainably/ethically. Looking for and purchasing sustainable fabrics (things like cotton, linen, etc. not polyester or acrylic). And then shopping from ethical brands. 

- Beauty: DIY beauty! There are so many products you can make yourself out of simple ingredients that are better for your skin and the environment! It’s so rewarding to know you made it yourself, you save money, and cut back on plastic, disposable containers. When you’re not going the DIY route, try buying products that are in  in reusable containers - glass spray bottles, jars, etc are all reusable (or recyclable) and you can reach for them during your next DIY project. 

These are just a few tips to get you started! How do you implement sustainable habits?

xx, 

SK

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One in, one out: a rule on minimalism

With Netflix's "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo" playing on everyone’s tv’s, this topic is top of mind for most of America right now. While I think it’s funny that it took the cutest woman and a lifestyle that is commonly practiced in other cultures to wake us up from a consumeristic cycle — I’m glad it’s bringing to light the fact that we really just like to hold on to stuff. 

Most of the time, more is just more. 

What you own should serve you, it should have purpose, it should be used  and make you happy. Having less actually makes more room in your life (weird, right?). Owning less helps you fully appreciate the things you do have. If you’re constantly getting new and more, you’ll forget and overlook the things you already own, it’s a vicious cycle. Owning less also reminds you that you don’t need much to be happy. 

DISCLAIMER:  I’m totally not an extreme minimalist by any means, we (read: I) have things we like to collect in our home like rocks and ceramics etc. What I’m talking about is a shift in the way we think, a new mindset. Changing the way we think on a daily basis: less wanting, less comparing, less wanting what someone else has and instead, seeking contentment and finding joy from the things you do have. 

Okay, continue. 

Have you ever gone on an extended vacation or trip? Where you’re gone for at least a week or more and you're wherever you are, living with a limited selection of your things. You’ve probably packed your favorite clothes and most of the things you need to carry out your day-to-day life (within reason). How often did you think about all the rest of your stuff at home? 

This extreme question (and it is extreme, I realize you’re not packing sentimental things, or the things to do your job, or a lot of things you actually would need to practically live) is a great way to get your mind thinking about what you actually need and use. 

Our culture is big on collecting things around us. More “feels better” and you always need more to satisfy that insatiable need for something else. But more really is just more sometimes. It’s extra. Excess. Surplus. Buy one get one free. Overabundance. Too much. Don’t actually need it. I mean, who decided that having a million things was ‘better’ anyway? 

This is a great reminder for all of us. As I’m writing this, I’m reminded of this looming temptation of more in my own life.  This post isn't a guilt trip. I hope it’s a reminder, or possibly a new way of approaching things, a call to contentment and a push back on the consumeristic mindset we’re all surrounded by.

So here it is,  a helpful tool to use when bringing things into your life, and one that Carman and I try to use as often as we can!

Asking a few simple questions before purchasing can help weed out a lot of excess before it even makes its way into your home :

01. Is this a replacement or something new entirely?  

02. Does it meet a need or a want? (not all wants are bad! but discerning the difference is important and will often lead to smarter purchases overall)

03. Will I use this item often?

03. Is it a style that will last?

05. Is it high quality? Is it made to last?

After you’ve gone down the mental checklist of questions (yours might look different than mine!), you’ve given yourself some time to consider the purchase rather than swiping or clicking buy like you’re in a race to the finish-line and someone else might buy *it* before you. If you’ve decided against it, great! If you’ve decided to purchase, still great! The goal is to get yourself thinking before you swipe. Ethical lifestyle / fashion is beyond just shopping ethically, but thinking that way as well. It's a mindset, remember? One that is meant to help you, the maker, and the world around us. 

If you’ve purchased whatever *it* is, a great tool that we try to implement in our household is the “One In, One Out” rule. To prevent clutter from building up, commit to donating/selling/giving away one item for every one that you bring in. We primarily just use this rule in our closets (and not always) — but if one item of clothing comes in, try to let one go. It’s a pretty easy rule to heed, if you’re honest with yourself there is always something in the back of your closet that is not getting a lot of wear / love and could better serve someone else (and give you a little extra room in the closet, in turn).

As a final note, sometimes when you’re getting rid of things, a sense of guilt creeps over you (I’m looking at you, Kon Marie do-ers of the world). You think, “how did this happen?!” - “where did all this stuff come from?!”. Instead of feeling guilty for having spent so much or holding on longer than you should have — realize that you’ve paid enough, it’s served its purpose and it’s okay to let go. 

xx,

SK

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The nursery plan: inspiration

Naturally, I was excited to design the nursery and you guys have been curious and asking about it as well, so I thought I’d share! 

We’ve slowly gotten rid of miscellaneous furniture that has always been in our guest room (a daybed, a few dressers, etc) and have been making room for new things like a crib and changing table. Since we are also preparing to move, our current guest room is a war zone filled with boxes and a large assortment of pillows that used to reside on top of the day bed (this room is now my nightmare). 

While we don’t have our exact new home/apartment picked out yet, we do know that we are looking for something with a room that gets good natural light and that will ideally have enough room for a crib, changing table, and rocking chair. 

photos via pinterest 

In this in between phase of packing / preparing for a move / NESTING and dying to start on the nursery, I’ve got loads of inspiration pictures and ideas swirling around about what the nursery will be. 

We want the nursery to be an extension of our home — words like: neutral, natural, airy and non-toxic are top of mind when I think about what I want for the nursery. We’re focusing on the colors and textures that make us happy and relax us, hoping they’ll do the same for the little one. We want to create an environment that is inspired by nature — filled with light and plants. A space that is uncluttered, full of organic fabrics and natural colors that will incorporate all of the above feelings, resulting in calm and thoughtful surroundings. 

I also know that color and contrast are good (read: important) for the baby’s development, so we’re bringing that in through toys, books, and interesting things for the baby to look at like art and a mobile. We want a lot of natural, timeless textures like wood for the crib and woven baskets to corral all the toys and books with a neutral base like white on the walls. 

I’m finding it important that I/we enjoy the space we create because I know that there will be a lot of time spent in that area in the early days. 

Above are a few of my inspiration pictures! I tried to steer myself toward photos that included things we already own or already planned to get for the nursery so that they felt tangible. Here are the pieces we’ve got planned for the nursery so far! 

01. Rocking chair - I'm having a hard time justifying the prices of so many of the rockers that are on the market. It seems like a lot to spend on something I don't know for sure will get a lot of use. BUT most of the advice I've gotten from other moms is to invest in a comfortable rocker because you do spend a lot of time in it and end up dozing off. We also like this one, and this one (but I hear you want armrests for things like feeding and overall comfort, so this one might not be the best option practically - but I like the way it looks!)

02. Pouf - We already own this leather pouf from Urban Outfitters and I think it'll find its new permanent home inside baby's nursery. 

03. Mobile - We love this to put over the crib! 

04. Crib - After searching every single crib option, we fell in love with this set by Simply Nursery. It's on the slightly pricier side, but these pieces are meant to grow with our baby and we like the idea of investing now and not having to replace pieces down the road. We also like this cheaper, classic option. 

05. Rug - We bought a vintage Persian rug similar to this one shortly after getting married and it's always been in our guest room. I plan to put it in the nursery to add some color and texture. 

06. Basket - We already own quite a few baskets like this and I know they'll come in handy to store toys, books, etc. The more baskets the merrier to me! 

07. Dresser - This is the matching dresser to the above crib. I love that nothing about it looks like a nursery / changing table, so we'll be able to use it for long after its days as a changing table. 

08. Light - I've always thought this light would look cute in a nursery and I'm so excited to finally put it in ours. 

Once the move + settling in happens, I’ll post some sneak peaks and a reveal of the finished nursery! 

xx

SK

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR NEW PARENTS + THE COOL BABY

While our little one isn’t quite on the outside yet, we can’t help but want to celebrate with them and window shop at all the cute toys and clothes we know they’ll be wearing and playing with just around the corner. A lot of these items are on our baby registry as well! 

On top of cute baby items - there’s a lot that new parents need too! Some things to help you stay sane, keep up some of your normal rhythms and to help adjust to the new bundle of joy. 

Here’s a quick gift guide for new parents AND the coolest baby stuff around. 

01. Wooden toys - we are big on natural materials so naturally we are looking at a lot of wooden toys for our little! This cutie little toy is perfect for small fingers. 

02. Gathre mat - this one is for the parents and the little! pull this leather mat out for play time, picnics, anytime you’re all on the floor together. 

03. Wood blocks - this classic option never goes out of style and I bet Dad will start playing with them before baby does.

04. Balance Board - this beautiful wood board develops balance and imagination. Plus, it will look nice sitting out and is the perfect toy to keep your little one active. 

05. Book - bring the museum home! looks beautiful on a book shelf and starts getting your little into nature early! 

06. Onesie - there are SO many cute baby clothes out there. a piece we keep coming back to is a classic sweatshirt made into a onesie. too cute. 

07. Bath caddy - I love a good bath more than a lot of things and I don’t see that changing any time soon. for the new momma’s out there, help add a little hands free ease with this bath caddy which can hold drinks, books, and the baby monitor while you soak. 

08. Soda cups - for dad (or mom!) fill these up with whatever you need - soda, water, beer, you name it. 

09. Humidifier - this one is for the whole family. humidifiers help you breathe, sleep, and overall feel better by adding humidity back into the air (especially with air conditioning or heaters blasting!). plus it will help that new little nose of your baby to stay clear so they can breathe easier! 

10. Parenting Book - an all in one book for parents to be on birth and early parenting. with so much information out there, picking one or two books to read helps it feel more manageable and less overwhelming. 

11. Dada book - get your honey excited about his new title as ‘Dada’ with this adorable book by Jimmy Fallon. 

12. Stylish Rocking Chair - one of the first pieces of advice we kept getting was to invest in a rocking chair that we LOVED. something we would be fine with having in the living room, nursery, or just in the middle of the house. It had to be comfortable and aesthetically pleasing (per my request) - because it will be something we spend a lot of time in. We also really like this one, and this one. 

Bonus! Pamper the new momma in your life with the best all natural skincare - some of my favorites are:

01. Valentia Skincare - created by a momma! Their rosehip and magnesium oil are my favorite (and they just came out with a new dry brush set that would be the perfect stocking stuffer!)

02. Osea Malibu - all natural ingredients that work! I use their eyes + lips cream religiously and the blemish balm to keep my skin clear!

03. Caudalie - grapes are for your glass and your face! Caudalie has harnessed the power of grapes for your skincare and not a day goes by that I don't spray on their beauty elixir.

04. Vitruvi - they just launched their Dynamic Skincare line where you can personalize your face oil based on what your skin needs at the time - I have been loving my personal formula of: Jojoba, Sea Buckthorn and Blueberry oils. ** use 'vitruviXsavannah' for 20% off any Vitruvi purchase! **

Happy shopping! 

xx

SK

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: UNDER $50

My gift guide for her was all about buying one to two quality things that will last forever—  investment pieces (with the exception of a few budget friendly items). The men’s guide had a mix of investment and budget items. 

Here is a quick gift guide for your last minute purchases or if you’re looking for items that are a little more budget friendly!

3 for her

3 for him 

3 for the little 

01. Monogrammed phone case - I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again, I love a good monogramed item. It’s timeless. this monogrammed phone case is on my Christmas list! (wink, wink, Carman)

02.  Cocokind Holiday set  - oil + bath bombs to ensure she gets a little TLC during this holiday season. 

03. Kinfolk Home book - intentional interiors + slow living, two concepts we love in our household. (another book on sustainable living I love, here).

04. Ceramic Phone Amplifier  - get a little more organic with the gadget lover in your life and give them this hand made ceramic phone amplifier that will look beautiful wherever you put it. 

05. Coffee  - every single year I get Carman a nice bag of coffee (and usually some other coffee apparatus that he wants). this is one of his favorite blends.  

06. To-go mug  - I love a good themed gift - if you pick up a bag of coffee, be sure to grab a nice mug to round out the gift. 

07. Lion Rattle - the cutest little lion rattle + organic and sustainably sourced materials! 

08. Nesting Bowls - this bad boys are on our baby registry! 

09. Plush toy - could Sly the sloth be any more adorable? picture this fuzzy friend being your little’s new best friend. 

That concludes all my holiday gift guides for this season! I hope you enjoyed them and hope they helped eliminate some of the guessing games that comes with shopping during this time!

Happy shopping + Happy Holidays! 

xx

SK

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Holiday gift guide for him

Last post I shared my thoughts on gift giving and ended it with some options that I sure would love to receive! Today I’m sharing a holiday gift guide for all the men in your life. For the husband / dad / brother / friend etc, here are some great options. 

01. boots - Carman wears boots almost every single day of his life. (It was only this last summer that I got him to wear sandals!) We look for high quality pairs that can withstand heavy wear and ethically made. Nisolo makes incredible men (and women’s!) shoes and they’re always a first choice in our house. 

02. Soma brew bottle - I know the moment Carman sees this, he’s going to be crossing his fingers it’s under the tree. 

03. brew book - pair that above gift with a little instruction manual! I got this for Carman last year and he loves learning about all the techniques or just browsing the pages while he drinks his morning cup. 

04. key ring - my little brother just got his license and I think this is the perfect little token to celebrate. Plus I love how simple the design is - this key ring would make finding your keys a breeze in any backpack. 

05. film camera - carman and I have recently gotten into shooting on film, it’s such a fun way to document our lives and hold on to these memories forever. 

06. Hide and Seek coffee table book - this beautiful book would look great on any coffee table or desk and will give your nature loving man an escape any time he opens it. 

07. Record (the war on drugs) - add a new record to his collection. 

08. Poster - perfect for the man cave, office, or really any room in the house. Inspire conscious living + shopping with this vintage style poster. 

09. Combination Tool - for the handy man in your life! this mini combo tool has everything at their finger tips for any last minute jobs.

10. Socks - you can't beat the classic stocking stuffer. Carman absolutely loves socks, and his favorite kind are sweater socks (especially for winter!). He also loves fun prints to add a pop to his otherwise minimal wardrobe so a sock of the month club would be a fun idea for the sock lover in your life!

11. Sweater - warm up your man with this cashmere sweater from Everlane that's going for half the price of traditional mark ups.

12. Luggage - by far one of our most used pieces is our Away carry-on bag. With Carman traveling often for tour, us going back and forth for the holiday's, this bag is well worth the price tag.

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Holiday gift guide for her

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. Beyond exchanging gifts with people that I love, celebrating during this season is always incredibly special to me and my family. Something that is always top of mind in our family is that Christmas is not about gifts, Santa etc. It’s a time that we all come together to remember and celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ! 

Christmas comes with so many incredible things and I truly look forward to and cherish this time of year every year. But it can also bring a lot of stress - financially, scheduling, deadlines etc. An important thing I’m reminding myself and separating from this season is the lure and tangled web of consumerism. 

This time of year is often strongly associated with the concept of more. More things, more stuff, more food, more decorations, more more more. Let’s take a step back from the draw of accumulating more for the sake of more, and scale back.

 We’re scaling back on the more of it all and going with fewer, quality things that will keep on giving for years and years to come — that’s what I love most about giving gifts to people, buying them something that they’ll (hopefully) have and use forever. The goal is to be a little more thoughtful and intentional with what you’re giving (and why). 

So here’s a gift guide for any of the special women in your life and next week I’ll do a gift guide for the men! 

I have a few of these items, and others are things I would LOVE to own. I thought I’d share some isight on what to get your wife / sister / mom / friend, cause I know the struggle can be real! 

01. Babaa knitwear - this is a life purchase. I have a cardigan of similar design that my dad brought my mom back from Greece when she was pregnant with me and it is one of my most prized possessions. I’d love to add another classic jumper to my collection that I know will stand the test of time. 

02. Vitruvi diffuser - you guys obviously know my love for essential oils and Vitruvi’s quality. this diffuser is so so pretty and she’ll use it every day. Use 'vitruviXsavannah' for 20% off any Vitruvi purchase! 

03. Onecklace the name necklace - (14k gold) put your kids / an initial / or any special word on one of these personalized necklaces and she’ll cherish it forever. I plan to get one with our sweet baby’s name on it and I can't wait to wear this special piece every day. 

04. Mejuri gold bangle - (14k gold) the new bangle launch from Mejuri is the kind of piece you invest in and wear forever, and then pass on to your daughter. beautiful, classic, never goes out of style. 

05. Makeup Bag - the most beautiful leather makeup / travel bags to keep everything clutter free from one of my favorite conscious brands (with an entire movement on 'lean closets'). 

06. Pajamas  - linen, comfy, classic. you can never have to many pjs (also really into these)

07. Soma water filter - drink up! get your recommended water intake, but make it pretty. Soma also donates every time you purchase a filter to water projects to bring safe drinking water to people without it in developing countries. 

08. Leather clogs - I have been on the look out for a pair of clogs that I liked for a while now. I recently discovered No. 6 + their collection of clogs and I have fallen in love with the Issa Closed Back clog (it would be perfect to transition throughout all 4 seasons). 

09. Baggu pouches - these are on my wishlist to keep me organized once the baby gets here! plus I love these sunset colors. 

10. Negative underwear - a great balance of simple + sexy 

11. beeswax candles + salt tea light candle holder - did you know that regular candles release carcinogenic toxins into the air when you burn them? Paraffin and petroleum based candles contain a lot of the same toxins produced by burning diesel fuel - and no one wants to burn that in their house! 100% beeswax candles actually work to clean your air by releasing negative ions into the air and removing allergens. Stock up and make sure they’re 100%! We have these salt candle holders in every room of our house!

12. Everlane classic crew - Everlane is one of my all time favorite stores - they make the best classic silhouettes. This is a perfect transitional sweater from winter to spring! (Also loving this one, and this one)

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FINDING MY UNIFORM PT. III: Creating Your Wishlist: A How To On Uniform Shopping

Whether broad or specific, keeping a checklist of things your uniform/closet is missing (or that needs replacing_ is a crucial part in maintaining an edited wardrobe. Your wishlist should include pieces you know you need within your wardrobe and depending on how strict your uniform is, it can include a few one-off pieces you’d like to incorporate.

While considering your wishlist and your uniform — you should make sure everything you’re looking to buy is in line with your closet’s color palette. Creating and sticking to a color palette is another large factor in creating and maintaining a unified closet for uniform dressing.

Often times shopping leads to buying clothing on a whim: something catches your eye for the moment, an item is on sale, something is a trend you see everywhere etc. This seemingly harmless act is the enemy to your wallet, your edited closet, and is what's keeping you from a distinct uniform. Beyond that, it further leads to the mindset that more is better and is paying into a culture that is harmful to people and our environment.

Sometimes when I'm shopping, a pop of color or print will catch my eye in the moment - I've learned very quickly (and through making this mistake once or twice) that more often than not, buying something that's far from your normal go-to pieces will result in a piece that hardly gets worn. Instead, look for prints in colors that fit into your pallet, or choose a pop of color you know that you'll reach for rather than 'trying something new' (for me these colors are navy, olive green, and very occasionally red).


Creating the wishlist:

Think of your closet and uniform as a collection. It’s a unit that works together as a whole. Like a body. Adding random pieces to your wishlist that you may like individually, leads to owning things that don’t go together.

Take a moment to visualize what your dream wardrobe and closet would look like. What are the reoccurring themes? By taking the time to picture what your dream wardrobe looks like, you are visualizing a collection that you’ll love. Use that as a map and work backwards — what pieces do you already have and then create a wishlist of the items that you don’t have yet. This list will become your point of reference when shopping to make sure you stick to the things you need and want the most.

Prioritize from there. How much will you wear it? How many outfits can you make with it? Does it fill a gap in your closet? This becomes your order of operations (or order of purchase priority). Look at whats in your closet and compare that with what you need.

Work with your budget. Now that you’ve got a prioritized list to help dictate what you’re looking for first — consider your budget. You could buy 5 things that are on sale that you don’t really need, or you could save up and buy a quality version of one of the pieces on your list that you’ll wear forever.

Use your list to help you shop smarter. It will hold you accountable and help you discern what you really, truly need. And take. your. time. Seek out the right piece - your curated closet wont be made in a day (or one shopping trip) and it shouldn't be.



Whats on my wishlist:

01. a quality, standup pair of black leather flats. (also these, or these)

02. a sturdy pair of leggings or stirrup pants (thick enough to be worn as pants with long sweaters) 

03. straight leg black denim (potentially vintage Levis’ if I can source them)

04. a universal dress for weddings, parties, dates. Not another LBD. 


While a few of these items on my list will have to wait a while until after my pregnancy (see more details on this here!) - they are still classic items that I know will make great additions to my wardrobe and that I will use for years to come. Post on maternity style + my wishlist coming soon! 

xx, 

SK

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FINDING MY UNIFORM PT. II

Last time we talked about uniform dressing: we talked about what it is, why I like it and a few of the pieces that make up my personal uniform. Part II is diving into my uniform a little deeper and sharing some sources of information, inspiration and where I shop for my uniform.

What makes my uniform, my uniform? 

Uniform dressing is a broad, general term that requires making it your own for it to work for you. My uniform, while it can inspire you, won’t be exactly the same as yours. Your uniform is made up of your style, how you view fashion and what you need out of your clothes. Are you a stay at home mom? Do you work in an office? Do you walk to work or take public transportation? Do you leave work and go straight to something else and need transitional pieces? Your uniform reflects what you do in your clothes and ‘who you are’ when it comes to style. 

Fashion and style are different. Style is personal, it’s an expression or reflection of self. It’s how you view things. It’s your taste. And it’s what works for you. While fashion is dictated by other, outside sources. It’s of the moment. It’s trends. Style is what you make from fashion. 

Your uniform is based on your style. 

Another important part of my uniform or closet, is that it’s made up of pieces that were ethically made. Or that have sustainability in mind. Slow fashion. Not every piece I own is (ethically made) —  but it’s important to me and something that I try to look for in pieces that I bring in now.  I want to dress myself in pieces that I know are good for other people and good for the environment. I want to have a conscious closet that considers who and where my clothes were made and not feed into the fast fashion industry. 

This means I’m shopping at ethical and sustainably minded stores, second hand shopping, and being mindful of the draw of over-consumerism when it comes to clothes.  More is not always more, sometimes it’s just too much. 

How do you start a uniform? What are the directions / information?

More than likely, you’re already only wearing a small portion of the clothes that are in your closet. Look at the pieces you grab over and over —  what is it about them that you love? You must love how they fit, how the piece makes you feel and how versatile it is to wear so often. Those are the marks of a good, foundational uniform piece. 

Not everyone’s uniforms are utilitarian - some uniforms go in cycles where you wear them for a while and rotate them out with another grouping or style of outfits. It’s all personal. 

Start by thinking about pieces that you need in your everyday life and go from there. Pieces that will take you from work to play to dates and beyond — then build. Fill in the gaps. 

Make a list of the pieces you wear and love and then the gaps in your wardrobe. Start a detailed, pared down wishlist and stick to it (post on creating your wishlist coming next!) Make sure each piece fits a need and has its place in your uniform and then start the process of researching and seeking it out. It takes time to find the right fits and pieces so don’t be discouraged — you’re buying pieces that you want to have for years. Consider where you’re at now and where you’re going to be and purchase pieces that can take you from one to the next. 

Most importantly, don’t buy something for the sake of buying it. You may need a new pair of jeans (or whatever the gap in your closet might be)— so saddle up and SEARCH for it. Try on multiple different fits, brands, cuts, colors and find the one that works for you. A foundational concept in your uniform is that things fit well. Tailoring makes a big difference in how you feel in an item. So don't settle. 

If you’re at a loss at where to start — a great exercise to begin uniform dressing and find yours is abiding by a capsule wardrobe. I love Vetta Capsule for making it incredibly easy to navigate with their 5 piece collections and endless outfit inspiration. 

 

Lastly, where to shop for your uniform?

This is entirely up to you! It depends on your style, needs and what you value in your clothes. I love Vetta Capsule, Jenni Kayne, Mate the Label, Everlane, and vintage/second hand shops for inspiration and for finding the pieces that make up my uniform / closet. 

Up next in the ‘Finding my Uniform’ series — Creating Your Wishlist: A How To On Uniform Shopping.

xx

SK

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FINDING MY UNIFORM

 

The concept of a uniform has been a part of my life since I can remember. I went to a private school growing up where we wore a uniform and I grew up modeling where you have to have a “go-bag” that has the staple baseline pieces for any and every job (in my 5 year old go-bag: white sneakers, black flats, solid leggings, solid blue jeans, a white button up. All things I would still consider part of my uniform to this day.) A uniform was as much a part of my daily life then as it is now.

While most kids hate(d) a uniform, I loved it. I love the routine of it. I love not having to worry and struggle to build a new outfit every day that was fit for the day. I felt put together and confident. Then, my uniform was chosen for me — now my uniform consists of pieces that I know are going to be flattering, comfortable, and make me feel confident, all while being able to mix and match with each other with ease.





So what is a uniform? 

To me, a uniform is all about making life easier and more refined. A uniform (or uniform dressing) takes the guess work out because you’re following your personal formula. It gives your style a thread of consistency and ties each piece in your closet together. It’s not wearing the same thing every single day, rather wearing pieces that are a part of a collection that represent you and how you want your clothes to feel/fit.

As I’m getting older I put more value on my time -  I don’t want to waste time throwing a million outfit options on to the floor in the ever present struggle of what to wear. When I was younger, post school-uniform, I had a closet bursting at the seams with endless options while I still settled on something to wear from the 15% of my closet that was on constant rotation.








That 15% is what most likely makes up your uniform.

Since then, I’ve learned to cut spending on things I won’t wear more than once or twice and invest in the pieces that I’ll wear every day. There’s still a learning curve and a need for grace in the transition — the draw to a quick purchase is still there, the temptation of a cute, cheap, dare I say convenient, item still arises. But the day to day ease I have with uniform dressing means I’m not going to stare at my closet and stress that I have nothing to wear — and that ease is more appealing than the quick thrill from a new piece that doesn’t have a place in my closet.





Food for thought: too many options actually makes it more difficult to get dressed and decide what to wear. You’ll end up sifting through ill-fitting pieces that are still taking up real-estate in your closet, pieces you don’t love, and items you’d never actually wear in your current lifestyle. 

A uniform is about having a great foundation of pieces that you’ll always reach for. It’s important to know your body and to wear items that make you feel confident —  these are the pieces you’ll find yourself reaching for time and time again. These are foundational.
When I think about pieces to buy that act as my foundation, I try to think about how many times I’ll be able to wear that item. How versatile is it? Will it go with the pieces already in my closet? Why do I want it? Will I want to wear it until it’s falling apart, or will I get sick of it after two months? And is it good quality?

These questions help filter out purchases you’ll later regret. Instead — save for the pieces that you answer yes too all of the above questions and purchase a quality version of it that will last.


When I look at my closet now, I notice that my taste has gotten more simple over the years and a lot more neutral. While I’ve always gravitated toward neutral / classic pieces, it’s a baseline qualification for things I bring into my closet now. Not to say I don’t wear any color (though it is rare), but you sort of decide what ‘colors’ are a part of your neutrals. I like navy and consider it a neutral in my closet.

I can see the sartorial maturity that a uniform has given me. Less is speaking more for me. I believe in quality over quantity. I see higher quality fabrics that are made to last and pieces that makeup a collection and work together rather than independently.  I find myself researching even more when I add something to my wishlist and I feel myself resisting the urgency to purchase, taking my time to make more thoughtful decisions than I did before.
And then there are moments when I reach into my closet and pull out a piece that I have owned for years and I can see the thread of consistency going back through the years and know that it will only continue.

Go to uniform outfit: This outfit makes me feel like myself every time.

vintage Levi’s, a silk top (+ a sweater depending on season),  black flat mules, and gold hoops.


Uniform essentials:

 Everlane Cheeky in White, My tried and true vintage Levi's 501s.

Denim (blue, black, white):
I’m a jeans girl. I reach for them as the base of most of my outfits. Have a solid pair in each color that fit you perfectly and they’ll never let you down. (I'm still on the hunt for my dream pair of black denim)


Black silk button up:
Throw this on with the jeans mentioned above, with a pair of shorts, trousers, tucked into a skirt. I always feel pulled together in a simple tailored silk button up.

Mate the Label Tee, Thrifted Charcoal 100% Cashmere Sweater, Mejuri Gold Hoops 

Pull over sweater:
In a neutral like grey, black or beige —  you can throw this on with anything.

Solid tee:
Once you find a good fit for a tee, buy 12. (I’m still on the hunt for the perfect white tee - pictured above wearing a white tee by Reformation. It's been my favorite so far.)

Classic white cotton button up:
This is filled under one of those lessons I learned from my mom. A classic white button up is a classic for a reason and you can wear one to any occasion.

Staple dress:
Black. Dress it up or down.


Black blazer/jacket:
Need to tie an outfit together? Need to dress up a tee? Need to add shape or structure to anything? done.

Black flats/mules/loafers:
Wear. These. With. Everything.

(extra pieces that are on heavy rotation in my uniform: a slip dress, denim button up, patterned dress that I can wear to anything from date night to every friend’s wedding, superga sneakers, quality thick pair of leggings)

What’s your uniform?

xx

SK

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