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Bobeau olive green lace-up tunic, size 3x. Old. Comparable here and here in plus size and here and here in straight size. 

I’ve had this olive green plus-size Bobeau tunic for three years, I can’t believe I’ve never featured it on the blog! It’s older than the blog! And I usually wear it over black leggings and under a black duster length cardi (shocker. what don’t I wear under a black duster length cardi??)

 

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Old Navy black duster length cardigan, size 2x. Out of stock (gasp!). Comparable here and here in plus size and here and here in straight size. 

I broke up all the black with my cognac espadrilles. Up til this summer I’ve worn this outfit with black flats, so I’ve branched out a little. I’m loving the richness of cognac with black. It warms up the darker color and adds a little interest without being too in your face. It’s just a gentle accent vs. a POP of color.

I’ve been looking for a cross-body bag in a similar color. Like this or this.

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Black Faded Glory knit leggings, size 3x. Out of stock. Comparable here and here in plus size. 

Here I am with my rare coffee! Ha, didn’t I just say I only drink 1-3 coffees a week? I really only got this one as an excuse to go into Starbucks twice to change outfits in their bathroom. Technically, they now have to let you in whether you’re a paying customer or not but I didn’t mind getting a cold drink on that hot day.

I’ve been thinking more and more about sustainable fashion, “slow” fashion. I’m not ready to jump in with both feet, but it is on my mind and I do feel ready to put a toe in the water. It’s definitely a thin line to walk, being a fashion blogger and trying to limit your clothing purchasing while increasing the lifespan of the pieces in your wardrobe. But I think it can be done.

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Have you heard of the 30-Wear Campaign?? The premise is, rather than purchasing items that you only wear a few times (The Daily Mail UK states that “…almost 2,000 women found that the majority of fashion purchases see the light of day just seven times.”), that you ask yourself these questions before making a purchase:

* Will I wear this at least 30 times?

* Is this a high-quality piece?

* Will it last at least 30 washes?

* Will I still want to wear this in 6 months time?

* Will I still want to wear this in a years time?

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The principal is selecting clothing you will keep and wear for a long time, specifically, at least 30 times. That may not sound like a lot, but if you wear Item A once a week…it will take you over seven months to wear it 30 times. And most items, due to weather variations during the different seasons, are not in your closet for seven months at a stretch, so you would be asking yourself if you will be content wearing it throughout this summer (for example) and again next summer.  And not only would you be content wearing it, but will it hold up for that many wearings…and the commensurate cleanings? This could rule out a number of lower-priced, fast fashion items, as they were just not made to last season after season. I’m not saying they never do, but in general, cheaply made, lower quality fabric content pieces, will not last as long as more well-made items.

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Of course,  that’s the rub to starting to build a slow fashion, sustainable wardrobe. It’s expensive. But remember you’re not trying to fill your closet with a hundred (or however many you have now) articles of clothing. You’re just looking to buy what you need. I can speak for myself here that I know I have more clothes than I need…and I know I have lot less than many people. So the goal for me might be to just add 1 new item each season…a high-quality item that has timeless appeal for me and that I will want to have in my wardrobe for a long time to come. Okay, maybe 2 new items! Ha. Remember, just my TOE is going in right now. It’s a big concept to wrap your head around.

And to bring it full circle, this is my olive green tunic’s 3rd summer with me…and it won’t be its last.

Want some more inspo on this topic?

We’ll talk more about this in the future…but I’d love to know your thoughts about this. Discuss 🙂

On a different topic…UK-based plus size retailer Simply Be has shared a blog post with quotes about body positivity from some well-known bloggers in the plus size community…and I’m included! I feel like I’m up on the Oscars stage all “Win or lose, I feel honored to just be in the company of these amazing actresses!” Seriously though, I’m proud to have been offered the opportunity to share my voice on this subject. Take a look (I’m mumble mumble down at the bottom)…discuss!

What I’m Wearing:

  • Bobeau olive green lace-up tunic, size 3x. Old. Comparable here and here in plus size and here and here in straight size.
  • Old Navy black duster length cardigan, size 2x. Out of stock (gasp!). Comparable here and here in plus size and here and here in straight size.
  • Black Faded Glory knit leggings, size 3x. Out of stock. Comparable here and here in plus size.
  • Aldo cognac espadrilles

Note: I feel a little hypocritical preaching fashion sustainability then giving you links to Buy! More! Clothes! But no one is saying “don’t buy clothes,” we all need clothes…I’m just saying I for one could be more mindful with my purchasing.

I’m linking up with Tina of Tina’s Pink Friday linkup!

This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission if you click on them and/or buy something as a result of clicking that link.