I don’t want it to seem like I’m just jumping on the sustainable fashion wagon because it’s currently in vogue, but the truth is that reading about it and hearing about it over and over and over again has definitely put it more top of mind for me than it ever was before. In fact, I never thought about it at all before.

The years when I was vegan I learned how the beef industry is the largest consumer of water in the world. People talk about taking shorter showers or not leaving the faucet running while you’re brushing your teeth, but those things are a drop in the bucket compared to not using water for livestock or for watering the fields where their food is grown, etc.

I learned a lot about it at the time because I was interested in that. I’m just starting to learn about responsible fashion. And the challenge with all these “do things better for the environment“ things is that they usually mean us giving up something. Usually something we like. Like hamburgers or a new dress. Or having to pay higher prices for items so that garment workers can earn a living wage. BUT…that is all part of being a responsible consumer.

So I am trying to be more mindful of this while also creating a wardrobe that works for me. I do have a day job so I do need to have some changes of clothing (and now it’s your sounds like I’m rationalizing my irresponsible shopping behavior!) but this is the reality of my life.

As a plus size woman, it seems particularly unfair to finally be at a point in time when more brands are offering plus size options than ever before…at the same time that my conscience is being challenged with all these newly learned facts about fast fashion and over-consumption and irresponsible clothing manufacturing practices, etc.

But that is where we are.

This particular outfit made me think of all this because I’ve had this rust poncho sweater for two years and the blue chambray button-down underneath it for over three years. I feel pretty good about that. The jeans are new. But what this outfit really reminded me of was how much wardrobe remixing I can do out of my current closet.

Especially in the cold weather, I find I have far more basic staple pieces, neutral pieces, that mix and match with one another very nicely. In the summer I think I buy more unique, stand-alone tops and dresses that don’t need to mix and match with anything as I’m not focused on layering for warmth as in winter.

SO. You’re going to be seeing a lot of wardrobe remixing in the next few months while I make an effort to be really conscientious about how much purchasing I’m doing of new items.

There are a few things on a very short list – things that I do need for the winter – shoes, a coat. I’m not saying I’m not going to buy ANYTHING for the next few months but I think through January at least I’m going to try very very hard to not just browse the online shops recreationally and fall in love with items that then I feel I need to own. I’m going to try to just keep making new outfits from what I already have and I will reassess in January.

That said (and that was a lot of saying!) I’m really pleased with this outfit. Before this I’ve always tried to wear something under the poncho sweater that matched as closely as possible to that color so you didn’t really notice it. But I really like the combination of the faded blue chambray with the rusty chestnut color even though it’s a contrasting combo. And then I always have love for the white jeans. Honestly, almost more in the fall and winter with the rich shades of autumn than in the warm seasons with pastels.

Would you like me to share what I continue to learn about sustainable fashion?

What I’m Wearing

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