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Style isn't dependent on the newness of the clothes that contribute to it. Each of these runway looks is made up of secondhand finds. Bay Garnett styled these Oxfam fashion shows that ran during London Fashion Week the past couple of years. She spoke with Clare Press about secondhand fashion on Wardrobe Crisis, which prompted my search for these looks.
There is so much good stuff out there already. ;) All lovely photos via links. Love, Jane
I love Valentine's Day. I loved making + addressing valentines as a child, and I love spreading + celebrating love today. I feel that the simplest acts communicate warm feelings best. Taking the time to focus on love + appreciation is really all it takes. Handmade love notes, hugs + maybe a little something sweet to eat qualifies as a celebration to me.
A few more ways to celebrate: Valentines Day can be a beautiful reminder to offer ourselves a little self-love. Choose an organic cotton first layer from the drawer + take the time to moisturize, stretch + smile. Friendship is the best part of love. Share a phone call, a meal or a movie with a favorite friend...or three. Make valentines...write love notes (check the recycling + scrap fabric bins for supplies). Make heart-shaped pizza + popcorn with the little ones + open all those valentines together. Make a playlist to share. Head out to a locally owned, farm-to-table restaurant or make dinner together at home. Give some locally roasted, bulk, fair-trade coffee or a bar of fair-trade chocolate. If flowers or jewelry is involved, make it fair-trade or vintage. Share an unhurried hand or foot massage with a little homemade, scented oil. Hold hands. Give + receive long hugs. By choosing handmade, low-waste, fair-trade, local, organic, or vintage tokens, we spread love to farmers, neighbors, the the planet as well. Lovely photos via links, unlinked photo mine. Lots of love to you, my friends, Jane Working on last week's one drawer wardrobe sparked thoughts of how similar numbers of pieces could work for different people with different styles + preferences. I'm also quite inspired by the secondhand offerings I've been able to find lately...so we're sticking with that theme as well. (yay, secondhand!)
This time I've compiled a small, simple wardrobe anchored by one-piece items. I've chosen five jumpsuits + two dresses. These seven pieces = seven outfits...and that's before we start layering + switching footwear. On the other hand we could use the seven pieces to choose four tops + three bottoms...and have lots of opportunities to mix + match. It's a matter of preference...but I thought it would be fun to play with the possibilities. I think that sleeveless jumpsuits + dresses are more versatile than long-sleeved jumpsuits + dresses. A sweater or jacket easily slides over top...the turtleneck could layer over or under...and the jacket can layer on its own or over a sweater for extra coziness. Each of these pieces can also be worn on its own providing ample summer options. This simple wardrobe consists of: 5 jumpsuits 2 dresses 2 sweaters (1 cardigan + 1 turtleneck) light jacket low heels tennies =12 pieces total This simple wardrobe is one I would love to try...and it's all secondhand! All lovely photos via links. Love, Jane  Raise your words not your voice.
It is rain that grows flowers not thunder. ~Rumi I recently watched this video that got me thinking about the concept of a one drawer wardrobe. I've already spent some time thinking about what my most minimal wardrobe would consist of...but this time I'm using the video's well edited (men's) wardrobe as inspiration.
The pieces involved are quite basic, so I added the challenge of "shopping" for each of the items secondhand...the most sustainable choice behind wearing what is already in our closets...and many of these pieces may already be in our closets. :) Here's what makes up this imaginary one-drawer wardrobe: -white tee -black tee -black trousers -white jeans -white button-up shirt -navy button-up shirt -oversized black cashmere pullover -oversized oat cashmere pullover -black oxfords -white sneakers -black blazer =11 items total These straightforward pieces can be basic...or not...depending on the choice of shape, fabric + color. Next year one of the button-ups could be switched out for a salmon colored one or a more lacy choice. Shoes are a great way to show a little individuality as well. I think that these wardrobes (both in the video + here) are good examples of dressing down workwear + dressing up casual wear in order to simplify the amount of clothing necessary to work in a variety of settings. Obviously this wardrobe doesn't take into account every situation or weather, but I like how it can be layered up on cold days...or stripped back for warmer temperatures. A button-up + pullover + blazer + pants (+ socks) would make a very cozy outfit. A tee + pants or a button-up with sleeves rolled up above the elbow would be quite a breezy choice. These pieces can be worn in a number of ways + combinations. Monochromatic outfits are just as lovely as mixing light + dark tones in one outfit. A button-up top could be worn in a variety of ways...tied, tucked, half-tucked or worn loose. The sleeves could be worn long, rolled once or twice, or rolled up above the elbows. The button-up could also be worn unbuttoned, crossed one side over the other (wrap top style) + tucked into pants or with shirt tails strung through opposite belt loops. The sweaters have different looks when layered over a button-up as opposed to being layered over a tee...same with the blazer. Shoes change the whole feel of any look. I love that this one drawer wardrobe shows that we really don't need too many things to have "enough". I also really like seeing how many beautiful things can be found secondhand. Basics are pretty easy to find secondhand + possess longevity of style + durability. I find that limiting the color palette often looks more luxe, and I get tired of the pieces less quickly. All of this knowledge gives me peace of mind...and putting it into practice is good for the planet. All lovely photos via links. Love, Jane
Worn denim, washed-out olive button-downs, soft sweatshirts + big ol' slouchy jackets are pieces I'll never get tired of wearing. I'm always on the lookout for these worn-in pieces when we're thrifting...and...I already have them in my own closet.
Bliss + Mischief offers some of my favorite inspiration for adding just a little bit more love to these classics. Sometimes a little change goes a long way toward enhancing connection with a piece. There is something about slowing down + pulling thread through fabric that takes me in close. The piece becomes something more than the way it looks on my body. I value it a little bit more for what it is...I feel a some kinship to the garment workers who stitched the seams...I become part of the making, not just the wearing. A little hand-stitching is such a calming, meditative practice...perfect for these cold, cloudy days. And a little change might be just the thing to perk up a small wardrobe after prolonged cold weather wear. A few of the ways I've added just a little bit more love: 01, 02, 03...clearly Bliss + Mischief inspired. :) All lovely images via the lovely Bliss + Mischief. Much of her collection is comprised of vintage finds enhanced by gorgeous embroidery + patchwork. Love, Jane
Reading :: Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse + Fibershed by Rebecca Burgess
A favorite meal lately :: curried vegetable soup with jasmine rice Also :: trying not to let frigid temperatures keep us from leaving the house Working with what she has. When we restore our attention, we make better decisions overall, and for the earth. France is doing it. China too. If we don't give it a try, who will? Car-free by design. Enjoy the weekend, friends! Love, Jane |
on a journey toward zero-waste, simplicity, + compassion :: daring to choose fair one choice at a time
 
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