knitting for radical self-care by Brandi Cheyenne Harper :: much anticipated, worth the wait, gorgeous in every way, would read just for the meaningful words

Sante Fe Modern by Helen Thompson :: taking me on a trip (to a place I love) in my mind

Regeneration : Ending the climate crisis in one generation by Paul Hawken:: hopeful, motivating

(All worth a trip to the library.)

​We know the best thing we can do is make less new.

Creation can be pretty simple + genuine..taking something old + reimagining it.
​
​These shifts would account for a quarter of the required emissions reduction needed to keep global heating down to 1.5C + increase pressure on government + the private sector to make necessary far-reaching systemic change.
​
Hope your weekend is off to a nourishing start.
Much love,
Jane

I don't think many of us realize how closely linked
creative deficiency is to our unhappiness.
Creativity is an ever-present buzzing of possibility,
+ it flows through everything 
feeding our purpose.
Creativity gives us access to what we are + have always been.
​~Brandi Cheyenne Harper

Sometimes I feel like I wake up...again...to the fact that we can make things out of things that already were other things...and it just seems so incredible. This usually happens when I see a particularly beautiful example of this concept...or notice an item that inspires a thought in that direction. These are those for me today.  :)
​

• The fabrics that make up this jumpsuit pose the most beautiful contrasts + look intentional at the same time.
• Of course, a tired desk chair can look better than it ever did with a tender repair!
• Discarded tees become colorful, cushy rugs or chair pads when simply woven together on a giant potholder loom.
• Two or three button-downs from his closet or the thrift store =  a new dress.
• Denim shoddy makes so much sense as stuffing.
• Just cut it up + sew it back together. 

Keep it out of the landfill. No need to harvest or extract new resources. Good stuff can definitely come from the discards! 

All inspiring photos via links that are entirely click worthy!

Love,
Jane

You may conclude that I consider ethics + aesthetics as one.
~Josef Albers

There are a few brands whose infrequent emails I don't mind ;) finding in my inbox...especially when a new collection arrives. Gotta love a brand like Free Label who includes the following in just such an announcement email:

As excited as we are to launch the Budding Collection, we want to remind you that part of participating in slow fashion means being mindful of new additions to your wardrobe. Our hope is that the pieces you purchase become closet staples that you love for years to come. If you’re debating getting something today, ask yourself these questions below.

1. Where will I wear it?
2. What do I already own that I can wear it with?
3. Do I already own something similar?
4. Will I still wear it a year from now?
5. Does it fit with my personal style?
6. Is it high quality and will it last a long time?

We hope this helps you make an informed decision. Remember, we want you to feel excitement and joy when you see that garment in your closet. We want you to WEAR these clothes.

Bravo, Free Label!

Photos via Free Label.

These pieces by Wol Hide make me so happy in so many ways.

::  they are made from organic cotton grown in Texas, processed + dyed (with low impact dyes + plant based alternatives) in North Carolina, and sewn in the Pennsylvania

::  I can imagine these pieces adapting seamlessly to so many situations from lounging (with bare feet or socks) to casual (with Mohinders, Birks or Veja sneakers) to dressy (with flats or heels)

::  of course they have me thinking of pieces already in my closet that I could wear in the same ways (which is an even more sustainable choice)

​Love,
Jane

All lovely photos via links.

A few weeks ago, I wrote about recognizing one outfit in particular that I feel I could wear every day. It feels like me. When I wear it, I don't feel conscious of any part of my body. It feels comfortable + appropriate. I can wear this top + pants with different shoes which change the look + feel of the outfit.

I was writing about this outfit in particular. It's not exceptionally exciting, but it's the one right now. It makes me feel the way I want to feel most days: easy going, windblown, casual. I like more adventurous shapes, but the classic-ness of these pieces allow me to feel like it could be worn over + over without notice. Knowing this outfit is in my closet allows me to feel like I have enough. It is good. It is rest.

It's less about my specific pieces than it is about finding the ones that feel personally good (but here they are anyway):        :)

• shirt :: slightly oversized, pale blue cotton button-up :: mine is old...these are often listed on resale sights (helps to know the exact search words)
• jeans :: slim, light-weight, not stretchy, slightly cropped, fair-trade certified
• sneakers :: classic shape, leather + suede, made in italy :: again, these are years old 

Love,
​Jane

"Hone our attention on using garments
+ we may start to question the legitimacy of the assumption,
firmly lodged in global understandings of success and development,
that continuous growth in sales is essential,
that more is better,
that it leads to life.  
~Kate Fletcher