Courtney Carver recently wrote about being a proud member of the outfit repeaters club. I am one too. My first full time job out of college involved being the school nurse to four different Head Start schools. I would work out of a different school each day. We didn't have a lot of money, but I had one pair of jeans that felt great. Since the same people didn't often see me two days in a row, I just let myself wear that pair of jeans every day. After a while, it didn't really occur to me that I should wear something different each day.

On the other hand, I know the moment when my consciousness of there being some "rules" around repeating outfits started. Some time around third grade, a classmate asked me why I was wearing the same thing I wore the day before. Well, at my house that was the system. I had three outfits + I would wear them for two days each on repeat. At that moment I became aware of a new norm.

As time went on, I surmised that what may have happened was that this classmate had wanted to wear her favorite shirt two days in a row...her had mom objected + told her that that would be inappropriate. She noticed that I had broken this "rule" + wanted to know why.

I'm guessing that this mama was operating in accordance with the perceived "rules" + was trying to avoid judgement of both herself + her child. In this way, adults pass these "rules" and judgements onto their children. If we desire to break this cycle (even if only to promote compassion for other children), it's important to communicate to our children that different people have different preferences (not rules) about these things. Maybe at our house we cheer for the Broncos + at someone else's house they prefer the Packers. Everyone has different preferences, + that is ok. An exploration of why we hold a preference might be useful, and that explanation may be offered if helpful.

When I started my small monthly wardrobes, I decided to only include one Sunday outfit for the colder months. It felt a bit weird, because I mostly only see those people on Sundays. I went ahead anyway, because when I looked at the big picture it made sense. If I had even just two Sunday outfits, I'd only wear them twice a month for a few months...maybe only ten times per year. Silly + wasteful (to me).  :)

Some tools proud members of the wardrobe repeaters club use: 
-We find a few pairs of great shoes. A change of shoes can change the vibe of an outfit.
-We decide what we like, what fits + flatters us.
-We might try a uniform of sorts...a few varied white shirts + a few varied dark bottoms...or always a dress...or always a fitted top + wide bottom...
-We take comfort (not shlumpiness) seriously.
-We wear our favorite clothes every day.
-We recognize that we get to set our own norms + that there are no rules.
-We don't take ourselves very seriously. The goal is not necessarily to have no one notice...it's to not really care (totally possible).  :)

Today I would welcome a conversation about why I wear the same things over + over. My compassion for farmers, garment workers + the environment...along with my confidence in it being ok to cover my body in the same pieces that I love day after day...just might offer someone else another option! I see this way of thinking as freedom + why wouldn't I welcome the opportunity to share it!?

Any + all are welcome in the outfit repeaters club!

Love,
Jane

Photos via link (+ the article shows lots more repeat/uniform dressing).

This space is about simple beauty + compassion, so I've tried to keep ads at bay...including my own. I just thought I might let you know that I have a few pieces of pre-loved goodness on etsy at the moment. This is my way of trying first to get some of these pieces into the hands of people who can use + appreciate them and to keep them out of the waste stream. No pressure to shop...just in case it might be helpful.

Viva la fairdare!  :) 

Love,
Jane

I am currently a stay-at-home mama, so my wardrobe is a little different than it would be, if I was going to work five days per week. I wanted to think about what a small, fair work wardrobe might look like for me...so I gave it a try. I think that these pieces could actually work just as well for my life now...but would be enough for a work-away-from- home/weekend life as well. I am so in love with this little wardrobe! It's not even for me (in reality), but it seriously made me so happy just thinking about it + knowing that it is possible to have such variety from such a small number of pieces!

Here are some of the ways that I would happily wear these pieces:
-that linen jacket with either of the pants or over the dress...so cute...and that jacket is secondhand!
-the black jacket would look cool over the dress + could swing from casual to quite dressy depending on shoes + whether the v-neckline was worn to the front or to the back
-the black jacket with a black tee + the white jeans...an all black pant suit...or either of the pants with the white top + the black jacket...so many different looks
-the navy dress could be worn alone as a dress...or could be worn buttoned up over pants...or it could be worn as a duster over the dress or either of the pants + tee...roll-up the sleeves or not...unbutton the sides or not
-the navy top could be worn with the dress or either of the pants + the black jacket could be worn over top too
-either of the pants could be worn with the tee or button down
-the button down could be tied or worn open over the dress
-a tee could be worn over or under the dress
-and then...switch out the shoes with any of these combinations + that can change the style in a instant too!

I think it would take quite a long time for me to tire of these 12 pieces!

A few things that I kept in mind as I gathered the pieces:
-each piece needs to work with most of the others
-comfort is a value of mine whether I'm at work or not
-basic colors are not boring...and I do not tire of them as easily as more "exciting" colors
-layers can add interest + work for different seasons + levels of heat/air-conditioning
-shoes can change the entire feel of basic pieces...choose them wisely 
-vary the price points...thrift as much as possible (I would look for each of the new pieces second-hand before buying them new)
-use what is already in the closet- most of us already have a couple of tees, a pair of black pants, a button-down, etc...this is just inspiration

A little can go a very long way, if chosen well!

Love,
Jane

All of the photos of these gorgeous pieces via links.

Last week, I received two emails about supply chain issues. One came from Imogene + Willie. They wanted their customers to know that their denim supplier, Cone Mills denim factory, has closed. This came as a surprise, because I'm aware that I have been hearing more about Cone Mills Denim in the last decade than I had before. Imogene + Willie proudly used USA-manufactured Cone Mill denim to make their jeans, as did many other more "conscious" labels. When jeans sewing became a trend, sewists felt quite proud of the fact that they could sew with Cone Mills denim. Cone Mills White Oak plant has produced denim for more than a century in Greensboro, North Carolina. It was the last selvedge denim mill in the United States. They cited decreased demand for their product as buyers seek cheaper denim made overseas as the reason for the closure.

The second supply chain issue that I heard about this week was from Alabama Chanin. They have experienced increased demand for their organic cotton fabric, but have been able to obtain less of it because of the weather conditions experienced by the farmers who supply the organic cotton. Inconsistent temperatures and unpredictable weather on these Texas farms has yielded smaller than usual crops of cotton.

One of the articles linked in Saturday's reads stated that in 2012 alone, Uzbekistan set one million of their citizens, including children, to work harvesting cotton in abusive conditions. We know that it is possible to see what color the textile factories are dyeing by looking at the surrounding water ways. Refugees, including children, are used + abused in the textile industry.

Volatile weather resulting from climate change + a market that settles for cheap materials from unknown sources is at its best disheartening + otherwise disgusting. The positive side of this that there are a few companies educating consumers and connecting the weather, farmers, crops, and garment workers to the clothes on our backs. Supply chains are not just boring technicalities. They are the very products themselves.

Love,
Jane

In trying to clean up the landing zone in my closet this week, I decided to put a bracelet that I really only wear in the summer in with the rest of my jewelry. A small box of jewelry resides in the box of off-season clothing on the top shelf of my closet. I don't wear that jewelry every day...or very often at all. Mostly it is a box of pieces that trigger memories of certain periods in my life or of money spent.

I'm not one of those people who minimizes all at once. I've gone through my jewelry many times, letting a few pieces go each time. This time felt a little different. I haven't accessorized much for quite a few years. This feels like quite an established preference (though of course, I can change always my mind).  :) Curently, I wear three rings + glasses + (rarely) a watch. 

Here's what happened this time:
-A small selection of the sweet pieces that my girls made + gave me over the years were placed into the memory boxes that I keep next to that box of off-season clothes. I keep notes + drawings they've made me, books they've written, + special little bits from over the years there...one for each of them.
-I put a watch that I bought when I was 17 + want to keep (because it does still work + I like it) into the keepsake box that I have for things from my pre-marriage years.
-Lots of pieces were tarnished. They can surely be cleaned, but the tarnish made me realize that these things hold little value or immediate wearability, if I do not wear them often or spend time caring for them. I'm going to let someone else find joy in doing both.
-Some pieces are no longer my style + hanging onto them is simply unnecessary.
-I offered the things I'd purged to my girls, pointing out a couple of special pieces that I thought they might like. Each accepted a silver ring. I didn't want to obligate them to keeping anything by placing my own meaning onto the pieces...that would just pass the burden on to them. If they liked or wanted something...great! If not, that's great too!
-This reminded Julia about the tiny collection of jewelry she has + to consider wearing it. It sparked Jo to go through her collection in order to see if she had anything to pass on. Jo mentioned feeling a little sad about letting a necklace go that she distinctly remembers receiving when she was in first grade (she's a senior in college now). She knows she will never wear it again. We mentioned putting it away as a memory or taking a picture of it before letting it go...but in the end she decided to keep the chain + let the charm go.

I don't have any experience reselling jewelry, but did find this article that seems helpful + reliable. I don't feel that any of my pieces are worth the effort, so they will simply be donated.

All of my pieces were lovely + good, but I don't need to own everything that is lovely + good. This realization goes a long way into recognizing enough + being able to stop over-purchasing as well. I am perpetually enrolled in "enough" training.  :)

My little collection is really quite small now...a pair of earrings, a couple of hair clips, a necklace that symbolizes the preciousness of our little tribe, the leather bracelet that set off this cleanse, + two colorful, handmade bracelets. Along with the pieces I wear every day...the volume of this collection feels authentic + offers the possibility of dressing up just enough. And my overall feeling? Relief.  :)

Love,
Jane

Coming across these images made me so happy, so I thought I'd share. There is just so much good winter style inspiration here...use what you've got...layer it up...add some color...throw on a hat...get moving...have some fun. Top it off with a smile. This is just a sampling, so go check out the rest!

All beautiful images :: Rowland Kirishima's Women on the Move for Yohji Yamamoto.

Love,
Jane

When I learned about the plastic fibers being found in drinking water, I decided to sell my thrifted Patagonia Better Sweater. (More on my thinking here.) I replaced it with a 100% wool Ibex zip-up (Shak Traverse style). I shared the information with my tribe + soon I was offered no less than 6 fleece jackets to rehome!

Two of the jackets were worn daily + needed to be replaced. I spent some time searching online for 100% natural fiber, second hand replacements...and then I had a thought...did Julia still have that hand-me-down jacket from Jo? I was able to immediately locate it in Julia's closet. It's the perfect fit, the perfect weight, + looks better than any of the jackets that were surrendered! Jo had let go of her excess...which allowed Julia to let go of hers. With the sales from all of those jackets, we were able to purchase a new 100% wool Ibex jacket for Mr. Tribe (because I couldn't locate any used ones). After all the postage + fees were paid, there was $10 left over. 

I know that trust in "enough" is a bit more of a leap for some in this tribe, so it's pretty cool when the numbers validate this trust. I'm grateful for what those jackets provided for us, both in previous wear + in replacement costs. It is amazing to see our trust turned into just what we need.

Out of our excess...a much more appropriate "enough".

Love,
Jane

It's the middle of the season + it's all getting a little old...the cold...the layers...the clouds...and the repetition in my wardrobe. I look to pinterest for a little inspiration. I anticipate new collections from my favorite fair brands. I complile dream lists + dream outfits. The thing is that I've made it this far, so I probably already have enough. 

How do I get a little satisfaction? How do I get some real heartfelt contentment?

Contentment doesn't usually just show up for me. There is often work to be done to turn my mind toward contentment. This month, I've been doing a little exercise every day of choosing one of the things that I already own to write about...just a few sentences about this item's attributes + how grateful I am to have been provided for through its form + function...the makers that have blessed me + been blessed through it...and the origins of its materials. I've spent time thinking a little more deeply about my favorite blanket that keeps me warm on the couch + as an extra layer in bed each night. I received it as a (requested) birthday gift...it's kept me warm in 4 homes, 3 states, + 2 countries in the (at least) 12 years that I've had it. Socks, yoga mat, pillowcases, + various pieces of clothing have been my focus. There are a lot of beautiful gifts already in my life.

I have worked toward learning what I like to wear. So when I look at my pinterest board, I notice that I have a couple of pairs of pants shaped like the ones in most of the pictures...and I have a cozy sweater or two...and I have a pair of boots. It may seem strange to start this post with the images above...but I find it fitting. These are a few things that I find beautiful, useful, and good. They are all from amazing fair brands that support a variety of good causes...women, vintage, organic fibers, fair wages, local makers, natural dyes. When I look at them, I think of my vintage army pants that I wear often, my cozy organic cotton sweatshirt, flats that I will wear again as soon as my ankles can handle it, + the possibility of a little creative project. I already have so many good things...how will I wear them today?

​​This is not to say that a little something new thrown into the mix at this time of year couldn't be helpful. The point is to bring that one little thing into a wardrobe already full of recognized goodness...not to go looking for a total overhaul. ​In the past, I've made a pair of bright "January pants" out of fabric in my stash...or cast off a madder-dyed scarf...as a jolt to the pieces already in my winter arsenal. This year I have a tiny list of things that I thought maybe I could find thrifting. I have come up empty handed so far...but that experience has taught me that I like what I already have better than anything that I have found.  :)

I want to live in contentment. It's not always easy, but it's always worth the effort!

Love,
Jane

All lovely photos via links.

A few weeks ago I wrote about plastic fibers from synthetic fabrics being found in alarming amounts of drinking water tested around the world. This discovery prompted this tribe to sell our fleece. Although this keeps that fleece in use (+ potentially polluting our water stream), I felt that it was a marginally better choice than keeping it. I'm hoping that the people who bought our fleece will use it rather than buying new fleece + stimulating further production.

In addition to letting our fleece go, I wrote to Patagonia. I'm never certain that these letters make a difference, but I do think that it is important to offer our perspective as customers. Yesterday I was thrilled to find a personal response to my letter in my inbox. Regardless of how I feel about the response, the fact that I received one makes me feel heard. What gives me even more hope is to imagine the response to many letters on this topic!

I've attached my letter (not that it's great or anything) + their response. I will say that I could have written more, but thought that short + concise might be more likely to get read. 

My letter:

Hello- Our family loves Patagonia + considers you a leader in the ethical clothing industry. I learned about plastic fibers from our clothing shedding into the water stream from Patagonia...and now there are studies finding that 83% of the drinking water worldwide + 94% in the USA has plastic fibers in it.  https://orbmedia.org/stories/Invisibles_plastics

A recent email from Patagonia stated, "Our mission is to build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, and inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.” One of the featured products pictured just below this statement was a fair-trade fleece. I am excited about your commitment to fair-trade certified production…but don’t at all support or understand the further production of fleece products. 
 
Please consider again being the leader in exploring + promoting natural fiber options. No more fleece, please. Our water supply depends on it.
 
xxx

Their response:

Hello xxx,

Thank you for your email! We apologize for the delay in response, we've been experiencing an unusually high number of emails this holiday season.

We greatly appreciate you taking time to write to us with your feedback regarding our fleece products. While we are aware of the nature of fleece fabrics shedding, we also feel that fleece is a crucial fabric for use in outdoor activities. We are currently conducting research in the attempt to develop a more environmentally friendly fleece so that we can help to reduce the amount of micro fibers that enter our water supply. For the time being, we offer a GUPPYFRIEND Washing Bag on our website for our customers to use when washing fleece. This bag helps to catch microfibers so that they do not enter our water supply or our oceans. The bag is sold at cost to help make it a more affordable, reasonable option for our customer who own fleece.

Please feel free to email me directly if you have any further questions, xxx. You can also reach out to our Customer Service Department by phone at (800) 638-6464 or by chat on Patagonia.com from Monday through Friday 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (PST) and Saturday and Sunday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (PST) if you would like to speak with someone directly.

All the best, 

Sydney
Patagonia Customer Service

Let's make our voices heard. Someone just might be listening!  :)

Love,
​Jane