My fairdare goal for the year is to forget about clothes for long stretches of time...and to make/buy fewer pieces of clothing. I want to add clothes seldomly + purposefully. Ultimately, I am working toward building a beautiful, functional, simple, well-curated, small, fair collection of clothing. 

This last statement makes me think about if I already have all of that. To some extent I know that I do. There are enough clothes to cover my body in my closet...but the goal is to motivate myself to stick with this challenge all year. I like thinking about style + keeping an eye on what ethical designers are doing. If I tried to tell myself not to look at clothes or that I couldn't buy anything...the challenge would feel like drudgery + deprivation. I think that all of this is very personal. It helps to know ourselves. The frenzy of want can cloud our knowledge of ourselves...so taking steps to remove that is definitely helpful in the pursuit of said knowledge. There is so much value in taking "buy nothing" months or even a full year.

In January, I worked toward this goal, by committing to adding nothing to my wardrobe other than the quilted jacket I already had in progress. I tried to think about why I liked the clothes that I wore (especially when I felt tired of them). We are deep into the cold months here...which means lots of leggings + layers for me. What do I like about them? I like the comfort + warmth + ease of movement that my clothes offered me this month. 

The fun thing I did this month was to take a look at my simple wardrobe as a whole, to see all that is good in it + to dream of what I'd like to add in the year to come. What pieces would complement what is already there...what would be versatile...what do I know I will love wearing until it falls apart (there are those pieces that I just know)...what will be comfortable on the body + in the world...what would feel like "me"?

I wrote down a piece or two that I would like to add for each of the four seasons. There may also be an occasional replacement needed or treasure found...but I will not be on a constant search for an ambiguous "something". I will be free to live in a state of contentment. It's funny how happy it made me to see just a handful of pieces that I can look forward to choosing or making. The list makes me feel like I'm in control of the situation + my budget. It feels manageable, and I can see how my wardrobe will move closer to that beautiful, functional, simple, well-curated, small, fair collection of clothing I envision.

For accountability's sake: (January)
-wardrobe additions: a handmade, scrappy jacket

Love,
Jane

P.S. A few more sparks for personal fairdare challenges.

There are so many ways to dress "fair". When we take the fairdare, we commit to doing our best to wear what we have, mend + repair, refashion, thrift, make or buy fair. Those last three choices are what I'd like to explore with a fair/make series. Some of us love to sew + some of us prefer to purchase ready made garments. Searching for these fair garments on resale sites is a great way to use what already exists + to pay a little less. 

All of these jumpsuits are lovely, fair choices. I love to support creative makers like those in the left column (lots more here). A secondhand or vintage find attests to a quality of fabric + craftsmanship (+ makes me feel so lucky!). I also like to exercise my own creativity, so it can be fun to consider talented pattern makers' designs like those in the right column (more indie pattern designers here). I love the ease of all-in-one dressing, so let's take a look at a few fair options for jumpsuits.

Some of these jumpsuits would make cozy choices for the cold months still ahead here in the northern hemisphere. I love the versatility of sleeveless jumpsuits. Cool + breezy in summer months...they can also be perfectly cozy with a layer underneath +/or over top. 

Chosen with care, a jumpsuit can be worn casually or dressed up with a change of footwear +/or layer. Worn with heels or pretty flats + a velvet jacket...one of these could scew quite formal. Worn with sandals or trainers + a tee underneath...it could be just right for more casual occasions.

Linen can work for colder months with the addition of tights underneath, as necessary. I love the overalls on the right made up in denim with classic buckles too.

The zipper at the front of this Ilana Kohn jumpsuit makes it supremely functional + inspirational. The sturdy denim would withstand lots of wear + look fantastic fading + patched too.

Swingy, breezy, beautiful. Again...layer under or over...dressy or casual...ultimate comfort in any case.

I like how these two jumpsuits highlight how different fabrics (here in corduroy + knit), different closures, sleeve lengths, width of pants, application of drawstring, shape of pockets can completely change the look + function of a jumpsuit.

Again, check resale sites for second-hand versions. Jumpsuits are great basics in a simple wardrobe. ​So many style options. So many options to keep them fair.  :)

All linked photos via links (unlinked photos mine).

Love,
Jane

​

I'd like to say that I've been able to kick my wanties once + for all. I'd like to say that I've found eternal peace + contentedness with my small, simple wardrobe...but it takes work for me. So I write about it here.

I find myself looking at clothes lately + not really even knowing why. I don't need an outfit for an event. I don't need a piece for a certain function. (Noted: That's a testament to the functionality of the collection I've assembled.) I might look at pieces that I know will not really fit my life where I live. What am I looking for?

Asking that question is an important part of my return trip toward liberation. It's the only thing I really have to share: Ask the question. So what am I looking for? Here are some of the ways I think I could answer that question lately:

I'm looking for/to...
-Something new...a new outlook...a new discovery...a new adventure
-A new definition of myself...adding a new edge...becoming more relevant or cute or cool
-Feelings of worth...worthy of love...worthy of respect
-Feel like I have something to offer
-Support a brand doing good work...be a part of the community they've created
-Acceptance into a group
-Prove that I matter
-Prove that I have good taste
-Prove that I am worthy of nice things
-A satisfied feeling...like feeling full
-Love
-Something to do
-that adrenaline rush that comes from pushing "submit order"
-Own a piece of art...something I admire...

All of this...even if it doesn't suit me or my life...even if it would be more satisfying in the long run to save our money or send it toward our mortgage...even if I don't need another piece of clothing...

I can also decide if I truly need something...because sometimes I do. Stuff is not bad. The overconsumption of stuff is the problem. When an item serves a purpose, and its fair production is taken into account...paying for it is justified. Caring for it + finding a place for it is satisfying.

If I find that I am really looking for something other than a necessary item, I can ask myself what would better satisfy my longing. Some thoughts:

-cranking music + dancing (Yoke Lore is my current favorite)
-yoga or stretching
-a glass of water
-a walk
-cooking something to share
-gardening
-some deep, intentional breaths
-making + savoring a cup of tea
-a chat

What are you looking for?

Love,
Jane

The new year is approaching + it might be just the time to jump into the fairdare for the first time, to renew a commitment or to dig a little deeper with a new fairdare challenge! (Exciting!!) There is so much opportunity to make the fairdare your own...to hone in on a certain aspect of awareness...to make it a fun creative experience. Here are just a few ideas to get the juices flowing:

::Take the fairdare as is.
-Quit fast fashion. Commit to learning "enough". Wear what is in your closet. Mend + repair. Thrift. Make. Buy fair brands.
-Take time to learn from + observe your findings. Were you able to identify the difference between need + want? What are the motivations behind your shopping habits? Did you establish a deeper connection to the pieces in your closet? Do you feel good about how you are supporting garment workers, farmers + the environment?

::No new clothing for a year (or six months, or...).
-Take a year to wear what is already in the closet...to detox from the pull of the internet, the mall, the allure of "new". Connect with the clothing you have already taken responsibility for...mend, repair, refashion. 
-Make space to learn from + observe the findings. How do you feel? What has changed? Do some feelings get stronger or lessen? What do you find out about enough + need? What really motivates shopping? Did you get to know what you like to wear better? Will you go back to shopping in the same ways as before or will you be more mindful? Did it feel like deprivation or mastery?

::Make any new clothing added to the wardrobe this year.
-Learn new skills like sewing, knitting, or sewing with knits. Try making things that you haven't tackled before...maybe intimates, a swimsuit, or shoes. Connect with the process + materials. Slow down + choose fabrics with intention. Perfect fit.
-Observe + learn. How does wearing something that you've seen from fiber to garment feel? Do you feel a greater connection with garment workers + farmers? Do you want this piece of clothing to last longer? Will you care for it differently? Did you learn about how something comes together + does that help your understanding of repair? of garment pricing? of the fairness of wages paid to garment workers? of the skill required?

::Buy only second-hand clothing this year.
-Explore the second-hand market or make a commitment to shop + exercise creativity locally. Wear what you have, mend, swap, borrow, refashion. Explore style with what can be found. Take in the sheer volume of second-hand clothing. Find out what happens to the clothing that doesn't sell at the thrift store.
-Observe + learn. Do you value clothing more now or less? How do you feel about quality? What fabrics last? Is it difficult to accommodate style or did you discover style? Is it easier or harder to feel original? How do you feel about donating clothing now? How important is it to wear the clothing in our possession?

::Make a "local" outfit.
-Search for materials grown in a certain radius of home. Visit sheep or alpaca. Meet farmers + growers at a fiber fest. Explore origins + make connections.
-Learn + observe the findings. Does deeper connection to fiber make the garment more valued or meaningful? Will it stay in your wardrobe longer? Is it wearable + useful? Did your style bend with the fibers available? Can you honor existing fibers with deeper commitment now that you know what it takes to grow them? Are natural fibers more important to you now? What surprised you?

::Dress with less.
-Compose small wardrobes out of the clothing you already have for each month or stick to a certain number of pieces year round. Explore how much is enough. Get good at knowing what you like to wear. Explore what is truly necessary.
-Observe + learn. How many options do you need for formal wear? Can you wear certain pieces a number of different ways? Do people notice that you are wearing the same things over + over? Do you care? How does dressing with less feel better or worse than having access to more? 

::Wear a uniform...whether this is just one jumpsuit or a sort of formula outfit (black pants + striped top + red flats, for example).
-Choose wisely.  :)
-Observe + learn. How does the reduction in decision making affect your morning? Does it give you a sort of peace about being appropriate for different situations or does it cause a problem? What kinds of conversations does it spark? Do others tell you about their perceived bondage to fashion? How does the clothing wear? Do you feel more engaged with its care + repair? Are you surprised about the resiliency + longevity (or lack thereof) of this piece? Do you get bored? Why do you think that is? What are you trying to use your clothing for? Were you able to focus more on the person wearing the clothes rather than the clothes?

::Allow yourself a certain number of new additions to your wardrobe...one a month? three per season?
-Plan purchases. Wait out desire.
-Did you find that you still want what you thought you wanted after a little time has passed? Did you make better purchases by really assessing what would be a good addition? Do you have any regrets about certain purchases? Why? Is this something you'll carry forward? Did it feel good to be more disciplined? Did you miss out on joy along the way?

::Set a clothing budget + stick to it all year.
-Test need versus want. Plan ahead. Be strategic. Test out different fair price points...thrift, fair brands. 
-Observe + learn. How does it feel to know that no debt is involved in a purchase? Were you more likely to mend or repair? Did you feel more in control? Did that feel good or like a drag? in the moment? in the long run? Did you make less mistake purchases? Do you love + wear what you chose more than usual? Did you feel deprived? Will you continue to adhere to a clothing budget?

::Make a category list of clothing items + stick to it for a year. 
-Decide what is truly necessary for the seasons, events, workout, sleepwear, + outerwear (10 tops, 5 bottoms... for example). Dress from the list. A new top is needed only if one is on its way out.
-Observe + learn from the findings. Has your perspective on "need" changed? Has you list changed? Do you feel less wasteful? Do the pieces in your closet earn their place there? Do you feel prepared for different situations? Does it matter if you wear the same dress to multiple events? Do you think about clothes less? How does that feel?


The best motivation for sticking to any of these challenges is knowing your reason for doing it. I've touched on a number of reasons that motivate me, but your reason might be different. New reasons might crop up along the way...take note! That's the exciting part! Check in with yourself periodically...schedule it on your calendar.

Please do let us know what you come up with as a challenge...whether fairdare, simple living, zero-waste, compassion related or not...I'd love to hear + it can motivate others too! 

And obviously...have fun with it! Be kind to yourself. Observe + learn.  :)

Love,
Jane

Thinking back, I'm struck with how many of the choices we've made in order to exercise compassion + reduce our waste have to do with trust. In order to take the plunge into changing a habit, I had to trust that the new way would work + would be ok. There are so many examples of the intersection of trust + choice. Here are a few:

-I had to put my trust in crystal deodorant. When I switched back + forth depending on the heat or proximity to others, I smelled worse. In order to release all the toxins once + for all, I needed to commit to the change + trust. Once the toxins cleared, the smell did too.

-We all had to trust that we wouldn't miss out + would still have something to do without a television. We don't see advertisements very often anymore, which makes a giant difference in our passive or unconscious thinking. When we see ads now, every single one of us is horrified by so much of the messaging. I love that my girls have that recognition!

-Cleaning with rags rather than paper towels involved trusting that those rags would not make my washing machine gross...and would get clean enough to touch again. Today, I honestly can not even fathom paper towels.

-Here's an obscure one. Allergies make my ears itchy, which leads to ear infections. I made ear drops + tried to clean my ears with soap. At some point I decided to trust that my body knows how to best keep the insides of my ears clean. I decided that no soap or drops were needed in there + finally kicked the infections.

-After learning most of what I believed about cleaning from ads on tv (if I'm honest), I needed to trust that cleaning with baking soda + vinegar works. Also I had to trust that my whole house wouldn't smell like vinegar all the time (not my favorite smell, since my sisters worked at a pickle factory for many of my childhood summers). I don't know how I thought the toxic smell from commercial cleaners was even ok. I believe our home is much more truly clean today. 

-Buying food out of bulk bins involved trust in a few ways: cleanliness (versus purchasing products sealed in plastic), budget-wise (that I'd be able to afford groceries from the health food store), and that I could actually feed my family this way. I'm not going to lie + say that I haven't found a pantry moth or two in my airtight jars...haven't spent more than I wanted to...or haven't ordered a pizza. The thing is that real food that nourishes our bodies comes from the earth...the out-of-doors. Food is perhaps the most important + most undervalued industry right now. Real food costs both money + time. I feel more of a connection to the food on our plates, to farmers, to the weather, and to the land now than when I was serving my family processed foods. 

-In the beginning I had to trust that it would be ok to be the first one to use a reusable cup at the coffee shop..or cloth bags for groceries...or my own bin for bulk food. I learned to put more value on my belief that I'm doing something good for the environment, for my girls, for our global community...than on the judgement of others. Most of the time, cashiers are supportive or non-reactive. Sometimes they tell me that my containers harbor more germs than a litter box. In any case, I'm ok.  :) 

-When we started backyard composting we needed to trust that we wouldn't inadvertently become rodent breeders or smell up the neighborhood. We trusted that others knew what they were talking about.

-In order to avoid the packaging on some of my tribe's favorite snacks, we needed to trust that we could survive + thrive (+ still smile) without as many snacks. 

-Embracing less in the closet involved trusting that people don't care if I wear the same pants three times in one week. Now, Jo + I love the concept of everyday pants.  :) Mr. Tribe lives it too. We are more than what we wear, and that feels really powerful.

-In order to acquaint myself anew with necessity + enough, I needed to trust that we could wait to replace things. Often I forget that I ever thought we needed the thing. It's somewhat surprising + always freeing.

One may decide that trust doesn't come easily for them...and that must be why committing to change is so difficult. The thing is that we are already putting our trust in something. I trusted that there would always be enough trees to make more paper towels. I trusted that all the plastic in my trash can would go "away". I trusted companies not to put harmful chemicals on the food I fed my girls or the cosmetics I slathered on their bodies. I trusted that the chemicals in the cleaners I used were just fine to breathe. I trusted we fought wars to help people rather than to ensure access to oil.

Many of my examples show that the effort of trusting is somewhat short-term. In the beginning, we are just trying out a new way of doing things + want to know if it will work. We trust enough to try...we observe the outcome...and we reevaluate. Sometimes we'll need to try another way or engage our creativity. Sometimes, that trust is supported...and we find it easy to continue to trust.

​Many of the above shifts involve the trust that it will be ok to look different. One of the first (simple + obvious) quotes that spoke to me in my journey to free myself from a devotion to stuff was, "I am more than my things." I needed to trust this truth first...in order to live it with confidence. I'm more than what I wear. I am more than what people think of me. It's ok to look different...to act different...to live differently. We can embrace this truth ourselves...then we teach it to others with our actions + attitudes (or we find that they already know this truth)! Trust in the right things gets easier.

Love,
​Jane

image via

Following are two opportunities to speak up for garment workers. Neither action takes long, but lending our support will not only add to the number of voices calling for action + accountability...it will show garment workers that the consumers of their work value them + are willing to stand with them. 

1. After the Rana Plaza building collapse in Bangladesh killed 1134 garment workers...unions, NGOs, + consumers demanded that apparel companies sign a fire + building safety accord. The accord was signed by more than 200 companies + now covers 1600 factories employing 2.26 million garment workers. The Bangladesh High Court is currently bringing a restraining order against the accord. We have until November 30 to speak out in support of this life-saving accord. 

image via

Today I got to thinking about what the most basic, functional, good clothing would be for me. ("Good" is such an underrated word.) What would those pieces be, if I were to have to start over from scratch (because of a house fire or natural disaster...like so many have)...if I were to be on a very tight budget (which I am)...or if I wanted to just exist in the most basic, functional, good space (which I usually do). What pieces would do their job + make me feel good day to day + all year long?

This may be a good way to start thinking through our wardrobes...whether we are simply doing a clean out...a curation...or a reassessment. Even if we don't want to live with such a small number of basics, this could be a good jumping off point for adding in other pieces + personalized touches. I like the idea of a small wardrobe because it helps me to live within my means, to consume what I need rather than over-consuming, to produce less waste that ends up in the landfill, and to choose fair when I need to consume.

It was surprisingly easy to come up with a sort of system for these pieces. My everyday outfit would consist of: pale, soft jeans + an oversized, oat-colored pullover. In order to help these pieces function in any weather I'd add a long-sleeved tee, sweatshirt, short-sleeved tee, + tank. All of these additional pieces would be white or cream.

My outfit that would function well in the more formal settings I find myself in (but also for everyday) would be: black pants, black silky tank, black pullover + flats. In order to allow these pieces to function in a broader range of circumstances, I'd add a short-sleeved tee, sweatshirt + long-sleeved tee. All of these pieces would be black accept for the shoes.

Lounging would call for black leggings or soft shorts + the above tops. All of the pieces could mix + match. Chosen with care, these pieces could function as athletic wear (leggings + tank) + sleepwear (soft shorts + tank) as well.

My basic, functional, good pieces ::
-pale jeans
-black pants
-leggings
-soft shorts
-pullovers: oat + black
-sweatshirts: cream+ black
-long-sleeved tees: black + white
-short-sleeved tees: black + white
-tanks: black + white
-footwear: flats, trainers, boots, sandals

Add some socks, underwear, a jacket, a tote bag and I imagine that these pieces would see me through most situation year round. I'd need to work up to having all of these pieces, if I were truly starting over. Seasons would spread out purchases + multiples could be put off. In theory, this could work. In practice...my mind + finding exactly what I want could get in the way. 

We are transformed through the renewal of the mind. I'm working at it.  :)

What would your most basic, functional, good pieces be?

Love,
Jane

Last season I noticed a shift in one of the companies I've appreciated for it's commitment to fair-trade + organic cotton. Pact started listing a lot of products that were made with recycled polyester, which has been touted as a sustainable or ethical fabric. It's been showing up more + more on the ethical sites, and it has felt like a trend that can't be stopped. The fact that plastic fibers shedding from polyester have been found in our drinking water shows that it is not sustainable or ethical. 

I wrote to Pact to let them know that I loved their commitment to fair labor + organic cotton, but that recycled polyester was a deal breaker for me. I linked to the article about plastic fibers in our drinking water + let them know that I hoped they would reconsider using plastic fibers in their clothing. I don't think that I was alone, because...

This season...I can't tell you how excited I am to say this...the first thing I read on their site was "100% Organic Cotton + fair-trade factories"! Last season there were certain products that were each of these things, but now they are stating it right up front! There are pieces like leggings + sports bras that contain a blend of organic cotton + elastane...but other than socks, I only came across four pieces that contain polyester. (Yep, I checked all the women's listings.)  :)

The (second) highlight of the collection, for me, is the offering of high waisted, organic cotton, fair-trade, well-priced leggings! I've been waiting for them + can't wait to give them a try. There is also a collection of 100% organic cotton, fair-trade sweaters!

Pact runs some good sales, so be sure to sign up for their email list if + when you are interested in making a purchase. I'm not certain this will work because I've never done it before, but if you'd like 20% off + to give me a little credit for referring you...I'd sure appreciate you linking to Pact through this post. (Thank you, friends...and enjoy!)  :)

I have no way of knowing if my little note had any impact on this company (together with others it may have), but I do know that letting a brand know what its customers want is never a bad idea!

All lovely photos via Pact.

Love,
​Jane

Struggle is a common word in this space. It's an honest word when it comes to parts of my journey toward simple, fair, compassionate living. One of the main things I've kept in mind from the beginning is that moving toward "fair" simply involves one choice at a time. I don't need to tackle an entire shift all at once...I move toward a fair wardrobe one choice at a time. I move toward zero-waste one choice at a time.

It is in these choices that I sometimes encounter struggle. As I address needs in my wardrobe, for example, the choices are not always black + white. Sometimes I can't find a fair + affordable version of exactly what I'm looking for. Sometimes one piece can't address fit, comfort, presentability, uniqueness, affordability, + longevity all at once...and I have to prioritize. Sometimes my desire for clothing to mask my imperfections + to say something about me too is just too much to ask.

This summer I struggled to assemble a collection of clothing that consistently felt like enough + like "me"...was presentable + appropriate + comfortable...wasn't too many pieces. It's been a couple of a years since I've felt such unrest in this area.

Learned :: Where there is struggle...the path to rest often involves some sort of surrender.

In regards to my clothing, one or more of the following could be surrendered:
1. want...I can't have everything
2. the desire to look a certain way...thin, young, hip...
3. less...I might need a few more pieces
4. the perfect fit
5. the idea of the perfect piece
6. dollars
7. style...I could just choose to give in to what can be found thrifting
8. the fairdare...I might not be able to find a completely fair version of something I need
9. materials...I might find that plastic fibers work best right now for some items
10. the desire for the perfect, simple collection of pieces
11. "need"...maybe I can uncomfortably do without

Sometimes it can be difficult to decide what to surrender...but I've found that at least sometimes it must be something. My values (fairdare, natural materials, budget, less) definitely provide some guidance. This summer after struggling to "fix" my wardrobe, I opted for somewhat uncomfortably doing without. 

The dress above was one I carefully planned to purchase. When it arrived, I just felt unsettled. Yes, I think it's fair...and it's fun (+ I am worthy of some fun). It felt like the perfect thing to wear the day it arrived + on an upcoming vacation. But I couldn't think of a way I'd like to wear it as the temperatures dip...I wasn't completely convinced that it was flattering on me...and it's quite an investment piece. But I love the colors + the weight of the fabric... + it's fun! 

Today I packed it back up to return + I instantly felt more at peace than I had the entire day before. Surrendering my "right" to own that beautiful dress + returning it was the right decision for today. The peace of mind confirmed it.

Also :: Perfect is the enemy of good. Perfection is always a good candidate for surrender.  :)

Love,
​Jane

I've been thinking a lot about struggle + surrender in the last few months. I've been working my way through the spiritual disciplines this year...practices including meditation, simplicity + submission. I wasn't at all excited about embarking on that last one, because I like my autonomy very much. Some big lessons came to light during my month of submission, however (and I have so far to go). 

Richard Foster writes in his book Celebration of Discipline that the purpose of the disciplines is not the discipline itself, but freedom. (I like the sound of that.)  :) He says that the freedom that corresponds with submission is "the ability to lay down the terrible burden of always needing to get our own way." Oh, how liberating that would be!

We practice submission or surrender when we take a break in our day to let a little one nap. We practice surrender when we set aside a project to lend a listening ear to a loved one going through a tough time. We practice surrender when we choose not to purchase a piece of clothing that most likely exploited a garment worker or farmer. We practice surrender when we choose not to buy goods needlessly packaged in plastic.

We practice surrender when we choose compassion over our own desires. We can surrender our desires and still recognize + honor the value of our own bodies, beings, and lives. We may just make some different choices along the way.
  
"In submission we are at last free to value other people. Their dreams and plans become important to us. We have entered into a new, wonderful, glorious freedom- the freedom to give up our rights for the good of others."

​Love,
Jane