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

So here I am...making a labored decision to invite a pink jumpsuit to be part of my wardrobe. (An essential, no?)  :) This one arrived with long sleeves, upper flap pockets, low narrow pockets, + longer pant legs. Those rolled up long sleeves look best...but as such, the opportunities for wear are narrowed down significantly in my circumstances. It's too hot for long sleeves half of the time + they were too bulky to layer under a sweater the rest of the time. Short-sleeves will allow me to wear this piece during the summer + autumn...as well as layering under a cardigan better. Flaps on the pockets added volume where I don't need it. This jumpsuit seems to have been proportioned for someone taller, especially with the placement of pockets. The lower pair were too low + I prefer square ones, so I was able to use the sleeve fabric for new pockets + placement. The legs were shortened a little + now...this jumpsuit is "me". (I also have a little fabric left over for patching, if needed somewhere down the line.)

A large portion of the pieces in my closet have undergone some sort of alteration or embellishment. I think it enhances my connection. 

Love,
​Jane

P.S. Soundtrack playing in my mind for this post.  :)

This amazing pair of vintage, Esprit shoes also belong to Jo. With wear over the last year or two, the soles started to separate from the bottom of both shoes. (I've had this issue with another pair of vintage shoes, so it just seems that the glue dries out over time.) One trip to the cobbler + less than $20 later...and these shoes are better than ever (because he gives them a little polish as well)! A good cobbler is a treasure.

Shoe making is an art. We all know the value of a well-fitted, comfortable shoe. Maybe it is an art that we can learn! Classes + kits are available. 

Although most of the brands that made shoes in country even 10 or 20 years ago have moved production to China, there are a few places to find fairly made shoes. A few of the brands I have found are listed on the ethical brands page under the footwear heading. Please let me know if you have some favorites! I try to make sure to let companies know that I am grateful for their commitment to traceable production + fair wages when I make a purchase...so they will know that their customers notice + value this practice!

So...fair shoes :: 5 ways:
1. Wear what we have
2. Repair
3. Buy second hand
4. Make them
​5. Buy fair

Love,
​Jane

Autumn is one of the times of year this tribe looks forward to most. Clothing-wise, it is just the best. The sweltering heat relents, + the cold is still at bay. Autumn is the glorious in-between. Bare legs under a dress or skirt seem just right. Long sleeves aren't too much + an extra layer in the mornings + evenings is welcome. Autumn colors are just so lush + lovely...and the textures too.

Spring + summer seem like the perfect times to thrift for sturdy linen + flowy dresses. Autumn offers the chance to layer up those pieces with a long sleeved button-down tied at the waist. Later that same button-down can slide easily under a sweater. A longer dress with sleeves might be just right for gathering all the autumn goodness from the farmers market. Add + subtract a linen, denim, corduroy, or velvet jacket as needed. Soft denim feels good again + light sweaters cozy things up just right.

Autumn is the perfect time to search for durable, second-hand denim, velvet, corduroy + leather. Resilient silk + cashmere are treasures to thrift as well. The pieces above look to show little or no wear at all. A piece or two could add a lovely touch of crisp autumn to what's already in the closet. Oh Autumn...we love you.

All lovely photos via links.

Love,
Jane

I made a list of everyday wardrobe items a little more than a year ago. My goal was + is to have a sort of system that helps me to know what I need + to stick to "enough". Less resources consumed. Less wondering what goes with what, because the goal is for everything to mix with everything. Less to mend + repair + care for...making it more manageable to do so. Less searching for second hand, sewing, or investing in a fairly made piece...again making it more manageable to do so when necessary. I'm not prescribing this list to anyone else...we each have our own needs, desires, circumstances + climates to contend with. This has simply been a personal process of experimenting + observing...and for some reason I find it quite interesting.  :)

I'm happy to report that the list has worked very well this year. It gives me a bit of a thrill to know how few pieces are really necessary. I have long ago forgotten the aversion to wearing the same things day after day. I will not say that I have never been tempted to expand the list...but its existence has kept me from doing so. I know that the items on the list, when chosen well, are "enough" to keep me clothed appropriately for the vast majority of situations + weather in which I find myself. Straying too far from this list might signal that I've let my wants get a little bit out of control...or that I might want to take stock of what state my mind is in. Of course this is very personal...and I am gentle + kind with myself...while striving for restraint as well. I'm a work in very slow progress.  :)

A few of the ways this list has been positive this year ::
-I like my clothes. Each piece serves a purpose + I know I'm prepared.
-This list is now tested (for my current life). I haven't encountered a situation this year for which I was unprepared ...clothing-wise.  :)
-The list slows me down. I really need to consider if a new piece is better than what I already have...because something has to go to make space for something new.
-I know that I have enough...or that replacing just one worn out thing will still be enough.
-There aren't too many combinations to think through, when I want to make sure a new piece will match everything.
-I have a more cohesive, well thought out wardrobe.
-It keeps spending in check. Even if I were to replace a bunch of pieces in one season...there just wouldn't be that much to replace.
-I don't end up with things that I never (or seldom) wear.
-I've found my personal basics + that mixing in a few sprinkles keeps things interesting.
-Making fair choices is a little bit easier. Less to replace means I can spend a little more time thrifting or sewing...or a little more money buying something that provides fair wages.
-The guilt about using more than my fair share of resources is lessened.
-I feel like this is a system that helps me to live in tune with my values. Less. Enough. Fair.
-Laundry is easier. Less to wash. Things were worn more often before washing. I don't let the pile get too big, because I need my clothes back.  :)
-My closet feels spacious + organized.
-I can get my seasonal wardrobes set early in the season + then just get on with living.
-Most of the year, I didn't think about shopping! This is huge for me + I want more of that!
​-It has strengthened my faith + trust in "enough" elsewhere in my life.

Needless to say, I'm keeping my list...with a few tweaks...based on the things I've learned this year. I love learning.  :)

Love,
​Jane

I've been asking myself for years if I could (or wanted to) wear a uniform. I've sort of had unintentional, seasonal uniforms at different points which simply reflected the silhouettes I loved at the time...a striped tee + jeans + cardigan...just dresses...a tank + shorts...jeans + a top. When I think of a uniform loosely like this, it doesn't seem very intimidating.

When we moved to London, we were taken shopping for Jo's school uniform. She was to wear a white button down shirt, blazer, skirt, tie, socks, black shoes, + black coat. I'd never worn a school uniform + neither had my girls. We didn't have access to a washer or dryer at that time...and when we finally did, there was only a washer (no dryer). Under these circumstances, I would have bought a number of tops + skirts...but was told that 2 tops + one skirt would be enough. And...it pretty much was...even with the added drying time in that damp climate!

What if I didn't just think of uniform dressing as a series of similar tops being worn with a series of similar bottoms...but as just one or two tops being worn with the same one or two bottoms? What would even be the benefit of such thought? I'm wondering if it would get me to the point of wearing out my clothing more often instead of moving on from it before it is finished being worn. I don't have any problem with passing beautiful clothing on to be worn by another...or wearing wonderful secondhand clothing for a period of time before passing it on again. I have, however, had a little trouble lately with the reality of this scenario. 

So...I would love for my enthusiasm for a piece of clothing to endure for that piece's wearable lifetime. I think lavishing all of my love for a certain style on one (or two) pieces rather than spreading it over a greater number of pieces in that style could be a step in the right direction. 

Which brings me to this pair of pants that (I'm sorry) have shown up around here quite a bit. I suppose they were a sort of uniform for me this summer (my favorite pants for sure). When I found this (giant) hole in them...I found it a bit strange to actually be feeling a sort of happiness. I know that I can no longer find any more of this fabulous fabric (I had already tried). But...I find it so exciting to have loved a piece of clothing enough to have (almost) worn it out. My wabi-sabi patch job will allow me to get a little more use out of these pants (because new patch on very thin fabric will not last forever...and this is a weird sort of visible bum patch). And then, I can move on to a new uniform without guilt. 

Love,
​Jane

I was reading along and came to a sentence that read something like...Let off all of the striving for a minute + notice the work that is being done inside of you. 

It isn't hard for me to readily name the things I am striving for...the issues that occupy my mind. I write about lots of them here...zero-waste + food + simplicity + buying fair. I've been thinking about systems lately...a system for food (nutrient rich, zero-waste, whole foods, organic, local, seasonal)...a system for clothing (a suggestive list with a little built in flexibility)...a system for stuff (responsible replacements only). I think about this a lot...and the enormity of it all (compassion, responsibility, budget, choices, unexpected...) often feels like urgently navigating a giant, never-ending maze while wearing an unwieldy backpack. 

So that urging to notice the work that is being done on the inside...that felt important + valuable. Because after all...isn't that really what all of my striving is for?! It is the internal flame that directs + urges me on. That can be surprisingly easy to forget.

I stopped reading right there + started writing in my journal:
I feel like I'm working + striving to be better in the areas of zero-waste + food + simplicity + buying fair- but I sometimes lose sight of the goal + choose the right now/comfortable/easy instead. I want systems (which is not all bad) to help me do better. But...I also need to embrace what is happening in me!

- I want less!
- I recognize enough.
- Compassion is consistently on my mind + part of my actions.
- I want to keep up with the latest fashions less.
- I want new stuff less. 
- Patience is easier.
- We love whole foods (which are often the zero-waste ones) best!
- We feel best when we eat them.
- We are stronger.
- We recognize + enjoy simple pleasures so much.

Yay! So exciting! That really was the whole point- right? Yes! (Oh, I hope this doesn't come across as prideful. I'm hoping to inspire a little introspection out there...and a recognition of the exciting transformations that others can celebrate as well!)

"The law [like my systems] always ended up being used as a Band-Aid on sin instead of a deep healing of it. And now what the law code asked for...but we couldn't deliver...is accomplished as we, instead of redoubling our own efforts, simply embrace what the Spirit is doing in us." Romans 8

Please...let's be gentle with ourselves on this journey. Our outward efforts are meaningful + encouraging + necessary, but it's the slow internal changes that will lend strength + resiliency + longevity to the journey. 

Thank you for joining me on the journey! My hope is that you have experienced some inward change as well + that you take the time to truly savor it!  :)

Much love,
​Jane