A few good fair-trade certified things from J.Crew. I'm not always sure how to think about brands that periodically have certain pieces that are made in fair-trade factories. These collections reveal that they obviously know how to source fair-trade manufacturing. I'd like them to make a more universal commitment to paying garment workers fairly. And also...we can let them know that we appreciate the pieces that they are making fair-trade. It is good to see that some of J.Crew's offerings are fair-trade certified. Fingers crossed this is just the beginning.

All images via J.Crew. 

A few gathered thoughts of my dream autumn wardrobe:

• Is there anything better than autumn dressing? Light layers on sun-kissed skin.
• I feel like it might be a good idea to think about what I want to wear this autumn, before all of the enticing collections come out + sway me towards all of that eye candy rather than what I need.
• But also...the above eye candy. (sorry)
• Casual, hardworking basics are my staples, so I'm thinking jeans, slim 3/4 tees + sweatshirts for autumn.
• I'm embracing Matt's take on one year wear + choosing to love the high-waisted jeans I've been wearing every day since May. 
• Eventually, I might want to wear something a bit warmer than the short-sleeved tees I'm wearing now, so I'm thinking of the two Doen tees I bought last year. Adding a striped one might be nice.
• Slim sweatshirts...yes.
• Crunching leaves on tons of autumn walks call for leggings + layers.
• I'm definitely wearing what I already have + only thinking of filling in a few gaps.
• It's interesting to live into the less + less of "enough"...season by season.

All lovely photos via links.

Love,
Jane

These systems checks give me a chance to reevaluate + adjust  the systems I'm using in various areas of my life. Whether or not we consciously choose or construct our systems, we are employing them. And...even carefully constructed systems need maintenance. So, this time, I'm doing a little midsummer check in with my summer wardrobe.

I've tried to spell out my values when it comes to clothing with the fairdare. I value farmers, garment workers + the planet. One of the key ways I address these values is to tune in to "enough" in my closet. Over the years, I've experimented with less in order to find my "enough", and this summer is no different.

When I shared what I'm wearing this summer both at work + otherwise, I labeled it as a uniform. But I haven't actually spent much time thinking of it as an experiment in wearing a uniform...and maybe that is to save myself from noticing.  :) I have been intrigued by the thought of wearing a uniform, and this little collection of pieces comes pretty close to the concept. What it honestly feels like, however, is that I'm simply wearing what I like.

This summer I'm mainly wearing:
5 tees 
1 pair of jeans
2 shorts
birkenstocks
trainers

Midsummer thoughts ::

• A few additional peripheral pieces allow me to feel prepared for a few outlier situations, but for the most part the 10 pieces above are seeing me through these hot months.
• I found a couple of silhouettes that suit me, and I'm happy to wear them on repeat.
• I like having few pieces to maintain.
• It's nice to like everything in my closet. It really does cut down on feeling that I have nothing to wear (which can happen when I have to look past a bunch of pieces that I rarely choose, because they don't fit or feel or look quite right).
• It was helpful to think through the different situations I knew I'd find myself in during these months + to make sure I have at least one outfit to wear in each of them. I feel prepared, but didn't feel the need to prepare for every unknown. If I need a fancy dress, I can find or make one.
• It's nice to know exactly what I have to wear in each of those prepared for situations. 
• I can make a bunch of (slightly) different outfits with the pieces I have.  
• Less is enough.

Love,
Jane

I had a few pieces this season that no longer fit. Rather than hanging on to them "just in case", I'm having faith that I won't regret getting them worn by others. Keeping my needs small allows me to meet "enough" without these pieces or a long shopping list.

A few ways to get clothing into the hands of those who can use them:

• ask a friend if they would like anything
• resale on an online site
• local online marketplace connection
• resale shop that will pay for clothing
• women's shelter or similar organization asking for clothing
• thrift shop
• organize or attend a swap

My main goal when I let things go is to get them into the hands of someone who will use them. Resale sites offer a space for these connections, so I often start there. Since a number of these pieces are warm weather pieces, I decided to limit the amount of time they spent waiting to be sold. Today I removed all the listings + donated them. I decided to bring them to Goodwill this time, because of their commitment to employment + my observations about the (lower) quantity + quality donations to this location. There was a line of people waiting to get in before it opened, so I'm hopeful that these pieces will find new homes. 

I could have brought them to Buffalo Exchange (which will buy some pieces) in hopes of making a little money, but for some reason I felt that removing money from the equation was the way to go this time. 

Donating clothing involves quite a collection of feelings. There is guilt about not using the clothing up...faith that I will not regret the decision to let things go...trust that I have enough...hope that these pieces will find a new home that is not the landfill or clogging a far off economy...and desire to let go + just be generous. In the end, my commitment to "enough" is renewed.

​Love,
​Jane

Change has been a theme around here lately. I've tried three jobs in the past three months (yikes), and have been settling into a good one for a few weeks now. I've settled into a sort of uniform too. These jeans from Madewell are fair-trade certified (yay, Madewell!), and I love them. I'm also really into these tees from It is well LA. They are designed + made in California from cotton + modal...and they work well under my apron. My Vejas are good for being on my feet for a big chunk of the day.

It's nice to not have to waste any of my limited decision making abilities getting dressed each day. I simply pick the next tee in the stack. I can wash my jeans + apron once per week + the tees (+ socks) along with the other laundry throughout the week. I like knowing that everything I have is getting worn + earning its place in my wardrobe. 

All photos via links.

Love,
Jane

I've been revisiting some of these images for years + instead of letting that make me feel boring...I'm finding contentment + comfort there. It's perfectly fine for tastes to change over the years...to meander...to vacillate...to wander. But it's also lovely to find myself coming back to the same things again + again.

White tees...white shorts...black tanks...breezy pants...brown shoulders...a shady hat...messy hair...soft, pale denim...bare feet...these are my simple summer staples. There's no reason to complicate "enough".

All lovely images via links.

Love,
​Jane

Keiko Hirosue has been making shoes for almost twenty years. When she realized the shoe-making tools she'd collected could be put to even more use, she started sharing both the tools + her knowledge with others. 

Today, those lucky to be near enough can take classes in Keiko's studio, Brooklyn Shoe Space. The rest of us can join her for an online class + can shop her supply shop for items as varied as sneaker soles (wow!) + stiletto heels.

Keiko's interesting interviews with shoemakers like Isobel Schofield of Bryr Clogs can be found on the Brooklyn Shoe Space instagram page.

These lovely photos via Brooklyn Shoe Space.

Love,
Jane

I've been on the hunt for some good trainers for over a year now. My old trainers' soles are completely worn through in a number of places, so I feel good about replacing them. I tried a number of different pairs that just didn't work for a number of reasons. Finally, however, I've found my match. This new model from Veja is pretty great...so I thought I'd share.

I tried their previous trainers + they just didn't fit my foot very well. The knit uppers on these hug my feet better. They are comfy + supportive + of course they have all the eco-credentials + innovations Veja keeps coming through on. These shoes are mostly made from plant-based materials + recycled plastic bottles (in Brazil). 

I've replaced my completely worn through socks with these GOTS-certified, organic cotton, Pact socks. My old socks were the old version of these socks + they lasted for years. I really love these.

And...I am really enjoying these organic cotton, made-in-Los Angeles leggings from Mate. I have a pair of the shorts too. The weight of these is great for the warmer months + I've been wearing them happily + often both for exercising + for lounging. They are a great alternative to plastic leggings.  :)

Love,
​Jane

Lots of changes + uncertainty here right now. There is so much to think about + to be honest the last thing I'm thinking about is my wardrobe. But why not have a diversion for a minute, right? :) Stress, jobs, weight changes, body image, budget concerns, the weather...they are all impacting my wardrobe. Maybe gaining some perspective over something that seems a little bit more in my control will be good for me. 

We can all go through some of these changes at some point...hopefully they happen a little bit more one-at-a-time...but maybe we can come up with some perspective on keeping these changes manageable + sustainable at least in the closet.

Job ::

• Whether my job requires a uniform or not, I think the idea of a uniform can be helpful. It's mostly about perspective + numbers for me. A uniform allows me to be ok with wearing a few pieces over + over again.
• Looking through my closet for anything that fits the dress code is my first step. Wearing my own clothes makes me feel the most like myself + I will take any comfort I can get in those first days on a new job. 

Weight changes ::

• Wearing what I have is the priority as my body shifts. I know don't need a whole lot, so I will try to make what I have work for as long as possible.
• Pants don't fit pretty quick with weight shifts. I'm considering trying to alter one pair of pants + embracing the slouchy look in a couple of others at the moment.
• Thrift stores are probably the best option here. I don't know how long I will wear a pair of pants, so I can drop them off to be resold when I need a different pair.
• Elastic waistbands, dresses + jumpsuits can have great flexibility.

Body image ::

• I am no expert on this or anything else, but I did choose (and let myself keep) a pretty dress for my birthday. I actually had a moment the first day that I wore it when I walked past a mirror, stopped + the thought came to my mind, "You are actually really pretty." I don't want to advocate for things giving us value...but this soft, beautiful dress allowed me to see myself a little bit differently in that moment. Choosing pieces with an eye toward softness + beauty is in my thoughts now.

Budget concerns ::

• Wearing what I already have...refashioning or altering things already in our house...and generally making-do...are my go-to thoughts when our budget is tight. These are also great for the planet.  :)
• Thrifting is also a great option...in-person thrifting is often the cheapest, in my experience. Flea markets sound just dreamy right now.

Weather ::

• This refers to that quarter-yearly shuffle that involves digging out the shorts one day + retreating into the wool jacket the next. I'm trying to find an organized way for it all to be out at once...and considering alternative systems.
• These days make a case for having access to everything all the time + just putting things into cloth zip bags right in their designated, accessible drawers when they become "out-of-season". Maybe accessible under-the-bed storage would accomplish this. (Still need a bed frame.)

Hope you are enjoying a sunshine + warm breezes mindset today. 

Love,
​Jane