This summer there were a few pieces that I needed to add to my simple wardrobe. Thrifting is my first choice for "new" fair clothes. (Well, after refashioning pieces from our own closets.) Secondhand clothes already exist...and choosing them instead of new clothes saves new resources from having to be grown or extracted (polyester comes from petroleum), transported, processed + spun into fibers, transported, woven into fabric, transported, dyed, transported, cut, sewn, transported, stocked + sold. (phew!)

I love the idea that a single shirt or pair of shorts can be worn + enjoyed by many people. It's fantastic to find a piece of clothing to love + wear for years + years to come...but if a piece of clothing is only loved + worn for a period of time + has yet to become useless...why not let someone else wear it + love it?

Online thrifting can be a bit tricky, since we can't feel or smell the fabric or try clothing on before purchasing. This summer, however, I was able to find a few secondhand pieces that I am happy to add to my wardrobe. (yay!) I find it helpful to know my own + the garment's measurements. I appreciate that I can search for brands that I like online + know to be of higher quality. It's also nice to save a little money!

Buy secondhand. Swap secondhand. Sell secondhand (even for a low price). (Donate as a last resort, because donations are often sold overseas where they sabotage the local clothing economy or get put into the landfill.) If it's still got some life in it, get it worn!  :)

Love, 
Jane

We've had a few hot days lately sprinkled in with the cooler ones. Those hot days have moved me to dust the ceiling fan blades + to think about my little collection of hot weather clothing that I'll soon trade all the rest for. Last summer, I ended up having a little less clothing than I really felt was enough...just because I couldn't quite find pieces that I wanted to wear. So here are a few of the things I'm thinking about for the days ahead.

I'm pretty predictable at this point in regards to what I'd like to wear...sleeveless pieces that are easy to layer when necessary...a couple of go-with-everything, not-too-precious bottoms...and a couple of breezy dresses. My preferred color palette in warmer months involves lots of white, pale denim + weathered block prints. Bring on the sunshine!

Love, 
​Jane

We're all working from home these days...whether that involves childcare, telecommuting, learning, cooking, cleaning, homeschooling...we're doing it at home. Some of us might be dressing exactly like we did before + some of us might be finding it hard to get out of pajamas.

I know clothing isn't really important right now, but I do think that it can affect our feelings + mindset...and heck, I need something else to focus on for a minute...so...  :)

I noticed that some of my clothing just isn't going to get worn for a while + instead of letting it jab at me every time I go to get dressed, I decided to go ahead + create a collection of go-to pieces to wear these days when leaving the house involves nothing more than a walk or bike ride around the neighborhood.

I like to start with silhouettes, so here are the ones I'm wearing these days:
:: Leggings make it easy to get onto my yoga mat + out the door to be active with minimum fuss. I like to pair leggings with a tank + sweatshirt...a button-up...a tee or tank...depending on the weather (it's spring!).

:: Linen overalls are a favorite as the days warm. I like to wear them with fitted tees + tanks.

:: My third comfortable silhouette involves soft pants + a tee, tank, sweatshirt or button-up.

Choosing three different silhouettes ensures that there is some variation built in. Having a little bit of variety in home wear is really nice, and surprisingly little is needed to provide quite a lot of it. I've found that focusing on bottoms first works well for me...as I did with my three silhouettes above (leggings, overalls, soft pants). One or two of each is plenty.

I like to keep my tops simple + solid. Again, an extensive collection is not necessary. A variety of outfits can be made from mixing those bottoms with a small number of button-ups, sweatshirts, tanks + tees. Spring weather offers a range of temperatures, so that helps vary my outfit choices from day to day as well.

A couple of other silhouettes that I can imagine being lovely for home wear are flowy dresses + soft, worn-in jeans. Some may find it helpful to their productivity mindset to just get dressed as usual during working hours. In any case, I think it might be helpful to sit down + think about a strategy for dressing in these new circumstances. Making a plan helps me to take a look in my closet rather than turning toward shopping in unbridled frustration (or boredom). The way I dress has a huge influence on my mindset, so I know that time spent shifting my wardrobe is not wasted. Moving my wardrobe around so that I'm not looking at all of the clothing that I won't be wearing for a bit enhances my ability to choose positivity each day, because I don't need any more points of frustration.

Loads of love to you my friends,
Jane

In the past few years I've worked toward owning less...enough...a minimal wardrobe in order to lessen my impact on the planet...to avoid holding resources from others. And I've learned so much. My mind has truly been transformed. I know that I don't need to crowd my closet with choices...I am comfortable wearing my favorites over + over...I recognize my style...know what pieces are most versatile for me...avoid impulse purchases...am comfortable waiting...and have cemented my commitment to fair.

I've scaled my wardrobe back to the most versatile basics that can provide the most milage in terms of repeat wears. I've worn a somewhat unintentional uniform for the past few seasons. I say unintentional, because when I think of choosing a uniform I have hopes that it would be somewhat more stylish than my current default.  :)

At this point I'm thinking about adding a few pieces that give me a little bit more freedom of expression...the opportunity to have a little bit more fun with what I put on my body. Well...that or just finding a simple uniform that feels exceedingly like "me". (I'm very decisive.)  ha!

These are some of the pieces I'm considering or...have found thrifting! (I almost can't believe my luck!) I've found a couple of secondhand Black Crane square shirts (one in wool flannel + the other in cotton gauze) + a linen Ilana Kohn jumpsuit. It's March + I'm full on warm weather (fair) dreaming.

Love, 
Jane

There's no reason that a small, simple wardrobe needs to be all black, white + grey...even though that's how it looks online sometimes. This small romantic wardrobe looks ready to step into spring, while remaining cozy through the weeks of cold weather still to come. All of these pieces are lovely, secondhand pieces found on etsy. 

This small wardrobe consists of:
5 dresses
1 jumpsuit
3 sweaters
2 pants
1 blazer
2 footwear
= 14 pieces total

Along with some cozy socks + a couple of tees, these 14 pieces could provide all one needs to be prepared for many (most?) situations year round. A dress or jumpsuit worn on its own would be breezy + cool on the hottest of days, while the pieces can be layered up with knits + the blazer on the coldest of days. The blazer + sweaters provide layers for the days in between. I'm loving this simple, second hand + lovely wardrobe.

All lovely photos via links.

Love,
Jane

Working on last week's one drawer wardrobe sparked thoughts of how similar numbers of pieces could work for different people with different styles + preferences. I'm also quite inspired by the secondhand offerings I've been able to find lately...so we're sticking with that theme as well. (yay, secondhand!)

This time I've compiled a small, simple wardrobe anchored by one-piece items. I've chosen five jumpsuits + two dresses. These seven pieces = seven outfits...and that's before we start layering + switching footwear. On the other hand we could use the seven pieces to choose four tops + three bottoms...and have lots of opportunities to mix + match. It's a matter of preference...but I thought it would be fun to play with the possibilities.

​I think that sleeveless jumpsuits + dresses are more versatile than long-sleeved jumpsuits + dresses. A sweater or jacket easily slides over top...the turtleneck could layer over or under...and the jacket can layer on its own or over a sweater for extra coziness. Each of these pieces can also be worn on its own providing ample summer options.

This simple wardrobe consists of:
5 jumpsuits
2 dresses
2 sweaters (1 cardigan + 1 turtleneck)
light jacket
low heels
tennies
=12 pieces total

This simple wardrobe is one I would love to try...and it's all secondhand!

All lovely photos via links.

Love,
​Jane

It's difficult to find a consensus on how many pieces of clothing the average American buys each year, but it seems to be somewhere between 55-70! A study in the UK showed that women wear a piece of clothing an average of seven times. And the average yearly amount of clothing waste that each American is expected to send to the landfill is 81 pounds. I don't often mention these numbers, because they are everywhere and they set the bar very, very low. After finishing the post that follows, however, I wanted a little perspective...because talking about numbers always makes me uncomfortable. Adding any number of pieces to one's wardrobe reeks of privilege. The comparisons should not just be made to the average American...but to the average garment worker. The numbers for how many pieces of clothing the average garment worker adds to his or her wardrobe are just not available. I'm just saying that up front.

One of the ways that I approached my fairdare commitment at the beginning of 2019 was by taking a look at my wardrobe as a whole + making a list of three pieces that I imagined adding (or switching out) for each season. There was also a list of things to consider selling, gifting or donating during each season. This plan was an attempt to take control of my desire, keep my wardrobe simple, plan ahead, save money + maintain focus. 

A few of my observations about this exercise ::
-considering my wardrobe as a whole (rather than solely by season) was very helpful
-but considering what I will wear season by season is important too  :)
-three well-chosen pieces per season did not feel too restrictive
-planning these purchases ahead of time alleviated the guilt of spending money on them...I felt more in control of my spending
-each piece felt necessary +/or useful...which made them feel special
-choosing versatile pieces is great...but many of my pieces are not multi-seasonal 
-I am a sort of serial uniform wearer
-as long as I have an option or two for dressier occasions in each type of weather, I'm set
-I still "shopped" a lot...looking for the perfect piece (I'd really like to have some go-to pieces, but women's brands don't often do consistent pieces from season to season)
-plans don't always work out (one of the pieces that I really thought would come through for me had such wonky measurements from website to actual garment...that I had to abandon the plan)  :(
-preferences change (I really don't know if I want to wear pants or dresses or jumpsuits from year to year...it's ok for style to evolve back + forth...that's where variety comes into the small wardrobe...and I don't think that it would be bad to have a few of each of these on standby from year to year)
-while I love the idea of a handmade pieces, I love the ability to try on + return pieces that don't suit (for a $refund$) even better in many cases. (I do, however, have a few tried + true sewing patterns that I will make over + over)
-I think that I probably bought smarter pieces + fewer pieces than I would have if I hadn't made the plan
-my simple wardrobe stayed simple

This post isn't to assert the right amount of pieces to add or have in a wardrobe. Many will think that these numbers are excessive + others will think they are unrealistically paltry. I will simply say that this exercise furthered my understanding of enough.

My main take-away? I will definitely be making a list for 2020!

Love,
Jane

The other day, I mentioned a simple system that I can imagine using for my everyday clothing going forward. Outerwear, sleepwear, intimates + athletic wear are the other categories of clothing that I need in my life. It's nice to have a system for them as well, so that I know when I have what I need + what needs to be replaced rather than just shopping for things that are cute.

Figuring out what I truly need was my first step in the direction of simple. There was one specific moment that I remember reading the passage in the Bible when John the Baptist tells his followers that if they have two coats they should give one to someone who needs one (Luke 3:11). I had read this passage many times before, but this time I heard it literally. What did I think it meant before? I'm not sure...but on that day, I went down to our coat closet + saw that I had two warm coats. I chose one to keep + one to give. 

Today I have three coats (hmm) that keep me comfortable in various stages of cold + precipitation (rain/snow). I have wellies that keep my feet clean when I plant potatoes...and warm + dry (paired with some wool socks that double as my slippers) in the snow. I have one winter hat, scarf + pair of gloves. A sunhat acts as decor + shades me from the sun. These are the same pieces that I've had for years. ​

For exercise, I have a pair of leggings, a pair of shorts, two tanks, a warmer layer, socks + trainers. I get really sweaty, so I find it necessary to have clothing set aside for this purpose.  :)

I think the numbers in the intimates category have a lot to do with one's laundry schedule. I will say that I've found that one nude + one black bra are enough for everyday. I use an older one for the gym (so 3 total). 

These days, I don't have separate sleepwear. I wear one of my layering tanks to bed year round (not the same one).  :) I also have a robe that I don't wear often, so...we'll see how long that lasts in my closet.

I'm not trying to be as minimal as possible, but I also try not to hold more than my share. These pieces are enough. The system is simply to wear + maintain this set number of items that works for me. When an item is used up, then I can choose a new-to-me one. I feel very fortunate to have so many things that serve their purposes well + that allow me to feel prepared + content. 

Love,
Jane

In the warmer months, I will wear:
-dresses + jumpsuit
-tees + tanks
-softs pants + shorts
-sandals + tennies

A few benefits that I've found to using a wardrobe like this:
-I know how much is enough + don't get anxious about not having enough at the beginning of each season.
-I can look at what I already have at the beginning of each season + easily make a small shopping or making list (or none at all).
-Less resources go into the making of less clothing.
-My clothes get used up.
-Clothing becomes much more multi-use. I don't save pieces for rare occasions.
-All of my clothes are getting worn regularly at some point during the year. I don't have any clothing sitting unused. No extra resources are being held from others.
-Replacement is more manageable, when there is less to "need".
-The need to replace keeps better time with my changing desires. Things do wear out with more regular use, and my tastes change slightly over time.
-I chose things carefully so that I can put together outfits for different uses (a pair of silky pants can be worn with a silky tank or cashmere sweater + flats for a nicer occasion...but can also be worn with a cotton tank + sandals on any warm day). I feel more prepared + have actually done less special occasion shopping since having a smaller wardrobe.
​-One new item can make a big impact.
-I don't make as many impulse purchases...which saves money.

As always, I feel the immense amount of privilege that is inherent in a post like this. "Enough" can be defined in a vast number of ways. I am fortunate to even have the ability to consider "less" + what it might mean to me. This brings me to one more huge benefit of my simple (to me) wardrobe...it allows me to consider generosity with joy + freedom. I don't simply mean in an initial clothing-donation-generosity sort of way (which is a whole other discussion)...but in a continual open-handed way. I have freed up my budget a little bit more, so that rather than searching for another thing to buy...I can search for another way to give. And that truly shines quite a bit more joy into my life!

All lovely photos via links. Unlinked photo mine. They are representations of some of the pieces I own, not necessarily the pieces.

A few words on my other, more specialized clothing.

Love,
Jane

hannah henderson :: vintage denim

I've been intrigued by the concept of uniforms for a while. When we moved to London from the states, Jo + Julia were both required to wear uniforms to school for the first time. I was harboring visions of Rory Gilmore...but when Jo + I were taken to buy uniforms we were told to buy a blazer that was a couple of sizes too big (for growing into)...boys' shirts instead of girls' (can't remember the reasoning for that one)...and bobby socks instead of knee socks (although it was freezing + raining every day) (I did not bend on that one). My point is that I believe the idea of a uniform is only appealing if it is an outfit that we like.  :)

There are a few women whose style really speaks to me. Hannah Henderson + Jen Garrido both have that California casual look that I love. Neither of these amazing women may classify their looks as a uniform, but there are certain elements that I think of when I think of their styles. Hannah's vintage denim always looks perfectly soft + worn in. It's that perfect shade of pale that pairs so well with white. I think of checked slip-on Vans + those perfectly cropped, straight leg jeans, when I think of Jen. I feel like each of these ladies knows just what to put on when they want to feel most like themselves.

A few of the benefits of wearing a uniform that appeal to me:
-We'd always have the perfect thing to wear. (Because it's been well-thought out + versatile.)
-Our decision making energy can be spent on other things.
-Less. Less clothing. Less to maintain. Less to replace. Less laundry. Less thinking about clothes. Less shopping. Less storage space. Less luggage. Less stress.
-One outfit at a time. It could be cool to just wear, say, black pants + a white top...forevermore. But...when one set of uniforms wears out...it could be replaced with a whole new one...like say navy jumpsuits.
-So easy to get dressed every day.
-Being an individual. It's funny, because many people would probably think that a uniform makes one boring + predictable...but I imagine that it could make one intriguing + mysterious...independent + aspirational.  :)
-Bucking the consumerist machine. Triumph! (to some extent...because one would still be wearing clothes.)  :)
-All of the budget goes toward one outfit (in as many duplicates as necessary). Quality. Fair. Maybe it would be justifiable (within reason, of course) to get exactly what one wanted.
-Having a signature look. ​

jen garrido :: straight cropped jeans

What to observe:
-How do/did I feel? Did that change over the course of the experiment?
-What do I love about wearing a uniform?
-What do I not love about wearing a uniform?
-Did I get tired of wearing the same thing? If so, at what point(s)? Could that be remedied in some way? (like switching shoes or layers)
-Did I pick the right uniform? If not, what could I change in order to make it the right one?
-Did the weather affect my feelings? Did events affect my feelings? How could I address that?
-Would it help to make specific uniforms for specific areas of my life...instead of just one uniform? ...or for seasons?
-Could I apply some of my findings to my everyday life going forward? 
-Do I want to keep wearing my uniform?

Have fun with this. Choose a uniform that appeals to you + your sensibilities. Set a time period...30 days might be a good place to start. Make it bold + bright or keep it classic + quiet. Enjoy the process. Be mindful of feelings, comments or lack of comment. Let your personality speak louder than your outfit. I personally feel that one of the main goals of this experiment is to tune into enough. The fashion industry's impact on the planet has most to do with the volume of its output. We can curb that by knowing "enough" in our own closets...by forming relationships with our clothing...by really wearing what we have. Uniform dressing is one way to put our values into action.

Fairdare mini-challenges 01, 02 + 03.  :)

All lovely images via links.

Love,
Jane