Finding My Style and Phasing out of Fast Fashion
Growing up in Sacramento, I was blessed with friends that cared more about ‘what was on the inside.’ While we enjoyed dressing up for occasions, we rarely focused on the brands or what was going to be posted on Instagram. When I moved to LA and began school at Loyola Marymount, I was shocked. The glamour and lifestlye of LA were so different than what I was used to. Instantly, it was all about price tags and name brands. I quickly fell victim to fast fashion since I didn’t have the financial means for anything else. It gave me the instant gratification of looking good, without the painful price tag. I avoided repeating outfits like the plague and had one too many ‘festival outfits.’ My closet was overwhelming, expansive, and didn’t represent who I really was. Not to mention how much it screamed fast fashion. The industry thrives off of a business model that uses cheap materials and labor to churn out clothing collections at a rapid pace that can be summed up as cheap, trendy, and accessible. The impact it holds is so vast, here’s a rundown in a nutshell (The Problem with Fast Fashion):
$2.5 trillion sector, which is the second most polluting industry on Earth
textile waste is huge - North Americans send 9.5 million tons of clothing to the landfill every year
Many workers do not have rights or protections and are being exploited
I knew how much I was contributing to this which was daunting and it was time to seek help and take matters into my own hands. First, I came across ThredUp: an online consignment store that believes in a sustainable fashion future. They have these fabulous, free closet clean out kits that are essential for anyone who is interested in donating excess clothes. The items are inspected upon receipt and then either resold (you make the money!), reused, or recycled responsibly (Our Impact).
Next, I needed some styling/fashion help. I was so fortunate to have met Dani Meulens through working at Uforia Studios. Her style always inspired me, so when I found out that she started a personal styling business with her friend, I was ecstatic. With Dani and Pilar’s help, I was finally able to begin my re-styling journey.
Phase 0: TrésStyling Consultation
We scheduled a meeting to discuss my goals, concerns, and vision (which I honestly was still piecing together throughout this process).
Phase 1: Closet Clean-out
I had an expansive closet, limited budget, and very few clothes that actually fit since I had recently lost weight. Both Pillar and Dani came over and we went through EVERY. SINGLE. ITEM. It was so necessary and felt incredibly liberating to get rid of clothes that no longer served me.
This clean-out resulted in over 6 large garbage bags filled with clothes and shoes!!! The worst part is that there is still in my Sacramento home that needs to be purged.
Phase 2: Workout clothes are for working out?
This was a strange concept to me. For as long as I could remember, it was “cute clothes” and “workout clothes.” I didn’t know that there were different outfits to be worn for when you’re at home, running errands, hanging out with friends, etc.
Phase 3: Purchase staples
Once I had an idea of my general style, I was ready to start purchasing staples. Initially I was a bit nervous at the price tag but realized that it was best to spend a little extra money on these pieces. I was paying for quality and fighting fast fashion. Win-win!
Phase 4: Accessorize!
I think this was always overwhelming to me because I didn’t have a style. It was too exhausting to find a decent outfit let alone accessorize it too. But now that I have a limited selection that I’m able to mix and match together, the accessorizing is so fun. It’s like to toppings on the fro-yo.
Phase 5: Let style shine~
Before I started working, I could count the number of times that I had worn jeans on one hand. I found myself buying outfits that were in style rather than representative of my own style. I never thought that a personal styling experience would make me feel so good. I gained more than just a new wardrobe. I finally felt confident in my own skin – I loved myself and my body in a whole new way.
You deserve to feel amazing in the clothes that you own. If you don’t I highly suggest you schedule a consult with TresStyling ASAP. They’ll redefine the way you see your personal style
I AM CAPABLE OF COMMITTING TO POSITIVE CHANGE
Sources:
“The Problem with Fast Fashion.” BWSS, 27 Aug. 2019, www.bwss.org/fastfashion/.
“Our Impact.” ThredUP, www.thredup.com/impact.
