Just a quick check in on my consumption in May. I bought only one thing this month (in both the clothing and housewares categories.) I finally used up the store credit from Oak + Fort that I mentioned a few posts ago. I’ve been trying to spend it for almost exactly two years!
Oak + Fort used to draw me in with its minimalist style. However, once I started paying attention to fabric content, I realized that a lot of their clothes are acrylic and polyester. And who knows how they make their things. I can’t find any information on their practices, which probably means they’re not ethical or sustainable. So, I decided I should avoid them — but after I spend my store credit. Let’s not waste money I’ve already spent, right?
I bought this boxy blouse, which was pleasingly just a few dollars more than my store credit. I like its loose, cropped shape, texture, and the neutral oatmeal color. (It pairs well with my high-rise jeans.) However, it’s a viscose linen blend. Viscose, a variant of rayon, is a cellulose-based fabric, so it’s made out of wood most likely. But even though it’s sourced from a natural material, the process to create it involves lots of chemicals and is polluting. Sigh. At least it’s not a plastic like polyester?
The fabric content thing has made it difficult for me to find things in most stores that a) are made out of natural fibers and b) fit me well. Hence the two-year time lapse trying to spend this store credit. I had a suspicion that I’d have better luck in the summer when cotton and linen make more of an appearance.
I think the shirt will work well in my wardrobe and can see myself wearing it often. It almost didn’t happen though. I had already made several sweeps through the store with no success. But on my last round, I spied this on the garment rack by the fitting room. It was the only one of its kind left (or at least the only one out on the floor.)
So far this year, I’ve been pleased with how much I haven’t bought. I only added two things to my wardrobe in April. (Though of course there was some buying and returning.) So, my grand total for the year thus far is three items. Compared to a few years ago, I’ve cut down on my consumption significantly. (Insert here a pat on the back.)
** affiliate links below **
I do still feel pulled to shop, though. Sometimes it feels like I’m holding back a dam. I keep eyeing things and trying to justify them. For example: Maybe I should get a pair of Allbirds Tree Skippers because I love how comfy my wool loungers are (review here), but sometimes they’re too warm. Or: I should get these Vetta high-waisted cotton pants because maybe they’re the perfect pants for me but how will I ever know if I don’t try them?
I’m also kind of a sucker for the sale section at Club Monaco even though they’re not an ethical retailer, but their clothes have been well-made in my experience. Oh, what’s that, a relaxed boatneck sweater on sale, you say? (Weirdly though, they don’t even mention the fiber content for this item, so I take that as a sign to stay away.)
I’ve tried to distract myself by attempting to improve garments I already own with a little basic sewing. And by basic, I mean super, super basic. (I don’t really know how to sew.)
For example, I bought this Amour Vert dress back in the fall. I had deliberated between sizes and ended up getting the larger one because it gave me more room across the belly and hips.
But then the neckline was a little too big on me. I turned the dress inside out and just stitched the neckline closed a little by about an inch. This helped with keeping my bra strap from sight too. The sleeve still doesn’t sit on me like how it does on the model, but whatever.
Amour Vert Atica Dress // Eileen Fisher wedge heel [similar on sale] // Vintage purse
Similarly, I stitched the side splits on a Target dress (one that I wrote about back when I was still buying polyester.) The split sides showed too much of my thighs for my liking when I sat down, so I just closed up each side by two inches.
Dress pre-sewing
These little improvements — in inch here, two inches there — make a difference. It’s a good reminder to myself to attempt little fixes or bring things to the tailor. The more something fits, the more likely I’ll be to reach for it and to keep it in my wardrobe. And hopefully, the less waste I’ll create.
Welcome Objects 2019 Wardrobe Count To Date
Additions: 1 item (but I also returned 1 item that I bought last month, the Everlane Wide Leg Crop) = 3 items total for the year
Subtractions: 0 this month = 27 items (more or less)
This post contains a few affiliate links.
