Due to technical difficulties and mounting frustrations, I've relocated my blog to facebook, a page called I'm So Chique. If you'd like to follow this blog, please "like" my page there!
Tchau, Blogger!
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Lost somewhere in Patagonia
I'm not a terribly outdoorsy person. I mean, I like sitting on my front porch, which is technically outdoors. I like hiking, as long as there aren't too many ups and downs, and there's something fun at the end, like a pastry shop or something.
So if I have heard of Patagonia, it probably means everyone has.
And if not, they sell outdoorsy stuff. Now you know.
On "The True Cost," there were a few segments interviewing the founder of Patagonia, and beyond selling outdoorsy clothes, I didn't know what kind of company they were. And I'm impressed.
They're not about selling more stuff. In fact, they're focused on limiting it. Patagonia even promotes buying and selling their used products on eBay, and I learned on their website about Yerdle, where you give stuff away and get other things for free-- all for the sake of decreasing the need for production of new goods in general.
Their website isn't your typical shopping site, either. Around every corner (of... my computer screen...) is another video or presentation about how they are making their products-- and making their products improve the world. You can see what changes they've made to improve their production sources, which is a big thing for a company to challenge itself like this, and then publicly share their mistakes and then improvements. For example, Patagonia had a second-tier supplier (a supplier of their supplier) who were exploiting some migrant workers-- both legally and illegally. They decided (themselves) to audit all their second-tier suppliers, and when they found problems, they fixed them. If more companies did this, especially the big ones, just think what kind of progress would be made in the world!
The website never comes across as preachy, telling people what THEY should do. Patagonia just talks about decisions they've made and the benefits that have come from those choices. It's inspiring and uplifting, rather than preachy and guilt-inflicting.
One of their choices was to use organic cotton. Patagonia has been using organic cotton since 1996-- which is about a decade before I even knew cotton COULD be organic.
This video about cotton is only two minutes:
I love that when they decided to take the leap into organic cotton, they didn't just phase it in, hoping to make the transition by the next decade or so. No. They dropped products from their line until they could get them up to snuff. And that's a very cool priority to have when you're a business.
Never on the website do you feel like they're peddling their wares, trying to hook you into buying their stuff. Most clothing websites scream, "Buy 2 get one free!!" or, "Stock up for fall!!" (as if it's the first fall you've ever been required to wear clothes), or even, "Come spend your money on our fantastic products!!!" The focus is much more about the ideas that drive their company.
And ideas are much more compelling than products. (There's a TED Talk about that.)
So if I have heard of Patagonia, it probably means everyone has.
And if not, they sell outdoorsy stuff. Now you know.
On "The True Cost," there were a few segments interviewing the founder of Patagonia, and beyond selling outdoorsy clothes, I didn't know what kind of company they were. And I'm impressed.
They're not about selling more stuff. In fact, they're focused on limiting it. Patagonia even promotes buying and selling their used products on eBay, and I learned on their website about Yerdle, where you give stuff away and get other things for free-- all for the sake of decreasing the need for production of new goods in general.
 |
| I didn't, so I guess the strategy is working! ;) |
Their website isn't your typical shopping site, either. Around every corner (of... my computer screen...) is another video or presentation about how they are making their products-- and making their products improve the world. You can see what changes they've made to improve their production sources, which is a big thing for a company to challenge itself like this, and then publicly share their mistakes and then improvements. For example, Patagonia had a second-tier supplier (a supplier of their supplier) who were exploiting some migrant workers-- both legally and illegally. They decided (themselves) to audit all their second-tier suppliers, and when they found problems, they fixed them. If more companies did this, especially the big ones, just think what kind of progress would be made in the world!
The website never comes across as preachy, telling people what THEY should do. Patagonia just talks about decisions they've made and the benefits that have come from those choices. It's inspiring and uplifting, rather than preachy and guilt-inflicting.
One of their choices was to use organic cotton. Patagonia has been using organic cotton since 1996-- which is about a decade before I even knew cotton COULD be organic.
This video about cotton is only two minutes:
I love that when they decided to take the leap into organic cotton, they didn't just phase it in, hoping to make the transition by the next decade or so. No. They dropped products from their line until they could get them up to snuff. And that's a very cool priority to have when you're a business.
Never on the website do you feel like they're peddling their wares, trying to hook you into buying their stuff. Most clothing websites scream, "Buy 2 get one free!!" or, "Stock up for fall!!" (as if it's the first fall you've ever been required to wear clothes), or even, "Come spend your money on our fantastic products!!!" The focus is much more about the ideas that drive their company.
And ideas are much more compelling than products. (There's a TED Talk about that.)
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Stitch Fix time again!
You know that conflicted feeling when you're learning about all the problems of the fashion industry... and then you go ahead and post about your latest haul?
Yeah....
I've been feeling a bit conflicted about this, my Stitch Fix fixation, but I realized that I'm doing part of what I think needs to be done. I'm putting thought into what I buy, carefully choosing clothes that I will wear for some time, and learning what suits my body and personality, not just buying everything the store happens to have on sale that day.
So enter my second Stitch Fix. I'm a fan of this service, where they send you five items based on your style preferences and measurements, and you try them on at home, pay for what you keep, and send the rest back in the envelope provided. When I refer a friend, I get $25 credit, so if you're interested in signing up, go ahead and use my link. Or I made a fancy button for the sidebar of my blog, so you can click on that too. Even if you don't sign up for Stitch Fix, take a look at my button. It took me longer to make than I'd like to admit.
I got a few chique items last time, and I got some great ones this time, too!
Behold:
Item 1: Martina Slub Knit Open Cardigan, by Pixley
Although the native Brazilians bring out the parkas when the temperature goes down to sixty-five degrees, I don't actually NEED a cardigan. The worst of our winter-- with some days even going as low as SIXTY degrees-- is past, and it is only getting warmer. However, we're moving back to the US where it's cold half the time, and... I absolutely love this cardigan!
It's very lightweight, and the sleeves are perfect: long enough without being baggy, fitted without being tight. The front is a little draped, and the bottoms of those drapes are sewn to make sort of pockets.
I love it!
Verdict: Kept
Item 2: Cheyanne Printed Maxi Skirt, by Loveappella (also above)
When I first opened the box and saw this pattern, I thought it was a zig-zag chevron design, and I wasn't sure I could handle that.
If it had fake mustaches printed on it, I'd also object.
But it turned out to be more than just chevrons. It has different styles of zig-zags with triangles and other geometric designs, and I love the overall effect. It's stretchy, long, comfortable, and goes with a couple other tops I have.
Verdict: Kept
Item 3: Katina Mix Material Knit Top, by Le Sample
I like the blue and white design. I appreciate the trendiness of the color-block. It's longer in the back, which can be a flattering style, but it just didn't work for me.
The white part is more sheer than I'd like, and I felt like the front was too short and the back too long. Maybe if it was divided in two, it would be like coat tails. THAT would be cool! But since I had to convince myself to like this shirt, I decided to pass.
Item 4: Brayden Cargo Skinny Pant, by Kut from the Kloth
Item 5: Naya Knit Top, by Renee C
Yeah....
I've been feeling a bit conflicted about this, my Stitch Fix fixation, but I realized that I'm doing part of what I think needs to be done. I'm putting thought into what I buy, carefully choosing clothes that I will wear for some time, and learning what suits my body and personality, not just buying everything the store happens to have on sale that day.
So enter my second Stitch Fix. I'm a fan of this service, where they send you five items based on your style preferences and measurements, and you try them on at home, pay for what you keep, and send the rest back in the envelope provided. When I refer a friend, I get $25 credit, so if you're interested in signing up, go ahead and use my link. Or I made a fancy button for the sidebar of my blog, so you can click on that too. Even if you don't sign up for Stitch Fix, take a look at my button. It took me longer to make than I'd like to admit.
I got a few chique items last time, and I got some great ones this time, too!
Behold:
It's very lightweight, and the sleeves are perfect: long enough without being baggy, fitted without being tight. The front is a little draped, and the bottoms of those drapes are sewn to make sort of pockets.
I love it!
Verdict: Kept
Item 2: Cheyanne Printed Maxi Skirt, by Loveappella (also above)
When I first opened the box and saw this pattern, I thought it was a zig-zag chevron design, and I wasn't sure I could handle that.
If it had fake mustaches printed on it, I'd also object.
But it turned out to be more than just chevrons. It has different styles of zig-zags with triangles and other geometric designs, and I love the overall effect. It's stretchy, long, comfortable, and goes with a couple other tops I have.
Verdict: Kept
Item 3: Katina Mix Material Knit Top, by Le Sample
The white part is more sheer than I'd like, and I felt like the front was too short and the back too long. Maybe if it was divided in two, it would be like coat tails. THAT would be cool! But since I had to convince myself to like this shirt, I decided to pass.
Item 4: Brayden Cargo Skinny Pant, by Kut from the Kloth
These were my initial favorites when I first opened the box. The fabric is gorgeous, and the color is a lovely charcoal. At one point in college, half my wardrobe was charcoal colored, and I loved it!
But the pants are cargo pants. Having the cargo pocket right smack-dab on the front of my thigh isn't terribly slimming.
And then there's the length. They're longer than cropped pants should be, but then they're short enough to come up to mid-calf when I sit down.
It took me a while to finally figure out what it is about these pants: These are the reincarnation of every bad pair of pants I ever bought in high school... back to haunt me!
Verdict: Need I say?Item 5: Naya Knit Top, by Renee C
I loved the pattern close up. It's intricate and interesting and definitely eye-catching. I decided to keep it because it's beautiful and fun to look at.
Then I saw a picture of myself wearing it. I'm not a fan. Maybe if I covered it up with my GORGEOUS cardigan, I'd love it more. But let's face it, that's not a good reason to buy a shirt.
Verdict: Returned
And just to prove that I finally learned how to make a fancy link button, here is another:
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Saturday, August 15, 2015
How I got chique shoes, pants, and a purse absolutely FREE!
I love passing on good deals, especially when they are something that I feel good about and make the world a better place. And what is better than FREE STUFF?!
It's a little something I'd like to call gratitude shopping.
Gratitude shopping is simply searching through your closet to find a hidden treasure, something you'd forgotten you had, or that needed some TLC before you could actually use it. It's being grateful for what we already have-- and remembering why we loved something in the first place.
And everyone can afford it!
In fact, it even makes us richer.
 |
| If I could find some hidden treasures in this bare-bones closet, I think anyone can! |
My haul:
Purse:
I only got this purse a few months ago, but I managed to get the handle stuck in the car between my seat and the center console. Obviously next step was just to yank really hard, which I did and ripped a gash the handle.
Awesome.
So I still use it every day, but look kind of like a hobo.
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| The rip is obvious, but it wasn't until I took this picture that I noticed how DIRTY it had gotten! |
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| It magically grew pockets too! |
Jeans:
I've had these Old Navy jeans for a few years, but I hardly wore them because they're not the right shape! If my body continued to widen like an ice cream cone, these would be perfect, but I think I'm not alone in needing the waistband to actually hold my pants up.
Imagine that!
So I tailored them. It didn't take long for my Old Navy jeans to become Oldavy, and now they stay up!
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| And no, I'm not holding my pants up. They stay where they belong! Hallelujah! |
Okay, so I didn't do anything to these shoes. I just found them, dusted them off, and decided to wear them with pants. Apparently dress shoes with pants is a thing now.
I
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| They also make fun dress-up shoes for my kids. |
 |
But it doesn't.
Gratitude does.
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
I don't think the world will be saved by efficiency
People Tree is the epitome of a clothing company out to save the world.
In their words, "For over twenty years, People Tree has partnered with Fair Trade artisans and farmers in the developing world to produce a collection of ethical and eco fashion. Fair Trade is about creating a new way of doing business, creating access to markets and opportunities for people who live in the developing world."
They use organic cotton. They weave fabric by hand. They embroider by hand. They knit sweaters by hand. They screen print by hand.
The pragmatist in me screams, "WHY ARE YOU DOING IT BY HAND? THEY HAVE MACHINES FOR THIS!!"
Sorry, my thoughts are kind of loud.
But who are "they", these people with the machines? Um, not me. I have a sewing machine or two, but I don't have a loom or a spinning wheel, for personal use and certainly not an industrial strength one! And that's the point.
The people at People Tree wanted to employ people in rural areas, instead of forcing them to leave their families to live in the cities where the industrial-strength machines are. And I. Love. That.
If a mother can make a living wage by using her own skills in her own home-- or at least hometown, families will be stronger, and society will be better. So these hand-knitted sweaters? These hand-spun threads? There's a reason for those, and I'm on board.
In the documentary I watched, The True Cost, (seriously, go watch it. It's on Netflix) I loved where they showed one of People Tree's company meetings. The CEO was visiting with some women in their production areas, telling them about the chance for one of them to visit London to represent the manufacturers and see the other side of the business, the customers, the stores, and the end result of their labors. It reminded me of companies I have worked for in the past, rather than nose-to-the-grindstone sweat-shops so prevalent in textile manufacturing.
Obviously buying a hand-knitted sweater will cost you more than a machine-made acrylic one. But right now they're having a sale, and after signing up for their newsletter for an extra discount, I was able to buy a dress for $60, including international shipping! Not too bad!!
I'm not going to recommend that everyone go rush out and buy their products. In fact, a big part of the problem is our propensity to rush out and buy in the first place. But if you are already planning on making a purchase, consider shopping at People Tree.
Or just go look at their products. It's amazing what people can do.
In their words, "For over twenty years, People Tree has partnered with Fair Trade artisans and farmers in the developing world to produce a collection of ethical and eco fashion. Fair Trade is about creating a new way of doing business, creating access to markets and opportunities for people who live in the developing world."
They use organic cotton. They weave fabric by hand. They embroider by hand. They knit sweaters by hand. They screen print by hand.
The pragmatist in me screams, "WHY ARE YOU DOING IT BY HAND? THEY HAVE MACHINES FOR THIS!!"
Sorry, my thoughts are kind of loud.
But who are "they", these people with the machines? Um, not me. I have a sewing machine or two, but I don't have a loom or a spinning wheel, for personal use and certainly not an industrial strength one! And that's the point.
The people at People Tree wanted to employ people in rural areas, instead of forcing them to leave their families to live in the cities where the industrial-strength machines are. And I. Love. That.
If a mother can make a living wage by using her own skills in her own home-- or at least hometown, families will be stronger, and society will be better. So these hand-knitted sweaters? These hand-spun threads? There's a reason for those, and I'm on board.
 |
| Plus, who can argue with this end result?! |
In the documentary I watched, The True Cost, (seriously, go watch it. It's on Netflix) I loved where they showed one of People Tree's company meetings. The CEO was visiting with some women in their production areas, telling them about the chance for one of them to visit London to represent the manufacturers and see the other side of the business, the customers, the stores, and the end result of their labors. It reminded me of companies I have worked for in the past, rather than nose-to-the-grindstone sweat-shops so prevalent in textile manufacturing.
 |
| I did some hand weaving in elementary school. This is not it. |
Obviously buying a hand-knitted sweater will cost you more than a machine-made acrylic one. But right now they're having a sale, and after signing up for their newsletter for an extra discount, I was able to buy a dress for $60, including international shipping! Not too bad!!
I'm not going to recommend that everyone go rush out and buy their products. In fact, a big part of the problem is our propensity to rush out and buy in the first place. But if you are already planning on making a purchase, consider shopping at People Tree.
Or just go look at their products. It's amazing what people can do.
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