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.

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.)

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

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:

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.

The rip is obvious,
but it wasn't until I took this picture that I noticed how DIRTY it had gotten!

 I hot-glued the rip and then scrubbed the whole thing down with rubbing alcohol.

It magically grew pockets too!

Tadah! Good as new!

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!

And no, I'm not holding my pants up.
They stay where they belong!
Hallelujah!

Shoes:

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 should know these things.

They also make fun dress-up shoes for my kids.

I'm not out to grace the cover of a magazine, but it's great to have some great everyday clothes for only the cost of a little TLC and gratitude.

I'm grateful for the things I already have. With all the problems in the fashion industry, the most immediate change I can make is simply to value my possessions. Businesses would push us to buy more, faster, impulsively, as if having more things will make our lives better.
But it doesn't.
Gratitude does.

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.

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.

The True Cost

I had a sick day a few days ago, and I spent the morning watching "Mansfield Park" with my baby snuggled on my chest. He is teething and a little sick himself, so he fell asleep partway through.

So I HAD to keep lying on the couch and finish the whole movie.

This version of the movie tells Jane Austen's story, adding another historical backdrop related to slavery. At one point, Edmund and Fanny go off horse riding and talking, as one is wont to do in a period drama:

E: "It's just it's problems with the slaves on the plantation. The abolitionists are making inroads."
F: "That's a good thing, isn't it?"
E: "Well, we all live off the profits, Fanny. Including you."

And it hit me just how awkward her position is-- can you imagine?

She's opposed to slavery, and yet every time she ate a meal, put sugar in her tea, or hosted a dinner party, she was contributing to the problem and benefiting from the oppression of others.

But how was one young woman supposed to make a difference? She could enact a one-woman boycott on sugar, cotton, tobacco, and anything else directly created by slave labor. But this tiny drop in the huge bucket wouldn't equate to any slave's burden being eased. It probably wouldn't even reduce her family's consumption of these materials. The system had to change.

Later in the film, Fanny Price speaks her opinions to her family and friends: "Correct if I am in error, but if you were to bring a slave back to England, there would be some argument whether or not they should be freed-- if I'm not mistaken."

Certainly, this wasn't an earth-shattering, revolutionary statement, leading immediately to the emancipation of all enslaved people. (It's fictional anyway.) But it's evidence that awareness was growing and change would be supported. And that's one step in the right direction.


After watching Mansfield Park, I had to pick up Naomi from preschool, put William down for his nap, and then collapse on the couch for another movie. This time I chose a documentary on Netflix called, "The True Cost."

I am learning about fashion, and I write a fashion blog. It's a documentary about the fashion industry. This is something I needed to see.



It was fascinating, eye opening, challenging, disturbing, inspiring.

It bothered me.

To briefly summarize, the fashion industry, and especially "fast fashion," which has developed in the last couple decades, have provided cheap and abundant clothing in the developed world, paid for by the labor and lives of millions of manufacturers around the world.

It made me question how I can be a moral person and still wear clothes-- which is a question I've never asked myself before.

How can I write about fashion and dressing well and buying new clothes, when the fashion industry has built itself on the backs of people paid in a month what many Americans make in an hour?

How can I enjoy getting a good deal on a shirt when I know more of my money is going up the totem pole than down?

It's not okay.
But what can I do?

I could boycott new clothes or certain fast-fashion brands, but like Fanny Price, how much good would one woman's boycott do?
I could write criticisms and complaints, heaping deserved shame on a greedy, materialistic system. But the world-- and especially the internet-- has enough negativity. My goal has been to write a blog I would enjoy reading, and I want to stick to that.
And I don't want to guilt myself or others. Guilt is a terrible motivator. (Have you gone to the gym yet today? Why not? Didn't you promise yourself to exercise more? See! Terrible motivator!!)

So first, I'm going to share the news. Watch this documentary, please! See if it troubles you, inspires you, bothers you, motivates you. Let me know what you think! Let me know if you have any ideas-- and not just for what OTHER people should do. How can I change? How can WE change? What can we do, on a small scale or on a larger scale?

I'm trying to dress better, and after watching this documentary, I feel like "better" has to mean more than just gracing the world with my dolled-up presence.

Naomi's Fashionable Clothes

I swear I don't talk about my new clothes and my blog all the time.

Although Kevin usually gets an unsuspecting earful when he gets home from work.
And I do have my daughter take pictures for me.
And my girls helped me tape outfit cards on my closet doors.

So this shouldn't have surprised me:

She knows what to do when wearing her fashionable clothes: go take pictures in the front yard, of course!

I could learn something from this girl's poses

I'm a bit biased, but this is one chique little girl!

Panel of Experts: Giulia

I consider Stitch Fix as my fashion education. I pay for someone to teach me what to wear, and they choose my clothes and send me updates on what's in style and how to wear it. It's a good system so far. There's homework too, keeping my Pinterest style board up to date (though I realize this wouldn't feel like homework to most people).
I'm learning a lot.

Then there are people study Fashion Design in college. This is an actual fashion education, though I assume most people who enter the Fashion Design program already know how to dress themselves.

Such is the case for my friend, Giulia (pronounced "geeeyuuulwieeeaaa..." Just kidding. It's like "Julia" in English). Giulia is my Visiting Teacher, which means she visits with me every month as part of a program through our church to share a message about the Gospel and to just visit and help me out. It's seriously one of my favorite parts of church, this network of women that we create.

In the course of our visiting, I found out that she's finishing up college in the Fashion Design program. She's working on her final project, creating a bunch of outfits and having them made and then shown at a fashion show at the end of the year.

How did people so much younger become so much cooler than me?

I was able to catch her during her mid-year break, and she answered some interview questions for my blog! 

• Where do you get your fashion inspiration?

Most of the time I try to know what celebrity I most identify with and watch what they are wearing or have worn. But I only use what really pleases me and is good for my body.

• If you have a nice event to go to (date, brunch, night out, etc.) when do you start thinking of what you’ll wear? How do you plan an outfit?

Well, it depends on when I find out about the event, but usually that day I start to think about what I going to wear, even before I'm sure if I'll go (laughs). Planning clothes depends on where the event will be held, the hour, the weather and the people who will be present. I always try to learn some of these details before to prepare myself, but if it is a date for example, and the person does not say where you're going, or you are embarrassed to ask, I suggest versatile clothes that are tidy but not too much or too little. For example, a dress and heels are perfect for going to a movie or to a fancy restaurant.

• What is your current favorite thing to wear?

Big Earrings and Fluffy Sweaters

And let me just interrupt to clarify for a moment. I grew up in the nineties, so when I read "fluffy sweaters," my brain came up with this:



Turns out, the new millennium comes with its own updated sweaters. This is the one Giulia has in mind:

 Carry on.

• Top 10 items to have in your wardrobe:

1. Fluffy Sweater (see above)

2. Nice Accessories

3. Pumps

4. Boots

5. Day dress

6. Night dress

7. Nice Jeans

8. Blazer

9. A basic shirt

10. Sandals

• Shopping: What is your plan of attack when you go clothes shopping? Do you have a plan of attack?

Actually, I do not have a plan of attack. When I go shopping I'll first go to stores that I like and try something that pleases me and makes me fall in love with it, which is not too hard (laughs).

But one tip I give is to look calmly and be patient. The faster you go through racks, the less chance you will have to find cool stuff and like it.

• What are some of your favorite stores (in person, online)? What do you usually buy there?

Some of my favorite stores are: Renner, C&A, Zara and Forever 21. They are in person, because I like to try things on and see the quality before buying. 

I confess that I usually buy more shoes than anything (laughs), because you can change a whole look only with a pair of shoes, nice makeup and some accessories.

Um... I didn't realize Forever 21 was an international brand. Turns out, it is! Who knew?!

• What advice would you give me or people like me for whom dressing well is challenging and out of their comfort zones?

Be yourself. You do not need be fashionable to dress well, or even be a trendsetter. Dressing well means feeling good about yourself, and being comfortable-- yes, comfortable! There is nothing worse than when you go out in a beautiful outfit, but it itches, hurts you, or makes you feel uncomfortable in any other way. As much as you think you look wonderful, you actually look uncomfortable rather than confident, and people can see it. But also being comfortable does not mean being sloppy. There are many beautiful clothes that are comfortable and tidy, but you just need to use patience while you shop.

Another tip is to ask someone you trust to evaluate if your clothes are good or not, and even help you to choose.


Aaaaand, it sounds like Giulia will be coming shopping with me later this month for Visiting Teaching!