A Sustainable "Swimsuit Season"

May 25, 2016 Audrey Stanton

As summer if fast approaching it's time to talk about "swimsuit season" and the excess that comes with swimwear. Having a large amount of bathing suits seems like a waste of space and resources for anyone who is not training to be an olympic swimmer (even then, not sure if it warrants a wardrobe-full.) Personally the only time I ever need multiple bathing suits in a short amount of time is when I go on vacation. Otherwise there is always enough time in between wears for me to wash the same bathing suit. I would go with a rule of no more than three. I know that sounds crazy for those of you who are beach obsessed but I want to challenge you to think simpler! Can you mix and match bikini tops and bottoms to get a new look with the same items? Have you tried a different cover-up? Also if it's your favorite bathing suit then why does it matter how many times you wear it? "If it ain't broke don't fix it!" I understand that swimsuits, aside from underwear, are extremely personal clothing items and everyone feels differently about them, so I would urge you to turn away from what the trends are feeding you and find what works best for YOU. My mother used to bring a single black one piece to our family vacations and switch it up each day with a cute sun hat or sarong. Love it. I on the other hand am in love with this floral Madewell one piece that I've had for several years and always makes me feel confident in, as well as out, of the water!

The opposite of a candid photo but reading my real life favorite new book! Get a used copy here or check your local bookstore! — The opposite of a candid photo but reading my real life favorite new book! Get a used copy here or check your local bookstore!

There's no way to talk about swimsuits without talking about body image issues. I do not wish to claim myself to be a complete expert on this topic for fear of giving the wrong advice, but I will say that I have recently have come to terms with something. For a while I have felt like I shouldn't look for bathing suits that cover up my stomach because that would keep me from feeling motivated to work out or tone that area. However, I decided screw that, if one pieces and high waisted bottoms make me feel best on the beach then why would I say no to them? Body acceptance is complicated and absolutely a process but I encourage everyone to think about what makes them feel confident and go with it!

If I haven't scared you away by now and you're interested in where you can hunt down some sustainable bathing suits check out The Good Trade's curated list of lingerie/swimwear brands that includes my new favorite brand Araks! Although the brand isn't cheap it has a ton of great investment options that are simple enough to be classic but fun enough to be trendy! I'm obsessed with this one piece because I'm such a sucker for color blocking:

Okay Ladies, Now Let's Get in Reformation

May 18, 2016 Audrey Stanton

I've recently become somewhat obsessed with the clothing brand Reformation. I love this brand because it doesn't sacrifice style for sustainability. It strives to achieve both! Reformation is committed to sustainable and ethical practices, right down to their packaging which is 100% recycled! Their website, newsletter and Instagram are all full of great environmental impact facts and tips such as these:

Reformation has consistent witty, candid commentary for the modern girl. That candidness is part of what is so fun about the brand, but has gotten them into trouble at times. Reformation has had moments of pushing their commentary too far, where witty then becomes inappropriate. I think that is a great reminder that no brand is perfect and it is our job as customers to continue to ask the hard questions! The brand isn't cheap but clothing that takes time and careful effort to make shouldn't be. No need to get a whole new wardrobe from them but consider checking them out and seeing if there's anything that could be an investment piece to love for a long time.

Through exploring Reformations website (which I highly recommend doing) I've stumbled upon TreePeople. TreePeople is an organization based in Los Angeles and strives to bring the surrounding communities together to care for the environment, especially trees! The organization hosts tons of volunteer events from "Park Work" days to "Mountain Restoration" in Santa Monica. They also offer information walks and often a "Moonlight Hike"! TreePeople is all about trying to care for the city of LA so if you live in the area I highly recommend looking them up and even volunteering.

Tips for Secondhand Shopping

May 11, 2016 Audrey Stanton

For this week's post I wanted to dive a little deeper into the topic of secondhand shopping and give you all some resources to help you become pros! There are great tips on the Melrose Flea Market's blog, ManRepeller.com, and from the Huffington Post. I highly recommend you check them out but here are some of the top tips offered:

-Successful shopping means knowing what you need or want. This one is probably the toughest but it is so important if you want to have a pleasant and productive shopping trip. Before you embark on your journey go through your closet and evaluate the situation: what is your wardrobe lacking and what do you need to make it feel more complete? Make a list and when you're out shopping keep that list in mind. Sure they'll be some great items you find that are not on your list and you can absolutely get them, as long as you are satisfying you wardrobe's needs at the same time. This is especially important for secondhand shopping because there can be a lot going on in thrift stores or flea markets. It's good to have some sort of focus.

-Dress appropriately. Of course you want to look good while you're out on the town but it's important to wear something that is easy to take on and off or try things on with. I usually go for a simple top (plain or with minimal pattern), no pull over outerwear, comfortable shorts or pants and easy flats or boots (this also includes undergarments of neutral color in case you decide to try on anything that is somewhat see-through). If you wear a crazy outfit it will take forever to try everything on and you won't be able to see what some items will look like, you want to think of yourself as kind of a blank canvas when shopping so you can test different items out.

-Go for it but also know when to say no. Go with your gut and look at new items, it's good to go out of your comfort zone sometimes because you'll never really know until you try. However, if you're unsure if you should buy something think of three ways you can wear the item (with clothes you already own, not some fantasy wardrobe you wish you had) and if you can't think of three don't buy it, you won't wear it. This also can include altering it to fit you better or removing stains but make sure you are confident about how those options will turn out.

-Get opinions but yours is the most important. Remember to bring a good friend along who is on the same page as you. You want someone who will give you their honest opinion but will back off if you feel differently about something. Always remember: you are the one who is going to be wearing it, no one else, so it's important that you feel confident about your purchases.

Posts have officially moved to Wednesdays. Look forward to a mid-week treat from now on and don't forget to subscribe!