I vaguely mentioned about a month back my resolve to be more conscious about my fashion purchases. I’m rather fed-up with an industry that not only relies heavily on sweatshop labor, planned obsolescence, but also encouraging a very narrow view of beauty and trend (a word I have come to rather dislike). I’ve found that my wardrobe has been much richer when I rely less on what mass-marketers are promoting and selling, and my conscience is a little less perturbed by the thought of encouraging sweatshop labor.
But this is not all that is behind my decision to snub the fashion industry in my own (very small) way! The idealized beauty that is shoved daily in our faces has played a very personal role in my life. One that–unfortunately–has been destructive and is causing many mental and physical problems for me. I’m tired of buying into the lie that one needs to be thin, blond and (society’s ideal) sexy to be considered attractive. I have had enough of the unrealistic and unhealthy expectations. Some women may be able to ignore these messages to a certain extent, but I am not one of those strong souls. I have been battling anorexia for the past two years. In no small way did immersing myself in the fashion world play a role in this. I am thankfully starting to get out of the nightmare that an eating disorder and low self-image creates (my wonderful family, boyfriend, and pastor are to thank!). But I do not want to continue to support an industry that causes this type of low self-esteem.
I am much happier when I put together outfits that please me–not what the magazines tell me to wear! (And anyway, its usually like trying to fit a round peg in a square hole… I just don’t have the “fashionable shape” that is required by wearing uber-body-conscious clothes!) I love putting outfits together–ones that really showcase my view of what is beautiful, attractive and usually a little bit artistically whimsical! So why should I any longer bow to the whims of mass marketers who say what shade of blue is in, how wide or skinny my jeans should be, or whether I should be wearing kitten or platform heels?!
So in this year I will be doing a little investigation. An exploration of whether I can abstain from frequenting mass-retailers and relying on them for my clothing purchases. Doing my own part in being conscious both socially and environmentally by harnessing sources for vintage and second-hand garments. Encouraging and supporting smaller, independent designers (like those on Etsy) for my clothes and accessories. It’ll be a definite challenge because I love to shop, and am constantly drawn in by sales and window displays that catch my eye! But I think it’ll be a good exercise, not only in the reasons I mentioned before, but also in self-control (saving money!) and doing more with less!
[ the first refashion of 2008!! click on the picture for a details... ]
I’ll be relying very heavily on my existing wardrobe, thrifting skills, and the occasional vintage store find–as well as the internet (Etsy and Ebay being the two main sources). I want to challenge myself to sew more as well–create my own garments from my collection of vintage patterns. Even become more adept at refashioning things in my closet to give them a new lease on life! This means no Target, H&M, Ross, or Nordstrom’s Rack. Skirts, coats, pants, shirts–even jeans–should preferably be bought through alternative sources (those that are sustainable or non-mass produced). The only garment purchases that will be bought brand-new will be for things I am not comfortable buying second hand (such as undergarments and swim suits), or that I may genuinely need (like shoes for a specific event).
Eeep! I’m scaring myself a little with all this talk!! hehe! But I think it’ll be fun and character-building! I’ll be keeping you all updated with little snippets throughout the year; successes and failures. Wish me luck… the Mall Queen is about ready to forsake her favorite shopping venues! lol.
Cheers & Creativity,
♥ Casey [ email me ]
Congratulations, girl! Starch in the back is a great thing. I could use some myself, and your post here has given me some food for thought. (If I could only find the t-i-m-e to sew and refashion……….) Thanks for your courage here.
Sounds good! I have been going this direction slowly but securely for some years now. It takes time so don’t worry too much about the failures.
Thanks for your openness and honesty. While my own body-image issues haven’t manifested themselves as eating disorders, they have been very real and very disturbing nonetheless. And, like you, I know my attitude of comparison and self-disparagement was the most acute at a time when I was most engrossed in following runway fashions. Thank God for the support of friends and family, no?
I can’t wait to see what brilliant beauties you come up with!
Thank you for honesty. I know how you feel.
I think what you are doing is wonderful. It’s amazing how we all forgot what we already own and just want to buy more and more. It’s also great what you can do even with hand- sewing a little antique trim. some vintage buttons, millinery flowers, embroidery. And, sewing garments of your own is always fun. There are some great skirts patterns on line for free I have found. A little goes a long way. I try to employ these methods myself and like you plan to do so more in the future esp. as a stay at home Mom of almost 2…I’m due with my girl next month and have a 2 year old boy.
Happy New Year Casey. Wishing you all the best.
Beautiful cardigan. To me you sound and seem stronger than you think you are : )
Good luck with your quest!
Dearest Casey,
Thank You for your beautiful, brave and oh so elegantly put posting. I agree with you on all points.
And your cardigan is so beautiful and lovely….as are you!! : )
Hi Casey,
I’m so glad you are making clothes that make you feel good and getting back at the industry in your own way : ) It’s funny, I just looked in my own closet last night and realized how much happier I am with my wardrobe now that I’ve really taken the time to make a few things that really fit me well and are my own (not really all that mainstream at the moment) style. Makes such a difference huh?
best of luck, I can’t wait to see what you come up with! I love the sweater already!
~Brianna
BRAVO! Shopping for ideas and dreams – much healthier and more creative! What a wonderful post!!! Cannot wait to see what you come up with!
Good for you, Casey! There’s a quote that escapes me about style vs fashion but I’m sure you probably know the one I mean! You’ve definitely got the style and the talent! I’m glad you had the love and support of family and friends to help you battle anorexia … very courageous of you to talk about it. ~ Lynda xo
This is very exciting! I’m looking forward to your investigations and hope to be inspired!
That’s great that you’re taking it all the way! I don’t buy clothes often.. just the occasional threadless tee, jeans.. that’s mostly what my outfits consist of. Plus, I wear a uniform to school. But when I need a dress/skirt/nice outfit for an occasion, I try to plan ahead and make it myself.
Are you going back to school in the approaching semester? Or are you going to continue with your little business dealings? Your etsy shop has become remarkably successful!
Casey, you Rock!
I am often frustrated with all the trends and our perfect model too. I think that you are so inspiring! You have the talent and the taste! Who needs what mainstream stores are offering, when you can make beauty out of wonderful innovation and creativity? I appreciate your honesty and braveness with this post. : ) I’ll keep you in my prayers, and I look forward to see all the great things you make and purchase!
Casey, being away from a computer for quite a while had me so far behind on blog reading. I finally had some time to catch up with yours today, and was so glad to find this post first in my Bloglines. Your honesty and openness here is so refreshing. It’s only been in recent years that I’ve come to accept and like aspects of my body that do not fit into the standard notion of what is attractive. I wish you the best in your process, and I know that with your talented, creative spirit, this challenge that you face will be a successful one for you. Best wishes, friend!
You, my dear, are such a beautiful, beautiful soul. Truly, and I am so glad that you have found peace and healing from the trance and brainwashing that mass trends and expectations can place on people. I value your honesty and commitment to yourself and find it so inspiring that have set out to only purchase (& make) clothing that makes you happy, without any regard to the mass and trends. A wonderful way to live! Good luck, but I know you’ll ace this no problem, because your sewing and creating skills are already out of this world-amazing
<3
good words and a good goal. take care of yourself. xoxox
Oh Casey!
You do have a lot of strength and will, you are willing to share something very private and painful, and now you can see light at the other end you are looking to turn your back on a big part of the reason you ended up suffering with a ED. That all takes courage. Keep on doing on what you are doing, you’ll get there.
OX
I joined wardrobe refashion and haven’t bought any new clothes for about the last five months… and I’ve signed up for another four. I think it’s the best thing I’ve ever done for my wardrobe, my pocketbook, and my attitudes toward clothing, consumerism, and creativity. It’s totally changed the way I look at purchasing and the way I dress.
One thing that always reverses my thinking when I feel down about my self-image is just to look around at the huge variety of gorgeous women in the real world, in all shapes and sizes, and realize that one of the most amazing things about women is the huge number of ways beauty can manifest itself.
Casey, you’re amazing, and making me seriously think about my fashion choices as well….you’re making a real and informed choice that I really admire.
Oh dear, you are ever so lovely and don’t let those silly people at the top make you forget it.
Ah!… what an adventure it will be!.. My daughter took a whole year off of any retail purchases ( excepting bras and undies) and had amost wonderful year. It’s really changed how she see clothes and she is able to see past the fashion blitz of Target and the like, but more selective and over all have way more fun with clothing.
We have scads of funn hunting up bits at the thrift and working on how to make them our very own. I bet it will be a wonderful year for you!.. good luck!
Maddie
http://www.domesticanarchy.blogspot.com
It’s so neat to hear that you’re doing this. I’m trying to convince myself to make a dress that will work as a substitute for one I have my eye on right now- I just wish my sewing went a little bit faster so I didn’t rely on buying for the speed and convenience of it. But I definitely have the fabric stash on hand to make it possible, and I love when I can remake something in my closet to give it new life.
Great plan. I’m glad to hear that you are healing from the ED – my sister had anorexia back in the 70′s before anyone really knew much about it. Hard stuff.
You are beautiful!
Woops! Left you my website address and meant to leave you my blog.
Happy Spring!