there is SO MUCH pre-existing material in this world (even just in the rochester area!) that I could fashion clothing and accessories out of, so much that I really never need to buy new fabrics, regardless of however eco-friendly or ethical or sustainable or consciously-produced etc. they are. though, I am not attempting to be rude to businesses who operate this way! I am proud to support companies like ARQ, who create products very intentionally! I have been a fan of for days since it first began! other companies who produce new and/or "new" products with practices of which I am in total approval of are day owl, okko, girlfriend collective and so many more. none of these businesses are perfect, and obviously neither is my brand! but even big players like urban outfitters promoting their "urban renewal" collection and now even selling vintage is a big step! again, not a perfect step, but definitely close to the right direction. I would prefer to buy vintage from smaller, more carefully curated, brands like staple vintage!
obviously I can't be completely opposed to newness. but I am thoroughly opposed to fast fashion! I have a few thoughts on that topic that I shared here. as passionate as I am about the downfall of fast fashion, I am probably even more passionate about loving and living slow fashion!! trying to purchase more intentionally was difficult for me at first, I was a bit of a "retail therapy" sort of person for a long time. but at this point it feels so natural to make everything in my life more thoughtful.