Project 333: Week 6 OOTD

Well folks, it seems I've made it! This will be my final update for my Winter Capsule Wardrobe and my first Project 333 Challenge. Although the weather in Ottawa is being incredibly stubborn (it's snowing as I write this...) I have decided to end my challenge updates. I will likely still continue to wear this wardrobe for another week or so depending on the weather, but hopefully the odds will be forever in my favor .

For another week I somehow managed to come up with unique outfits using only the items from my winter capsule wardrobe. I did go ahead and dig out some of my spring/summer shoes (Native Footwear and Toms) but I don't include footwear in my 33 items so I'm not cheating! Many of my outfits this week were built around the same Joe Fresh t-shirt that I own in three different colors. These t-shirts have been a part of my wardrobe since 2012 (I bought them when I was pregnant) and although they are not a sustainable brand, I have worn them so much over the years and they have held up amazingly well. I am very supportive of companies who take a slow, considerate, deliberate and sustainable approach to their design, manufacturing and distribution practices, however, I realize that tossing out all the clothing that I purchased in the past that I love, and replacing it with items that meet that specific criteria is neither ecologically-friendly, nor financially realistic.

I am super stoked to dive into my spring/summer wardrobe. It is not completely set in stone (I am a procrastinator by nature) but I imagine that I have enough to work with for now. I hope that this project was helpful, inspiring, opinion-forming and whatever else it could be. I love styling outfits, shopping, talking about fashion and helping anyone I can feel good about what they wear. Which is why I have created a forum on my page, I would love to encourage a community of fashion-lovers to have a place to talk, ask questions and help one another find answers. The link for my Fashion Talks Forum is in the menu bar at the top of my website. Feel free to start a thread and engage a conversation with other readers from around the world. Thank you for your continued support and I hope to connect with you there!

Related posts:

• My Project 333 Challenge
• Project 333: Week 1 OOTD
• Project 333: Week 2 OOTD
• Project 333: Week 3 OOTD
• Project 333: Week 4 OOTD

Erin

Ethical Brand Spotlight: Encircled

Photo Credit: Encircled.ca

Perhaps you've recently discovered that the current mainstream fashion and retail industry doesn't quite float your boat. The idea that you are one pawn (amongst millions) in the chess game of fashion doesn't sit well, and it shouldn't. 

Most of us have a set of values that we live by; these are different for each person and will depend on many factors. In general, we as consumers don't want to be taken advantage of, we don't want to spend money on items that don't last. We want to buy high quality clothing for a reasonable price, right? Unfortunately, what we're getting when we shop the "high street" (affordable, big-box clothing retailers) is usually trend-based, season-specific clothing which is not made to last longer than a few years at best. The reality is; we usually get tired of the item long before it falls apart. 

What is the answer? Well one solution to this problem is to research brands before buying, making sure that their brand values match our own. Over the next few months I will be posting about brands I have come across in order to highlight them for their forward-thinking, innovative, and sustainable tendencies. (These posts are not sponsored, they are my own opinions and all photos and information have been used with the permission of each brand.)

Encircled 

They call you Wanderluster, a world-traveller, a free-spirit. Encircled is a brand with a vision for its customer. To be able to travel the world with only a carry-on in tow; nothing to hold you back or delay you from your next inevitable adventure. They're on a mission to help you pack lighter and do more with less. (source: encircled.ca)

This company offers "full-circle" fashion; which they describe as fashion that is better for our planet, that benefits the people who make it, and that gives its customer a better life. This is a company based in Toronto, Canada (Yaaas Canada!) and all its clothing is ethically made in small batches; slow-fashion if you will.

Here is a rundown of their sustainable MO:

• Produce in small batches, they produce only what they will need
• Production takes place 100% on Canadian soil, thereby reducing the impact of emissions and carbon footprint from shipping products from overseas
• Source eco-fabrics such as: Modal (from Beech trees), Tencel (from Eucalyptus trees) and Bamboo
• Textile process is sustainable using low-impact dyes
• Closed-loop process, no "waste water" in textile manufacturing
• Leftover cuttings are used to make products such as headbands
• Use suppliers with matching principles and values
• The list goes on click here to see the full list of sustainable initiatives 

My favorites from their collection: 

The Transform Leg Warmers - $58

Photo credit: Encircled.ca

The Wanderer Sleeveless T, black model - $58

Photo Credit - Encircled.ca

The Evolve Top, Mineral Grey - $98

Photo Credit: Encircled.ca

Same top, different look!

Photo Credit: Encircled.ca

Same top, different look!

Photo Credit: Encircled.ca

Same top, different look!

Photo Credit: Encircled.ca

Chrysalis Cardi Bamboo, Feather Beige $138

Photo Credit: Encircled.ca

Chrysalis Cardi, same cardi - can be worn 8 ways!

Photo Credit: Encircled.ca

Dressy Sweatpant, DK Heathered Grey Modal - $148

Photo Credit: Encircled.ca

Let me know what you think of clothing brands with an ethical & sustainable identity in the comments below! Want to be notified when new posts go up on Fashionmamaaquarius.com? Don't forget to sign up by email :)

Erin

5 Reasons to Shop the Second-Hand Market

When you read the title for this post, your initial reaction might be "awesome" but it may also be "ewww gross". My reaction would be the former but if you're reaction was the latter, please know you are not alone. The demand for second-hand goods has grown steadily over the years with thrift shops, consignment stores and websites; Kijiji, Craigslist, VarageSale, Thredup and Facebook. The second-hand market has given consumers the opportunity to sell their gently used items for cash, and find quality used items at a significantly lower price than if buying new.

There are definitely some items that you might be better off buying new; undergarments, swimwear, and socks come to mind but aside from those very personal items the options for buying second-hand are limitless. Here are some reasons why I think that shopping second-hand is a great idea:

1. Wallet-Friendly: This point may be open for argument as I am aware that deals on the high street discount rack are pretty good but the beauty of buying used clothing, particularly through Kijiji, Facebook etc. is that the price is usually low (people want to get rid of their stuff quick) and the price is usually negotiable, SCORE. Another point would be that you can get some really high quality used items for a fraction of the cost of buying new; example: a Canada Goose jacket, these rarely go on sale.

  

2. Stand Out From the Crowd: One of the problems with always buying new, current and inexpensive; everyone else has the same thing. That dress you saw in the window at your local Mango? There are thousands of others out there just like it. Buying something vintage, from a few seasons ago or even something purchased abroad can add some exclusivity to your wardrobe.

3. Supports Local Charities/Businesses: This point may vary from country to country but there are local thrift shops who will pass on some of the benefits of your donations to people in need. Showing support for local consignment businesses is a good way to help while at the same time getting a bit of money back from your used items.

4. Creates a Sense of Community: Buying or selling through sites online like Kijiji, where you are dealing with people in your area, can create a sense of community. It puts some the money you initially gave to a corporation back in your pocket, or it is helping one of your neighbours to make some extra money while you get a great deal on the item you desire; win-win.

5. Reduces Textile Waste: Like it or not we are a society of consumers. This is great for our country's economy but not so great for our planet. The conventional clothing and textile industry is the second-most polluting industry in the world, so by reducing the amount of clothing that ends up in landfills and by reducing the demand for new textiles (or demanding a change in how textiles and clothing are produced) we can hopefully steer the industry in a better direction for our earth.

Do you ever buy second-hand? What are your favourite stores or websites for buying quality used items? Please let me know in the comments section below! Don't forget to follow me on Twitter for updates on my posts ;)

Erin

7 Easy Ways to Curb Your Shopping Habit

Shopping can be like medicine, "retail therapy" some people call it, but is it really good for you? Yes and no. There is nothing like the high you get from a day out at the shops, getting a latte with some girlfriends and giving your credit card some exercise. Then there's the lows, next day regrets of spending too much and asking yourself, "did I really need that shirt in three different colors?".

Like it or not, many of us are addicted to shopping, spending money and consuming. These are not bad things in moderation but it can be difficult to reverse this habit, especially if you have been shopping this way for many years. This makes it a challenge but by no means impossible, here are 7 EASY ways that you can curb your shopping:

1. Target Impulse Buys: Don't start out too restrictive such as putting a complete ban on shopping. Instead focus on cutting out those unplanned, "because it was on sale" purchases. In doing so you are training yourself to start shopping smarter. Less money spent on things you don't need or really want means more money for items that matter, that you treasure and that you will want to keep for decades.

2. Have a Reason to Stop: It could be that you have a ton of debt, that your closet is already overflowing, that you are concerned about the impact that the clothing industry has on the environment or perhaps you want to save for a trip. Whatever the reason may be, having a purpose for shopping less will help get you through when a craving strikes, and they will strike.

3. Find a New Hangout: Shopping can be a very social activity, particularly for women; we gather, we gossip and we shop. So find a new get-together spot; at the yoga studio, at the park for a run, or you can even host a spa night. It doesn't matter what it is, as long as it gets you out of the habit of shopping in a herd.

4. Unsubscribe: It's really hard to shop less when your inbox is constantly bombarded with emails telling you about all the latest products or upcoming sales. Believe it or not, if you see enough of these types of ads you will eventually be enticed into an unplanned purchase. Try unsubscribing to as many as possible, only keeping your absolute favorites. Or better yet, unsubscribe to them all and see if you miss them, you may realize you don't.

5. Avoid Online: Shopping online is easy, this also makes it a trap for those of us with, shall we say, less self-control. As lovely as it can be to sit on your couch on a Friday night with a glass of wine and fill up a virtual shopping cart, these types of shopping sprees are mostly impulse. Since you are not physically in the store, you are not able to use your senses to ensure items are right for you before purchasing and this will usually result in less satisfaction once the items are received.

6. Rediscover your Wardrobe: You may feel bored by every item in your closet, this is likely a result of too many impulse buys. Items that you thought you liked, thought you would wear, or bought because they were a "good deal". Try coming up with new outfit combinations using your existing wardrobe and accessories, this will allow you to get more wear out of the items you already own and hopefully help you to define your style so that you can avoid impulse buys in the future. Narrowing your wardrobe to a smaller "capsule" wardrobe can help you to decide which items pair well and can make it easier to hone into your own unique look.

7. Be Confident: When you are confident it doesn't matter what you are wearing, the clothes you wear do not define who you are as a person. There are so many different styles out there, following trends can be fun from time to time but having a distinct personal style that works with your dimensions will look natural and make you feel comfortable. When you feel comfortable, you will feel confident and that is what others will notice.

I hope this guide is useful to those of you who, like myself, have been trying to cut down on my shopping but have a hard time finding the motivation. These are the things that I have discovered which help to give me more control over my urges to spend and slowly but surely it is getting easier to be happy without shopping. Please don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter (right sidebar) for updates on my new series coming for #SustainableSpring17!

Erin

Is It Time To Jump On The Ath-leisure Trend?

As a busy Mom and all around lazy girl, I am such a fan of the cozy closet. When I discovered the brand HYBA (by Reitmans) in the summer I was pretty much browsing the site everyday in search of new arrivals to purchase. Since my occupation has changed from Law Clerk to Daycare Provider, my wardrobe has also undergone a metamorphosis; meaning that I pretty much wear leisure gear all week long. I usually opt on the side of jeans and a button down flannel shirt or sweater with my Converse high tops but there are also days when yoga pants and a hoodie are calling my name.

There has been a trend popping up in the last few seasons that is making it ok to go out in public in comfortable clothing (like your gym clothes) which is great, especially for those of us living #momlife (sometimes looking put together takes waaay too much effort). But it's not just about wearing your pj's to Walmart or your Lululemon pants to a restaurant, I think it's more about taking athletic-inspired pieces and incorporating them into any wardrobe whether it be very corporate or incredibly relaxed.

Many of my fav companies to buy regular clothing from are offering up new affordable activewear lines such as Old Navy, Gap, Reitmans (HYBA), Forever 21, Joe Fresh and most recently ADORE ME has just released their own line of beautiful Activewear (think sexy mesh cut-outs and tanks that can work for a night out as well as for a cardio class) (Use coupon code GETACTIVE10 for 10% your activewear order until the end of OCTOBER).  I am truely in love with their FIZA Tank and Short set with criss cross open cowl back. Another of my favs is the CHAYA Jogger set which has a cropped tank and fishnet detail on both top and pant. My favorite thing about all of these brands athletic collections are the patterns (think florals, abstract and geometric). I also love the cuts and fabrics used for things like t-shirts, pants and hoodies; they move with you, they keep you cool, they wick away sweat (and what busy person doesn't need those features in their day-to-day clothing?)

Have you gotten into this trend? I know that it used to be unthinkable to wear pajamas or gym clothes to work, for date night or to run errands but hey, change is inevitable, particularly when it comes to fashion. It may be just a matter of embracing this change as far as you are comfortable, either way I'm already on board.

Erin