Maybe you’re already unpacking fall sweaters, but if you’re a night owl like me, you’re clinging to the last few long days of summer left. Even if you’re firmly planted in the cool weather camp, you can’t deny the perks of summer dressing. No layers, no steaming, no heavy boots. It’s so easy to roll out of bed, toss on a breezy garment, go sans makeup and blowout, and be out the door faster than it takes to choose a text GIF. And if anyone notices your devil-may-care approach, you’ve got the heat as your scapegoat. “I’m just going to get sweaty anyway, what’s the point?” Plus, I’d bet you’re just as stunning without all the fuss.
In Austin, the intense heat will last far past Labor Day so I’ve built a wardrobe that centers on summer staples to prepare. I curated this list from the indie lines I turn to for consistently beautiful and surprisingly affordable ethical fashion. Wherever you are, make your final days of summer last with these wardrobe finds.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Why Indie?
Simply because it’s more trustworthy than conventional fashion. Solving for sustainability in fashion is really a two-fold issue. Consumers have to put pressure on brands to change and the brands themselves bear the responsibility for fixing systemic issues like transparency. I’d argue that the business side is really the sweet spot. It’s where sizeable, global change will happen, say, when a brand like Gap joins the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Adidas produces a line of athletic wear rescued from ocean plastic or Stella partners with a biotech company to produce vegan silk.
Progress is happening on the business front but it’s moving much slower than consumers want. Mainly because, whoa these are complex issues! But still, no excuses. Supply chains remain wrought with new forms of slave labor and exploitation and production facilities pollute our waterways like they own a deed on a new planet. Until this goes away, shopping indie is still the way to go more often than not. That, and spending your dollar prudently and only when it adds true value to your life.
Psst…shop by clicking on the images 😉[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2598″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” title=”Modernation |Oaxaca Dress | $75 **vintage find, only 1**” link=”http://shopmodernation.com/upcycle/oaxaca-dress/#thepeahen”][vc_separator][vc_single_image image=”2603″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” title=”Mayamiko | Chanju Bardot Top | $34″ link=”https://www.mayamiko.com/collections/tops/products/chanju-bardot-top-in-orange-pandora/#kasimartin”][vc_separator][vc_single_image image=”2602″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” title=”My Sister | Aquatic Clusters | $32″ link=”https://www.mysister.org/collections/jewelry/products/aquatic-cluster-earrings/#thepeahen”][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_single_image image=”2605″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” title=”Kestan | Miro Skirt | $65″ link=”https://kestan.co/collections/bottoms/products/skirt/#thepeahen”][vc_separator][vc_single_image image=”2604″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” title=”IMBY | Mae Jogger | $118″ link=”https://imby.io/collections/all/products/mae-jogger/#thepeahen”][vc_separator][vc_single_image image=”2608″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” title=”Azura Bay | Lulu Palm One-Piece | $149 **15% off: summer.love**” link=”https://www.azurabay.com/collections/swim/products/lulu-palm-print-strappy-one-piece-bathing-suit/#thepeahen”][vc_separator][vc_single_image image=”2600″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” title=”Bead & Reel | Isabella Dress | $95″ link=”https://www.beadandreel.com/collections/dresses/products/isabella-dress/#thepeahen”][vc_column_text]A percentage of the proceeds from these earrings goes to the rehabilitation of human trafficking survivors.
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_single_image image=”2609″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” title=”Matter Prints | The Button-Back Top | $79″ link=”https://shop.matterprints.com/collections/tops/products/the-button-back-top-new-white/#thepeahen”][vc_separator][vc_single_image image=”2601″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” title=”Fortress of Inca | Miko Flats | $175 **sale**” link=”https://www.fortressofinca.com/miko-steel-grey-final-sale/#thepeahen”][vc_column_text]Sica Schmitz, the woman behind Bead & Reel, is also a fierce fashion advocate. She puts on the Fair Trade Fashion show every year in LA.
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_single_image image=”2599″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” title=”Bead & Reel | High Wasted Tapered Pants | $110″ link=”https://www.beadandreel.com/collections/bottoms/products/high-waisted-tapered-pant-rujuta-sheth/#thepeahen”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][vc_column_text]I’m proud of this homegrown Austin brand whose small shoe parlor is right in my backyard. These flats were handmade by fairly paid artisans in their small factories in Peru.
Discover more ethical fashion on my Shopping Page.
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_column_text]This post contains affiliate links from my partnership with The People Label, which means I will get an 8% commission from any sales generated from your purchases.This allows me to do the unpaid research and writing that sets The Peahen apart from traditional fashion blogs. It also helps me bring you the best ethical and sustainable fashion brands. Thanks for helping me keep the lights on here!
Kasi[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
