Fashion, Opinions

A Year of Wardrobe Resolutions

ethical-fashion-wardrobe-cuyana

Before I jump into my 2016 resolutions, I want to do a small recap of this year’s highlights. There are two biggies worth mentioning.

This year I converted The Peahen. I’m now focusing solely on ethical fashion. Why? Because fashion can be smart. Because fashion can be a powerful force for social justice. Instead of all that fast fashion and runway mumbo jumbo, I covered before, I’m writing articles with purpose. I’m writing articles about supply chains, workers’ rights, sustainability, and transparency. If you’ve been following, I hope you’ve felt as fulfilled reading as I’ve felt writing.

All the research I’ve been doing got me focused on building a more ethical wardrobe this year. Why? Because awareness inspires action. The shocking stuff I’ve learning about fast-fashion’s negative impact hit me HARD. I realized I was a walking contradiction to some of the ethics I was ranting and raving about. So, this year I tried to vote with my dollar more. I scaled back on overconsumption, opted for vintage, and started buying from ethical brands. When I traveled, I also visited and learned from ethical brands. In Charleston, there was Ibu Movement and in India, PeopleTree.

That’s much to celebrate but I there’s still so much more to learn and share with you. So here comes the serious part – new resolutions.

In 2016, I want to take my commitment to ethical fashion even further. I’m resolving to do this by adopting three new approaches:

#1. Commit to a plan. Basically, this means favoring quality over quantity in my wardrobe choices. Fewer, better things as Cuyana likes to say. This is a multi-part resolution. It will mean being super choosy about materials. First off, I’ll need to educate myself about textiles in-depth. If you haven’t read into the processes behind synthetic fibers, dyeing, tanning and chemical treatment – it’s like deciphering a science manual. It’s been a while since I’ve had that level of academic rigor thrown back into my life. But, hey, this year is my year for educated purchases. The second part of this resolution is a firm commitment to no fast-fashion. I just deleted Zara from my bookmark tab. This got real…fast.

lean-closet-movement-cuyana

#2. Streamline my stuff. I’m reading the Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up right now and finding a gazillion parallels between owning less stuff and creating an ethical wardrobe. When you have less, you can focus on the things you really love. Ethical box checked. When you get rid of things you don’t wear, you realize how little you really need. Ethical box checked. 2016 will be a year of streamlining my wardrobe to the bare bones – the stuff I really love. I’m hoping to apply this to other areas of the home too. I’ve thought about buying something like a lofted garden shed to get some sort of system going. In fact I have already bought some cardboard storage boxes so that I can put some of my seasonal items into storage. I expect that I’ll develop a personal uniform from all this simplification and make better purchasing decisions about what I really need. Who knows, I might even make a start on tidying my home office next…

ethical-fashion-wardrobe-cuyana

#3. Focus on one cause. Fashion’s impact is wide-reaching. When it comes to ethics, fashion advocates rally around one of three main causes – people, animals or earth. Covering the entire span of ethical fashion is not only impossible, but it doesn’t give me the ability to become an expert in any field. Not to mention, these causes are often at odds with each other. Take, for instance, animal rights advocates’ conflict with environmentalists over vegan leather. Because of this, I’ve resolved to narrow my focus on one ethical fashion cause – sustainability and environmentalism. This year more of my writing will cover green fashion, sustainable business, and new eco brands.

does-it-bring-you-joy-mary-kondo

As I embark on this journey to adapt my wardrobe to an ethical lifestyle, I can help you too. I also like sharing advice. If you want an accountability partner for your resolutions or advice on how to create a more ethical wardrobe visit my revamping your wardrobe drop me a line via my services page to learn about styling or contact me.

PS – I learned a ton about the brands and topics I shared with you this year from my partnership with members of The Ethical Writers & Creatives.

Read their 2016 resolutions here:

Alden of Ecocult Painfully Honest New Years Resolution
Leah of Stylewise Blog Year in Review and Ethical Resolutions
Hannah of Life + Style + Justice Blog Resolutions
Kasi of The Peahen Blog A Year of Wardrobe Resolutions
Elizabeth of The Notepasser Blog My One Big Resolution for 2016
Faye of Sustaining Life Shedding Layers for a Mindful 2016
Annie’s My 2016 New Year’s Resolution: Buy Only Ethically Made Fashion
Kamea of Kamea’s World 4 New Year’s Resolutions You Need for a Meaningful 2016
Holly of Leotie Lovely Gone Green 2016
Sara of Necessary Trouble 2016 Resolutions
Andrea of Ecologique Fashion Resolutions

(20) Comments

  1. […] Hannah of Life + Style + Justice Blog’s, Resolutions Kasi of The Peahen Blog’s, A Year of Wardrobe Resolutions Elizabeth of The Notepasser Blog’s, My One Big Resolution for 2016 Faye of Sustaining […]

  2. […] Resolutions Hannah of Life + Style + Justice Blog’s, Resolutions Kasi of The Peahen Blog’s, A Year of Wardrobe Resolutions Elizabeth of The Notepasser Blog’s, My One Big Resolution for 2016 Faye of Sustaining Life’s, […]

  3. […] Kasi Martin of The Peahen’s Year of Wardrobe Resolutions […]

  4. […] Elizabeth Stilwell: My One Big Resolution for 2016  Faye Lessler: Shedding Layers for a Mindful 2016 Hanna Baror-Padilla: Why Making Unresolutions Are Better Andrea Plell: Resolutions Annie Zhu: My 2016 New Year’s Resolution: Buy Only Ethically Made Fashion  Kamea Chang: 4 New Year’s Resolutions You Need for a Meaningful 2016  Holly Rose: Gone Green 2016 Alden Wicker: My Painfully Honest New Year’s Resolutions Leah Wise: Year in Review & Ethical Resolutions Hannah Theisen: Resolutions Kasi Martin: A Year of Wardrobe Resolutions  […]

  5. […] Kasi Martin – A Year of Wardrobe Resolutions […]

  6. […] Kasi Martin of The Peahen’s Year of Wardrobe Resolutions […]

  7. Sabrina says:

    Love what you’re doing here. I’m now inspired to go through my closet of dusty clothes, that I probably only wear once every six months, and narrow it down to the things I really like. Love your posts.

    1. Kasi says:

      Hey Sabrina! I’m glad you like the post. If you need more suggestions I’m here to help you edit your wardrobe. I definitely recommend The Magical Art of Tidying Up as a place to start.

      Happy holidays lady!

      – Kasi

      1. Sabrina says:

        I was stopping by your blog this morning to catch up on some of your recent posts and wanted to touch base with you again about your wardrobe resolutions post…
        As I commented before, I was inspired by your goals for streamlining. I did, in fact, read the book and loved it. I just moved into a new house six months ago, so it was a perfect time to go through my closet and lose the clutter. I was able to get rid of almost four garbage bags full of clothes, not including shoes. Some of which had only been worn once or twice, and others that I hadn’t worn in over a year. All of which were in great condition. Sad to think how much money I spent on clothes that I hardly ever got to wear. I have a friend who lost a lot of weight and was basically living in yoga pants for the last year not able to afford to buy new clothes. She was able to take a lot of the gently-used clothes. The rest I donated. I now have less clothes than my husband. My wardrobe can breathe and it takes me only seconds to find an outfit I like in the mornings because I kept only the things that I really enjoyed and felt good in. It’s been a real game changer.
        Love your posts here. Great insight and resources. I would like to become a wiser consumer, but I still have a ways to go. 😉
        My best friend’s husband owns a jean company in South Carolina where they custom make every pair of jeans in-house using Cone Denim made in North Carolina. They also give 20% of their year-end profits to Wellspring Living in ATL to fight sex trafficking. Thought you might like: http://billiamjeans.com

        1. thepeahen says:

          Reading this makes me so happy Sabrina. I’m doing the same thing you did 6 months ago preparing for a move to Austin, Texas. It’s great to feel light and to part with so many things I’ve held onto out of obligation or emotion. It’s hysterical you have less clothes than your hubby now! Love that.

          It sounds like you’re well on your way to becoming a wiser consumer. It’s all about the journey. I’m still learning a ton myself about textiles and the manufacturing process.

          I’ll check out that denim brand, thank for sharing! Do you know if they stock in any stores outside of their Greenville flagship? Thanks for staying in touch!

          1. Sabrina says:

            I do feel lighter and freer, indeed. I can finally really appreciate the things I have in my house and my closet. My stress level is virtually nonexistent the moment I pull into my driveway. I hope the move goes well to Austin. 🙂
            Billiam is sold at:
            Oliver Sweeney – London
            Citizen Supply – ATL
            Tweeds – ATL
            James Dant – Indiana
            Able & Willing – Sarasota

  8. Love your thoughts on honing in on one topic when it comes to ethical fashion…I’ve struggled with this myself!

  9. […] EcoCult: “My Painfully Honest New Year’s Resolutions, 2016 Edition.” StyleWise: “Year in Review + Ethical Resolutions.” The Note Passer: “My One Big Resolution for 2016.” (A great one for all freelancers!) Necessary Trouble: “2016 Resolutions.” Sustaining Life: “Shedding Layers for a Mindful 2016.” Sotela: “Why Making Unresolutions Are Better.” Ecologique Fashion: “Goodbye 2015.” Annie Zhu: “My 2016 Resolution: Buy Only Ethically Made Fashion.” Kamea World: “4 New Years Resolutions You Need for a Meaningful 2016.” Leotie Lovely: “#GoneGreen 2016: 365 Days of Simple Sustainable Suggestions.” Life+Style+Justice: “Resolutions.” The Peahen: “A Year of Wardrobe Resolutions.” […]

  10. Growing our intelect and making ourselfs better is something that I think everyone should do, I also have some goals in that matter. Have a great 2016

  11. Hi Kasi,

    I’m new to the blog (so hello!) and I’ve got to say I love what you’re doing. I’m struggling at the moment to keep a spirited outlook in terms of fashion, purely because I don’t have the time/money to research my clothes enough so I’m stuck wearing the same things over and over! I hope to get to a place where you’re at soon.

    Besma | Curiously Conscious

    1. thepeahen says:

      Hi Besma!

      I’m glad you like my writing. It’s always encouraging to meet other conscious consumers. I think what you’re doing by sticking to staples in your wardrobe is smart, buying less is never a bad decision for your wallet or the earth. If you need tips on designers or wardrobe curation feel free to reach out to me on twitter at @peahenblog or via email [email protected].

      You’ve got it going in the food space! Your Instagram is quite enviable. I’m going to take a stab at cooking some of your vegan recipes. I try to stay vegan at home, but indulge in meat and dairy when I’m out at restaurants. A gal’s gotta live and experiment, right?

      Cheers,
      Kasi

      Thanks for stopping by The Peahen!

  12. Hey Kasi!
    Thank you for introducing me to your plight, it is very important to subscribe to those items that stand the test of times when considering our apparel. I lean towards “true” vintage for this reason. The revivals are beautiful, but may not always be a quality purchase. I’ve often thought a great effort to reduce waist would be to live with only what we already own for a predetermined amount of time, maybe a year or more, making use of all the pieces that sit in the shadows gathering dust. It may not be the most fashionable answer but it takes a stand. I’m a new fan of The Peahen, a wonderful collective of ideas thoughtfully presented.

    1. thepeahen says:

      Shannon,

      I enjoyed meeting you this weekend! I totally agree about vintage. Ethical fashion can be quite expensive, so unless I’m ready to make an investment I tend to update my wardrobe with vintage additions and accessories. Have you heard of a capsule collection? I think you’d be interested. Essentially, you build a small collection and stick to it for a set amount of time. I love giving tips on how to do this…and how to create a minimal wardrobe. Checkout Unfancy too…she documents her capsule wardrobe http://www.un-fancy.com/.

      Hope to bump into you again soon.

  13. […] fashion became me this year. So when I started writing my Holiday wish list it was naturally filled with ethical brands. Then […]

  14. […] Kasi Martin – A Year of Wardrobe Resolutions […]

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