Ethical Shopping tips are shared here today.
We can buy well made treasures that can endure the test of time.
Buying second-hand gives you access to a world of unique, sometimes one of a kind pieces, all the while helping to conserve our precious and finite resources.
Above, this outfit is my signature style; eclectic and anti-formulaic.
The “tough” boots contrasts nicely with the “sweet” collar. So many styling elements here: organic, tough, sweet, beaded, brocade and velvet.
Beaded clutches are always a favorite of mine. Can you remember this beauty? Pictured with another second-hand brocade coat.
Featured today, this clutch has a semi precious stone in the middle, which is either agate or laboradite. It was an eBay find. Architectural stripes, in the bag and sweater, play well with the velvet brocade. Who is familiar with this incredible fabric source called Schumacher?
Velvet brocades rendered by this house are stunning. For example, below is a swatch of LES GAZELLES AU BOIS. An iconic 1927 design, Les Gazelles au Bois was created by Pierre Pozier, nephew of Frederic Schumacher. Its foliage and leaping gazelles epitomizes the elegance of Art Deco, according to the source. Fabrics here are rich and expensive, but last forever.
Therefore if one found skirt made by this fabled company, you would be happy! Imagine finding for $6.00! s I did when thrifting in Long Island. Farfetch sells many lovely pieces with the Dorothee Schumacher label, and I assume this to be a current label associated with these lush fabrics. It is reasonably priced for a luxury brand and can be seen here. Warning: it is much higher than my charity shop price.
Under the radar lux here! Look for something like this near you, second hand if possible . A retail splurge here could be justified, this style is classic and the fabrics will endure.
Buying second-hand is the very first of my ethical shopping tips. Sewing is another great way to get beautiful clothes that would be costly if manufactured.
Finally, shopping local, with your own reusable bag – avoiding the need for a paper or plastic bag- AND second-hand is the ethical trifecta!
Ethical Shopping tips can be nuanced.
Simply consider the carbon footprint and well as the ethos of the designer. Buy pieces that are made to last. Avoid Fast fashion if possible .
See a close up of these pieces.
Vintage jewelry is fun to wear, as most pieces are very unique. Who wants to see your pieces on others, coming and going?
The earrings are signed. However, I can’t see the signature! Good vintage jewelry has the finest patina.
Check out the booties! Now these are one heavy pair of statement shoes! They are 3 years old and were bought locally, but retail. See, I am not perfect!
Headlines are pouring in with the real costs of climate disasters. Death tolls are tragic and alarming. The potential for health hazards and more unnecessary casualties loom large. Dollars costs are shocking as well.
Therefore, it is imperative to conserve our resources and be aware.
Sharing clothes is also a good idea. I have a twin and we regularly swap clothes, and I love to have friends barrow my clothes and accessories. As well, I discuss this topic here.
Ethical shopping tips. What are yours? I am listening !
Be well. Thanks for reading !
—— XOXO, Elle ——
I couldn’t agree more, Elle. Besides the fact that you can find more unique items. It’s nice to have something that not everyone already has!!
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Yes to both points. And also how wonderful it is to make something of your own like your knitting, and your mom’s sewing!
Now that is wonderful!
xo, Elle
Your clutch is so beautiful and that skirt was such a good find! 🙂 I have been shopping second hand a lot more lately – kinder to the wallet and the environment, haha! 🙂 I find it requires more time though, and I don’t always get to browse as much as I’d like with two little ones!
Hope that your week is going well so far 🙂 We are having some much needed cooler weather after what felt like a never ending heatwave!
Away From The Blue
You are correct though. It is more time-consuming and with small children I could understand that it would be hard for you to make the time for this.
I’m so glad you are enjoying cooler temperatures.
xo, Elle
That skirt is simply amazing, Elle, and how wonderful you were able to buy it at such a ridiculously low price. I had a look at the Schumacher website, and their designs are glorious. I love your purse and the fabulous collar too. I’m all for ethical shopping, but once in a while we all have a retail relapse, don’t we? Those shoes are definitely worth it, but I’m wondering how you can walk in them, as they look pretty fierce? xxx
They are actually much easier to walk and then they appear to be. The way the platform is done, there isn’t too bad of an incline and my foot feels comfortable.
I know, and admire, that you shop secondhand as well. I am always admiring your purchases. And yes of course, I do buy retail every now and again!
xo, Elle
I love those statement shoes!! So clumsy yet so refined. Hope you’re having a lovely week! Xx
http://www.thefashionfolks.com
Yes, the shoes are pretty out there! LOL. You too, enjoy!
xo, Elle
I love the unique items like this! Very pretty!
Raindrops of Sapphire
Thank you Lorna!
It is fun to wear pieces that are uncommon!
xo, Elle
I like the idea of buying used items as every piece has a story behind it xx
GemmaEtc.com ❤️
excellent point Gemma!
Have a great week!
xo, Elle
I love your eclectic style, Elle – this mix of tough and sweet really speaks to me. I’ve never heard of Schumaker, but that’s a gorgeous skirt! I buy for quality, and I’ve found a few great previously-unknown-to-me brands after the fact. Second-hand shopper first over here! I also encourage others to shop second-hand – one of my male coworkers was bemoaning the cost of buying a new sweater (he’s on a weight loss journey), and I told him to go buy a better-quality one at the thrift store, for a fraction of the price. I also give away my… Read more »
Thank you Sheila,
and you know that that is mutual !
OH, I know– you are a wondrous shopper, I am glad you are teaching others!
I try to as well!
I love to give my things away, also.
xo, Elle
Thank you for your thoughtful comment on my blog, and I fully agree with you on ethical shopping—not only is shopping secondhand better for the planet, it also leaves you with a way more unique wardrobe!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
Exactly ! Thanks you for your comment!
xo, Elle
I haven’t shopped second hand before, but its definitely something I want to try. -Because one can find some really unique things and yes to saving the planet. Thanks for the tips dear Elle. Your shoes is hot.com!
https://www.missymayification.co.uk
you will just LOVE it Missy May!
hugs to you!
xo, Elle
What a stunning look! Love the vintagey feminine collar with the clompy boots!
Bettye
https://fashionschlub.com
Love your phrasing Bettye!
Clompy boots, that is what I shall call them from now on!
xo, Elle
Omg I loved this post thanks for sharing
jadieegosh
Thanks Jade!
Have a great week !
xo, Elle
Great tips dear! Love your top, so feminine, elegant, and classy!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Thanks Jessica,
I appreciate that. have a great week!
xo, Elle
These are great tips! I’ve found some unique pieces shopping second hand! Absolutely love your booties!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thanks Jill!
Yes, there is so much out there!
Thanks so much !
xo, Elle
I completely agree with you! Especially you can find some such a unique and gorgeous pieces!
New Post – http://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com/2019/02/chloe-love-story-eau-de-parfum_25.html
Giveaway MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick – http://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com/2019/03/mac-velvet-teddy-lipstick-giveaway_1.html
I am so glad you agree!
I appreciate your comment !
xo, Elle
Elle, this outfit is so great and those booties! Oh how I adore them! I am not perfect either and do fall into the fast fashion trap. But I am getting better especially since working in the consignment shop. I have acquired so many unique and fun pieces shopping second hand.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
How wonderful that you work in a consignment shop.
That must be a picnic.
None of us are perfect my friend!
xo, Elle
So true- buying secondhand is really sustainable fashion! 🙂
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Yes Ashley, it truly is.
Thank you so much for visiting my blog. Have a wonderful week ahead !
xoxo, Elle