The fashion industry is one of the largest polluters in the world, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and waste. The production and disposal of clothing have significant impacts on the environment, from the use of natural resources to the release of toxic chemicals into the air and water. One way to reduce the environmental impact of fashion is by buying secondhand clothing.
Secondhand fashion, also known as thrift or vintage clothing, refers to clothing that has been previously owned and is being resold. By choosing to buy secondhand clothing, you are not only saving money but also reducing the demand for new clothing production. Here are a few ways in which secondhand fashion helps protect the planet:
Reduces textile waste: The fashion industry is known for producing a significant amount of textile waste. By buying secondhand clothing, you are preventing clothing from ending up in landfills, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in our environment.
Reduces carbon footprint: The production of new clothing has a significant carbon footprint. Secondhand clothing, on the other hand, has already been produced, meaning that it has a lower carbon footprint than new clothing. By choosing secondhand clothing, you are reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to the fight against climate change.
Reduces water usage: The production of new clothing requires a significant amount of water. By choosing secondhand clothing, you are reducing the demand for new clothing production, which in turn reduces the amount of water used in the fashion industry.
Supports ethical fashion: Fast fashion is known for its unethical production practices, such as the use of cheap labor and the exploitation of workers. By buying secondhand clothing, you are supporting ethical fashion by reducing the demand for fast fashion and encouraging more sustainable production practices.
Encourages creativity: Secondhand clothing offers a unique opportunity to express your personal style and creativity. By shopping secondhand, you can find unique and one-of-a-kind pieces that you won't find in a regular clothing store. This encourages creativity and helps to promote individuality.
In conclusion, secondhand fashion is an excellent way to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry. By buying secondhand clothing, you are reducing textile waste, carbon footprint, water usage, and supporting ethical fashion. So the next time you're looking for new clothes, consider buying secondhand clothing, and join the movement towards a more sustainable future.
]]>The goal of the #nonewclothes movement is 2 prong: It intends to educate people about the destructive impact that mass production of new fashion (especially fast fashion) has on people and the planet. With this awareness, it intends to help people rethink their choices and actions in how and what fashion they consume.
Last year, I started the challenge because even I, as the owner of a secondhand brand, wanted to fine-tune how I was shopping for fashion. I invited my community to take the challenge on too.
Dr. Aisha Mays, an Oakland-based adolescent medicine physician and founder of Dream Youth Clinics, did just that. Here are 7 things she wants you to know about the #nonewclothes challenge.
You become a purposeful shopper
I love the style and the story that used clothes tell. As a person who loves the experience of shopping, I have felt discomfort with the overconsumption, overspending, and waste that goes hand in hand with shopping. Even with used and vintage clothes, we can still be impulsive and buy too much. I’ve had to work to unlearn many of those wasteful shopping habits and retrain myself to shop with more purpose.
Purposeful shopping is a journey. When I read LaliSimone’s blog post, it resonated with me. It was about taking the #NoNewClothes challenge to celebrate fashion and take a stand against its destructive effects. I knew that it was something that I wanted to do to strengthen my commitment to responsible buying and resist overconsumption.
Stop old habits. Begin new ones.
My first approach to not buying new was to refrain from window shopping for new clothes both online and IRL. I had to make an effort to shift to only browsing pre-loved and vintage clothes. Once I truly made that shift, the entire process felt easier and more enjoyable.
It was of utmost importance to continue supporting and publicly highlighting some of my beloved local small business boutiques that sell responsibly sourced, BIPOC-centered new fashion. I believe their approach to fashion is integral to the #NoNewClothes movement as well. That’s why I continued to patronize local BIPOC and allied businesses that sold new sustainable items for undergarments and swimwear.
The Master Plan: Go with the flow
I didn’t have a detailed plan on how I was going to do the #nonewclothes challenge. I just knew that I wanted to have fun with it. Also, having a community of support helps me stay on track.
It wanted to chronicle this experience on Instagram where I connect with other creative folks. I wanted to inspire others on how to do #NoNewClothes. I shared photos of outfits I styled with all secondhand clothes. I connected the looks to a metaphor for life – a reminder that often what we wear is about so much more than the external look; it’s really a way for us to communicate something to the world.
The challenges of the #nonewclothes challenge
Buying shoes and undergarments has been a challenge. As a diehard fan of clogs, one of my favorite pastimes was browsing my favorite clog designers’ latest collections to score a new pair of clogs. But that changed.
So I have chosen not to buy any new shoes this year.
Regarding undergarments and swimwear, I took a different approach and discovered many new brands with whom I share the same fashion ethical principles. It also allowed me to buy from some of my favorite local new clothes boutiques that now carry sustainable items.
The easy parts of the challenge
To start I just had to commit! I knew that it would be a challenge because I love buying clothes. I knew that in order for me to stick to it, I had to know exactly why I was doing it. I chose my birthday because I intentionally celebrate it every year. This solidified the importance of this challenge and my commitment to it.
So I started with shopping my own wardrobe! I have lots of clothes and accessories. Rather than going out to shop secondhand that was new to me, I decided to shift my focus to ‘shopping my own closet’. I started wearing pieces that I hadn’t worn in years. There were many things that I forgot that I had. I also rediscovered my appreciation for pieces that I had tagged to give away or sell. It felt like a wardrobe refresh that inspired me to wear my own clothes in new ways.
Shop your favorite brands and discover new ones
I intentionally made a list of my favorite second hand and vintage shops to remind myself that I could still shop (and do a bit of virtual window shopping, too). I continued to go to the flea markets. When I was traveling, I made it a point to visit consignment and vintage shops to check out fashions in other areas.
On social media, I was introduced to more secondhand and vintage boutiques through Instagram Live events and virtual pop-ups. A major highlight was learning about more Black-owned vintage and pre-loved fashion brands across the country.
It is worth it!
This experience has made me a much more purposeful and intentional shopper. I used to do more impulsive buying. I didn’t really enjoy that, but I found that I just couldn’t help it. That practice felt unhealthy for me.
The #NoNewClothes challenge has changed that for me. Because I am not buying new, I completely stopped that practice. When I did shop, it felt much healthier.
I also can’t overemphasize how much money I’ve saved through intentional shopping of preloved fashion. With the money I’ve saved, I have been able to travel more, support art events and other experiences that celebrate life – which deepen my love of fashion.
Starting the #nonewfashion can open up your world to a whole new way of shopping, style and creativity. More importantly, it's a way to become a practitioner of conscious consumerism that is healthy for the planet and people.
If you're interested in starting the challenge and being featured, please message LaliSimone at info@lalisimone.com
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A version of this blog is also featured on Gem.App
]]>Circular fashion are "clothes, shoes or accessories that are designed, sourced, produced, and provided with the intention to be used and circulate responsibly and effectively in society for as long as possible in their most valuable form, and hereafter return safely to the biosphere when no longer of human use." (1)
By definition, secondhand clothing (vintage or contemporary) is considered to be a central part of the circular fashion economy. It continues to be of use and value to people in spite of its age and, oftentimes, in spite of its condition. The longer it remains in the possession of people, and out of the landfills, the more you reduce its carbon footprint.
When I first opened my shop, I knew fundamentally that vintage and secondhand clothing was cool for the esthetics and style. But little did I understand then that buying used clothing was also a way to protect the planet and its natural resources.
All these years later, learning how hurtful new fashion, particularly fast fashion, is to the earth and people, has changed my relationship to fashion and how I buy clothes. I'm very intentional about buying virtually everything used for myself and family. And I want to share what I've learned so far to hopefully inspire you to do the same.
Here are some important stats about the fashion industry
Consumers of all ages, but especially young consumers, are building a greater awareness about the highly polluting practices of the fashion industry. Because of this they are also demanding changes in how fashion is manufactured by no longer shopping brands that are known to hurt the environment. And it's working. The industry is taking notice. Some designers and brands have started to make some changes.
LaliSimone is an advocate of circular fashion. I invite you to take a moment to consider what changes you can make with your wardrobe to join the effort to combat climate change.
For tips and inspiration on how to transition into a No New Clothes lifestyle, check out my blog "No New Fashion 2021".
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(1) Photo credit: Vivienne Westwood S/S 2016 "Mirror The World", the collection was about raising awareness about climate change issues, with particular attention to saving Venice (and the rest of the world...) from the threat of rising sea levels.
]]>A fun way to shift your attention and money away from new purchases is by upcycling clothes, something I've always wanted to do. I have started 4 projects. Once they're complete I will share a blow-by-blow account of how it went and what I learned and loved about it.
In the meantime, I want to share some practical tips to help you get started! No sewing or design skills required!
Before we delve in, let's define what upcycling is: Upcycling is creating new clothes from old clothes. Alterations can be simple or complex. It's possible to create a style that is virtually indistinguishable from its original state. It's all about imagination and creative self-expression. In many cases, it is also a political point of view.
My approach for a style reincarnation and closet revolution
Moving forward, I plan to upcycle regularly because it is a great way to refresh my look and resist buying new fashion. Do you upcycle? Comment below with your thoughts about upcycling and any tips to get started.
* Photo credit: Upcycled double breasted trench by Greg Lauren
]]>Are you up for the #NoNewFashion challenge in 2021 and beyond? Find out how easy it is to make vintage and secondhand stylish while supporting your local economy and protecting people and the planet.
]]>At this point I'm sure we all know that the fashion industry is one of the top three polluters in the world and is one of the largest consumers of water on the planet. In 2015 alone, the fashion industry consumed enough water to fill 32 million Olympic-size swimming pools!
Fast fashion is particularly harsh on the environment where brands like Zara, Forever 21, and H&M produce an average of 52 new micro collections PER YEAR. Compounding this problem is the exploitation of people (mostly women of color) that make our garments. Most work under dangerous conditions without earning a living wage, both in and outside of the United States (yes, clothes that are "Made in the USA" can still be exploitative!).
As we embark on a new year and reflect on the environmental and social travesties normalized in fashion, we want to do our part to affect meaningful change. We want to spread the word to collectively take action to protect the planet without sacrificing our style.
In response to the fashion industry's practices, one of many movements has gained momentum to combat the environmental toll. It is called #NoNewFashion. People are joining this grassroots effort because 1) they want to be part of the solution and, 2) they realize they can be stylish and fashion-forward without buying new clothes.
As a wearer and advocate of secondhand fashion, I invite you to take the challenge of #NoNewFashion this year. At LaliSimone, we believe no new clothes is fundamentally "fearless style." After all, style is about creative self-expression.
Here are some tips and ideas on making vintage or secondhand fashion modern and wildly stylish.
Where to buy
Styling tips
One final thought...vintage clothing is made exceptionally well compared to fast fashion or your average new garment. My style theory and practice are to invest more of my hard-earned dollars into used quality outwear, jewelry, and shoes because I want them to last a lifetime.
And here's a feel-good stat for added motivation: Buying a used over a new garment reduce its carbon footprint by 60-70% (ThredUp). That's huge!
I hope you found some inspiration as you embark on the #NoNewFashion challenge this year and beyond!
Show us how you style your pre-loved or vintage fashion! Email a picture to info@lalisimone.com to be featured in our next blog and social media channels. Or post your photo to your social and tag @lalisimone.
Let's do this!
Judith
I love the style possibilities the cooler months bring. I get to turn functional staple pieces into show-stopping outfits by mixing bold prints, adding unpredictable colors, or throwing on a spectacular coat, shoe or accessory.
For this season, the runways were loaded with audacious interpretations of tweeds, plaids, tartans, checkered prints, and houndstooth. And it made my heart sing.
For issue 02 of our Autumn lookbook, I teamed up again with Kristy. She is a style maven and creative enthusiast who shot Issue 01 on an iPhone. This time she modeled the looks that we assembled from the collections at LaliSimone.
Enjoy the issue and don't forget to shop the looks.
]]>I believe that, as much as possible, small businesses and individuals can support our first responders and frontline workers by complying with "shelter in place" and taking all recommended precautions to reduce the spread and infection of COVID-19.
At first, I considered keeping the shop open on a "by appointment only" basis, but that quickly changed when new mandates were ordered. So I've made the difficult but necessary decision to close the storefront to the public until further notice.
However, LaliSimone is not going away. Your patronage and support has allowed my store to thrive for over two years! And I want to keep going. I hope you feel the same.
In this spirit, I ask for your continued patronage as LaliSimone will take an economic hit like so many local small businesses.
Today, only a fraction of my inventory is online. With the move to 100% online shopping, I will be uploading all of my inventory to my website. That means so many more things to shop online than ever before! This is extra great news for customers who live outside of Oakland.
Today, I offer free domestic shipping on orders $150+. I will now offer free domestic shipping on orders $100+. Notwithstanding changes to USPS station hours and accessibility, I will continue to ship within 48 hours of an order date.
Unfortunately, pick-up in store is no longer an option.
All shipments will be carefully handled by me. I use protective gloves to package items that I am sending to clients. Understanding that shipments are touched by many hands before it reaches the customer, I recommend that you follow these disinfecting processes as described in this Washington Post article.
www.lalisimone.com
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Collaborations are very important for LaliSimone. However, I am pausing or cancelling in-person collaborations in response to the orders of cancelling non-essential gatherings.
I am but a message away. You can contact me with questions or comments at info@lalisimone.com, DM on Instagram, or send me a chat message via the website.
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My emotions fluctuate between calm, anxiety, nervousness, joy, and happiness. I have two beautiful and wonderful daughters (8 & 5). They ground me, keep me calm, reminding me that I can find joy and happiness in the littlest things, in spite of the chaos going on around me. They have handled this like champs. My husband and I have been doing well working as team to navigate each day and the bombardment of bleak news related to well everything.
But I'm only human. I have bills to pay, mouths to feed, a store to keep alive and thriving, and yeah, doing things to nurture my emotional and psychological well-being. IT's FUCKING HARD!!! :) But we'll get through this. And I'd be lying if I said that my hubs and I haven't argued. Duh. But we air kiss with a 6 foot distance and make up.
In a time of isolation, we are managing to stay connected with our friends and family, sharing ideas and resources, and, most essentially, laughs and virtual hugs to keep us well-footed and hopeful.
Let's go back to the basics - talking versus texting, interacting in real life with our families, eating homemade meals...at the end of all of this craziness, we might have returned to healthy habits that keeps us our communities together and stronger.
Be well and don't touch your face! :)
Judith,
Owner, LaliSimone
Here's some pix of how we're passing the time - foraging and exploring nature during our neighborhood walks. And making art out of nature's gifts. My 5yo drew a picture of the corona virus. LOL
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