Retail Therapy
Shop ’til you drop used to be my fight song, so to speak. I would get up in the morning and get ready and head to the nearest mall like I was a secret agent that had to accomplish a mission or the world as we know it would end. Always telling myself, “I will just window shop.” The next logical step in my corrupt consumerism driven mind was “it won’t hurt to just try it on” and this is the gateway to the drug. My favorites included H & M and Forever 21. You know the drill, buy 2 shirts get 1 free or buy one sweater get one for 1$. Got me every time.
Mindless shopping is like eating junk food. It feels good at the moment, but in the long run, we often regret these frivolous purchases.
Elizabeth Charles
Fast Fashion
The thrill of walking into a “<a href=”http://makingofaminimalist.com/fast-fashion/”>fast fashion</a>” store is that you can walk out with bags and bags of clothes for minimal money. The idea of bargain shopping being a harmless sport will leave you empty and broke. You may feel that you’re really getting the best bang for your buck, but in reality you are purchasing clothes that were made in sweat shops that only pay their workers about 1$ an hour on average and clothes that last an average of 2 wash cycles. Fast fashion is not only in your local mall, it’s rearing its ugly head in our social media feeds too. I am inundated with virtual boutiques selling the products that are the epitome of disposable shoes and clothing.
How to spot fast fashion
- They are quick to release clothes after a trend is seen on the catwalk or modeled by a celebrity or social media influencer.
- Bulk clothing produced in big factories where workers are paid unfair wages.
- Pressure to make you buy their clothing with phrases like “only few sizes left” or ” need to order by a certain time”, creating a sense of urgency.
- Clothing made from cheap synthetic fabrics that are only meant to withstand approximately 2 washes.
- Websites or stores that enlist you in a “insider group” to make you feel like you are catered to and getting the inside deal also creating urgency to buy.
Slow Your Roll
Ethical
Being in accordance with the rules or standards for right conduct or practice, especially the standards of profession.
Slow or ethical fashion is the most exciting development in fashion right now. It is gaining momentum as conscious consumerism takes off and the public grows weary of the current establishment (namely, fast fashion) peddling its mediocre apparel with enormous hidden costs.
Your New Dress Code
| Fast | Slow |
| H & M | People Tree Ltd. |
| Gap | Pact |
| Forever 21 | Able |
| Guess | Patagonia |
| Urban Outfitters | Thought Clothing |
| Zara | Reformation |
| Victoria Secret | Monsoon |
| Bohme |
In the same way I am embracing a slower paced life, I am also beginning to implement this philosophy into my wardrobe, giving my closet more of a purpose instead of a pace. Taking my focus from a more is better mindset to that of a consumer who is more aware of the clothing industry’s impact on our environment. I’ve learned that quality over quantity is a better design for my life, and I’m making a change one shirt at a time.
How about you?
Making of a Minimalist 