Fashion epiphany: sustainable brands

I am surprised this did not happen sooner!  I have been working away towards a zero-waste, in the least a plastic-free, lifestyle, and it was only last month I decided that my wardrobe did not really reflect my values…

Now, to be fair, I wrote a post a while ago about my non-minimalist wardrobe and how every piece was loved and worn (and mended, if needed) and worn again.  These clothes have been in my wardrobe for many, many years.

In March I participated in a #spring10x10 challenge for the first time: wear ten pieces for ten days; you had to get creative with clothing choices, as well as various ways of wearing them (thanks, denim shirt).  This challenge gave me something unexpected:

a fashion epiphany of sorts!

I want my wardrobe to represent what I value: sustainability.  So what does that look like to me?

• sustainable fabrics
• ethical practices
• locally (or close to) made

So my research began!  Social media was a huge help in this, because once I found one brand, it quickly led me to others with the same vision/philosophy.

What did I do with my old clothes?  Well, I tore my closet apart; no longer did I feel the need to keep a T shirt for one day a year.  I offered several friends to look through the pile and take what they wanted.  I posted to Facebook groups to try to sell some for cheap.  The rest I will give to a local Women’s Resource Center.

So, my delectable finds so far…

Women’s Clothing

I found We Are Stories, out of Nelson, BC.  I bought this gorgeous jersey dress from her, as well as a versatile hemp tank.  Tracy focuses on quality materials to create minimalist, timeless clothing.

Further west, I found June Isle Clothier, out of Vancouver, BC.  They use organic fabrics that are ethically sourced and focus on sustainable materials such as cotton, hemp, and linen.  They also make baby and children’s clothing.

Even further west (yes, it’s possible), I found Thrive Lifestyle, which focuses on local, ethically sourced products, using eco-friendly materials.

Also this far west, Korinne Vader out of Victoria, with clothing, jewelry, and ceramics thoughtfully made with care.  Using fabrics such as hemp, organic cotton, and linen, her pieces are hand-sewn and timeless.

Allison Wonderland & Pillar is also out of Vancouver, BC, and focuses on slow fashion and a light footprint.  Timeless, fun pieces, made from materials such as organic cotton and recycled polyester.

Migration Boutique, based in Victoria, BC, supports local and national businesses, with an eye for ethical production.

My search for sustainable footwear continues.  So far, Nisolo looks to be promising, valuing ethically made products, and moving into a more sustainable direction.  I suppose one could always go…barefoot?!

Children’s Clothing

This may not be relevant to you, or it may be just what you’re looking for.  I found so many in my searches, that I will just list their name and where they are based.  Such beautiful pieces, mostly made from sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton, bamboo, and linen, and many also in “grow with me” style so they can be used for a longer period of time to keep up with our speedy growing littles.

Olive Me Handmade – Fernie, BC.  Mostly leggings, rompers, and hats.

Chickadee Handmade – Cranbrook, BC.

HEY baby! – Victoria, BC.

Lemon and Quinn Handmade – Nelson, BC.

Prairie Sweater Co. – Medicine Hat, AB.  Mostly breastfeeding and babywearing clothing.

Prairie & Play – Medicine Hat, AB.

Lilly & Frank – Surrey, BC.  Cloth diapers and covers.

Finn and Ark – Williams Lake, BC.

Nest and Nurture – Kelowna, BC.

Softstar Shoes – Oregon, USA.  Shoes.

Nooks Design – Kelowna, BC.  Shoes.

That is my list thusfar.  LOTS of options for baby and children’s clothing.

I will continue my search for a sustainable wardrobe for myself.  Baby is sticking with hand-me-downs so far, until she gets a bit bigger.

It has been pretty exciting experiencing this “fashion epiphany”.  I have not changed my wardrobe in MANY years, and I also have not made the effort to choose sustainability when it comes to what fills my closet.  I am now choosing slowly and wisely; pieces that are timeless and versatile, as well as ethically (preferably locally) made with sustainable materials.

Have you had a similar epiphany?  What names or brands do you trust?  Were you able to get any response from companies when you asked them #whomademyclothes?