And here we are with the last two classes for the Wardrobe 2.0, the wardrobe with style beyond the trends and beyond the crises.
In this lesson we will speak about shopping, while in the following we will learn about how to take care of our own wardrobe.
Today is a very important lesson!!!
In order to become skilled style expert, it is a must, above all, to learn how to shop. To move with ease in the tangled jungle of today’s clothing market will allow us to avoid those unpleasant mistakes that might invalidate all those benefits reached with the work we finally have done, our wardrobe clean-up and focus.
For starters, I will tell you immediately that self-awareness, civic sense and responsibility must be the cornerstones around which our every purchase will be done. We are experiencing a new era and, in a global market, the consumer himself must also make choices considering a global scale, not just considering his local tight gain and advantage.
This means that, besides our object of desire, we must consider with profound sagacity which brand we are supporting with our purchase, even if that garment would cost a cent.
..
 |
Going beyond what is stated by ad campaigns and investigating deeply the attitudes behind such actions which may even appear in favour of the society, these are the duties that have to become the priority for everyone if we want to bring back beauty everywhere around us.
Let’s start by considering that buying from small local producers is more sustainable rather than buying from those megabrands of international concern. For obvious structural reasons, even though they may have all the good intentions in the world, the giants of fashion cannot offer the kind of product that we do need in our wardrobe. They are forced to do actions that have very little to do with ethics, like standardize, relocate and impact. And of course yes, some of them clean up their conscience to their consumers by supporting the ecological campaign of the moment, sure to balance the damage done as aware authors. These actions, such as the famous “carbon tax”, are actually really harmful both for society and for the environment and this is because this become the excuse for these giants to keep on existing in ways which are not sustainable, neither in economic nor in environment.
Briefly speaking, the tricky thought that occurs is: since I pay, I can pollute, and I keep on doing it.
Supporting the local economy is instead the best way to make a healthy global economy.
Alright, with that said, what kind of shopping then?
A less compulsive shopping, a little more thought through, with a little more research…
In Italy of course this is easier, fortunately there still are many really interesting realities doing small productions of exquisite quality at a fair price. These are today the only ones able to grant you that renown Made in Italy, which was not only “made in Italy”, but also a set of balances able to exist thanks to these realities capable to work primarily in respect of the value of time. Of course these realities are less and less, so this is why we need to look for them and support them.
You know what actually just came up to me right now? I could actually make a research myself and post it as a final lesson, for you to have a starting point to begin with your personal exploration.
.
 |
Another healthy way to shop is to buy vintage.
Vintage clothing is no longer offered at the same bargain prices as once was. Anyhow in some markets and dedicated trade shows, there is still a chance to find some nice clothes.
Vintage clothing – especially those dated back to before 1970, usually present processes and finishings usually more complex than today, they are not mass-produced, so they last longer and have sophisticated details. Go out for a “lined and well-structured piece of garment hunt”, with no care for the date of manufacturing.
If you are not up for vintage, now you can also opt for second hand stores which are actually a great alternative, also since they started becoming fun activities, thanks to initiatives such as the Swap Parties: opportunities for consumers to swap clothes that are often not even been used!
And finally we speak about outlets.
Who follows my blog knows that I am really against to clothing discounts and clearance sales in general, although I realize these as inevitable consequences, and therefore the complaint of a fashion system based on production cycles profoundly mistaken its origin.
This does not mean I am totally opposed to outlets, places with high power of seduction, though I do have to give you a recommendation!
Always choose the outlets which are run by the producers of the same brand they offer. This will make your choice, as an action to support the companies that show responsibility towards their unsold stocks and enforce control over distribution, in order to avoid a third party “wild” management, that would result as a parallel distribution in favour of product devaluation and consequent negative turnover for the whole sector.
 |
Got it? It’s not hard…
These simple tips will save you and your wardrobe and you will also contribute to saving a lot of other things: others, the planet and fashion!
Then, if you have mastered so well how to manage the microcosm of your wardrobe, you could apply the same criteria in choosing and managing the other microcosms that together make up the universe of your life. You will then learn to be so comfortable with yourself that your style will manifest itself with all its magnificent greatness, which is also a lot of fun.
.
Well, dearest friends, also lesson number 18 got to an end. Next week we will speak about how to take care of your wardrobe.
Thursday June 28th - Lesson 19: How to take care of your wardrobe
Here is also my email address
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. You can all write me, I will be much pleased to answer you even in private to help you with any possible doubt you may have, or even if you need any piece of advice. Or else, do not forget to post your comments here as usual...
Happy to give you,
Venette
.
You might also like the following artiche:
.
.
Did you like this article?
Check out the Waste Couture dresses on www.wastecouture.com
You can also buy a t-shirt to support Venette.
.
.
Read the previous lessons:
Lesson1- The wardrobe cosmo
Lesson2 – What do I have in my wardrobe?
Lesson3 – The organization of the Wardrobe 2.0
Lesson4- The overcoats
Lesson5- Dresses
Lesson6- Skirts
Lesson7- Pants and jeans
Lesson8- Shirts
Lesson9- Shoes
Lesson10 – The corset
Lesson11 - T-shirts
Lesson12 – Bags
Lesson13 - Underwear
