A Case for Slow Fashion: Building Your Wardrobe for the Long Haul
By: Kindra Moné
I’ve been following a brand by the name of Fe Noel for a while now. The “eat well, travel often and dress to inspire ” mantra immediately stood out to me, along with the color palette of mauve, rust, floral patterns and other colors that make my eyes water. The founder, Felisha “Fe” Noel is deeply influenced by her Grenadian heritage, and every piece makes you feel like you deserve a trip to an island yourself.
I love Fe’s story. As a designer of the Harlem Fashion Row, a hub for multicultural designers founded by Brandice Daniel, shopping with Fe Noel is supporting a woman-owned, black-owned business, and it is pushing our communities forward while creating opportunities for other women that look like Fe. Plus, it’s a major wardrobe upgrade — who doesn’t want to be a part of that?
When I purchased this Rust Puff Sleeve Bodysuit and Light Rust Sheer Pants, my friends that have grown accustomed to fast fashion cut a little side eye at the price tag, but I feel that it was well worth the splurge. Also, let’s be real, most of us spend that much in a week or two of summer happy hours and dinners with friends — I feel way less guilty about a head-turning outfit.
Rather than buying clothing cheap and often, with a new outfit every weekend that won’t last passed the current season, I’m on a mission to invest in building a wardrobe that will last. I’m on a hunt for storytelling pieces that come from makers who care. Some of these pieces will last a lifetime, and in the long run, the quality, ethos, and aesthetic are well worth it.
If you’re ready to begin (or continue) investing in pieces that will last long enough for your daughter to call it vintage, take a look at these other brands that are doing it and doing it well.
Girlfriend Collective
Girlfriend Collective is definitely clothing that you can feel good about! They get 5 stars when it comes to sustainability. They turn old water bottles, fishing nets, and other waste items into bras, leggings and and shorts you’ll never want to throw away. They also have an in-house recycling program for when wear and tear takes it’s toll on the pieces we love.
LETT Clothing
Designed and manufactured in Los Angeles, LETT clothing is a collection of effortless lounge pieces that are cozy enough for home but stylish enough for public. You know we love loungewear around here, and LETT has coined the term luxe leisurewear. I feel seen! I am not informed of the brand’s sustainability practice, but when in doubt, you can rest comfy in your pieces knowing that they were made in the USA.
Check out the gallery below for more independent brands that you can feel good about.
How do you make conscious choices about the clothing you buy? Let’s talk about it in the comments below.
How do you make conscious choices about the clothing you buy? Let’s talk about it in the comments below.
With Style & Soul,