30 outfits with 15 items

Hi friends!

If you haven’t been following along, I set out to prove that a spring capsule wardrobe was possible by putting together 30 outfits with only 15 pieces, including shoes. I pushed myself to creatively use what I already own and encourage others to buy less and wear more. This year I’ve been on a mission to be a more mindful and sustainable consumer, and a small part of that is in how I edit and add to my wardrobe. See below for details :)

The 15 items that were a part of this capsule wardrobe challenge:

1. Black fitted tank

2. Gray loose tank

3. White t-shirt

4. Graphic t-shirt

5. Cut-off sweatshirt

6. Chunky cream oversized sweater

7. Slip dress

8. Blue wide-leg jeans

9. Black trousers

10. Black longer cut-off shorts

11. Cropped blazer

12. Leather jacket

13. Tan trench coat

14. White sneakers

15. Black chunky sandals

You can see all 30 outfits I put together on my Instagram highlights and Tik Tok videos, and I wanted to share the list of items and similar options with links!

Links to items & similar items, sustainable options marked with * :

Fitted black tank: original here, similar here * and here

Gray loose tank: similar here and here *

White t-shirt: original here, similar here * and here *

Graphic t-shirt: original here, highly recommend snagging a graphic tee secondhand!

Cut-off sweatshirt: original here (I snagged mine on poshmark), but I recommend getting a secondhand oversized gray sweatshirt and DIY!

Cream oversized sweater: originally from Oak + Fort, similar here (handmade), and here, or again—a secondhand app!

Jeans: original here, similar here* and here*

Black trousers: original here, similar here

Shorts: original here, similar here*

Cropped blazer: the most similar I could find to my original is here, but I think it would be cool to find one at a thrift store and cut it off yourself! Will definitely be trying this soon with another color :)

Leather jacket: my original was Wilfred Free by Aritzia, but I highly recommend searching Aritzia, All Aaints or Madewell leather jackets on secondhand apps! look for more boxy moto styles and don’t hesitate to size up.

Tan trench coat: original here, but I snagged it on Poshmark for 1/3 of the price. I recommend this route as well :)

White sneakers: original here

Black sandals: mine are a couple years old! But similar here and here

This was such a fun challenge for me and I gained confidence in building a versatile wardrobe even in 30 days, and I’d encourage you to do the same!

Thoughts on a capsule wardrobe: summer edition? :)

xx,

leah d

sustainable brands that slap

If you’re under the impression that creating a conscious wardrobe means sacrificing style, I’m here to prove you wrong. See below for six of my all-time favorite sustainable brands.

ABLE

ABLE is an ethical fashion brand that employs and empowers women as a solution to end poverty. They sell clothes, jewelry and accessories, but their shoes and leather goods are my favorite! They make high quality pieces that are incredible substitutes to items you’d fall in love with at Nordstrom. Somehow the more their goods wear, the better they look. 10/10 recommend.

Reformation

Reformation makes effortless silhouettes that celebrate the feminine figure and pioneer sustainable practices, focusing on people and progress each step of the way. They use low-impact materials, rescued deadstock fabrics, and repurposed vintage clothing. When I think of Reformation, I think of incredible fits and dependable quality. IMO, their stand-out selection of dresses is top-notch. You will 100% find me in a few of their dresses for events leading up to my wedding.

Ana Luisa

ana luisa creates sustainably-crafted pieces that bring joy to those who wear them, and to those who make them, with the conviction that luxury can be enjoyed without excess. They sell simple and beautiful pieces that can be worn everyday, and they’re just as good as they sound—I can attest!

ALOHAS

Overproduction in fashion is one of the world’s biggest environmental threats, and ALOHAS refuseS to make that problem worse. Their pre-order system allows them to accurately anticipate demand levels prior to production, so they produce the amount of shoes they’re going to sell. A pretty cool concept. Like…take note, H&M. I just pre-ordered a pair of sandals as a birthday gift to myself and I am giving you permission to do the same.

Whimsy + Row

By using only locally sourced, upcycled, and low impact materials, Whimsy + Row creates quality pieces that will last you for years to come. They seek out the best eco-friendly fabrics to bring you flirty and effortless pieces that are as stylish as they are sustainable. I recommend this brand for all of your capsule wardrobe stables and pieces that can transition through each season of the year.

Girlfriend Collective

Nearly all synthetic activewear is made from plastic, but GC makes theirs with materials that would otherwise clog landfills and pollute the earth. As a long-time lululemon gal, these truly do measure up in terms of quality, without the guilt (from a sustainability AND wallet standpoint). If you’re looking for a cute new workout set, look no further.

…and there’s more where that came from! Until next time, I hope you’ll keep these brands in mind as you build out your spring and summer wardrobes.

xx

leah d

secondhand finds pt. I

We’re a month and a half into 2021 and I’ve almost solely purchased secondhand or thrifted items. I’m off to an incredible start my friends. Check out a few of my faves below.

Brown Leather Gucci Loafers

I bought these babies from The Real Real. I really want brand new Gucci loafers one day, but choosing a color is a huge commitment when spending that much cash, and honestly, these have so much more character anyway. I’ve worn these with just about everything you can think of, and I’m obsessed. They add just a tinge of grandpa to any outfit and I’m HERE FOR IT. 10/10 recommend snagging a vintage pair of these.

All Saints Leather Jacket with Fur Collar

I have officially found my dream jacket. I snagged this beauty on Poshmark for 1/6 of what it originally cost, and that is what I call a friggin steal ladies and gentlemen. It came from a gal in San Francisco, and I can only imagine all of the chic establishments this jacket has been in. I’m here to give it a lovely second life. Can you stop drooling over the pink fur collar? Because I certainly cannot.

Tan Suede Blazer

I won the blazer lottery with this lil number. I found it at a thrift shop in Fort Wayne Indiana. Like… Hailey Bieber would def wear this. I’m here to make her proud.

Whiting & Davis Crossbody

This vintage bag is so fun. Whiting & Davis was established in 1876 and has always been known for their mesh bags. I happened to find one in my favorite color at the local re-sale shop in my hometown called Ya-Yas. Score.

Vintage Kitten Heels

I’ve never seen a cuter kitten heel in my life (dramatic). Found on one of my late night Poshmark rabbit holes, my $10 offer was accepted and I will be wearing these 3x a week when there is no longer snow on the ground. Keeping these forever. Mark my words.

Leather Fringed Jacket

Since I’ve moved to the country, I’ve started to dress somewhat like a cowboy and honestly, it might be my favorite version of myself thus far. I love leather, I love fringe, and all of the details on this jacket are to die for. 100 out of 10. Thanks Depop!

Red Cowboy Boots

Like I said, I’m having some major cowboy moments over here. I’ve always wanted red cowboy boots and this is my TIME. Cowboy boots are in this year too, and I’m right on queue. A few of my favorite European bloggers wear cowboy boots with the most chic little dresses. You know what you’ll be seeing me in this spring :) It’s official, Depop is my very own gold mine.

Ok, that’s all for now. Lots more to come in the future. Finding pre-loved items and feeling good about giving them another life makes me so happy, and even more so now that I have a place to share them. Thanks so much for reading. And PLEASSSEEE send me all of your favorite vintage/thrift/secondhand finds, feedback from the blog so far, or things you’d want to see from me in the future!

xx,

leah d

2021 challenge

With this blog, my goal is to empower women (and men!) to create a more sustainable wardrobe. Because cool doesn’t have to be careless. 

This begins with me! I am committed to practicing what I preach, and bringing you all along. I love fashion, style, streetwear and clothes. A lot. I’ve had an on-again-off-again online shopping addiction, I’m guilty of scrolling through street style on Pinterest until I fall asleep and Aritzia is my kryptonite. But I started this blog to keep myself accountable to shifting my habits as a fashion consumer, and things are CHANGING my friends. 

2021 Challenge Rules

1. Shop 75% vintage, thrifted, pre-owned or secondhand.

This might sound a bit grungy, but I’ve scored some major deals on “new with tag” and “only worn once” items on Poshmark and Depop that are in absolute perfect condition. Also, there are some KILLER vintage shops that I follow on IG, and we love an opportunity to support small (especially women owned) businesses. Even better, I should be shopping in my own closet...Getting creative with what I already own is obviously the number one most sustainable and cost-efficient option. I will absolutely, positively be sharing how I shop in my own closet, my favorite vintage and consignment shops, and my favorite secondhand apps in future content. And yes, my suede fringe jacket was thrifted and is one of my all-time favorite pieces of clothing that I own.

2. Shop 20% ethical and sustainable brands.

If I’m going to shop that new new, I’m going to buy from brands who are conscious and ethical about what they are designing and manufacturing, sustainable in where they source their materials, mindful about the impact they are having on people and the planet, and proactive about social impact and responsibility. The slow fashion industry is catching wind, which means there are more and more brands to choose from each year.

3. Shop 5% high quality / statement pieces.

I have a limit of ONE clothing/accessory item per month that I am allowed to purchase from a company that isn’t necessarily a 10/10 on the sustainability scale. But I am only allowing myself to purchase this item if I can list 10 times or ways I can wear or use it per month. It must be great quality and a product that will last me years.

4. For every item purchased, at least one must be listed on Poshmark and/or Depop.

As I train myself to become a more conscious consumer, I want to be mindful about not having excess. Having more things means taking care of more things and buying into the idea that the more you have, the happier you’ll be. And I’m just not about that life anymore. You feel me?

I will be posting a formal monthly update on this challenge, and will for sure be keeping you all (LOL I am writing this as if I have 10,000 followers) in the loop on what my favorite purchases are on a regular basis.

OK NOW WHO WANTS TO BE MY ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER????

Call me, beep me, or slide into my DMs.

xx,

leah d

hello

Hi! Thank you so much for being here. It truly means the world to me.

In case you know little about me, allow me to introduce myself and give you a bit of background on why I am here.

I’m Leah, a Midwest gal with big dreams. I recently moved into a little farmhouse in the country with my golden retriever, Junie, and my growing flock of cats. I’m passionate about small business, social enterprise, sustainable fashion, and giving back.

I studied entrepreneurship and fine art in college. I took every opportunity to integrate anything fashion related into all of my school projects. My summer internships were with Half United, a clothing and accessories company whose mission is to fight hunger, and Krochet Kids, a non-profit clothing company that empowers people to rise above poverty. These two internships set the tone for where I wanted my career path to take me.

That being said, there are a very small amount of career opportunities in the Midwest in the fashion industry…especially the sustainable fashion industry. Post-graduation, I spent time working in retail management, social media management, account based marketing, and event marketing. I learned a lot from these experiences, and I am forever grateful for them. But the pandemic put quite a few things in perspective for me, including: life is short and unpredictable, geographical location is no longer a limitation, and with a little luck and persistence, you can go viral on Tik Tok.

SO. I’m here. I am launching this website as a starting place for two reasons:

1. I needed a place where I can share (and hopefully inspire others) about ethical and sustainable fashion. A launchpad of sorts that will ideally be a catalyst for bigger things in the sustainable fashion realm.

2. I’m launching a freelance business as a digital marketing and social media strategist. I will be working with companies to build their brand and grow their reach across their digital channels. This will serve as a starting point as I build my own brand, grow my business, and connect with new clients. This portion of the website will be up and running mid-February. 

More on what this blog will look like…

Fast fashion is the third most polluting industry in the world. In a sea of influencers flooding our feeds with discount codes and the ever-changing trends, I’m choosing to challenge myself to change my mindset as a consumer, especially when it comes to clothes. I’m here to share my “journey” (I’ve been watching too many Bachelor franchise shows) to a more sustainable lifestyle, and I aim to inspire others to make steps toward changing their mindset as consumers as well. I’ll be sharing my favorite ethical and sustainable brands to support, style inspiration, consumer behavior shifts, and so much more.

Here’s to this budding new project and to putting my passions into action. I can’t wait to share more with you!

xx,

leah d