Fashion, Life

My New Handbag // Making More Sustainable Fashion Choices

Wearing

Dress // H&M (linked similar styles here and here)

Cardigan // Banana Republic

Bag // Dooney & Bourke (linked similar)

Shoes // Anne Klein Sport at TJ Maxx

Necklace // oNecklace (*gifted, and one of my favorite pieces of jewelry I own!)

Watch // Skagen Denmark

This outfit is the perfect combination of old and new.

Around three years ago I followed a new fashion blogger named Signe. I initially followed her because she was from Denmark, and I loved her Scandi-chic style. (This was shortly after my first visit to Denmark when I was just beginning to try to learn the language.) After reading more of her posts and watching her YouTube videos regularly, I started to better understand her mission: teaching people how to make more sustainable fashion and lifestyle choices. Her blog and YouTube channel are named Use Less, and for the past three years, she has been one of my very favorite bloggers. I have learned so much and have become incredibly inspired by her lifestyle. Signe has worked in the fashion industry and really knows her stuff. She combines her knowledge of style and sustainability, creating beautiful outfits with pieces she already owns or has purchased from a second-hand or sustainable shop. Signe has since become extremely well-known not only in Denmark but internationally as well. (All of her content is now available in English!) She is truly a remarkable woman who deserves to be recognized.

So why am I rambling on and on about this topic?  

This Dooney and Bourke purse is my first second-hand item! Isn’t it beautiful? Signe explains how purchasing something pre-owned is not only better for your wallet but better for the environment. After following her for three years as well as starting my new job at a formal-wear consignment boutique, I took the plunge and decided to start making better choices regarding my wardrobe. Dooney and Bourke is a brand I really like, and I own a couple other bags from their collection. I was thrilled to get this purse, and it has definitely been a staple in my fall wardrobe! My dress was given to me by Nicolas’s mom when we cleaned out her closet together. I think it is a great idea to trade clothes with family members and friends when doing a closet purge. It is an easy way to sustainably update your wardrobe!

With that being said . . .

I have not fully committed to this new lifestyle, as my cardigan and shoes are both brand new. However, when making new purchases now, I really give it some thought and make sure that it is not an impulse buy. I ask myself simple questions such as ‘Does this go with several items in my wardrobe?’ or ‘Will I wear this piece for years to come?’Every tiny effort counts! I am not sure if I will ever be able to entirely commit to a capsule wardrobe or to only purchasing sustainably-made clothes, as many of my current favorite stores are fast fashion brands, but I’m trying! Making these changes in my wardrobe goes hand in hand with my 2018 Beauty Challenge, too. Also, if you are unfamiliar with the terms I am using in this post, I will explain it better in the future and/ or link to some useful articles!

Sidenote: These flats are amazing!!! I’ve been wearing them all day, every day. I purchased them because they reminded me of the ever classic Chanel ballerinas (which are $750!) This was a much more practical buy, and not only are these shoes cute, but they are comfortable. I don’t have aching feet after a long day at work, and that is always something be thankful for!

OKAY well, that was a long post! I hope you enjoyed it and maybe learned something new. Have you ever purchased a second-hand piece for your wardrobe? Let me know in the comments below!

xx, Madison

 

Helpful posts by Signe:

The Capsule Wardrobe

When is Fashion Considered Sustainable?

 

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9 Comments

  • Reply mamasmercantile October 23, 2018 at 8:36 am

    I am not totally committed but I do like to recycle/upcycle as much as I can and am a great fan of charity ships and car boot sales. Love the colour of your bag, it seems to be very popular this season.

    • Reply Madison Marie October 26, 2018 at 2:22 pm

      That is awesome! Yes, it is a big lifestyle change to fully commit, but every little effort helps. 🙂 Thank you so much! I’ve seen this lovely mustard color everywhere this fall. 🙂

  • Reply Rosie October 23, 2018 at 12:49 pm

    I only got into scouring charity shops or thrift stores fairly recently but am now hooked and love finding treasures. However, I do still love browsing Asos etc for monthly treats – I think a mix of both sustainable and fast fashion is fine for me x

    • Reply Madison Marie October 26, 2018 at 2:25 pm

      Same here, girl! It is so exciting to find something secondhand that you love. 🙂 And yes, ASOS released some lovely dresses this season! I’m definitely a mix, too. xx

  • Reply Danielle Alexa October 24, 2018 at 8:10 pm

    That is such a beautiful handbag, such a stunning colour!

    Danielle xx
    https://www.fashionbeautyblog.co.uk/

    • Reply Madison Marie October 26, 2018 at 2:26 pm

      Thanks, sweet friend! Yes, this is the first item I’ve ever owned in this color. I’ve come to really like it. 🙂

  • Reply Heather Pedersen October 25, 2018 at 1:59 pm

    Love this post! I often buy staple pieces at consignment sales for both myself and my girls! <3

    • Reply Madison Marie October 26, 2018 at 2:28 pm

      Thank you so much, Heather!!! That is amazing. 🙂

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