What is StyleWise Blog?

This post is the first one ever on StyleWise, first published on January 5, 2013.

StyleWise is a blog about shopping and living ethically and responsibly. My name is Leah Wise and I used to have a fast fashion blog. Daily reflections on my own insatiable materialism burdened me and eventually I left that world altogether.

We buy products every day without a thought about where they came from, who made them, or what they’re made of. That has to change.

The global retail market exploits the poorest in countries where labor laws either don’t exist or aren’t enforced, distributing ever increasing profits to executives in first world countries.

Meanwhile, American and other first world consumers expect to pay low prices for fast fashion products we throw away after a season.

It’s not ok to approach consumer culture mindlessly. It’s not ok to ignore that people are suffering – and dying – to make clothing we see as throwaway. We need to be aware of how our garments are produced.

In an international market, consumers are the strongest collective voice. We have the power to demand transparency from retailers. We have the responsibility to pull out of the fast fashion market.

StyleWise was created to be a resource for conscientious consumers, providing information about fair trade, second hand, domestically produced, eco-friendly, zero waste, and organic alternatives.

StyleWise aims to be an inclusive and accessible space for all. Please feel free to join the conversation.

About Me: I have my M.Div. from Yale Divinity School and my B.A. in Religious Studies. I ran a nonprofit thrift shop for five years and am ordained in the Episcopal Church. I spent my twenties working in the service industry, where I learned a lot about supply chains, consumerism, and human need.

Where to start:

Leah Wise

Leah Wise is the founder of StyleWise Blog. She has been writing, speaking, and consulting on sustainable fashion, the fair trade and secondhand supply chain, and digital marketing for over ten years. An Episcopal priest, Leah holds a B.A. in Religion from Florida State University and an M.Div. from Yale Divinity School. When not working, you can find her looking for treasures at the thrift store.