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Gingham + Impulse Buys
Over the years, I’ve gotten a lot better about reducing impulse buys.
I realized it was hurting me more than it was helping, and when I got the stuff home I just felt even worse about my closet than before. But when Jacqui recently featured this Made in USA skirt on her blog, I did a quick Google Search, found it for sale on Anthropologie‘s site, and took the plunge.
It wasn’t exactly an impulse buy. A very similar vintage gingham skirt came into the thrift shop last week that I loved, but it was about two sizes too small (darn you, tiny mid-century people!). I am always on the hunt for flattering, midi skirts because anything shorter is too hard to work in. This fit the bill, and the unusual lacing at the front makes the skirt feel more modern.
Speaking of impulse buys, I bought a pair of white canvas high tops that I thought were made in the USA at the same time. Turns out they weren’t. There’s still a slight chance I’ll keep them, though, as I think the quality makes them worthy of the #30wears hashtag.
I paired my skirt with a fair trade Sela Designs necklace made with a tagua nut embellishment (Sela Designs gave it to me). I’ve worn tagua jewelry before, and I’m always impressed with how sturdy and lightweight it is. The nut is sustainably harvested from palm trees in Ecuador, then cut and dyed by fairly paid artisans. Jewelry is designed and made by owner, Ashleigh, in her Wisconsin studio. Proceeds are donated to orphan and family care organizations in Ethiopia.
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.