This post was sponsored by BuyMeOnce with concept by me.
I generally stay far away from anything in the self help genre, including minimalist lifestyle books. So
by BuyMeOnce founder, Tara Button, was a pleasant surprise. Chock-full of historical and psychological research with useful anecdotes from her advertising days mixed in, A Life Less Throwaway convinced me that it is possible to keep my own sartorial identity, continue to enjoy fashion,
and
reduce my overall consumption without devolving into crisis.
I may sound like a drama queen, but I have to admit that it has been extraordinarily difficult at times to convince myself to slow down my consumption because I feel like I’m losing a beloved hobby, or worse, a part of myself.
Button’s practical, authoritative voice really changed the way I look at my wardrobe.
As I mentioned, the book wasn’t Button’s first foray into exploring sustainable consumption. A few years prior, she started a website called
to compile high quality products in all major consumer categories that were made with sustainable materials and intended to last a lifetime, with many of them offering lifetime warranties. What started as a bare bones website is now a comprehensive shop that includes classics like LL Bean Boots and the White T-Shirt Company Breton Striped Top I’m wearing in this post alongside kitchenware, electronics, and home goods.
Ethical Details:
, $48 – c/o BuyMeOnce; Scarf: c/o
; Pants – thrifted; Boots – secondhand gift from a friend; Earrings: Moorea Seal
With BuyMeOnce’s wear-it-forever philosophy in mind, I decided to style this Breton Stripe Top in 3 ways. I really like formatting style posts in this way because they provide an opportunity to explore how easy and fun it is to re-wear things.
Rather than advocate for a one-size-fits-all “classic” look, Button talks a lot about finding
your
distinct style before making purchasing decisions to ensure that the items will enjoy a long life in your wardrobe. It will come as no surprise to anyone that one of my staples is striped shirts. I
live
in striped shirts.
While writing this post, I decided to look up
the history of the Breton stripe
. Originally conceived of as a sign of Napoleonic patriotism and worn by French sailors, Coco Chanel got her hands on it in 1917 and soon the shirt had been elevated to a high end fashion staple. It later became the preferred garment for French Beatniks and was popularized in the US by Andy Warhol. Long story short, Breton stripes are for everyone!
Outfit #1 | Break the Rules
In this first look, I wanted to push a little outside the fashion rules and mix navy and black. This is something I do a lot, especially with striped shirts that have plenty of white space to break up the color a bit. The black foundation makes this outfit feel slightly dressier, and I would wear it out to dinner at the local pho place.
Ethical Details:
, $48 – c/o BuyMeOnce;
– c/o Hackwith Design House; Belt – thrifted;
– Po-zu
Outfit #2 | Layer It
The high boatneck and closely spaced stripes work really well with the Hackwith Design dress worn as a pinafore. I would wear this for a Saturday shopping excursion, to church, or maybe even at Thanksgiving dinner. The loose, easy fit works for any context.
Ethical Details:
, $48 – c/o BuyMeOnce;
– Everlane;
– Po-Zu; Earrings: Darling Boutique (local)
Outfit #3 | Classic
This is very typical of something I would wear to work. Comfortable shoes, stretchy denim, and an easy t-shirt make working in retail so much easier. The high neckline is preferred since I have to lean over a lot to pick up boxes, scattered clothing, and dust bunnies.
Sizing Notes
This t-shirt is intentionally loose and long for a more casual silhouette. I ordered a Medium (34″ bust, 29″ waist), but I think I could have gone for a small for a more tailored fit.
About the White T-Shirt Company
Specializing in the simple white t-shirt, the White T-Shirt Company produces their range of men’s and women’s clothing in an ethical factory in Ukraine with GOTS certified cotton. The weave quality is dense and even, and the fabric on my shirt is slightly thicker than your average t-shirt while still being super soft and flexible.
Shop the White T-Shirt Company on BuyMeOnce
.
Shop this tee.
Shop BuyMeOnce.
Read my A Life Less Throwaway book review
.
