Who Wore It Better?
I grew up watching the Megan Follows version of Anne of Green Gables at least once a week for what seemed like years on end. There is much to love about this adaptation – Gilbert Blythe played by the late Jonathan Crombie was my first crush – but among them are the wonderful scenes featuring Anne’s puffed sleeve dress.
Though I didn’t think much about it at the time, I’m now certain I purchased this top because of its resemblance in color and puff to Anne’s elegant gown.
I’m wearing it with a couple new items from Sela Designs, a longtime favorite for their lightweight, wearable jewelry. My sense of style has become much more carefree since I gave myself permission to expand out my sustainability metrics to include “slow fashion” items, i.e. good quality things from a variety of brands. As a result, I have purchased far less than I usually do!
Sela Designs Review
Sela Designs is a jewelry company run by Ashleigh Becker that donates 100% of profits to charity. Ashleigh and I have known each other for several years through the ethical fashion community. Not only is she consistent in her ethical aims and a great jewelry maker, she has a wonderful Instagram account and blog, as well. Sela Designs supports anti-trafficking missions, and this Holiday season, the goal is to fund three missions through IJM.
Reese Earrings
A classic vibe for Sela Designs, these are statement earrings without the bulk and weight. Made with leather and brass, they go with practically everything and are easy to wear. Reese earrings come in two sizes – I’m wearing a small – and several colors.
Marcie Necklace
With a choker length, this delicate necklace is made with 14K Gold Fill, which means it contains 100x more gold than gold-plated jewelry. It’s a strong material that will hold up well with wear. I love this piece, especially because a lot of my shirts and sweaters are crewneck. The Marcie necklace falls above or at the neckline, keeping it from getting tangled with scarves or stuck underneath my clothes. You can purchase this necklace in a 14, 15, or 16″ chain. It also comes in sterling silver.
On Being 32
I wore this outfit on my 32nd birthday, which was waaay back on September 26th. 32 feels like entrenched adulthood, if that makes sense. I don’t feel old or young because those metrics no longer matter to us 32-year-olds. If anything, the forced flexibility and resilience-building of 2020 is what is shaping me into a person who is less hesitant to be myself, declare my goals, and pursue what matters to me.
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.