Capsule Wardrobe with L'Envers
this the beginning of a conversation i’ve been wanting to have here on my blog for a while. about consumerism, about fast fashion, about my relationship to clothing, about building my capsule wardrobe. it’s a sorted past me and consumerism, but I feel the story that hides in my shame is the one that should be told.
I grew up going to catholic school. from kindergarten to college, basically, I wore a uniform. and I loved a uniform, if i’m being honest. this taurus soul loved the consistency, the familiarity and the comfort of knowing what I was going to wear each day. but what I missed out was using clothes as a means of self expression. so when I did get the opportunity to shop, to spend money on clothing, I went a little crazy.
my mom has photos, she is too eager to share with my pleather hand bags and trendy clothing spilling out of my high school closets. as an artist, as a visual person, once out of a uniform, I want clothing to express my every mood and on a college budget a lot of that was fast fashion, cheap clothing things i’d end up donating after a season or two.
L’Envers Charlotte Cardigan
fast forward a bit to after griffin was born, I was a mom of two under two and I needed to simplify. I had begun to realize my relationship to consumption and clothing wasn’t the healthiest. I had read a book called Hooked: Buddhist writings on greed, desire and the urge to consume and I wanted to investigate my relationship to consumption, fashion and decided for the health of my mind, my wallet and for the ease of it to start a capsule wardrobe.
I sold many of my things on the internet, donated piles and condensed my wardrobe down to probably 1/4 of the size. I began to invest in pieces that were classic, easy to wear, to mix and match. I began to cultivate compassion for my body, I didn’t want to try and squeeze my mom of two body into my high school clothing anymore. I wanted pieces that fit, were practical, made me feel good, and that I could care for. I still wear many of those pieces today. In many ways, it was turning back to a uniform. Simple pieces, less pieces.
During this journey, I learned more. I learned about the darker side of the fashion industry: the trends, the pollution, the forced labor, the environmental impact of synthetic fabrics and the human and environmental costs of fast fashion but i also learned about what choices were better for people + the planet: natural fibers, ethical labor practices, natural dyes, and it really led me on a journey to try and find a different way, but those habits are hard to break.
Our society convinces us that what we wear is a mark of our value, our status, of our individuality and is representative of self. I tried to trade the passing trends with classic piece from the thrift store and began to think of the items for my wardrobe as investments. In myself, my health, the health of the planet and the future.
What pieces could I wear over and over again? What styles and materials would last and be something magnolia might want to wear one day? How could I care and tend to the items I had so they would last that long? What would happen to the clothing after we are all long gone? Would or could they return to the earth?
These are all questions I hope to explore more on this blog as winter has set in and i’m spending less time in the garden and more time in reflection. Today I would love to share an ethical and woman run sustainable brand i’ve come to love, L’Envers.
Now, I grew up in California and moved to the Midwest 7 years ago. I had no idea about the necessity and the joys of wool. Over my time, living with the seasons, braving polar vortex weather and time spent outdoors adventuring in snow and freezing temps i’ve learned to love all things wool.
L’Envers is a French company started in 2014 and i’ve come to enjoy its pieces. Not only because they are hand crafted, intentional, and sustainable. Because their pieces are truly an investment. Saving up my money to buy a piece I know I can tend to and wear for the long haul. And when I’m done, I know that one day the natural fiber of wool will go back to the earth or can be recycled. I know the hands that made my items were well cared for and not under duress and that is worth the price tag for me.
L’Envers Charlotte Cardigan
L’Envers believes “All fashion has a price. Fast fashion may be cheaper for our wallets in the short-run, but it comes with a more expensive toll for our planet and human wellbeing in the long-run. Slow fashion may or may not be more expensive at first, but it is designed with a big picture/long-run perspective. Our slogan at L'Envers is "make it slow, to make it last". We support the idea of buying fewer, quality pieces that will last longer and support minimalistic, planet/human healthy production. And yes, quality is an investment! Purchasing organic cotton and compost packaging comes with a price, just as working with local artisans has a cost; but these are prices and costs that we are happy to pay because they are worth it to us!
However our impact on the planet doesn't stop there. Purchasing wisely and consciously is just the first step. To really reduce waste and minimal contamination, we have to be responsible for the things we buy from start to finish. As far as fashion this means, taking good care of your items so you can extend their longevity. They need to be loved and cared for properly. It also means finding a new home for our pieces or recycling them when we no longer use them. Lately we've been really pushing minimalistic habits and teaching our community how to incorporate them in their daily lives.
We really invite everyone to review our guide to making your clothes last longer, while looking fresh and new. And learn how to mend your pieces: repair don’t replace ! Proper garment care doesn’t actually take much effort or time. All it requires is a little know-how, you can read more in our care guide section .”
do you have a capsule wardrobe or thought about one? I’d love to hear a little of your story with fashion + consumption in the comments below.