NYFW - The Outfits

When attending New York Fashion Week, I obviously put some thought into what I would wear for the weekend. In the past, I probably would have ordered a bunch of new items online - things I didn't really want or need - in order to try and compete with the street style scene and to prove how "fashiony" I am. But I really wanted to both feel like myself in my clothes and also show that you could stand out without buying a bunch of new shit. And more importantly, show that ethical clothes could be fashion forward and on trend and compete with the scene.

So when packing for my trip, I committed to only shopping my closet, and my outfits ended up being a mix of vintage, resale, and ethically made items.

Day 1 included a vintage skirt I bought for 4 dollars at an estate sale earlier this year, which I paired with my favorite neutral accessories. This was the hottest day of our trip, and while I loved my outfit, running all over Manhattan in vintage polyester probably wasn't the smartest choice. If suffering for your outfit is fashionable, I definitely achieved that goal (also please note, I did not actually run around in those 4 inch heels - like any sane person, I wore sandals most of the day).

I ran into photographer (and friend), Joe Polimeni on the streets

top: pitaya (this is actually a bodysuit)

skirt: detroit clothing circle

shoes: old target

necklace: clyde's rebirth

cuff: nomad collective

bag: camelia roma

belt: old target

For the second day, Michelle (part of my Detroit girl gang who joined me on the trip) and I decided to spend the day bike riding around Brooklyn, which was a nice reprieve from the chaos of Fashion Week. 

It was another scorching day, but when we weren't on bikes, we stayed cool scouring the vintage shops (hello, Beacon's Closet, I'm obsessed with you), bowling, and eating our way around the city. I've been to Manhattan countless times, but I've never really spent much time in Brooklyn. And as much as I loved witnessing the fashion week craze, I really love the excitement of exploring a new place even more.

romper: thrifted from regeneration

vest: old zara

shoes: old zara

bag: camelia roma

We decided to spend our final morning stalking a few more of the shows in search of celebrity sightings and amazing outfits (check out that recap in my street style blog post). 

For my last day in the big apple, I knew I wanted to wear my Vetta culottes. If you guys aren't familiar with Vetta, it's a women's capsule collection (their first collection was 5 pieces that can be mixed to create 30 outfits), that is entirely ethically made. I fell in love with the company when I discovered their kickstarter campaign about a year ago and have been eagerly awaiting the new fall collection ever since (rumor has it, it's coming soon). And since volume and cropped pants are totally on trend right now, not only did I stick to my philosophy and only wear what I owned (and highlight ethical fashion), but I really loved and felt great in my looks. Which at the end of the day, is how everyone should feel, every day, whether you are taking part in fashion week or not.

culottes: vetta

shoes: thrift on the ave. 

necklace: clyde's rebirth

bag: camelia roma

cuff: nomad collective

NYFW - MP Fashion Runway Show

Attending fashion week - even just as a spectator on the street - is something I've dreamed of doing for years. This year, I was fortunate enough to be invited by local Detroit designer, Mila Pershyna of MP Fashion to attend her show for the Plitzs Fashion event, whose goal is to highlight a diverse and creative, yet affordable group of designers. The event showcased a range of designers from all over the world and I was honored to sit front row for each of their shows (thanks, Mila!).

At a time when so many designers are outsourcing their manufacturing to other countries, MP Fashion is a line of contemporary women's fashion that is all made in the US. Each piece is unique and distinctive, but extremely wearable. Comprised of mostly separates, the collection maximizes versatility. I love all the textures and the play on volume that really make Mila's pieces special. Even a simple pair of camel pants are given new heights with a slightly slouchy feel and asymmetrical waistband.

Check out a few of my favorite pieces below and follow MP Fashion on Instagram to see her full collection.

Thanks again to MP Fashion for inviting me - I can't wait to add a few pieces from your collection to my own wardrobe!

Photos by Leonid Tikh of LT Studio

Obsessed with these pants

This look is amazing - I might need this  

Mila and Ms. AWB US 2015, Sheryln Fox

Best dressed guests - especially that yellow caped jumpsuit!

Me and Sherlyn

Me and Mila, pre-show

What Does It Mean To Shop Ethically?

Shop ethically. Shop responsibly. Shop slow fashion. What exactly does any of that mean??

The deeper I dive into this subject, the more clear it is that shopping responsibly is not black and white. It is a whole lot of gray. 50 shades of gray. And with all of that gray, it makes it really hard to perfect ethical shopping. So what’s a girl to do?

My opinion? If you can’t commit 100% (and that’s ok - it’s hard!), pick the values that are most important to you. Below I’m going to lay out some of the most common ways to “shop ethically” and what each of them mean. Then you can decide for yourself in which way you want to support ethical/sustainable/slow fashion.

1. Support American Made. Here in the good ol’ US of A, we have higher standards for our workers, as well as regulations that require codes to be up to par. That includes safety standards as well as minimum wages. So workers in the US are being looked out for more than their third world counterparts.
2. Buy Fair Trade. Support companies who respect human rights and believe in a  living wage for their workers. Not all overseas manufacturing is bad. Do a little research and see which ones are enforcing fair trade regulations, especially in developing countries.
3. Look for Chemical Free/Organic Items. The chemicals and dyes in the majority of our clothing is harmful not just to the environment, but to the workers creating the garments as well as the consumer who is wearing the clothing. Shop for items made of organic material and natural dyes to avoid harmful side effects.
4. Go Eco-Friendly. Buy items mad of natural fabrics that don't harm the environment. You want to look for textiles that will naturally decompose instead of sitting in landfills for decades.
5. Pick Vegan or Cruelty Free. Buy cruelty free items and support the rights of animals.
6. Thrift. I’ve written a lot about thrifting, so if shopping on a budget and avoiding massive amounts of clothing ending up in landfills are your priorities, shopping resale is the way to go.
7. Upcycle and Sew. Use deadstock fabric to re-sew and re-create old garments into something new. Or if you have sewing skills, design and make your own clothes.
8. Shop Local. By supporting the small businesses in your community, you are keeping your money in the local economy. Living in Detroit in particular, I believe wholeheartedly in supporting the local retail scene, which not only supports local jobs but also puts my tax dollars to good use.
9. Wear What You Buy. A Lot. Currently there is a campaign, #30Wears, that encourages you to wear new purchases at least 30 times. This campaign supports quality items over disposable fast fashion. Before purchasing, ask yourself if you will get at least 30 wears out of the item. Can you mix and match it with current wardrobe items? Is it versatile enough to last. The theory is anything you wear 30+ times is sustainable.

A lot of these overlap each other and several others contradict each other. Supporting cruelty free products and buying vegan often means buying products made out of synthetic materials that sit in landfills without decomposing. Those items are hard on the environment. Shopping local shops may support your community and its makers, but the items might not always come from fair trade manufacturers. Lots and lots of gray. Instead of being overwhelmed by this, it’s up to you, the individual shopper, to decide which is the best personal choice based on the values that are important to you.

Where are your priorities when it comes to shopping ethically?

Heat Wave

I recently returned from a trip to DC, where spring was in full force. For a couple of blissful days, I was able to put away the sweaters and coats and actually show some leg. Back here in Detroit, we're still (not so) patiently waiting for bare leg-worthy temps.

Even though the weather was hot and I could have easily gotten away with just wearing shorts and a tee, this look feels more pulled together with a third piece (not sure what the third piece rule is? Check out my previous post here). This olive vest was the perfect way to add an extra layer without adding extra heat.

Now I'm just waiting for Detroit to turn up the heat. Come on, Detroit. Our legs are waiting.

top: detroit is the new black

shorts: borrowed from my sister

vest: old

shoes: banana republic

bag: clare v. 

The Ethical Mother's Day Gift Guide

I can't speak from personal experience (unless you count my dog, which most of you won't), but being a mom is tough. It's a full time balancing act that makes you all look like superheroes. Seriously, I can barely balance my life with my dog's life. Whether you are a new mom or your kids are all grown up, you deserved to be spoiled a bit.

So in honor of all you moms out there, here are some of my favorite gifts that take the appreciation beyond flowers and a card. And feel free to forward this to your partners, kids, friends, etc. who may be lacking in ideas.

1. Bath Salts: Kids can be stressful. Give the gift of relaxation with some bath salts. And if you want to take it a step further, throw in a gift certificate for a massage.
2. Leather Passport Case: And - if you’re really wanting to spoil a mom in your life - plane tickets, with or without the kids.
3. Earrings: When you have young kids, dangly earrings are a dangerous accessory. Keep the earlobes safe with these glitzy studs she can wear everyday.
4. iPad Case: Technology is a staple in most women's lives - whether it's watching cartoons with the kids or doing work on a business trip. Avoid cracked screens and spills with this distinctive case.
5. Scarf: For the mom that likes to accessorize, scarves are a stylish gift - and one that doesn't require you to guess her size.
6. Every Mother Counts Tote Bag: 100% of the proceeds of this bag goes to support Every Mother Counts, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother. Plus, it's pretty damn cute.
7. Necklace: Not only is this handmade necklace beautiful, but the company also supports empowerment for women, so you can feel good while looking good.
8. Handmade mug: There aren't many moms I know who don't savor a cup of coffee in the morning. Give her a handmade mug (or if you're artistic, make your own) along with her favorite coffee to elevate her morning experience.
9. Cookbook: Whether she’s a master chef or a takeout queen, let her have fun in the kitchen with a new cookbook. And if you really want to score some bonus points, cook her an actual meal from said cookbook.
10. Closet Cleanse: Shameless plug here, but nothing is more relaxing and rewarding than having an organized closet full of clothing that are loved and fit. Mother's Day is a great opportunity to give her the gift of a clean closet.

Let’s Get Ethical: Quitting Fast Fashion

I've been thinking about this topic for a long time. Wondering when I would write it. How I would write it. If I could write it. 

Because once you put something on paper and put it out into the universe, you have a responsibility to own up to your words. And to be honest, I don’t know if I’m strong enough to own up to these words. Able to avoid temptation. Actually willing to commit.

But it’s time. I’m ready to commit. I have to commit.

I have a Confession: I am addicted to fast fashion. And today, I am quitting it.

So what is fast fashion? According to our friends at Investopedia, “Fast fashion refers to a phenomenon in the fashion industry whereby production processes are expedited in order to get new trends to the market as quickly and cheaply as possible.”

We live in a world of instant gratification - you can get a date by the swipe of a finger and a full meal in the amount of time it takes to pull around the drive thru. It’s no surprise the fashion industry is doing what it can to keep up. No more waiting for fashion to slowly trickle down from the runways to the manufacturers to the stores to your closet.

But what is the cost of this phenomenon?

In a future post, I’ll be sharing the extreme and horrifying cost this industry has on the environment and the workers creating the garments. But what effect does the fast fashion industry have on me - the average consumer? What does it mean to buy into the fast fashion lifestyle?

It means I can go to Target or H&M multiple times a week and constantly get new products; It means spending more money on lower quality items; It means filling my closet with quantity, not quality; It means extra pressure to keep up with the ever changing trends; It means frustration in my closet because it is literally overflowing with clothes, but having few pieces that I truly love, that fit, and are made well; It means I am constantly dissatisfied with my clothing options; It means I am being marketed at by stores all. the. time. for the next quick fix.

It means it's a vicious exhausting cycle.

It means I’m done. 

Personally, if I’m being honest, really honest, it also means I have an issue - ahem, an addiction - with over consumption and spending countless amounts of money on crap. Crap I don’t need (or really even want).

Like most, I have depended on the ease, the affordability, the excitement (even if temporary) of newness of fast fashion. So I’ve done one hell of a job avoiding coming to terms with my own guilt about the fast fashion industry. If ignorance is bliss, I have remained deliberately ignorant for a long time.

But those 20 dollar items add up. Fast. I tell myself I can’t afford quality garments, but when I look at the amount of money I spend on cheap clothes, I could have saved up to have an incredibly beautiful wardrobe of well-made, ethically sourced pieces that will last.

As a fashion blogger, I am regularly indulging this culture of consumerism and over consumption and overwhelmed by the pressure to keep up with the newest trends and “it” item. But as a stylist, I am always encouraging my clients to rid themselves of clutter and pieces that no longer suit their lives, and to buy less. To be mindful of their purchases. To support quality over quantity.

It’s time I start taking my own advice.

So what does this mean?

For starters,  I am going to stop turning to stores like H&M, TJ Maxx, and my favorite, Zara, for a quick fix. I’m done with “quick fixes.” The fastest way to support the ethical fashion movement is to slow down and shop less. To stop treating clothing like it's disposable. And when you do shop, to be aware of what you are buying.

So, I’m not just quitting fast fashion, I’m also going to start supporting ethically made garments. I want to know where my clothes come from and become a more conscientious and mindful shopper. I want to do better with my own personal consumption.

To me, ethical fashion is about reshaping our attitudes towards clothing and shopping. About valuing what we currently have and ridding this internal voice that is telling us (sometimes screaming at us) that we need more, more, more. It's learning to stop the impulse buying and start thoughtfully making purchases based on what I actually need (and yes, sometimes really want). It’s about acknowledging where a garment comes from and how it's made and how long I plan to wear it before I buy it. It's time to stop treating our clothing as disposable.

It means walking away from fast fashion and supporting slow fashion.

I’m not going to lie, committing to slow fashion is scary to me. Can I continue both without it? Can I keep up with the other bloggers? Will I be judged? Will people fear I am judging them? Will my readers become disengaged?

I don’t know.

But this is a personal choice I am pursuing. I don’t want others to feel judged. I recognize the importance of convenience and low-costs items for many shoppers. So, while many of you will continue your shopping habits, I’m hoping to bring awareness and share other options.

But I’m looking forward to the challenge and hope you all will gain some insight and knowledge as I explore this process. I’m looking forward to supporting artists and makers and creators. To supporting companies who support their workers. To supporting those who are buying and creating eco-friendly, sustainable garments.

Finally, I look forward to showing that slow fashion can compete in the fast pace world of the fast fashion industry in terms of style. Because this is, after all, a style blog.

I'm ready to slow down and embrace the slow fashion movement.

I’m ready to commit.

***I’ll be sharing more information on this topic (from personal experiences to resources), but if you are interested in learning more now, check out the documentary, The True Cost (also currently on Netflix). It's a game changer.***

Pop of Green

I've decided to lay low this year for St. Patrick's Day. This past weekend was the Detroit St. Patty's Day parade and instead of venturing out into the madness of an all day party, I stayed home for a gloriously low key and lazy weekend - and I plan to do the same tomorrow.

Maybe I'm getting old. Maybe I'm just exhausted. But this year, I'm sitting the holiday out.

But in order to avoid being a total grinch, I've added a pop of green to my otherwise neutral outfit with this bright bag. I may not be in the mood for celebrating, but I'm also not one to buck tradition. Call me superstitious, but I need no bad luck this year.

And speaking of luck, can we talk about this dress for a second? This was one of those incredible clearance finds from TJ Maxx. Originally over $500, I managed to find this A.L.C. dress on super clearance for $50. Talk about luck of the Irish.

dress: a.l.c. via tj maxx

vest: ann taylor

boots: sam edleman via nordstrom rack

bag: tj maxx (similar)

Tracy Reese: A Detroit Love Song

I know I'm a little late since this video originally debuted several weeks ago at New York Fashion Week. But since it combines my love of fashion and my love of Detroit, it was just too good not to share. Designer Tracy Reese decided to forgo the traditional fashion week runway show in favor of a video showcasing both her hometown and her newest collection.

The video - titled A Detroit Love Song - plays homage to the city's culture - both past and present. Her Fall 2016 collection perfectly blends old and new, masculine and feminine. I'm not sure which is more beautiful, the video or the collection.

Travel Diary - Yucatán Peninsula Part 3: Tulum

Our third and final stop on our Yucatán roadtrip was Tulum (see part 1 and part 2). I wanted to spend the last half of our trip here so we could just relax and escape the hustle of the larger cities. Tulum is a design nerd's dream. Every restaurant, hotel, and shop is artfully done. Four days wasn't nearly enough time to explore every nook and cranny, but it was the perfect way to end our vacation.

Where to Stay:
- We stayed at Coco Tulum, where we had our own little beachside bungalow. Amenities are pretty sparse (but who needs amenities when you have the beach outside your door), and the bathrooms are communal, so if sharing a bathroom is not your thing, you should probably look elsewhere.
- I looked into staying at Coqui Coqui, a perfumery/small boutique hotel, but they were unfortunately booked. The design of the space is minimalistic and beautiful, so be sure to check out the property and perfumery even if you decide not to stay here.

Where to Eat:
- Everywhere! Seriously, all the restaurants we ate at were amazing. Fresh food, homemade cocktails. incredible ambiance - you really can't go wrong in Tulum.
- That being said, our favorite place for drinks was at ARCA and our favorite meal was the Argentinian steakhouse, Casa Banana.
- If you're looking to be on the beach, we had a great experience at Las Estrellas, which was a short walk down the beach from our hotel.
- Posada Margherita was an amazing beachside breakfast spot. Fresh juice is pretty easy to find in Tulum, but the portions were massive here.
- Hartwood is the restaurant that we repeatedly read about. Every single review said to go here. But unless you show up before they open their doors, you won't get a reservation. Honestly, with all the other incredible meals we had, I don't really feel like we missed out.

What to Do:
- Nothing. Not to say there isn't plenty to do - everything from kite surfer to exploring the ruins and cenotes, but we enjoyed having no agenda or schedule. We played a lot of cards, walked the beach, and ate fantastic meals.
- If you are hoping to be more active, check out the Tulum ruins, which are cliffside and overlooking the coast.
- The Sian Ka'an biosphere reserve is just south of Tulum and great for bird watching, kayaking, or generally exploring nature.
- Shop! Like the rest of Tulum. the design of the open air shops in town are on point. The quality of the shopping - although limited - was amazing, but expect to pay more.