My foray into the world of style started in my in my mid twenties, I was longer a child and had created a business that gave me some disposable cash for the first time in my life. I remember walking through your typical mall, going into the typical (teenage) stores, and being disappointed.
I was disappointed how the clothes felt, then I wandered into a Banana Republic one day instead of an Old Navy. Now I know that some people may scoff at BR, but it was my first introduction to clothes made from single-source fabric. Clothes made to last, clothes that were made to make a statement that did not scream, “I’m a twenty-year-old!”
I was very apprehensive at first, and honestly, I don’t think that anyone in the store gave me any attention. But I kept coming back, I kept feeling clothes that were made from silk, wool, and cashmere. They felt good! They had weight to them. But then I stated to see that these weren’t all single-source items. There were a lot of polyester thrown into the fabric blend, and while it gave some fabric a soft feel, I wanted something better.
That’s when I stumbled on to Everlane. Now this was the Everlane of almost fifteen years ago where they really only focused on cotton tees, silk blouses, and cashmere sweaters. Now if you peruse Everlane’s catalogue you’ll find more items without a single-source fabric, so you have to be careful. But then?? I fell in love, head over heels with them.
I can remember buying Italian leather loafers, silk blouses by the dozens, cashmere sweaters and fully cotton tees. It was glorious.
Now as I dived into more and more quality clothing I also found Nudie Jeans. Soon I was comparing Japanese Selvedge Denim with their raw denim selections. Long were the days where I shopped at Old Navy, or JC Penny. I had arrived.
Now? Now I’m focusing on Canadian Brands, now fifteen years later and about three years postpartum I’m focused on comfort. No more Italian loafers (they hurt!). I’m into Blundstones. Raw demin? Nope, now I’m into matching hoodie sets made from 100% cotton. Have you heard of Humane Blanks?
It’s funny how style changes along the way, but if you’ll stick around hopefully we can find out a lot more about true style vs. fast fashion.
