Tips For Shopping Fashion Sustainably Online

Shopping sustainably in 2023 isn't just about avoiding fast fashion. As individuals, we have a responsibility to do the best that we can to look after this world and consume responsibly. If you're interested in finding out how you can become a part of this responsible movement, you'll be pleased to know that there are many things you can do to build sustainable habits while shopping, whatever your income.

Here are a few tips.

Image Source

Invest in quality

Remember that quality is much better than quantity. Even if you’ve not got a large budget when it comes to shopping for designer women’s shoes and other garments and accessories, you should try opting for the more high-quality pieces over the budget options.

While there are some good quality pieces in budget fashion, the majority of cheaply made and therefore poorly made. You may find that what you bought cheap, doesn’t last as long as something that you bought for double the price.

Again, it doesn’t need to be expensive, but the choice in quality of materials is important to note.

Be selective about who you shop with

When it comes to where you shop, be selective. It’s something that is harder to do now that there is so much available both online and offline. With so many brands popping up, it’s easy to get caught up in buying from a variety but that doesn’t always mean you’re getting them from sustainably-conscious companies.

With that in mind, it’s important to be selective about where you shop, looking specifically for those who have sustainably-led practices and initiatives in place. If you're really unsure of where to shop, you can typically never go wrong with vintage and thrift e-shops. It might take a bit more digging, but there's always a treasure to be found for much less than it could cost if bought new. You might want to try browsing apps like Depop and Vinted, as well as online stores such as Vestiaire Collective.

Only buy what you need

When making your purchase, be aware of what you are buying, opting for only what you need. This is important because it’s very easy to spend a lot when shopping. The wandering eye when you’re in-store or online can take hold and before you know it, you’ve got a lot more than you intended to get.

If it helps, have a list and when it comes to deciding on items, only get what you really couldn’t go without.

Try your DIY skills out

When buying online, you might find that you could make a lot of the clothing that you wear. While it might not be possible for everyone, especially as some may possess fewer crafty skills than others, it’s worth doing.

Try your DIY skills out by purchasing materials or garments that you could stitch up or Frankenstein into something new.

Reduce your returns

While there’s much more flexibility in being able to return items for free or at a small cost, you want to consider carefully what you want to keep and what you really do need to return. Every return, after all, contributes to the carbon emissions that you and the business in question are producing collaboratively.

Shopping sustainably can be a challenge but it is doable. Make use of these tips to help with your sustainability for fashion this year.

Racing Mind? Here's How You Can Calm It

Tension and stress both happen to people regardless of their lifestyle and it’s never nice. No one wants to feel achy and tense all the time, as it can have a severe effect on every corner of your life. Work can suffer when your stress levels cloud your mind and your family suffers when stress causes you to lash out. Anxiety and tension can send the mind spinning in too many directions and this can prevent you from feeling well rested and peaceful. You need to be able to calm those feelings, and when you are busy worrying it’s much harder to do it. 

You deserve to have a calmed mind, and if yours is constantly racing you might see your mental health spiral out. Your life should feel happier and calmer, and to be able to stop those feelings from flying out of control and stop worrying, you need to make changes. Instead of finding yourself in a rehab for depression, you should take as many steps as possible to quiet an overactive mind. To get it done, we’ve got some tips to help you to calm it down.

Image source: Pexels

1. Start cutting down on the clutter. A messy house - even a messy desk - can lead you to having a cluttered mind. If you have a messy environment it can cause a lot of anxiety. In fact, it can lead you to feeling stressed, panicked and that can lead to panic attacks. You can start by decluttering your spaces - at home and work - and allocating yourself some time to get it all done is important. 

2. Quiet the physical area. If the TV is playing in the background, turn it off. If you have music playing, switch it off and enjoy some quiet. You want to ensure that you don't have too much noise encroaching your brain. If you must have some noise to get things done, consider how ‘study’ music or white noise can help you. You should think about eliminating the noise where possible. 

3. Take a closer look at your diet. Too much caffeine and too much sugar can set your mind into gear, racing away. Sodas and processed foods can increase your tension and can up the stress ricocheting in the body. Start replacing these foods with more fruits and vegetables, and stick with non-processed foods where you can. You’ll notice a big difference in your body right away and you’ll feel much less stressed and fewer anxieties as a result. 

4. Move your body. When you have a lot of stress, you can feel the adrenaline rushing through your body. This adrenaline needs somewhere to go and when you workout, you can push the energy build up from your body. Adding exercise to your routines will help you to release that stress and tension that’s building up in your body and a healthier body supports a much healthier mind. This being said, you shouldn't forget about your body after exercise either. Exercising with no cooldown will put your body under more stress as your muscles seize up and your joints swell, so remember to do your stretches and consider massage therapy in Costa Mesa, CA (or a similar location) to help your muscles heal. Massage will give your muscles relief from the stress they're under and will help your body to keep moving.

5. Go and have some fun. One of the best ways to calm a racing mind is to find something else to focus on and fun and recreation with friends is a good way to do it. Go to a fair, a circus or just head out for dinner and drinks. Blowing off steam is called that for a good reason, and laughter is excellent medicine for those who need it because it can help you to relieve a lot of tension.

Image source: Pexels

6. Keep a diary. If you are going through phases of life being a little more difficult than usual, then you need to start journaling your experiences. Keeping a diary can actually help to keep you on top of the things that stress you out the most and help you to avoid them completely. A good practice in journaling will help you to calm the noise in your head, which will often help you to feel calmer and happier overall.

7. Go for a walk. Similarly to the line of getting some exercise, going for a walk and getting some fresh air can really help you to feel calmer. Nature has that calming effect and a walk in the woods or near a lake can help you to relax and unwind. It’s here that you can let go of the things that you’ve been worrying over and obsessing on. A walk can be cleansing and you can either distract your mind with music, or make a point of listening to the natural sounds around you. 

8. Give yourself some grace. It’s very easy to get stuck into a rut of trying to do it all. When you’re balancing work, home life, social life and your own interests, it can land on top of you. Add to that the fact you’ll have a house to look after and it can be very tempting to try and do it all at once. Multitasking is a myth, however, and it’s much more stressful to stop and start all of the things that you need to do. You can make the decision to do one thing at a time, allowing you room to move and time to breathe. Give yourself a little grace and feel those results come through.

9. Sit and meditate. Taking a moment to meditate and think about life is so important. You need to be able to show yourself that you have the capability of relaxing and meditation can really help. You deserve some inner peace and you have to give yourself the time to take it. 

10. Speak to a doctor. Getting a therapist is a great idea if you are dealing with anxiety. You want to ensure that you can speak to someone who can guide you through getting over how you are feeling. Anxiety is different for everyone but the fact you have no one to support you is the biggest issue. Getting help in the form of a therapist is going to be a wonderful step to take for yourself. It’l help you to get answers and learn how to handle yourself - super needed in certain anxiety-inducing situations!

How to Prevent Plumbing Problems When on Vacation

Getting the chance to go on vacation is exciting; you get to take a break from reality and do things you’ve always wanted to do. There are so many travel choices out there; it’s all pretty exciting. Whether it’s taking a cruise and seeing the world, going out to the wilderness for camping, or even just taking it easy by visiting some family members, getting to shake up your routine in a new environment is exciting. As you already know, when it comes to vacation, you need to protect your home. You’re obviously going to want to install cameras, locks, alarms, and anything else to ensure the safety of your home. But this shouldn’t be all, either.

Image c/o Unsplash

One thing that everyone forgets about (with the exception of electricity) is the plumbing. Yes! Even if you’re away on vacation, that doesn’t mean that your plumbing can’t go haywire. While it’s rare, it can still happen. So, when it comes to your plumbing, here’s how you can prevent any issues while you’re away! 

If You Can, Turn Off Your Water Supply

The last thing anyone wants to come home to after a long vacation is a flooded house with water damage. These kinds of issues are easy to avoid with a few preventative plumbing measures. The first thing you should do before going on vacation is turn off your main water supply. It is usually located in the basement or crawl space. You can find it by looking for a valve with a wheel control or a lever handle that you can turn to close the valve. 

This step is particularly important if you’re going away during the winter when water pipes can freeze. If pipe bursts or leaks while you’re on vacation, it can cause a huge flood and cost you a lot of money in repairs and lost items.  But if you have old pipes, then it’s still best to do this, too, because, for the most part, an older plumbing system is fairly unpredictable. 

Consider Hiring a Plumber Before You Leave

If you’re going to be gone for an extended period, such as a month or more, it might be wise to hire a plumber. The last thing you want to discover is blocked drains when you get home, so ideally, hiring someone before you leave would be best. Just think of it this way, if you’re gone for a while, you can feel assured that everything is going well. This is especially apparent if you’re doing a home swap or even a short-term rental for your home while you’re away too. At the end of the day, it’s about being prepared and staying a step ahead to prevent disaster. 

Have Someone Check Your Home

For the most part, people will already look into this; it’s usually a friend, neighbor, or family member that does this. So whoever it is, as long as they’re trusted, it’ll be just fine. While they’re in your home checking your mail, checking on your pets, and ensuring that everything is fine, ask them to just check on your faucets and see if they hear any drips or leaks or even smells of sewage. 

Embrace the Heat: 8 Fashion Trends for Summer 2023

With summer just around the corner, it's time to update your wardrobe and get ready to embrace the hottest fashion trends of the season. From bold colors to innovative silhouettes, Summer 2023 brings a refreshing mix of timeless classics and exciting new styles. In this blog post, we'll explore the top fashion trends that will make you the trendsetter of the season. So, let's dive into the fashion forecast and discover what's in store for Summer 2023!

1. Vibrant Tropical Prints:

Get ready to unleash your inner wild side with vibrant tropical prints that will transport you to exotic destinations. From lush palm leaves to vibrant florals, these bold and eye-catching patterns will infuse your summer wardrobe with a burst of energy. Embrace tropical prints in flowy maxi dresses, jumpsuits, or even statement accessories like handbags or headscarves.

Susan Fang SS20, Street Style (Deborah Iona, British Fashion Council) 

2. Sheer Delights:

Sheer fabrics are making a major comeback this summer, adding a touch of sensuality and elegance to your outfits. Whether it's a sheer blouse with intricate detailing or a floaty sheer skirt, these translucent pieces create a delicate and ethereal look. Experiment with layering and pairing sheer garments with solid pieces to strike the perfect balance between modesty and allure.

Sinead O_Dwyer SS20, Street Style (Deborah Iona, British Fashion Council)

3. Retro Revival:

Summer 2023 takes inspiration from the past with a revival of retro styles. Channel your inner '70s diva with high-waisted flared jeans or embrace the '90s nostalgia with slip dresses and platform sandals. Bold patterns like tie-dye and paisley prints are also making a comeback, adding a nostalgic touch to your summer wardrobe.

4. Sustainable Fashion:

Sustainability continues to be a prominent theme in the fashion world, and Summer 2023 is no exception. Embrace eco-friendly fashion by opting for clothing made from organic or recycled materials. Look out for brands that prioritize ethical production practices and transparency. From eco-friendly swimwear to vegan leather accessories, you can make a stylish statement while supporting sustainable fashion.

Susan Fang SS20, Street Style (Deborah Iona, British Fashion Council)

5. Statement Sleeves:

Make a statement this summer with exaggerated sleeves that add drama and flair to your outfits. Puffy sleeves, bell sleeves, and bishop sleeves are all the rage, adding a touch of romanticism and femininity to your look. Whether it's a blouse, dress, or even a jumpsuit, opt for sleeves that steal the show and become the focal point of your ensemble.

Richard Quinn SS20, Street Style (Deborah Iona, British Fashion Council)

6. Head-to-Toe White:

Nothing says summer like head-to-toe white ensembles that exude freshness and elegance. Embrace the timeless and chic appeal of all-white outfits. Mix different textures and shades of white to create depth and interest. Whether it's a white linen suit, a flowy maxi dress, or a crisp white jumpsuit, you'll radiate sophistication and effortless style.

POSTER GIRL SS20, Street Style (Deborah Iona, British Fashion Council)

7. Cutouts and Crochet:

Show some skin in the most stylish way with strategically placed cutouts and crochet details. Whether it's a cutout on the waistline, shoulders, or back, these peek-a-boo designs add a touch of allure and playfulness to your summer outfits. Crochet tops, dresses, and swimwear are also making a splash this season, providing a bohemian and textured vibe.

Ancuta Sarca SS23, Backstage (Eeva Rinne, British Fashion Council)

8. Sporty Chic:

Athletic-inspired fashion is here to stay, combining comfort and style effortlessly. Embrace sporty chic looks with track pants, oversized sweatshirts, and sneakers. Mix and match athletic pieces with more polished items for a balanced and fashion-forward ensemble. Don't be afraid to experiment with unexpected combinations, like pairing a sporty jacket with a flowy skirt or a tailored blazer with jogger pants.

Elevate your fashion this summer

Summer 2023 is all about embracing bold prints, experimental silhouettes, and sustainable fashion. From tropical prints to retro revivals, there's something for everyone to explore and express their personal style. So, get ready to make a statement with vibrant colors, sheer fabrics, and statement sleeves. Whether you prefer a laid-back boho vibe or a chic and polished look, Summer 2023 has all the trends to help you look and feel fabulous. Stay ahead of the fashion game, and let your summer style shine!

7 Steps To Create Your Perfect Capsule Wardrobe

In a world filled with endless fashion choices, the concept of a capsule wardrobe has gained popularity as a way to simplify our closets while still looking stylish. A capsule wardrobe is a collection of versatile, high-quality garments that can be mixed and matched to create a multitude of outfits. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of a capsule wardrobe and provide you with practical steps to create your own, helping you embrace a more streamlined and sustainable approach to fashion.

1. Assess Your Style and Lifestyle:

Before diving into creating a capsule wardrobe, take a moment to evaluate your personal style and lifestyle. Consider your preferences, the occasions you typically dress for, and the colours that make you feel confident. Understanding your unique style foundation will help you curate a wardrobe that truly reflects who you are.

2. Define Your Core Pieces:

Start by selecting a few timeless and versatile pieces that form the foundation of your capsule wardrobe. Think classic staples like a well-fitted pair of jeans, a tailored blazer, a little black dress, or a white button-down shirt. These core pieces will serve as the building blocks for numerous outfits and can be easily accessorised to create different looks.

3. Choose a Cohesive Colour Palette:

To ensure that your capsule wardrobe remains cohesive and easily combinable, choose a limited colour palette. Opt for neutral shades like black, white, gray, navy, or beige, as they can be effortlessly mixed and matched. You can also include a few accent colours that complement your complexion and personal style, adding pops of personality to your outfits.

4. Build Around Versatile Basics:

Invest in high-quality, versatile basics that can be styled in various ways. Consider pieces like a well-tailored blazer, a cashmere sweater, a crisp white shirt, a versatile dress, or a pair of tailored trousers. These items should be timeless and adaptable, allowing you to create both casual and more formal looks with ease.

5. Embrace Essential Accessories:

Accessories are key to elevating your capsule wardrobe. Invest in a few quality accessories such as scarves, belts, statement jewelry, and versatile shoes. Think carefully about what you want these pieces to be, and do your research into getting the right ones. The last thing that you want is to regret your choice later down the line. This is especially true for any jewelry that you choose because ideally it needs to go with everything. This is why most people choose diamonds, and you want to know that you’ve got the best diamonds that you can afford. Take some time to understand this Angara review for example, and others on the market that will provide you with the best. These can add personality, texture, and interest to your outfits, transforming even the simplest of looks.

6. Mix and Match with Intention:

The beauty of a capsule wardrobe lies in its versatility. Experiment with different combinations of your core pieces, mixing and matching them to create new outfits. Layering is also an excellent technique to maximise your wardrobe's potential and adapt to different weather conditions.

7. Shop Mindfully and Maintain Your Wardrobe:

As you curate your capsule wardrobe, adopt a mindful approach to shopping. Prioritise quality over quantity, choosing pieces that are well-made and designed to last. Avoid impulse purchases and instead, take the time to carefully select items that truly fit your style and needs. Additionally, regularly declutter your wardrobe, removing items that no longer serve you, and donating or selling them to promote sustainability.

Go forth and create your wardobe!

Creating a capsule wardrobe is a transformative journey towards simplifying your style and embracing a more sustainable approach to fashion. By curating a collection of versatile and timeless pieces, you'll discover that you can achieve countless stylish outfits with fewer items. Embrace the joy of mix-and-match, express your unique style, and contribute to a more conscious and intentional fashion industry. Start building your capsule wardrobe today and unlock a world of possibilities!