My leather jacket is the real deal, and everything else, from my patent shoes, to my coated nylon gloves, is faux. Which is actually more sustainable? Not cruel, we all know real leather isn't cruelty free by any means, but is faux leather any better for the world when plastics take eons to degrade? Does that make both a faux pas then in 2018? Perhaps so, but call me a heartless rebel, I'm going to wear these items anyway. At least for now.
I'm no vegan, but I may be one day. This change wouldn't solely be a moralistic choice, but more of a phobia-esk desire to avoid dairy because I sort of think it's gross. Except that I love ice cream...but I hate milk itself and never drink it! (and always get soy in my lattes) And I love the look of a leather jacket, but neither real leather nor faux leather are actually truly ethical options, so what's a modern gal to do in a world of contradictions? I really don't know, but at recognizing the conundrum is part of the battle at least right? All waxed cotton all the way? It is simply not a problem I am qualified to solve. Do you wear/buy leather? Is sustainability in your wardrobe choices important to you?
If you have been around here a long while, you may remember this plum purple sateen skirt was actually once a dress, but I recently removed the bodice and added a waist band because I had never been happy with the fit. All that yardage and such a long hand sewn hem couldn't be put to waste! Besides, you all know how I love a circle skirt. I have been wearing a lot of black (it's winter you guys) so I paired the skirt with a black wool sweater and other black accessories in a shining patent finish. The chunky vintage (1980's probably?) bracelet is a new addition and I really love how ridiculous it is, as are the faux leather gloves which were another dead stock pair I cut the tag off of. I always feel a bit bad doing that, but then the germaphobe (apparently this post is all about my various phobias?) in me is also happy to have 'brand new' gloves ;)
This last photo below I'm making a funny face and have pigeon toes as I was twirling around, so enjoy that silliness. It was quite cold so we were snapping fast as our next stop was the coffee shop for a warm (soy) latte. Got to love that Colorado weather, 60 one day and 27 the next...
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| Skirt: Made by me Sweater: Banana Republic Jacket: Guess (TJ Maxx) Petticoat: Malco Modes Shoes: Bait Footwear Fishnets: Amazon Belt, Clutch, Gloves, & Jewelry: Vintage |
I'm really loving your hair in these pictures! I've fantasized about this kind of natural/purple combo, and it looks amazing - especially with your beautiful skirt!
ReplyDeleteThank you Shannon! I more added the brown back at my roots because I'm too lazy to deal much with roots, but I like how it came out <3
DeleteCute photos! Love that over the shoulder shot - very sultry. ;)
ReplyDeleteYou make some great points about real vs. faux leather. It is so hard to say which is more important - protecting the environment or trying to ensure our goods are cruelty free. It's definitely a topic worthy of discussion.
Thank you Jessica! If only we could have both, the fact that the conversation seems to be happening and more and more people are shopping with these things in mind is a good step in the right direction I think. Like many things, if everyone made a few small changes it could make a big difference over all, it's just getting that many to do so that is difficult!
DeleteIt is so hard isn't it to make some of these choices? Cotton is water intensive, plastic is bad, leather relies on animals, milk is intensively farmed, soy isn't organically produced either and can reduce fertility in women.... It's a minefield!!
ReplyDeleteAt least we are aware, step one!
Utterly fabulous outfit, that chunky bracelet is right up my street. Loving your 'noir' looks x
Thank you Porcelina!
DeleteCotton really is quite awful, which is such a pain since I really prefer natural fibers! As long as people are more aware hopefully more can be done to make our clothing more sustainable as well as fair trade and cruelty free too, but it seems to be asking a lot of the world for all that!
You always look so good in purple, and now with black it seems even more appropriate because of the way your hair has both colours. That second last photo could be one of your best ever poses - a bit of swing and a great over the shoulder glance! Kx
ReplyDeleteThank you! I usually just spin round and round while my photographer (my wonderful mum) snaps away, sometimes a few come out and I am always happen when they do ;)
DeleteHello, Bianca. I am concerned about sustainability, but yes... it's tricky business. Plastics and other materials are in landfills for eternity. Cotton is not an environmentally-friendly crop, and it gets worse when you start dying fabrics. I eat a plant-based diet, and I try to shop cruelty-free. I own vintage furs, but I wouldn't buy new. I still wear the leather shoes I bought prior to going plant-based. My makeup is mostly cruelty-free, but it isn't vegan (because some of my products contain beeswax). It's all very complicated, but I feel that everyone should do what works for them. Small wins are still wins. And we evolve as we become increasingly aware of -- and educated about -- sustainability of both the environment and the creatures with whom we share our planet.
ReplyDeleteYou look smashing!
Thank you Gina! I totally agree that small wins do add up, and that trying to be conscious and make more sustainable/kind choices whenever possible helps!
DeleteLovely look and a fabulous twirly skirt!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kate-Em!
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