October 31, 2023

CAN WE APPLY COMPASSION TO OUR DRESSING CHOICES?

Inspired by the recent TEDx event in York, I have been reflecting on the theme of compassion.  Can we apply compassion to our dressing choices?  Yes I believe we can and how applying it into our daily routine has the power to change lives.

Often speaking about the impact of the sustainable fashion culture, compassionate consideration can help us become more mindful of the choices we make.  Let me expand upon this topic of compassion and relate it to our daily dressing routine.  First up..

ETHICAL FASHION

Ethical fashion has many strands and we can support it in differing ways.  Some of us focus on environmental conservation choosing to buy recycled fabrics while others put their efforts into the human element and only purchase fair-trade garments.  For others, Vegan products that focus on animal welfare will be key.   I believe that expressing ethical preferences is one such way of applying compassion to our dressing choices.  There is something here for everyone to love.

When we buy a pre-loved garment we are embracing and demonstrating greater environmentally responsible behaviour.

All that said, dressing in a more mindful way actually makes us feel good, a feeling that we are using moral emotion to make a difference.   There is a feel-good factor in behaving in a more sustainable way, whatever the element.  Kinder on the environment certainly, for those employed in the garment industry but also for our purses.

RESPECTING OUR CLOTHES

Can we apply compassion to our dressing choices

Be mindful of our      washing habits

If we buy better quality clothing, it is far more likely that they will last longer and we are more likely to care for them.  Hanging clothes after each wearing to air and storing them well, will elongate their life.

Be mindful of our washing habits.  Apart from underwear and socks, there is no need to wash everything after one wearing.  According to Sustain your Style, each time we wash a synthetic garment (polyester or nylon for example) around 700,000 individual plastic microfibres are released into the water which may find their way to our oceans.

Consider also your choice of detergent (I am a convert to planet friendly washing products and love using brands such as Smol).  Washing temperatures can also make a difference - cooler can be kinder.

CHANGE OUR ATTITUDE TO SHOPPING

Compassion for the environment influences our choices whether it be for our food or our clothing.  I liken sustainability in clothing to organic food and using local producers.  It was initially harder to source and obtain but now is more readily available.

It is possible to change the culture of consumerism by choosing more sensibly and buying less.  Buying only what we need to replace, renting clothing, clothes swaps with friends or indeed buying pre-loved.  

Employing a more mindful approach allows us to add emotion to the our selection.  Ask if you need it?  Who has made my clothes?  Do I have three other items that I can pair it with?

Photo credit Cristian Rojas Pexels

CONCERN FOR OTHERS

Being more socially responsible with the concern for the well-being of others in mind is another way of demonstrating compassion.  I’m sure most of us would be horrified if we witnessed some of the working conditions of some overseas textile and garment workers.

Are you familiar with This is Unfolded? A British brand manufacturing only what is required, pay higher wages to their overseas partner factories with a percentage of every sale supporting children in overseas education. Choosing to support brands like this, highlights our concern for others and can only be a force for good.

Let's also not forget...

SELF COMPASSION

Remember the last time we wore an outfit that made us feel good?  Maybe it attracted a compliment that served to boost our self-esteem?

We know that our clothes play a significant role in improving the way we value ourselves.  Our clothes are a form of self-expression and have the power to amplify our personalities.  Consider that our wardrobes hold the key to positive self image which in turn can lead to many other positives.  We are more likely to pursue our goals, forge meaningful relationships and can place us in a stronger position to deal with life's challenges.

Identifying clothing in which we feel good, is a powerful boost to our self-esteem and helps us to look more kindly upon ourselves.  I'd love to guide you in this way, see more here.

Can we apply compassion to our dressing choices?  Absolutely yes, our dressing choices are a visual representation of ourselves helping to empower us to personal growth.

CHOOSE NEW GARMENTS SELECTIVELY

In selecting a more ethical brand, we are demonstrating our willingness to pay more for our garments.  Researching such brands also negates our desire to buy on impulse.

In doing so, we also demonstrate conscious compassion for the effort taken in the manufacturing process by it's employees.  A concern for others right there?

It is also true that investing in certain items (footwear and outerwear for example) pay dividends in the long run.  Identifying the styles that work for us, that pair effortlessly with other items in our wardrobe, support us time and again.

 

Dressing in a more sustainable way isn’t simply a trend, it is a smarter responsibility that supports the people working to create our garments, upon our wallets and ultimately the impact upon our planet.

Let’s apply our moral compass to research some brands that operate within green credentials and look out for organic or eco-friendly certifications.  We can also look towards fabrics such as linens, silk or synthetically derived fabrics from plant materials such as Viscose, Lyocell, Tercel or Rayon.  All of which biodegrade.

When we consider how we apply compassion to our dressing choices, I see evidence aplenty.  Be it the way we view ourselves, plant-based washing detergent above harsh chemicals, re-purposing or re-wearing the clothes we already own, shopping pre-loved or supporting brands with more ethical credentials.  

Compassion is surely linked to a greater interest in sustainable practices.  I invite you to consider how you can apply compassion to your dressing choices.

Of course, I’d love to hear your views so do leave a comment.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jackie Crawford is a transformational image consultant dedicated to helping women in business dress with confidence.  Ultimately enhancing their personal brand.

Born out of her own dressing frustrations during a corporate career, Jackie uses her own experiences to skilfully guide her clients through a process of positive change with their appearance.  The benefits can lead to life-changing situations.

To have a chat about how you could work with Jackie, you may reach her on 07494 644788 or email image@jackiecrawford.co.uk or visit her website at www.jackiecrawford.co.uk

November 30, 2021

CREATING A SUSTAINABLE WARDROBE

There are all sorts of strategies we can implement in creating a sustainable wardrobe.  It may need a little time-investment but the benefits are well worth the effort.  We can embrace and adopt a more environmentally friendly way of choosing and using our clothes a number of ways.

My journey into sustainability began at home – growing up with a Mother and two Grandmothers’ who had experienced life through the War years during a time where resources were scarce and clothes had to last.  I was taught how to choose and buy clothes well so the garment lasted longer and I also recall wearing clothes that Mum had made.

This was my first taste of sustainable fashion so it’s easy to see how those earlier experiences have shaped how I choose and treat my clothes now.

According to The Waste Resources and Action Programme (WRAP) – the average lifespan of a garment is only a shocking 2.2 Years and an estimated £140m worth of clothing ends up in landfill.

By choosing well in the first place we are doing our bit to protect the World’s resources.  This reduces clothing going to landfill and also reducing human exploitation in this industry.

I do believe that we all share a responsibility to slow fashion right down!  There is also a feel-good element at play here – a feeling that you are doing good for those around us and for our environment.

So what can we do.....

Here are my 5 Top Tips on creating a sustainable wardrobe:

  1. Get creative with those items you already have

    Image credit Pexels

    The most sustainable thing we can do is wear what we already own

I would hazard a guess that most of us have items lurking at the back of our wardrobes waiting to be re-worn and re-loved.  Create some time to go through your wardrobe and get creative with those items you have.  We can re-use and re-purpose wherever possible – pair your clothes differently to maximise their wear.  Is there anything here you can try?  The same blouse but with different trousers, a different skirt or as a layering piece perhaps?

If there are items that you will definitely no longer wear, gift them to a friend, fill a charity bag or donate to a fabric bank for someone else to benefit.

 

  1. Creating a sustainable wardrobe

    Consider your choice of detergent and washing temperatures

    Respect our clothes and treat them kindly

If we buy better quality clothes it is more likely they will last longer and we are more likely to care for them.  Hanging clothes after each wearing and storing them well will elongate their life.   Be mindful of over washing (particularly those synthetic clothes, which release plastic particles which may find their way into the sea) and also consider your choice of detergent and washing temperatures – cooler water can be kinder.

 

 

 

 

  1. Find a good Tailor or Seamstress

A good tailor or seamstress is worth their weight in gold.  They have the knack of breathing new life into a garment meaning you are able to enjoy the garment for longer and perhaps in a totally new guise.  If like me, the sewing gene passed you by, at least consider changing up buttons yourself to create a whole new look on a blouse, a jumper sleeve or jacket.  If you are local to York try Sew Versatile who will do an excellent job for you.

  1. Creating a sustainable wardrobe

    Image Credit: GOTS
    Look out for organic or Eco-friendly certifications

    Choose our clothes more selectively

This may take some time but researching some new brands that operate with green credentials - look out for organic or Eco-friendly certifications.  We can also choose fabrics that are natural or organic such as linens, silks, wool or synthetically derived fabrics from plant materials such as Viscose, Lyocell, Tencel or Rayon. All of which will biodegrade.  You will be more informed to make better future choices.

  1. Change our attitudes to shopping

I have often spoken of the effect of fast fashion production upon our environment.  I do believe that we CAN all play a part in reducing the environmental impact by shopping smarter.

We can help to change the culture of consumerism by choosing more sensibly and buying less.  Buy only what we need to replace and try pre-loved clothing.  There are some great vintage shops offering some quality treasures that have all been saved from landfill.  That has to be worth learning more about.

If you are local to York try Dog and Bone Vintage or York Designer Dress Agency.

There is a feel-good factor to behaving in a sustainable way whatever the element...be it using natural products above harsh chemicals, buying from companies with ethical credentials or re-purposing garments.

Tell me, what elements do you already embrace?

If you would like to work with me and learn more about creating a sustainable wardrobe, you may contact me here.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Jackie Crawford

07494 644788

 

 

January 29, 2020

WHY IT’S A GOOD IDEA TO CARE FOR OUR CLOTHES

WHY IT'S A GOOD IDEA TO CARE FOR OUR CLOTHES

"Care for your clothes like the good friends they are" – Joan Crawford

Sadly she was no relation but she makes a very good point!   So why is it a good idea to care for our clothes?  Well in my case it is because I appreciate the effort that someone has put into their manufacture but also that when I buy clothes I love, they need to support me and stand the test of time.

It was lovely to hear a client recently comment on how carefully I was handling clothes and how I treated them gently and with respect.   Never a fan of fast-fashion, there is a valuable lesson for us all here to treat our clothes with care so we can enjoy them looking good for longer - like my cherished coat (see below).

There are however many benefits of treating our clothes more kindly so I share some of my guidelines here:

Caring for our clothes means that we can enjoy them for longer. Image Credit: Lindsley Weddings

Choosing your clothing carefully

Shopping for clothes can be a frustrating experience and in a previous blog, I shared some guidance on mindful shopping and how choosing quality clothing saves time and money.

Take this coat - it was an investment piece that each time I wear it, I feel fabulous and it continues to look good.  I hang it up after every wearing and is dry cleaned once annually.

I know that sometimes we don’t have a choice than to take certain garments for dry cleaning but by checking the care label before you purchase an item will indicate how practical this may be for you.

Respect your clothes

We tend to wear about 20% of our clothes 80% of the time but it’s important to rotate our clothes so they don’t wear out too soon.

Don’t stuff too much into your wardrobe, give your clothes space to breath which also means not so much ironing.  That has to be a positive, right?

Washing your clothes

I am a recent convert to reducing the chemicals in our home and using products that are kinder to the planet too.  Whilst it is early days for me, I can already recommend the laundry detergents by Norwex. 

The aim of Norwex Products is to reduce the chemicals in our homes

 

Sorting out your washing

Separate your whites from coloureds and also wash similar weight fabrics together by that I mean lighter versus heavier fabrics.

Wash clothes inside out

This helps to prevent colours fading so quickly and also avoids buttons/hooks/zips catching on the garment itself.  Be also mindful of garments with Velcro - it sticks to every fabric.

Jumpers are less likely to pill but don’t actually require washing frequently so to avoid them mis-shaping, it’s a great idea to wash them in a wash bag and also those delicate items.

Hand Washing

Take care when hand washing your clothes and check the washing instructions

Rather than take this vintage silk blouse to the cleaners, against the manufacturers washing instructions, I chose to wash it gently by hand.

Whilst I left it in a little too long, it didn’t seem to make any difference to the size (or colour for that matter!).  Phew, a close shave.

Moral of the story?  Use cool water and hang around while your delicate items soak!

 

Allow your clothes to air before hanging up in your wardrobe

Hang Loose

Apart from the aesthetic of looking at beautifully matching hangers each time you peer into your wardrobe, there is another value to good quality hangers – the way they support your clothes.  I would avoid the cheap metal hangers that mis-shape the shoulders of your clothes and instead invest in some wooden hangers or those covered in flock.

We should hang our clothes every day on good quality hangers rather than tossing them on the floor although knitwear responds so much better to being folded.

Air drying rather than using a machine is kinder on the garment and the environment.

Allowing space for our clothes to breathe can also extend the life of a garment.

How to treat jumpers

They benefit from folding to help protect the shape but first leave them hanging to air before folding them away.

Clothes in a Drawer?

Try the Marie Kondo method of vertically folding your clothes into a drawer

We’ve all heard about Marie Kondo – the Mother of organisation and tidying magic?

Essentially she advocates that clothes in drawers be folded vertically rather than horizontally.  It’s so clever, you can see every item in your drawer without having to root out your favourite tee!

Not only is it a great space saving solution to ramming things in our drawers, it also protects our clothes from squashing them down in the hope we don’t snag them on the upper drawer or our drawer runners.

My friend Claire Cutler Casey is a Kinesiologist based in York but also an expert in this area and can be contacted if you wish to use her wonderful service.

Folding clothes along the seams avoids unwanted creases and helps to maintain its shape.

 

 

Shoes and Handbags

Polish your shoes and boots regularly and when necessary, waterproof your leather items.  It’s a good time to check now if any of your footwear needs new heels or soles.  You’ll thank me one morning when you are dashing out of the door for that important meeting.

Using boot and shoe trees helps to retain the shape of the leather and helps avoid creasing, particularly at the ankles.

Using tissue paper, stuff your shoes and handbags to help them keep their shape and if you are able, store them in dust bags (or a redundant pillow case).

 

Remember that the clothes we wear can help elevate our status and help us to feel empowered.  They are a major contributor to creating a positive and lasting impression, for that reason, why it's a good idea to care for our clothes.

I’d love to hear your thoughts so please feel free to leave a comment.

Jackie Crawford

Image Consultant

 

COLOURS • CLOTHES • CONFIDENCE

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