March 30, 2021

WHO MADE MY CLOTHES?

How often do you ask yourself where has my garment come from or who made my clothes? Or did you consider if the employees were treated well?

It makes you think doesn’t it?  The clothing choices we make have a significant impact on both planet and people employed in the fashion industry.

Do you remember in April 2013, the devastating collapse of a garment factory in Bangladesh (Rana Plaza)?  This disaster, killing 1,134 garment workers certainly shone a light upon the shocking conditions of those working in the garment industry.  This is justifiably forcing some significant changes to the practices employed in clothing production.

Rather than the historical four seasonal collections, we have seen the arrival of more regular micro-seasons at almost one per week!  For many years Fast Fashion has delivered us Catwalk trends in a mass-produced way at an affordable price tag.  The resulting consequences of this fast-paced production has been a major contributor to the depletion of the World’s natural resources .  Also to a decline in working conditions for those employed in the fashion industry.

It was Andrew Morgan's Netflix documentary 'The True Cost' that then highlighted the detrimental practices that exist within this industry.  It’s a sobering watch if ever you needed convincing.

Wind on to 2020 which I sincerely hope has engendered a deeper connection for our environment  and the people in it.  There is no better time for us all be more mindful when it comes to choosing a more ethical approach to the clothes we choose to wear.

Sustainable vs Ethical.  What is the difference?

The leaps that have been made globally in fashion production benefit both the planet and its people and the improvements are ongoing.  Firstly let’s take a quick overview of the principles of Sustainable Fashion.

Image Credit GOTSSustainable Fashion  Focusses on overall transparency of processes from choice of materials, garment design, manufacture, packaging and distribution.  It is allowing fashion to be produced again and again but in such a way that has minimal impact upon the environment.

 

 

 

Photo credit Cristian Rojas Pexels

Ethical fashion Concentrates on those enterprises that support people working in the supply chain from the farmer to the person assembling the garments.  They are committed to paying a living wage, treating their workforce with dignity and offering safe and comfortable working conditions.  Increasingly with additional benefits such as childcare and medical care.

 

 

 

 

Naturally these considerations will be reflected in the price we pay as consumers but as a long-term strategy, buying less often but buying well from an ethically transparent business is where our money is more wisely spent.  There are of course ways to make ethical shopping a more affordable experience by buying vintage or pre-loved garments.

At the prospect of wearing an item of clothing made by someone without access to fair pay or safe working conditions, let's chose to do without and create our own sustainable wardrobe.

How do we choose more ethical or sustainable clothing?

Our own Values

Choosing where to begin making our own smarter clothing choices essentially comes down to our own values.  These will differ for each of us and we can choose which element is more important to us.  As I see it, there are three categories that fall under the overall banner of sustainability:

  1. Social and Ethical - transparency that all workers in the supply chain have access to fair pay and good working conditions
  2. Environmental – in valuing our environment we many prefer to buy clothing that we know to be manufactured in an environmentally friendly way
  3. Animal Welfare – transparency that animal welfare is paramount by choosing Vegan, Cruelty-Free or PETA approved products

Our Own Research

It is worth noting that responsible clothing manufacturers will ALWAYS work hard to show their ethical credentials.  It is up to us as consumers, to research new brands and if information is not clearly visible, we need to ask.  Any ethical business will be only too happy to oblige.

The British brands Baukjen and Boden are absolute champions of this and I urge you take a look at their commitment to Ethical and Sustainable Practices.  There are also smaller individual brands that take the same care such as Live Lagom who offer small ranges from ethical producers.

Needless to say, we all share a collective responsibility to make some changes that are less damaging to our environment and kinder to our people.  Don't be afraid to ask, who made my clothes?

If you would like some help to develop your own Ethical or Sustainable wardrobe I'd love to guide you.  I’d also be interested in hearing your views, do please feel free to leave a comment.

Colours . Clothes . Confidence

Jackie Crawford

Image Consultant

07494 644788

January 31, 2021

THINKING OF VIRTUAL STYLING?

Many of my recent clients have ‘leisurewear fatigue’ and have been keen to reconnect with their personal style.  Perhaps you too are thinking of virtual styling?  Whatever our life stage this can really help put you in control and back on your styling track.

I’m not going to lie to you, I am missing my face to face clients and what we wear does seem a little frivolous in the grand scheme of things.

For about 5 seconds, that’s what I thought but given the unsettling times, I continue to coach my clients about the important role our clothes play in ensuring we  remain focused.  However we spend our time at home, self care and confidence is one of the few things in our power to control.

That is why I have been able to offer some of my styling services virtually.  That means we can work together wherever in the world you are, from the comfort of your own home.

The flexibility of these services is a joy and I endeavour to make each experience as enjoyable as my face to face consultations.  With no commute we can focus on your individual styling needs to fit around your lifestyle and family commitments.

Thinking of Virtual Styling? Get in touch for a complimentary 30 minute discovery session.

So how does it work?

Working with an Image Consultant helps you focus on your personal style goals and working virtually is a great way to introduce you to the many benefits.

Before beginning any of my services, we arrange an initial discussion so that I can better understand your needs and goals – your lifestyle, what you love and how you wish to feel.

Perhaps you want advice on building a capsule wardrobe or styling something differently, some advice on elevating an existing outfit or you’d love to create new outfits from those you already have.

Maybe you need guidance on what to look for?  A special occasion or job interview?  I can also put together a bespoke Shopping List to inspire you with different options and new brands.

We then agree on the best service for you.  You may choose from the following four options or I can create a bespoke service just for you.

The Styling Power Hour

This session will power up your wardrobe and get your dressing frustrations answered.  You tell me what you need and I will help whatever your style questions.

Price: £50.00 for the hour

Virtual Personal Style

Classic Wardrobe Personality

A bespoke Pinterest Board to inspire you

 

Using many visuals we explore your style personality which forms a crucial basis for successful clothing choices.  This is a special session that assesses your body shape and identifies the most flattering shapes and style for your unique characteristics.

Included in this package is a carefully prepared Pinterest Board that outlines some current styles and looks to inspire you forward.

Price: £150.00 for the 2.5 hour session including bespoke Pinterest Board beyond

 

Image credit Pexels stock photo

Virtual Wardrobe Edit

Making your wardrobe work harder for you is what we achieve here.  Together we can delve into your wardrobe and find out what is working and also edit those ‘orphans’ that remain unworn and unloved at the back of your wardrobe.

We will prune and trim your clothes as we go, creating new outfits combinations from those you already own.

No stone is left un-turned, we also review jewellery and accessories.

Ultimately we create a shopping list of items we feel your wardrobe is missing.

Price: £50.00 per hour minimum 2 hours

Capsule Wardrobe Creation

A flexible capsule wardrobe

Whether you are stuck in a style rut, short of time or you are an existing client looking for a refresh,  this service will flexible selection of clothes or will enhance your existing wardrobe.   Let me help you to develop a cohesive selection of clothes and ‘window shop’ for you along with a bespoke Pinterest Board outlining some current options from a variety of brands.

Once we agree your budget and selection we can arrange a future session to try on your new garments and decide together which pieces you retain.

Price: £50.00 per hour 

 

If you need some guidance about the best service for you or wish to discuss the pricing options, I’d love to hear from you.  Feel free to send me an email for further information or to reserve your complimentary 30 minute discovery call.

Whatever your clothing needs, if you are thinking of virtual styling, let's work on them together.

Jackie Crawford

Image Consultant

Colours . Clothes . Confidence

COLOURS • CLOTHES • CONFIDENCE

JOIN MY NEWSLETTER

Sign up today for free and be the first to receive notifications and tips on how to look and feel fantastic.

And don’t worry, we hate spam too! You can unsubscribe at any time.

© Copyright 2022

York, North Yorkshire