I never buy clothes that require exploitation: namely fast fashion and animal products. I live in Montreal, so I know cold. Never have I needed wool, cashmere, fur, leather, or any other animal product to feel warm. And my vegan leather jacket is going on 10 years now. But not everyone is concerned with animal abuse, apparently.
In no particular order: 1. Quality of fabric, and cut and construction of garment. 2. Absolutely no acrylic or PU, and no polyester linings. 3 Polyester only in second hand clothing, and then only a minimal amount (maximum 20%). 4. Can I make it myself, including re-making or repurposing things I already have. 5. Will I be able to mend, alter, remake, repurpose it later in its life. 6. Will the garment rot in my compost heat (accepting that I will have to cut all the polyester thread-sewn seams out of bought garments and send them to landfill) or can it be otherwise upcycled if it's beyond wear when I've finished with it. 7. Is there sufficient hem to let down or add a false hem (inside leg 34-36" for trousers, and I like my skirts long). 8. Sleeve length usually too short, especially with cheap brands, so there are many brands I automatically ignore. 9. Where is it made - including the supply chain - the more local the better, and I won't knowingly buy from countries with bad labour laws. 10. How much irrigation and how many petrochemicals were used in the process start to finish, including fertilisers and pesticides. 11. Preferred fibres are wool, linen, silk, and leather.
I wish more manufacturers would line their coats with natural fibres, there’s nothing worse than finding a wool or cotton coat, which is then lined with polyester 🙄
Very detailed and organized guide! More tips: 1. Quality is largely determined by the fabric choice. Look for tightly woven fabric and not loosely woven unless it’s a knit. 2. Choose natural fibers or semi natural over synthetics unless you’re buying athletic, performance or outdoor wear. 3. Buy clothing that fits your shoulders and upper back. Everything else can be adjusted easily. 4. Buy less stretchy and thin clothes and more clothes made with woven fabric. Clothes with too much spandex or elastane tend to weaken more over time. 5. When doing laundry, wash in cold water and either air dry or dry on the extra low setting on the machine. 6. Learn how to iron your clothes. You will instantly look better.
I hate online shopping because fit and feel is SO important to me. Also, I don't like the added stress of returning items to the post office. I also don't love trying on tons and tons of items at a store, but that's the only way I can find what I like and what I'm looking for.
“What is this new thing giving that my current wardrobe isn’t?” I like this piece of advice. Also is this filling a gap in my wardrobe. Broke the no-buy July picking up two cardigans for fall w two pieces that ticked these two boxes and several others. They’re definitely forever items and I’m excited to wear them when it gets cold (I’m not far from the Canadian border so sweaters get heavy wear - honestly I could probably wear them in my freezing office now 😂)
My favourite one is "if i saw this in a thrift store, would I consider buying it still?" I tend to be a lot more fussy when it comes to second hand clothing, especially quality wise. And if I stop liking an item before it's lived it's full life, i like to think that someone would else would want it
Ooh, I'm going to try reversing this! I'm much much pickier about new clothes than second-hand, but I come home with poorly thought-through thrift store purchases more often than I'd like. I think considering if I'd buy it new would help. Thanks for the idea!
Very useful tip, I'm also very extra when secondhand shopping, getting more for my money and looking for brands I know make quality clothing and natural quality fabrics... But I did do that in "new clothing" shopping, but I've been slacking since the pandemic. Gathering clothes from stores with bad workmanship because of the price and how they curated their website and brand.
You probably already know of her but Justine Leconte changed the way I shop for anything (shoes, clothes, handbags) with videos about different stitch types and quality. How to see a garment is made well and sometimes-just by the seams and joinery-whether it’s likely to have been produced in a sweatshop. I’ve shopped with that knowledge ever since I saw her series a few years ago and I haven’t bought items that have fallen apart since.
I’ve been converting my wardrobe since like 2018. Getting away from fast fashion, not even buying from brands like adidas and Nike anymore because of who makes them, where they were made. It goes that deep lol, who I do want to support and who I don’t want to support through my consuming really matters to me! It also stemmed from sustainability concerns; I used to literally throw away clothes I didn’t value from fashion nova, plt, etc. I’ve been trying to change that- only buying clothes that I really need from brands I know are ethical. I love love love LA Apparel for almost everything. Been loving this channel😅💕🤙🏻
I'm in the UK and have been into buying secondhand on ebay and vinted recently and I've definitely learnt that if I don't spend time properly looking at the pictures and asking questions about sizing then I'm very likely to have to invest more time in trying to sell the item on! Really enjoyed this video, thank you 😊
I'm plus size so I'm generally just looking for normal clothes (not the zany for the sake of zany which is most common in plus size) that are not polyester or God forbid "scuba" fabric. ETA: Given most plus size has to ge purchased online, its really important that retailers have good information online as to fabric content. I wish they'd also show their garment construction.
Very helpful! I also read the comments and reviews to find out information lacking in the description. Sizing is a real issue… Even when they list the measurements, there just doesn’t seem to be any consistency. And then there are brands that do a lot of oversized clothes and I find myself absolutely swimming in them unless I go down three or four sizes. I literally wear everything from an extra small to an extra large in some brands. And don’t get me started about the photo models striking all these weird poses so you can’t actually see how the clothes drape, and companies showing four views of the front and nothing of the back of the item. I just don’t understand the marketing … I frankly give up when I can’t even tell what the outfit looks like.
Or they've scrunched up the sleeves, tucked in the top, or are just generally wearing the item in a weird way in every photo, so you can't see the actual lengths of anything.
@@frangipanisandgirl absolutely! Why don’t they want us to see what the clothes actually look like? 🤔 Have you seen the Sweaty Betty photos that look like the photographer must have been lying on the floor shooting up the models crotches? 😂
I have been buying random pieces that are cheap. This is really good advice. I need to think better quality, fewer pieces and pieces that work together.
I hate shopping and hunting. I have a list, but it's pretty hard to "knock them off the list" if I never go shopping. I really need to see and feel things in person. OMG, if I was just a rich lady, I would hand my list off to my stylist and have them get all the stuff in one room so I could try it on, and be done with it. I know myself, but the colors, textures, and shapes that flatter me don't often come together, and they are not what the masses of people look good in. So it's a needle in a haystack kind of deal.
Instead of buying new fall jackets, I took the two I have (which I love and are good quality) to a friend who is a seamstress and they are now brand new. Did not waste much money and I feel better that I did not waste money that I otherwise can save in case something is needed like gas for my car in order to get my kiddo around lol. I also loved Making your bed! Good quick read. Loving these videos ❤
Thank you! Those are all good points. I rely very heavily on reviews of a product before purchasing it. I would like to advise your followers that if they are going to take the time to write a review to make it detailed. It’s frustrating when someone’s review says “I like it. I love the color.” But the reviewer doesn’t give details about which color was purchased. It’s helpful to know if the color is as photographed or if the color is warmer or cooler than depicted. It’s helpful to know if the garment is lighter or silkier or scratchier. All those details are really helpful.
My first thought when picking up a piece of clothing from my closet or in store is: WHAT DOES THIS DO FOR ME? 🤔 It needs to work hard for me, which translates into making me feel and look amazing. Not the other way around.
We are super similar about how we make our clothes shopping choices. I totally do these all ever since becoming more minimal, mindful and intentional about what I’m purchasing.
So glad I stumbled upon your video! As a hobby knitter/sewer I try to ask myself «is this something I’d spend weeks making?» often the answer is no, and it turns out I don’t actually like the piece all that much
I agree with everything you mentioned. I had a fast fashion top that was perfect for what I was looking for but when I thought about it I remembered that there’s a good chance it’s going to look like trash after a couple washes…I really need to carry a checklist😊
Loving your videos and advice! Fabric and washing instructions are my big ticket items now before deciding to purchase. That green jacket with gold accessories looks great on you!
I definitely focus more on how many items I can wear with it, how many months of the year can I wear it and is it something I could see still being in style in 5 years.
I also check the return policy. I also consider if it’s a final sale item and to have a plan if that item doesn’t work out. Sometimes if it feels like it might be too big of a hassle I back out of the purchase completely
I'm a colorful dresser + thrifter, so it's really hard for me to narrow things down/end up with things I can pair with multiple items. I've also been the same size since I was a kid and have kept items for a long time that I do really love - i.e. a vibrant orange cotton blazer. I never wore it growing up, but now the quality and classic slightly oversized style has held up so I can pair it with the other items in my wardrobe, many of which are also bright orange or have orange detail. But there's other stuff I just love but can only really wear one way (my acler Priestly Dress and an early collection Dion Lee cotton shirtdress for example). Oh well. Lol
Thanks for sharing this! It is really a challenge to make sure I buy things I don't need. Social media makes everything harder and makes us buy more. For me the fabric and quality is the most important. ❤
Really useful tips. One thing though, color and patterns are not bad thing, they are fun, I always feel happier in more colorful clothes, than in neutrals
everything changed in my purchasing decisions once i knew about fit in jeans! i also learned along the way that material is actually what makes one look "expensive." so when i go splurge a little on clothes, i get quality plus the classy look. everything on sh/ein personally i don't like since most clothes are spandex
Vegan leather is very rare. It’s a marketing term for PVC. The glues are unlikely to be vegan and the impact is much higher than thrifted leather, because PVC lies on the landfill for Millenia, while leeching the chemicals into air and soil. Thrifted/preloved leather is by far the lowest impact on our earth. Actual vegan ‘leather’ garments exist, but are rare. Thrifted leather ticks a lotta boxes.
this!! I'm a vegan but I buy secondhand leather because I know that the environmental impact of secondhand leather and life of the product is a lot greater than any "vegan" leather. I'm so excited for plant based leather to become more accessible though! Materials science is really pulling through.
I’m considering fabric more and more. I’m menopausal and so hot flushes in polyester is not fun! I have a vegan biker jacket and I know they don’t last so I’m on the look for a leather one. I would prefer a second hand one as I’d like it to be soft and worn in. I’m looking for recycled fabrics, metals etc in garments. I check to see if it will last, how much will I ACTUALLY wear it. I’ve bought stuff too often because I like it but not brave enough to wear it. Not much different from yours really but the budget is tight so I’m restricted.
I consider if the item fits. As a plus size, plus sizing is alll over the fkn place and it’s so frustrating. I consider if the item goes with three or more items in my wardrobe and if I can use it for casual and work, if it’s in my color palette and the fabric. I try to avoid rayon and polyester when I can bc they pill, make me stink and trap heat and it’s too hot year round where I live to wear too much poly. Of course my workout gear is poly, but it’s “sustainable” at least - GFC.
If you’re looking for new t-shirts, I highly recommend the brand Province of Canada. They are the softest, sturdiest tees. And they’re sustainable. And they’re made in Canada!
Great video. These are most of the things I look at now too. I refuse to give my hard earned money on basically what is plastic, is harmful to the planet, and will not last more than a year.
Great tips! But also the lighting in this video is amazing! Bring the camera slightly lower and a bit further away (just above armpit) and it would be perfect for cozy long form content. And that green looks great on you. This might be too niche, but a video just about fit (I think you've done some in the past but not recently) and maybe how you found a tailor could be interesting! Or what kind of things you've asked of tailors before. I love my wardrobe now, but I definitely have some small modifications which would help upscale it. Might be too specific though since fit varies so much per person and I'm not sure how many watching 1. don't already have a tailor and 2. would actually want to get one.
I am a new subscriber. And I’m old enough to be your mother. I have a closet full of clothes, I’m going to go through and get rid of most of it. I have started in the last few years trying to buy only natural fibers. I hate polyester. I’ve bought more than my fir share. Those will be the first things out of my close. I’m trying to buy cotton. I live in Georgia and I gets vey hot here. So I have a closet full of white t shirts. And most of those will stay. I started buying cotton or cashmere sweaters. And I buy a lot of things on eBay. I’ve found that buying on Amazon, and I do buy there, I get mostly polyester. I have daughters and granddaughters who will take all my cast offs. If not they go to Goodwill. They will all be getting a lot from me really soon. I haven’t had time to get into my closet yet. But I will be hopefully this week.
@@Christinamychas ha ha - I like your other advice though & I’m in the process of redoing my wardrobe as well (after having children & ignoring it for over 10 years). I have realised so many clothes are ‘one-hit wonder’ items as well which is frustrating and can feel like a waste of money & space. But I think some items really ARE unavoidably one-hit-wonders (or maybe 2-3 hit wonders at most).. I’m just not sure there is a way around that unless you want a capsule wardrobe I guess that only has v generic pieces.
Thanks for a very thoughtful video! Interesting that you seem to prefer (?) the Aritzia black pants to the Djerf Ave bc to my eye, at least on camera, the Djerf Ave drape better around hips / waist and are more flattering. 😊 As to what I look for, fabric composition and quality is super important to me. For example, even expensive wool and/or cashmere sweaters pull because manufacturers use shorter (lower quality fibers); 100% cotton tees often get little holes in the center front bc they’re simply too sheer. Additionally, I am really picky about comfort, and as a short petite I look very carefully at whether a garment really flatters me (or can be tailored to do so), which means I avoid a lot of styles (for example, I look awful in oversized / slouchy / overly long). Re other indicators of quality: a few things you can look at are whether tailored jackets, coats and pants are lined (unlined is cheaper to make and won’t generally look as good / last as long), stitching and top stitching (higher number of stitches per inch is better), whether the inside of the garment has properly finished seams or a lot of loose threads hanging, whether seams pucker (bad) or lie smoothly, and whether patterns like horizontal stripes match up properly at seams. Hope this helps.
Patterns that do not match--unless intentionally mismatched because style--looks so cheap. It literally takes a little time and effort to make patterns match, so when they don't, it means the manufacturer did not care/cut that corner to lower the price.
I think about where it is made and if there are any sustainability features (recycled, bamboo fabrics etc). I prefer to buy things made in Canada or the US because there is less chance that they have been made in an exploitative environment (ie: child labour, forced labour).
New subscriber here, love your channel! I have the EXACT same western belt and am also on the hunt for a more simple belt so I know exactly what you mean. Great video 💜
I just can't seem to stop buying beautiful dresses no matter how many I own tbh. Ofc I keep an eye on fabric, quality, cost, etc. but you won't discount many by this method lol because there are so many cute dresses which also have good materials, quality etc. 😅
I love all your videos and today, I heard you say you don’t wear skirts and dresses. I don’t either, and haven’t for almost 30 years. But I’ve never ever heard anyone else say this so could you please share why? For me it’s because I have Raynaud’s and am always cold. I’d love to hear your reason. Thank you! 🇨🇦
I love a very classic modern style that is kind of sexy like open back, décolletage showing, waist emphasis, great silhouettes, etc. what good clothing brands would you recommend? I like revolve and banana republic but I would love to broaden my horizons and see what I could add to my really small wardrobe. I have waited three years to gather my style I like. I’m ready to purchase long term pieces that I can’t maybe someday pass down.
If a professional model who shoots in a professional studio with a professional photographer, make-up artist, hair stylist and whose pictures are professionally edited afterwards looks bad in the garment... it definitely won't look good on you.
I have to consider if it will even compliment my complexion since I’m pale with black hair and green eyes and can look super gothic/intense in certain color stories. I think another thing is the tendency to buy a garment that by itself is a pretty garment on a hanger but just realistically wasn’t made to look nice on a human body and no shoes on earth can go with it and it’s cut so weird that it would have to be hemmed and tailored to look nice on any body type. Finally, I have to ask -would I probably forget about that item if I put it in a storage container and off to the side for several months?? And why
First, I had heard that making your bed helps set your day. I make my bed everyday and it does make a difference. I downloaded it on Kindle-sorry audible I prefer to read it. I’m finding I really am not liking the clothes out right now so buying isn’t a temptation. Another RUclipsr suggests if you have something in your closet you like as well don’t buy a new item. I have a lot of holes in my closet but I’m not loving anything right now and if I don’t love it I don’t buy it.
Please keep on doing what you are doing, it helped me so much on my journey to minimalism and also for me to not make mistakes in my teenage years since I am still 17, I know that I am still vulnerable to making mistakes at this age but your guidance help me so much and for that, I thank you so much.
2:51 When the sewing of the button is visible from the back of a two layered garment, that's a sign of poor construction (unless it was a diy, but either way one should consider the details).
Could anyone recommend some good brick-and-mortar stores for quality clothing? I know a few online brands but I hate shopping online where I can't try things on and feel them myself...
i love you and your video (i have been subscribed for years!) but talking about respecting ‘brand ethics’ when you’re sponsored by amazon is a little :/
Prefer for any clothing to be cotton or cotton blend-any other natural materials irritate my skin. Any beauty or clothing has to be vegan even second hand still supporting that industry. There are several vegan brands that have quality items if you take care of them. Tend to look for similar styles and shop the same brands. More interested in fit and comfort than anything else. As plus size woman tend to shop online since many stores don’t carry my size or don’t have type of clothing I like. But it’s better for me since I put more thought when I purchase online. Realizing high price items doesn’t necessarily mean better. Quite a few cheaper clothing items have lasted much longer than more expensive items. And I’d rather not have to donate expensive items when I don’t keep them for good amt of time. Keep seeing these “luxury” brands for violating labor laws more and more.
Synthetics destroy the planet though . Shearing a sheep for wool I think is pretty harmless. Synthetics, from the production to the disposal, are pollutant and destructive. I don't want to wear plastic.
@@Chwl78 The animal industry is polluting tons as well. No matter what you choose it’s creating a lot of pollution. I agree about second-hand. I buy a lot on Vinted, it’s super affordable as well. I get my coats for less than 10€, it’s a great company.
What are some of the things you consider before you buy clothing that ISNT about the money?
Nothing taken from an animal, ever. ✌🏻
@@sparky9839 🥰 love it
I never buy clothes that require exploitation: namely fast fashion and animal products. I live in Montreal, so I know cold. Never have I needed wool, cashmere, fur, leather, or any other animal product to feel warm. And my vegan leather jacket is going on 10 years now. But not everyone is concerned with animal abuse, apparently.
The fabric, manmade fabrics feel awful, like my skin can’t breathe, plus they’re horrible for the environment.
In no particular order:
1. Quality of fabric, and cut and construction of garment.
2. Absolutely no acrylic or PU, and no polyester linings.
3 Polyester only in second hand clothing, and then only a minimal amount (maximum 20%).
4. Can I make it myself, including re-making or repurposing things I already have.
5. Will I be able to mend, alter, remake, repurpose it later in its life.
6. Will the garment rot in my compost heat (accepting that I will have to cut all the polyester thread-sewn seams out of bought garments and send them to landfill) or can it be otherwise upcycled if it's beyond wear when I've finished with it.
7. Is there sufficient hem to let down or add a false hem (inside leg 34-36" for trousers, and I like my skirts long).
8. Sleeve length usually too short, especially with cheap brands, so there are many brands I automatically ignore.
9. Where is it made - including the supply chain - the more local the better, and I won't knowingly buy from countries with bad labour laws.
10. How much irrigation and how many petrochemicals were used in the process start to finish, including fertilisers and pesticides.
11. Preferred fibres are wool, linen, silk, and leather.
I wish more manufacturers would line their coats with natural fibres, there’s nothing worse than finding a wool or cotton coat, which is then lined with polyester 🙄
Take it to a seamstress! You can ask them to replace the poly lining with a material of your choice.
Yes!yes!yes!
@@BubblyViolin11 omg such a good idea! Never thought of that!
Agreed
That’s a great idea!
Very detailed and organized guide! More tips:
1. Quality is largely determined by the fabric choice. Look for tightly woven fabric and not loosely woven unless it’s a knit.
2. Choose natural fibers or semi natural over synthetics unless you’re buying athletic, performance or outdoor wear.
3. Buy clothing that fits your shoulders and upper back. Everything else can be adjusted easily.
4. Buy less stretchy and thin clothes and more clothes made with woven fabric. Clothes with too much spandex or elastane tend to weaken more over time.
5. When doing laundry, wash in cold water and either air dry or dry on the extra low setting on the machine.
6. Learn how to iron your clothes. You will instantly look better.
❤
I hate online shopping because fit and feel is SO important to me. Also, I don't like the added stress of returning items to the post office. I also don't love trying on tons and tons of items at a store, but that's the only way I can find what I like and what I'm looking for.
“What is this new thing giving that my current wardrobe isn’t?” I like this piece of advice. Also is this filling a gap in my wardrobe. Broke the no-buy July picking up two cardigans for fall w two pieces that ticked these two boxes and several others. They’re definitely forever items and I’m excited to wear them when it gets cold (I’m not far from the Canadian border so sweaters get heavy wear - honestly I could probably wear them in my freezing office now 😂)
My favourite one is "if i saw this in a thrift store, would I consider buying it still?"
I tend to be a lot more fussy when it comes to second hand clothing, especially quality wise. And if I stop liking an item before it's lived it's full life, i like to think that someone would else would want it
Ooh, I'm going to try reversing this! I'm much much pickier about new clothes than second-hand, but I come home with poorly thought-through thrift store purchases more often than I'd like. I think considering if I'd buy it new would help. Thanks for the idea!
Love and stealing this tip😂
Very useful tip, I'm also very extra when secondhand shopping, getting more for my money and looking for brands I know make quality clothing and natural quality fabrics... But I did do that in "new clothing" shopping, but I've been slacking since the pandemic. Gathering clothes from stores with bad workmanship because of the price and how they curated their website and brand.
You wear a lot of black but green really really brings your best features out !!!
You probably already know of her but Justine Leconte changed the way I shop for anything (shoes, clothes, handbags) with videos about different stitch types and quality. How to see a garment is made well and sometimes-just by the seams and joinery-whether it’s likely to have been produced in a sweatshop. I’ve shopped with that knowledge ever since I saw her series a few years ago and I haven’t bought items that have fallen apart since.
L
I’ve been converting my wardrobe since like 2018. Getting away from fast fashion, not even buying from brands like adidas and Nike anymore because of who makes them, where they were made. It goes that deep lol, who I do want to support and who I don’t want to support through my consuming really matters to me! It also stemmed from sustainability concerns; I used to literally throw away clothes I didn’t value from fashion nova, plt, etc. I’ve been trying to change that- only buying clothes that I really need from brands I know are ethical. I love love love LA Apparel for almost everything.
Been loving this channel😅💕🤙🏻
I'm in the UK and have been into buying secondhand on ebay and vinted recently and I've definitely learnt that if I don't spend time properly looking at the pictures and asking questions about sizing then I'm very likely to have to invest more time in trying to sell the item on!
Really enjoyed this video, thank you 😊
I'm plus size so I'm generally just looking for normal clothes (not the zany for the sake of zany which is most common in plus size) that are not polyester or God forbid "scuba" fabric. ETA: Given most plus size has to ge purchased online, its really important that retailers have good information online as to fabric content. I wish they'd also show their garment construction.
That greenish blazer on you …wow! It’s in your palette 🎨
Very helpful! I also read the comments and reviews to find out information lacking in the description. Sizing is a real issue… Even when they list the measurements, there just doesn’t seem to be any consistency. And then there are brands that do a lot of oversized clothes and I find myself absolutely swimming in them unless I go down three or four sizes. I literally wear everything from an extra small to an extra large in some brands.
And don’t get me started about the photo models striking all these weird poses so you can’t actually see how the clothes drape, and companies showing four views of the front and nothing of the back of the item. I just don’t understand the marketing … I frankly give up when I can’t even tell what the outfit looks like.
The weird poses annoys me too. I love a simple front, back, side. When models are making these super weird poses the item is likely crap.
They also literally use binder clips on models to alter the clothing so it's not accurate
Or they've scrunched up the sleeves, tucked in the top, or are just generally wearing the item in a weird way in every photo, so you can't see the actual lengths of anything.
@@frangipanisandgirl absolutely! Why don’t they want us to see what the clothes actually look like? 🤔 Have you seen the Sweaty Betty photos that look like the photographer must have been lying on the floor shooting up the models crotches? 😂
I have been buying random pieces that are cheap. This is really good advice. I need to think better quality, fewer pieces and pieces that work together.
I hate shopping and hunting. I have a list, but it's pretty hard to "knock them off the list" if I never go shopping. I really need to see and feel things in person. OMG, if I was just a rich lady, I would hand my list off to my stylist and have them get all the stuff in one room so I could try it on, and be done with it. I know myself, but the colors, textures, and shapes that flatter me don't often come together, and they are not what the masses of people look good in. So it's a needle in a haystack kind of deal.
Instead of buying new fall jackets, I took the two I have (which I love and are good quality) to a friend who is a seamstress and they are now brand new. Did not waste much money and I feel better that I did not waste money that I otherwise can save in case something is needed like gas for my car in order to get my kiddo around lol. I also loved Making your bed! Good quick read. Loving these videos ❤
That is so awesome!!
Can you do a review of your different white tees? I'd love to see how they differ / pros/cons!
Yes! Great idea!
@@Christinamychas If this is still on the list, I'm interested in this too!! I don't own a plain white tee. Yet.
Thank you! Those are all good points. I rely very heavily on reviews of a product before purchasing it. I would like to advise your followers that if they are going to take the time to write a review to make it detailed. It’s frustrating when someone’s review says “I like it. I love the color.” But the reviewer doesn’t give details about which color was purchased. It’s helpful to know if the color is as photographed or if the color is warmer or cooler than depicted. It’s helpful to know if the garment is lighter or silkier or scratchier. All those details are really helpful.
My first thought when picking up a piece of clothing from my closet or in store is: WHAT DOES THIS DO FOR ME? 🤔 It needs to work hard for me, which translates into making me feel and look amazing. Not the other way around.
Yessssss so good!
I love this!
We are super similar about how we make our clothes shopping choices. I totally do these all ever since becoming more minimal, mindful and intentional about what I’m purchasing.
So glad I stumbled upon your video! As a hobby knitter/sewer I try to ask myself «is this something I’d spend weeks making?» often the answer is no, and it turns out I don’t actually like the piece all that much
I agree with everything you mentioned. I had a fast fashion top that was perfect for what I was looking for but when I thought about it I remembered that there’s a good chance it’s going to look like trash after a couple washes…I really need to carry a checklist😊
Loving your videos and advice! Fabric and washing instructions are my big ticket items now before deciding to purchase. That green jacket with gold accessories looks great on you!
I definitely focus more on how many items I can wear with it, how many months of the year can I wear it and is it something I could see still being in style in 5 years.
one of the best videos I've seen in this intentional shopping/living genre. very thorough.
congrats on 100k! something i think about is cost per wear and also look at materials (i try to limit synthetics and only go for natural fibers).
I also check the return policy. I also consider if it’s a final sale item and to have a plan if that item doesn’t work out. Sometimes if it feels like it might be too big of a hassle I back out of the purchase completely
Yes! So true!
I'm a colorful dresser + thrifter, so it's really hard for me to narrow things down/end up with things I can pair with multiple items. I've also been the same size since I was a kid and have kept items for a long time that I do really love - i.e. a vibrant orange cotton blazer. I never wore it growing up, but now the quality and classic slightly oversized style has held up so I can pair it with the other items in my wardrobe, many of which are also bright orange or have orange detail. But there's other stuff I just love but can only really wear one way (my acler Priestly Dress and an early collection Dion Lee cotton shirtdress for example). Oh well. Lol
Your makeup is beautiful!!! And you should wear mooooore green!!! It makes you shine!
Thanks for sharing this! It is really a challenge to make sure I buy things I don't need. Social media makes everything harder and makes us buy more. For me the fabric and quality is the most important. ❤
The green blazer on your skin tone is an absolute 10 👏🏽👍🏽
Really useful tips. One thing though, color and patterns are not bad thing, they are fun, I always feel happier in more colorful clothes, than in neutrals
Love that for you!! 🥰
everything changed in my purchasing decisions once i knew about fit in jeans! i also learned along the way that material is actually what makes one look "expensive." so when i go splurge a little on clothes, i get quality plus the classy look. everything on sh/ein personally i don't like since most clothes are spandex
Love your side by side pants comparison visually. Better than just talking about it. Useful. Thank you.
Your hair looks so cute in a pony!!Thank you for this video, it was super helpful!❤️
Thank you!!
Vegan leather is very rare. It’s a marketing term for PVC. The glues are unlikely to be vegan and the impact is much higher than thrifted leather, because PVC lies on the landfill for Millenia, while leeching the chemicals into air and soil. Thrifted/preloved leather is by far the lowest impact on our earth. Actual vegan ‘leather’ garments exist, but are rare. Thrifted leather ticks a lotta boxes.
this!! I'm a vegan but I buy secondhand leather because I know that the environmental impact of secondhand leather and life of the product is a lot greater than any "vegan" leather. I'm so excited for plant based leather to become more accessible though! Materials science is really pulling through.
Thanks Christina. I love your content so much and look forward to every new video. Keep up the great work! 😍
🥹🥹 that means so much, thank you Elizabeth!
I’m considering fabric more and more. I’m menopausal and so hot flushes in polyester is not fun!
I have a vegan biker jacket and I know they don’t last so I’m on the look for a leather one. I would prefer a second hand one as I’d like it to be soft and worn in.
I’m looking for recycled fabrics, metals etc in garments. I check to see if it will last, how much will I ACTUALLY wear it. I’ve bought stuff too often because I like it but not brave enough to wear it.
Not much different from yours really but the budget is tight so I’m restricted.
Love the secondhand leather route!
Brand, size/measurements/fit predictor, material, care instructions, return policy
I consider if the item fits. As a plus size, plus sizing is alll over the fkn place and it’s so frustrating. I consider if the item goes with three or more items in my wardrobe and if I can use it for casual and work, if it’s in my color palette and the fabric.
I try to avoid rayon and polyester when I can bc they pill, make me stink and trap heat and it’s too hot year round where I live to wear too much poly. Of course my workout gear is poly, but it’s “sustainable” at least - GFC.
If you’re looking for new t-shirts, I highly recommend the brand Province of Canada. They are the softest, sturdiest tees. And they’re sustainable. And they’re made in Canada!
I’d love to hear about your whiteT-shirts and which exact ones are your faves and why. I spend so much on white tshirts trying to find the unicorn
Versatility is the key.
Omg 😳! I love ❤️ Admiral McRaven, listened to his speech 🎤 in 2012 or 2013! At the end he says “hook ‘em horns”, the UT slogan! Lol 😂- Amy
Great video. These are most of the things I look at now too. I refuse to give my hard earned money on basically what is plastic, is harmful to the planet, and will not last more than a year.
Great advice as always. And I also love Audible. Only way I get to read, running a busy household and two small kids.
Great tips! But also the lighting in this video is amazing! Bring the camera slightly lower and a bit further away (just above armpit) and it would be perfect for cozy long form content. And that green looks great on you.
This might be too niche, but a video just about fit (I think you've done some in the past but not recently) and maybe how you found a tailor could be interesting! Or what kind of things you've asked of tailors before. I love my wardrobe now, but I definitely have some small modifications which would help upscale it. Might be too specific though since fit varies so much per person and I'm not sure how many watching 1. don't already have a tailor and 2. would actually want to get one.
Thank you! I’m always down to improve my set up!
Such great tips. But on another note I was so distracted by your new blazer of green amazingness!! Omg , against your skin tone?! Divine! Hehe
Omg thank youuu!
Congrats on jetting past 100K. 🤩✨🦋
In Europe, my go to brand is Arket and COS for Blazers and knitwear and tanks
im just about to buy new clothes, you uploaded at the right time. thanks🌹
Fabric composition is the first thing I look for - acrylic and polyester just turns me into a sweaty mess!
Loved this video! Please mention others stores to find good quality clothes
I'll do my best! I def need to explore more when I do decide to buy
I love my Aritzia Effortless pants!!
Really good advice and insight, thank you!
Thank you so much for this. Very very helpful
I am a new subscriber. And I’m old enough to be your mother. I have a closet full of clothes, I’m going to go through and get rid of most of it. I have started in the last few years trying to buy only natural fibers. I hate polyester. I’ve bought more than my fir share. Those will be the first things out of my close. I’m trying to buy cotton. I live in Georgia and I gets vey hot here. So I have a closet full of white t shirts. And most of those will stay. I started buying cotton or cashmere sweaters. And I buy a lot of things on eBay. I’ve found that buying on Amazon, and I do buy there, I get mostly polyester. I have daughters and granddaughters who will take all my cast offs. If not they go to Goodwill. They will all be getting a lot from me really soon. I haven’t had time to get into my closet yet. But I will be hopefully this week.
I want a belt too! Gonna try to thrift it tho bc prices where i live are insane lol great vid! 😁😁🥰🥰
I think the cropped green/blue blazer looked great with trousers but I def wouldn’t wear it with the shorts in summer.
Yeah prob better with a skirt or more formal shorts but it was all I had haha 😆 we are trying!
@@Christinamychas ha ha - I like your other advice though & I’m in the process of redoing my wardrobe as well (after having children & ignoring it for over 10 years). I have realised so many clothes are ‘one-hit wonder’ items as well which is frustrating and can feel like a waste of money & space. But I think some items really ARE unavoidably one-hit-wonders (or maybe 2-3 hit wonders at most).. I’m just not sure there is a way around that unless you want a capsule wardrobe I guess that only has v generic pieces.
Thanks for a very thoughtful video! Interesting that you seem to prefer (?) the Aritzia black pants to the Djerf Ave bc to my eye, at least on camera, the Djerf Ave drape better around hips / waist and are more flattering. 😊 As to what I look for, fabric composition and quality is super important to me. For example, even expensive wool and/or cashmere sweaters pull because manufacturers use shorter (lower quality fibers); 100% cotton tees often get little holes in the center front bc they’re simply too sheer. Additionally, I am really picky about comfort, and as a short petite I look very carefully at whether a garment really flatters me (or can be tailored to do so), which means I avoid a lot of styles (for example, I look awful in oversized / slouchy / overly long). Re other indicators of quality: a few things you can look at are whether tailored jackets, coats and pants are lined (unlined is cheaper to make and won’t generally look as good / last as long), stitching and top stitching (higher number of stitches per inch is better), whether the inside of the garment has properly finished seams or a lot of loose threads hanging, whether seams pucker (bad) or lie smoothly, and whether patterns like horizontal stripes match up properly at seams. Hope this helps.
I meant pill not pull!
Patterns that do not match--unless intentionally mismatched because style--looks so cheap. It literally takes a little time and effort to make patterns match, so when they don't, it means the manufacturer did not care/cut that corner to lower the price.
Thanks Christina for your new and useful video! /Marie from Sweden
Thank you for this video. I always pay my money for clothes that I don't need.
THANK YOU!
Lady, the first one is so important bc if can't wash it easily i am not taking it
I think about where it is made and if there are any sustainability features (recycled, bamboo fabrics etc). I prefer to buy things made in Canada or the US because there is less chance that they have been made in an exploitative environment (ie: child labour, forced labour).
Girl, love u always 🖤
New subscriber here, love your channel! I have the EXACT same western belt and am also on the hunt for a more simple belt so I know exactly what you mean. Great video 💜
Great video! I'd like to ask tho, is there an ideal time to wait between putting an item on your wishlist and buying it?
I just can't seem to stop buying beautiful dresses no matter how many I own tbh. Ofc I keep an eye on fabric, quality, cost, etc. but you won't discount many by this method lol because there are so many cute dresses which also have good materials, quality etc. 😅
Great advice! I love your videos!
I love all your videos and today, I heard you say you don’t wear skirts and dresses. I don’t either, and haven’t for almost 30 years. But I’ve never ever heard anyone else say this so could you please share why? For me it’s because I have Raynaud’s and am always cold. I’d love to hear your reason. Thank you! 🇨🇦
Great tips!
I love a very classic modern style that is kind of sexy like open back, décolletage showing, waist emphasis, great silhouettes, etc. what good clothing brands would you recommend? I like revolve and banana republic but I would love to broaden my horizons and see what I could add to my really small wardrobe. I have waited three years to gather my style I like. I’m ready to purchase long term pieces that I can’t maybe someday pass down.
If a professional model who shoots in a professional studio with a professional photographer, make-up artist, hair stylist and whose pictures are professionally edited afterwards looks bad in the garment... it definitely won't look good on you.
I have to consider if it will even compliment my complexion since I’m pale with black hair and green eyes and can look super gothic/intense in certain color stories.
I think another thing is the tendency to buy a garment that by itself is a pretty garment on a hanger but just realistically wasn’t made to look nice on a human body and no shoes on earth can go with it and it’s cut so weird that it would have to be hemmed and tailored to look nice on any body type.
Finally, I have to ask -would I probably forget about that item if I put it in a storage container and off to the side for several months?? And why
First, I had heard that making your bed helps set your day. I make my bed everyday and it does make a difference. I downloaded it on Kindle-sorry audible I prefer to read it. I’m finding I really am not liking the clothes out right now so buying isn’t a temptation. Another RUclipsr suggests if you have something in your closet you like as well don’t buy a new item. I have a lot of holes in my closet but I’m not loving anything right now and if I don’t love it I don’t buy it.
Rayon is a breathable semi synthetic -- NOTHING like polyester
Do you not get bored with your clothes when there's no colour or pattern.?
Sometimes!
I’m watching this video because I’m going back to school shopping and I need affordable and good clothes that will last me the whole year
where did you get your blazer
I love your content and videos❤
🥹🥹 I appreciate the support so much!
Please keep on doing what you are doing, it helped me so much on my journey to minimalism and also for me to not make mistakes in my teenage years since I am still 17, I know that I am still vulnerable to making mistakes at this age but your guidance help me so much and for that, I thank you so much.
2:51 When the sewing of the button is visible from the back of a two layered garment, that's a sign of poor construction (unless it was a diy, but either way one should consider the details).
Do you have a video of brands you like?
Great
😘😍😘. Thank you for this.
🥰🥰 love!
I don’t buy anything that’s hand wash only. I don’t have time for that and it never gets worn. It must be able to go in the washer and dryer.
Where is the green blazer from?
Aritzia! I don’t think they have it anymore but they do similar styles yearly - I’m sure it’ll be back!
May I ask in which stores do you usually go here in Toronto that are budget friendly? I’m new to Canada thank you ☺️
I like KOTN and Uniqlo for basics - and secondhand aritzia is a dime a dozen! 🥰
Could anyone recommend some good brick-and-mortar stores for quality clothing? I know a few online brands but I hate shopping online where I can't try things on and feel them myself...
I like KOTN, Everlane, aritzia sometimes but I noticed their quality is going down so In person def!
I think lighter color looks good on you
i love you and your video (i have been subscribed for years!) but talking about respecting ‘brand ethics’ when you’re sponsored by amazon is a little :/
Prefer for any clothing to be cotton or cotton blend-any other natural materials irritate my skin. Any beauty or clothing has to be vegan even second hand still supporting that industry. There are several vegan brands that have quality items if you take care of them. Tend to look for similar styles and shop the same brands. More interested in fit and comfort than anything else. As plus size woman tend to shop online since many stores don’t carry my size or don’t have type of clothing I like. But it’s better for me since I put more thought when I purchase online. Realizing high price items doesn’t necessarily mean better. Quite a few cheaper clothing items have lasted much longer than more expensive items. And I’d rather not have to donate expensive items when I don’t keep them for good amt of time. Keep seeing these “luxury” brands for violating labor laws more and more.
❌ Nope, not buying animal products for the sake of fashion. ❌
Shopping second hand doesn't increase demand, so it's not harmful to the animals.
Synthetics destroy the planet though . Shearing a sheep for wool I think is pretty harmless. Synthetics, from the production to the disposal, are pollutant and destructive. I don't want to wear plastic.
@@Chwl78 The animal industry is polluting tons as well. No matter what you choose it’s creating a lot of pollution. I agree about second-hand. I buy a lot on Vinted, it’s super affordable as well. I get my coats for less than 10€, it’s a great company.