In all seriousness, thank you for addressing this topic. Not everyone *cough me* can afford to buy everything from a “sustainable” company and pay $200 for a tank top.
This was so helpful to me and came into my life at just the right time as I was having an identity crisis. I wear a version of personal uniform (I have two casual and one courtroom uniforms) but having only a few items gets me anxious of having to do too much laundry.
And yet there is a middle ground , it's not 200 bucks or Shein. And even at Shein, you can make the effort at choosing fiber content that is actually recyclable
@@SeverineScott true, and I believe that was her point with this video. Bamboo, for instance, is a beautiful fabric and can be affordable for SOME people. However, we need to be aware and not judge those that are unable to find those garments. Thrift shops are also great options, yet not everyone has the time to go and dig through the mountains of clothes or have the internet readily available to them. We aren’t always aware of everyone’s circumstances. Instead of looking down our noses as many often do that are able to purchase the higher quality items more frequently, we could instead love and carry on. ❤️✌️
Biochemist here - actually, even if you‘re buying clothes made of natural fiber, the thread used for sewing is usually polyester, so for composting or recycling, you‘d actually have to remove that. If any of your natural-fiber clothes have prints - again, that‘s usually some sort of non-biodegradable plastic. Ironically, clothes are extremely difficult to recycle unless they‘re one type of plastic (e.g., polyester). The best solution currently seems to be: whatever you buy, wear the heck out of it. That‘s best for the environment.
ha, the second she mentioned that i was also thinking about the polyester sewing thread but then told myself to knock it off and stop being so anal 😂 glad to see im not alone. don’t even get me started on companies marketing bamboo fiber as organic and sustainable, by the time they’re done processing the ever loving crap out of it, it’s basically synthetic 😑
Points all taken, but in general it’s good to feel guilty about OVERconsumption. Because it’s inflating the cost of products and making them inaccessible to certain people, it’s destroying the environment, it’s exploiting cheap labor and it’s bad for our mental health. Whether you buy expensive, inexpensive, sustainable, not sustainable, all things in between - just buy a reasonable amount of it. Not the amount that social media has groomed you to think you need to buy, which is SUCH an extreme amount relative to other periods in human history. I remind myself that every single thing I buy eventually winds up in a landfill. Everything. No matter how many times it gets recycled, repurposed, thrifted, passed down, etc. its eventual grave will be a hole in the earth that could have been a park, a neighborhood, a pasture. That keeps me pretty damn grounded.
Overconsumption is the norm unfortunately. “Sustainable consumerism “ is an oxymoron… it’s more sustainable NOT to continually buy new clothes. People looking for fulfilment in all the wrong places. People being hoodwinked into thinking they need designer labels. Seriously when we don’t feel guilty about wanting more than we need we are refusing to face our own greed.
@@mac4039 Agree. There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to a new something something, enjoying the process of hunting/shopping if it’s a hobby like Kackie said. For some people, things like clothes and makeup are part of their creative process. All fine. But having a lid is important. For the same reason having a lid on wine consumption is important, if wine is your hobby. Shopping can be addictive and harmful, but here it is now a trend to over-shop. It drives me crazy hearing people refer to their stuff as a “collection.” If you’re an influencer it makes sense, it’s your job to have lots of XYZ. But the everyday consumer now believes it’s normal to have exponents of everything. Way more than they will ever use or appreciate. In a lot of cases, consumerism is more about the dopamine high AND it’s harmful outside of just ourselves, so there’s an honest conversation to be had about it.
If everyone had a human at your level as a friend irl, this world might be a better place or at least more intellectually interesting. Thank you for sharing your talent and being that friend for us all online!
Good morning! I'm glad the painting is back. When going deep into color theory the void can be helpful to isolate the colors of your skin and/or the products. Otherwise, my brain spends the video time also trying to add the painting in the background. 😂
I honestly think one of the biggest problems is this set up: CEOs and boards are required by their fiduciary duty to shareholders to forever increase profits and therefore shareholder return or be subject to a shareholder lawsuit for breach of that duty and then loss of their jobs, money, and position of power. As long as greed is literally built into corporate structure this way, consumers will continue to pay higher prices, workers will continue to see lower wages, etc. etc. Thank you for the thoughtful content, as always! I’m so happy to see class conflict being discussed in this particular context! ❤
Thank you Kackie, this really resonated with me. I'm still finding my identity at 59, and instead of jumping on every trend I'm now savouring the satisfaction from finding a piece that really fits both my style and my body. The "tailored androgynous" style is a little harder to come by sometimes, so it's kind of my unicorn clothes when I find something that fits that aesthetic AND is from a brand that at least makes some effort towards supply chain transparency AND they carry tall sizes. And yeah, class wars. Keep the underlings fighting amongst themselves so they don't see where the problem really lies. Recycling my plastic yoghurt tub makes me feel better, but it's microscopic compared to someone who flies a private jet between their houses.
My approach to my wardrobe is basically only wearing athletic clothes, and then my mom, who wears beautiful clothes, sends me nice pieces in the mail because she knows I won’t buy them myself 😂 she’s the only reason I have “investment pieces” in my closet
THANK YOU!!! I follow slow fashion just as a reminder to shop my own closet and help me be a more conscious consumer. (I ask myself why I like something. Well, sometimes it's because I already own something similar. Yay me! Go wear it!) However, one of the things that makes me go "Hmmm", is when those same people are partnering with "ethical brands" and are being "gifted" $300 sweaters and calling them an investment piece. It's easy to talk about investment pieces when you aren't actually making the purchase. It wasn't an investment for them! And "you're going to have these items forever." What is forever? I hear people say "This is really old. I've had it 5 years." Really, that's old? That's certainly not forever. What garment did you buy in 2000 that you are still wearing today? I'm surprised you didn't discuss the "Dior" scandal. Was it really a shock to find out that their tote only cost $54? That investment is in the name of the brand to keep it running. That's it. I can buy a whole cow for less than the price of some designer bags. I don't feel guilty about what I like. Everyone has their thing, and the only intrinsic value is to the person who likes it. I've been called vain, and my response is "Yep." I like clothes, shoes, thing that make me look good. I'm not feeling guilty about it. I didn't realize I needed a mini rant about this! Again, thank you!
I deeply appreciate this. It really resonated with me. I’ve been struggling with some of my favorite creators lately and it’s the underlying GUILT in how they’re talking about their own collections. It’s grating on me. Especially, because they are making a living essentially selling US (the consumers) products. There’s a disconnect there for me. Also, can we please stop saying that minimalism is not a trend? It’s certainly a trend and those “trend proof” pieces will in fact look dated in 5 years- just like everything else. Which is NOT an issue if you love the piece! But like you say “I’m not trying to fix my wardrobe”. In short- your take on this is so much more balanced and honest. Thank you! Also- love that the painting is back 😊
I haven't had much luck with fast fashion if I'm honest. It just doesn't last. Vintage and thrift store clothes plus etsy purchases have plugged some gaps in my wardrobe. Auctions, ebay and then some rather extravagant (though sale price) knits rounds it out. Even with all these economies I have spent more than I care to think about. No matter which way you cut it real fabrics like cashmere, merino, angora, alpaca and silk will cost you. The feeling you get from wearing these fabrics matters to me, that's my jam. Just have to watch out for moths! Love your look in this video Kackie.
Thank you, Kackie, for this astute video. The media rarely (if ever) tells us that governments and giant corporations are responsible for 99% of all plastic pollution, and is all too happy to push blame onto us, the consumers scrabbling on the ground. I like how you think!
Holly molly I'm early😂 Dear Kackie, I stumbled onto your videos about a year ago and have not stopped watching you since. Your no BS approach to makeup/beauty is absolutely refreshing and has allowed me to feel more confident absolutely myself and my makeup. The amount of ah-ha moments your colour theory videos have given me is almost embarrassing to admit (especially since I enjoy painting😅) Thank you so much for having carved out this little happy place on the internet for all of us❤ Keep up the fantastic content🌷 Lots of love from a pasty gal in Germany 💁🏼♀️
I’ve officially stopped feeling guilty about consuming anything. I’m not a mega corporation polluting the earth and that’s where I feel a lot of my guilt came from. My household recycles anything and everything we can. We donate, shop vintage and second hand for so much and have also collected family items that have been passed down to adorn our house and our bodies. With that said we do still buy new items and my partner and I both collect niche things. We simply stopped feeling bad.
Kackie! Over the years I have gone from over stimulated Mom brain that had to watch you down low and take breaks to loving every second and truly learning and also hearing my own thoughts shared. It is a treat! Thank you 😊
THIS!!! YES! I started a no-buy youtube channel this year literally titled "Conscious Consumerism," 😅 and I've been running into these endless contradictions in my self-reflection on my former shopping habits. It feels like everytime I talk about "stuff" it's almost hypocritical, and it's a becoming a journey of working through the "conflicts" between appreciation of and desire for beauty vs. cultivating values beyond material things. While also acknowledging that both sides that will exist in my life in some form whether I'm on a no buy or not. Thank you for this video!! More food for thought.
My inner dialogue while watching this entire video “wow. This is incredible. Incredibly well organized video and elegant language” great job on this video Kackie
Wait, is this Kackie Reviews Beauty, or Kackie Reviews Society??? 😂 love all your nuance, no matter what you’re talking about. You may have actually been born to be a commentary/essay channel, but this is what makes you an excellent reviewer in the first place. Keep doing all of it! I’m here for it!
This is a great video that resonates with me. I love natural fibers. Then I went shopping and did not love the prices. I began to look at garment construction and realized what I like are very simple lines and what I was picking out had maybe 3-4 seams, max. In a straight line. I decided I can do this and either made a pattern from an existing piece of clothing I had, or found a pattern online that was similar to what I saw in a store. This also gave me the freedom to choose what fabrics I wanted to use and in colors that I like, not what Pantone predicts for the next season. I started sewing again. Do I sew everything I own? NO way. I have some great dresses from Amazon, that are so well priced for me. I know I couldn't get the fabric for less than the cost of the dress.
❤🎉 great. breakdown. I recently went from a comfy income to a tight income and I've had all of this ethical soup in my brain lately. One thing that's helped my anxiety has been getting better at clothing care: stain removal, small mending, not putting things in the dryer all the time. It helps me feel more in control and aware of the relative quality of the clothes I have, which in turn informs what I buy next when I can.
Finally, I hear someone who is speaking the ~truth~ about the heart of the matter. You spoke so eloquently about a very difficult subject. I’m really glad you made this video and I hope it reaches a far and wide audience. A lot of people don’t talk about this and need to hear it.
Kackie, this video is absolute gold. Thank you so much for recording and uploading this. I’m certainly going to send it to a lot of people I know who desperately need to think about this subject.
Loved this! A barrier for me in forming a curated wardrobe of investment pieces is that I don’t stay the same size. Life changes (divorce, remarriage, job changes, having a baby) and years of diet culture have me up and down on a pretty regular basis. Adding guilt about an investment piece not fitting anymore is not a helpful addition to some already complicated feelings. It’s a marketing tactic that has worked well for sure though. Like I’m going to find the perfect pair of pants and it’s going to magically solve problems 😂
Kackie!!! You are speaking my language, soul sister. Every single thing that someone says I have to come in with, "Accttuuallyyy, it's more nuanced than that. Have you heard of classism....?" Keep up the excellent dialogue! 🎉
Really appreciate your addition to this conversation. For years I felt so guilty and hyper-vigilant about my consumption habits and it started to really take a toll on my mental health (and wallet). It’s taken me a while to accept that I can lay down most of the weight of personal responsibility for the state of capitalism and unethical industries and to begin to listen to and trust myself, my feelings, my *actual* budget! Would LOVE to champagne taste beer budget at drugstore too 🤩 and would love that to include skincare and body care if possible
This is how I feel about cosmetics too. I am done buying dupes for something I end up buying anyway (and spending more in the process). I have found I am more intentional in my purchases that way as well.
This is so true. Yes, I might buy a Chanel Vitalumiere foundation, however it’s legit the only foundation I own and I use it to the last drop. Which produces less waste overall to someone who might have 10+ foundations that cost $5-10 a piece. lol
Love this so much!! The battle between the middle class also leaves so much out of the conversation. Like for example, wealth aside, do those ultra sustainable brands even make clothes that fit you?? I’m a 6” girl with a curvy build and ive only found a handful of brands that even make clothes that fit me straight off the shelf, and none of them are particularly environmentally conscious. Yes I could in theory get things tailored to fit my body shape, but i physically cannot make the pant legs grow any longer?? Not even the most talented and expensive seamstress can make fabric out of thin air. Same goes for plus sized people whose size quite literally doesn’t exist in most brands, or disabled people who need adaptive clothing to maintain their independence, their options are limited by things outside of their control.
Thank you, Kackie. I am just like you in my way of curating, except that our aesthetic is a bit different (I don't do some of those Earth tones like your shirt today but I love the hell out of deep, rich colors). I bought a dress yesterday because I actually didn't have that particular shade of dark blue-purple/ "indigo," and it makes me happy. I have an undergrad degree in Studio Art/painting and masters in Art History, and because of the way my life has turned out (child with special needs, etc.), I don't have the time to make art. I can manage to adorn myself colorfully and creatively most days, and that is how I participate in art and beauty in the smaller scale that my life allows. I can manage to "hunt" on the internet, too, and I enjoy it. I cannot ever want to go minimalist, though.
I loved this video, especially as a fellow maximalist! Your advice about being more discerning about purchasing things just because they're on sale is something I can particularly appreciate! I am always overly tempted by discounted designer items.
5:20 THIS IS SO ME. 😂 But I don't think I'm lying to myself about my shopping love. I just go through this because I need therapy & I have alot of confidence issues, self hate issues, etc. So I always convince myself that I'll feel better & solve my mental and emotional health when I find the right jacket, shoes, perfume, purse, get a new tattoo, etc.
I relate so much to the creative inspiration and the visceral reaction to beautiful things! I think I do feel guilty for spending money on clothing but it does make me happy to curate a beautiful wardrobe and home. I love these concept videos Kackie! I don’t have enough fellow creatives in my life to talk about these kinds of ideas, and these videos really resonate (the color theory ones too!)
“There is no trickle down economics. But, I don’t feel like there is a lot of trickle up economics either, okay.” = TRUTH!! Thank you for stating this, Kackie!!
Inspiration! Thank you for putting a name to the feeling I get when I go into a shop and I see a beautifully made garment that is thoughtful. I may not be able to purchase it, but I get joy from knowing I can recognize quality. It might be a simple skirt that has incredible lines and stitching. Yep, it still brings me joy. Loved this video. Thank you.
I might have more horses in this race than you so I hope it doesn't come across as hate: This video speaks from a lot of misconceptions of someone who hasn't dived in the sustainability side. I am a Latin American girl studying in Europe. I don't have buying fru fru nonsense type of money. The majority of people of the sustainability side don't have it either. Most people can't actually eliminate fast fashion in its entirety, at least for things like undies. I have bought fast fashion in the last year because I literally didn't have another way to acquire winter boots. I bought the nicest tickest soled ones I could afford. The things is I didn't buy 4 pairs of winter boots and I will use them until they have holes and aren't functional and replace them. Like a normal human. But overconsumption is absolutely a thing, my own house mates believe buying clothes to leave them with tags is ok and a victimless crime. I am Colombian I have spoken and gone to sewing school with people who work in garment factories. Some factories are better than others in human conditions, but all of them pay poorly and all of them pollute. They poison our rivers that we need to grow food. They literally displace people. They make people sick. I have seen it with my own eyes. My house mates are also Colombian, they come from this "middle class" that isn't actually middle class. They are so divorced of the realities of our country and the pains of our people that they see me in the eyes and say those things don't happen because they haven't seen them. They are "middle class" because they aren't colombian jeff bezos, they aren't comparing themselves to the median colombian (that lives below the line of poverty and can only afford to eat two times a day) instead they are comparing themselves to the top because they know if they look even slightly below them (to someone like me, middle class but not in the weird skewed way of the world they think that means: I eat three times a day, my parents pay rent, I went to an OK school but couldn't afford to go to a private college so I attend a public one. There is no suffering there. It is all the basics covered. Middle class) they will realise how much willfully ignorant they are being. I am an artistic person. My art isn't worth the blood of my people. There is no such thing as perfect consumption under capitalism but excess (when knowing full well that excess was earned with blood) is violence. The excess money you give these companies allows them to fund wars. The excess money you give these companies allows them to change the laws of other countries. Your ballot has worth sure, but your money can also take away the power of the ballots of hundreds of millions of people world wide. H&M and Amazon aren't just funding pollution, they are killing people and making changes in real goverment policy of other countries. Edit: my dyslexia did a number on this one, tried to correct most stuff.
@@linnearoyale Thanks for reading. It honestly feels like talking to the void. The US consumerism has plenty of repercussions outside of the US (same with most other rich countries). Greed kills and it feels like I am being gaslit that my country and my family aren't suffering because of this. We all have basic needs and art comes in many forms, I am certain that artistic people can and have found ways to express themselves that don't require literally taking away the basic human rights of people in the global South. Art is supposed to bring people together and to empower people. Not to do whatever is happening right now.
Thank you so much for this. I have shopped for my own clothes at primarily thrift stores since I was a teenager. I bought myself 2 brand new pairs of jeans the other day (mind you they were from a Marshall’s so marked down) and I felt so guilty! I’m not ballin by any means but buying a new article of clothing here and there isn’t out of my budget, especially because I legitimately need them. Thrift stores aren’t the treasure chests they used to be and the clothes I get do not last, nor are they reasonably priced for where they are being sold, so buying new feels like an investment at this point.
Thank you so much for this! I feel so grateful (and enjoy) hearing you articulate the common sense (I think) we hear so little of. That "vegan leather" thing for instance- how can more plastic be good for anyone ?!! I do appreciate that some people will not wear or use any animal products, but I have a hard time wrapping my mind around the notion that producing more plastic-based items, that will never wear half as well as organic materials and are not biodegradable, could be good for the planet.
I have follow you off an on for years and I always go to your channel and search when I'm looking or a product or a review of some sort and have loved and enjoy your recommendations for years , but this video is (in my opinion of course) the best video I have ever seen in this subject , so real and honest and true would you considered making more of this or even doing more style content ??? you are very insightful I truly have enjoye this content so much more than other channels that claim sustainability and fashion or personal style ideas you have made such a good video please make more like this
I am a true minimalist in most respects. I hate clothing shopping, and finally making a purchase to serve my needs makes me feel relief. For a lot of reasons - clothing stores are obnoxious (music and lighting) - inconsistent quality and cuts - prices do not reflect quality, and often are more related to the brand name - inconsistent sizing and more Having something new and shiny is not something I care for. I feel a lot of disappointment when a pair of pants is too worn out to wear, or I can't remove a stain from a shirt. I'm not an adventurous person either with style so I don't want to experiment too much. I want to find the clothing that suits my style, buy it, and go back to my life. I used to buy the same jeans for years for instance, and then suddenly in 2006ish, the company downgraded the denim quality, but kept the same price.Finding a fit you like is hard enough, so then having to start the search all over again was quite the task. And it happens every few years now, where the denim becomes thinner and thinner... I would rather have to save dollars here and there to get consistent higher quality products than have to replace my clothing often. In the long run, it does cost me the same if not more to repurchase. I think how we approach consumption also has a lot to do with culture. All the children in my family wore hand-me-downs from the other. A piece of clothing was worn at least by three different children. It was fun for us to learn who had worn it before, and we used to be proud if we were able to pass it to a younger sibling or smaller cousin, or neighbor. Specifically sweaters, pants, jackets, dresses, shoes. T-shirts, underwear, socks, besides not surviving the wear and tear of play, didn't get passed down. We did the same with toys. No one was teased for these things, and it was the common culture, even with families who could afford to buy new clothing, it was considered wasteful. I think its important for people to be financially literate, as well as to distinguish why they are making a purchase. Not just for the sake of the environment, but also to be in touch with their emotional state, and how much they are investing in fitting in or to be themselves.
This is such a well timed video for me! After having kids and kind of having to lose and re-find myself again, I found that buying luxury products (particularly makeup) really helped me feel like I was doing something for myself in a season of almost complete self sacrifice (motherhood). But I had a really hard time dealing with the guilt of spending so much on myself when so much of our income was spent on necessities for our kiddos. I worked really hard to shift my focus, really researching the products I was interested in before investing, ensuring they would have a place in my routine to be fully utilized, and then committing to the product(s) once purchased. It’s been so liberating! I really loved your video and look forward to applying the principles to my wardrobe as well❤
I know this might initially seem out of left field (and I'm posting so late on this) BUT it really does relate to your point about discernment. I've been using fasting to help with health issues over the past couple of years - going pretty hard core in that time (please don't come at me about fasting - it was incredibly productive but I don't need to talk about it!) -- in any case -- there's a stage in fasting where you do absolutely go crazy and eat all the things like it's your last meal initially. However, with experience I was soooo much more in touch with how food affects me and it was easy to edit and discern. A side effect of fasting was being able to fit in smaller sizes and have more choices and YUP - went through it again. Probably, will always be on some level. I'm all about Postmark at this point on the more expensive items so I can really see how things look and feel. I really appreciate you posting this insightful video, Kackie. You're so lovely.
So thoughtful. I appreciated all of this. I have to say that your color theory classes helped me understand my makeup collection so much better that I am buying less and combining things I have in new ways. Also, I now understand how I accumulated 5 of the same color blush and can avoid that mistake now. On another note, my mom passed away last year and I had to clean out her closet- there was sooooo much stuff. It turned me off to buying.
I’m glad the painting is back! My shopping philosophy is do develop YOUR style, for your lifestyle and budget. I have expensive tastes, but a budget that doesn’t match that. I also live in a townhouse with limited storage. When I shop, it’s at thrift stores, flea markets, estate sales. The pieces need to fit reasonably well and be able to mix & match and work through different seasons. ❤🎉
I know this is kind of beside the point (however kind of not since I'm pausing while you're speaking about inspiration) I love that turquoise necklace and how it plays with the color of your clothes and the gold tones you are wearing. And while letting my eyes appreciate all of that I'm noticing that the combo really brings out the brown in your eyes and it just stellar. Bravo! I love it. I always do have a strong appreciation for the stone. For some reason I don't own any.
thank you for putting this together so so eloquently, i was enraptured and was LEGIT taking notes like i'm in a lecture!! LOVE the commentary videos you've been doing lately too, they've been so helpful 🤍🤍🤍
I bought a vintage fur jacket last year and love it!! That was a small splurge and it’s so warm relative to other materials. Leather, linen, silk, and other fabrics are timeless and worth investing in.
I went from being poor to doing pretty well. Then, I got hurt and I’m back to super poor. I literally don’t even have one nice outfit because I buy my youngest son, that’s still in the nest, all the clothes (Jordan,Nike,Adidas,etc) he wants. But I watch anyways because it’s you. I had no idea that you buy from Amazon. I thought you were one of those super rich high end brand people.
This video is everything! Thank you thank you 💓 I appreciate the nuance of what you’re saying. I’m a maximalist at heart and love the inspirational creativity that comes from new (or vintage!) things. And trying to also find ways to have peace (mentally, financially, etc) from wanting a more minimalist lifestyle. Trying to find harmony between both wants/needs and not feeling guilty when I lean one way or the other. I appreciate you clarifying you CAN be both. There is nuance, there is discernment. And YES! I’m not necessarily a snob just because I appreciate quality. Champagne tastes on a beer budget is so true! 😹 Thank you for this video, and not adding to the guilt that is constantly being heaped on us (especially as women) just because we appreciate art and beauty and want to incorporate those things in our lives in any way that sparks joy. We CAN find ways ways to fulfill that desire within us while also being discerning. You said it better, but you get the idea ;) I appreciate bright lights like you being in this beauty space!
I deleted this comment after feeling anxious about it but then decided to put it back because feeling anxious about my thoughts on clothing is a huge point of this video in the first place. The “fewer better things” idea makes me feel panicked when I think about it because I get tired of pieces very easily. It seems unwise to only purchase more expensive investment pieces when I’m very likely to hate those pieces the next year. (Even if the pieces are considered “classic” or “timeless.”)
I love this!!! I relate to you so much kackie ❤thank you for just saying out loud that it is okay to have champagne taste on a beer budget. I have been told many times to feel bad about my hunting for something perfect and criticized equally for loving something… usually jeans and shoes… so much that I won’t let them die. I just make repairs and they continue to live as my cherished items until they can go on no more and then… I still don’t want to throw them away. I fantasize about making something with pieces of the most loved items so they live on forever because that’s just how I am. I love your channel and content so much. Thank you for existing i think you are rad as heck
I used to feel guilty about things I purchased but with a salary of $35,000 a year for a family of 5. I am not the problem. I am not guilty. I found trying to buy “ethical” things, it was usually a lie and the product wasn’t that great. Very few were. It’s another form of advertisement to make women feel guilty yet again.
@@kackiethis isn’t that sustainable for most lower income families with the rising costs of thrifted items. I can buy my children cheaper brand new clothes on the teacollection sale $9 a shirt than I can at the goodwill.
I’ve found for myself that I’m learning to appreciate my clothes even if they don’t fit a particular trend exactly. I can still like my t shirts even if they’re from random places and not at all “clean” girl. I can still like my pants even if they’re not lululemon. It’s great to have clothes that represent your hobbies and randomness😂 and it creates a wardrobe that does feel curated over time, which I’m also learning to appreciate.
I'm with you! Also, some of my H&M shirts from 15+ years ago are still in heavy rotation and have lasted so much longer (quality-wise) than many things I've bought more recently from the "right" places.
Also only 5 mins in but YES! I have a mixture of "wow" pieces that I saved up for or stalked on resale sites, and basics that fit around them. It's really handy because then the basics sort of evolve based on whatever the current "trends" (I mean in the context of years not months) are but the wow pieces are forever and timeless.
YES please the champagne at the Drug Store Video. Saw someone talking about the new Ater Ego dupe of Natasha Denona I need a Nude. I never heard of Alter Ego before. She claims the formulas, not just the colors were duped. Can you confirm!? I also think there is something to the experience of using the product adds only to the user, that cannot be "duped." I wish I wasn't someone who cared, but process has always been equally if not more important that product in my creative life and this is true of applying make-up. SO. Also, thanks for reminding me of my own values regarding beauty for beauty's sake is NOT a superficial interest. took me most of my life not to feel like I had to be sneaky about it or someone would think I'm dumb, lol.
I'm a relatively new watcher in your channel, but let me say: I LOVE your energy!! Really have been loving to watch your videos because it's such a different approach than I'm used to, so hope you keep up with your great energy and vibes! Lovely day for you
I've been really into getting my fewer, nicer things from outdoor brands recently! Some of the heritage outdoor brands especially because they will repair and service the items for you for life.
This. How many watches or vacuum cleaners have we bought that just stop working, even after taking them in to the repair shop? I bought a Dyson YEARS ago after saving gift cards from family, using in store coupons, etc. It was and still is ALOT of money. But my vacuum has been through umpteen military moves and is older than my youngest who is 14. I'm going to knock on wood right now. As for the watches, same thing. I got sick of paying money for something that would break again, even after getting the batteries changed. How many times am I going to buy a watch that looks like a replica of what I really want? I could save that money and wait and buy the watch I really wanted. It took years, but I got there.
This video really hit a nerve in me. While watching I realised that I essentially punish myself by not wearing clothes I like because I’m saving it for ‘when I’m thinner’. My self-worth is almost 100% tied to my weight because I have a bunch of gynaecological and endocrinological diseases / syndromes that mean my weight has always fluctuated pretty drastically. I could be 57kg (I’m 5’2) and then within two to three months I’ll be 110kg (not an exaggeration, it’s awful). I am overweight when I am at my lowest health wise (and I’ve just now realised mentally and emotionally too), so I equate being thinner with feeling better. I haven’t worn probably 75% of the things I own because I’m saving them for when I lose weight. Even shoes. I have a super cute pair of Nikes with a holographic swoosh that I bought in October 2018. Have I worn them yet? Nope. Wow. I have some fun stuff to talk to my psychologist about at my next appointment. Thank you for this video, it’s opened a wound I didn’t know I had and as much as it hurts right now I know I needed to see this video 💜
Concert tees and leggings are my favorite. It's a compromise. Concert merch is expensive, and Amazon does packs of leggings. So I never feel like I've spent too much. I do my makeup more than I actually get dressed to leave the house. Now that I'm over 40, I'm a snob about what makeup and skincare I buy and have no problem dressing like I'm still homeless 😂😂😂😂
Coming back to this few days later and it truly made me feel so much better. I used to feel so guilty not being able to afford the “ethical” brands and not getting myself the little silly Amazon treats. Your videos serve as my therapy lately 😂thank you!!
I would argue that the consumer who buys something off Amazon and wears that garment until it literally falls apart is more conscious than the consumer who wears the “sustainable” brand 3 times and then donates the garment (when the vast majority of donated clothing ends up in landfills or sent overseas to clog up the waste streams of other countries anyways). People love to get sanctimonious about how others spend their money. I consider myself a very conscious consumer. I buy my jeans at Walmart because it’s in my town (cuts down on shipping/transportation resources), I like how they fit me (so I don’t end up going through multiple pairs trying to find ‘the one’ and we are on a single income now, so I HAVE to be aware of how much I’m spending. Would I love a pair of fancy sustainable jeans from a eco brand? Sure. But I literally wear my Walmart jeans until they start to shred. That’s the dream lol
I'll bet someone who is crafty (not me) would love your shredded jeans at the end of their life, could rip them up and make them into a rug or something.
LOVE this content Kackie! You got me turned onto Jungmaven many many many moons ago lol I immediately take heed and Im definitly picking up that gauze set, as you're so right, it's literally the same and I too am HUGE fan of gauze. "Champage taste on a beer budget" For real real lol
I’m doing this with my house! I’m over the fake home-y but on trend vibes of the stuff I’ve gathered (definitely not curated) at Target and West Elm. I want beautiful things and I want to stop thinking about the future resell value of my home and accept that it’s okay to just want a lovely space.
I feel like the fewer better thing has gotten harder in the past few years as fiber/fabric quality has gotten so much worse at so many price points, and consumers don't really have a way around that. I started sewing most of my own clothes a few years ago in part because it's the only way i have to be sure I'm wearing quality fabrics that won't pill after two washes, but that's not reasonable as a wider solution and also i still need to buy some things
This all the way. I can purchases material in a fiber I want, the color I want, and make it into what I want. I recently sewed up a dress made from all of my left over white fabrics. I love it.
OMG, we agree on leather and denim! I wear denim all the time, therefore it makes sense for me to buy quality, comfortable jeans. However, I never spend too much on everyday white shirts because they always end up stained 😂
More than anyone else your videos give me something I think about later, ponder on, chew on and I mean that in a good way! Loved this. I am a minimalist at heart I decided but find it so hard to find things that are that missing piece. I’m a bit older than you 😊 and it’s a common problem for women my age to find clothing that hits the right mark.
Something that I do with my clothing that my sister and mom tell me is vanity is I take pictures of my outfits every day and then when I’m shopping I refer to it. Then I might think “Oh never mind I already have a sweater in this color”. Or if I’m looking at a different piece I can check to see how it will fit in my wardrobe.
@@kackie I’m not into astrology but I love personality tests. My meyers brigg is ISFP (introverted sensing feeling perceiving). I love beautiful things and organizing. I’m definitely a maximalist with my wardrobe and makeup. I love having options.
I agree with all of this! I have one caveat. If the item is the literal same garment from the same manufacturer, absolutely don’t bother paying more. If it’s an item that is just very similar, the construction can make a huge difference. If a garment is going to fall apart after one wear, it’s not doing any good. If an item is 10% more but made with quality thread, it will be a better purchase in the long run. Take it from a girl who’s had a center trouser seam split at the worst possible time 😬 Anyways, I hope everyone notes Kackie’s point about vegan leather. Don’t let companies fool you: leather is a natural fiber that will decompose in the long run. Vegan leather is literal plastic.
I am totally a minimalist - I tend to have several colors of the same thing, mainly things that look good, are comfortable, and have some durability. I also really appreciate the call out to the class conflict. I've felt guilty buying from Amazon based on trends in influence, and in other cases I felt guilty buying from a more high end retailer, wondering if I was wasting my precious dollars. Thankfully my financial situation lets me choose which 'guilt' I wanted to pander to... but this video really helps me understand that intentional shopping (spend where it matters) is key.
Love this content! I think we can easily apply this to our makeup as well, that's where I first had my "champagne taste" feeling. Love this so much! 🤍🤍
I've learned that I feel my best in a button-down silk shirt (talk about champagne tastes) so I shop secondhand for those, and for some pants (I also scored a pair of $400 ankle boots for $50). But I also buy t-shirts and tank tops and occasionally jeans from the gap or j crew when they're on sale. It's easy to feel guilty but taking care of ourselves so we feel our best makes it easier to make good choices and be a better person for ourselves and for the world.
Yes, VOTE! Thank you for saying it. It's easy to be cynical about the government, but we cannot ethically buy our way out of these problems. Our dollars support the system and the few at the top, and they benefit when we are cynical about everything and just give up. We buy stuff all the time so we'd love to believe we're doing our part when we do it "correctly," but "they" keep us distracted with this and the in-fighting amongst ourselves. Laws, regulations, and holding those in power accountable are how things actually change.
The amount of noise coming out of me while listening to this…. I sounded like a cross between someone at a southern church and someone at a rowdy poetry reading. Literally YES YES YES ALL OF THIS. Hilariously, my partner came into the room while I’m groaning and snapping and muttering “you tell em!” And gave me his wtf face. I rewound the video a bit, he listened and ended up nodding emphatically as well. Thank you for this.
I understand the whole Investment Piece philosophy of buying clothes & if you are someone whose weight doesn't change or fluctuate & has had a consistent style aesthetic for decades I am sure that makes sense but not all of us have the same bodies we had in our twenties or we may have medical conditions that can result in 20-30 lb weight fluctuations on a regular basis which means we might need 3 diff wardrobes depending on where we are at on any given day...& sometimes you need a pair a pants & a sweater & only have 50 bucks for both & sometimes you are disabled & don't drive & can't spend every waking moment going to thrift stores to find "gems" so you buy your clothes from Amazon or Walmart because it's convenient & affordable. I have tees & tanks from Old Navy that I have had for 20 years. I have leggings from Torrid that are 15 years old. There is no need to over spend on basics.
The girlies with champagne taste on a beer budget unite ✊
Let's goooooo
Same. I’m a lowly Federal employee on a budget.
In all seriousness, thank you for addressing this topic. Not everyone *cough me* can afford to buy everything from a “sustainable” company and pay $200 for a tank top.
right and then we feel guilty when it's not the be-all-end-all garment of life when we get it. nasty cycle.
This was so helpful to me and came into my life at just the right time as I was having an identity crisis. I wear a version of personal uniform (I have two casual and one courtroom uniforms) but having only a few items gets me anxious of having to do too much laundry.
And yet there is a middle ground , it's not 200 bucks or Shein. And even at Shein, you can make the effort at choosing fiber content that is actually recyclable
@@SeverineScott true, and I believe that was her point with this video. Bamboo, for instance, is a beautiful fabric and can be affordable for SOME people. However, we need to be aware and not judge those that are unable to find those garments. Thrift shops are also great options, yet not everyone has the time to go and dig through the mountains of clothes or have the internet readily available to them. We aren’t always aware of everyone’s circumstances. Instead of looking down our noses as many often do that are able to purchase the higher quality items more frequently, we could instead love and carry on. ❤️✌️
Biochemist here - actually, even if you‘re buying clothes made of natural fiber, the thread used for sewing is usually polyester, so for composting or recycling, you‘d actually have to remove that. If any of your natural-fiber clothes have prints - again, that‘s usually some sort of non-biodegradable plastic. Ironically, clothes are extremely difficult to recycle unless they‘re one type of plastic (e.g., polyester). The best solution currently seems to be: whatever you buy, wear the heck out of it. That‘s best for the environment.
Thank you for saying so. This is also a very important consideration.
ha, the second she mentioned that i was also thinking about the polyester sewing thread but then told myself to knock it off and stop being so anal 😂 glad to see im not alone. don’t even get me started on companies marketing bamboo fiber as organic and sustainable, by the time they’re done processing the ever loving crap out of it, it’s basically synthetic 😑
Points all taken, but in general it’s good to feel guilty about OVERconsumption. Because it’s inflating the cost of products and making them inaccessible to certain people, it’s destroying the environment, it’s exploiting cheap labor and it’s bad for our mental health. Whether you buy expensive, inexpensive, sustainable, not sustainable, all things in between - just buy a reasonable amount of it. Not the amount that social media has groomed you to think you need to buy, which is SUCH an extreme amount relative to other periods in human history. I remind myself that every single thing I buy eventually winds up in a landfill. Everything. No matter how many times it gets recycled, repurposed, thrifted, passed down, etc. its eventual grave will be a hole in the earth that could have been a park, a neighborhood, a pasture. That keeps me pretty damn grounded.
Agreed, and it's irritaring when elitists want to declare "I'm not elite!" just because they aren't billionaires
Overconsumption is the norm unfortunately. “Sustainable consumerism “ is an oxymoron… it’s more sustainable NOT to continually buy new clothes.
People looking for fulfilment in all the wrong places. People being hoodwinked into thinking they need designer labels.
Seriously when we don’t feel guilty about wanting more than we need we are refusing to face our own greed.
@@mac4039 Agree. There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to a new something something, enjoying the process of hunting/shopping if it’s a hobby like Kackie said. For some people, things like clothes and makeup are part of their creative process. All fine. But having a lid is important. For the same reason having a lid on wine consumption is important, if wine is your hobby. Shopping can be addictive and harmful, but here it is now a trend to over-shop. It drives me crazy hearing people refer to their stuff as a “collection.” If you’re an influencer it makes sense, it’s your job to have lots of XYZ. But the everyday consumer now believes it’s normal to have exponents of everything. Way more than they will ever use or appreciate. In a lot of cases, consumerism is more about the dopamine high AND it’s harmful outside of just ourselves, so there’s an honest conversation to be had about it.
Well said
Did she just bring class into the conversation? YEAH
😊😊😊
There's something about your nuance chaos that is like a piping hot mug of chamomile tea for my brain.
THE PAINTING HAS RETURNED!!!! 🎉🍾🥳
YEEEE
If everyone had a human at your level as a friend irl, this world might be a better place or at least more intellectually interesting. Thank you for sharing your talent and being that friend for us all online!
I was just thinking that! This parasocial relationship is here to stay.
Good morning! I'm glad the painting is back. When going deep into color theory the void can be helpful to isolate the colors of your skin and/or the products. Otherwise, my brain spends the video time also trying to add the painting in the background. 😂
Seconding this! Maybe she could use The Void as background during those videos, and keep the painting at other times if it's not too burdensome.
"The horrors persist and it is up to us to find beauty among it all.".
This. Beauty is helping me cope with life.
I honestly think one of the biggest problems is this set up: CEOs and boards are required by their fiduciary duty to shareholders to forever increase profits and therefore shareholder return or be subject to a shareholder lawsuit for breach of that duty and then loss of their jobs, money, and position of power. As long as greed is literally built into corporate structure this way, consumers will continue to pay higher prices, workers will continue to see lower wages, etc. etc. Thank you for the thoughtful content, as always! I’m so happy to see class conflict being discussed in this particular context! ❤
For a long time I’ve thought the stock market is a root of many many evils in the world.
I was listening to your video in the bathroom and my husband came in and listened for a little bit and he said that goes really onto something.
WOW! aww
Thank you Kackie, this really resonated with me. I'm still finding my identity at 59, and instead of jumping on every trend I'm now savouring the satisfaction from finding a piece that really fits both my style and my body. The "tailored androgynous" style is a little harder to come by sometimes, so it's kind of my unicorn clothes when I find something that fits that aesthetic AND is from a brand that at least makes some effort towards supply chain transparency AND they carry tall sizes.
And yeah, class wars. Keep the underlings fighting amongst themselves so they don't see where the problem really lies. Recycling my plastic yoghurt tub makes me feel better, but it's microscopic compared to someone who flies a private jet between their houses.
My approach to my wardrobe is basically only wearing athletic clothes, and then my mom, who wears beautiful clothes, sends me nice pieces in the mail because she knows I won’t buy them myself 😂 she’s the only reason I have “investment pieces” in my closet
THANK YOU!!! I follow slow fashion just as a reminder to shop my own closet and help me be a more conscious consumer. (I ask myself why I like something. Well, sometimes it's because I already own something similar. Yay me! Go wear it!) However, one of the things that makes me go "Hmmm", is when those same people are partnering with "ethical brands" and are being "gifted" $300 sweaters and calling them an investment piece. It's easy to talk about investment pieces when you aren't actually making the purchase. It wasn't an investment for them! And "you're going to have these items forever." What is forever? I hear people say "This is really old. I've had it 5 years." Really, that's old? That's certainly not forever. What garment did you buy in 2000 that you are still wearing today? I'm surprised you didn't discuss the "Dior" scandal. Was it really a shock to find out that their tote only cost $54? That investment is in the name of the brand to keep it running. That's it. I can buy a whole cow for less than the price of some designer bags. I don't feel guilty about what I like. Everyone has their thing, and the only intrinsic value is to the person who likes it. I've been called vain, and my response is "Yep." I like clothes, shoes, thing that make me look good. I'm not feeling guilty about it. I didn't realize I needed a mini rant about this! Again, thank you!
I deeply appreciate this. It really resonated with me. I’ve been struggling with some of my favorite creators lately and it’s the underlying GUILT in how they’re talking about their own collections. It’s grating on me. Especially, because they are making a living essentially selling US (the consumers) products. There’s a disconnect there for me. Also, can we please stop saying that minimalism is not a trend? It’s certainly a trend and those “trend proof” pieces will in fact look dated in 5 years- just like everything else. Which is NOT an issue if you love the piece! But like you say “I’m not trying to fix my wardrobe”.
In short- your take on this is so much more balanced and honest. Thank you!
Also- love that the painting is back 😊
I haven't had much luck with fast fashion if I'm honest. It just doesn't last. Vintage and thrift store clothes plus etsy purchases have plugged some gaps in my wardrobe. Auctions, ebay and then some rather extravagant (though sale price) knits rounds it out. Even with all these economies I have spent more than I care to think about. No matter which way you cut it real fabrics like cashmere, merino, angora, alpaca and silk will cost you. The feeling you get from wearing these fabrics matters to me, that's my jam. Just have to watch out for moths! Love your look in this video Kackie.
Thank you, Kackie, for this astute video. The media rarely (if ever) tells us that governments and giant corporations are responsible for 99% of all plastic pollution, and is all too happy to push blame onto us, the consumers scrabbling on the ground. I like how you think!
The contrast between you collar and necklace is really compelling :)
I love color!! 🥰🥰🥰
Holly molly I'm early😂
Dear Kackie,
I stumbled onto your videos about a year ago and have not stopped watching you since.
Your no BS approach to makeup/beauty is absolutely refreshing and has allowed me to feel more confident absolutely myself and my makeup. The amount of ah-ha moments your colour theory videos have given me is almost embarrassing to admit (especially since I enjoy painting😅)
Thank you so much for having carved out this little happy place on the internet for all of us❤
Keep up the fantastic content🌷
Lots of love from a pasty gal in Germany 💁🏼♀️
I'm so glad you're here!!
Your makeup looks so beautiful today! It always does but the beauty of this makeup look’s simplicity is inspiring!
Thank you!!
I’ve officially stopped feeling guilty about consuming anything. I’m not a mega corporation polluting the earth and that’s where I feel a lot of my guilt came from. My household recycles anything and everything we can. We donate, shop vintage and second hand for so much and have also collected family items that have been passed down to adorn our house and our bodies. With that said we do still buy new items and my partner and I both collect niche things. We simply stopped feeling bad.
Kackie! Over the years I have gone from over stimulated Mom brain that had to watch you down low and take breaks to loving every second and truly learning and also hearing my own thoughts shared. It is a treat! Thank you 😊
“Mark the moment” “embrace being a snob”…you GET me.
Thank you for this video. I needed the permission and I’m so glad you were the one to give it. ❤
THIS!!! YES! I started a no-buy youtube channel this year literally titled "Conscious Consumerism," 😅 and I've been running into these endless contradictions in my self-reflection on my former shopping habits. It feels like everytime I talk about "stuff" it's almost hypocritical, and it's a becoming a journey of working through the "conflicts" between appreciation of and desire for beauty vs. cultivating values beyond material things. While also acknowledging that both sides that will exist in my life in some form whether I'm on a no buy or not.
Thank you for this video!! More food for thought.
My inner dialogue while watching this entire video “wow. This is incredible. Incredibly well organized video and elegant language” great job on this video Kackie
Wow thank you! 🥹
Best most honest take I’ve seen on this topic. Sometimes I feel crazy for thinking these things
Wait, is this Kackie Reviews Beauty, or Kackie Reviews Society??? 😂 love all your nuance, no matter what you’re talking about. You may have actually been born to be a commentary/essay channel, but this is what makes you an excellent reviewer in the first place. Keep doing all of it! I’m here for it!
This is a great video that resonates with me. I love natural fibers. Then I went shopping and did not love the prices. I began to look at garment construction and realized what I like are very simple lines and what I was picking out had maybe 3-4 seams, max. In a straight line. I decided I can do this and either made a pattern from an existing piece of clothing I had, or found a pattern online that was similar to what I saw in a store. This also gave me the freedom to choose what fabrics I wanted to use and in colors that I like, not what Pantone predicts for the next season. I started sewing again.
Do I sew everything I own? NO way. I have some great dresses from Amazon, that are so well priced for me. I know I couldn't get the fabric for less than the cost of the dress.
❤🎉 great. breakdown. I recently went from a comfy income to a tight income and I've had all of this ethical soup in my brain lately. One thing that's helped my anxiety has been getting better at clothing care: stain removal, small mending, not putting things in the dryer all the time. It helps me feel more in control and aware of the relative quality of the clothes I have, which in turn informs what I buy next when I can.
Beauty 👏🏽 for 👏🏽 beauty's 👏🏽 sake! 👏🏽 Thank you for this - the historical feminine pursuit of beauty is NOT to be maligned. Loved this.
Finally, I hear someone who is speaking the ~truth~ about the heart of the matter. You spoke so eloquently about a very difficult subject. I’m really glad you made this video and I hope it reaches a far and wide audience. A lot of people don’t talk about this and need to hear it.
Thank you!
@@kackie ❤️❤️❤️
Kackie, this video is absolute gold. Thank you so much for recording and uploading this. I’m certainly going to send it to a lot of people I know who desperately need to think about this subject.
Loved this! A barrier for me in forming a curated wardrobe of investment pieces is that I don’t stay the same size. Life changes (divorce, remarriage, job changes, having a baby) and years of diet culture have me up and down on a pretty regular basis. Adding guilt about an investment piece not fitting anymore is not a helpful addition to some already complicated feelings. It’s a marketing tactic that has worked well for sure though. Like I’m going to find the perfect pair of pants and it’s going to magically solve problems 😂
Kackie, I feel like you’ve really hit your stride and have been making your best content the last couple of months. I hope you are enjoying it!
Kackie!!! You are speaking my language, soul sister. Every single thing that someone says I have to come in with, "Accttuuallyyy, it's more nuanced than that. Have you heard of classism....?" Keep up the excellent dialogue! 🎉
Really appreciate your addition to this conversation. For years I felt so guilty and hyper-vigilant about my consumption habits and it started to really take a toll on my mental health (and wallet). It’s taken me a while to accept that I can lay down most of the weight of personal responsibility for the state of capitalism and unethical industries and to begin to listen to and trust myself, my feelings, my *actual* budget! Would LOVE to champagne taste beer budget at drugstore too 🤩 and would love that to include skincare and body care if possible
This is how I feel about cosmetics too. I am done buying dupes for something I end up buying anyway (and spending more in the process). I have found I am more intentional in my purchases that way as well.
This is so true. Yes, I might buy a Chanel Vitalumiere foundation, however it’s legit the only foundation I own and I use it to the last drop. Which produces less waste overall to someone who might have 10+ foundations that cost $5-10 a piece. lol
Love this so much!! The battle between the middle class also leaves so much out of the conversation. Like for example, wealth aside, do those ultra sustainable brands even make clothes that fit you?? I’m a 6” girl with a curvy build and ive only found a handful of brands that even make clothes that fit me straight off the shelf, and none of them are particularly environmentally conscious. Yes I could in theory get things tailored to fit my body shape, but i physically cannot make the pant legs grow any longer?? Not even the most talented and expensive seamstress can make fabric out of thin air. Same goes for plus sized people whose size quite literally doesn’t exist in most brands, or disabled people who need adaptive clothing to maintain their independence, their options are limited by things outside of their control.
Thank you, Kackie. I am just like you in my way of curating, except that our aesthetic is a bit different (I don't do some of those Earth tones like your shirt today but I love the hell out of deep, rich colors). I bought a dress yesterday because I actually didn't have that particular shade of dark blue-purple/ "indigo," and it makes me happy. I have an undergrad degree in Studio Art/painting and masters in Art History, and because of the way my life has turned out (child with special needs, etc.), I don't have the time to make art. I can manage to adorn myself colorfully and creatively most days, and that is how I participate in art and beauty in the smaller scale that my life allows. I can manage to "hunt" on the internet, too, and I enjoy it. I cannot ever want to go minimalist, though.
Class strugle! So happy to find it here! More People need to understand that this concept is what moves the world.
I loved this video, especially as a fellow maximalist! Your advice about being more discerning about purchasing things just because they're on sale is something I can particularly appreciate! I am always overly tempted by discounted designer items.
I am really enjoying this Kackie yelling from the mountain tops. Your thoughts are so logical and fair. I appreciate your approach.
5:20 THIS IS SO ME. 😂
But I don't think I'm lying to myself about my shopping love. I just go through this because I need therapy & I have alot of confidence issues, self hate issues, etc. So I always convince myself that I'll feel better & solve my mental and emotional health when I find the right jacket, shoes, perfume, purse, get a new tattoo, etc.
I relate so much to the creative inspiration and the visceral reaction to beautiful things! I think I do feel guilty for spending money on clothing but it does make me happy to curate a beautiful wardrobe and home. I love these concept videos Kackie! I don’t have enough fellow creatives in my life to talk about these kinds of ideas, and these videos really resonate (the color theory ones too!)
“There is no trickle down economics. But, I don’t feel like there is a lot of trickle up economics either, okay.” = TRUTH!! Thank you for stating this, Kackie!!
I’m not done watching but I’m loving this so much and hanging on your every word. Yes! Nuance!!
Inspiration! Thank you for putting a name to the feeling I get when I go into a shop and I see a beautifully made garment that is thoughtful. I may not be able to purchase it, but I get joy from knowing I can recognize quality. It might be a simple skirt that has incredible lines and stitching. Yep, it still brings me joy. Loved this video. Thank you.
I might have more horses in this race than you so I hope it doesn't come across as hate:
This video speaks from a lot of misconceptions of someone who hasn't dived in the sustainability side. I am a Latin American girl studying in Europe. I don't have buying fru fru nonsense type of money. The majority of people of the sustainability side don't have it either. Most people can't actually eliminate fast fashion in its entirety, at least for things like undies. I have bought fast fashion in the last year because I literally didn't have another way to acquire winter boots. I bought the nicest tickest soled ones I could afford. The things is I didn't buy 4 pairs of winter boots and I will use them until they have holes and aren't functional and replace them. Like a normal human. But overconsumption is absolutely a thing, my own house mates believe buying clothes to leave them with tags is ok and a victimless crime. I am Colombian I have spoken and gone to sewing school with people who work in garment factories. Some factories are better than others in human conditions, but all of them pay poorly and all of them pollute. They poison our rivers that we need to grow food. They literally displace people. They make people sick. I have seen it with my own eyes. My house mates are also Colombian, they come from this "middle class" that isn't actually middle class. They are so divorced of the realities of our country and the pains of our people that they see me in the eyes and say those things don't happen because they haven't seen them. They are "middle class" because they aren't colombian jeff bezos, they aren't comparing themselves to the median colombian (that lives below the line of poverty and can only afford to eat two times a day) instead they are comparing themselves to the top because they know if they look even slightly below them (to someone like me, middle class but not in the weird skewed way of the world they think that means: I eat three times a day, my parents pay rent, I went to an OK school but couldn't afford to go to a private college so I attend a public one. There is no suffering there. It is all the basics covered. Middle class) they will realise how much willfully ignorant they are being. I am an artistic person. My art isn't worth the blood of my people. There is no such thing as perfect consumption under capitalism but excess (when knowing full well that excess was earned with blood) is violence. The excess money you give these companies allows them to fund wars. The excess money you give these companies allows them to change the laws of other countries. Your ballot has worth sure, but your money can also take away the power of the ballots of hundreds of millions of people world wide. H&M and Amazon aren't just funding pollution, they are killing people and making changes in real goverment policy of other countries.
Edit: my dyslexia did a number on this one, tried to correct most stuff.
thank you for sharing ❤️
@@linnearoyale Thanks for reading. It honestly feels like talking to the void. The US consumerism has plenty of repercussions outside of the US (same with most other rich countries). Greed kills and it feels like I am being gaslit that my country and my family aren't suffering because of this. We all have basic needs and art comes in many forms, I am certain that artistic people can and have found ways to express themselves that don't require literally taking away the basic human rights of people in the global South. Art is supposed to bring people together and to empower people. Not to do whatever is happening right now.
Thank you so much for this. I have shopped for my own clothes at primarily thrift stores since I was a teenager. I bought myself 2 brand new pairs of jeans the other day (mind you they were from a Marshall’s so marked down) and I felt so guilty! I’m not ballin by any means but buying a new article of clothing here and there isn’t out of my budget, especially because I legitimately need them. Thrift stores aren’t the treasure chests they used to be and the clothes I get do not last, nor are they reasonably priced for where they are being sold, so buying new feels like an investment at this point.
Thank you so much for this! I feel so grateful (and enjoy) hearing you articulate the common sense (I think) we hear so little of. That "vegan leather" thing for instance- how can more plastic be good for anyone ?!! I do appreciate that some people will not wear or use any animal products, but I have a hard time wrapping my mind around the notion that producing more plastic-based items, that will never wear half as well as organic materials and are not biodegradable, could be good for the planet.
I consider secondhand leather vegan 😂
@@kackie 🤣
I have follow you off an on for years and I always go to your channel and search when I'm looking or a product or a review of some sort and have loved and enjoy your recommendations for years , but this video is (in my opinion of course) the best video I have ever seen in this subject , so real and honest and true would you considered making more of this or even doing more style content ??? you are very insightful I truly have enjoye this content so much more than other channels that claim sustainability and fashion or personal style ideas you have made such a good video please make more like this
I am a true minimalist in most respects. I hate clothing shopping, and finally making a purchase to serve my needs makes me feel relief.
For a lot of reasons
- clothing stores are obnoxious (music and lighting)
- inconsistent quality and cuts
- prices do not reflect quality, and often are more related to the brand name
- inconsistent sizing
and more
Having something new and shiny is not something I care for. I feel a lot of disappointment when a pair of pants is too worn out to wear, or I can't remove a stain from a shirt. I'm not an adventurous person either with style so I don't want to experiment too much. I want to find the clothing that suits my style, buy it, and go back to my life.
I used to buy the same jeans for years for instance, and then suddenly in 2006ish, the company downgraded the denim quality, but kept the same price.Finding a fit you like is hard enough, so then having to start the search all over again was quite the task. And it happens every few years now, where the denim becomes thinner and thinner... I would rather have to save dollars here and there to get consistent higher quality products than have to replace my clothing often. In the long run, it does cost me the same if not more to repurchase.
I think how we approach consumption also has a lot to do with culture. All the children in my family wore hand-me-downs from the other. A piece of clothing was worn at least by three different children. It was fun for us to learn who had worn it before, and we used to be proud if we were able to pass it to a younger sibling or smaller cousin, or neighbor. Specifically sweaters, pants, jackets, dresses, shoes. T-shirts, underwear, socks, besides not surviving the wear and tear of play, didn't get passed down. We did the same with toys. No one was teased for these things, and it was the common culture, even with families who could afford to buy new clothing, it was considered wasteful.
I think its important for people to be financially literate, as well as to distinguish why they are making a purchase. Not just for the sake of the environment, but also to be in touch with their emotional state, and how much they are investing in fitting in or to be themselves.
This is such a well timed video for me! After having kids and kind of having to lose and re-find myself again, I found that buying luxury products (particularly makeup) really helped me feel like I was doing something for myself in a season of almost complete self sacrifice (motherhood). But I had a really hard time dealing with the guilt of spending so much on myself when so much of our income was spent on necessities for our kiddos. I worked really hard to shift my focus, really researching the products I was interested in before investing, ensuring they would have a place in my routine to be fully utilized, and then committing to the product(s) once purchased. It’s been so liberating! I really loved your video and look forward to applying the principles to my wardrobe as well❤
I know this might initially seem out of left field (and I'm posting so late on this) BUT it really does relate to your point about discernment. I've been using fasting to help with health issues over the past couple of years - going pretty hard core in that time (please don't come at me about fasting - it was incredibly productive but I don't need to talk about it!) -- in any case -- there's a stage in fasting where you do absolutely go crazy and eat all the things like it's your last meal initially. However, with experience I was soooo much more in touch with how food affects me and it was easy to edit and discern. A side effect of fasting was being able to fit in smaller sizes and have more choices and YUP - went through it again. Probably, will always be on some level. I'm all about Postmark at this point on the more expensive items so I can really see how things look and feel. I really appreciate you posting this insightful video, Kackie. You're so lovely.
So thoughtful. I appreciated all of this. I have to say that your color theory classes helped me understand my makeup collection so much better that I am buying less and combining things I have in new ways. Also, I now understand how I accumulated 5 of the same color blush and can avoid that mistake now.
On another note, my mom passed away last year and I had to clean out her closet- there was sooooo much stuff. It turned me off to buying.
Felt like I was watching the best Ted talk ever, thank you!😊 I will save this so that I can watch It for future views.
I’m glad the painting is back!
My shopping philosophy is do develop YOUR style, for your lifestyle and budget. I have expensive tastes, but a budget that doesn’t match that. I also live in a townhouse with limited storage. When I shop, it’s at thrift stores, flea markets, estate sales. The pieces need to fit reasonably well and be able to mix & match and work through different seasons. ❤🎉
I know this is kind of beside the point (however kind of not since I'm pausing while you're speaking about inspiration) I love that turquoise necklace and how it plays with the color of your clothes and the gold tones you are wearing. And while letting my eyes appreciate all of that I'm noticing that the combo really brings out the brown in your eyes and it just stellar. Bravo! I love it. I always do have a strong appreciation for the stone. For some reason I don't own any.
thank you for putting this together so so eloquently, i was enraptured and was LEGIT taking notes like i'm in a lecture!! LOVE the commentary videos you've been doing lately too, they've been so helpful 🤍🤍🤍
I bought a vintage fur jacket last year and love it!! That was a small splurge and it’s so warm relative to other materials. Leather, linen, silk, and other fabrics are timeless and worth investing in.
I went from being poor to doing pretty well. Then, I got hurt and I’m back to super poor. I literally don’t even have one nice outfit because I buy my youngest son, that’s still in the nest, all the clothes (Jordan,Nike,Adidas,etc) he wants. But I watch anyways because it’s you. I had no idea that you buy from Amazon. I thought you were one of those super rich high end brand people.
This video is everything! Thank you thank you 💓 I appreciate the nuance of what you’re saying. I’m a maximalist at heart and love the inspirational creativity that comes from new (or vintage!) things. And trying to also find ways to have peace (mentally, financially, etc) from wanting a more minimalist lifestyle. Trying to find harmony between both wants/needs and not feeling guilty when I lean one way or the other. I appreciate you clarifying you CAN be both. There is nuance, there is discernment. And YES! I’m not necessarily a snob just because I appreciate quality. Champagne tastes on a beer budget is so true! 😹 Thank you for this video, and not adding to the guilt that is constantly being heaped on us (especially as women) just because we appreciate art and beauty and want to incorporate those things in our lives in any way that sparks joy. We CAN find ways ways to fulfill that desire within us while also being discerning. You said it better, but you get the idea ;) I appreciate bright lights like you being in this beauty space!
This is the smartest video on this topic I have ever seen. Your channel is on fire lately!
I deleted this comment after feeling anxious about it but then decided to put it back because feeling anxious about my thoughts on clothing is a huge point of this video in the first place.
The “fewer better things” idea makes me feel panicked when I think about it because I get tired of pieces very easily. It seems unwise to only purchase more expensive investment pieces when I’m very likely to hate those pieces the next year. (Even if the pieces are considered “classic” or “timeless.”)
That's fair though.
I sew most of my own clothes and there absolutely IS a difference between cheap and not-cheap fabrics. Even muslin. Especially muslin, I’d even say.
I love this!!! I relate to you so much kackie ❤thank you for just saying out loud that it is okay to have champagne taste on a beer budget. I have been told many times to feel bad about my hunting for something perfect and criticized equally for loving something… usually jeans and shoes… so much that I won’t let them die. I just make repairs and they continue to live as my cherished items until they can go on no more and then… I still don’t want to throw them away. I fantasize about making something with pieces of the most loved items so they live on forever because that’s just how I am. I love your channel and content so much. Thank you for existing i think you are rad as heck
I used to feel guilty about things I purchased but with a salary of $35,000 a year for a family of 5. I am not the problem. I am not guilty.
I found trying to buy “ethical” things, it was usually a lie and the product wasn’t that great. Very few were. It’s another form of advertisement to make women feel guilty yet again.
YEP especially because buying/trading secondhand is the most ethical way to shop!
@@kackiethis isn’t that sustainable for most lower income families with the rising costs of thrifted items. I can buy my children cheaper brand new clothes on the teacollection sale $9 a shirt than I can at the goodwill.
I’ve found for myself that I’m learning to appreciate my clothes even if they don’t fit a particular trend exactly. I can still like my t shirts even if they’re from random places and not at all “clean” girl. I can still like my pants even if they’re not lululemon. It’s great to have clothes that represent your hobbies and randomness😂 and it creates a wardrobe that does feel curated over time, which I’m also learning to appreciate.
I'm with you! Also, some of my H&M shirts from 15+ years ago are still in heavy rotation and have lasted so much longer (quality-wise) than many things I've bought more recently from the "right" places.
Also only 5 mins in but YES! I have a mixture of "wow" pieces that I saved up for or stalked on resale sites, and basics that fit around them. It's really handy because then the basics sort of evolve based on whatever the current "trends" (I mean in the context of years not months) are but the wow pieces are forever and timeless.
YES please the champagne at the Drug Store Video. Saw someone talking about the new Ater Ego dupe of Natasha Denona I need a Nude. I never heard of Alter Ego before. She claims the formulas, not just the colors were duped. Can you confirm!? I also think there is something to the experience of using the product adds only to the user, that cannot be "duped." I wish I wasn't someone who cared, but process has always been equally if not more important that product in my creative life and this is true of applying make-up. SO. Also, thanks for reminding me of my own values regarding beauty for beauty's sake is NOT a superficial interest. took me most of my life not to feel like I had to be sneaky about it or someone would think I'm dumb, lol.
I'm a relatively new watcher in your channel, but let me say: I LOVE your energy!! Really have been loving to watch your videos because it's such a different approach than I'm used to, so hope you keep up with your great energy and vibes! Lovely day for you
Thank you for being here!!!
I've been really into getting my fewer, nicer things from outdoor brands recently! Some of the heritage outdoor brands especially because they will repair and service the items for you for life.
Your videos are so insightful , thank you! And ps- you also look
totally beautiful!
you're so right, we need to stop buying a million cheaper versions of the thing we really want if in the end we are going to buy the thing anyway
This. How many watches or vacuum cleaners have we bought that just stop working, even after taking them in to the repair shop? I bought a Dyson YEARS ago after saving gift cards from family, using in store coupons, etc. It was and still is ALOT of money. But my vacuum has been through umpteen military moves and is older than my youngest who is 14. I'm going to knock on wood right now. As for the watches, same thing. I got sick of paying money for something that would break again, even after getting the batteries changed. How many times am I going to buy a watch that looks like a replica of what I really want? I could save that money and wait and buy the watch I really wanted. It took years, but I got there.
This video really hit a nerve in me. While watching I realised that I essentially punish myself by not wearing clothes I like because I’m saving it for ‘when I’m thinner’.
My self-worth is almost 100% tied to my weight because I have a bunch of gynaecological and endocrinological diseases / syndromes that mean my weight has always fluctuated pretty drastically. I could be 57kg (I’m 5’2) and then within two to three months I’ll be 110kg (not an exaggeration, it’s awful).
I am overweight when I am at my lowest health wise (and I’ve just now realised mentally and emotionally too), so I equate being thinner with feeling better.
I haven’t worn probably 75% of the things I own because I’m saving them for when I lose weight. Even shoes. I have a super cute pair of Nikes with a holographic swoosh that I bought in October 2018. Have I worn them yet? Nope.
Wow. I have some fun stuff to talk to my psychologist about at my next appointment.
Thank you for this video, it’s opened a wound I didn’t know I had and as much as it hurts right now I know I needed to see this video 💜
Concert tees and leggings are my favorite. It's a compromise. Concert merch is expensive, and Amazon does packs of leggings. So I never feel like I've spent too much. I do my makeup more than I actually get dressed to leave the house. Now that I'm over 40, I'm a snob about what makeup and skincare I buy and have no problem dressing like I'm still homeless 😂😂😂😂
Coming back to this few days later and it truly made me feel so much better. I used to feel so guilty not being able to afford the “ethical” brands and not getting myself the little silly Amazon treats. Your videos serve as my therapy lately 😂thank you!!
I would argue that the consumer who buys something off Amazon and wears that garment until it literally falls apart is more conscious than the consumer who wears the “sustainable” brand 3 times and then donates the garment (when the vast majority of donated clothing ends up in landfills or sent overseas to clog up the waste streams of other countries anyways). People love to get sanctimonious about how others spend their money. I consider myself a very conscious consumer. I buy my jeans at Walmart because it’s in my town (cuts down on shipping/transportation resources), I like how they fit me (so I don’t end up going through multiple pairs trying to find ‘the one’ and we are on a single income now, so I HAVE to be aware of how much I’m spending. Would I love a pair of fancy sustainable jeans from a eco brand? Sure. But I literally wear my Walmart jeans until they start to shred. That’s the dream lol
I'll bet someone who is crafty (not me) would love your shredded jeans at the end of their life, could rip them up and make them into a rug or something.
LOVE this content Kackie! You got me turned onto Jungmaven many many many moons ago lol I immediately take heed and Im definitly picking up that gauze set, as you're so right, it's literally the same and I too am HUGE fan of gauze. "Champage taste on a beer budget" For real real lol
I've been loving your content recently!!! you have such interesting thoughts, thanks for sharing :)
Love to see this point of view out there!❤
I’m doing this with my house! I’m over the fake home-y but on trend vibes of the stuff I’ve gathered (definitely not curated) at Target and West Elm. I want beautiful things and I want to stop thinking about the future resell value of my home and accept that it’s okay to just want a lovely space.
I feel like the fewer better thing has gotten harder in the past few years as fiber/fabric quality has gotten so much worse at so many price points, and consumers don't really have a way around that. I started sewing most of my own clothes a few years ago in part because it's the only way i have to be sure I'm wearing quality fabrics that won't pill after two washes, but that's not reasonable as a wider solution and also i still need to buy some things
This all the way. I can purchases material in a fiber I want, the color I want, and make it into what I want. I recently sewed up a dress made from all of my left over white fabrics. I love it.
Thanks Kackie, I really appreciate these food for thought videos 🤩
OMG, we agree on leather and denim! I wear denim all the time, therefore it makes sense for me to buy quality, comfortable jeans. However, I never spend too much on everyday white shirts because they always end up stained 😂
More than anyone else your videos give me something I think about later, ponder on, chew on and I mean that in a good way! Loved this. I am a minimalist at heart I decided but find it so hard to find things that are that missing piece. I’m a bit older than you 😊 and it’s a common problem for women my age to find clothing that hits the right mark.
Something that I do with my clothing that my sister and mom tell me is vanity is I take pictures of my outfits every day and then when I’m shopping I refer to it. Then I might think “Oh never mind I already have a sweater in this color”. Or if I’m looking at a different piece I can check to see how it will fit in my wardrobe.
This is brilliant and also I want to do your astrology chart 😂
@@kackie I’m not into astrology but I love personality tests. My meyers brigg is ISFP (introverted sensing feeling perceiving). I love beautiful things and organizing. I’m definitely a maximalist with my wardrobe and makeup. I love having options.
I loved this whole video every single second 🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you Page!! 😊😊
I agree with all of this! I have one caveat. If the item is the literal same garment from the same manufacturer, absolutely don’t bother paying more. If it’s an item that is just very similar, the construction can make a huge difference. If a garment is going to fall apart after one wear, it’s not doing any good. If an item is 10% more but made with quality thread, it will be a better purchase in the long run. Take it from a girl who’s had a center trouser seam split at the worst possible time 😬
Anyways, I hope everyone notes Kackie’s point about vegan leather. Don’t let companies fool you: leather is a natural fiber that will decompose in the long run. Vegan leather is literal plastic.
I am totally a minimalist - I tend to have several colors of the same thing, mainly things that look good, are comfortable, and have some durability. I also really appreciate the call out to the class conflict. I've felt guilty buying from Amazon based on trends in influence, and in other cases I felt guilty buying from a more high end retailer, wondering if I was wasting my precious dollars. Thankfully my financial situation lets me choose which 'guilt' I wanted to pander to... but this video really helps me understand that intentional shopping (spend where it matters) is key.
Love this content! I think we can easily apply this to our makeup as well, that's where I first had my "champagne taste" feeling. Love this so much! 🤍🤍
Kackie, as always, your mind is glowing 💙
HEY kislux I have been watching you for years and im so proud of where you have made it! I love you so much! Also thanks for making my day
I've learned that I feel my best in a button-down silk shirt (talk about champagne tastes) so I shop secondhand for those, and for some pants (I also scored a pair of $400 ankle boots for $50). But I also buy t-shirts and tank tops and occasionally jeans from the gap or j crew when they're on sale. It's easy to feel guilty but taking care of ourselves so we feel our best makes it easier to make good choices and be a better person for ourselves and for the world.
A thousand percent. I feel like so much messaging that blames consumers for systemic issues makes us afraid to do ANYTHING or consume ANYTHING.
I love this video!! Thank you Kackie!
Yes, VOTE! Thank you for saying it. It's easy to be cynical about the government, but we cannot ethically buy our way out of these problems. Our dollars support the system and the few at the top, and they benefit when we are cynical about everything and just give up. We buy stuff all the time so we'd love to believe we're doing our part when we do it "correctly," but "they" keep us distracted with this and the in-fighting amongst ourselves. Laws, regulations, and holding those in power accountable are how things actually change.
My mom bought one kislux and she loves it. It had been there for over 10 years when she went out with it.
The amount of noise coming out of me while listening to this…. I sounded like a cross between someone at a southern church and someone at a rowdy poetry reading. Literally YES YES YES ALL OF THIS.
Hilariously, my partner came into the room while I’m groaning and snapping and muttering “you tell em!” And gave me his wtf face. I rewound the video a bit, he listened and ended up nodding emphatically as well. Thank you for this.
I understand the whole Investment Piece philosophy of buying clothes & if you are someone whose weight doesn't change or fluctuate & has had a consistent style aesthetic for decades I am sure that makes sense but not all of us have the same bodies we had in our twenties or we may have medical conditions that can result in 20-30 lb weight fluctuations on a regular basis which means we might need 3 diff wardrobes depending on where we are at on any given day...& sometimes you need a pair a pants & a sweater & only have 50 bucks for both & sometimes you are disabled & don't drive & can't spend every waking moment going to thrift stores to find "gems" so you buy your clothes from Amazon or Walmart because it's convenient & affordable. I have tees & tanks from Old Navy that I have had for 20 years. I have leggings from Torrid that are 15 years old. There is no need to over spend on basics.