One Month of Outfits: Spring Capsule Wardrobe in the East Tennessee
/My Spring outfit gallery from the #May30x30 Instagram challenge, featuring my minimalist capsule and staple favorites.
My first entry to the #May30x30 challenge.
Wearing my favorite @tulahats wide brim from 2014, @prairieunderground top - one of my first "slow fashion" purchases, and a pair of bamboo cotton pants from 2014 that no longer have their tag (oh, and @birkenstock forever). ++ accessories from @brigidko and an artist I met at a local market who makes earrings out of discarded cymbals.
The very glamorous Day 5 look from #May30x30 capsule. ⠀
I've worked from home since 2014, and before that, I was solely an entrepreneur. Comfy clothes are my first choice (always) and quiet mornings by nothing but window and candlelight are my every morning if I can help it. ⠀
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Lately, I've felt a wave of self-discovery washing over me. Discovering that certain circulating thoughts are actually rooted in conditioning, not my authentic self. ⠀
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My absolute fear of making decisions, the physical discomfort it brings me, is less rooted in a fact of my own shortcoming, but in the fundamental messaging I received as a child: ⠀
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"You make bad decisions, you have bad judgment, you can't be trusted." ⠀
And so, I turn inward. I grow quieter day by day. I cozy-up in my favorite comforts, prolong my beloved rituals, and lean into the unraveling of those time-worn emotional pathways.⠀
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Except now, I don't have to follow them all the way to self-destruction. I can watch, learn, honor, and rewire.
All I could see was everything wrong with my body on this 7th day of #May30x30. ⠀
t.w. | disordered eating / body dysmorphia⠀
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I like to think my longtime struggle with anorexia is "in remission" because I no longer purposefully restrict food intake for the sake of my appearance. And on some days, I look in the mirror and do truly love my body. ⠀
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But some days, I don't. ⠀
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Some days I see that one leg is shorter than the other, making me all off-kilter. I see that my hips are low-set, wider than I want them to be and that I'm a bit bandy-legged. ⠀
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Other days, I feel my body's heaviness and my shoulders slouched, my posture indicating what my heart is feeling: weighed down. ⠀
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I want to conclude this little anecdote on a positive note, and tell you that *nevermind, I feel better, this is totally my body and I love it!*⠀
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This would be a lie. Instead, I took a bunch more photos sitting down, most snuggled in my favorite @unitedbyblue sweatshirt, and surrounded by increasingly more floofy girls (scroll for sweet pet healing). ⠀
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This is just one of those days and I'm leaning into it, accepting that I feel sad - I'm not as young as I once was, my body doesn't "get trim" and keep its shape like it used to, and even though I often feel good in my body, I don't always. ⠀
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Side note: I included 5 pieces of activewear in my May capsule because I work out almost every morning (15 - 40 min on YouTube, depending on how I'm feeling) and sometimes just wear some or all of that activewear with various accessories for the rest of the day. ⠀
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Like, this @prana set - it so comfy, so flattering, and I often pair it with an overside sweater or cardigan for that "I just got out of yoga and need something organic and expensive from the co-op" look. ⠀
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If you read this whole caption, bless your heart. Thank you for being here with me. Will you tell me how you're doing? Authentically, please. Even if you're doing f*ing amazing and you think it might bring me down - it won't. I am glad you're here and would love to know what's present for you right now. 💓
A special treat that includes my #May30x30 look + @biker8585's look as well. 😍⠀
We don't actually wear masks in our yard, but I wanted to show the full grocery shopping errand look, which definitely includes my handmade four-layer mask, inspired by @awellwornstory's how-to post + @joann_stores video tutorial. ⠀
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This wardrobe challenge has been a ton of fun, but what's been my favorite part is Bryan and I taking photos together. We work so well, creative director and photographer. ⠀
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I feel at ease with him behind the lens, and we have incredible communication when it comes to getting the exact shot I imagine in my mind.
Day 8 of #May30x30 got me out of this morning's fog. ☁️ ⠀
I'm healing. I'm paying down a huge chunk of debt. I'm learning to love my body in all its glory. I'm having nightmares about my Dad who passed away five years ago. I am living (like all of us are) through a pandemic that mirrors our awful political landscape. ⠀
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Some mornings, I just wake up in a fog. ⠀
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Or, as Phil from Rugrats might say, "Somebody woke up on the wrong side of the bread." ⠀
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After some journaling, money stressing, and hot coffee turned iced coffee, I put on something comfortable to get to work on my plants. ⠀
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So, here's my #ootd for the day, or for a few hours until I find myself wrapped up in PJs with some corn, La Croix, and @karliekloss' latest YouTube videos on Klossy. ✨⠀
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In case you're curious, I'm wearing 95% @rei with @birkenstock (forever) on my feet.
If there's anything that #May30x30 has given me, it's a super fun bonding activity with @biker8585. ⠀
This is Day 10 ~ we've been taking photos together every day for six days (I started late) and it's been some of the most fun we've had during quarantine. ⠀
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My favorite photos are candid, when we're catching what's actually going on that day. Staged photos (see photo two in the carousel 😅) just have this "catalog" feeling to them, like I'm trying to look polished for an ad or something. ⠀
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So, we talk each day about what we're doing would make a good photo. Bryan asks me, "Well, what do you want to say?"⠀
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Today, we ran errands, sat in the car for a while, talked and listened to podcasts, and took our dogs on a walk. That's about it. ⠀
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But, we took the camera on a walk, made a few bloopers (see photo 3 🤪), and laughed the whole way home, our dogs giving us a fairly strong side eye the whole time. ⠀
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The photo at the end of this carousel is the first photo I took, a test shot of Bryan to get a feel for what I *thought* would be the shot I wanted, the last photo of the walk is the first photo of this carousel. ⠀
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I'm laughing so hard because we've taken a 150+ photos and our dogs think we're nuts and I'm basically living a half life between "the real" and Instagram (because this is where my friends are!) and honestly, we were having so much fun. ⠀
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I'm glad to have this Instagram community, friends and new acquaintances, during these unprecedented times. And, I'm grateful we can still go outside, get creative, and not take ourselves too seriously. ⠀
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If you're curious, I'm wearing a @pranatop, my favorite @rei jumpsuit, a mala I made with an antique compass, and my @birkstock sandals because if it's above 60, this Floridian has her toes out. ☀️
Monday morning planner grind (with some much-appreciated kitty distraction) on Day 12 of #May30x30. ⠀
Is it weird that I'm excited that there are now garment repeats? It's only taken a week to see something over again. 😂⠀
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It's a chilly morning, but it was gorgeous in the sun, so I set up my cafe table by my garage to lay out my workweek. What I'm looking forward to: ⠀
A few team collaboration calls early in the week. ⠀
Soft-launching a new marketing strategy at work⠀
Building a sweet resource platform for our online community⠀
Preparing for a very exciting new adventure that starts Thursday (stay-tuned)⠀
On Day 12 of #May30x30, I am tired.
It shows. I'm not myself today.
Maybe it's the pandemic. Maybe it's PMDD. Maybe it's a lot of things all stacked up, multiplied by the fear of being seen as weak, incompetent, and unable to put my emotions aside for the benefit of function, accountability, and productivity.
I hope you don't say these things to yourself because no one deserves to be made insignificant in their experience.
But, I did my morning routine. I got dressed. I'm wearing some old linen pants from @plainjanestpete, a secondhand sweater, and an @rei bandana because I attempted to wash this mood right out of my hair this morning (and now it's drying).
Be good to yourselves. And, be good to each other. 💓
I recently discovered #cozychicweek and I like to think I'm living in a #cozychicyear. 😂⠀
This is my typical work from home outfit (yes, I do French tuck even at home, ask @biker8585). I work remotely from a desk all day, so my clothes need to be comfy for sitting and a bit warm, as I tend to get cold sitting still for most of the day. ⠀
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I try to get up every hour, stretch a bit, make a cup of tea or grab a snack, or wiggle around with my foam roller when I'm feeling stiff. So, an outfit that does it all is necessary! ⠀
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I'm curious: How do you maintain feeling chic and put-together at home? What go-to comfy pieces still make you feel confident, even when you're lounging and have no one to impress? ⠀
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For Day 13 of #May30x30, it's these @rei joggers, my trusty old @targetstyle chunky cardigan, and this @prairieunderground cloud-like shirt. When venturing out in the garden, I've tied my hair back with a @unitedbybluebandana and donned by @chacofootwear clogs. If you zoom in, you'll see some bling by the ever-talented @brigidko. ✨
On Day 14 of #May30x30, Ducky joined our family. 💗⠀
I met Ducky two weeks ago at an REI co-worker/friend's house (shout out to @veronicastryszko) when she first started to foster him and his sister - who now lives with @kungfuyou. [My @rei family is the root of almost all good things in my life]⠀
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As soon as I laid eyes on him, I fell in love.⠀
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I was definitely not in the "market" for a puppy. But, I knew after following @briannamadia's journey with her beloved fur babies that I wanted to bring a younger dog home to our older dogs so they could all learn from and grow with each other. ⠀
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I visited Ducky a few times and simply called dibs - I couldn't get him out of my mind. ⠀
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Already, he's snuggly, sweet, so well-behaved, surprisingly good on a leash, and he fits right in with our pack (scroll through to see for yourself). ⠀
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So today, when we set off to @hstv1885 to bring Ducky home, I turned to the most sturdy clothes in my #capsulewardrobe and still - in my opinion - managed to fit in with #cozychicweek. ✨⠀
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I feel so grateful, so fortunate to have met this sweet little pupper, and to have a supportive partner (I love you, @biker8585) who saw the love in my eyes and knew that Ducky would be a good fit for our home. And, for taking these sweet pictures to commemorate this special day.
Variations on my 'New Puppy Uniform' meets #WFHchic for Day 18 of #May30x30. ⠀
I have a new puppy routine, a work-from-home routine, and a variety of other rhythms that benefit from a coordinated wardrobe:
Deep pockets for an endless treat supply.⠀
Stretchy pants for transitions between sitting cross-legged in my office chair, running after a puppy in the yard, and sneaking in a smushy snuggle sesh on the couch. ⠀
Breathable top that is comfortable in my air-conditioned office, out in the humid yard, and non-intrusive to typing and writing. ⠀
Somehow keeping my hair up and out of my face.⠀
So, here you see me in a secondhand self-cropped sweater, Lucy joggers from @rei, and my trusty @birkenstock sandals. ⠀
Throwback to Day 16 of #May30x30 spent on the lake with my niece Kenda and her dog-mom @megansaintlaurent. ☀️ ⠀
Wearing @prana swim set, @smithoptics, and @columbia1938 sun hat, all from my favorite (@rei). ⠀
Direct outfit repeat for Day 19 of #May30x30. 🤘⠀
Refer back to my post on May 13 to see this outfit upright. I'm keeping it easy and saving my creative + decision-making power for my new puppy and my big goals. ⠀
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Wearing @rei joggers (and socks), @prairieunderground top, @targetsylesweater, and @unitedbyblue bandana.⠀
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Oh, and stay hydrated, friends. 💧
Rainy puppy walk functional fashion, captured in a flash on an iPhone for Day 20 of #May30x30. 🌧
Featuring @rei leggings + rain coat, @mandukayoga sweater, and @chacofootwear clogs. All my faves, despite the yucky skies. ⠀
Repeat outfit + garden update on Day 21 of #May30x30.⠀
I'm relishing in these oddly chilly late-spring days (it was in the low-50s F this morning!) by wearing my #combersweater over my primary uniform, my @rei jumpsuit. ⠀
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The past couple weeks have really just felt like coasting. I've not done much outside of work, housework, self-care, and puppy time. Hardly any creative endeavors, barely any writing beyond a daily journal page or too. ⠀
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I'm learning that these slow, "basic" rhythms are sometimes all I can manage during this time and that's okay. I sometimes feel a little less than, like "why am I not taking this extra time to do something extraordinary? To learn something new or build something I've always dreamed of?" ⠀
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But, then I (and my therapist) remind myself that this part of the journey. Part of healing, part of creating the life of my dreams, creating days that I want to actually live in. ⠀
Keeping up with #May30x30, today is day 23 (Ducky puppy is four months old today!) and I'm honestly just feeling myself. ⠀
It was a great week. A confident one. One where I advocated for myself across numerous channels in my commitment to be the architect of my own future. ⠀
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And so, even as I look at these photos and have a million criticisms, I'm grateful to be upright, out in the sun, and surrounded by the beauty of my + @biker8585's hard work.
We stopped at the park and played in the grass for day 24 of #May30x30. ⠀
Honestly, I don't think I'll stop taking daily photos after this #capsulewardrobe challenge is over. I don't think I've ever felt more comfortable in my own skin, or more excited to do something I really enjoy: ⠀
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Get IN FRONT of the camera. 📷 ⠀
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This challenge has not only helped me get out of my creative shell as a creative, but it's also helped me acknowledge and start to break down some toxic narratives: ⠀
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"You look in the mirror too much." "You're so self-involved." "Get over yourself." "The world doesn't revolve around you, Amelia." "Can't you just be quiet sometimes?" ⠀
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These time-worn tracks get quieter and quieter every time I decide to have some fun and create images I'm proud of. ⠀
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I don't think this could've happened without the support, love, and enjoyment of my partner @biker8585. He seems to really love these photos shoots just as much as I do (see the last two photos for a lil Bryan love), and he helps me work through these thoughts gently, all the while encouraging me to keep trying. ⠀
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Thanks for hosting, @petraalexandra + @jazzyhwang. You both have fostered a supportive and delightful community I'm grateful to be a part of. 💓
Made myself a pair of jean shorts that actually fit for day 25 of #May30x30. ⠀
These started as a pair of thrifted vintage wash @ralphlauren bootcut jeans (which you can see in all their glory in @hannahbelleknits' new book!) that, after 3 alterations, are the best fitting jean shorts I've ever worn.⠀
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The way my body is shaped, I rarely fit into off-the-rack pants. I'm not proportionally similar to the thin legs / straight hips / symmetrical shape that ready-wear designers have in mind. ⠀
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For most of my life, this had me believe there was something wrong with me. ⠀
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I could never be thin enough, my legs never far enough apart (#ripthighgapyou are not missed), and my body not the right "shape" to be flattered in the clothes I could afford. ⠀
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As I get older and more adventurous with a sewing machine, I'm learning that I don't *have* to be shaped like the clothes I find in the store to feel confident, beautiful, and flattered. ⠀
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I can create clothes that fit me, I can curate looks that build my confidence, and I can celebrate every inch of myself in my self-expression. ⠀
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And so, a small gap in my spring/summer wardrobe is filled! Welcome to my closet, jean shorts. 🌟
We went out early for some morning light as #May30x30starts coming to a close. ⠀
I'm back to work today, so I'm back in my #WFHstyle uniform: @rei jumpsuit, @birkenstock slides, and @madewellsilk scarf keeping my long-overgrown bangs at bay. ⠀
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Things I'm looking forward to this week: ⠀
Meet & greet with our possible future dog/human trainer.⠀
Taking Ducky to the dog park for the first time. ⠀
Harvesting some baby spinach and arugula from the garden for a salad. ⠀
Getting some (masked + distanced) face time with a dear friend I haven't seen in weeks. ⠀
Assisting my team in completing a pretty big work deliverable that'll propel us into the next phase of a project.⠀
Putting together some fun plans for June! ⠀
Likely to include: 🌱 ☀️ 🌊🧘🏻♀️🏊♀️🧗🏻♀️🚴🏻♀️🏡📷🕯📝
Photo on the right is the first self-portrait I ever took. 📷 ⠀
I've had this fascination with taking photos of myself since I took that photo using my stepdad's Nikon D40 on self-timer mode. ⠀
That was 2005. ⠀
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Since then, I've been told my fascination with self-portraiture is vain, self-centered, a waste of time, self-obsessed, narcissistic, and weird. ⠀
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But since I started to share my work on Instagram, I've heard so much positive feedback. ⠀
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"You are amazing." ⠀
"Goddess 👏"⠀
"So darn cute"⠀
"Your joy in these photos 😍"⠀
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I imagine these narratives coming from two different boom boxes (Gen Z hit me up in the DMs and I'll explain 😛). One boom box is playing a tape on constant repeat of the negative feedback.⠀
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The other boom box is playing a newly recorded tape with all the love, kindness, joy, and encouragement I receive and share with my community here on Instagram.⠀
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Though I can still hear the first narrative loud and clear, it is steadily being drowned out by the new recordings, which more accurately reflect the creative space I want to inhabit.⠀
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Thank you, Instagram community, for joining me in this space and for seeing me, seeing my love of this art form, and for generously sharing your kindness with me. 🥰
Back in the gym for the first time in two months. 🧗♀️ 💪🌟⠀
I took it easy and slow. Started with a hearty warm-up, climbed in my mask for about 45 min, washed my hands a lot, and ended with a much-needed mobility session. ⠀
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It’s the last day of members-only and while I’m a little nervous about more and more people at the gym, @onsightrockygym is doing a tremendous job keeping their space clean and safe. ⠀
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How are you getting active during this time?⠀
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Those interested, it’s day 28 of #May30x30 and I’m also joining in for #gotosummergarb because I live in the south and we wear summer garb all year. ☀️ ⠀
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Wearing a secondhand cutoff sweater, @rei crop top, @skatie shorts, @birkenstock slides (do I wear anything else??), handmade tote + mask (that match 😂), and my new @unparallelupshoes!
On this final day of #May30x30, I'd like to talk about my idea for June - #celebratesecondhand. ⠀
I started that hashtag on October 27, 2017 after a particularly stellar trip to @goodwillknoxville that resulted in a few beautiful wool sweaters for my first winter in Tennessee. ⠀
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I didn't have any sort of plan for the hashtag, I just felt like celebrating. ⠀
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Moving to TN was a lot more difficult than I let on, and that time in my life was confusing, lonely, and financially tight. But one thing that gave me a bit of solace: ⠀
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Self-portraits in my new-to-me secondhand clothing. ⠀
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It was exciting to give previously-loved clothing another chance to bring joy and comfort at a time when not much else did. I found myself feeling confident styling outfits from garments that might've been 10x their thrifted price on my single-digit budget. ⠀
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And so, after a month of living from a seasonal-transition capsule, I'd like to invite everyone who participated to consider wearing one secondhand item every day. ⠀
Garment, accessory, or pair of shoes you purchased at a thrift store, vintage shop, on a secondhand site.⠀
Previously-loved item gifted, traded, or bought from a friend (keep trading safely during this time to spice up your wardrobe!)⠀
Upcycled or self-created garment or accessory from items you already had like scrap fabric, other clothes, or recyclable materials.
The world changed the first week of June and it was no longer fitting to focus on fashion - all focus and attention needed to be on amplifying Black voices, Black resources, and Black causes.
But, I’m so grateful to have this small corner of the internet, independent of social media, to share my journey. It’s varied, just like me, and I’m always looking forward to what surprises lay ahead.
