This one makes my heart sing, and I will share it with my mom who also thinks just like you. The thrifting lifestyle and appreciation for wool, silk, leather, linen, fur and vintage is something I was raised with. If it’s old, it’s good. New is questionable at best. My mom and I were just yesterday bemoaning the quality of the fashionabl…
This one makes my heart sing, and I will share it with my mom who also thinks just like you. The thrifting lifestyle and appreciation for wool, silk, leather, linen, fur and vintage is something I was raised with. If it’s old, it’s good. New is questionable at best. My mom and I were just yesterday bemoaning the quality of the fashionable chunky knits in the stores right now. I went in to look and saw that while they cost upwards of $300, they are the worst garbage! “Cashmere” from China mixed with synthetics and so cheaply made that the labels are all crooked and falling off. They will look like a pilled up piece of crap in no time, not to mention how they will feel. Take your money to Etsy or a vintage boutique and get five real wool sweaters that were made in a time when quality mattered. I have cashmere sweaters (probably the fibre I worship most) from the 50’s and 60’s that I wear all. the. time. and they look like the day they were first bought, minus a darn or two that I’ve made. I’m glad my mom raised me this way as I don’t know anyone else my age (32) who holds these values.
Boots are one I haven’t figured out. I’ve had blundstones and agree they suck. I don’t want to spend hundreds on boots that can’t even be mended. I have red backs now and not convinced they’re much better. I need a very wide toe box and haven’t found anything comfy and durable with enough room for my toes…
I like what you said about wearing what brings you joy, even if it’s not what’s fashionable. I swing back and forth on that one for sure! But I find myself wanting to dress more and more like people in the pictures of Ravelry patterns, with loose wool sweaters over linen skirts and half aprons 😁 I haven’t been able to thrift any skirts I like, so I’m ordering a linen one off Etsy.
There is a toll on your spirit if you are surrounded by plastic materials and fake smells, and a real joy that comes along with quality natural materials that you can cherish and pass down to your children 💕
Love everything you wrote, Karla. Totally agree. I think I'm pretty fashionable in the way that fashion makes me happy. What others think may not align. :) And if I'm in my kitchen, you bet there's an apron strapped on me.
Karla I know your comment is from nearly a year ago, but I just want to say how happy it makes me to read it. I’m just scrolling back and reading some of Tara’s older writings, and came across this one, which peaked my interest.
Between you and Tara, I’ve learned so much. I’ve always been aware of clothing and what we are wearing, but I’ve always looked at it as an uphill battle to start switching everything over. But, we have to start somewhere!
I’m not a fancy schmamcy dresser by any means. I like comfy and cozy.
I noticed in another comment that you mentioned you live on the coast of Canada and it rains a lot - so I’m going to guess you’re on Vancouver island...? That’s where I am and learning how to dress for the rain (I’m born and raised Central Ontario gal who is use to -30 in the winter).
My hope is that when my daughter is in her 30’s, she’ll be teaching her friends about clothing, thriftiness, etc
Love your thoughts here!! 🤗 So is Cashmere a healthy alternative?? Does it need to be vintage I'm assuming?? 😉 What are your go to laying pieces on a day to day basis?? TIA!
I haven’t seen any new cashmere that I think is ok. From what I’ve read (I’ve done a bit of research as I want cashmere goats one day) China completely dominates the market on cashmere and the quality isn’t anything like the vintage pieces that were made in Europe. If you find an old fine cashmere sweater or cardigan, nothing feels better.
I live on the coast where it doesn’t get as cold as the rest of Canada, just wet as hell. So for me one or two layers of wool is usually enough. Sometimes I wear my favourite fitted cashmere pullover next to my skin with no bra for the amazing feels 😁 I like a big chunky wool sweater with a down filled vest overtop these days if it’s not raining too hard. If it is, I’ll wear full rain gear including pants and it’s a treat being fully dry as I work outside. I have some wool pants, or I’ll wear wool tights under my jeans, rain pants or carhartts.
There are some small companies using raw silk that I really like. That's my dress up shirt. I like vintage silk, too, but you have to make sure it's not someone trying to pass off polyester if you aren't seeing it in person.
This one makes my heart sing, and I will share it with my mom who also thinks just like you. The thrifting lifestyle and appreciation for wool, silk, leather, linen, fur and vintage is something I was raised with. If it’s old, it’s good. New is questionable at best. My mom and I were just yesterday bemoaning the quality of the fashionable chunky knits in the stores right now. I went in to look and saw that while they cost upwards of $300, they are the worst garbage! “Cashmere” from China mixed with synthetics and so cheaply made that the labels are all crooked and falling off. They will look like a pilled up piece of crap in no time, not to mention how they will feel. Take your money to Etsy or a vintage boutique and get five real wool sweaters that were made in a time when quality mattered. I have cashmere sweaters (probably the fibre I worship most) from the 50’s and 60’s that I wear all. the. time. and they look like the day they were first bought, minus a darn or two that I’ve made. I’m glad my mom raised me this way as I don’t know anyone else my age (32) who holds these values.
Boots are one I haven’t figured out. I’ve had blundstones and agree they suck. I don’t want to spend hundreds on boots that can’t even be mended. I have red backs now and not convinced they’re much better. I need a very wide toe box and haven’t found anything comfy and durable with enough room for my toes…
I like what you said about wearing what brings you joy, even if it’s not what’s fashionable. I swing back and forth on that one for sure! But I find myself wanting to dress more and more like people in the pictures of Ravelry patterns, with loose wool sweaters over linen skirts and half aprons 😁 I haven’t been able to thrift any skirts I like, so I’m ordering a linen one off Etsy.
There is a toll on your spirit if you are surrounded by plastic materials and fake smells, and a real joy that comes along with quality natural materials that you can cherish and pass down to your children 💕
Love everything you wrote, Karla. Totally agree. I think I'm pretty fashionable in the way that fashion makes me happy. What others think may not align. :) And if I'm in my kitchen, you bet there's an apron strapped on me.
Karla I know your comment is from nearly a year ago, but I just want to say how happy it makes me to read it. I’m just scrolling back and reading some of Tara’s older writings, and came across this one, which peaked my interest.
Between you and Tara, I’ve learned so much. I’ve always been aware of clothing and what we are wearing, but I’ve always looked at it as an uphill battle to start switching everything over. But, we have to start somewhere!
I’m not a fancy schmamcy dresser by any means. I like comfy and cozy.
I noticed in another comment that you mentioned you live on the coast of Canada and it rains a lot - so I’m going to guess you’re on Vancouver island...? That’s where I am and learning how to dress for the rain (I’m born and raised Central Ontario gal who is use to -30 in the winter).
My hope is that when my daughter is in her 30’s, she’ll be teaching her friends about clothing, thriftiness, etc
Love your thoughts here!! 🤗 So is Cashmere a healthy alternative?? Does it need to be vintage I'm assuming?? 😉 What are your go to laying pieces on a day to day basis?? TIA!
I haven’t seen any new cashmere that I think is ok. From what I’ve read (I’ve done a bit of research as I want cashmere goats one day) China completely dominates the market on cashmere and the quality isn’t anything like the vintage pieces that were made in Europe. If you find an old fine cashmere sweater or cardigan, nothing feels better.
I live on the coast where it doesn’t get as cold as the rest of Canada, just wet as hell. So for me one or two layers of wool is usually enough. Sometimes I wear my favourite fitted cashmere pullover next to my skin with no bra for the amazing feels 😁 I like a big chunky wool sweater with a down filled vest overtop these days if it’s not raining too hard. If it is, I’ll wear full rain gear including pants and it’s a treat being fully dry as I work outside. I have some wool pants, or I’ll wear wool tights under my jeans, rain pants or carhartts.
Thoughts on vintage silk?? Or even current silk?? 😉
There are some small companies using raw silk that I really like. That's my dress up shirt. I like vintage silk, too, but you have to make sure it's not someone trying to pass off polyester if you aren't seeing it in person.
Good to know! Thank you so much for all the info!! 🤗