New Year’s Eve of last year I walked into Forever 21 with the goal of it being my last ever purchase from the store. I went straight to their jewelry section, where I knew I could find a pair of bedazzled chandelier earrings to go with my festive look. I was eager to to align my money and my morals, but first– one last cheap pair of statement earrings.

If you know me at all, you know that I am incredibly committed to my New Year’s Resolutions. Last year I wrote on my quest to read 50 books. The year before, I decided to make myself a “podcast person.” This year I decided that I would formally quit shopping at fast-fashion retailers. I usually start off with dozens of goals, and normally I complete 1-2. I also managed to get in shape this year. Though, I am typing this while eating an Al Pastor taco. Moderation.

So, why did I decide to FINALLY quit fast-fashion? For one, I’ve been talking shit for years about the bad guys in the fashion business. I KNOW how damaging the fashion industry is to the environment. We’ve written about it on here a ton. But I was still reluctant. As a fashion blogger, there is a lot of pressure to always be wearing something new! Stores like Forever 21 and H&M allow someone with my budget to look like a rich bitch. Simply put, I no longer wanted to view myself as a hypocrite.

I forbade myself from continuing my life-long purchasing patterns. As a result, I shopped a lot less. The combination of being cheap and banning myself from browsing BooHoo in my spare time. I spent a little more time researching the brands I actually allow myself to shop at. Apparently Minkpink, despite being a contemporary brand, has some of the worst fast-fashion practices in the biz. Instead of just assuming that a higher price tag implies better standards, I paid attention. Social media accounts like Fashion Law and Diet Prada made it much easier to keep track of who the bad guys were. You can find a list of brands I boycott HERE.

So where DID I shop? The Reformation sale rack, 6pm, The Outnet, Shopbop (on sale), Marshalls, Madewell, Nordstrom (+Rack), J.Crew and Saks off 5th. When I really needed something inexpensive and simple; I’d go to the Gap. I decided that the store would be my “line.” I discovered a handful of new boutiques in New York– Mixology on the Upper East Side, Babel Fair in Williamsburg, Lockwood Style in Astoria. As well as brands like Wayf, ASTR, Somedays Lovin’ and J.O.A. I shopped at Vintage stores and picked up things as I traveled. As always, I made use of my Rent the Runway membership.

In the beginning it was difficult, but as time passed it became second nature. I don’t need Forever 21, and neither do you. I’m not going to spend copious amounts of money on Zara, when they can’t bother to pay their employees a living wage, and quite frankly– neither should you. We don’t need dozens of dresses, we need a handful that we love that will last. We all know the fast-fashion industry is dirty, but we don’t have to participate.

I’m not writing this to shame you. I knew for years how bad fast-fashion was before I could convince myself to cut it off. I still have a long way to go. the most conscious form of fashion is secondhand and most of my clothing is purchased new. As with anything, it’s about progress–not perfection. If you care about environmental issues, it’s important to show that with your actions. Don’t preach about climate change in Fashion Nova jeans.

Happy New Year!

Love,

Mackenzie