39 weeks today! (whoa)
Bao Bao Issey Miyake messenger bag |
slightly smaller version secondhand at The Real Real!!!
Elizabeth Suzann harper dress OS | I bought this secondhand via Slowre
Birkenstock Arizona Sandals
Wearing/Buying
Ugh, I tried so hard to find a Bao Bao messenger bag secondhand when I was looking and never did, and NOW one pops up (actually I think the secondhand one is a bit smaller than the one I have)! At least you get to benefit from my loss, if you’re so inclined. I couldn’t be happier with this bag. I’ve had it for a month or so and carry it every day. It’s super lightweight, entirely vegan, and holds a ton.
I am basically trying to wear as little as possible lately; I’m starting to feel hotter than usual. Which is a very odd feeling for me since I seem to ALWAYS be cold. One thing I wish I had for these last months is at least one or two sleeveless linen dresses that fit. I probably should have invested in the Elizabeth Suzann Isadora tie dress a month ago, but wanted to wait to buy until after. Anyway, I’m surviving fine making do with what I have already. It would feel pretty good though, to feel just a little more comfy right now. haha. I do love this linen gauze though, if I don’t love this dress.
I mean, I do love this dress – it’s serving an amazing purpose for me now, and has the best pocket, but I don’t LOVE THIS DRESS, if that makes sense. I’ll wear it at home, all the time, but I don’t want to wear it out; it’s an odd length, it’s too big, and I am annoyed slightly by the sleeves. BUT, it seems to be exactly what I need/want to wear right now. So, I am making do. (see reading material below LOL)
Reading/Watching
Life Changing Magic of Making Do?
Freedom from Consumerism : eh, I’m sort of ambivalent about this piece by Maxine Bedet, whom I admire greatly. I guess I appreciate the angle (that we shouldn’t feel pressured into consumerism for the sake of consumerism – and the origins of that consumer culture), but something is missing. After writing about “buying better” for so long, I’ve learned that it’s not as simple as just finding and buying THE ONE thing you think you love and wearing it forever; you change, circumstances change, life happens, and that THING may no longer fit your lifestyle the way it once did, so you will have to pass it on and find another thing.
I didn’t feel like she was necessarily advocating for not buying anything at all, which would be the logical conclusion to her argument. But when you argue for buying better, or buying secondhand, you are STILL BUYING. And there’s the rub.
on OOTD:
6 outfits from LaTonya Yvette and why she photographed them – I 1000% appreciate and agree with this:
I think the photo provides a sense of internal evidence and validation, that I not only tried, but I did what I could for my body, mind, and day. And it isn’t about then displaying it on social media or work, but rather, an inner-self that wants to enjoy her wardrobe and body, even in 90 degrees.
And another perspective: Are OOTD’s sustainable?
There’s a lot to unpack in Archana’s essay on OOTD and I disagree with some of it, or more likely it’s that I take slight offense, since I’ve basically been posting OOTDs for 15 years, and think “I’m different.” But it’s true that posting OOTDs CAN encourage more consumerism, as opposed to less, for those who are already inclined towards consuming. They can also be inspirational for people who may have similar things in their closets to wear things in unexpected ways. Depends on how you approach things – always.
It’s worth thinking about WHY we post outfits, and what we look for/appreciate when we view others outfit posts. I have always posted my outfits to share my feelings on the actual outfit/garments and how they make me feel. Why I chose to wear them, what I was doing in them, etc. And to give an example of how items of clothing look on a body that’s not a “typical” model size. Nowadays there’s a lot more of that, and I don’t stand out as much for doing it, but I take her point and agree that the focus “should” be more on garments, and how and who made them, what is their provenance, etc., than on the styling.
Which is good, because I don’t tend to focus much on styling anyway; I don’t think I’m very good at it. haha.
I really enjoy thinking about these types of things and writing about them, then hearing your thoughts on them, but I haven’t been able to focus my brain on long-form writing on subjects like this much lately. I miss it. I’d like to devote a whole post to this one day, but can’t think of when that might happen honestly. Do let me know your thoughts about it though; I’d love to hear why you look at outfit posts and what you hope to get out of them.
Doing
trying to GET THIS BABY OUT!!! I’m going to eat spicy food this weekend, walk ALL AROUND IKEA (it’s air conditioned! And there are lots of places to sit when I get tired!), and all the various other things one does to get babies to come.
What are you doing this weekend??
That dress looks great on you. Walking the whole day before due date did it for me 🙂
And I was so scared NOT getting an epidural – In the end , it worked just perfect and I could feel the whole expulsion process without pain, I guess the anesthesiologist did a great job or it was pure luck! Nothing to be scared about, much less of a shock to the body than a full anesthesia.
Hi Grechen,
This simply serves as a thumbs up for the next while. I’ll miss you. Oh, I will miss you and the rest of you who comment here. The space you’ve created is beautiful Grechen. How can that boy not be as well:)
Also, for those of you who remember, I *did* get braces and I *am* 58! They will be removed in a little more than a month.
Peace!
I like your ootd posts because: you’re a real and interesting person, you look unique and like yourself, you always tell us interesting things about your clothes and thought process, you dress casually as do I, you’re just a few years older than me and a bit of a role model for me in terms of your life/family/home which I’m struggling to get sorted, and it’s nice to have nice people to look up to.
I really liked the post on Doré by Maxine Bedet. I felt that she was laying out a foundation for understanding consumerism, when marketing and PR developed the idea of “must haves,” and opening the future series on sustainability. I’m a fan of ANY thoughtful discussion of better consumer practices. I’ve learned a LOT from reading your blog, Grechen, but I realize that I’ve got a long way to go! Not to be perfect, just better.
Yay, Dawn! I second your sentiment about Grechen and this wonderful, thoughtful space.
I’m with you on the OOTD post. OOTDs are not necessarily anti-sustainability. What about the art of self expression and individuality? There is value in that.
This! And, because you repeat garments in different ways, that’s a sustainable practice in and of itself. I never EVER feel that you’re just throwing on the OOTD because you’re sponsored and you have no “connection” to it.
The OOTD article is fascinating and well said and I think about these things a lot — the article gives me even more to think about. I buy almost 100% of my clothes secondhand (sometimes for financial reasons, mostly to avoid the temptation of fast-fashion and also (honestly) because I’m an easy-to-find size and there are always plenty of options for me to sort through (and that is certainly a privilege)). But whenever I receive something in the mail, I think about not just the packaging, but the environmental cost of all our increased shipping. Is it wrong to buy something secondhand online that I could technically go down to Target for? Is that WORSE? I don’t know. Thank you for linking this article.
Well I have to say that your posts have helped me alot. I too like to think for myself and I am repulsed by the “current: hip looks directly aimed at us purchasing, not really living in or appreciating our clothes. Also we should embrace our uniqueness, and not try to mold ourselves into some cookie cutter model person. Can I say here that even the most beautiful models start to look boring after awhile?? Our garments are our tools to help us live a cozy life and feel good about ourselves, yes? There should also be some craft/art/or sustainability to it, like it is something be be valued. Thats a good word here: Valued. Cherished.
Also you have helped me see clothes as expressions of myself as well. These are the values I support, something made with thought and responsibility and unharming to other systems.
I want to wear the one authentic woven coat I adore and cherish rather than have 3 cheap factory ones from a sweatshop in 3 colors………