I have a ritual. Each January I kick off the new year with the Annual Brain Dump. It's a time when I pour my heart and soul onto paper, jotting down goals, dreams, and wishes for the year ahead. After this therapeutic process, I look for a unifying theme, one word that encapsulates the essence of my ambitions. This year, that word is "connections."
Life has a way of contracting and expanding. In my own life, contraction may happen during times of profound change, whether good, bad or neutral or mixed. It is during those times that I have relied on the people who I am close with and the inner reserves I have already built. These are periods of intense adjustment of some kind, with it’s full range of emotional reactions. The most joyful transitions I remember were adopting each of my two children, and the hardest times were due to losses. One such event was the death of my father which happened early in 2023. Last years' theme for me was "joy" and yet profound grief met me in the beginning of the year.
However, it was a year of transformation. My dad was part of the reason "joy" emerged in the first place: he encouraged me to live a little more, enjoy life more, from his perspective that it all goes too quickly. At the time, my world was overshadowed by health issues that defied diagnosis and treatment. It left me in a state of constant uncertainty, unable to commit to anything. But by anchoring myself to my "why," I began the search for answers and remained steadfast in pursuing solutions.
Over the course of the year, I reclaimed my health, grieved, and confronted past sorrows, all while staying committed to finding joy. The result? By the end of the year I had joined a choir, took drum lessons, and savored every moment. "Joy" became my guiding light, and its pursuit led to profound personal growth. Had my resolution been solely about shedding pounds, it probably would have faded by February.
Resolutions and finding my “why” holds a deep significance for me. This year, "connectedness" emerged across all categories during my yearly Big Brain Dump.
What is a brain dump? and how does it work? A brain dump is my way of getting out all my lists, goals, must-do’s, dreams and aspirations. It's a pen-and-paper brainstorming session, free from judgment, practicality, or limitations. My lists cover both personal and professional aspirations. After the initial session, I revisit the lists, highlighting what I aim to tackle in January. Then, I schedule relevant to-do’s or set aside time to go deeper in a goal to dig down to the task level. It is basically how I start off my strategic planning for the year, blending the personal and professional.
But why "connections"? This theme just popped off the pages for me this year. Connections can mean different things: the connection between people, the link between cause and effect; the interconnectedness of our natural world; the connection between our thoughts and actions; and the impact of our decisions on people we’ve never met, who may live on the other side of the world. So, what does that mean for my plans this year?
For EcoPetites, it's about forging collaborations, sharing knowledge through speaking events, social channels, and interviews. It’s about raising awareness of the impact the fashion industry has and how you can be part of a positive change. I want to connect with you, my community.
On the personal side, I yearn to travel more, seeking experiences that foster relationships and facilitate meaningful encounters. With friends and family, I aim to deepen existing bonds, form new connections, and specifically, nurture two newfound friendships into deeper, lasting relationships.
"Connections" didn't just emerge; it shouted its significance. It's my driving force this year. My hope is to connect and engage with you, offering opportunities for growth, expanding your horizons, and unveil our interconnectedness with the world.
I invite you to join me on this journey. Let's explore the power of connectedness, deepen our circles, and uncover the intricate threads that tie us to the world around us. Together, let’s seek the profound impact we can make when we see and make connections.
Want to read more about the origins and values that drive EcoPetites? CLICK HERE to go to the about page.
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Are you having a hard time finding a bralette that fits right? Or doesn't cause pancake boob? Or just flaps in the wind? In this part 2 about bras for petites, this article focuses on bralettes and wire-free bras. After much research and testing, here are three top choices for petites, with one winner for fit, one for sustainability and one which covers both--with an unexpected bonus!
]]>My post on bra tips for shorter women last year has been one of my most popular posts. (to go back and read that one, click here) Even then, I wanted to write part 2 for bralettes, and finally it has come to the forefront.
Why now? I had a funny looking little skin thing going on just below the fold of one of my breasts, which upon inspection by a dermatologist, was removed. It turned out to be benign, but while I had stitches there, I couldn’t wear wired bras. Even when the stitches were out, the desire for wire-free comfort stuck with me. But I only had one bra, which didn’t really fit anymore due to weight loss.
And so, in my quest to find wire-free bras and bralettes, I did a bunch of research and tried out anything that looked promising. I tried on (and returned) quite a few! Now have the research and experience to share with you the best options.
Let’s start with a review of what you want to look for. As petites, our underbust measurement is going to be on the smaller side. In fact, if you fit sizes XXSP to XLP, your underbust measurement is likely to be between 26” and 36” based on data published by the U.S. Department of Commerce on petite measurements. And if you have fuller breasts, you have the combination of small band size and large cup size that is by and large, unique to petite women.
That package, of small band, full bust, is not the mainstream size (which has nothing to do with how common it is) which makes finding a good fit problematic. If you are small framed and small busted, you might have the issue of finding bras that are small enough, so there is that, too. And just like in wired bras, most of the support should come from the band. But there is much less specificity in bralettes, so it turns out to be a bit of a challenge.
So let’s start with the question of how much support do you need. Do you know about the pencil test? If you can put a pencil in the bottom fold of your breast and it stays there when you let go, you need support. If the pencil drops, then finding a bralette will be easier, and you may already love bralettes. I have never loved bralettes because I thought they offered no support and looked unflattering– but now I know there are options, if you know what to look for!
With a proper fit, the band should do most of the support. It should be body conforming without making it hard to breathe. If it rides up your back or hikes up when you lift your arms, the band is too big. And what you see on your tape measure where your band goes, that’s your band measurement. If your measurement is an odd number add one to get an even number. Do not add any more inches! On a hook closure, you should be wearing a new bra on the largest setting so you can bring it in tighter as the elastic loosens. The cup should add to the support, give lift and sometimes shape. You should not have gaps or wrinkles, nor should you get bulges of breast tissue outside the cup. Ok, that’s a review on fit.
Here is my experience with trying on various brands of wire-free bras and bralettes, as someone who needs support. The best fit comes from styles that have some structure and are made in pieces. In other words, look for styles with seams in the cup area. What I haven’t liked about bralettes in the past (before really searching) is that they tend to pancake my boobs. The ones with structure create natural shape. Also, styles that are racerback or crossback or are triangle shaped tend to offer more support on the sides of the breast tissue, helping to veer away from the pancake problem.
Now, adding in the layer of wanting something sustainable, ethical and/or made-in-USA makes it all that much harder to find. But I’m here for ya! Read on.
Getting into the nitty gritty here, I am starting with the best fit. In my own quest for bralettes, the best fit is hands-down, Cosabella. It’s an Italian brand– of course they know how to make bras for short women! Do not pass go, do not collect $200, just go straight to their website and buy directly from them for the best size range offerings. They even have bras designed just for petites! Way to go, Cosabella. All petite fit problems are covered. They have a wide selection of wire-free bras as well as a good range of the sizes that petite women need. They have the best range for petite needs of all brands I researched.
I am currently wearing size 30G in US sizing (MP in EcoPetites), which means I’m too busty for their petite section, but their Curvy and Super Curvy collections are designed for small frames with larger cups, starting at band sizes of 28” and 30” respectively. I have the Never Say Never Racerback style, one in Curvy and one in Super Curvy. The super curvy one fit better out of the package, but they start to stretch out right away, and so the Curvy one now feels just as comfortable (no longer a tad constraining feeling) and offers a little more support than the Super Curvy fit. I love these bras! They are supportive, create a flattering shape and are pretty. They also come in a fantastic array of colors. I let the straps show under sweaters- it looks like a top. Note that they are not opaque enough to wear as a crop-top. And OMG so comfy!
Drawbacks? The style I got is pull over your head and has no adjustments. I agree with the multiple reviews that it is a little tricky pulling a small band over your head. If the straps were adjustable, I’d make them a tad shorter- so next time I’ll get a different style. I have my eyes on the Super Curvy Plungie.
While I like what I’m seeing at Cosabella in terms of ethical production, my quest didn’t stop there, because I still want to see more in terms of sustainable materials. So, moving on.
Nubian Skin= great fit, some organic cotton, best nudes for mid to dark tone skinI ordered from here because they use regular bra sizing, so I felt more confident about the fit before ordering. They are UK based, so make sure to look at their size guide and measurements. It will ship from the UK, so you want to do your best to avoid returns and exchanges and make sure you know your size first. (If you are based in the US, like me.)
My US 30G translates to a UK 30F, so I ordered the Cotton Wireless Bra in 30E/F, made of organic cotton. Not everything is organic cotton or made with a focus on sustainability, but they do have several options, which puts them a notch above Cosabella in that regard. However, they don’t have as wide of a size selection. The band sizes start at 30 inches, and not all their styles have fuller bust options. But for me, the fit is spot on, it's so comfortable, and there is shape and gentle support.
What their real specialty is that they focus on nudes tones for black and brown women, as they are black-women owned and are passionate about catering to darker skin women. Go ahead, do your happy dance if this is you, and come back to finish reading…
If you’ve seen pictures of me, you know I am white. I am also half Latin-American. So, the nudes for white women work for me, albeit, a shade lighter than my skin. I ordered the Café au Lait, which is more the color of my arms with a summer tan while being a tad darker than my chest skin. But it’s not just brown– it’s the right color. I can’t quite explain it– maybe because it leans more yellow than other light brown bras–but I can tell you, it is a beautiful shade that actually blends. I’ve never had a bra that color before. I like having nude bras to wear under white shirts- so I tried it, under slightly sheer white blouses- and it just disappears. Perhaps because it is a shade darker, or maybe it’s the construction, but there is no nipple shadow. Which means (drumroll please…) I can wear a wire-free bra under a white shirt - no padding or pasties required.
I have fallen in love.
If you’re darker than me, you will, too. And don’t shy away if you are light-skinned: it might not be your nude, but just pick a lovely shade of brown and buy it for the combination of fit and organic cotton.
Subset = top choice for sustainability and comfortIn terms of fit for petites, two of their bra options are available in larger cup sizes. I liked that their band size measurements start quite small, but upon receiving mine, I see that the band runs large. Choosing the right size is tricky but go by their size chart (ignore the photos with models and their bra sizes), or order smaller if your cup size will allow. I ordered M+. The band sits OK, but I’m wearing the smallest setting right out of the box, which means it won’t fit once it stretches, and is less supportive than the other two brands I've listed here. At this size, the cup is just right- so ordering down would likely make the cup too small. Having said this, they are the only non-wired sustainable-focused brand that fit me without the pancake boob. So it’s not perfect, but best fit of any of the sustainable-focused brands I tried (and I tried a bunch!). That counts.
I have to say, though, after rotating through these new bras, this one is the most comfortable. The band is what does it. So on days I don't need the support of a better fit, this is my go-to.
Also, I love their other items. I also ordered the organic cotton easy tank and underwear in the same color as the bra. It’s the shorter of their tank styles and it fit me perfectly, hitting at my lower hip. A bra and matching tank? Nice touch.
That’s my list– tried and true! I’m a little sad that only three made the cut. But I am happy that the three happened to cover both ends of the spectrum– best fit and best sustainability. My personal favorite is Nubian Skin, for hitting both sustainability and fit criteria, with the unexpected bonus of offering the best nude colors.
If you still want to do your own research, especially if you are looking for small band sizes and don’t need much support and/or larger cups, here are a couple of articles about sustainable brand bralettes. You might find a different brand to love on.
What’s your favorite?
www.consciouslifeandstyle.com/sustainable-bralettes
utopia.org/guide/sustainable-bras-they-exist-these-9-brands-are-fantastic
If you liked this article, read the one below– about why proper fit is so essential for us petites.
Dressing for Your Short Stature: Why Proper Fit is Essential for Petites
]]>The unfortunate reality of chocolate is that there is still child labor and slavery involved in cocoa production, and the attempts at improvement have been insufficient (for more information, look up “child Labor in cocoa production”). Halloween is a huge driver, as a mind-blowing amount of chocolate is purchased from these larger corporations.
It is one of those areas people don’t want to look at because they don’t want to be “that house.” Do we have to cave to that negative peer pressure?. There are so many alternatives out there. Just think about what is at stake here.
You could avoid buying chocolate altogether. One of my kids’ fondest memories is of a neighbor who dressed up as a gorilla and handed out bananas. The whole act was entertaining!
People assume kids won’t want healthy snacks but that is just not true. The first time I mixed in healthier options like fruit roll-ups and other fruit-and-nut snacks, those options went just as fast as the candy and chips. One kid even thanked me for having something healthier! Not all kids go for the sweets. Some prefer the salty or spicy options, and fewer people hand those out, so they tend to go quickly, too. Admittedly, I use a mixture to avoid my kids' disapproval and embarrassment.
But even unhealthy non-chocolate treats, including the big name corporate ones, are not as plagued with human trafficking as chocolate. Maybe transition to just doing better. And you can still buy chocolate: just buy fair trade. I also make fair-trade chocolate-y goodies for my kids and their friends so they don’t feel like they are missing out somehow. Those home-made goodies taste way better anyway. Keep reading to the end for ideas on what to make!
Costumes for your kids (and maybe for you, too!) can be found at second hand stores. It did take some convincing when my kids made the switch because you have to be flexible about what you are looking for. But there are so many used costumes in great condition out there! Shop early for the best options.
You can also make costumes. Try to think of ideas that take only a few add-ons to regular clothing. Look at the outfits the employees wear at stores you shop at– you may only need to add a name tag and maybe a toy card-reader. Airlines have recognizable staff outfits, too.
Just please, remember to be culturally sensitive. There is so much cultural appropriation and stereotyping in costumes. Avoid this by focusing on imitating popular tv and movie characters, employee uniforms or the classic spookie theme.
Don’t forget about how stressful this can be for your fur babies. Especially cats. People seem to unhinge their superstitions about cats and can be quite cruel. Keep them inside for a few days before and after.
Dogs can be reactive to all sorts of people seemingly invading their territory, while others love the constant flow of people- just know your dog. Remember that chocolate is poisonous to them– their occupancy in your house might be another reason to avoid all that over-abundant corporate chocolate!
Here are some links I curated for you:
These are adorable! Gluten-free and vegan
https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/media-centre/blog/halloween-fairtrade-chocolate-sandwich-cookies-recipe/
Delicious, simple ingredients here:
https://www.fairtradeamerica.org/news-insights/recipe-fairtrade-chocolate-truffles/
I love all things pumpkin. And I adore the author, Danielle Walker. Here is a link to one of her recipes:
https://daniellewalker.com/gluten-free-pumpkin-spice-sheet-cake/
and a review of one of her cookbooks which has a collection of fun, kid-approved Halloween delectables. I’ve made most of them!:
https://hobnobmag.com/paleo-recipes-delight-guests-danielle-walkers-grain-celebrations/
DId you know that you may be able to rent a baking pan in a fun shape? Here is one place I know of if you are local to the Minneapolis area:
https://lynnscakeandcandy.com/
Or buy molds or cookie cutters. I like the idea of a ghost cookie cutter that can be used as a tulip shape in the spring.
For Made-in-USA baking molds, check out Nordic Ware at https://www.nordicware.com/
They are based right here in St Louis Park, MN! But you can buy their wares anywhere.
OK- now go out and have fun with it!
]]>Hello, fashion-forward eco-warriors! At EcoPetites, we're on a mission to ignite a revolution in sustainable living, and we want YOU to be at the forefront of it. Our EcoPetites Eco Fashion-and-Life Tips Contest is in full swing, and it's not just about style; it's a movement, a journey towards a greener, more ethical future.
Here are a few compelling reasons:
For Petite Women, By Petite Women: Let's face it – ethical fashion often caters to the so-called "straight sizes," meaning average to tall, and thinner-people sizes, leaving out many women – including us shorties! But in this contest, we're putting petite problems at the forefront. Share tips and ideas that address the unique challenges and opportunities of being a petite woman in the world of sustainable style. This is YOUR space to shine!
Win yourself a Prize: The Grand Prize is nothing short of spectacular (pun intended). All of your innovative ideas will contribute to the creation of the prize! Watch for the prize reveal on November 2, 2023.
Inspire and Be Inspired: It's not just about winning; it's about inspiring change. Your ideas have the power to motivate others to embrace sustainability in their petite styling journey. Plus, you'll get to see what fellow eco-chic petites are up to – a treasure trove of inspiration!
Preparing for the Holidays: The holiday season is fast approaching, and that often means a surge in consumption and waste. Participating in this contest is a fantastic way to start thinking about ethical and sustainable practices before we dive into the festivities. Let's make the end of the year less wasteful and more ethical!
Have Fun and Learn: Sustainability can be fun! It's a chance to experiment, learn, and discover new ways to reduce your fashion footprint. The contest is an exciting way to enjoy the process, see what others are doing, and gain insights into sustainable living.
To help you get started, here are some prompts tailored to petite women's unique fashion challenges:
This is just a few of angles you can take on this! All ideas are welcome.
But here's the real magic: invite your fellow petite friends and family to join the fun. Encourage them to participate, share their tips, and be part of this groundbreaking movement. Let's ensure that the petite voice is heard loud and clear in the world of sustainable fashion.
Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter so you can stay in the loop. We're all about having fun, learning something new, and making a meaningful impact on the fashion world.
Here is the link to the Events page for the up-to-date info.
Join the contest today and be part of the petite eco-chic revolution. Let's redefine fashion, sustainability, and the future, one tip at a time.
I can’t wait to see all of your ideas!
]]>Today (June 21, 2023) is the International Day of Yoga. So I wanted to bring to you a little snippet about the intersection between Yoga and Sustainable Fashion. And who came to mind? Helga Lange of Radiate Activewear. Keep reading to see the connection.
I asked Helga about the origins of her brand of activewear clothing, and here is her response.
Which brings me to another question: Helga, tell me a funny story from a recent pop-up event.
Helga: “Funny story from this past weekend’s Pop up at Stone Arch: I was losing my voice for set up on Friday…then for the whole weekend, no voice…I was communicating via a sign board telling customers, I lost my voice and “Welcome” to my booth.. I had other signage in my booth stating how I make my clothing in small batches using deadstock fabrics. Some folks asked what deadstock fabric is, others said I hope you find your voice soon, some just spoke louder to me….It was a big lesson/meditation on how to better communicate my brand to potential customers ….;) still no voice today, so the lesson continues”
I can relate to that! So, in case you are still wondering what deadstock fabric is, I’ll give that a go. When clothing is manufactured, the quantity of fabric purchased is always slightly more than what is estimated. This is to account for flaws in the fabric, stretching and relaxing of fabric, or sections not being long enough at the end. Sometimes other things go wrong in production, or things change- and the result is extra fabric left over after the original product is complete. This surplus is deadstock. By utilizing deadstock, Helga is preventing waste and adding efficiency to the fabric supply chain.
Daphne (me): Tell me about your artwork that is silk screened onto the clothing.
Helga: “I always try to evoke some emotion or connect through images or words that resonate with self discovery. Discovering your personal strength, your inner voice, connection to the world around you.”
I hope this inspires you!
A big thanks to Helga Lange for letting me interview her!
]]>Fortunately, the demand for ethical and eco-friendly alternatives to ivory has grown significantly. Among these alternatives, tagua nuts have emerged as a remarkable substitute. These small, carveable nuts not only offer a sustainable replacement for ivory but also play a crucial role in protecting rainforests, wildlife, and supporting sustainable livelihoods. Read on for the history of tagua nuts and their ecological importance..
Tagua nuts are native to the tropical rainforests of South America, growing on the tagua palm tree (Phytelephas genus). Traditionally, tagua nuts were used as a source of food for people and wildlife alike.
The nuts entered the global market in the late 1800s when Johann Hille, an Austrian woodworker proved their carve-ability. The demand for tagua grew, especially for making buttons.
One of the key reasons for the popularity of tagua nuts is their resemblance to ivory. Hence earning the nickname, vegetable ivory. The creamy color, smooth texture, and carvable nature make tagua nuts an ideal substitute for ivory in various applications, such as jewelry, buttons and decorative items. Additionally, they are dyeable and lightweight.
Their popularity remained strong until plastics entered the market in the 1940. The cheap price of plastics virtually wiped out the demand for tagua nuts, at least for a while.
The tagua nut made a comeback in the 1980s due to the efforts of Conservation International promoting its sustainability. Tagua palms play a vital role in the ecosystem in the rainforest. Their growth contributes to the preservation of rainforests by preventing deforestation. Unlike other cash crops, such as palm oil or timber, tagua palms can be sustainably harvested without harming the trees or the rainforest habitat. This practice ensures the preservation of biodiversity and protects the delicate balance of the rainforest ecosystem.
By supporting tagua nut products, consumers indirectly contribute to the conservation of wildlife. With the decline in demand for ivory, poaching reduces, preventing the illegal killing of elephants. Additionally, the protection of rainforest habitats benefits countless species, including primates, birds, and reptiles that rely on these ecosystems for their survival. Tagua nuts, therefore, offer a win-win situation for both wildlife and conscientious consumers.
The tagua nut industry also plays a significant role in supporting sustainable livelihoods for local communities. Harvesting, processing, and crafting tagua nut products provide income opportunities, allowing communities to thrive while preserving their cultural heritage. By promoting fair trade practices and supporting artisans and cooperatives, consumers can contribute to the well-being of these communities and encourage the growth of sustainable economies.
Being lightweight and dyeable, tagua nuts also offer an alternative to plastic products. Plastics are a major contributor to environmental pollution and the degradation of ecosystems. By opting for tagua, we can promote a shift towards more responsible consumer choices that prioritize the health of our planet.
Tagua nuts have become a beacon of hope in the fight against the ivory trade, deforestation, and plastic pollution. Their history, ecological importance, and sustainable qualities make them a great option for future sustainability. By embracing tagua nut products, we not only protect wildlife and rainforests but also support sustainable livelihoods and contribute to a cleaner and greener world. Let us celebrate the power of tagua nuts and be inspired to make choices that make a positive impact on people and the planet.
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Photo of home-made yogurt. By Daphne Orlando
I’ll answer that first by going back another step with answering, who is hosting this initiative? The answer, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). And who are they? Here is a quote from their website :
In my business, the biggest use of plastic is the packaging. It is an area I have felt some conflict about, and here is what I’m doing about it. In July of 2021, I wrote about the state of packaging at the time. To read that article (and see a cute picture of my cat when he was a mere kitten) click here: Waste and Packaging
I wrote about the transition to cardboard outer mailers, which I use almost exclusively. Sometimes on larger orders, the recycled poly mailer contains and protects better, and is lighter. With lighter packaging, the carbon footprint during transportation is reduced. However, I am concluding that the packaging is something I have more control over. And I believe the solution with shipping is switching to cleaner vehicles- if a shipping business makes that switch faster and sooner than USPS and the other big shippers, I will use them! But the eventual solution to the plastic crisis is to find ways to not use single-use plastics at all.
I still do have a small number of recycled poly mailers, which I plan to prioritize for longer distance shipping and heavier orders.
The inner poly bag is still a dilemma. Because I have been so conservative about using the one and only batch of polybags that I received as part of my original production run around 2015, I still have some. It is actually less wasteful to use them up vs buying new non-plastic bags. What would I do with the ones I have? It’s true- it would look better to ship without them and to remove the bags on clothes already bagged up, but what good would that do?
So you still may receive clothes packaged in those. Please recycle them. That first batch was considered to be a normal part of a sewing order, but since then, have requested no bags at all. In fact, I don’t even work with those manufacturers who polybag by default any longer. I provide reusable containers for the sewing shop to put the finished goods in for me, so there is no single-use plastic in wrapping up my order.
What I am switching over to is glassine bags. They are made out of paper, are FSC certified, plastic-free and curbside recyclable. Because they are not as clear as plastic, I found that I need to write on the bag what is inside. I am attempting to increase efficiency by bagging and tagging everything ahead of time, rather than as your orders come in.
But other than ordering your clothes from a conscientious business like mine, there is so much more we all can do. The area that I look at in my own home are the things I buy regularly. Groceries and toiletries are by far the biggest source of single use plastics in my household, and I’m guessing, yours as well.
I am continuously trying to find ways to improve my impact on the environment through what I consume. It is hard! Even when you care, it takes planning, effort and research. Hopefully, I can help you with the research part!
Visit my events page to find out how to join the challenge.
Here are my three most recent plastic-packaging reducing new habits and purchases.
I've recently started making my own yogurt. To be fair, I was motivated by health reasons, not for the plastic reduction. However, it has turned out to be a really good one for these hard-to-find plastic-free grocery items. My yogurt maker came with these cute little 6 oz glass bottles. I also have a 1.75 quart glass container that fits in there perfectly if I want to make a batch before these are gone.
Did you know that if you culture it for a full 24 hours you get a lactose-free version? Sour and delicious. I like it plain, one of my sons douses it with honey, which admittedly I sometimes do, too!
Not only does this save on a whole bunch of plastic yogurt containers, but I've also been making sour cream and cream cheese (not a true cheese) as well, saving even more plastic. I buy my milk in returnable glass bottles or recycle-able cartons.
What I’m also loving about this switch is that it's actually cheaper than buying yogurt and sour cream. I can’t say that for all the switches I’ve made, and sometimes the price increase is hard to swallow (pun intended!).
Home-made yogurt can also be made out of but milks, and doesn’t need the long fermentation time since it already lacks lactose. My recipe for nut based yogurt contains gelatin, so I can’t say it is vegan, but it is certainly reducitarian. Buying nuts in bulk is a great package-free way to get your food (just remember to bring your own container).
I should also include shampoo and conditioner in this same discovery, since that is how I found the deodorant. A friend of mine was talking about switching to shampoo bars to go plastic free in the shower, which inspired me to make that change. I was hesitant initially, but ultimately so happy with the switch. My local co-op always has such knowledgeable staff, so whenI asked about shampoo bars and was directed to a brand called HiBAR that not only has plastic-free packaging, but is also local! (St.Paul, MN). Luckily, they are widely distributed so you maybe able to find a store that carries them near you, even outside of Minnesota.
It was an adjustment- it doesn’t lather as much as I was used to. But it still cleans as well. Now that I’ve transitioned, I’m not going back! I love it.
Recently, I ran out of deodorant, and maybe because I was shopping in a store I don’t normally go to, I discovered that HiBAR also makes deodorant! Due to already knowing about them and liking their other products, this switch was easy. It was one I was bummed about the plastic container, but didn’t know there was an alternative– until it was right under my nose. Literally. As in, lovely smell, too.
This switch is brand-spankin’ new for me. I have a lot of food sensitivities, so I have to also be careful about what I put on my lips. Although I’ve been aware of the plastic-free alternatives for lip-balm for a while, I didn’t like the stick-your-finger in the tub style container. Also, the brands I’ve tried with that style cause me to break out around my mouth. Yeah- sensitive, I know, it's a pain.
Yesterday morning, I noticed that I was almost out of my long-time favorite lip-balm, and was sad about the plastic. I forgot about it, as I went on with my day- but lo and behold- I just ran into the solution! I met some friends at the Edina Art Fair (in MN we go crazy with our outdoor events all summer). I just happened to stop at a booth, drawn in by some lovely fragrances in their soap.
And there it was, front and center. Lip balm in a plastic-free container. Quality, natural ingredients, free of all the stuff I react to. Dandelion Naturals is my answer! I am so thrilled to find this product. I’ve been using it today, love how it feels and am impressed by how long it keeps my lips supple. On top of all that good stuff, they are local– and made by hand, also locally. Hits all the check marks. Their products are available online, or if you live in MN, you can look at the list of shops that carry their products and see if one is close to you. Oh and the soaps are so beautiful, like little works of art. How fitting I found them at an Art Fair!
Above: Dandelion Natural Honey Lip Balm
I hope this inspires you to find new products to help you ditch the plastics. Follow along on social media for challenges, ideas and inspiration.
Did you like this article? Here is another one you may be interested in: Reducing Microplastics from Our Clothing.
]]>First of all, thank you to those who participated! I hope you had fun.
And the winner is...
Melanie P.
Congratulations!
Bumble Bee and Comfrey by Melanie P.Now that you know the importance of proper fit when dressing for short stature (see that article here), it's time to explore some specific styling tips that work well for shorter women. From prints to proportions, these tips will help you create a flattering and stylish look that boosts your confidence. Here are some key ideas to keep in mind.
Look for prints that are smaller in scale, as they will not overwhelm you. Large prints can make you appear smaller than you are, while smaller prints help to create a more unified look.
Bend that rule a bit on a statement piece, especially if the garment has a lot of real estate, such as a long cardigan (in contrast to a crop-top). This works well if only the pattern is bold, but not the colors or contrast between colors within the pattern. Maybe the garment has smaller, detailed portions, or even a detailed surface texture.
You can also try vertical stripes or patterns, as they can create the illusion of a longer silhouette. Horizontal stripes are fun, but keep them to a minimum. Thin or subtle stripes are best for us, as are stripes relegated to smaller areas, such as just on the shoulders. You can also break up the stripes by wearing a long necklace, an untied scarf or an open blazer or vest over it.
Monochrome outfits can also help to elongate your silhouette and create a cohesive look. For interest, add in an accent color or pattern and repeat it vertically throughout your outfit. Think hats, jewelry, scarves, belts, handbags, tights and shoes. This is particularly fun if the accent color is contrasting but harmonious. Think black accents over a white dress. Pink with navy pieces. Earthy blue over brown. Or use monochrome loosely: mix shades of grey, or wear a mix of pink and red. But generally speaking, keep a color theme going so you don’t chop up your figure, especially avoiding cutting you in half.
V-neck tops and dresses are generally more flattering on shorter women, in part because we usually have shorter necks. By showing skin on your neck and/or shoulders, you visually elongate the face and neck portion of you and create balance. Soft or narrow U-neck tops are also great options.
Did you know you can create a faux deep neckline? Use a scarf knotted low down. This works well if you are small busted. For us busty, short chicas, we can wear gauzy scarves left untied or long, but not bulky, necklaces. Also, wearing blazers open works this way, too. For higher necklines, you can create a V with your blazer or an open button-down, especially if your top is a neutral or low-contrasting color against your skin tone.
When it comes to dressing for short stature, there are many tips and tricks you can use to create a flattering and stylish look that boosts your confidence. From prints to colors to accessorizing, these ideas can help you feel comfortable and confident in your own skin.
]]>Greening up your closet can be overwhelming. The more I’ve learned about sustainability, the more I have seen that the choices are not always clear cut and it can be very confusing. So if you are feeling overwhelmed, that is reasonable!
Let’s take a look at the beginning of all textiles: the fibers. Here are the questions to consider when considering the fiber:
Hemp is a versatile fiber that requires no pesticides and little water. It renews the soil with each growth cycle and out-produces other fibers in terms of output per acre, by a long shot. Hemp fibers are longer, stronger, and more absorbent than cotton. Clothing made of at least 50% hemp can effectively block the sun's UV rays.
Hemp production in the USA is still in its infancy, due to the 60+ years of it being outlawed, so currently, most hemp that you purchase comes from China. However, China also has the mills and infrastructure, meaning the fiber doesn’t have to travel globally before it is turned into fabric. By creating a demand in the US for hemp fabric, you can help domestic growth and development.
On the flip side, it requires a lot of labor to prepare it for textile use. Also, some people find it scratchy, so it is often mixed with other fibers in order to make it softer.
Linen is made from the flax plant and requires fewer pesticides and water than traditional cotton. It's lightweight and breathable, making it perfect for warm weather clothing. Linen is also versatile and can be used for everything from bedding to clothing.
It is very similar to hemp and has many of the same benefits. Additionally, it is easier to find than hemp. This is a good fiber to look for as your dip your toes into sustainability, as you can often find linen garments from your favorite brands, and you can stick with it as you find more ethical and sustainable brands as well.
I recommend linen as a way to develop a more sustainable wardrobe. You can make “better-than” choices by finding linen garments as alternatives to conventional cotton or polyester, just by reading labels, even if you haven’t researched the brand’s ethical or other sustainable practices. This is one of my favorite beginner's choices, especially for warm weather clothing.
Organic cotton is grown without harmful chemicals, making it better for the environment than conventional cotton, and healthier for the farmers. It's softer and more breathable than conventional cotton. It is a labor-intensive crop, so having traceability and accountability that comes with certification means less negative impact on the people producing it.
Cotton is popular in any clothing you wear against the skin, due to its softness. If it’s going to be next to your skin, you will benefit from the reduced toxic chemical exposure that organic cotton will give you.
However, cotton is a water-intensive crop, even when organically grown. And cotton production in this country is long associated with human rights abuses, as well as in other countries, which still continues today around the world.
If you do nothing else, avoiding conventionally grown cotton is a great way to simultaneously avoid pollution and exploitation. Thrifted clothing made from cotton is at least better. However, it’s abundance is due to fast-fashion’s overproduction, and even second hand creates a secondary demand.
Wool and alpaca are both grown raising animals in ways that have the potential to improve the environment, especially if they are raised with that goal in mind. See this article from Fibershed. They can also support small and mid-sized farmers, as well as traditional weaving practices. They are durable and practical fibers, especially in cold climates. At the end of their life cycle, the garment is then biodegradable as are the other fibers listed thus far.
You can find various wools under these names: marino, alpaca, lambswool, cashmere, mohair, camel hair and Qiviut. Angora comes from rabbits.
The most obvious dilemma here is the question of the conditions the animals are raised under. It may be difficult to trace the source of the wool. All the horrors of factory-farmed animals are also true for factory-farmed animals raised for their fur.
Find sources of wool that came from small farms. Alpaca is less likely to be factory farmed if you don’t know the answer. If you are a knitter, if is often easier to find sources of humanely raised animals for your yarn vs trying to figure out where the wool came from in your store-bought garment. Once you buy wool, try to keep it, wear it and repair it for as many years as possible. Its durability makes that possible.
Rayon is made from plant materials that aren’t in fiber form already. It is then chemically processed to form it into fibers. Because it is plant-based, it is biodegradable. The sustainability score depends on what plant it is from and what happens to the chemicals used for processing. The benefit is that it is better than a petroleum based product, like polyester, but it is more chemically intensive than plants that grow usable fibers. So let’s take a look at the best ones.
Recycled polyester can mean different things.
One possibility is that it is made from post-consumer plastic bottles. It reduces waste in landfills and provides a product for plastics to be recycled into.
Another possibility is that it is recycled from pre-consumer textile waste. During the process of cutting fabric, there are always scraps. Mills that take these scraps and make them into new fabric are keeping those scraps out of landfills and utilizing a resource that already exists in contrast to new production. The recycled polyester in the EcoPetites line is from this source. Most of the time, when you read “recycled polyester” on a label, this is the source, unless otherwise specified.
Thirdly, polyester from post-consumer clothing can be recycled, but this is mainly for stuffings and fillers. Clothing you discard rarely makes it to this level. Most of it ends up incinerated or in a landfill, where it will take centuries to biodegrade.
Polyester does have advantages, though. It is colorfast and durable. Having some polyester in the fabric can help it last longer. The threads used to sew your clothing together, regardless of the fiber content, are predominantly polyester and nylon for durability.
When purchasing from brands using polyester, look for recycled and/or OEKO-TEX certifications. For example, while my wardrobe is mostly natural fibers, my bras are not. But my current favorite for sustainability is Negative Underwear. Read about their ethics and sustainability here.
Just avoid fast fashion made of all polyester– that is the end of the spectrum at its worst.
In conclusion, there are plenty of eco-friendly fibers to choose from, each with its unique benefits. If this is too much to absorb, here is a great place to start:
OK, I hope this helps you along on your sustainable fashion journey!
Wondering why I am so against conventional cotton? Read my WHY here.
]]>As a shorter woman, you may have struggled to find clothes that fit well and flatter your figure, especially if you are seeking more sustainable and ethical options. It can be frustrating to shop for clothes that are designed for women who are taller than you, leaving you feeling self-conscious and uncomfortable in your own skin.
However, the key to dressing well is to prioritize proper fit. We’ve all gotten too used to lower standards. After all, how many times did you love a garment and bought it even though it didn’t come in petite sizing? Stop accepting made-for-someone-else options. After all, 50% of American women are 5’4” or less. Start expecting your clothes to be designed and tailored to you. When your clothes fit properly, you'll feel confident, stylish, and comfortable, no matter your height or shape.
Ill-fitting clothes can negatively impact your self-image and make you feel frumpy or unattractive. When you feel uncomfortable in your clothes, it shows in your body language and can affect how you present yourself to the world.
Clothes that don't fit well can also be uncomfortable and restrict movement, making it difficult to move through your day effectively. Put thought into your outfit in the morning, and then free your mind and body up for your life goals
When clothes fit properly, they can create a more polished and professional appearance, and help you command respect.
The most gorgeous garment will never look good on you if it doesn’t fit. Too many times, we end up feeling like our bodies are wrong. But it is the clothes that are wrong! See your best self and stop compromising.
Properly fitting clothes create a balanced and proportional look, enhancing your natural features and flattering your body type.
Look for where the seam hits at your shoulder. It should actually sit on your shoulder. Most short women have narrow shoulders, no matter what their weight is. Even if you need a larger size to fit your bust, the shoulder should still be at the shoulder: that is probably the single biggest reason that I recommend wearing petite tops. That fit problem alone is automatically steering into a frumpy zone.
Alternatively, look for styles that don’t have a seam at the shoulder, such as raglan seams (where the seam points inward from the armpit to the neck).
The armhole (the amount of space where the sleeve attaches to the body) should be proportional. An armhole that sits closer up to the armpit looks more flattering on the body, lengthening to the torso and also gives you greater freedom of movement. A top can have a small armhole no matter what the rest of the sleeve shape is. The armholes on tank tops should be small enough to cover your undergarments and sit close to the body. Even an oversized body shape can have a smaller armhole or sit relatively close to the shoulder. You know those mens’ T-shirts in which the seam is several inches below your shoulder (so it will have enough room for your bust) and the sleeves practically hit at your elbow? Avoid those.
Check the lengths: Make sure your tops hit at a flattering length. Check the inseams on pants. While hems are the easiest to alter, also pay attention to:
Where does the waist of a dress fit on your body? The so-called “standard” sizes usually narrow for the waist too low on you and end up feeling tight in the wrong spot. On most women, the smallest part of the torso is at an empire waist, above your belly button. So having a narrowed waist on the clothing where your body is already curving out will not show off your feminine shape- and will look “off”.
The waist on pants should also hit at the right spot. Pants have a hip curve cut into it, so regardless of where the top of the pants are designed to fit on your torso, if it isn’t designed for a shorter person, it will sit badly on you. What will happen is that the crotch will be too low or it will sag around your butt. If you don’t have full roundness in the back, this will not be flattering. Or if you do have the round butt and thigh package, like I do, the lower crotch will look dumpy.
Working with a tailor is another great option for making sure your clothes fit properly. A tailor can adjust the fit of clothes that don't fit right off the rack, so they look great on you.
Ultimately, prioritizing proper fit can make all the difference for us shorter women in achieving a confident and put-together look. By being mindful of key aspects such as seam placement, armhole size, and length of clothing, we petites can find clothes that fit well and make us feel our best. Let’s go look and feel amazing!
Want more? How about the fit of your bra? Read blog post about bra fitting for petites here.
]]>So, you care deeply about how your purchases affect people, society and the environment. You are health conscious and try to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals. With Valentine’s Day coming up, you want to show your love, friendship or appreciation while still sticking to your values. So let’s dive in.
The problem with flowers is not only the classic agricultural issues of how it is grown and fair labor practices, there is also the issue that cut flowers have a short life, which affects transportation. Flowers are flown all over the world, often making multiple transcontinental trips, before they even reach your doorstep, and often need a heavy dose of chemicals to survive the trip. This is a good reason to support local farmers first of all, and then look for fair trade and/or organic options next.
To find a florist in your area who supports local farms, go to SlowFlowers.com where you can search by your location. Admittedly, getting fresh, local flowers works better in some locals than others, as I sit at my desk in Minnesota. But even northerners can bookmark this site for events during the local growing season. Otherwise you can have sustainable, ethical flowers via shipping by checking out BloomsyBox.
Let’s get a little creative in the flower department here: you can send a card that opens up to a pretty paper bouquet or flower arrangements made from natural materials. Try LovePop or FreshCutPaper or do a search on Etsy for “pop-up flower card” or “paper flower bouquet.” Remember in Etsy to specify the shop location under “filters.” You can even type in your town or state and look for something local!
Now let’s talk about chocolate. Look for fair trade, as child labor is a wide-spread problem worldwide in cocoa production. (for more information, look up “child labor in cocoa production” on Wikipedia. Avoid that, OK?
My favorite organic chocolate shop is Lake Champlain Chocolates. OMG, so good, I'm drooling on my keyboard just thinking about it. You can order directly, but this is one that you may be able to find in your local co-op. Or maybe there is an ethical, organic chocolatier near you!
Try the gift of an experience rather than physical things. You will not only be reducing overconsumption, you will also infuse a little romance. It doesn’t have to be big, nor do you necessarily want it to be: big changes are stressful.
Novelty is anything that is out of your routine such as going dancing, skiing or seeing a play. I will never forget the first time I watched a Cirque do Soleil show and how magical it was. Have an indoor picnic on the floor at home, which is something you can even do with little ones running about. Take a cooking class together. Or learn any new skill together, which will also just be good for each of you as individuals. A visit to a greenhouse at an arboretum in the winter is one of my favorite things to do on a bitter cold winter day. I hope this gets your creative juices flowing!
You can broaden another's experiences even with clothing and accessories. Introduce your partner to a brand that is new to them. By doing a little research and finding gifts that match your partner’s values, you are demonstrating attentiveness. Everyone wants to be seen for who they are. What could be more romantic than that?
Don’t shy away from vintage jewelry– a preloved piece is just all the more loved. (And eco-friendly to boot!) Just be sure to look it over before you wrap it. Some shops will clean and polish before sending, while others do not. To give a pre-owned piece a gentle cleaning, put a little distilled water in a small non-metallic bowl with a drop or two of dish soap. Gently brush it clean with an old toothbrush. Dry with a soft cloth and give it a little rub with a polishing cloth, if you have one.
(For more about jewelry, see previous articles here.)
My favorite clothing pics from my shop for Valentines day are:
I love doing fun food presentations for the kids on Valentine’s Day. Oh when they were little it was so fun! Even now, as teens, they love it– they just might be a little more reticent to admit it.
The best ideas are on Pinterest for this. There are ideas galore! My household's favorite is to have a home-made parfait ready for them when they arrive home from school. It's so simple:
Whip up some cream with about a tablespoon of sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla. I mix half of the whipped cream in with plain greek yogurt (the cream makes it sweet enough, but if you prefer, use sweetened vanilla yogurt.) Get out your nicest glasses and get ready to layer. Use a pastry bag, a wide-mouth canning funnel or some improvisation so that you keep the sides of the glass clean and pretty. Base later is the yogurt mixture, then fresh berries of your choice, then top with whipped cream.
It makes them feel so special! You can prep this the night before and stick it in the fridge if they will be home before you (probably most of you, now that most people are back to in-office work). Just hide it and leave a note to help them find it.
Ok, have a wonderful time planning Valentine's Day. Also, remember to show some love to your single friends– they can use the little token of appreciation or even just a “hey, I’m thinking about you.” This might make their day.
Most of all, enjoy the day, with all the people you love.
]]>I don’t know about you, but I am glad to say good-bye to 2022. It was a rough year for me, one which fortunately ended on the up and up. So yes, 2023, welcome.
What may have affected you and your family also is that I think the mental health effects of the isolation and social disruption of the pandemic really showed up in full force. Especially for teens and young adults who are naturally prone to venturing from the nuclear family, finding out who they want to spend time with and forging new friendships after school years are finished.
I have two teens in my house. The younger is a sort of happy-go-lucky fella, while the other one is highly sensitive and a deep thinker. The older teen was hit hard. Add to the fact that both of them were adopted, adding a layer of complexity to self-exploration, self-worth and the process of differentiating from one’s parents.
There is a saying, you are only as happy as your unhappiest child. Maybe that’s a bit co-dependent, but it is also so painfully true. The end of 2022 brought my deep-thinking son back to me, brought us closer and taught me so much about letting go and gaining perspective. Things are getting better. To be honest, if I was still in the thick of the darkest days of this, I would probably not be able to share this with you.
The other major challenge of 2022 was health related. I have written about resilience, but it has been from an emotional standpoint. What my own health issues taught me is that I need to build resilience into my business. That is the curse of owning your own business- who runs it if you are sick? A day, a week, maybe, you rebound, maybe a bit behind schedule. But what if it’s longer? Fortunately, this set-back was temporary. But I was sub-functional for a total of about 8 weeks, including one week in the hospital. It was a shocker. Prior to this, the most intense medical care I’ve ever had was having my wisdom teeth removed.
So that is why you didn’t hear from me much this fall. The rebound started before the holidays, fortunately. Now I’m getting ready to do my big strategic planning session. I usually take a good 4 solid days at the beginning of January to plan out the year. I actually love strategic planning. I can’t tell you what’s in store yet, but I will leave you on this note.
My themes for 2023 will center around: Joy, Connection, and Fun.
Somehow, 2022 broke my fun-meter. I have a serious case of “should-itis”; always morally bound to work first and only have fun when the chores are done. But living life fuels creativity. I need to be creative like I need to breathe. When I’m not allowing myself to do the things that drive me, I have a hard time muddling through those items I hate doing.
As an empath, I often need to recover after hearing a loved-one’s woes. I isolate to recoup. But the weight of the woes in 2022 meant I ended up alone too much. I need to connect joyfully and go have fun while still being that empathetic listener. Part of my goal in that is to keep it balanced.
To that end, I would love to hear from you. What do you want to read about in the blog or newsletter? What are your goals for 2023? What are your hopes? What challenges to sustainable and ethical living can I help you with?
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I’ve been paying attention to styling earrings because I’ve noticed how stylish looking people look so coordinated. Because you see the earrings and necklace in a single glance, the neck-wear, head-wear and ear -wear encompasses one look. It is the attention to detail that makes it work.
Continue reading for tips on the latest trends, how to coordinate your necklace with your earrings and when to forgo a necklace alltogether.
]]>I thought I would return to the theme of jewelry tips– just in time for the holidays! Maybe you’ll be going to parties or getting dressed up. Or maybe you hang out in your pjs all day on your holidays! Those relaxing days around the house or with family can be a time to try a new style. When I’m feeling like it would take some guts to wear a new combination out in the world, I sometimes just try it around the house and see if it feels like “me.” Whether your downtime is dressy or just time to play around with upping the ante on your style, here are some tips for wearing earrings.
I’ve been paying attention to styling earrings because I’ve noticed how stylish looking people look so coordinated. Because you see the earrings and necklace in a single glance, the neck-wear, head-wear and ear -wear encompasses one look. It is the attention to detail that makes it work. But who has time to pay attention to all details at once? Try putting a little extra attention to earrings for a short time until you form your own favorite combinations and tastes. One detail at a time, and you will gradually develop and enhance your personal style.
While I will be giving tips on the current and upcoming trends, I advocate, as always, for pieces that have a timeless quality to them. Also, remember to shop vintage even when looking for a trendy style: most of the time, the trends are just recycled styles from the past.
I adore hoop earrings and have for many years. As a Latina, I also feel that it can be an expression of who I am. Jewelry can do that for you- help you express who you are and where you came from.
Lately I’ve been struggling with the question, what type of necklace do I pair with hoops? After observing people, researching celebrity streetwear photos and watching the trends, I came to a simple conclusion. Nothing. Wear the hoops with no necklace, even if your neckline gives you plenty of real estate to work with. But feel free to put studs or smaller hoops in any additional ear piercings you have. Let the focal point be on your ears.
However, I did notice exceptions to this. Small huggie hoops, which loop around very close to your earlobe, or small and dainty hoops can be paired well with a necklace with a similar style, metal or visual weight. In the third example above, the silver huggie hoops are comparable in size to the beads on the necklace. In the second image, the dainty gold hoops complement the dainty gold necklaces.
Dainty and layered are very much in fashion at the moment. This is a good look for people who are small and dainty.
I am not. I may be short, but not dainty. I still like and wear the dainty and layered look, but it is not the only look in my repertoire. This is why I love hoops of all sizes and styles. For a trendy tip: go for silver, especially 70’s style hoops which are making a comeback.
Earcuffs by Moonkist Designs handmade in USA; photos by Kelly Hazel ; model Airyual Moore
I would put these in the same category as hoops, in terms of wearing them with a bare neck, or keep the necklace simple. A note about earcuffs: you can wear two, but you don't have to. One is enough.
Left: Louis Vuitton earrings photo credit: Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images; Middle and Right photo by Daphne Orlando
Since we are on the topic of earrings on their own, shoulder-dusters are another earring type to take center stage. This type is also making a splash and is a continuing trend. These look amazing with open scoop neck or sleeveless dresses and though the jewelry focus is on the ears, they have a way of highlighting your lovely shoulders. Wear these with your hair in an up-do if you have mid to longer length hair. Use this as a New Years Eve look if you want to be right on trend.
These are usually minimalist and delicate. Their light weight and lack of a fastener make them very comfortable. So, backing up: what is a threader? It is an earring in which the post extends and drops down from the back of the ear and becomes part of the meant-to-be-seen aspect of the design. The extended part may even curve forward in front of the earlobe. Chains are also used for threading through the ear piercing.
Image on right from Jaya Moksha, Brass Nautilus Spiral Earrings available on Etsy
As this style often gives a chic, contemporary look, pair with minimalist and modern necklaces. Try pairing long straight threaders with a long delicate chain of around 20” or more, and a minimalist small pendant, if at all. Curved threaders match well with a chocker length (around 16").
This is such a broad category, so let’s break it down, starting with large statement earrings. Again, skip the necklace. If your earrings are large and have visual weight to them (regardless of their actual weight), you can balance the downward draw with going upward with your hair or even a hat. For example, you can wear a high top bun, a hair wrap or style your short hair spiked or styled upward on top. This is a great way to create some height. Not that there's anything wrong with being short!
If the earrings are medium to small, you can pair them with a necklace. (Yes, finally!!) Now the issue is, how? Allow one element to take prominence over the other, and repeat several elements so they look right together. The elements may be: style, theme, metals, shapes or stones.
The most important aspect to match across the earring and necklace is style. Choose a style and stick to it. Such as: southwestern, minimalist, mid-century retro, steam-punk or boho. There are, of course, many more! But if you stick to one style, it is easier to mix and match stones or other aspects.
Just to be forthright, I am not a fan of sets. Here’s why: they often lack a focal point. Don’t get me wrong- I like some. Here are examples of what I own that I like or don’t like.
This larimar set doesn’t work for me. The earrings and the pendant are the same size, which doesn’t look balanced to me. That size on the ears looks rather bold, while the same size pendant looks like a mid-size. I usually wear it with these sweet little teardrop studs instead. The earrings get worn solo.
Above are two examples that I do like. On the left is a next set I bought together. The earrings are a small element of the necklace. This necklace would have been hard to find earrings to match with, so this is an example of a set that is worth pairing.
The combo on the right is not a set. I bought these lovely vintage earrings first. The pendant did have matching earrings, but didn't have a lever -back. I’ve lost too many fish-hook style earrings. The earrings, pendant and chain were all separate purchases. I also could have opted for a rectangle-shaped pendant to mix it up a little and add interest. Maybe I still will...
These little beauties are a work horse. When trying to pair the right earrings to match the necklace in hand, I have often started to conclude that studs are the best option. They are also not supporting cast, but can also be worn on their own for a minimalist look, a simple color pop or when you just want to look classy.
Pay attention to the size of the stud and notice what is the maximum size for your earlobe in which you still see skin around the stud. For me, that is 10 mm. The look changes when you cross into the realm of a stud that is bigger than your earlobe. At the larger size, they start to look like more of a statement, and if they are sparkly, they will dominate the look. This is great for formal wear, showcasing statement gems in the ears. But at the smaller sizes, they can sit back and let the necklace be the focal point.
Pay attention to your preferences for sparkle versus more of a matt finish. If you are wearing ethical fashion, aside from silk, most natural fibers have more muted tones and less shine than polyesters. While you can go for sparkle as a contrast, remember that natural stones, tagua nuts or colored clay can add plenty of color and depth while complementing natural fibers.
I’ve been adding to my studs collection as my current favorite go-to style. They are also very practical– living in Minnesota means I spend 6 months wearing scarves, which catch on anything below the earlobes. All winter, studs are my staple choice.
I’m calling them naked because that is usually how I feel when I am without earrings! But just like you can forgo the necklace, you can do the opposite. Look at photos of fashion icon Iris Apfel. She is renowned for her use of large, layered and bold jewelry covering her neck. She wears bracelets the size of grapefruits. And rings to match every combo she owns. But look at her ears: there’s nothing on them! So next time you are about to put away that necklace because you don’t know what earrings to match with it, just go out naked (in the ears.)
No matter which style you prefer, here are some themes that will be making a hit for 2023: pearls galore; sea shells and ocean inspired; hearts; and bold but minimalist silver.
Remember, you can always break the rules and make your own. My tips are just my opinion. It's all about taking the time to notice what you like and try it with confidence and have fun with it!
If you haven't read the other posts in this series click these links:
Part 1 Jewelry Tips: How to shop rings
Part 2 Jewelry Tips: Best Rings for Petites
All photos unless otherwise noted, are by Daphne Orlando.The jewelry is from her own personal collection, and some she has had for many years. The more recently purchased items shown in this article are from the following shops:
Vintage:
New and Handmade
The beanie hat is such an easy, versatile accessory. Great for keeping the chill off your ears, provide some warmth or just to throw on when you’re having a bad hair day. So how do you wear it?
Here are five ways. Go on now and pull out your EcoPetites beanie and follow along.
]]>The beanie hat is such an easy, versatile accessory. Great for keeping the chill off your ears, provide some warmth or just to throw on when you’re having a bad hair day. So how do you wear it?
Here are five ways. Go on now and pull out your EcoPetites beanie and follow along.
This is the most casual of the five looks. Wear this without folding up the brim. Just place on your head and then tilt back the front so it is about at your hairline. Pull the sides over your ears, and then let the back flop. You can scrunch up the sides by your ears a bit to help shape the beanie into a casual, slouchy silhouette.
What I think is really cute about this style is how it frames your face. Keeping your hairstyle simple works well with this one and allow medium to long hair flow out from under it.
Got bangs? This style is the way to go. Align the front of the beanie with the roots of your bangs. If this tends to slip off the back or down over your bangs, bobby pins can help secure it in place. Best if you are wearing the black beanie.
While popular with men, this style can really look cute on anyone. This is worn such that the top of the beanie is fully to your head, and you will need to cuff or roll the bottom up. It should sit at the top of your ears. You can tilt it so that it is also worn at the hairline and tipped back, like the slouch. But this is also worn midway to your eyebrows with little or no tilt to the back.
Since this covers less of your head, it works great with short hairstyles. Your hair will still show on the sides and back, and some hair can protrude in the front, too, if you tilt it back.
This one works well for people with long or rectangular faces, as it shortens and rounds out your head. Having said that, I have a round face and still like it in the tilted back position for the face-framing look with the added benefit of thickness with the rolled cuff, which creates a bit of a brim. I use this look when I am wearing a low bun or ponytail. With a bun, I have it rest on top of the bun in the back.
As it sounds, give the beanie one turn up. Experiment with how deep of a fold you like. Place it on your head and wear this one about one to one-and-a-half inches above your eyebrows. This one has less of a tilt than the previous two styles. This is very practical, as you get good head coverage. And the cuff adds a little warmth for the ears.
This one works great for long hair. It also creates a bit of height at the top of your head, so it is good for us shorties. Also flattering for round faces. For those of you with long hair, try this one with a side braid. I also like this one if I am wearing a high or top bun, as there is room for the bun.
This is an easy-going, practical style, and really easy to do. Basically, just pull it on! No cuff, no tilt. This one goes right to your eyebrows. It will cover your ears, but not your earlobes, since there is no tilt. Scrunch at the sides as needed if it sticks up on the top of your head. High on your head is its own look but works better with thicker or stiffer beanies than the ones I sell.
This is a no-fuss look that is really easy to pull off. Or pull on, rather. Best for oval or longer faces, without bangs which would get smashed. This also works with a low bun, braid or ponytail showing below the brim of the hat.
Gotta end on a sassy style! This one has a side tilt, with a cuff on one side. Put it on first, then cuff. Try tiling the whole thing to the side, to an angle that suits you and play with tilting up on the cuff side vs the non-cuffed side. The front should sit on the mid forehead.
Try this one with a side-braid. No matter the length of your hair, let some show with this style. If you have bangs, sweep them to one side. If middle parts are not for you, this is a fun style for a little asymmetry.
Which style is your favorite?>
]]>Before jumping into the answer, let me begin with the benefit of having simple clothing in the first place. Perhaps you are reading this because you value ethical and sustainable practices and are purchasing your clothes mindfully.
There is an ethos for simplicity in eco-friendly brands, for several reasons. While that is not the topic of this post, let’s nod to that reality before moving on. Let’s just bear in mind that slow fashion means emphasizing classic styles that will not be yesterday’s trend destined for the landfill tomorrow.
So, let’s talk about rocking it! The point of view is for you, the short woman who is an ethical fashion shopper.
This is really a must, my petite friends. No matter what styling tips you adhere to, if your clothing doesn’t fit your body, you will have a hard time making it look stylish. That’s where EcoPetites comes in for you! The styles are designed and made specifically for petites.
Don’t forget that the proper fit of your bra can make a big difference, too. Check out my post on wearing the right bra size and what petite fit issues to look out for.
Find a good tailor in your neighborhood for things like blazers, pants and other more structured and fitted styles. But please, start with petite sizes! There are many ways in which the proportions are still better designed for you—it’s not just sleeve length.
The purpose of a capsule wardrobe is to have items that mix and match with each other and make adding new pieces easier, as you will likely already have something to match with it.
What is in your capsule is personal. It depends on your lifestyle, your budget, your aesthetic and even where you live. With shopping sustainable fashion as a caveat, availability can also be a factor. For me, I stopped wearing jeans years ago. Organic cotton petite jeans were out of my budget. When I didn’t want to sew myself a pair or go thrifting, I realized that I am actually not a huge fan of wearing jeans anyway. But you might live in jeans and reside somewhere with lots of petite jeans in your local vintage shops. Give yourself permission to not own that which you don’t like or is hard to find, even if it is on someone else’s must-have capsule list.
Most advice centers around neutrals for the capsule, but I don’t think that’s necessary. However, if you choose a non-neutral, you best love it, and be willing to build a wardrobe around one color. (I think this topic deserves its own post, don’t ya think? Stay tuned.)
Again, let’s get back to the idea of simplicity. If you are consciously building your capsule, choosing one or two neutrals is a great building block. Think beyond black or white: you can use navy, olive, khaki, brown, beige, cinnamon or grey as your capsule neutral. This also helps with tonal dressing, a useful petite fashion technique.
Ditch the fast fashion shopping, seek staples over trends and look for well-made items. Even if your purchase is not from a sustainable brand per se, this is at least an improvement. Your closet will be less cluttered, and you will look more stylish, less slave-of-fashion.
Quality simple basics make it easier to showcase the occasional statement garment or your favorite unique jewelry. That means simple and basic is the canvas on which to create your own style. Which brings us to…
Adding a belt is my favorite petite-friendly accessory. You can use it to accentuate your waist, make a dress or long oversized top more fitted or add dimension and visual texture – or all three! I love using an accent color in multiple locations to vertically draw the eye around and pull your outfit together. Think shoes, belt and earrings for example.
Jewelry can add a lot of style and personal touch to your outfit. See my articles about rings here and here.
Look for a theme in your accessories. It could be a pattern theme: adding dots and stripes, or swirls and vines, or tiny flowers. The theme could be an accent color. It could be thematic; plants and leaves, animal prints, geometric patterns. You name it—but try to choose based on some form of unity.
Create a focal point with the accessories so they complement without competing or overwhelming your petite stature. Be selective about utilizing bold addtions. A colorful silk scarf or headwrap can be the focus and then pick out one color in the scarf for a single-color belt.
This is probably the hardest to accomplish, yet you probably are already doing so to some degree, just by choosing things you like. Sometimes other people see it more than you. Has anyone every picked something out and said, this looks like something you would wear? And they were right? That’s the right friend to ask to help you increase awareness of your style. Just a little effort at first, and then it kind of runs on its own engine.
For me, when I got on my jewelry kick, it was about realizing that I really didn’t have rings and most of my jewelry were gifts. My jewelry style was entirely defined by what other people imagined for me, and I didn’t even really know what I would choose. But I got there! Ironically, I now wear those gifts of jewelry a lot more! I just needed to combine what I already had in a way that was more suitable for me.
Once you have quality, properly fitting clothing, the other three tips are really about creating harmony and balance in the outfit. The capsule means you have a base set that already work together, and the accessories give you a way to pull it together with your personal touch. Remember...
Quality & Fit first.
Follow through utilizing a Capsule,
add your Accessories,
and top off with a dash of personal Style.
You are probably wearing the wrong bra size. How can I make such a bold claim? Most women are. Us shorties are even more likely because many of us have a size that is not common.
Here’s the thing: if the place you are shopping doesn’t carry the size you really need, they will tell you that you need a size that they carry.
]]>Illustration by Vaselena
You are probably wearing the wrong bra size. How can I make such a bold claim? Most women are. Us shorties are even more likely because many of us have a size that is not common.
I’ll start with my own experiences. In my late 20s and into my 30s, I used to go shopping for bras by having a professional fitting expert measure me and bring me bras to try on. I thought I was doing the right thing and getting the right size. But the bras slipped off my shoulders or wires dug into my armpits, so I assumed it was me. It was my body that was wrong.
Until one day, a friend of mine who is also short and on the busty side shared with me her transformative experience of actually getting the right bra size. She looked amazing and the right bras really brought out her cute hourglass shape by making her waist more visible. She told me that I was likely wearing the wrong size. Here’s the thing: if the place you are shopping doesn’t carry the size you really need, they will tell you that you need a size that they carry. Even if they can order the right size for you, they probably won’t. I’m guessing they get commissions. That’s been my experience.
So, it came to a surprise to me that the band size should be what your rib cage measures. Simple and straightforward. I had been wearing a band size that was two to six inches larger than what the tape-measure indicated for so long that I had a hard time even believing this. Can you relate? Yet, if you are short and wear 16 P (or XLP in EcoPetites) or smaller it is unlikely that your rib cage is any larger than 36” based on data published by the U.S. Department of Commerce on petite measurements. You might be as small as 26” if you wear a 00P, though I have not seen any bra band sizes that start any smaller than 28”.
The most common problem is that you are wearing too large a band size. At home or with a friend, measure your under-bust girth without a bra on. That is your band size. The increments are in even numbers, so if you measure for example, at 31 inches, try bras in a 30-band size and 32 and see what fits better. That is your base.
Let’s say you measured at 31” but you are currently wearing a 34C. The cup size is relative to the band size so a C-cup on a 34 band will be bigger than that on a 32 band, so you will need to go up a cup size. That would bring you to a 32D. Ideally, you want the band to fit on the outermost row of hooks. The elastic will wear over time, and you will need to be able make it smaller after a while. That means you should also try a 30DD.
Now you will likely see why you have been given the wrong size. That is not a common size, so a salesperson will likely not give you that size, or in my experience, even tell you that you are compromising. Remember, that fit expert was hired to sell you bras.
Here are some common fit problems that can be solved by going down in band size and up at least one cup size:
Depending on where you live, you may need to shift your habits to buying online to get the proper fit. In NYC, I was able to walk into a major brand store and buy a 32DDD, but no such luck at the same store here in Minneapolis. Don’t be intimidated though! I’m here to help.
Start by knowing your band size. That is the critical measurement. The cup size is more of an art than a science and will be affected by things like your breast shape, the brand of bra, the style of bra and how much padding it has. But your band size should be consistent between all of that. If your band size is an odd number, add one to go to the next even number. However, this is the one time that if you are in-between, the smaller might work better in a few brands.
Take an educated guess at what your cup size might be to start with, and then see if you can shop in person. Check online before you go so see if they carry your band size, especially for the combination of a smaller band size and C cup and larger. If they don’t have a few cup sizes in your band size, including one larger than you think you need, then go in person with caution and healthy dose of skepticism, if at all.
Otherwise, turn to online shopping. You will need to be willing to return some bras. This is critical, even if you think you know your bra size, things change. Your breasts change and manufactures change their products.
Let me begin by managing expectations here. If this is the first time you are buying a bra online or need to change size, you will likely only keep maybe one out of every three or four you try. And it may take two or three rounds of purchasing and returning.
Start with that band size, or two band sizes for you who measure at an odd number. Estimate your cup size to start. Remember if this band size is smaller than you’ve purchased in the past, go for a larger cup size. It might be easier to start with a search by size rather than style. Start with a basic T-shirt bra. Find a style that comes in that size plus a few choices. Make sure they are in stock, because this will take some time and you want to be able to compare and return right away. Also avoid final sales or bras that you can’t return until you are sure of your size. Put those blinders on!
Then go ahead and order the same brand and style in different sizes. I have found that there are just some brands that simply don’t fit me, so try multiple brands. You can try a few sizes in a different brand at the same time or wait until the next round. If you’re not getting a perfect fit, experiment with the cup size, the style or amount of padding. Don’t mess with the band size.
Stay committed, don’t settle, and stay on top of those returns. Remember, when a bra doesn’t fit, the bra is just wrong for you. Your body is not wrong. When you reach that glorious moment of getting the bra that fits you well, it will really make a difference in your appearance, and might even influence how you feel about yourself, so stick with it!
This is a great place to shop, especially if you are experimenting with your size. They have an incredible variety of sizes, brands, and bra styles so it’s a good place to start. Go -->
Based out of the UK but also now in the USA, this retail shop specializes in serving large-busted women and thus have a great selection of bras for people who wear D cup and up while starting at band sizes of 28 inches. If you are not sure if this is for you, at least go to their website and look at the photos of the women who work there. They list their bra size—and it just might surprise you. Go-->
Specializing in bras for petites, this is for the other end of the cup spectrum. This works for a small frame up to a D-cup. What is most special about this one is that the bras that look like real bras – sexy, grown-up numbers, not bralettes or training bras -- start as small as 28AA. If your band measured at 28 and you are an AA to C-cup, this is the best place to shop. Don’t even bother with anything else! Go-->
Their style is minimalistic-- unlined or lightly padded and offered in a few basic styles, including non-wire. For A-D cups, the band starts at 30. They do have cup sizes up to G, but the band sizes start at 32 for those. My 34G Sieve Demi Bra is my current favorite, go to and most comfortable bra.
Update October 25, 2023:
I've lost weight, and still love and wear that style in a 32DDD on the smallest hook, but I am wearing 30G in other brands. So this brand will not likely work for petites in the XXSP to SP range, as their band sizes in all bras start at 32", at the time of this update. Go-->
This brand is made in NYC and has a decent range of sizes. Their style is simple and unpadded, with a beautiful range of colors. Their selection includes lace, silk and organic cotton bras, though on the pricey side. The sizing isn’t highly specific, so it’s not a good one to experiment with your size, but once you know what you need and like, shop here for luxury bras and bathing suites. I also like that they offer natural fiber bras without switching to a bralette or unstructured ditty. They start at 28B but doesn’t look like they have great options for a small band/large cup combo. Go-->
For Made-in-USA lingerie in sizes common to petites, this brand offers the best size and style range. They can do that because the bras are custom made. The price point reflects that. If you are willing to pay and want to skip all the trying on, you just might want to go straight here. Go-->
These are incredible in terms of leadership in sustainability. Their materials are 100% botanically derived, including clasps and hooks. Wow! They use organic cotton and Tencel. The only downside for US mainland residents is that they are based in Australia. They ship worldwide but makes you think about the carbon footprint. Again, this is not one I would experiment with on size and ship back and forth around the world. But once you are sure of your size, go for it! Sizes start at 30C and then start at A cups in the 32 bands. Not the full range of petite friendly, but some of you have this option. Go-->
Nude color bras are a basic wardrobe essential, but many brands only offer one light-skinned shade of nude. All of Nubian Skin bras come in 4 nude shades for the darker end of the skin tone spectrum. And they include organic cotton wire-free bras with structure! Sizes start at 30B/C and while they don’t start as small as some petite women need, they do have the small band/large cup size that is not uncommon for petites. Go-->
As I was doing my research, I found that if you are shopping for a bralette, more organic and sustainable options open up. So many, in fact, that the topic warrants a separate blog post! Until then, best wishes on your bra shopping.
]]>Chances are if you are reading this, you are also short. I’ll focus on tips that are especially relevant to you. You likely have small hands. Maybe you have thicker short fingers, maybe you have dainty slender digits. Either way, the focus is for petites.
Keep in mind that these are guidelines. Go ahead and break the rules when you want to. However, knowing what is safe is a good place to start. Secondly, knowing that you are veering off from ideal helps you know that you may need to balance that somehow to pull it off. But lastly, don’t be afraid of supposedly getting it wrong—please yourself first and foremost. Ultimately, what you wear with confidence will look the best.
I have said this many times for petites, but it is so relevant: it is all about proportion. If you have delicate fingers, then small dainty rings will look great on you. Some of us are of a stockier build and tiny dainty rings might look incongruous. But this is typically where advice on rings for petites ends. So, let’s go deeper.
If your hands are small or short-fingered but not delicate and slender, go a bit bigger. Also, as we age, we can go for bolder, bigger styles that won’t get lost in the texture of our skin. But not too big.
My rule of thumb is that the head or crown of the ring is no wider than my finger and no longer than one phalanx, or space between knuckles. That’s my max. (For me, that’s 18mm by 30mm.) A very flattering size is for the head to be slightly smaller than the full width of the finger and the length no taller than about halfway to the next knuckle. (10-15 mm in both directions) It’s an easy mid-size that just seems to always work. (Image at top shows mid-sized rings)
Above: My maximum size ring is shown here
Long rings on your pointer finger can be quite flattering. Just be careful that it isn’t too big for you. Some of these are designed for taller people and might not look right if it extends beyond each knuckle. Light and airy styles work for anyone. More robust fingers can handle heavier or more solid forms.
Other great shapes for small fingers are small round, small square or angular shapes, marquise, or pear. I like tall rectangles, but careful with the proportions. This shape can look more overwhelming than the same size long oval, so I wouldn’t go quite as big. While long and narrow is nice on small hands, if the shape is too narrow, whether rectangular or oval, it can make the finger look wider. Less flattering are wide rectangles and ovals, or large circles and squares that are wider than your finger.
Above: Larimar rings and bracelet, all nicely proportioned for small, stout hands
My favorite bands for petites are ones that are visually more broken up, as opposed to a solid horizontal line on the hand. Swirls, pattern, color, and texture can help keep the eye moving in all directions. For thin bands, 3 mm or smaller, don’t worry about this.
Keep in mind that wide bands will feel tighter. You will need to go up a half to a whole size larger. If you have sweaty hands or puff up easily when warm, choose a more open work style, otherwise this style can be uncomfortable.
Above: Wide band ring on one hand. A collection of stacking bands makes a nice match.
If you like the look of a wider band, but find them uncomfortable, then try stacking rings. The wiggle room allows your finger to breathe. Beside that it is so fun to create your own mix and match look.
You can wear the stacking rings alone, too, which gives you that dainty option.
Above: Stacking rings can be worn separately for a dainty style or stacked to your liking.
When choosing stacking rings with a gemstone, look at it in profile to see if it really is stackable. The stone should sit on top of the shank, not in line with it, so the next ring can sit under the stone.
Go up a half size if you plan to stack. For a tall stack, you can go up a whole size.
You can play around with how many rings you like to wear at once. This will be part of your personal style. I am finding that my preference is to have two fingers occupied per hand. I also like one ring per hand for bolder or larger styles. But do try to keep the number of rings balanced out on both hands. You can also create balance with one large ring on one hand and two smaller rings on the other.
Pay attention to your wrists, also for balance. If you wear a watch or bracelet on only one side, wear more or heavy rings on the opposite side. Or no ring at all on the bracelet side.
Play around with ring placement also.
Now this is where you really get to have fun. Start with a ring that you really like. It could be a ring in a photo. Evaluate why you like it. Next develop a theme. I found that I like Art Nouveau. I try to combine rings with this style. Staying with one style is even more important than the color or stone to make it look cohesive. Even so, I usually try to stick with only one or two types of stones at a time and stay with one metal. Even so, stacks or mixed metal rings are a great way to utilize a combination of metals without looking busy.
Above: An art nouveau collection. of rings. Notice the swirl motifs and the asymmetry.
When combining rings, I follow a few basic rules borrowed from visual arts.
Overall, as petites, we want to keep it simpler than our taller friends. For example, if you go with more rings per hand, keep them small. Large and bold for us might be mid-sized for someone bigger. Be selective. If you are loving up multiple rings, skip the bracelets. Limit layering. If you opt for more jewelry, wear solid color clothing. Simply put, we have less real estate to work with.
Go ahead now and create a style all your own!
]]>Rings can create so much style. That is how my obsession started. I was not wearing any rings for years, and then about a year ago I started noticing rings on other people, especially artsy women. My mother always taught us that you can dress up or dress down the same outfit by simply changing up your accessories and make-up. Additionally, now I’ve observed how much personal style jewelry can give you.
Tips on how to get started...
]]>Rings can create so much style. That is how my obsession started. I was not wearing any rings for years, and then about a year ago I started noticing rings on other people, especially artsy women. My mother always taught us that you can dress up or dress down the same outfit by simply changing up your accessories and make-up. Additionally, now I’ve observed how much personal style jewelry can give you.
Previously, my collection of rings was mostly from high school, and many only fit on my pinky. I made room in my jewelry box by giving away rings to my nieces. According to one of my nephews, moms are embarrassing, but aunts are not. And so it went. I had not bought jewelry for myself since becoming a mother, but did receive some very cool necklaces and earrings, mostly from my very classy mom. But rings are trickier to give as a gift- primarily because they have to fit. I had an opportunity to start clean slated and develop my own style. Along the way, I learned a lot and found that friends and family were asking me for my advice and opinion. What could be better for a blog topic!
If it’s been a while since you have stopped in a jeweler’s shop, start there. Get your fingers measured by a professional. They will do it for free. Trace your hands onto a sheet of paper or take a photo of both your hands. Then write or comment on your drawing/photo to record the size of all your fingers—all of them. Even if you think you’ll never wear a ring on your thumb or pinky, do it anyway. Include a note if you were cold or warm when measuring. My hands were cold when I did this, so for example, if a certain finger measured as a size 7, I wrote the range as 7-7.5 in my drawing.
It will take a while to figure out what style you want. If you already have a ring you love, start there and evaluate why you like it. For me it was a small white enamel ring I got in Italy many years ago. It helps if you start with an idea but keep your mind open as you search.
Above: the ring on the right is the small Italian enamel ring. Bronze and copper stacking rings by Alari Design.
In Part 2, I will go into more detail on style next post.
I did my searching on Etsy where you can discover a wide variety of styles and find out what strikes you. Nothing beats in-person ring shopping if you have the time and inclination. I don’t. However, there are tips I’d like to share with you. Etsy is not what it used to be.
It is disappointing how the algorithm doesn’t promote loyalty and favors commoditizing. For example, after looking at rings, you will be shown similar styles. There will be strikingly similar rings for a fraction of the price. But don’t be tempted—the quality is just not there. I also discovered cheap knockoffs of artisan-designed work, which is highly destructive to the artists who are trying to make a living off their unique, well-made pieces. So, here is what to do: make sure you use the search filters and select shops located in the USA. Better yet, try searches within your own city. This doesn’t necessarily mean it was made in the USA, but it does filter out most of the cheap and undercutting goods.
Take note of the option to choose vintage. What I love about vintage rings is the high quality for a reasonable price, especially if you can find rings made before 1990 or so. A great Etsy shop to check out for vintage jewelry is MiscELENAeous, based in San Francisco, CA. She has a wide selection at reasonable prices–– not the cheapest, not the most expensive. What I appreciate about her shop is that the pieces are all vetted for quality, they are cleaned, polished if requested, well photographed, and include measurements and weights.
Another Etsy shop with consistently high quality and a top notch selection is Working 925 Jewelry, based in Seattle WA. Leah also has great photography and thorough descriptions. Her prices are higher, but sometimes ya just gotta go for it. The pieces I got there are favorites of mine.
You can find less pricey vintage rings, but you will have to read the descriptions carefully. Pay attention to the weight for rings as that will tell you a lot about the quality. The numbers didn’t mean much to me at first, but if you make a point to take notice, you will get the hang of it. See the diamond in the rough, so to speak. Some sellers don’t clean or polish before photographing. Though some of the vintage finds I bought arrived dirty and/or tarnished, they cleaned up beautifully to become favorites.
For a basic clean for most materials, use distilled water with a drop or two of dish soap. Gently clean with an old toothbrush and dry gently with a cloth. There are jewelry polishing cloths which are great to have on hand. For a deeper DIY clean or polishing, you will need to know what your jewelry is made of. There are great online tutorials for polishing, once you know what you are cleaning.
While shopping vintage is the most earth-friendly, you may not always find the style you are looking for. For newly made rings, read the description. Look for transparency. Some shop owners design the rings and have them made off-shore. Some are made by hand, and some are made-to-order. Unfortunately, Etsy doesn’t cater to value-based shopping. There are no eco-friendly search categories. However, you can use the search bar to put in the term that matters to you.
Relevant search terms to get the ideas going:
Packaging is hard to search for. The above searches may yield shops that are all about being eco-friendly. My favorite is The Honu Shirt Company from Lakewood, CA. The packaging was all recyclable—in fact they use the same packaging supplier that I do! (EcoEnclose) They are everything I love in a sustainable boutique, and they donate funds to save the sea turtles to boot. I love their larimar rings.
Off-line, ask other people about the great jewelry they are wearing. This can help you find shops and artisans in your area.
Now that we’ve covered the how, next post I’ll dive into what. Read tips catered for petite women and ideas on building your own personal style. Stay tuned for Part 2!
List of Etsy shops where I purchased the rings in the cover photo. Left to right:
The act of creating can be an exploration of identity, expression, and the desire to make an aspect of the present moment last into the future. Wearing these creations is also part of that experience. In this article I am presenting to you the wearable art of Shanaya Dungey, owner and founder of TFKIA Art Studio. She makes jewelry, which is the focus here, but Shanaya is a multifaceted creative who also writes and organizes community projects among other passions.
]]>The act of creating can be an exploration of identity, expression, and the desire to make an aspect of the present moment last into the future. Wearing these creations is also part of that experience. In this article I am presenting to you the wearable art of Shanaya Dungey, owner and founder of TFKIA Creative Studio. She makes jewelry, which is the focus here, but Shanaya is a multifaceted creative who also writes and organizes community projects among other passions.
Shanaya described this name as an ode to her younger self, signifying “The Foolish Know It All.” For her this name is about continual discovery, lifelong learning and being multifaceted. The brand name is about all that Shanaya does, whether it is jewelry, writing or research and remains open to any future endeavor.
The choice of materials for her jewelry came from her memory as a child of loving clay. Her eyes lit up when talking with me about the idea of making something from nothing, of opening possibilities by making what you don’t have or what doesn’t exist, a love she’s leaned into since childhood. And clay specifically to her feels approachable and inclusive. She believes in art for everyone to counter a feeling some have that fine art is for “other people.”
Shanaya employs heishi beads, which are flat, disc-shaped beads. She loves how they feel and how they roll on your skin. The idea of building something up architecturally is appealing to her. She has been researching her African roots, and heishi beads have a long tradition in parts of Africa.
Despite her desire to use many colors, she limits to a limited palette. The colors are chosen based on researching current trends and keeping an eye on design for long-term use. I am a fan of that philosophy myself! Shanaya is very practical and wants people to be able to wear her jewelry for many years based on color, durability, and design beyond trends.
I also noticed while photographing her with her earrings that she incorporated a unique feature. The backings on the earrings are part of the design, making little earlobe sandwiches. What this does is keep the large earrings hanging in a balanced way, without tipping. Besides -- I like how that looks!
Shanaya is currently participating in the American Craft Made online market. Use this link to visit her American Craft Made shop.
If you are local to the Twin Cities in Minnesota, you can visit her NE Minneapolis studio most Saturdays, including during Art-A-Whirl® on May 22, 2022.
Northrup King Building, 3rd floor
1500 Jackson St NE, Suite 301
Minneapolis, MN 55413
You can follow TFKIA Creative Studio on Instagram @tfkia_artstudio and sign up at Thefoolishknowitall.com to be alerted when new collections drop.
You know I have to address that angle, right? I love that the necklaces have simple lines and can easily be worn by a person of any height, including us petites. The long ones that you wear by doubling around give you flexibility in how long you wear them. The earrings are large and bold, but even on me, at 5’0”, the hoop-style earrings would not dust my shoulders. Bold earrings draw the eye to your head, which I like for petite women. Just allow the earrings to be the focal point of your look. That means a solid color top or dress and stick to clean lines, nothing fussy. Try pairing with the EcoPetites Simple Jersey Knit Dress. Also pay attention to the number of colors, head to toe, and try to limit to three or less. This clean coordinated look will allow you to rock big bold earrings with elegance and style, with no apologies for being short.
Give it a try!
]]>March is the time of spring break travels. Or maybe you are planning your summer trip. I’ve got some tips for you.
My favorite travel essential is packing cubes. Finding these, years ago, has been a game changer for me. Eagle Creek makes theirs using recycled materials. I found mine at REI. The garment folder style is fantastic. It has a template for folding your garments, which then packs into the cube for sturdiness. This is great for keeping your clothing neatly folded, reduces wrinkles and compacts it down, too.
I also use a few that are simply zippered pouches of various sizes. With these pouches you can not only easily find your own things, but helps to have pouches for each family member, so you can easily toss them their goods.
For toiletries, sometimes the air pressure in an airplane causes liquids to leak. So, I always package anything that would make a mess if it leaked into a sealed bag. I used to use zipper lock plastic gallon bags. But I have now made the transition to not buying plastic bags anymore. There are none in my kitchen. However, I do have one in my travel pouch from my plastic using days that I use repeatedly. Or snag and wash a used one from that friend or neighbor who just throws them away.
Even better, Patagonia makes water resistant pouches. I love anything from them, as they have been a long-standing leader in sustainability.
Ever since the airlines have changed to charging by the bag, I use luggage that is as large as possible, so compartmentalizing is handy. Which brings me to another point: suitcases. The AAA Travel Store now carries eco-friendly brands. Just ask for recycled materials or brands that value sustainability when shopping. You don’t have to be a member to shop there. The suitcase itself can be a simple two compartment clam shell style if you’ve got those packing cubes inside. The suitcase takes such a beating, and it is the zipper that usually goes first, so invest in the packing cubes which will last a lifetime and be frugal with the suitcase. Expensive vs cheap luggage usually last about the same amount of use– it's that darn zipper. If you’re going to buy fancy luggage, make sure the zipper can be replaced. That’s my two cents.
For dirty laundry, no need to buy a laundry bag. I use pillowcases. I’ll select different colors to code the dirty clothes. All darks in the darkest color. Lights in a white one, and delicates in something in between, or patterned. This way, if you do have a chance to wash a load or drop it off at a laundromat, you can easily grab a pre-sorted bag. If you know ahead of time that you will be able to wash a load, you can pack a little lighter. This is great when traveling with the family- those dirties pile up fast.
I also put a duffle bag inside of my suitcase. This comes in handy for transporting laundry to and from the hotel, for a day pack, or for bringing home presents for those trips you will return home with more than you left with. For my family, it sits in the hotel room with the laundry bags in it, which keeps the dirty clothes separate from the clean and allows the kids to participate in collecting up dirty laundry, even when they were very young. Christmas is always like that for us because I ship my gifts to my family ahead of time, but the gifts for my kids end up in the suitcase. But travel to a fun destination can be like that, too, between souvenirs and gifts to bring home.
My purse or handbag is as big as possible. Big enough for a book at the very least. Alternatively, I may use a backpack. This is great for day trips and for making it though the airport. Backpacks are great if you have little ones. I used to use one of smaller packing cubes for a change of clothing (not just for leaky diapers or newly potty-trained youngsters but for spills) for the airport and for day trips. I made sure to only pack it half-full so I could put in stuff the kids didn’t want to carry or a layer they wanted to take off or that sandwich I just don’t have a free hand to carry. For daily use, I place a small handbag in my suitcase or backpack.
Because I live in Minnesota, I’m always traveling someplace warmer. If you leave wearing a bulky jacket or coat, leave enough room for it in your suitcase. Then at the airport, open your bag (don’t worry, your underwear won’t spill out because it’s in one of those pouches, right?) and put everyone’s jackets in it. Then you won’t end up carrying around your kids’ coats– or trying to keep track that they don’t leave it behind if they are carrying it themselves. No need to lose your hat.
Happy travels, and I hope that you found at least one useful tip in this article!
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If you have a teen in your life, you know what I’m talking about. So many teens say cash is all they want, and so many of us balk at the idea of just giving them cash for their holiday gift. It feels impersonal or thoughtless. Some of you might like shopping and are sad to not be able to do that for them. There are two ways you can take this: drill down the request, or go ahead and give cash with a personal touch. By drilling it down, you might find out why they want cash. Let’s not assume it is because they don’t like our taste in gifts. At the same time, let’s be real—we might not be able to identify what they would like.
For example, if they want to buy clothes, you can give a gift card for one of their favorite stores. If you live close by and want to keep options open, create a promissory note, like a gift card, but from you, to take them shopping with a budget of, or contribution of $X. This is also a gift of your time. This is especially true if you’re not the one who usually takes them shopping when they outgrow their clothes. That might even be a gift that gives twice—the parent who usually shops might love that, too!
Perhaps what they want is not a thing at all. Maybe they just want to be able to go to the movies with their friends. Or eat out. There might be a gift card in those options somewhere.
It might be that they are saving up for a bigger ticket item and find it frustrating that all this money is spent on them for stuff they don’t really want or need, rather than going towards this goal. That is a totally respectable reason, don’t you think? Let’s say it’s to save up for a car. You could buy or find a toy car, roll up money or a check and put it inside, and wrap that up in a box. Or look up “savings tracker” on Etsy to find printable charts.
Be fun, creative and make them feel as though you are cheering them on.
Want to get organized and motivated for early holiday shopping? Keep following along with this blog and join the challenge. Subscribe to get notified about posts along with additional tips and deals. Keep EcoPetites in mind for the short women on your list, or to buy holiday-ready outfits for yourself. If you spend at least $50 at EcoPetites by the weekend before Thanksgiving, post about it on Instagram, Pinterest or Facebook, I’ll send you an e-gift card for $25 on November 24th. Just use the hashtag #donebyNov21 so I see you. Everything here is made in the USA of sustainable fabrics and all petite sizing.
]]>Now that you have your basic list compiled, it is time to brainstorm your ideas in step 2.
If you are just jumping in, read about step 1 here. There still may be gaps in your info gathering, and that’s OK. The most obvious piece is knowing who is on your list. But it is useful to get information about the ages of the kids on that list and what is your budget before brainstorming the ideas. You may still be working on other information such as finalizing plans about where you will be and if you are mailing gifts or bringing them in person. But at least getting started on planning while we are still in October will help things fall into place.
I love gift guides for finding ideas. They are usually written or compiled by someone who knows about the topic at hand. If the kid on your list loves something that you know very little about, these guides are great. For example, I have a nephew who loves fishing, which is not in my wheelhouse. Remember to include words like “gifts”, “kids or “teens” so you get a spot-on list. While you can do this with a google search, don’t forget that you can also do searches on Etsy, Pinterest or Amazon.
For babies and kids up to the tween stage, you can go directly to online shops that organize gifts by age. Mindware is a favorite of mine. I love that they have search categories by relevant factors like price, age and interest, but not by gender. I appreciate the gender equity: you don’t get steered away from math/science/sports interests when shopping for a girl and you can shop cooking supplies without it all being marketed as a girls-only hobby. One of my sons likes to cook, so I appreciate that. I’m not crazy about their selection for teens, so this is only my go-to for the younger bunch.
If you have a local store to visit in person, maybe go and just browse. Especially now, before it gets really busy. At this stage by starting early, you can take a look without the pressure to just get something. You have time to take a picture and get an opinion first. For those of you who are local, my favorite is Mischief Toy Store in St. Paul, MN. What I love about them is that there is a great selection for teens and young adults.
Books and magazines offer a whole world of something for everyone. Most book stores also have audio books, recordings, journals, coloring books and more. This is a great option if you get busy and overwhelmed, because you can find gifts for people on your list who are decades apart in age and worlds apart in interests.
I would also encourage you to think about gifts of experiences. This would include gift certificates for live theater, movies, classes, memberships, massages and restaurants. It’s a great way to support small or local businesses.
Another twist on that theme is to make a donation in someone’s honor. This is great option for those who have it all. I started doing that when I discovered Heifer International. My mother is from the Dominican Republic, and I was able to make a donation that would go to a family there. My parents found that very meaningful. No need to shy away or feel that it is impersonal. There are many organizations that are set up to buy a donation as a gift.
We spend a fair chunk of change at the holidays, and I do like to think about where that money is going and what businesses am I supporting. If someone on my list asks for something from a particular store, I usually get it, as pleasing the recipient is still less wasteful than a bunch of gifts no one will use. But if the request is general, such as clothing or a scarf, or for those who don’t send a wish list or preferences at all, I am free to support what I value. Gifts can be a risk—but if I am at least supporting an artist, a local maker or a business making the world a better place, it is better than just more cr*p. If you are reading this, you very likely support sustainability and ethical labor practices, so you can get what others would like and shop your values at the same time.
Keep following along with this blog and join the challenge. Subscribe to get notified about posts along with additional tips and deals. Keep EcoPetites in mind for the short women on your list, or to buy holiday-ready outfits for yourself. If you spend at least $50 at EcoPetites by the weekend before Thanksgiving, post about it on Instagram, Pinterest or Facebook, I’ll send you an e-gift card for $25 on November 24th. Just use the hashtag #donebyNov21 so I see you. Everything here is made in the USA of sustainable fabrics and all petite sizing.
]]>Have you joined us in the quest to get your holiday shopping done by Thanksgiving? (#DoneByNov21) I’m breaking it down to 6 steps. The last post was step one, which is about getting organized and starting your list.
There are tools to help you do that. I hope to be a resource for you on that. I’ve researched apps and created a simple spreadsheet for you to use (download the free pdf or MS Xcel spreadsheet here). My report on which apps I liked best are applicable only for the iPhone because that is what I use and was able to test.
My method: I read several articles and did searches for various gift tracking apps. Based on what I read and knowing what features I was looking for, I downloaded six apps. All but one was free. After poking around, there were two that I liked the best, deleted the rest and am using those two, plus my spreadsheet. Yes, I am doing the work in triplicate to find out what works best.
This one is my favorite (link to App Store) and here’s why:
It’s simple to use, but to the point. Because it is easy and quick, I found myself going there first. I sent texts to my nieces and nephews asking what they want and current sizes when relevant, and as they respond, I can copy what they sent into the app with a few clicks, which lowers the barrier to just doing it as soon as they respond.
It has the best tracking of all the apps because it is so relevant. You can mark an item in all the steps from idea, purchased, arrived, and wrapped. I love that you can mark it all the way to wrapped - because those are the realistic steps that I most need to track. Since we travel for the holidays, I do most of my shopping online and have it shipped directly to where I am traveling to, so I don’t need to pack everything. Then I wrap upon arrival. When I get there, I will have this list already on my phone to keep track of it all. That’s perfect for me.
The budget displays in a way that just makes good sense. You can set your total budget for all shopping, and it displays the sum of all spending, as well as the ability to allocate a per-person budget within the total.
I also like the main display. You can see everything you need to know in one screen: budget, status, and all people with the presents listed under them. Not the other way around (a present list with recipient below the present). That just makes sense to me.
Criticisms? Just a minor one: it really is just for Christmas. This suites me just fine since it is the only holiday that is complicated to track, and I am Christian. Even so, it would be nice to be able to adapt it. For example, I wish I could suggest it for Hanukkah (by changing the date and name of holiday- the countdown timer is Christmas specific). So it might not suit you.
(link to App Store) The reason I qualify that as “for now” is that what I like best about this app is that you can use it year-round. One of the things I noticed right away is that as I added my family member’s birthdays, it automatically creates an event for their birthday and names it by that person and how old they are turning. What’s great about that is the ability to save ideas for that person any time the idea or preference comes up.
It is a more robust app. It allows you to write up more information per person. You can create additional events, name them as you wish and set the dates. I love the feature that allows you to add the store to the gift idea and then consolidates a shopping list by store. If you want to keep using the app beyond just this Holiday season, this is the app to go with. There is a small cost associated with it ($2.99 right now).
Criticisms: There isn’t a screen or view to see my holiday list that shows the progress in one glance. It contains more information, but that also means that it requires more clicks to see what I want to know. The downside of this app is related to the perks: because it can do more, it also is more complex to learn and use.
My other criticism is one that I hope they will fix. The budget is only per person, with no total.
There is also the spreadsheet I’ve used for years. I have to say that now that I found these apps, I may not use the spreadsheet anymore. But having said that, I did really find it useful when the kids in my life were younger. I have a close-knit extended family and for many years, we were even getting gifts for my cousins’ children. That was hard to keep track of, especially remembering their ages, which is a bigger deal when they are small. Having a spreadsheet with birthdays was a huge help. If you can relate to that, the spreadsheet might be for you.
This is all simply my opinion. No developer has asked or approached me to review their app. If you’ve found something you like, let me know! Additionally, I’d love to hear from those of you who use Android phones if you find an app you love. I hope you found this helpful.
]]>There are plenty of news stories and articles about why you should start shopping early. My intention is to get in the weeds with you on how to get organized and motivated for early holiday shopping. This week's post is on step one.
]]>There are plenty of news stories and articles about why you should start shopping early. My intention is to get in the weeds with you on how to get organized and motivated for early holiday shopping. This week's post is on step one.
Last year, I discovered that I was a little extra prepared for some of the unusual circumstances because of long-standing habits born of necessity. I was born and raised in NY, and as my family is still all there, my family unit travels from Minnesota back to my hometown on Long Island every Christmas. Sadly, we didn't go in 2020. But my old habits—mostly adaptations after making embarrassing or stressful mistakes—did serve me well. I’ll be sharing those tips with you.
My blog from last week gave you an overview of what we will be focusing on. (View last post) If you are joining me for my #donebyNov21 challenge (details below) we are just beginning by finding the best organization tools for you to start collecting information.
Use my worksheet from last week’s post to start with your list. (Or download here: the printable pdf or working MS Xcel spreadsheet) Having the ages of all the kids on your list in one place is handy because I find that some of my favorite websites for kids’ gifts are organized by age. So are bookstores, both online and in person.
There are also plenty of apps to use for organizing gifts. I’ll keep you posted on which is my favorite and go into more detail on why in a future post.
This is a good time to figure out where you will be spending your holiday, if you have not already. This will help you decide ahead of time where your gifts need to go. It is most economical, efficient, and sustainable to ship your gifts once. If you are traveling, ask your host if you can have the gifts sent directly to your destination and have that family member or loved one set them aside. After having the terrible experience of forgetting some gifts in my suitcase when traveling by air, I find this method much less stressful. I wrap presents upon arrival.
A tip on sending your presents ahead of you for travel: keep a list and make sure you have it when you arrive to help keep track of who each gift was intended for. It also helps to verify with your host how many packages they should expect so you can make sure they all got there. Alert your host look out for the package at the time of expected delivery.
Unfortunately, there is also an uptick in porch-theft at this time of year, so if your recipient works in an office, consider asking them if you can send those packages to their workplace instead. For receiving packages at a home, ask what you can do, such as putting in a note to ring the doorbell upon delivery, or special instructions on where to set the package.
But all-in-all, you can avoid standing in the long holiday lines at the post office by having your non-local gifts ordered online and shipped directly to your recipient. The only problem with this is gift wrapping. Consider ordering gift-wrapping if that is an option. The cost of wrapping is usually less than shipping it twice. Even the downside of more wasteful packaging might be outweighed by the carbon footprint of twice delivery. You will have to use your judgement on that. I’ll write more about wrapping shipped items and eco-friendly ideas in a future post.
Follow along with this blog. Subscribe to get notified about posts along with additional tips and deals. If you spend at least $50 at EcoPetites by the weekend before Thanksgiving, post about it on Instagram, Pinterest or Facebook and I’ll send you an e-gift card for $25 on November 24th. Just use the hashtag #donebyNov21 so I see you. Even if you don’t shop here, post anyway for the inspiration and feedback of the community! You are still welcome!
]]>The shop early and start now chorus is growing louder by the minute. And I must agree, it is a good idea to shop early this year, for a multitude of reasons. But first, take a breath. Don’t stress over it. In fact, getting organized, shopping early, and shopping online, will make preparations more peaceful.
So, let’s make a plan on how you can get your holiday shopping done by November 21st. For those of you shopping mostly for Hanukkah, this is the date to shoot for anyway. And if for Christmas or Kwanzaa, you’ll be able to sail through December with less stress. I will give weekly updates for this now through November 21st to help you stay on target.
Step 1: Make your list
This article from PC Magazine lists apps to help: 9 Apps to Help Organize Your Holiday Gift Lists.
Download this pdf to print or use this Microsoft Xcel spreadsheet to work with. When you download the spreadsheet, save it with a new name.
Step 2: Brainstorm ideas and get some of those ideas on paper or recorded. Start collecting wrapping supplies.
Step 3: Shop the easiest ones first. Why? As you start shopping, you will start getting ideas. Are you making any gifts this year? Gather supplies for your craft.
Step 4: Do the bulk of your shopping. Dedicate time to just working through your list. Try to finish. This is a little push to finish, but don’t stress over it if there are some you are struggling with. Start making any hand-made items.
Step 5: Ok, now, really finish it up. Tackle the hard-to-find or hard-to-buy-for picks. If you are nearly done, you will be able to spend more time on these. And the purpose of a deadline is also to set a goal and let go of perfection. Hope for the best, do what you can and know that it will be OK. For hand-made items, keep it coming, love.
Step 6: Tie up loose ends. Anything left to wrap? To mail? Pack?
And next… just enjoy.
Come on and join me for my Done-by-Thanksgiving challenge. Yup. That’s right. For some inspiration and motivation. Also, if you spend at least $50 at EcoPetites before Thanksgiving, post about it on Instagram, Pinterest or Facebook and use the hashtag #donebyNov21, I’ll send you an e-gift card for $25 on November 24th . It’s the perfect way to do a little shop-for-you, shop-for-me kinda thing.
Click here to go to the next blog post in this series: Step 1
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Portrait by Beowulf Sheehan. Cover art by Jaya Miceli.
One of the most well-written books I’ve read in a while, Ms. Ward manages to portray multiple complex characters. She weaves in topics including the intermingling of past and present, grief, guilt-ridden choices based on compassion and love, family love and family neglect, addiction, inter-racial relationships, systemic trauma and the afterlife, and placed all that in the context of a coming-of-age story centered around a young boy. Just writing this list leaves me even more amazed.
The prevailing feeling I had while reading this book was sadness and yet, I didn’t end the book’s journey feeling depressed or hopeless. A theme of fortitude and love throughout carried me through as I read it, and made it feel so much like life. This is a story that has a definite ending, but yet, leaves with unknowns, where you can imagine a retelling or a different story with a different point, where the end would fall someplace else on the timeline.
That is the art that makes it feel like the flow of life, in contrast to stories where every loose end is tied up for you in a nice neat little bow. Don’t get me wrong- I enjoy those types of novels sometimes, too. But it is a real art to be able to have a complex ending with shades of grey. I highly recommend this masterpiece of a book, and at the same time, I advise that you pick it up when you are in a good solid place emotionally.
To learn a little about the author, here is a quote from Wikipedia:
Jesmyn Ward (born April 1, 1977) is an American novelist and an associate professor of English at Tulane University. She won the 2011 National Book Award for Fiction for her second novel Salvage the Bones and won the 2017 National Book Award for Fiction for her novel Sing, Unburied, Sing. She also received a 2012 Alex Award for the story about familial love and community in facing Hurricane Katrina. She is the only woman and only African American to win the National Book Award for Fiction twice.
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I buy a blouse, wear it and love it. I’m into slow fashion, so I've chosen a quality piece that I can wear for several years. The next year rolls around and I still love the blouse. I want to freshen up my wardrobe and look in my closet to see what I would really make good use of. I realize that I would wear that blouse and a couple other tops in more situations if I had a casual sweater to throw on top of it. So now I go shopping, looking for a sweater that will match what I already own. But I face frustration. The colors have completely changed over at the store I bought the blouse, and now the sweaters wouldn’t really work with what I have. But they sell blouses that do…
adding temptation onto that frustration.
Second situation. I decide to buy a nice SLR camera. Back in the days of film, I had a quality camera with a good selection of lenses. I search for a new camera body that will still allow me to use my old lenses, since those are pricey. Hurray! I find that Pentax makes cameras that are backwards compatible with their old lenses. I still do buy one new lens to take advantage of some features, such as auto-focus. I try them out new and old together and have success and love Pentax for it. My loyalty to them is deepened.
Why not use the tech example and apply that to fashion? The first scenario happens by no accident. New lines are designed to not work with last year’s line, or even last season’s. Too few brands are designing with the intention of people just buying a few choice items a year. Most garments are created and marketed to make you feel like you should overthrow your whole wardrobe every year or two in order to stay on trend.
For EcoPetites, my commitment to slow fashion is not just about making quality clothing that will last, but also designed for the slow fashion approach.
I’m embracing backwards compatibility. As I add new items to the line, it is to expand what I offer, not to overhaul. When adding something new, I look first at what is in the line and ask myself, are there pieces that don’t have much within EcoPetites to match with it? What are customers asking for and how will that new item match within the current offerings?
This is also why you won’t find big deep discount clearance sales. Designing in this way means that I don’t have to just unload to make room for the new. In doing so, I’m reducing waste and overconsumption.
So, hang in there with me. This also means I must build a broader audience within this niche, rather than encouraging a small number of people to toss and replenish every year. If this way of thinking suites your values, help spread the word.
]]>In my own home, we recycle and are lucky enough to have curbside compost pick-up. Once our city started the organics collection, it became obvious that our garbage consisted mostly of packaging. While food packaging the primary area to focus on in terms of waste from our household, I personally have a broader impact on packaging waste due to my business.
So here I will share with you my decisions and dilemmas regarding eco-friendly packaging as we are in the midst of Plastic Free July®, the initiative of the Plastic Free Foundations. Learn more here:
https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/about-us/
When I send you your clothing order, the items need to be kept clean and dry during transit. Though the postal service does their best to keep packages protected, there is also the risk is what happens when it is left for delivery. I know I have gotten soggy mail due to an unexpected rain, or when an abundance of mail prevents the box from closing all the way. That was an advantage of apartment living- the mail and package area was completely inside. But lots of people have mailboxes which are exposed to the elements in some way.
After evaluating my packaging, I identified areas of improvement. I’m about half-way through implementing those. There are two aspects of packaging. The wrapping on the actual garments and the outer mailer. While I want the garments to be protected from moisture, I realized that I can reduce to one layer of plastic, instead of two. So I started by improving the outer packaging.
Now, mind you, I feel pretty good about the original mailer I’ve started with, and though I’ve now purchase paper mailers, I didn’t go all the way to the end of my poly mailer stash, as I felt there may be times when it is the better way to go. The poly mailers are made from 100% recycled content, 50% of which is a post-consumer origin. The closure has two strips, so the envelope can be re-used. Occasionally I one of these last few if I think there might be an exchange needed for a different size, or if the order is bigger or bulkier, I can really pack it full without risk of tearing. They are also recyclable.
However, plastic bag recycling is not reliable and easy. In my area, for example, curbside recycling does not accept plastic bags. And even though some grocery stores have collection sites, I only recycled bags at my local co-ops because I know that the customers are careful not to contaminate the container by tossing in garbage and I know the employees care and see to it that it actually gets picked up by the recycling trucks. So, relying on its recyclability is not ideal.
The paper mailers I now predominantly use are an improvement. They are 100% recycled, of which 97% is post-consumer waste. They are curbside recyclable and are even compostable (in some curbside organics programs). Because the recycling is easier, people are just more likely to do it. There are also more uses for recycled paper and carboard vs recycled plastic bags, so the demand keeps it going. The downside is a higher carbon footprint, which seems to be due to the heavier weight. As a small business with the quantities I deal in, that aspect is not compelling enough for me to be concerned about. I do feel that this is a better-than option, while the poly mailers are acceptable for the occasional package.
This one is a trickier for me. If the outer mailer is paper, it is not completely weatherproof and can puncture or tear. The inner bag protects the clothes from dust and moisture should that happen. But it is plastic. Sigh.
The other issue is that I’d like to practice “reduce,” the first R. For my first production run, I was given packets of polybags because it came with my order. Subsequently. I asked to not be given the polybags. I have used them sparingly. The normal practice in fashion is to have each apparel wrapped in its own polybag. That is even a requirement by many retainers and fulfillment centers. I have the garments stored in bins without bags. Then, when your order comes in, I try to fit more than one garment per bag. Additionally, at in person events, I don’t use them at all. As thus, I still have the original stack of polybags.
Although there are better bags, I think it is wasteful to not use those up first. Would I really be solving anything if I just tossed those into a plastic bag collection bin? I plan on using what I have first. And in the meanwhile, I am looking into better options. My choices seem to be using glassine bags, 100% recycled poly bags, or paper only and then go back to polybags for the outer mailer. I’d love to hear your opinion on that.
Feel free to write me!
]]>We are in the midst of July, which is a month to think about our plastic consumption, due to the efforts of the Plastic Free Foundation and their initiative, Plastic Free July ®.
It may sound intimidating to shoot for going plastic-free, but the goal is to make improvements. So in this blog post I am writing about some insights that might help and guide you to improve your own impact from clothing.
It has recently come to light that washing synthetic clothing is a significant source of microplastic pollution in the oceans. What is the problem with that? Here is one quote from a National Geographic Magazine article to give you an idea:
“Experiments show that microplastics damage aquatic creatures, as well as turtles and birds: They block digestive tracts, diminish the urge to eat, and alter feeding behavior, all of which reduce growth and reproductive output. Their stomachs stuffed with plastic, some species starve and die.” 1
Remember that the mantra Reduce, Reuse and Recycle is in order of relative impact. So, the first thing to do is buy less. This means using what you have and mend clothes whenever possible. Buy quality clothing that fits you properly so you will actually wear it and for many uses.
Clothing that has already been washed a bunch of times sheds less, making this also another reason to wear your garments for a long time, or buy used, over frequent consumption. Also, simply washing your clothes less often helps cut down on those microplastics escaping.
The fibers that are petroleum based are polyester, acrylic, spandex and nylon. These are the plastics in our clothing.
However, polyester lasts a lot longer than natural fibers generally do and makes the garment itself last longer. This life span of the garment is another factor to consider, in terms of waste and resources. You can think of polyester as a component of something you will wear for a long time, or which takes more friction, such as a blazer or pants. But avoid trendy styles and cheaply made clothing made out of polyester.
Spandex is a tricky one. It is often mixed with other fibers, not just for form-fitting athletic wear, but also to make the garment snap back into shape. This is especially important in jersey knit fabrics which can stretch out and sag. Just like polyester, spandex can prolong the life of the garment by helping it keep its form.
Nylon in socks does a similar thing. That I learned that from hand knitting socks and the fact that you can buy nylon to add to the heals and toes to make them last longer.
This has been my big lesson in learning about sustainability—it is never a cut and dry simple answer. Your best bet is to learn what you can and start with making better-than choices. When you get farther on that journey and you encounter not knowing which is better, you may have to decide what is your priority. Is it health of the oceans? Pollution in general? Climate change? Ethics and human impact? Health of your family members? Animal rights? Knowing your values and the why that calls you to action will guide you.
First of all, my primary value when facing the above dilemma is ethics and human impact. It may not always make the choice clear, but it starts the line of questions.
Let’s start with EcoPetites garments that contain polyester. First of all, I choose only recycled polyester. To find which garments contain polyester, click on the “recycled polyester” tag.
When I designed the Grace skirts, I planned for durability. This is why I wanted the back panel, which will get most of the wearing friction, to last, and chose a fabric that contains 45% recycled polyester and 55% organic cotton. The durability of the front panel comes from hemp. The style is classic, so it can be worn until it wears out.
The best fabrics in the EcoPetites line for staying synthetic-free are the organic cotton and hemp blends. For example, the Phoebe Jacket and the Diana Wrap dress are both made from a knit jersey blend of 55% hemp and 45% organic cotton.
I hope to add more types of fabrics, especially my sustainability favorites, 100% organic cotton, Tencel™ and more hemp blends. Right now, my limit is purchasing power- I am still a tiny business. Follow along as EcoPetites grows and more can be offered, learning along the way.
Martin Ogonowski and Christoph Schür, Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry (ACES), Stockholm University
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/article/plastic-planet-health-pollution-waste-microplastics
De Falco, F., Di Pace, E., Cocca, M. et al. The contribution of washing processes of synthetic clothes to microplastic pollution. Sci Rep 9, 6633 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-43023-x
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-43023-x
By Sienna Somers, FashionRevolution.org
https://www.fashionrevolution.org/our-clothes-shed-microfibres-heres-what-we-can-do/
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
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